When do they REALLY stard boarding?

[disneymom1]

We are going on our first cruise in 10 days and we want the fun to start as soon as possible. We would like to have as much time as possible to explore the ship and make those special arrangements before the cruise departs.

My cruise documents say that boarding begins at 1:00pm but I seem to recall reading on this board that often they start earlier than that. I don't want the kids to have to stand around too long either.

I will be staying the night before at the Radisson so I have lots of flexibility with my arrival time. When would you suggest that I arrive at the port?

 

[prymsu]

The last two DCL cruises I was on had boarding begin at 12:15 p.m. I think the staterooms are not ready until 1:00 p.m.

Time of arrival is up to you. We go very early and get a place in line so we are one of the first to get on the ship. I am not sure how crowded it gets after boarding begins...

 

[mmouse37]

They start boarding anytime after 12:00, like prymsu said, usually 12:15.

We also like to get to the port early and often are among the first 10 or so on line. The terminal gets very crowded with lines that stretch all the way around from about 11:15 on. We try to get there right at 10:30 and don't mind waiting around the terminal. There is a little coffe shop with limited items, tv's that play cartoons, some cushioned seating, and the characters make appearances as well. I love all the excitement of the terminal before boarding....I love to people watch!!!

A few of us usually stand in the line and then take turns with other members of our party and sit on the chairs for awhile.

MJ

 

[meab]

MJ, you arrive at 10:30 for a boarding that starts at noon-ish? wow! We are going to be traveling with a 20-month-old, and was also wondering when the earliest and/or best time to board was. Of course, we'd like to get on the ship ASAP, but not if we have to endure a 1.5-2 hour wait!

Anyone have suggestions on the smoothest embarkation time? We are driving in from another part of Florida that morning, so we are also flexible in our arrival time!

 

[Rhonda]

We were toward the front of the line, and we got on the ship around 12:15. Our stateroom wasn't ready yet, but our cabin steward let us put our carryons in the room so we wouldn't have to lug them around with us. We went up to Topsiders for lunch, and by the time we were done, our room was ready!

 

[peg2001]

meab,

I asked the same question quite a while back because I'll have 2 young children with me and want to MINIMIZE the time spent waiting in line. If you do not need to worry about making reservations (Palos, spa, Flounders Reef), you will spend less time waiting if you arrive after boarding starts as the line will be long but will move quickly. If you want to make reservations, you probably need to arrive earlier and plan to wait.

Peggy

 

[mmouse37]

Another option is to get to the port around 1:00, everyone will have boarded already, and there will be no lines, no hassles. We just prefer to be there early. My kids are in their late teens so it is not a hassle hangning around.

MJ

 

[younginspirit]

Hi! We (DH, DD7 andDD10) are first time cruisers on Dec 28th Magic too. Are you taking the shuttle from the Radisson? We are I think. How old are your kids? Bev