natalie

Hello, I will be taking my first cruise in a few weeks. I was wondering if it's important to board the ship as soon as possible for check in or if it is alright to arrive an hour or so before departure? I've heard there is a mad rush early on but I'm not sure if this is true. Thanks so much for your input.

Barbara

You'll avoid the crush as you say. The ship often provides a late afternoon buffet for the early arrivals. You can be frist in line to determine your dining room seating assignments and try to change them if you wish.

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Natalie,<BR><BR>I have boarded early and I have boarded late. Sometimes lines, sometimes not. I believe it all depends on how many buses are arriving all at once from the airports.<BR><BR>As Barbara states, it is best to board early since you can enjoy the ship and the buffet but if you arrive too early you will have to wait in a long line for the ship to open. The port agent decides when the ship can open. To be safe use the ship's guidlelines.<BR><BR>Paul

natalie

Thanks so much for your responses. Sounds like I'll wait an hour or so & then board.

june

We arrived after a red-eye flight in Ft. Lauderdale and went straight to the cruise ship terminal. They checked our luggage and said we'd have to wait an hour or so because it was only 10:30. People were already gathering at the terminal doors so we went over and rested for a few minutes. The terminal opened early and we didn't have to wait in any lines. They send you to a nice waiting area and we were able to board the ship at 11:45. Immediately checked out our cabins and then went to the buffet for lunch. We had all afternoon to rest and check out the ship. I wouldn't do it anyother way.

JoAnne

Our ship departs at 5 p.m. What time do you suggest we get there? We'll be driving to the port.

Paul Therault

One never knows the exact time a ship will open it's doors. There are many variables. No one knows who or what will delay immigration or whether the buffet is ready. Just a couple of examples. The cruise lines will have the guideline time for boarding. You can go at that time or you can go early and take your chances.<BR><BR>Me, I wouldn't go before 12:30 PM.<BR><BR>Paul

Patty

JoAnne,<BR>Check the embarkation starting time on your cruise docs. It's been my experience that check-in starts about an hour prior to the embarkation time. I usually try to go early if possible and there's very few lines. I've also heard that there's few lines when boarding late (never tried it). When I arrive in that 1-2pm period it always seems more crowded.

Jean

We always go about an hour and a half after posted time and have very little or no wait.<BR>I think it is a matter of personal preference. <BR>Have fun!!!!

Paul Therault

That's a matter of contention also Jean. Many variables such as how many busses are dropping off passengers when you arrive, how many res. agents are working or how many passengers arrived early to clog the line.<BR><BR>I would take Patty's advice and arrive about an hour before the printed embarkation time.<BR><BR>Paul