Hi.. does anyone know what time passengers are permitted to come onto the ship the day of departure. Our HAL cruise leaves at 7 p.m. at night. thanks

Maybe someone will have a better memory that me. I think we were to board around noon or 1:00, but our ship was to leave at 5:00 or 6:00.

We never seem to get off to a smooth start with Holland America. There was a glitch and everyone was held in a waiting area for hours. By the time we got on board, it was a rush to find something to eat, get unpacked, go through the safety drill and get ready for the early dinner seating, especially since we like to be out on deck as the ship passes under the Lion's Gate Bridge.

Do you have a travel agent you could ask?

We weren't on HAL - but according to our information, we were supposed to board at 1:00 - we got there around 11:00, and walked on. It was Celebrity, but we've done this on 3 different cruises, and it was worked well for us. In your information - it tells you what time you are allowed to board, so work from that time....

It depends on how many ships are in port that day and how many customs and immigration people are working. I have had to wait for a few hours on occasion because the Immigration people ere late and other times have been on board at noon.

Sorry - to explain my last post - the Immigration have to clear the disembarking passengers which could slow down the embarkation procedure.

Although most cruise lines post an early afternoon boarding time, 1:00 or 2:00, there is usually no problem if you arrive earlier. I've been cruising wiwth Celebrity and they have always been ready for us ar early as 11:00 a.m.