Our boat is due to leave at 4:30pm. Our documents say we are to get there at 1pm. What time should we actually get there and would they care if we took a taxi instead of using their bus from our hotel. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated

Unless you love the idea of waiting, standing for two hours while the backlog of hundreds of people who arrived at 1:00 on the dot are processed, I suggest waiting. Show up at 2:30 or 3:00. You'll walk right up to the documents desk in most cases. Feel free to take a Taxi. That also helps, because you're not trying to get processed at the same time as a big group from the bus.

The previous poster is absolutely correct. The cruise line doesn't care how you arrive, and taking a taxi means that you'll have more time to relax at the hotel, have a nice lunch and then arrive at around 3:00, thus avoiding most of the crowds/lines. You'll have plenty of time to unpack and explore the ship before sailing.

Both the previous posters are absolutely right. As nice as the lunch buffet they have on the ship is, if you like Italian food and you're in Ft. Lauderdale, go have lunch at Mulino's! You won't feel like you've wasted the first part of your vacation standing in line at Port Everglades.

We cruise every winter and I'd much rather be onboard as early as possible. Embarkation has gotten much easier and the lines, if at all, are no longer than 5-10 minutes. Granted the meal service is mediocre, but arriving early gives you the opportunity to get acquainted with the ship, look over the paperwork in your cabin and unpack. I opt for arriving early...We have never waited in line for two hours! However, the cruise line we sail is RCI, so I cannot address other lines embarkation process. <BR>Enjoy your cruise!

Are you staying in a hotel package arranged by the cruise line? If you are, you may be able to check-in for the ship right at the hotel first thing in the morning, then you stand in no lines at the pier. I personally like to go early, but then I go early to everything You rarely get into trouble being early, but a glitch when you are running late may cause you to miss the boat.

I am staying on the cruise lines hotel package. How do I know if I can check in at the Hotel

Anna, <BR>I really think you need to speak w/your travel agent. If you are taking 'precruise package', your travel agent should be the person to call. This forum could also help you more if we knew which cruise line you are sailing...and from which port, i.e. Miami, Port Everglades, etc.

cruise line is Norwegian. They are flying us in the day before and putting us up in a hotel.

Anna: Your travel agent should be helping you with this! They can call the cruise line and ask if hotel check-in (for the cruise) is possible; however, unless NCL has changed their policy, it's not an option. <BR> <BR>Be aware that even if you are able to check in for the cruise at the hotel, there may still be lines/crowds at the terminal depending on when you arrive. Lines for photo, lines to wind your way through the terminal, up escalators, along gangplank, etc. Depending on your mindset, it can be a huge annoyance or "part of the fun" - that's why I never arrive when they tell me to. But, ask your travel agent for help. <BR> <BR>

Anna: Your travel agent should be helping you with this! They can call the cruise line and ask if hotel check-in (for the cruise) is possible; however, unless NCL has changed their policy, it's not an option. <BR> <BR>Be aware that even if you are able to check in for the cruise at the hotel, there may still be lines/crowds at the terminal depending on when you arrive. Lines for photo, lines to wind your way through the terminal, up escalators, along gangplank, etc. Depending on your mindset, it can be a huge annoyance or "part of the fun" - that's why I never arrive when they tell me to. But, ask your travel agent for help. <BR> <BR>

<BR>I have to disagree with everyone and say "get there early" I've taken several cruises and find that they start processing passengers earlier than stated. Altho the line may appear long, they have become much more efficient and therefore, the wait is much shorter now. This way you can check on your dinner reservation, unpack, get a safety deposit box and become familiar with the ship's layout. And if possible book those excursions early!

I agree with the above. Get there early. We have been on 6 cruises and each one of them started embarkation an 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours prior to the posted time. We have just walked on with no wait at all. <BR>