Embarkation in San Diego - What time to get there?

[DrivesLikeMario]

What time should we arrive at the port for embarkation on our Oosterdam cruise in March? Having never started a cruise in San Diego and never sailing with HAL before, I'm at a loss. Does HAL do their embarkation like other cruise lines that start at 11:30 or so?

Thanks for the help!

[Krazy Kruizers]

For our October cruise on the Statendam we arrived at the pier at about 11:15.

After checking in, we were on the ship by 11:30 - we were in a suite.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

For our October cruise on the Statendam we arrived at the pier at about 11:15.

After checking in, we were on the ship by 11:30 - we were in a suite.

That was almost exactly the same for us on the Ryndam, we got there about 11:10 and we were able to be the first ones to check into the suite counter which was about 11:20 but we were not able to board till about 11:50 we went to the Neptune Lounge where we were told that our suite was ready. We were in our cabin at noon.

[grandma bev]

Being in a suite wasn't necessary for us. We arrived at 11:15 with docs in hand, and were some of the first to board.

Bev

[Cruiseoften]

We've left several times from San Diego - never had a suite - and usually have been on board around noon. Having your documents in order makes a difference. :)

[Renorita]

For our October cruise on the Statendam we arrived at the pier at about 11:15.

After checking in, we were on the ship by 11:30 - we were in a suite.

If I understand correctly, you can board earlier if you have a suite? Does it have to be an S suite or higher, or do those in an SS suite board early also?:)

[DrivesLikeMario]

Okay, from what everyone is saying, I think we'll arrive at the port at 11 AM or so. We're not in a suite, but in two adjoining balcony cabins. So, basically we'll board with all the other passengers I guess.

How are the check-in lines divided? Is it by decks, or are there 3 lines - 1 for Mariners, 1 for suite passengers and 1 for other cabins?

Thanks so much for the help!

[sail7seas]

There are no Mariners lines. That line would be out the door and down the street. On almost every HAL cruise, there are about 80% Mariners.


There is a separate check in line for "S" and "PS" Pax. That is always a short line.

Depending upon port, the other lines are arranged by alphabet, cabin numbers or whoever is next in line goes to whichever line.

All of the ports seem to still be doing the 11:15 - 11:30 commencement of boarding but there was a thread last week that indicated they may have to change because of new Immigration Rules. HAL would have no control over those directives....any more than any cruiseline can control how Immigration or Customs wants things done.

[chimera]

Our experience for the 12/06 Statendam embarcation was totally unlike that of the previous posters. As Ryansmemom said in her review of the cruise, embarcation was a mess. Because an X ship was at the terminal building we were consigned to the tent area. Lines went back from the tent to the street and beyond. People spent hours waiting in line. This was about noon when we arrived at the pier. Others who arrived around two in the afternoon said that they sailed (sorry) through the process smoothly.

[sail7seas]

That sounds dreadful. Thankfully, we have never experienced anything like that......Yet???!!

[pollux]

Done 5 sailings out of San Diego allways arrive about 11 am and on board before 12 noon. No different when I had a suite or other cabin.Make sure your papers are in order the lines move fast. Been there also when there was a tent and got on board early. Will arrive again the same time for the Oosterdam the 29th Jan.Happy sailing and good weather. Right now its raining and forcasted for the rest of the week.

[mick70]

Hi Pollux, I see you are on The "O: 29 Jan 05 so are we:) Our flight arrives at noon so we should be on the ship around 1330 or so.

[pollux]

Mike, it depend if you get on board at 1.30.

Are you flying? Is your plane on time? Does the lugguage arrive fast at the chute? Are you waiting for the HAL transfer?
The taxi ride is only about 10 min.

We drive to the port so I can control the time.

But as long as you get on board you have a great time.