Embarkation

New to cruising (first time), we are setting off from New York 24th Oct, the check in time for boarding states 1.00pm but what time should we plan to arrive. Apologies if answered elsewhere.

Thanks in advance

With Princess, you can usually drop bags starting about 11. Check in starts 11:30 or so and boarding noon or 12:30. You need to check in at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Princess assigns you a boarding time in the hope that it will stagger boarding and avoid the crowding of people wanting to be the first on. But in reality, you could probably drop your bags off by 10:00. However, although you may check in starting about 11am, they usually do not start boarding until noon, as they wait until all of the cabins are ready. With Princess, cabins are ready when you board. EM

With Royal Caribbean drop your bags at 10:30 or so. Check-in with anybody with an Ipad. They will have name tags. Once you are up in the waiting area it could be opened by 11:15 hr for boarding. Go to Windjammer to eat. Rooms are not available until 1 pm.

With Royal Caribbean drop your bags at 10:30 or so. Check-in with anybody with an Ipad. They will have name tags. Once you are up in the waiting area it could be opened by 11:15 hr for boarding. Go to Windjammer to eat. Rooms are not available until 1 pm.

But the OP isn't on RCI...

With Royal Caribbean drop your bags at 10:30 or so. Check-in with anybody with an Ipad. They will have name tags. Once you are up in the waiting area it could be opened by 11:15 hr for boarding. Go to Windjammer to eat. Rooms are not available until 1 pm.

OP is on the Regal Princess

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

What those have said about boarding a Princess ship is accurate.

Be outside when the ship leaves so that you can the ship's whistle playing "The Love Boat" song.

Thanks for replies, appreciate.

Sean:)

We're staying in New York prior for a few days so think we'll get to port for 10.30 and take it from there. Looking forward to our first Princess cruise on Regal Princess.

Sean :)

We're staying in New York prior for a few days so think we'll get to port for 10.30 and take it from there. Looking forward to our first Princess cruise on Regal Princess.

Sean :)

Sounds like a good plan!

Lots of Brits cruise on Princess. You will feel right at home! :)

LuLu

New to cruising (first time), we are setting off from New York 24th Oct, the check in time for boarding states 1.00pm but what time should we plan to arrive. Apologies if answered elsewhere.

Thanks in advance

Have you joined your roll call? There will be lots of info there.

Thanks will do.

Sean

Something great for a first time cruiser to know, not sure if you noticed it in the conversation here. On Royal Caribbean your room isn't ready. On princess, you go straight to your room.