Question on first day

[texasmomof2]

Hi everyone! My husband and I just booked our first cruise on Voyager of the Seas. Being that we've never done this before I am hoping to get some info from all of you who have a lot more experience. My question is how early can you check in at the port and get on the ship? Thanks for all your help! :)

[Jiffymom]

usually noon is good time. Go have lunch tour the ship and your cabins are normally available around one.Check your luggage with the porters, they will deliver direct to your cabin. Have fun planning. You will learn so much on these boards.

[cruizinmimi]

Hi everyone! My husband and I just booked our first cruise on Voyager of the Seas. Being that we've never done this before I am hoping to get some info from all of you who have a lot more experience. My question is how early can you check in at the port and get on the ship? Thanks for all your help! :)

 

They will probably let you come and start checking in as early as 11am, but you probably will not be able to board the ship until around Noon. They will have seating for you inside the terminal though.

[dixieva]

If you don't mind waiting get to the port early-at least by 11 a.m. We usually are able to board around 11:30 unless there was a problem that morning with getting the other passengers off or if the ship was late coming in. I don't mind checking in and just waiting in the terminal until boarding begins. The earlier the better!

 

Hope you have a great cruise!

[Hypo]

When you check your luggage with the porters, do not check your carry on luggage. You should always keep your medicines, valuables, cameras, etc. with you. You will see nearly all folks rolling their carryon bags around with them until the cabins are available around 1 PM. Your checked luggage may not be delivered to your cabin until early evening, occasionally even after dinner.

[nomoreknothead]

We always try to get to the port around 11:00. Most of the time we buzz right through. If we don't get there then we wait until around 2 - 2:30 and buzz right on!

[hoop4321]

we are in the earlier the better category. Usually come in around 11:30. We have a little wait in the terminal, but you get to people watch. It is amazing how many people you recognize around the ship. Eat a bit of lunch, check out the ship, and around 1 you can get to your cabin to put your carry on away. The casino and shops are closed, but it is a good time to get familiar with the set up of the ship. We love to get a frou-frou drink at sail away and listen to the band. One of my favorite parts of the cruise experience is the exploration of the ship. I am sure you will have a great time!

[fiasco]

If you are an expert packer is it possible to only take carry-on luggage and avoid the porters/luggage service?

[dixieva]

Yes, you can carry on your luggage if you don't mind lugging it around with you until you can get into your room at around 1 p.m. I usually carry on a 27' tall suitcase that has everything I need for a 9 day cruise! Yes, I'm a great packer and the queen of mix and match!

 

You are not limited to a carryon the size of an airplane carryon. Now it can't be huge because it does have to fit through the x-ray at the port but I've seen some much bigger pieces than mine that were carried on.

[texasmomof2]

Thank you so much for all your answers--I really do appreciate it. I can see that you all think the same way I do--I want to get there as soon as possible and enjoy every minute of my cruise! :) God bless!

[tomko2]

Congratulations on booking your first cruise! Warning: It is addictive!:D

 

If you haven't done so already, you might want to sign up for the Roll Call for your sailing. It is a great way to "chat" with other passengers on the same cruise and gain insight into some of the ports, the ship, etc.

 

Also, after you have completed one cruise with RCI you are eligible to join their loyalty program: The Crown and Anchor Society. You will find the information on their website. IMHO it is the best loyalty program around.

 

Have a great cruise!

Kathy:)

[Bigtex1622]

If you are in a suite, or handicapped.

Can you go to your room, earlier than 1 ?

[danacline]

Certainly it is addicting! In fact, when I returned from my first cruise, I bought a book about cruising. I opened it to page one and it said, in bold print, "Warning: Cruising Is Addicting!". And the author was right!

 

I have a section on my web site for first time cruisers, little articles on different aspects of cruising. It's still in it's infancy but I'm adding to it as fast as I can. I just returned from my first Royal cruise on Sunday, after 10 cruises on 4 other lines. I can safely say my Royal cruise was the best! You'll love it!

[aloha of the seas]

Once you sign up for your Roll Call for your cruise, the next thing you should do is sign up for the Meet & Mingle party that RCI has the second day of the cruise. It is for all of the CruiseCritic members from your Roll Call on that cruise and is a good way to meet new people.

 

On of the things I do if I have time when I board the ship, is confirm my dining arrangements. I go down to the dining room and check with the maitre d' to find out where my table is and if it is in a good spot and the size I requested and the time I requested. If you are early enough, they can accomidate your changes.

 

When I am on a ship for the first time, I study the deck plans before leaving home so I have an idea in my mind where the public rooms are. Then I take my own little tour of the ship to find the rooms. Sometimes I use this time to take pictures of these empty rooms; best for photo album.

 

Anorther thing I do, and I know a lot of people will differ with me on this, is once I do get into my cabin I try to acquaint myself with my room steward and give that person a small tip on the first day just to let them know you are thinking of them.

 

Good Sailing, Murf

[dixieva]

If you are in a suite, or handicapped.

Can you go to your room, earlier than 1 ?

 

 

Sorry but no-everyone is allowed in at the same time.