What time to arrive at pier?

[Chinprin]

We are sailing out of NYC in October, at 4 pm. What time should we plan on arriving at the pier in the morning? We are taking a limo and I want to set up our pick up time. I'm thinking I want to get there around 11am. Is that good?

[CruiserBruce]

It is a personal choice. Few, if any cruise lines will allow you to board prior to about 11:30 or 12.

 

Really, the key time is whatever time your cruiseline has set for last boarding. Depending on the cruise line, this will be 90-120 minutes prior to scheduled sailing. That is the important point, not how early.

[njhorseman]

We like to arrive between 10:30 and 11, which is usually about when check in starts. (of course this can vary by cruise line) The lines are usually short and you're among the first to board the ship.