What to expect on embarkation?

[FraserK]

First cruise ever coming up and have been given our embarkation time of 12.30pm (is that because we are in a mini suite?). What should we expect/what do you all do once on board? May sound a silly question to all you who have done this many times ;p;p;p

[john watson]

Assuming you board at Southampton. Aim to arrive around the allocated time. The luggage guys will take your suitcases and put them through the "Holes in the wall" luggage system. Do not have your passports in the cases!

 

Have your documentation ready as you enter the terminal (procedures vary slightly at different terminals). At the top of the stairs they will look at your paperwork and give you a giant plastic card with a letter on it A - Z. People are invited forward according to letter. If you arrive at correct time your letter will be called much sooner.

 

Once called your letter group join the zig-zag queuing system and you will be directed by staff to a specific check-in clerk. Here you complete a health declaration, (handy to have a biro at this point) have a photo taken, confirm your credit card and get handed a cruise card for each passenger. Once in possession of your cruise card (which acts as a charge card for all on board purchases) you proceed to the security area.

 

At security the operatives direct you to join a specific line. It is very similar to airport security with the exception of there being no liquid restrictions for toiletries etc.

 

Once through here you walk onto the ship and gain entry by using the cruise card.

 

Regards John

[Selbourne]

First cruise ever coming up and have been given our embarkation time of 12.30pm (is that because we are in a mini suite?). What should we expect/what do you all do once on board? May sound a silly question to all you who have done this many times ;p;p;p

 

Not a silly question at all. We all have a first cruise!

 

12.30pm is the earliest slot for embarkation and suite passengers are allocated this time. We haven’t had a mini suite, but have had a full suite on several occasions and are allocated this time. I have to be honest and say that I didn’t think that mini suite guests were given suite benefits for embarkation, but your 12.30pm slot suggests that they are, so all this advice assumes that you get full suite embarkation benefits.

 

I would suggest arriving at the terminal at 11.30am. Suite passengers get priority check in and wait in a dedicated area where complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes are provided. You will be in the first batch to be called for boarding (via security). This can be as early as 11.45am but is usually between midday and 12.30pm, unless they are having problems. On Arcadia a few weeks ago they had problems with the air bridge at QE2 terminal and we didn’t board until around 1pm.

 

Once on board, suite passengers and high tier loyalty members are able to attend a ‘Welcome on Board’ lunch, usually in one of the main dining rooms or a select dining restaurant. This usually begins at 12.30pm. It is more snacks than meals and the free drinks aren’t up to much. They will offer you ‘champagne’ but it is nothing of the sort. It’s a cheap and nasty sparkling wine. The white and red wine are equally unpleasant. We tend to skip this as it is underwhelming and go to the buffet for a wider choice (we avoid the buffet like the plague during the cruise, but the advantage of early boarding is that you are first there - although it often doesn’t open until 12.45 or 1pm, by which time crowds are building up).

 

Best option of all is to go the Glasshouse (if there is one on board). On Aurora, it is now open for lunch (at cost) on the afternoon of boarding, so I assume that it is on the other ships as well. It’s always dead quiet (unlike the buffet) as nobody realises that it’s open for food, the meals are superb (unlike the buffet and the welcome aboard lunch) and the drinks are whatever you would like and top quality. Obviously it’s all at cost, but it’s a lovely way to start a cruise and keeps you away from the hustle and bustle of embarkation day.

[FraserK]

Yes it is Southampton and we are going on the Arcadia with luggage already being picked up the the Luggage Handling Company!

 

Thanks

 

Kat

[Purdey16]

Selbourne has covered most of what happens and yes for a 12.30 check in time I would aim to get there around just after 11 as that's when the baggage holders start to collect your cases for the hole in the wall and by the time you have done this and make your way to receive your coloured card and fill out the health form it won't be long before boarding starts, I personally like to take photos straight away of all areas before the crowds get on , place my hand luggage inside my room if possible , then up to the buffet for a light lunch then to the spa to book the retreat / thermal suite , weekly or day passes available , I do cram a lot in on embarkation day but that's excitement , have a wonderful first cruise

[Selbourne]

Yes it is Southampton and we are going on the Arcadia with luggage already being picked up the the Luggage Handling Company!

 

Thanks

 

Kat

 

Unfortunately, Arcadia doesn’t have a Glasshouse (or a Beach House, for that matter), so my recommended lunch option isn’t available to you. The Welcome Aboard Lunch was in the main dining room.

 

Again, I’m not sure if this is extended to Mini Suite guests, but we really enjoyed breakfast in Sindhu each morning. We didn’t like the main dining room on Arcadia, so were very pleased to have an alternative.

[Selbourne]

Also, if you are getting Suite embarkation priveliges, you are not given a coloured card or letter. You just go the the priority waiting area (once checked in) and all board together once clearance is given for embarkation to begin. You will be the very first passengers to board, which is a nice feeling!

[Clodia]

I can confirm that when we were upgraded to a mini suite we received the same boarding privileges/lunch as suite passengers. We asked because we weren't sure, and the lady at the entrance directed us straight to the reserved seating area. We boarded after 10 minutes and arrived at about 11.45.

[Selbourne]

I can confirm that when we were upgraded to a mini suite we received the same boarding privileges/lunch as suite passengers. We asked because we weren't sure, and the lady at the entrance directed us straight to the reserved seating area. We boarded after 10 minutes and arrived at about 11.45.

 

Great, so all my advice above is valid then. Thanks for clarifying.

[FraserK]

Perfect and once again very knowledgeable answer.

 

Thanks

 

Kat

[annieuk]

Yes Mini suite passengers do go to the complimentary lunch once on board. We have always enjoyed it as it avoids the scrum in the buffet. The food on offer, hot and cold, isn't vast but we have always found it tasty, and the individual desserts are lovely. The waiters will come round with drink and if fizz is your choice and the waiter doesn't have any on the tray ask for it - it may not be the best Champagne but I find it acceptable. It is a much calmer atmosphere than the buffet and you get the chance to chat to the other people on your table - assuming the lunch is held in one of the restaurants which has been the case in our last few cruises. Mini suite passengers also get early boarding as you have discovered.

[tartanexile81]

Yes Mini suite passengers do go to the complimentary lunch once on board. We have always enjoyed it as it avoids the scrum in the buffet. The food on offer, hot and cold, isn't vast but we have always found it tasty, and the individual desserts are lovely. The waiters will come round with drink and if fizz is your choice and the waiter doesn't have any on the tray ask for it - it may not be the best Champagne but I find it acceptable. It is a much calmer atmosphere than the buffet and you get the chance to chat to the other people on your table - assuming the lunch is held in one of the restaurants which has been the case in our last few cruises. Mini suite passengers also get early boarding as you have discovered.

 

I agree with what annieuk says. It is a lovely way to start your cruise. No it is not a full scale lunch but you can eat as much or as little as you want from the buffet which has a decent selection. The drinks are a bonus and we just enjoy starting in such a calm way compared to the dreaded scrum in the buffet before we got priority boarding for our loyalty level.

 

I definitely wouldn't advise arriving before 11:30. We arrived just before that on our last cruise and there were long queues as the baggage handlers hadn't started. Luckily we'd sent our luggage with the Baggage Handling Company so went straight into the terminal. We weren't allowed upstairs though for about 15 minutes but when we got the nod we were first up the escalator and first to check in. Took some great pics of the empty terminal :'):')

[msk1955]

We were given an embarkation time of 1.30 p.m. However, when we arrived early at around midday, we were given a card with a letter on and told that we could board immediately. Straight on and unpacked and by the pool well in advance of our 1.30 boarding time. No idea how they prioritise that, as others were given a card with a different colour and letter and told to sit and wait to be called. We did not have a suite or balcony or any other privileges.

[Selbourne]

We were given an embarkation time of 1.30 p.m. However, when we arrived early at around midday, we were given a card with a letter on and told that we could board immediately. Straight on and unpacked and by the pool well in advance of our 1.30 boarding time. No idea how they prioritise that, as others were given a card with a different colour and letter and told to sit and wait to be called. We did not have a suite or balcony or any other privileges.

 

It will be because they were running early with embarkation, all priority guests had boarded and they had started on the first of the regular boarders. Those being asked to wait would have had later boarding slots than you. 1.30pm is a good slot and pretty early. The majority seem to be in the 2pm to 3.30pm range. It doesn't happen all the time, but it's nice when it does. The earliest we have boarded was 11.45am, but that was when we were in a suite (Britannia).

[MarkCheshire]

Really useful information in this thread - thanks to all the posters.

I am taking my mother on Ventura from Southampton in October. Although we have both cruised a number of times before we have not sailed from S'ton and this is the first time she will be in a wheelchair.

 

Any embarkation tips for wheelchair users? e.g. do they have to queue in same lines - or is there a 'assistance' desk like at airports?

We're not looking for special treatment - just want to make things practical, and the more we can be prepared the better.

 

Thanks in advance.

[yuvraj]

It was a few years ago but we booked a mini suite on Oceana. Looking through the other replies, looks like not much has changed but just to share my experience ...

 

We got board straight away and as soon as set foot on the ship we were escorted in the opposite direction to everyone else. We were then taken to a lounge where a small buffet lunch was served along with complementary drinks. The host came to inform us personally as soon as our room was ready. Overall, it was a nice VIP experience and a good start to our cruise.

 

There is nothing to stop you going to the regular buffet later so I would recommend that you check out the suite welcome lunch first.

 

We didn't have much else in terms of perks while on the cruise but the room was very nice and definitely worth spending the extra money.

[terrierjohn]

Really useful information in this thread - thanks to all the posters.

I am taking my mother on Ventura from Southampton in October. Although we have both cruised a number of times before we have not sailed from S'ton and this is the first time she will be in a wheelchair.

 

Any embarkation tips for wheelchair users? e.g. do they have to queue in same lines - or is there a 'assistance' desk like at airports?

We're not looking for special treatment - just want to make things practical, and the more we can be prepared the better.

 

Thanks in advance.

My wife is a wheelchair user but we send all our luggage aboard and just keep documents, valuables and medication in a wheelchair back pack, and we board ourseleves which is faster than using assistance. We do use the wheelchair check in desks though which tend to be faster.

[annieuk]

As you enter the terminal, on your right you will see a desk with several of the assistance people standing around. Go up to the desk and you'll be asked your cabin number. Then an assistant will take you through to check in and as you are in a mini suite once you've checked in you'll be directed to the area where tea/coffee is supplied - it's at the far end of the lounge. When you are called for boarding one of the assistance people will guide you through security and if you need someone to push the wheel chair they will take you on to the ship and up to where the priority lunch is being served.

 

When you disembark at the end of the cruise you'll have been told where to go for the assistance people to help you to disembark. P&O really to have special assistance arranged very well. That's what we have found in the past when I was waiting for a knee replacement.

[MarkCheshire]

Thanks for the info re assistance - that's really helpful. Cheers

[Selbourne]

Really useful information in this thread - thanks to all the posters.

I am taking my mother on Ventura from Southampton in October. Although we have both cruised a number of times before we have not sailed from S'ton and this is the first time she will be in a wheelchair.

 

Any embarkation tips for wheelchair users? e.g. do they have to queue in same lines - or is there a 'assistance' desk like at airports?

We're not looking for special treatment - just want to make things practical, and the more we can be prepared the better.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

I would concur with TerrierJohns comments that although there is assisted boarding, it can be quicker to bypass it.

 

Unfortunately, assisted embarkation and disembarkation is abused by a few passengers and the P&O staff know it (I have discussed it with several of them) but are put in a very difficult position. Essentially, some passengers see it as a way to gain fast track embarkation and disembarkation. We often see passengers who, over a two week cruise, have marched around the ship, on and off the ship in ports and walked extensively around the places we have visited - all without any assistance whatsoever, yet when it comes to disembarkation they claim that they need a wheelchair and a pusher. This can result in longer waits than just doing your own thing. My wife is a wheelchair user and because this irritates us we tend to bypass it, as do a few other genuine wheelchair users.

 

The system we tend to adopt now is as follows.

 

Embarkation - when just my wife and I are travelling, we often use assistance for embarkation, as it’s easier than me trying to push the wheelchair with hand luggage and saves it being piled up on my wife’s lap. When our adult daughters Cruise with us, as we have more hands, we board independently.

 

Disembarkation - we vacate our cabin at 8am and go for a leisurely breakfast in the restaurant. We then go to the assisted disembarkation lounge but say to the coordinator that we don’t need a pusher but would like to follow the next one off. We are immediately attached to a pusher and follow him and his passenger off the ship. We therefore don’t need to sit and wait, which those that claim they need a pusher do. We are usually off the ship within 10 minutes of finishing breakfast and as soon as we get to the luggage hall I grab a porter to assist us. These guys will help you find your luggage and push it to your car on a trolley (along with your hand luggage) leaving you to push the wheelchair. I tend to tip them a tenner but used to do the same with the wheelchair pushers so no different.

 

Seems wrong that a lot of the passengers for whom assisted embarkation and disembarkation was set up for end up not using it, whilst others who don’t need it abuse it, but I guess we have the last laugh as we are always off the ship quicker doing it our own way.

[AndyMichelle]

First cruise ever coming up and have been given our embarkation time of 12.30pm (is that because we are in a mini suite?). What should we expect/what do you all do once on board? May sound a silly question to all you who have done this many times ;p;p;p

You should be first on, arrive shortly before your time.

When on board, take pictures as it is the only time you will see the ship/cabin empty/tidy.

This is the time to start exploring as there won’t be many people around. Meet your steward and they will tell you all you need to know.

Hit the buffet early before the hoards arrive.

Sip a cocktail and enjoy your holiday.

Embarkation is very easy, don’t worry.

Andy

[steveso]

Hi, a related question. We have booked Aurora for a 5 night cruise in October, our first P&O cruise.

 

When do you get told the embarkation time and the time the ship leaves Southampton? So far we have the booking confirmation and "cruise booklet" but it does't give any timings. Is there another communication nearer the time?

[AndyMichelle]

Hi, a related question. We have booked Aurora for a 5 night cruise in October, our first P&O cruise.

 

When do you get told the embarkation time and the time the ship leaves Southampton? So far we have the booking confirmation and "cruise booklet" but it does't give any timings. Is there another communication nearer the time?

Hi,

It seems to depend on what type of booking you have.

If it is a select fare, I think you find out 90 days before, effectively when you have to pay your balance. If it is saver fare, it can be quite close to the date you go. Keep an eye on your cruise personaliser. Embarkation is usually from 12.30 for select fare and suite passengers and later for the rest, although many turn up early and get on sooner than they should. Sailing times tend to be about tea time for Aurora, 5-6 O’clock ish. Have a fantastic time.

[MarkCheshire]

You can get an idea of sailing times at the link below. Also the times of arrival and departure at each port you visit (all subject to change of course)

 

http://www.cruisecal.com/portal/ItineraryLookup/tabid/2918/Default.aspx

 

Select Aurora and click 'Find dates'. Click 'view' for your cruise departure date and a table gives you the arrival/departure times for each port. (dates in American format mm/dd/yyyy)

 

For Aurora on 10th October - this currently says leaving Southampton at 4.30pm

[Harvey1976]

We are in a suite on the transatlantic cruise on Azura in October. We are going on the bus from Birmingham airport. Does anybody have any idea what time this arrives into Southampton. I dont even know the departure time yet. Just wondered if somebody had done this before.