Embarkation Boarding Time Question

[zteamtwo]

Look!!   When you are trying to get a boarding pass,  fill everything out, and click "skip picture" for all people. This will let you complete the form.   You can then have Oceania take your pic when you check in.  You must have a boarding pass when you enter embarkation!!

[AMHuntFerry]

We cruise steerage and check in early; if we want to explore a port, we've already done it and I want my Baristas canele! Our recent embarkation experiences has been exceptions to the early check-in equals long lines rule. Between September 2022 and September 2023, there were no/minimal lines between 11 and noon in LA (San Pedro - minimal line of a few cabins), Seattle (zero line!), and Vancouver (almost zero line - no wait).

[oskidunker]

How many days in advance can you check in and get a boarding pass ?

[FeliciaLee]

10 minutes ago, AMHuntFerry said:

We cruise steerage and check in early; if we want to explore a port, we've already done it and I want my Baristas canele! Our recent embarkation experiences has been exceptions to the early check-in equals long lines rule. Between September 2022 and September 2023, there were no/minimal lines between 11 and noon in LA (San Pedro - minimal line of a few cabins), Seattle (zero line!), and Vancouver (almost zero line - no wait).

As much as I love Baristas, on this last cruise we ran to Waves. 

 

Waves has to be the best outdoor grill restaurant on the seas! Prior to last month, I kind of thought maybe I had oversold it, but no. My goodness, it is so good.

 

We did manage a few converts to Illy Crema, too (well, I think they call it something else now, but it's pretty much the same thing....that lovely frozen coffee drink).

[AMHuntFerry]

5 minutes ago, FeliciaLee said:

As much as I love Baristas, on this last cruise we ran to Waves. 

 

Waves has to be the best outdoor grill restaurant on the seas! Prior to last month, I kind of thought maybe I had oversold it, but no. My goodness, it is so good.

 

We did manage a few converts to Illy Crema, too (well, I think they call it something else now, but it's pretty much the same thing....that lovely frozen coffee drink).

And Waves has easier to access ice cream/sorbet! But those caneles get me every time...my kryptonite.

 

Oh, and I want a version of the crema with just cream, no sugar. The sugar version is just too sweet for me (I know, crazy!).

Edited January 3 by AMHuntFerry

[JRIH]

1 hour ago, oskidunker said:

How many days in advance can you check in and get a boarding pass ?

21 days from sailing.

[babysteps]

10 hours ago, Acrusa said:

Do I have to go on computer like I do for restaurant reservations to get an early board time?

Most ports don't enforce the chosen boarding time. Perhaps because of this, the early times don't disappear that quickly ime. 

[SeaWatch12]

Arrived yesterday at the terminal curb at 12:25.

Yes, had to wait in line at security and check in but stepped on the ship at 1:30 which was perfect for the announcement that concierge level rooms were now available. So didn't have to schlep our carry on around the ship, went right to the room and dropped them off. Had a relaxing lunch in Aquamare. Wonderful dinner in Red Ginger. The Vista is absolutely beautiful!

[Acrusa]

When we get on board we go to reception to have an escort take us to our cabin because we have medications that must be refrigerated. 

Most times they tell us to go up alone. 

[rbtan]

On 12/29/2023 at 6:47 PM, shepherd really said:

Let's break this down.

 

You appear to live in Pompano Beach, about 50 miles from the port of Miami. 

 

If you're driving, have a nice lunch somewhere, get to the terminal parking around 2:00, park your car, check in, breeze through embarkation and your room will be ready.  Then you can dump your carryon's, have a bite to eat or a drink and enjoy Sailaway.  

 

Or

 

Get there at 12:00, wait in line until the named suites are boarded, wait behind the many folks in concierge suites who also want to board as early as possible and got there at 11:00.  Schlep your carryon around the ship, maybe get a seat in Terrace Cafe or Waves (or maybe not, because it will be crowded) and wait another hour for your cabin to be available.

 

I choose the former, not the latter.

 

You decide which sounds like a better way to start your cruise.

Considering there are no more than 1250pax you make embarkation like it was on a huge RCCL ship.It's not hat bad.

[rbtan]

Our arrival time was picked at 12noon. We plan on arriving a little earlier than that.

[Redtravel]

Last year, if you showed up before your assigned boarding time, you were shown to a waiting area. As traffic slowed, you were allowed to check in.  Things are now unrestricted. As you enter, you are directed to a line. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

3 hours ago, Redtravel said:

Last year, if you showed up before your assigned boarding time, you were shown to a waiting area. As traffic slowed, you were allowed to check in.  Things are now unrestricted. As you enter, you are directed to a line. 

Really depends on the embark port authority policy. Some ports won’t even let you in the terminal until your appointed time. We’ve experienced that twice in SYD.

[Redtravel]

6 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Really depends on the embark port authority policy. Some ports won’t even let you in the terminal until your appointed time. We’ve experienced that twice in SYD.

I was comparing 2 O cruises out of Miami. I prefer sticking to a specific checkin time.  It was one of the good things that was started because of the pandemic. It spaced out people.  Now, it’s get in line.  We arrived @1.  Line was long.  
 

[Woodrowst]

21 hours ago, rbtan said:

Considering there are no more than 1250pax you make embarkation like it was on a huge RCCL ship.It's not hat bad.

The reason my wife and I, along with many experienced cruisers, follow SR’s advice on boarding in the afternoon is not only about getting on the ship. It is also about being on the ship.  Since so many board as early as possible, it really is no fun navigating noisy and crowded lunch venues trying to find a seat and weaving in and out of carry on luggage as everyone waits for their cabins to become available. If you value quiet and space, having a nice peaceful lunch in the embarkation city (if applicable) and boarding in the early afternoon works well.