Is late check-in possible?

[LloydJr]

On 2/16/2024 at 10:46 PM, nw2this said:

So, if I miss it, I miss it.  I hope I don't, but changing my flight doesn't work for me.

 

7 hours ago, nw2this said:

I understand I might miss it and I don't want to take it bad enough to purchase an earlier flight. 

Does this make sense to anybody?

[Sailing12Away]

8 hours ago, LloydJr said:

 

Does this make sense to anybody?

Yes, they don't want to change their flight. They don't care if they miss the cruise, they care more about taking the late flight that none of us would ever consider doing.  That's why their cruise is free, they're obviously a high roller willing to gamble big.

 

There was only one cruise where we were the last passengers to board. Flying JFK to Miami the day of, and our flight was delayed. We got on the plane, then they kicked us all off because they needed that specific plane to go to Colorado and had to find us a different plane to use. Overwhelming majority of folks on the plane were catching a cruise with some line so everyone was freaking out. 

 

NCL booked flights and transfers and phone support was not helpful at all telling us that we better run and catch a taxi or the ship will leave without us. So when we landed it was mad dash with couples splitting up between baggage claim and the taxi line. But at baggage claim there was an NCL rep there saying that if she was there, we were fine and although we had to hurry the ship was waiting for us.

 

Bus dropped off guests for the Breakaway first, then swung around to the other port for those of us hopping on the Jade last. There was a single person in security, single person handing out room cards (they gave us the wrong one), and it was a whirlwind to get onto the ship in <5 mins dragging our luggage with us (no porters). 

 

We were in a DOS in the Haven though, so not sure if that helped at all. But if we had booked flights on our own or transfers on our own, there is no way any of that would have happened. We landed in Miami around 2:10pm (2hrs later than scheduled arrival), didn't get off the plane with luggage in hand until 2:45, and finally boarded the ship around 4:15 for a 4pm sailaway. As we got on the ship the door closed behind us. By the time we got into an elevator up to our cabin we were already sailing. 

 

So my odds of OP making the cruise are 0% based on our experience and the extra bonus helpers we had which they will not. There was an NCL rep tracking our flight, waiting for us at baggage claim, talking to the ship about every step along the way, and the NCL bus talking to the ship as they drove, and several passengers involved here. Expecting them to extend the same courtesy for one person who booked things on their own - yeah, not going to happen.

[Asawi]

9 hours ago, LloydJr said:

 

Does this make sense to anybody?

Not really. But to be fair, we don't know HOW close OP is cutting it. Just that there is a real risk. Personally I can't see myself doing those flights and then not make the cruise, "free" or not. If the return flight is booked, will they stay in an hotel before going back? Or will they reschedule the return flight? If that's OK, why not OK to reschedule the first flight instead? None of business anyway! To each their own!

[nw2this]

SailingAway12.  Thank you! This is the type of experience I was looking for.  Not all the warnings, although I do believe them.  

 

But my flight is scheduled to arrive at 12:56. 
From tracking it on flightaware, it arrives anywhere from 12:24 to 1:41.  If it is going to be 1:41, I will know before I leave because the departure would have been delayed.  If the departure is delayed, game over.  I won't board the flight.  I will cancel the flight and the cruise.  

 

Walking through the airport takes 15 minutes.  A taxi to the port takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  It won't be rush hour, so no reason to expect it to take much longer than that as 45 minutes is the rush hour estimate.  So, there is a slim chance that I will make it by 2 and I am pretty confident that I will make it by 3 (assuming I boarded the flight because it left on time).   So, I have to get clarity from NCL around their policy, if it is 1 hour prior to departure I should be okay.  If it is 2 hours prior to departure, chances are slim.  We do have family at the departure port, so we don't have to pay for hotel or another flight.   The earlier flight is very expensive for us.   

[kitkat343]

1 hour ago, nw2this said:

SailingAway12.  Thank you! This is the type of experience I was looking for.  Not all the warnings, although I do believe them.  

 

But my flight is scheduled to arrive at 12:56. 
From tracking it on flightaware, it arrives anywhere from 12:24 to 1:41.  If it is going to be 1:41, I will know before I leave because the departure would have been delayed.  If the departure is delayed, game over.  I won't board the flight.  I will cancel the flight and the cruise.  

 

Walking through the airport takes 15 minutes.  A taxi to the port takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  It won't be rush hour, so no reason to expect it to take much longer than that as 45 minutes is the rush hour estimate.  So, there is a slim chance that I will make it by 2 and I am pretty confident that I will make it by 3 (assuming I boarded the flight because it left on time).   So, I have to get clarity from NCL around their policy, if it is 1 hour prior to departure I should be okay.  If it is 2 hours prior to departure, chances are slim.  We do have family at the departure port, so we don't have to pay for hotel or another flight.   The earlier flight is very expensive for us.   

Then your plan and your backup plan are all set.  Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.

 

 I would only note that if you think you can make it by 3, I'd at least try to go to the port and see if they can board you then irregardless of what time the phone operator tells you.

 

On my last NCL cruise, I was given a 1:30 -2:00 pm  boarding time for a sail away time of 3 pm.  I called NCL because that sounded late and. it also said in my documents I was supposed to be there 2 hours earlier than sail away time of 3 pm (which meant I should have been given a time slot no later than 1 pm) , and the phone rep told me they weren't sure if the assigned boarding time on my documents was too late was but to try to get there a little early.  We arrived by 12:45 and were fine.

 

 I've been given incorrect info by the phone reps before, and you don't know if a kind worker at the port will help you aboard if they can or if the ship is delayed on that day.  I absolutely agree with your plan of not boarding the flight if it is significantly delayed, but if you've already flown and are almost there I'd say it's worth trying your luck at the terminal.    Absolutely no one else should ever attempt to arrive by 3, but if the cruise was nearly free and you want to visit your family then you can try.  

Edited February 19 by kitkat343

[graphicguy]

9 hours ago, nw2this said:

SailingAway12.  Thank you! This is the type of experience I was looking for.  Not all the warnings, although I do believe them.  

 

But my flight is scheduled to arrive at 12:56. 
From tracking it on flightaware, it arrives anywhere from 12:24 to 1:41.  If it is going to be 1:41, I will know before I leave because the departure would have been delayed.  If the departure is delayed, game over.  I won't board the flight.  I will cancel the flight and the cruise.  

 

Walking through the airport takes 15 minutes.  A taxi to the port takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  It won't be rush hour, so no reason to expect it to take much longer than that as 45 minutes is the rush hour estimate.  So, there is a slim chance that I will make it by 2 and I am pretty confident that I will make it by 3 (assuming I boarded the flight because it left on time).   So, I have to get clarity from NCL around their policy, if it is 1 hour prior to departure I should be okay.  If it is 2 hours prior to departure, chances are slim.  We do have family at the departure port, so we don't have to pay for hotel or another flight.   The earlier flight is very expensive for us.   

So, what is the price delta of the earlier flight to that of the one you've booked?  What's the airline?  What airport are you flying from-to?  I know I can find hotels near most ports for about $150/nite.

 

I just can't get my mind around missing the cruise because I don't want to pay for the flight, and/or not coming in the nite before.

Edited February 19 by graphicguy

[kitkat343]

11 hours ago, LloydJr said:

I've never received an assigned boarding time.  Where did you see this?

You pick a boarding time from what is available at the time you check in.  I tend to check in late and the preferred boarding time is early, so I've never seen a cruise line enforce boarding times (people who show up early may have seen this).  Your boarding time is listed on your embarkation documents you bring to the port.

 

 On my last sailing, there was one 1 pm-1:30 boarding slot and the other 4 people in my family had 1:30- 2:00 pm boarding slots, which was weird because the sailaway was scheduled for 3 pm and the boarding documents say you are supposed to be there 2 hours early.  I don't know what happens if you show up at the time they told you to board and are told it is too late and didn't want to risk finding out.  We all showed up at 12:45 and got on the ship with no problem.  Hopefully the OP will be able to make the cruise, but if not it seems like they are willing to accept the consequences of their choices, which is all anyone can hope for.    

Edited February 19 by kitkat343

[zqvol]

1 hour ago, kitkat343 said:

You pick a boarding time from what is available at the time you check in.  I tend to check in late and the preferred boarding time is early, so I've never seen a cruise line enforce boarding times (people who show up early may have seen this).  Your boarding time is listed on your embarkation documents you bring to the port.

 

 On my last sailing, there was one 1 pm-1:30 boarding slot and the other 4 people in my family had 1:30- 2:00 pm boarding slots, which was weird because the sailaway was scheduled for 3 pm and the boarding documents say you are supposed to be there 2 hours early.  I don't know what happens if you show up at the time they told you to board and are told it is too late and didn't want to risk finding out.  We all showed up at 12:45 and got on the ship with no problem.  Hopefully the OP will be able to make the cruise, but if not it seems like they are willing to accept the consequences of their choices, which is all anyone can hope for.    

You are given a check in time, NOT a boarding time.

[jlocole]

19 hours ago, nw2this said:

SailingAway12.  Thank you! This is the type of experience I was looking for.  Not all the warnings, although I do believe them.  

 

But my flight is scheduled to arrive at 12:56. 
From tracking it on flightaware, it arrives anywhere from 12:24 to 1:41.  If it is going to be 1:41, I will know before I leave because the departure would have been delayed.  If the departure is delayed, game over.  I won't board the flight.  I will cancel the flight and the cruise.  

 

Walking through the airport takes 15 minutes.  A taxi to the port takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  It won't be rush hour, so no reason to expect it to take much longer than that as 45 minutes is the rush hour estimate.  So, there is a slim chance that I will make it by 2 and I am pretty confident that I will make it by 3 (assuming I boarded the flight because it left on time).   So, I have to get clarity from NCL around their policy, if it is 1 hour prior to departure I should be okay.  If it is 2 hours prior to departure, chances are slim.  We do have family at the departure port, so we don't have to pay for hotel or another flight.   The earlier flight is very expensive for us.   

This post makes me think you are on a Calgary flight to Seattle! 

I am pondering the same flight as I don't want to spend $300 (CDN) for a pre cruise hotel.  I will have completed the on line check in, and anticipate I should get to port 90 mins after landing. (wait on luggage, uber). That is 3:00 pm.  I am glad someone here shared and hour is good if you have already checked in.

Thanks for that info!

PS Is it May 11 - 18 Bliss casino cruise?

 

[dlh015]

LOL...sorry I read this thread...made me nervous...yikes!

 

Good luck to the OP...

[CptJLMcCrea]

2 hours ago, jlocole said:

I don't want to spend $300 (CDN) for a pre cruise hotel.

 

How much will you lose if you miss the ship?

 

[Sailing12Away]

21 hours ago, nw2this said:

SailingAway12.  Thank you! This is the type of experience I was looking for.  Not all the warnings, although I do believe them.  

 

But my flight is scheduled to arrive at 12:56. 
From tracking it on flightaware, it arrives anywhere from 12:24 to 1:41.  If it is going to be 1:41, I will know before I leave because the departure would have been delayed.  If the departure is delayed, game over.  I won't board the flight.  I will cancel the flight and the cruise.  

 

Walking through the airport takes 15 minutes.  A taxi to the port takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  It won't be rush hour, so no reason to expect it to take much longer than that as 45 minutes is the rush hour estimate.  So, there is a slim chance that I will make it by 2 and I am pretty confident that I will make it by 3 (assuming I boarded the flight because it left on time).   So, I have to get clarity from NCL around their policy, if it is 1 hour prior to departure I should be okay.  If it is 2 hours prior to departure, chances are slim.  We do have family at the departure port, so we don't have to pay for hotel or another flight.   The earlier flight is very expensive for us.   

Yeah, but even if it arrives at 12:30 (easy math).... it doesn't mean it's made it's way to a gate for you to get off at that time. Can't tell you how many times we've sat just off the runway after landing waiting for a parking spot. 

Regardless, put in a call to NCL and see if they can make some type of notation on your account that you have a late arriving flight. That way even if you do get lucky with an early/on time arrival and are in the taxi by 1pm, they won't assume you're a no show at the port and give your room away to someone with a generous upgrade bid.

 

13 minutes ago, CptJLMcCrea said:

How much will you lose if you miss the ship?

 

Cruise is free for them, high rolling gambling folk. Not like us with our penny slots 😉.

 

Regardless.... same flight a day earlier will probably be similar in price, and with family nearby in town I'm sure OP can find a couch to crash on the night prior so there's 0% chance of them missing the ship. Now I'm curious when this cruise is happening so we can start putting our bets in as to the outcome.

[CptJLMcCrea]

1 hour ago, Sailing12Away said:

Cruise is free for them, high rolling gambling folk. Not like us with our penny slots 😉.

 

I was quoting jlocole, our 2nd possible contestant in airline roulette.  😄 Are they CAS also?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 20 by CptJLMcCrea

[nw2this]

I called NCL and talked to 3 people before they elevated me to a supervisor.  The supervisor ensured me that I would be okay if I board before 3 since my online check-in is done.  I asked her to make a note of the communication in my file.

 

Sailaway, couldn't come in the day before due to work.  We're already pushing it and need to take a Zoom call onboard. 

Edited February 20 by nw2this

[kitkat343]

4 minutes ago, nw2this said:

I called NCL and talked to 3 people before they elevated me to a supervisor.  The supervisor ensured me that I would be okay if I board before 3 since my online check-in is done.  I asked her to make a note of the communication in my file.

Great!  But now we're all invested, so please let us know how it works out!

[Sailing12Away]

10 hours ago, CptJLMcCrea said:

 

I was quoting jlocole, our 2nd possible contestant in airline roulette.  😄 Are they CAS also?

 

Ahh, I'm a lazy reader. I don't bother to pay attention to names of posters to keep track of thought processes and such. Amusing avatars or carefully placed signature emojis, yes, those stick with me a bit more.

 

As for the 2nd contender.... I don't think so. I'm assuming they're in the camp of "it will never happen to ME" until it does and then we'll see the "oh I hate NCL for not telling me that was a bad idea".

 

There's a current discussion happening now over on an NCL FB page regarding someone who missed their connecting flight and ended up missing their cruise. They're faulting NCL for not telling them it was a bad idea to fly in on the day of their cruise. 🙄

 

Honestly it depends on so many factors, but someone with a direct flight heading JFK to MIA, or even going with time on your side from JFK to LAX is very different from someone traveling LAX to JFK, or someone from the middle of nowhere who needs 1-2 connections to get to their embarkation port.

[graphicguy]

Whoa boy.....going from SEA to the Pier?  I've done that trip 4-5 times.  Regardless of time of day or day of week, construction really puts a huge damper on travel times.  forewarned is forearmed.

 

There are just a lot of red flags here.  And, I'm a proponent of doing in the "day of".  SEA is one of the few airports/piers I WON'T try that.

[jlocole]

15 hours ago, LloydJr said:

Do we now have two groups playing "airline roulette?"  Interesting.

My direct flight is just one hour, scheduled to land 4 hours before sail away.

Sure, something could go wrong but odds are in my favor it won't.

 

[UKstages]

the length of the flight and when it lands are just one (maybe two) factors.

 

more important, but seldom discussed, are how many other flights are there that could get you to your port city, in case your flight is canceled or delayed.

 

a couple of years ago, i flew to miami from new york on the day of embarkation. i wouldn't normally risk doing that, but there were at least six other flights on major airlines scheduled to leave after my flight. 

 

so, if you're flying from a hub with frequent point to point service to your port city, you're in better shape than somebody flying from west bumble with two flights a day to a hub with a connecting flight to your port city.

[GALSews]

On 2/18/2024 at 10:04 PM, nw2this said:

I hope things work out for you.

As retirees, we have the luxury of flying in a day or 2 early. Heck, we've even taken to spending a night in a hotel near the airport for early flights and we are nominally only an hour from 3 airports. Staying at a hotel the night before the flight worked out well for us, when the Uber we were riding in got a flat tire just outside the Capital Beltway at night in the rain. I was scared for the driver who had to change the tire, but I didn't have to worry about missing a plane or the ship. It saved a lot of stress which is bad for mind and body.

 

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, UKstages said:

the length of the flight and when it lands are just one (maybe two) factors.

 

more important, but seldom discussed, are how many other flights are there that could get you to your port city, in case your flight is canceled or delayed.

 

a couple of years ago, i flew to miami from new york on the day of embarkation. i wouldn't normally risk doing that, but there were at least six other flights on major airlines scheduled to leave after my flight. 

 

so, if you're flying from a hub with frequent point to point service to your port city, you're in better shape than somebody flying from west bumble with two flights a day to a hub with a connecting flight to your port city.

Italics above….spot on.  Leave yourself time for a contingency flight in case yours is cancelled or delayed.  But, it you’re cutting it that close, you can’t plan that!

[jlocole]

I gave NCL all my flight info when booking their transfer to port, can I assume they will ensure I get to the port in time for the cruise?

On the booking, I did this and it showed " we found your flight info", and for $27 they will take me to the port. (Solo traveler so much cheaper than Uber for me)

Anyone know how often the transfers leave Seattle airport to port?

[www3traveler]

1 hour ago, jlocole said:

I gave NCL all my flight info when booking their transfer to port, can I assume they will ensure I get to the port in time for the cruise?

On the booking, I did this and it showed " we found your flight info", and for $27 they will take me to the port. (Solo traveler so much cheaper than Uber for me)

Anyone know how often the transfers leave Seattle airport to port?

Beginning about 9:30 A.M., probably about every 30 minutes or so.  HOWEVER, if I remember correctly the Cruise Ship Transfer point is clear at the end of the parking garage.  A long ways from the baggage claim area.  I think you have to go from the baggage claim area, up at least one level (maybe two), and then walk to the end of the parking garage.  It has been a couple of years since I have done.

[nw2this]

Just letting you know, the flight arrived early (around 12:30). I checked in before 2 and was on board a few minutes after 2.  There were still others trickling in and the gangway was not pulled at 2. 

 

It worked out but it was nerve wracking and risky, not for the faint of heart.  

[dobiemom]

1 hour ago, nw2this said:

Just letting you know, the flight arrived early (around 12:30). I checked in before 2 and was on board a few minutes after 2.  There were still others trickling in and the gangway was not pulled at 2. 

 

It worked out but it was nerve wracking and risky, not for the faint of heart.  

Whew! Enjoy your cruise. 🙂