Arrival time at FLL port?

[Host Joe]

Hello! We have been on 9 cruises, and have learned that by arriving at the port around 10:30am saves you from getting at the back end of huge lines, and we have always gotten onboard within an hour and half.

 

This will be our first cruise on HAL and out of FLL. When I called to make transportation arrangements from our hotel, the guy told me that we could not arrive before 12 Noon.

 

Is FLL port and HAL different than Miami, San Juan and Tampa? Are we still ok to arrive around 10:30am?

[vjb223]

We have always arrived at FLL at 10:50 and gone directly to the port, no problems. (used taxi)

[jhannah]

You may go to the port whenever you want. The earlier you go, the longer you'll have to wait to board. But it's your choice.

[imsulin]

On my first Zuiderdam cruise, I arrived at about 11:00 am, and had to sit and wait in that lovely concrete warehouse along with everyone else. We were given boarding numbers. I think I was lucky, though, because I was sitting right in the middle of a very large group booking, and they got to board very early (about 12:30). The agent waved me on, I showed her my high number, and she let me get on anyway.

[doone]

I get to the pier at 11ish as well, never had a problem. They do, however, start checking you in around 11:30 and boarding around 12:30 pm.

[Spot]

I'm by no means or stretch of the imagination an expert but I have seen posted that many passengers arrive 11ish and start boarding around 11:30 - 11:45.

We are planning on being at the terminal about 11 - will wait as need be just in case we can board early.

[npeters]

In August, we arrived at FLL around 11:45 pm and they had already started boarding pax. We weren't in a Suite but the "regular" lines went fast and we were processed and checked in within 20 minutes. Note: if you don't want your "comemorative" photo taken, skirt around the line to board the ship more quickly.

[Krazy Kruizers]

An 11 AM arrival at the pier will put you in line among the first to board the ship.

Have you immigration papers ready and you will check in a different line.

Boarding usually begins around 11:30 AM and you should be on the ship by 12.