mamalicious Posted March 21, 2009 #1 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Hi CC! This is my first cruise and I wanted to know how early should I get to the dock on the day we depart? My iterniary reads 4 pm, but how early should we get there? Does VIP status make a difference in boarding? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjunea Posted March 21, 2009 #2 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I think you have to be on board at least 90 minutes before setting sail. I usually try to get to the dock about 10:30, get my paperwork done, and am usually on board about 11:15 or so. Walk around, get some lunch. You can't get in your cabin until 1 or 1:30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie J. Posted March 21, 2009 #3 Share Posted March 21, 2009 You can get there as early as you want but won't be able to board until 11-11:30. DON"T WAIT UNTIL 4PM!!! Get on the ship as early as you can. We always get to the port the day before so we can get on the ship as soon as possible. Usually we can get to our cabin to drop off our carry on. Then go to the buffet and get lunch, explore the ship and enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentbob007 Posted March 21, 2009 #4 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I typically show up around 11:30 or so ... as others have said, make sure you are there at least a few hours before the all-aboard time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheffie Posted March 21, 2009 #5 Share Posted March 21, 2009 We usually show up about 11 - 11:30. We usually board very quickly. The cabins often are not open till 1 p.m., so we grab a drink, go to the buffet for lunch and then go to our cabin to drop off our carry-on luggage. We then explore the ship and go up on deck to enjoy the sun and a few more drinks and start relaxing! You have paid for that day, so enjoy it to its fullest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserbryce Posted March 21, 2009 #6 Share Posted March 21, 2009 time wise...I dont think the status of boarding times changes...but for our sailing that have departed between 4 and 5 we have arrived around noon and been on by 12:30 or so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iluvmypuggle Posted March 21, 2009 #7 Share Posted March 21, 2009 In my experience, the big crowds come at Noon. So I like to be there a little before noon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QLUVS2CRUZ Posted March 21, 2009 #8 Share Posted March 21, 2009 With VIP boarding you generally get through faster - seperate line, but if there are a lot of people in that line and not as many in general boarding, there might not be a great time benefit...but usually it's great to have VIP boarding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamalicious Posted March 21, 2009 Author #9 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Wow, thank you for all the replies. I am going to try to be there as early as possible, maybe 11:30am or so. A member of my family was hoping to go to work that day.... Thanks once again for all the replies.... I thought 4 pm meant 4 pm, LOL! :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punkmuse Posted March 21, 2009 #10 Share Posted March 21, 2009 for both of our Royal Caribbean cruises we were allowed to go to our cabins immediately and i think we got there pretty soon after boarding was allowed. for NCL we were not allowed into our room until 2ish. i would suggest getting there in the early or mid afternoon and not waiting til 4. there is so much to enjoy on the ship and you dont want to be left behind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candiesx2 Posted March 22, 2009 #11 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I usually board any between 10:45 to 11:30.And like everyone else said they allow you to rome around grab a drink,get lunch and even go swimming ( just pack an extra bathing suit on your carryon.And if your lucky maybe get into your room early. I have only 1 question...... how do you get VIP?????;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamalicious Posted March 22, 2009 Author #12 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Thanks again for all the replies. Candies: You get VIp if you book a Cat 11 or 12. We've booked a Cat 11. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwenmark Posted March 22, 2009 #13 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Wow, thank you for all the replies.I am going to try to be there as early as possible, maybe 11:30am or so. A member of my family was hoping to go to work that day.... Thanks once again for all the replies.... I thought 4 pm meant 4 pm, LOL! :cool: If anyone in your party arrive at 4 or even 3 they won't get on the ship. Homeland Security now requires the cruise line to give them a manifest of the ships checked in passengers 60 min before sailing time so the cruiseline wants you on the ship two hours and in no case less then 90 min before sail time. Once you get onboard head to the dining room for lunch, even though the crew will try to send you to the buffet. Dining room is much nicer and quieter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candiesx2 Posted March 22, 2009 #14 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Mamalicious,What do you mean by a cat 11 or 12?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrp96 Posted March 23, 2009 #15 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Mamalicious,What do you mean by a cat 11 or 12?? Cat 11 and Cat 12s are the suite categories on Carnival. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candiesx2 Posted March 23, 2009 #16 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Oh i've never sailed carnival...... Im a true sailor on Royal Caribbean.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelby_36 Posted March 23, 2009 #17 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Our first cruise we didn't know this and arrived at 2 or so and waited in line forever. We got to lunch as they were shutting it down and just in time for the muster drill. We then had early dinner and it was 8 before we realized our first day was almost over. We assumed nothing would "start: till after dinner at least but stuff starts early. We were shocked to find we had missed several thing including the tour of the ship. But we know arrive early but on RC it seems we get through security quickly but no one gets on the ship until a set time- like 11 or was it 12. We all just stood in the area where you get your cards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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