Po.

Thanks to everyone for the replies. As it happened, I arrived so early that I checked in so fast and got on board so quickly there was no need to seek priority anything.

I'm an agent and I usually recommend Glacier Bay if possible, but that doesn't mean you'll have a bad time if you don't see it. Living in Vancouver, I'm sure you'll get the opportunity again. If and when you do go, consider Holland because they stay the whole day in Glacier Bay, not half a day (Princess may, too, not sure off the top of my head).

Your Royal cruise is probably 7 days, right? It's going to fly by. If you were talking about a 28 day cruise, I'd say yes, try a short cruise first, but 7 days is perfect.

As for bailing on Royal in favor of Holland, well, if it's saving you several hundreds, then go for it. A few bucks? Eh. You could also try calling Royal first to see if you can at least get a cabin upgrade for the price you paid. Holland may be cheaper but at the last minute it might offer less desirable staterooms than the one you have on Royal. I forget if Ovation has that giant pod on top that some Royal ships have, but if so that is pretty cool and may be worth staying for.

Don't worry about getting the perfect introduction to cruising. Just have a good time!

Princess

I didn't realize it would matter. So each cruise line has a different way to handle priority embarkation?

Hello, I'm new to cruising and I have a cruise embarking tomorrow from Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro). I have priority embarkation but I am embarrassed to admit that I don't know what that really means. I assume I get to board first, so do I pass the long snaking line, and where do I go instead? I'm coming from out of town. If I arrive after boarding has begun, do I still get to pass the line? Will there be signs for priority or VIP or something? I don't want to look like an ass trying to jump the line, lol.