Qazzy

As it turned out, our boarding time was changed from 3:00 to 11:30 and then to 10;00, with the changes happening just days before our sailing. We left CT at 8:00 for a 2 hour trip. Traffic was heavy but for the most part wasn't awful until we got close to the port. It took an extra hour to go the last mile! Many side streets lead to the entrance of the port. They need better traffic control, more police at intersections. Traffic lights would change and you would go nowhere. Stressed drivers were blowing their horns, this did nothing to improve the situation. We finally arrived at the parking lot around 11:00. At this point, I would estimate the lot was about half full. At the sail away, I got a good look at the lot, it was then approximately about 90% full. I would guess less than 100 spots left in the back. While this worked for our cruise, I can't imagine this current lot accommodating 2 cruise ships. There are 2 large dirt lots adjoining the paved lot. I don't know who owns them or if there are plans to make more parking there, but it seems that would be a likely solution. I would not rule out sailing out of Brooklyn again but I would want to hear something has ben done to improve the traffic flow and parking if there is going to be more than one ship using the port.

I don't understand what MSC and their system of assigning embarkation times. Our sailing is 5/21 out of Brooklyn. First we were assigned 1:30 (ship leaves at 3:00). I was not happy about this and contacted my TA and was told just to arrive around noon regardless of what my documents say. Ok, I planned on that. A few days later MSC changed my embarkation time to 11:30. Perfect! I was happy! I looked again this morning, now it is 10:00. What? Why do they keep changing it?

I don't know the answer to your question on MSC, but I've had this issue on NCL. This is what I do. I carry a few plastic storage bags in my purse so if I want to take my leftovers I don't have to ask and no one is going to stop me!

Anyone cruising from or returning to Brooklyn today (5/14) care to share their parking experience? How was the traffic? Was the lot full or close to full?

Our cruise is May 21st. 12 days to go! I'll get back to you by the end of the month with our parking details. I'm still very anxious about this. I guess I overthink everything because everyone says not to worry about it. I wish they would let me make a parking reservation.

I don't understand how they can give us a 1:30 boarding time with the ship departing at 3:00. I thought all passengers had to be checked in to a cruise 2 hours before departure for reasons having to do with customs? Last week I asked my travel agent to have it changed, but have not heard any more about it since then. I guess we will just have to arrive earlier and be those people that can't follow instructions.

Coming from Connecticut there is no better option for us than to drive to the port. I wonder what would happen if we arrived and the parking lot is full. We'd just get turned away? And go where? We have a 1:30 boarding time with the ship departing at 3:00. This is giving me anxiety!

We will be on the Meravigilla in May. I read the baggage weight limit is 50 pounds. Do they actually weigh your bags? I always have trouble staying exactly under 50 pounds while flying so I'm wondering if a few pounds over would matter? Or should I bring 2 suitcases?

I am doing the Web check in. Do I have to take my own photo or can I wait for them to do it at the port?

I travel with one full size suitcase. While traveling, I prefer to keep it with me and not check it whenever possible. Is there a bag size limit for carryon? Do I have to check my bag?