ricka47 Posted November 8, 2017 #1 Share Posted November 8, 2017 We are in the habit of getting to the port early so that we can drop off our luggage and get on board quickly. We will soon be on our first Oceania cruise and note that (according to the FAQ's), since we are in a B2 veranda cabin on the Regatta, our boarding time will be 1:00 PM. Typically, by that time on our past cruises, we've been on the ship for about two hours, have had lunch (and maybe a drink) and have access to our cabin. Is that time more of a recommendation or is that how it works on Oceania? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitraveler Posted November 8, 2017 #2 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Boarding time is not cabin available time. In a B, your cabin will not be ready until approximately 3. By staggering boarding time O tries to prevent a crowd scene at boarding. Also the ship may not be ready to start boarding very early in Miami. Don't rush to board, you'll enjoy your cruise more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted November 8, 2017 #3 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Sometimes the port agents will not even let you in the building until after 12 noon The suites get to board at 11 am & then others will be allowed in We rarely go to the port before 1pm Relax at the hotel until it is time to head to the port ..much better that the hard chairs in the port building ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricka47 Posted November 8, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted November 8, 2017 OK, we'll have to adjust a bit for this cruise which is just fine. We drive direct to Port Canaveral and Tampa for RCI or DCL, get there around 10:30 and get on the ship by about 11:00ish. In Miami, we drive down the night before and get to the port at about the same time when on Celebrity. But, taking our time will make my wife happy! Just curious (and not meant to be critical from this Oceania first-timer) - I wonder how they can get the Oasis of the Seas ready for embarkation so much earlier and all of the cabins ready by 1:00 but it takes much longer on a ship that is about 90% smaller with a higher crew to passenger ratio? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted November 8, 2017 #5 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Just curious (and not meant to be critical from this Oceania first-timer) - I wonder how they can get the Oasis of the Seas ready for embarkation so much earlier and all of the cabins ready by 1:00 but it takes much longer on a ship that is about 90% smaller with a higher crew to passenger ratio? Their ship their rules relax & go with the flow :evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted November 8, 2017 #6 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Just curious (and not meant to be critical from this Oceania first-timer) - I wonder how they can get the Oasis of the Seas ready for embarkation so much earlier and all of the cabins ready by 1:00 but it takes much longer on a ship that is about 90% smaller with a higher crew to passenger ratio? I believe that it has more to do with the fact that early or "priority boarding" is a benefit of booking a Suite on Oceania. True, this was a more important feature in the days when Specialty Restaurant Reservations had to be made "in person", but they still can't give early boarding away if they are selling it to somebody else.........can they? :evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted November 8, 2017 #7 Share Posted November 8, 2017 OK, we'll have to adjust a bit for this cruise which is just fine. We drive direct to Port Canaveral and Tampa for RCI or DCL, get there around 10:30 and get on the ship by about 11:00ish. In Miami, we drive down the night before and get to the port at about the same time when on Celebrity. But, taking our time will make my wife happy! Just curious (and not meant to be critical from this Oceania first-timer) - I wonder how they can get the Oasis of the Seas ready for embarkation so much earlier and all of the cabins ready by 1:00 but it takes much longer on a ship that is about 90% smaller with a higher crew to passenger ratio? Perhaps that crew to passenger ratio is not in housekeeping. Maybe they take the time to do a better job. Or maybe Oceania doesn't want to work their crew as hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palamoh Posted November 8, 2017 #8 Share Posted November 8, 2017 LHT28 put this in proper prospective. Oceania’s website gives you this information relative to their Boarding procedures. Just relax, go with the Flo and enjoy your time aboard Ship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted November 8, 2017 #9 Share Posted November 8, 2017 Miami is a bit different from most ports. Often disembarkation is delayed by immigration and that will delay subsequent embarkation. That said, you could go earlier than scheduled if you are prepared to sit and wait. If they are not too busy they may take your category earlier than scheduled but they may not - in which case you just have to sit and wait. Not a good use of your time nor a good way to start the cruise. Have a leisurely breakfast and enjoy some sights of Miami/South Beach before embarkation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andee Posted November 8, 2017 #10 Share Posted November 8, 2017 We boarded the Regatta in Miami Oct 17. Arrived from airport around 11; there were lots of people sitting in the terminal waiting to board. It seemed that all passengers entitled to board early had done so because an employee came around inviting the rest if us to get in the (short) line. I'd say we were in board by noon. Our cabin (ocean view on deck 4) was ready at 2:45; the pricier the cabin, the sooner it was ready. Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckandDiPNW Posted November 8, 2017 #11 Share Posted November 8, 2017 LTH28 and palamoh nailed it... We're first timers as well and my extensive research on the O boards consistently indicates the boarding procedures are quite fluid. Show up at your designated time and relax. No hurry, no worry. Have a great trip! Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvmovielover Posted November 10, 2017 #12 Share Posted November 10, 2017 We experienced having to wait in the terminal for boarding for the first time on our recent Nautica cruise. It was cold and boring. On our previous O cruises, we managed to arrive at or after our boarding time and believe me that was better. I will say though that once the top categories were boarded, they did let the rest of us get on before noon though we could not get into our cabins any earlier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hambagahle Posted November 19, 2017 #13 Share Posted November 19, 2017 When you get to the terminal in Miami there are lots of seats. You fill out the health questionnaire, are given a ticket with a number on it and asked to take a seat. Boarding starts at 1100 with Owners, Vista and Oceania suites. Once there is no queue, other ticket numbers are called to register and board. Your number will be called in order. Then you board. People in suites can go straight to those but you wait have lunch etc) until your category is announced. Then you can go to your cabin. Simple really! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potterhill Posted November 20, 2017 #14 Share Posted November 20, 2017 In the past at different ports we have dropped our luggage with the porters and gone out for a few hours. Come back, room is ready, often luggage has been delivered and there is no line. Mo Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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