Boarding Time for Explorer w/ 5pm departure

[PyeDog]

We're sailing out of Miami on Explorer of the Seas in December. The ship sails at 5pm. Anyone know how early we can board? Officially and realistically.

Thanks,

Pyedog

[ckrobyn]

Boarding typically commences when the previous cruise passengers and the ship have been cleared by customs.

 

We were on the Radiance in February and were at the Port around 10:45am ( I was VERY excited for this cruise!) we were eating lunch in the Windjammer by noon :D We didn't have access to our suites until 1pm, but that gave us time to explore the ship so it wasn't a big deal!

[divaofdisney]

pyedog- when are u cruising? we will be on the explorer dec. 4-11th. let us know and you can join us for the meet and mingle. if not i know u will still have a great time.

[bucsat1]

We were on the March 27th sailing, and because the ship had an inordinate number of foreign nationals, it took extra long to clear. We were not permitted to board until nearly 2:00PM! Bummer!!!

[Sunshine&Smiles]

On my last cruise on Explorer of the Seas during May 2002, I was able to board at 12:00 and enjoy the buffet lunch in the Windjammer Cafe. Our luggage arrived at the room around 2:00 and then we explored the ship some until the emergency drill at 4:00.

[KMYork]

We just returned from Explorer yesterday. We sailed on April 3 and got to the pier around 11:00am - the passengers from the previous cruise were still getting off the ship at that time. We had to wait in line for a short time, but soon things got moving and we were on the ship by 11:50...dropped off our carry-on since the room was not ready and then we had a drink, walked around and got lunch. When we got to our room, some of our luggage was already there and we began to unpack. We were totally unpacked and settled in BEFORE the muster!!

[PyeDog]

DivaOfDisney: We are on the 12/4 cruise as well!! My husband and I are leaving our two kids with the grandparents and joining two other couples for vacation. I can't wait!! We've been to 3 of the ports before and I'm eager to return....it's so beautiful!!!

-Pyedog

 

We'll plan to be at the pier by 11:00 and see what happens, I think. Our last cruise was on NCL and we got on early and had lunch in the formal dining room, which I REALLY liked...

 

Do you know if the main dining room is open for lunch on boarding day?

 

Thanks,

Pyedog

[Carol Anne]

Last year on navigator we boarded at 11:15. We leave on Explorer in two weeks and plan to drive to the ship again arrive at around 11:00. We might have to wait abit if they are not ready but I'd rather wait there than leave later from home and then be in long lines as buses from the airports arrive!!