NOLA - boarding later as opposed to earlier

[CruzieSue]

Seems like most people arrive at port earlier than suggested in the cruise info - 11:00 a.m. as opposed to the 1:00 p.m. suggested in info I've seen. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to arriving at port around 1:00-2:00 (posted sailing time about 4:30)? I would like to enjoy a good lunch in New Orleans before boarding ship. Thanks.

[elbodans]

the advantage to boarding early is not having to deal with traffic or lines. i cruised out of nola last weekend--just back this past saturday--and i arrived at the port at 11:00. there was no line whatsoever, no backup for the taxi drop off, and i only had to wait MAYBE ten minutes to board.

 

but i understand your nice lunch desire. the food in nola is fantastic. my suggestion--and what i did--is to enjoy a late breakfast/brunch. i had a meal at stanley around 9:45 that morning--cornmeal crusted softshell crab eggs benedict (oh my...so good...) and was still on the ship by 11:30.

 

have a great trip!

[mfeenker]

Seems like most people arrive at port earlier than suggested in the cruise info - 11:00 a.m. as opposed to the 1:00 p.m. suggested in info I've seen. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to arriving at port around 1:00-2:00 (posted sailing time about 4:30)? I would like to enjoy a good lunch in New Orleans before boarding ship. Thanks.

An advantage of arriving after 1PM is your stateroom should be available as most ships don't open the passageways to staterooms till then and you will have to shelp your carry on/s till then.

[Lynda59]

I usually go on the later side - no matter where it is. Before 9/11 I went as late as after 3:00pm so I would not have to take a vacation day. I think most cruise lines want you to check-in at least 90 minutes prior to sailing and I think 60 minutes is mandatory.

 

The only cruise where we has a problem was the one in New Orleans during Mardi Gras week with lots & lots of kids since they are off of school that week. That cruise took a long time to check-in. Besides being sold-out almost everyone was 4 to a room.

 

I was on cruise that disembarked in Boston that was delayed by Customs for some non-U.S. citizens that they could not find. We did not get off the boat until after 11:00am and it really caused a major traffic jam with people trying to get off (with the taxi line) and the people for the next cruise trying to get on so early.

[CruzieSue]

Thanks for your replies. We will be dropped off either by cousin who is a NOLA resident or by taxi. My main concern was having to haul around the carry-ons until room was ready. Since we'll have all afternoon, night and next day to explore the ship, there's no need to get there as early as possible. I think we'll aim for 1:00-1:30 and see how that goes.