What time to get to X OS in NJ?

[mpdahmer]

We live about 15 minutes from the port in Bayonne NJ and can get there whenever we want to. We have heard some people say they had to wait a couple hours to board while others were on in minutes. Also the fact of waiting till 1:30 to get to your cabin and large crowds in the wind jammer.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[KMagz]

Interested as well.

[cruisinfanatic]

We've always shot for 11 and haven't run into any huge traffic waits

[ERIE 13]

10:30-11:00 is fine

[johnboy]

We generally shoot for arrival time of around 10:30 at the pier. Between unloading, parking, walking back to terminal, and checking in, only have a very short time to wait before boarding the bus to the ship. They start boarding around 11:30.

 

Depending on your boarding sequence, you'll be among the first ones to the WJ and will pretty much have your choice of tables. By the time you finished lunch, it will be getting crowded. At that point, we normally head to one of the bars for a drink (or two) before the rooms are opened at around 1:30.

 

John

[JMG]

We got to the pier at about 10:30. We drove and parked at the pier. You make the loop and there are plenty of traffic personnel there to tell you where to go to drop off luggage. They then direct you out of the luggage area and we parked the car. Walked over to the terminal, did the security screening. We had priority check in and there was no line. We sat in the lounge for about 45 minutes and then they boarded a wedding party, disabled, and then started with priority passengers. We were amoung the first in the Windjammer. Found a seat and one sat with the carryon while the other went for lunch.

By the time we finished eating the Windjammer was at capacity so we left and found a spot to sit and wait for the stateroom. Our luggage arrived at the stateroom around 2:30, we were unpacked and ready to enjoy our time on the ship.

[narrow56]

Sounds like 10:30 is the best time to get there. Thanks for the tips!

[yogimax]

Yes, you can get there early, but they are pretty strict on the cabin access. Be aware, you will have to carry your stuff around until 1 or 1:30.

[narrow56]

Yes, you can get there early, but they are pretty strict on the cabin access. Be aware, you will have to carry your stuff around until 1 or 1:30.

 

That's the part that stinks, but I'm used to it by now. I'm actually considering going to my room and asking if I can just drop my things off!

[mpdahmer]

This is our first cruise on Royal, is it normal to have to wait until 1:30 to get into your cabin? I don't remember this being an issue on any other of our past cruises. Makes us want to limit what we bring on in our carry on or get to the ship for 1:00 - 2:00.

[narrow56]

This is our first cruise on Royal, is it normal to have to wait until 1:30 to get into your cabin? I don't remember this being an issue on any other of our past cruises. Makes us want to limit what we bring on in our carry on or get to the ship for 1:00 - 2:00.

 

All 3 cruises I've been on we've had to wait...though only one was Royal.

[noobcruiser]

Any opinions on arriving @ 1 or 2pm?

 

Is there enough parking to not have to worry about getting to the port early?

[yogimax]

Any opinions on arriving @ 1 or 2pm?

 

Is there enough parking to not have to worry about getting to the port early?

 

Should be fine...

 

Oftentimes there are backups getting into the port, but these are likely to be between 11 and 12:30 when most people want to arrive.

[AAA75]

Any opinions on arriving @ 1 or 2pm?

 

Is there enough parking to not have to worry about getting to the port early?

 

We leave out of Baltimore and get there when they tell us to. Normally you have a time frame RCL wants you there. Since they have done this a couple of times we trust them :) Getting there late may be ok if you dont mind walking(dont know how big NJ's lot is). Baltimore's lot is BIG and we dont like walking far to our car(they do have a shuttle i think) if we get there after 12pm.

 

Sometimes your room is ready early and you can drop your stuff off.

[QBall37]

Thanks for the tips everyone

[ibcnusoon]

Any tips for those in wheelchairs? My dad is joining us and not sure if we should be dropped off and then have DH park or park and wait for a shuttle?

[mapgator]

Any tips for those in wheelchairs? My dad is joining us and not sure if we should be dropped off and then have DH park or park and wait for a shuttle?

 

In Bayonne there is one big loop. . . you pull in off the street and everyone is going the same place and everyone getting off the ship is coming from the same area. The loop will take you to the drop off zone for luggage. You drop off all luggage and peeps and then you back up and follow the loop to your left and then another left behind the row of buildings and you come up to a little booth. . .you pay for parking, you park your car and then walk back to the luggage zone to meet your peeps. They do have handicapped parking which will put you pretty close to the road which you cross to get back to the luggage drop. If you get there early you have peeps getting off the ship trying to get to their cars in the luggage zone and there are peeps trying to drop luggage and peeps off to get on the ship. That time zone is usually between 10:00 and 11:00. By 11:00 must passengers are off the arriving ship. As far as I know there is no shuttle at the Explorer of the Seas. Just try to get there early to allow your self enough time to do everyhing in a timely fashion and not to have to rush. Enjoy your cruise!

[gerif]

That's the part that stinks, but I'm used to it by now. I'm actually considering going to my room and asking if I can just drop my things off!

 

Not possible. In our experience on Explorer, the fire doors leading to the cabins are locked. Cabins are ready at 1:30, except once it was 2 pm.

[sharod]

Question here.......

 

Never sailed out of Bayonne. We need to get to the port between 10:00 and 10:30 to load the motorcycle on the ship. What kind of area will there be to wait in until they allow us to board? I am hoping for some kind of seating, even a hard chair would be appreciated!

[Guest maddycat]

Question here.......

 

Never sailed out of Bayonne. We need to get to the port between 10:00 and 10:30 to load the motorcycle on the ship. What kind of area will there be to wait in until they allow us to board? I am hoping for some kind of seating, even a hard chair would be appreciated!

 

There is in door seating and your guess is right, hard chairs. The check in/waiting area looks like a big tent. It's climate controlled, so you'll be comfortable. There are restrooms. Coffee, juice and cookies will be available.

[sharod]

There is in door seating and your guess is right, hard chairs. The check in/waiting area looks like a big tent. It's climate controlled, so you'll be comfortable. There are restrooms. Coffee, juice and cookies will be available.

 

Thank you so much!

[Guest maddycat]

Thank you so much!

 

You're welcome. I love when we are on a motercycle cruise. We hang out on deck 4 watching the motorcycles leaving and returning to the ship. It's fun to watch the local motorcycle club escorting the visiting motorcycles back to the ship.

[cruisinfanatic]

Not possible. In our experience on Explorer, the fire doors leading to the cabins are locked. Cabins are ready at 1:30, except once it was 2 pm.

doors may open hard, but they are definitely not locked

[mpdahmer]

Question here.......

 

Never sailed out of Bayonne. We need to get to the port between 10:00 and 10:30 to load the motorcycle on the ship. What kind of area will there be to wait in until they allow us to board? I am hoping for some kind of seating, even a hard chair would be appreciated!

 

Would be interested to see that...

[sharod]

Would be interested to see that...

 

We are sailing April 18th.

 

Not actually a motorcycle club, just a small group cruise. Thirty-five bikes max. You must book with 1 particular TA. Google motorcycle cruise, it should be one of the first ones that pop up. They have a video that shows you what it is all about.