What time should we get to docks for a 12 PM embarkation?

[cruiseagona]

Norwegian says we shouldn't get to the docks before 11 am for a 12 noon embarkation. But realistically, we're going to be very excited and ready to go earlier than that.

1. If we get there earlier, will there be somewhere for us to sit and people watch? (we're leaving from Miami)

2. How long does it take to get through the lines to embark?

3. Are there any special hints I need to know to make this process smoother? (we're spending the night before in a hotel so we'll be ready to go) Thanks.

[runner15km]

Leave your hotel around 10:30am and have your boarding pass in hand to enter the building also have your luggage tagged. There will be plenty of seats at this time and you should be on by 12:30. Have fun.

Edited December 14, 2013 by runner15km

[VideoTech]

NCL doesn't want you there before 11 because they are still disembarking the previous cruise up until that time. If you get there before they allow you into the embarkation area, there is nothing except a few concrete walls to sit on.

 

Miami is a very busy port and the lines to get into the building can be long around noon because that's when many passengers arrive...all of whom are just as excited as you to get their cruise started.

 

Tips: When you arrive have your luggage tags already on your suitcases. Porters will take them from you right at the start, and you won't see them again until that afternoon or evening outside your cabin door. That means you need to make sure you have any medications or other important items in your carry on bag. If you want to go swimming or lounge on the pool deck in your bathing suit, put it in your carry on or wear it under your clothing. You won't be allowed into your cabin until about 2pm or so, but there are places to change if you want to swim.

 

You'll be directed to a line to pass through a metal detector and have your carry on bags screened by x-ray, just as they used to do at airports way back when. If you're trying to smuggle on any liquor, it will be found and taken from you at that time.

 

After the security check, you'll be handed or told to pick up a health form. Fill it out as you wait in one of many lines to let them swipe your credit card, take your photo, and print you a boarding card/room key. If you're not a VIP, Casinos at Sea, or Suite guest, these lines can be long at the peak time.

 

Boarding usually proceeds pretty smoothly and efficiently. They've got a system and they know how to do it! You may have to wait a few minutes after you've completed all the paperwork and have your boarding pass, but it's usually not long.

 

As you board the ship you'll be given an opportunity to pose for the first of many portraits. Your choice...bypass it if you don't want one.

 

Have fun!

[duce95]

NCL doesn't want you there before 11 because they are still disembarking the previous cruise up until that time. If you get there before they allow you into the embarkation area, there is nothing except a few concrete walls to sit on.

 

Miami is a very busy port and the lines to get into the building can be long around noon because that's when many passengers arrive...all of whom are just as excited as you to get their cruise started.

 

Tips: When you arrive have your luggage tags already on your suitcases. Porters will take them from you right at the start, and you won't see them again until that afternoon or evening outside your cabin door. That means you need to make sure you have any medications or other important items in your carry on bag. If you want to go swimming or lounge on the pool deck in your bathing suit, put it in your carry on or wear it under your clothing. You won't be allowed into your cabin until about 2pm or so, but there are places to change if you want to swim.

 

You'll be directed to a line to pass through a metal detector and have your carry on bags screened by x-ray, just as they used to do at airports way back when. If you're trying to smuggle on any liquor, it will be found and taken from you at that time.

 

After the security check, you'll be handed or told to pick up a health form. Fill it out as you wait in one of many lines to let them swipe your credit card, take your photo, and print you a boarding card/room key. If you're not a VIP, Casinos at Sea, or Suite guest, these lines can be long at the peak time.

 

Boarding usually proceeds pretty smoothly and efficiently. They've got a system and they know how to do it! You may have to wait a few minutes after you've completed all the paperwork and have your boarding pass, but it's usually not long.

 

As you board the ship you'll be given an opportunity to pose for the first of many portraits. Your choice...bypass it if you don't want one.

 

Have fun!

 

If you are VIP CAS or Suite guest, is there a priority line to enter the terminal or does the VIP treatment start once past the metal detectors?

[ksimpso3]

If you are VIP CAS or Suite guest, is there a priority line to enter the terminal or does the VIP treatment start once past the metal detectors?

 

Everyone goes through same line to get through security, then there will be separate lines for VIP/suites/Latitudes to finish the check-in process.

[roger001]

My thoughts...we like to get to the port as early as possible, usually 10:30ish. That is ahead of most of the crowd. The terminal may not be receiving guest for check in quite yet and possibly a small line to wait in outside the terminal. However, you will begin processing soon, move through very quickly, and there will be a waiting area with seats until boarding the ship begins. Ship boarding, if all in normal, is usually about 11:30, sometimes a bit sooner. Then you are on the ship, vacation has begun, eat, drink, and people watch.