Gem 11/15/14

[Babs1121]

We are sailing at 3PM so what time do you think we can check in? Will they let us into the port by 9:30 or 10 so we can wait for them to start the checkin? Thank you

[njhorseman]

Yes, you can arrive and enter the building between 9:30 and 10, but you may have to stand around and wait for them to open the security lines and check in counter. Check in start time doesn't seem to be that consistent, but that could be due to the ship's arrival time and whether the prior cruise's passengers all exited the ship.

[Babs1121]

Thank you

[spidybabe]

Boarding usually starts by noon...sometimes little sooner....sometimes later. It depends on how quickly the last passengers disembark. Most things aboard are opened (no duty free shops or casino yet). They will try to send you to the buffet to eat, but we like going to the MDR to start the cruise with a nice relaxing meal. we love the Gem...great ship and crew.

Safe sailing

[pixiedustdawn]

You can enter the port very early (7 am) and sit and wait until about 10 ish when they start letting you through to check in. Most likely boarding will be between 11:30 and 12:00.

[cliffd64]

You can enter the terminal area early, but you will be herded into a corner to wait until security is active and generally scowled at by the terminal workers until it's time to go through security. There's really no benefit in getting there before security is active.

[pixiedustdawn]

Boarding usually starts by noon...sometimes little sooner....sometimes later. It depends on how quickly the last passengers disembark. Most things aboard are opened (no duty free shops or casino yet). They will try to send you to the buffet to eat, but we like going to the MDR to start the cruise with a nice relaxing meal. we love the Gem...great ship and crew.

Safe sailing

 

 

What time are you getting to the port next week?

[pixiedustdawn]

You can enter the terminal area early, but you will be herded into a corner to wait until security is active and generally scowled at by the terminal workers until it's time to go through security. There's really no benefit in getting there before security is active.

 

 

Scowled at?

[cliffd64]

Scowled at?

 

 

Oh yes... It is New York. The terminal workers outside of security area are generally disapproving of people who arrive earlier than expected. It will show in their demeanor.

[pixiedustdawn]

I never noticed and I usually get there before the workers arrive. They are always friendly to me.

[cliffd64]

I've been several times myself, and they always seem to get aggravated and short tempered with people in my experience. Gruff is the best adjective I can think of.

[mugtech]

I've been several times myself, and they always seem to get aggravated and short tempered with people in my experience. Gruff is the best adjective I can think of.

 

Sounds like you need some pixiedust.

[sjnyc323]

I usually get there about 9:30am

[pixiedustdawn]

Sounds like you need some pixiedust.

 

 

I have plenty to sprinkle! :)

[mattR]

Is check-in before security? Thinking of getting to the port around 9:30 drop the bags check-in then head over to the Intrepid next door for a couple hours. Would this plan work?

[Tuxman22]

Just off the Gem cruise from October 18 -27

 

Got dropped off at the Pier at 925AM. No problem to find ported to take our luggage

Went upstairs where awaiting passengers By 945AM approx. you are lead to security in order that you arrived, and then to check in

By 1015Am we were all checked in and seated ready to board.

Boarding started at approx. 11:50AM. If you are not a priority or special passenger (CAS or Gold or Platinum Lattitudes) your group will receive a boarding number. This starts at 21. Everything below is for those special passengers mentioned above.

 

Enjoy

[njhorseman]

Is check-in before security? Thinking of getting to the port around 9:30 drop the bags check-in then head over to the Intrepid next door for a couple hours. Would this plan work?

 

No, check in is after security, but you can give your checked luggage to a porter outside the terminal doors, then head over to the Intrepid and come back later to clear security, check in and board. Just make sure you're back in time...two hours before sailing. Also, you'll have to take any carry on luggage with you to the Intrepid and it's only practical to do so if you have a very small bag such as a backpack. There's no place to store carry ons.