Boarding arrival times

[peteukmcr]

Please see my points ref if you have other nationalities boarding who are flying in ,boarding is staggered naturally ,due to flights coming in at differnt times.someone is posting on the suite passenger thread about Barbados, I think, and they say because flights are staggered, boarding is easier.

I am slightly worried due to the times we live in when kerb to gangway in 10mins is promised. How thorough are the security checks in that space of time?

I've seen your points regarding those who are flying in.

 

However, what about the point where you mention that most boarding in Southampton are British and so aren't flying in but arriving by car? I agree that could be the case, but as reported previously RCI and Celebrity manage check in and boarding more easily, earlier and faster than it would appear P&O are able to do in Southampton. Wouldn't the majority of their guests still be from the UK and therefore, travelling by car, coach or train just as those of P&O?

 

Why wouldn't the security checks be thorough if you pass through a security scanner immediately you enter the terminal just as in an airport? If, like at major airports, there are many security lines, I don't think it's unattainable. Even without the new online procedures recently being implemented by RCI, their normal check in process can mean you turn up at your time of choosing, not the cruise lines, pass through security, complete a health questionnaire, check in and then board immediately within 30, been there, done it, many times, including in Southampton.

 

I've been on board even before the buffet opens for lunch. OK, cabins are available until 13:00, but I don't drag loads of hand baggage with me, so that's no issue for me.

[kevinyork]

Please see my points ref if you have other nationalities boarding who are flying in ,boarding is staggered naturally ,due to flights coming in at differnt times.someone is posting on the suite passenger thread about Barbados, I think, and they say because flights are staggered, boarding is easier.

 

I am slightly worried due to the times we live in when kerb to gangway in 10mins is promised. How thorough are the security checks in that space of time?

 

 

 

Our RCI and Celebrity cruises have had a more international mix but they definitely do not arrive on flights on the day. Americans/Canadians/Japanese/South Americans could never risk a flight arriving on the day of departure and either overnight in Southampton or have a pre cruise vacation in London. Either way they can be at the port early if they wish and have no issue boarding.

 

The kerb to gangway in 10 mins has no impact on security protocol which is the same in the Ocean Terminal (P&O) and the City Terminal (RCI, Celebrity). The difference is everything is done online in advance and on the biggest ships passengers select their own boarding slot. As they have selected their slot they are more likely to stick to it rather than being given an arbitrary slot by P&O that bears no relation to their travel arrangements. RCI and Celebrity invest in better procedures to benefit their passengers whilst P&O take backward steps and inconvenience their passengers more.

 

Having boarded Celebrity 5 times and Royal twice in Southampton I can confirm they have the boarding process managed extremely well. Maybe this is based on US boarding where Americans wouldn't stand for underinvestment leading to delays or enforced random arrival times whereas P&Os clientele (at least on here) roll over and accept whatever P&O impose in them.

 

Before we moved from P&O to the US lines our early arrivals at Southampton never seemed to be an issue. They were smooth and the Ocean terminal coped. I really don't see where the notion of a shipload of passengers turning up before noon has come from as it wasn't our experience, especially as the coaches would be spread from 12-3pm dependant on where they originated. P&O have spun their propaganda machine to support set boarding times and unfortunately many have swallowed the lies. There is a better way and the US lines already know that.

 

 

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[bee-ess]

I

 

I've been on board even before the buffet opens for lunch. OK, cabins are available until 13:00, but I don't drag loads of hand baggage with me, so that's no issue for me.

 

I don't care about the cabins being ready either - much rather be on earlier and carry the hand luggage until it is.

[CCFC]

I got on the Emerald Princess (same as Azura and Ventura) three weeks ago at Ocean Terminal and arrived at 12, was aboard by 12:30. There was next to no queue, in fact the preferred boarding queue was longer (five people as opposed to two). The room was ready when I got aboard.

 

I have been on RCI and arrived at 11:15 (as requested in my cruise personaliser) and was aboard by 11:40.

 

Other lines can do it why cant P&O.

 

As an aside I was taken off the ship at 3:45pm just before muster to be told to open my suitcase in the terminal (which was completely empty) which they had had for 4 hours. They were after my penknife which I have taken many times before, showed it to them, they measured it, gave it me back and got escorted back to the ship. They said next time to put it in carry on bags...

[jeanlyon]

What is it that you all want to do when you get on board at 11.30? so you have lunch and unpack and then what - wander around while all the others board? As long as you are on the ship before she sails, that must surely be the only importance.

[kevinyork]

What is it that you all want to do when you get on board at 11.30? so you have lunch and unpack and then what - wander around while all the others board? As long as you are on the ship before she sails, that must surely be the only importance.

 

 

 

People want to start their holiday, arriving at a time that suits them, have lunch, explore, unpack, prepare for Muster and then for dinner or evening drinks all without rushing.

 

Unfortunately P&O like to place a spanner in the works of that ideal.

 

 

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[Scriv]

People want to start their holiday, arriving at a time that suits them, have lunch, explore, unpack, prepare for Muster and then for dinner or evening drinks all without rushing.

 

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Yes, but 3000-4000 people can't do that all at once....

[peteukmcr]

What is it that you all want to do when you get on board at 11.30? so you have lunch and unpack and then what - wander around while all the others board? Yes, it's called 'relaxing' As long as you are on the ship before she sails, that must surely be the only importance. No, not IMHO

What do we want to do? We want to start and relax on holiday not hang around a city waiting to get into a metal hanger type building, and be herded around like cattle. Travelling to a port can be time consuming and stressful.

 

We enjoy exploring what is to be our new home for the next 'x' number of days, and plan the events we would like to attend once we get the cruise summary (oh sorry, not sure if you get that on P&O), especially if it's a ship we haven't sailed on before. Scope out our muster station so we know where we've to head to at muster. For example, exploring Azura because we didn't board until nearly 3 pm didn't happen.

 

We like to get our sail away champagne (our tradition) on ice, so it's nice and cold by the time we sail.

 

We like to choose a comfy chair or seat and enjoy a nice cocktail or beer. Then we can prepare for muster, not dump our carry on baggage, unpack (to let the creases drop out of our formal wear) and rush off.

 

No, being on board the ship before she sails is just not good enough as boarding late is too rushed. JMHO

[Azafran]

Our RCI and Celebrity cruises have had a more international mix but they definitely do not arrive on flights on the day. Americans/Canadians/Japanese/South Americans could never risk a flight arriving on the day of departure and either overnight in Southampton or have a pre cruise vacation in London. Either way they can be at the port early if they wish and have no issue boarding.

 

The kerb to gangway in 10 mins has no impact on security protocol which is the same in the Ocean Terminal (P&O) and the City Terminal (RCI, Celebrity). The difference is everything is done online in advance and on the biggest ships passengers select their own boarding slot. As they have selected their slot they are more likely to stick to it rather than being given an arbitrary slot by P&O that bears no relation to their travel arrangements. RCI and Celebrity invest in better procedures to benefit their passengers whilst P&O take backward steps and inconvenience their passengers more.

 

Having boarded Celebrity 5 times and Royal twice in Southampton I can confirm they have the boarding process managed extremely well. Maybe this is based on US boarding where Americans wouldn't stand for underinvestment leading to delays or enforced random arrival times whereas P&Os clientele (at least on here) roll over and accept whatever P&O impose in them.

 

Before we moved from P&O to the US lines our early arrivals at Southampton never seemed to be an issue. They were smooth and the Ocean terminal coped. I really don't see where the notion of a shipload of passengers turning up before noon has come from as it wasn't our experience, especially as the coaches would be spread from 12-3pm dependant on where they originated. P&O have spun their propaganda machine to support set boarding times and unfortunately many have swallowed the lies. There is a better way and the US lines already know that.

 

 

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Having just experienced for the first time a Celebrity check-in at Southampton Ocean terminal for the Eclipse (I think the same cruise you were on) we were amazed at how BAD it was and were laughing to ourselves, thinking and they say P&O & Cunard boarding is bad, it was chaos, we got there at mid-day and stood in long lines waiting to check in, so all this talk about Celebrity are so much better, in our opinion and experience is not true. Not enough staff at checkin, even some of those there had to travel from Harwich that very day to help out.

 

Not everything is rosy in the garden of Celebrity check in. Not saying it is all good with others but please stop this talk about Celebrity being excellent at check in.

[mondas42]

What do we want to do? We want to start and relax on holiday not hang around a city waiting to get into a metal hanger type building, and be herded around like cattle. Travelling to a port can be time consuming and stressful.

 

We enjoy exploring what is to be our new home for the next 'x' number of days, and plan the events we would like to attend once we get the cruise summary (oh sorry, not sure if you get that on P&O), especially if it's a ship we haven't sailed on before. Scope out our muster station so we know where we've to head to at muster. For example, exploring Azura because we didn't board until nearly 3 pm didn't happen.

 

We like to get our sail away champagne (our tradition) on ice, so it's nice and cold by the time we sail.

 

We like to choose a comfy chair or seat and enjoy a nice cocktail or beer. Then we can prepare for muster, not dump our carry on baggage, unpack (to let the creases drop out of our formal wear) and rush off.

 

No, being on board the ship before she sails is just not good enough as boarding late is too rushed. JMHO

 

Totally agree, my holiday starts once I get onboard, and boy do I look forward to my holidays.

[terrierjohn]

Yes, but 3000-4000 people can't do that all at once....

Certainly P&O could not cope, but I wager RCI?Celebrity could, despite Azafran's comments above which is something I have never experienced myself with Celebrity.

[GolferT]

I know people will probably give me loads of stick for this........but if use are so unhappy with p&o boarding procedure why do use book with them.

 

If it's such a issue that it's made out to be on this thread why don't people book with the companies that apparently do it better.

 

I know one thing for sure I certainly ain't worrying about what embarkation time I get on my cruise in oct, if I get a late one so be it, I'm travelling from the north so booked into a hotel night before, so after checkout I'm sure I can occupy a few hours before making a move to the terminal.......I certainly won't lose any sleep over it.

 

If I ever get to a point where I'm annoyed at a certain thing p&o are doing I will just go and spend my money somewhere else,not complaining on a thread where nothing will change it.

 

I thought this forum was for help and advice.......but suppose the clue is in the name

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[peteukmcr]

I know people will probably give me loads of stick for this........but if use are so unhappy with p&o boarding procedure why do use book with them.

 

If it's such a issue that it's made out to be on this thread why don't people book with the companies that apparently do it better.

 

I know one thing for sure I certainly ain't worrying about what embarkation time I get on my cruise in oct, if I get a late one so be it, I'm travelling from the north so booked into a hotel night before, so after checkout I'm sure I can occupy a few hours before making a move to the terminal.......I certainly won't lose any sleep over it.

 

If I ever get to a point where I'm annoyed at a certain thing p&o are doing I will just go and spend my money somewhere else,not complaining on a thread where nothing will change it.

 

I thought this forum was for help and advice.......but suppose the clue is in the name

 

 

 

 

 

J

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Yes, check out my future cruises, no P&O ones there despite purchasing a Fcc. Not found a deal yet that warrants a £50 pp with P&O. I could spend that in an afternoon, if I could get on board at what I consider a civilised time. Anyway, off to plan my Manhattan prize trip.

[peteukmcr]

Having just experienced for the first time a Celebrity check-in at Southampton Ocean terminal for the Eclipse (I think the same cruise you were on) we were amazed at how BAD it was and were laughing to ourselves, thinking and they say P&O & Cunard boarding is bad, it was chaos, we got there at mid-day and stood in long lines waiting to check in, so all this talk about Celebrity are so much better, in our opinion and experience is not true. Not enough staff at checkin, even some of those there had to travel from Harwich that very day to help out.

 

Not everything is rosy in the garden of Celebrity check in. Not saying it is all good with others but please stop this talk about Celebrity being excellent at check in.

Didn't know Celebrity used the Ocean terminal seeing the parent company has an exclusive contract with the City Terminal as my earlier post stated. What cruise was this? Did you report the poor embarkation process to the cruise line?

 

OK, just realised, I'm getting too involved again, too judgemental, so off I go into the "sunset", play nice people.

Edited June 9, 2016 by peteukmcr

[GolferT]

Yes, check out my future cruises, no P&O ones there despite purchasing a Fcc. Not found a deal yet that warrants a £50 pp with P&O. I could spend that in an afternoon, if I could get on board at what I consider a civilised time. Anyway, off to plan my Manhattan prize trip.

 

 

So if your not going to go with p&o again why you so concerned over there embarkation procedure.......or are you trying to just slate the company to put people off cruising with them??

 

Also I don't get why you mentioned a Manhattan prize?? Is that relevant to this thread like as I must of missed that one??

 

 

 

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Edited June 9, 2016 by GolferT

[BrianI]

Didn't know Celebrity used the Ocean terminal seeing the parent company has an exclusive contract with the City Terminal as my earlier post stated. What cruise was this? Did you report the poor embarkation process to the cruise line?

.

The cruise on 22 May was Ocean terminal as Harmony of the seas was at the City terminal.

Brian

[peteukmcr]

So if your not going to go with p&o again why you so concerned over there embarkation procedure.......or are you trying to just slate the company to put people off cruising with them??

 

Also I don't get why you mentioned a Manhattan prize?? Is that relevant to this thread like as I must of missed that one??

 

 

 

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As I have stated on numerous previous occasions, this is cruise critic and I have the right to discuss the embarkation process as I have now experienced it first hand. I am concerned because I would like to see it improved.

 

No, the Manhattan trip isn't relevant, but then again neither were earlier discussions about salutations with regard to boarding times. Perhaps I'm just saying that I have better things to do than continue this discussion. :rolleyes:

[insanemagnet]

if use are so unhappy with p&o boarding procedure why do use book with them.

 

If it's such a issue that it's made out to be on this thread why don't people book with the companies that apparently do it better.

 

Because a cruise is a basket of 'products' - environment, food, service, entertainment, etc, and embarkation is just one element.

 

You would be foolish to reject a product because one element was not as good as it could be, when everything else is delivered well, unless that element was an absolute deal breaker.

 

It is not surprising that people express an opinion on a product they like, especially when the supplier has changed it from good to poor (in their opinion).

 

To be honest the new embarkation procedure reminds me of Ryanair of a few years back, before (in the words of the CEO) they decided "not to piss people off unnecessarily".

[Goosebear Mum]

'First impressions count'...

 

Heard that? We did our first cruise last December. Loved everything, EXCEPT the shambolic embarkation. Had to drive down from 'the North' the day before. Had to check out at lunchtime. Had a 15:00 check in time. Hung around the hotel lobby (pretty tedious) as it was a cold damp day, till a taxi to us to Mayflower. Arrived 14.30. Got to check in desk at 15.40, on ship c.4pm... No one to greet us except a photographer in a Santa suit who tried to force us to have photos. I walked off saying I just want to find our cabin. No one around to direct us. Got to cabin as muster called. Sat in muster ages as everyone hadn't yet got on board! Rushed to sailaway, realised we were not going to sail away. Then had to get sorted for 6.30 dinner. It was not the relaxing introduction to our first cruise. We're 'lucky' that the ship had engine problems so we didn't start sailing till after midnight, so we were able to finally start getting our 'bearings' after dinner and before we hit less stable water!

 

Sorry but it was shambolic and chaotic and poor.

 

I loved everything else about that Christmas cruise, but first impressions are what stick. We're going again this Christmas/New Year, again on Aurora, as we loved her; but, I really hope the embarkation is a LOT better. At least we'll now know our way if staff have given up by 4pm and gone off...

 

So, yes, I do think embarkation is a valid topic, and discussion, until it improves.

 

 

GM.

[terrierjohn]

Didn't know Celebrity used the Ocean terminal seeing the parent company has an exclusive contract with the City Terminal as my earlier post stated. What cruise was this? Did you report the poor embarkation process to the cruise line?

 

OK, just realised, I'm getting too involved again, too judgemental, so off I go into the "sunset", play nice people.

I confess I did not read Azafran's post fully and did not pick up on the Ocean terminal comment, although I had read elsewhere that Eclipse was having to use Ocean for one cruise because Harmony was at City terminal.

I think this experience reinforces my oft quoted comment that security at Ocean and Mayflower is in the wrong place and should be right at the beginning of the check in process. Clearly even Celebrity are unable to make the Ocean check in work smoothly and efficiently, although in their defence I imagine they would improve if it was their regular berth.

So perhaps we all need to help P&O improve their boarding process and suggest they relocate security when filling in our cruise questionnaires, but don't hold your breath.

[moqui_girl]

Great points Pete, I agree that Barcelona boarding is very efficient, but Southampton manage to board the Celebrity and RCI ships early and efficiently so why not the P&O ships - seems to be P&O's embarkation system that is at fault.

 

 

This is exactly the issue. I can't agree with people who say that's it's the fault of Southampton or the methods of transport that passengers have travelled on. Other cruise lines just do it better - in the same place with similar passenger mix (and with bigger ships). They seem to invest in more check-in staff and definitely have better technology.

 

Our last p&o cruise left on a Monday and we were the only ship sizeable ship in port. Embarkation was still tedious and chaotic.

 

It's not enough to ruin a cruise but it did leave me harassed on the first day. Not the best start to a holiday.......

 

 

 

 

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[kruzseeka]

Because a cruise is a basket of 'products' - environment, food, service, entertainment, etc, and embarkation is just one element.

 

You would be foolish to reject a product because one element was not as good as it could be, when everything else is delivered well, unless that element was an absolute deal breaker.

 

It is not surprising that people express an opinion on a product they like, especially when the supplier has changed it from good to poor (in their opinion).

 

To be honest the new embarkation procedure reminds me of Ryanair of a few years back, before (in the words of the CEO) they decided "not to piss people off unnecessarily".

 

 

You make very valid points. Discussing issues is surely one function of the forum. That will involve many points of view. And expressing those doesn't mean that you haven't enjoyed your cruise or that there isn't much about the cruise line which you think they do well. Constructive criticism may result in an even better product. And pointing out things which could be done better isn't a complaint necessarily - a critical eye can bring about significant change and not always at much cost other than a willingness to consider alternatives.

 

 

 

 

'First impressions count'...

 

Heard that? We did our first cruise last December. Loved everything, EXCEPT the shambolic embarkation. Had to drive down from 'the North' the day before. Had to check out at lunchtime. Had a 15:00 check in time. Hung around the hotel lobby (pretty tedious) as it was a cold damp day, till a taxi to us to Mayflower. Arrived 14.30. Got to check in desk at 15.40, on ship c.4pm... No one to greet us except a photographer in a Santa suit who tried to force us to have photos. I walked off saying I just want to find our cabin. No one around to direct us. Got to cabin as muster called. Sat in muster ages as everyone hadn't yet got on board! Rushed to sailaway, realised we were not going to sail away. Then had to get sorted for 6.30 dinner. It was not the relaxing introduction to our first cruise. We're 'lucky' that the ship had engine problems so we didn't start sailing till after midnight, so we were able to finally start getting our 'bearings' after dinner and before we hit less stable water!

 

Sorry but it was shambolic and chaotic and poor.

 

 

So, yes, I do think embarkation is a valid topic, and discussion, until it improves.

 

 

GM.

 

 

We experienced a similar situation as we were on a cruise of 35 nights and apparently new maritime law requires passengers to carry out another muster drill after a month. Our muster was called and we sat for ages only to be told there was a delay as one of the ship's trips hadn't returned! Why hadn't they checked with the security personnel at the gangway to see if everyone was on board and accounted for? A very simple thing to have done and a failure in management procedures to overlook the obvious. So easily solved but an indication of how easily passengers can be frustrated by organisational issues which could be remedied. It happened on our cruise and on yours too so not an isolated incident. It needs flagging up so that those responsible didn't make that mistake again. Not good PR - solve it in one simple directive ('Check everyone is on board!) and the problem and irritation has gone away.

 

We can hope that P&O do consider issues raised by passengers and where appropriate re-look at their organisation, adopt a flexible approach and be prepared to make changes in a quest to seek continual improvement.

Edited June 10, 2016 by kruzseeka

[GolferT]

As I have stated on numerous previous occasions, this is cruise critic and I have the right to discuss the embarkation process as I have now experienced it first hand. I am concerned because I would like to see it improved.

 

 

 

No, the Manhattan trip isn't relevant, but then again neither were earlier discussions about salutations with regard to boarding times. Perhaps I'm just saying that I have better things to do than continue this discussion. :rolleyes:

 

 

Yeah I've met a few people that like to do that on my last cruise.........

 

 

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[GolferT]

I accept everyone will have different experiences and ideas about how p&o should run there business.

 

I'd like to say well done p&o, it finally looks like your adapting and changing for the good (I'm not just referring to the boarding times). It's time to move on and change for the better. On my first cruise the freedom dining was over subscribed showing that the MAJORITY no longer want set dining times. The select restaurants were full as people would rather pay than do the old way.

 

I embrace change however it seems to cause up roar on here, I'm just glad that this forum only reflects the minority.

 

If I used this forum before I went on my first cruise I would never have booked it, it portrays cruising as a terrible holiday where there is so much to pick at. When in reality it's the best holiday I've probably had.

 

Anyways I've got some house work to do (seems like some people like to state what they have planned on here) so best be going

 

 

 

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[Scriv]

I think it's really good to hear feasible suggestions from people who have the skills, knowledge, experience and insight to be able to offer alternative, practical and workable improvements taking in account the infrastructure and its limitations - all that which can be improved and that which can't. I think these suggestions should be sent to the powers that be and would hope that they would at least consider ideas. Most of us can only really say what we would like to happen as regards its benefit and effect on us personally.

 

I also believe it is a mistake to hope for a return to the previous system. It needed a change. If first impressions really counted that much, I would not have returned to P&O as my first experiences of everyone barging to be on early and getting verbally attacked in the embarkation queue ( 4 hours before sailing time) because my queue had moved faster than his, falling over people and loads of hand (?) luggage in the grossly overcrowded buffet, bun fight whilst people were off to claim their free lunch, stealing your chair if you as much as looked away..... Sorry folks, that was a side of the old system you may not have experienced but a reason why to me, the new system is a lot better as there is some control.