port days boarding question

[az-cruiser]

I just saw this on NCL website:

Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing. Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking. Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.

I have been on plenty of NCL cruises and we usually get off the ship within 1/2 hour of docking, and last aboard is usually 15 minutes before the ship leaves. We sit on the balcony with a drink and like to encourage the runners! lol!

Did something change?

[ColinIllinois]

That refers to embarking/disembarking on the first/last day at the home port.

[roger001]

That refers to embarking/disembarking on the first/last day at the home port.

 

 

Someday NCL needs to restate that more clearly. Confuses lots of folks. That and calling a mini suite a suite.

[cb at sea]

You will need to be back onboard on PORT days, 30 mins. prior to sail away.

[garycarla]

You will need to be back onboard on PORT days, 30 mins. prior to sail away.

 

Yes, that is the "required" time in each port. In reality, if you show up and the gangway is still in place, they will let you board.

 

In good practice of course - most people shoot for at least an hour before in case of traffic, getting lost, etc.

 

Unless they are at the shops on the pier of course - LOL!

[BirdTravels]

I just saw this on NCL website: Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing. Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking. Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.I have been on plenty of NCL cruises and we usually get off the ship within 1/2 hour of docking, and last aboard is usually 15 minutes before the ship leaves. We sit on the balcony with a drink and like to encourage the runners! lol! Did something change?

 

The wording has been that way on the web site for a long time. It refers to the embarkation port and allows time for those last minute people to resolve any issues that prevent them from boarding and allows the ship to submit their finial manifest to the local immigration authorities.

 

At ports of call, it is generally 30 minutes before departure. They will drop lines at get underway at departure time. People get left behind all the time. On a Mexican Riviera cruise earlier this year, at least three groups hired private tenders to chase the ship (Jewel) after the NCL tenders stopped running and we pulled anchor and were turning in the harbor to get underway. Fortunately, the captain allowed them to board.

[easyboy]

I just saw this on NCL website:

Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing. Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking. Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.

I have been on plenty of NCL cruises and we usually get off the ship within 1/2 hour of docking, and last aboard is usually 15 minutes before the ship leaves. We sit on the balcony with a drink and like to encourage the runners! lol!

Did something change?

Nothing has changed in practice.

[zqvol]

Here is waht NCL says in the FAQ:

 

What time do I board the ship on embarkation day and in ports of call?

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal:

For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing.

Final Boarding Time:

In order to facilitate the embarkation process and the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete Online Check-In at least one day prior to sailing and must complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail. Please note guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at port two (2) hours prior to sailing. Any late arriving guest may join the ship at an approved port of call in the scheduled itinerary. Such guest will be responsible for all applicable fees and travel expenses to that subsequent port of call.

Boarding Time in Ports of Call:

In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest's responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship.

 

 

 

 

https://www.ncl.com/faq#boarding-times

 

In truth usually on board the ship there is a sign that says you have to be back on board 30 minutes prior to departure, not the hour that the FAQs mention.