champagneandbotox Posted August 16, 2018 #1 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Do you prefer being among the first to board? One of the last to board? Somewhere in the middle? Perhaps you vary depending on Embarkation terminal? This is my second cruise and I have picked the earliest slot available, 9:30-10:00 arrival. My previous cruise was my first and my travel partner and I flew in the day of, arriving at the terminal around 11:30 and we were onboard by 1PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted August 16, 2018 #2 Share Posted August 16, 2018 We arrive around 11 and are usually on board Btwn 11:30-45. I like to get there early bc I can’t wait to get started!! We enjoy having lunch in MDR and then exploring the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted August 16, 2018 #3 Share Posted August 16, 2018 We try and arrive by 10AM and board as early as possible . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare www3traveler Posted August 16, 2018 #4 Share Posted August 16, 2018 I love being among the first to board and watching the ship come alive with excitement from those boarding especially those that are either new to cruising or the first time on a particular ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted August 16, 2018 #5 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Earlier is preferred especially if you have dining reservations shore excursions etc. loose ends that need adjustment alteration a chance to check on your cabin if available to see if the arrangement is what you want. And why of course to start the sail-away party early. On the larger ships nice to have more time to get familiar with the layout - find out where the dead ends and areas of congestion are to avoid. Early is much better to relax and not feel rushed. Arriving late and run here and there - do this do that - OH the muster drill but I need a sail-away cocktail - are we there yet too late for dinner reservations - lines too long - a hundred and one reasons to up the blood pressure - some folks thrive on this sort of thing - NOT ME ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doitforlove Posted August 16, 2018 #6 Share Posted August 16, 2018 We like to get there around 10:30/11 so we board fairly early but not the first ones on board. Then we head to box office to book entertainment and then MDR for drinks and lunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerman2 Posted August 16, 2018 #7 Share Posted August 16, 2018 We like to get on as early as possible. 1) Enjoy the hustle and bustle at dock. 2) Get the party started. 3 Enjoy that first adult beverage. 4) Lunch before the multitude of pax show up. 5) Change/make dinner/show reservations. 6) Yes it is great watching the ship come alive. 7) Beats sitting at the hotel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billslowsky Posted August 16, 2018 #8 Share Posted August 16, 2018 I like late. Short waits to check in. Room more likely to be ready. Public areas clog up with people and their bags, no thanks. Same for getting off, the ship provides virtually no services. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Laszlo Posted August 16, 2018 #9 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Very early, for one reason only to try and get Vibe passes. No Vibe pass ships we arrive 11:00am -Noon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerman2 Posted August 16, 2018 #10 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Very early, for one reason only to try and get Vibe passes. No Vibe pass ships we arrive 11:00am -Noon Yep another good reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BostonGal35 Posted August 16, 2018 #11 Share Posted August 16, 2018 we get there between 930 and 10. we like to be on board ASAP. then we can make any changes to dining rezzies, settle in for a leisurely lunch and drinks in the MDR, then explore a bit and rooms are usually ready. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Huntingdon1701 Posted August 16, 2018 #12 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Generally later in the day so there is no queuing, and because I can spend the morning looking around the departure port (if it's not somewhere I'm familiar with). I'm going early to Southampton though, because I've just turned platinum and want to enjoy the comfy waiting facility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
latebloomer56 Posted August 16, 2018 #13 Share Posted August 16, 2018 I like late. Short waits to check in. Room more likely to be ready. Public areas clog up with people and their bags, no thanks. Same for getting off, the ship provides virtually no services. Same here if we have been on the ship before new ships we tend to go earlier. With NCL if we don't have a suite we have had to lug our carry on bag around so better chance cabin is ready later as well. As for reservations booked in advance but want to be sure we are all set well I'll wait in line I guess. It's like this go early wait on the dock go late wait for dining :) six of one half dozen of the other :). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tatka Posted August 16, 2018 #14 Share Posted August 16, 2018 We try and arrive by 10AM and board as early as possible .Same here. We want to have full day of enjoyment.If embarkation port is of interest for us we try to arrive 1-2 days before or spend time there afterwards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigNance Posted August 16, 2018 #15 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Early. Get the party started....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gooch47 Posted August 16, 2018 #16 Share Posted August 16, 2018 As early as my husband will agree to, LOL. I am such a worry wart that I'm sure we'll miss the ship if we go later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CruisinCrow Posted August 16, 2018 #17 Share Posted August 16, 2018 We get there as early as we can. We've already paid for the day, might as well get the most of it. :) Also, it's a good time to take pictures of some of the public areas without as many people around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snirpville Posted August 16, 2018 #18 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Usually later - around mid day works for me. We usually have a hotel and I like to take my time that morning before checking out and then arriving at port. We took a tour/transfer service from Anchorage to Seward and arrived at the ship around 2pm which was great. No lines, no waiting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted August 16, 2018 #19 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Enough to have 3-4 beverages before muster... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiser_1977 Posted August 16, 2018 #20 Share Posted August 16, 2018 (edited) Early as possible! I'll wake up at 0400 if necessary. My vacation begins as soon as my feet hit the deck! Edited August 16, 2018 by JennyB1977 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GA Dave Posted August 16, 2018 #21 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buttwig Posted August 16, 2018 #22 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Enough to have 3-4 beverages before muster... ^ This. Also to have lunch so those 3-4 beverages don't come back up during muster. :'):'):') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xranger39 Posted August 16, 2018 #23 Share Posted August 16, 2018 I also agree with those in favor of early arrival. If you enjoy gong to the spa throughout the week, there are also specials you can book on board which have limited amounts of spaces (such as thermal suite packages). Giving yourself the gift of a few hours also allows you to find a good sail away spot, a chance to get used to the layout of the ship, even a short nap if needed :) Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunter1224 Posted August 16, 2018 #24 Share Posted August 16, 2018 Are all the dining rooms open for lunch on departure day ? I will be sailing on the Bliss . and would be a great place to get our group to meet up at :cool: We arrive around 11 and are usually on board Btwn 11:30-45. I like to get there early bc I can’t wait to get started!! We enjoy having lunch in MDR and then exploring the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chigirlcruzin Posted August 16, 2018 #25 Share Posted August 16, 2018 I have 25 cruises under my belt. First 23 cruises I’d get to the port around 10-10:30 and be amongst the first on, for many of the reasons listed by others. The last two cruises, I ended up sleeping in at my pre-cruise hotel, and got to the ports around noon. No waiting in line, and I was able to walk right on the ship after checking in at both Miami (Escape December 17) and Barcelona (Epic July 18). I’ll aim for noon in the future. I find Vibe overrated and I like not having to wait around. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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