Embarkation

[EmmyPytel]

What is the earliest time we can board the ship on embarkation day?

[navybankerteacher]

It depends upon the ship, the itinerary, perhaps even the port.  Unlikely that it could ever be much before 10:00 AM, assuming that you might be  getting a cabin being vacated by a debarking passenger.  Of course your cruise documents will advise - and may even set a specific time (although I have never seen assigned times really enforced).

[TNcruising02]

It depends on the cruise line, port, and how quickly they are able to get the previous cruisers off of the ship.  In my experience on various cruise lines, they typically begin boarding around 11:00 to 11:30.  Priority passengers always get to board first.  Some cruise lines assign a boarding group when passengers check in at the terminal.  Sometimes a boarding group is assigned when people check-in online and choose an appointment time.  It all depends.  If you have a specific cruise in mind, maybe people who have recently sailed on it can give you a more accurate answer.

Edited June 11, 2019 by TNcruising02

[cb at sea]

Generally, if you arrive before 11am, you will be waiting a while.    They must clear the ship of ALL departing passengers prior to allowing anyone new to board.  Aim for 11-11:30am.

[leaveitallbehind]

7 hours ago, EmmyPytel said:

What is the earliest time we can board the ship on embarkation day?

As others have said it would be helpful if you could provide what cruise line / ship and departure port.  The answers provided are generally correct but if we know more specifics we can provide a more specific answer applicable to your cruise.

[jocap]

If you're sailing from Southampton, UK, you'll probably be given a time, on some lines, and sometimes depending on the number of ships in port. Embarkation begins at 11.30am, with a gap around 1pm to 2,30pm, due to the cruise line's organised coaches.

Usually this is organised by which deck you're on... eg on Royal Caribbean, deck 8 was 12.15pm; on P&O deck 14 was 3.30pm.

[TxCityKat]

OP is sailing RCI Freedom of the Seas per their other thread:

 

 

[leaveitallbehind]

48 minutes ago, TxCityKat said:

OP is sailing RCI Freedom of the Seas per their other thread:

 

 

OK then that being the case, they can arrive at the pier around 10:00 - 10:30 for luggage drop off and check in and boarding will begin around 11:00. 

 

And to anticipate what might be their next question, on the last day for disembarkation they will have to be out of their stateroom by 8:30 and off the ship by 9:30 - 10:00 so the ship can be empty of passengers to clear customs so that they can start boarding the next itinerary's passengers by 11:00.

Edited June 12, 2019 by leaveitallbehind