Early Boarding in San Diego

[Fish42]

Prior to my sail on Nov 9th, I had a brief discussion with my fellow passengers as to whether it was a good idea to show up for early embarkation at the San Diego cruise port when two ships are in town.

 

My experience on this date was great.  Aside from a mis-direction from the cruise port staff (not HAL), everything was very smooth and leisurely.  We arrived at the terminal around 10:20am and were in the waiting area by 10:40am eating cookies.  We boarding about 11:10am and our staterooms were ready.

 

A few of the other passengers suggested to wait until 2:30pm to avoid the crowds and mess of two cruise ships in port.  I disagree.  I was on board the ship for more than three hours prior to this time, which I think was well worth it.

[canadianbear]

Are you 4* or were you in a Neptune suite etc?  That’s amazing! We are heading to San Diego soon for a cruise and debated what time to show up at the pier.  

[Fish42]

Sorry, I should have noted that we were Neptune.

 

BTW, all things Neptune were fantastic.

[DaveOKC]

21 minutes ago, canadianbear said:

Are you 4* or were you in a Neptune suite etc?  That’s amazing! We are heading to San Diego soon for a cruise and debated what time to show up at the pier.  

We boarded in San Diego last April.  Were on by 11:30 AM.  They first boarded handicapped, then Neptunes then 4 or 5 Star.

 

Then everyone else by number.

[SanDiego Single]

18 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

We boarded in San Diego last April.  Were on by 11:30 AM.  They first boarded handicapped, then Neptunes then 4 or 5 Star.

 

Then everyone else by number.

What about a handicapped, Neptune, 4 star?

 

[DaveOKC]

1 minute ago, SanDiego Single said:

What about a handicapped, Neptune, 4 star?

 

They had to board three times.

[DAllenTCY]

November 9th was a Gospel Group chartered cruise. 

 

Only VIP members of that group were allowed to board as early as you did.

 

General boarding began at 11:45 am.

 

David