Trying to embark hours before assigned time- what will happen?

[basketballdad]

Going out of port of Miami on Symphony of Seas soon.  We fly in Friday night, ship sails Saturday at 7pm.  We booked less than a week ago and got a 4 pm check in time.  Problem is we can probably get a noon late check out.... 4 hours to kill with luggage.

So... we really dont have alot of choices- go to pier and wait is looking like the best deal.  If we just show up and tell them we have 4 hours to kill and we will just sit on the sidewalk until 4, is there a chance the staff will eventually process us early?

Alternative thougth would be to see if hotel would store our bags and catch an uber to see the new Dune movie to kill a few hours, but still would be early to our check in time.  Question:  If we show up earlier, 4 hours early, would the workers probably find a way to take us earlier, after they got tired of seeing us on the sidewalk in front of the check in doors?

[chucknmarilyn]

Why not find something fun to do? The hotel should let you leave your luggage with them for a few hours.

[basketballdad]

2 minutes ago, chucknmarilyn said:

Why not find something fun to do? The hotel should let you leave your luggage with them for a few hours.

Like maybe go see Dune?  We have a winter home in tampa and we have been to Miami quite a bit... unsure what to do that is really fun... dont want to eat much until on the ship, dont want to shop- suitcases are already full and we want to keep our wallets full for later, dont want to do the beach and get sandy before embarkation, have toured south beach several times... unsure really what to do but a movie while waiting?  We have a week to swim, beach it up, eat, read, relax...  but the real question was will they take pity on us and let us board early?  I guess puppy dog eyes and maybe some cash slipped into the right hands may do it for us?

 

[Biker19]

43 minutes ago, basketballdad said:

If we show up earlier, 4 hours early, would the workers probably find a way to take us earlier, after they got tired of seeing us on the sidewalk in front of the check in doors?

Yes, but keep checking the app for earlier times.

[Kathscof]

Yes keep checking Times, but why not do something new? Museum? I would need at least lunch, some sort of botanical gardens? I’m from Florida so I have never needed to go to Miami, so I have no clue.  Does the hotel have info on what points of interest are nearby? (Just for ease of picking luggage back up)

[hotsauce126]

Not sure where you’re staying but some hotels will let you pay to stay as late as 4pm (or for free if you have certain loyalty status tiers)

[Dat Cruisin Couple]

3 hours ago, basketballdad said:

Going out of port of Miami on Symphony of Seas soon.  We fly in Friday night, ship sails Saturday at 7pm.  We booked less than a week ago and got a 4 pm check in time.  Problem is we can probably get a noon late check out.... 4 hours to kill with luggage.

So... we really dont have alot of choices- go to pier and wait is looking like the best deal.  If we just show up and tell them we have 4 hours to kill and we will just sit on the sidewalk until 4, is there a chance the staff will eventually process us early?

Alternative thougth would be to see if hotel would store our bags and catch an uber to see the new Dune movie to kill a few hours, but still would be early to our check in time.  Question:  If we show up earlier, 4 hours early, would the workers probably find a way to take us earlier, after they got tired of seeing us on the sidewalk in front of the check in doors?

 

Show up and see. Lots of people have reported they were on long before assigned check-in time, but others have had to wait. Test the fates as Tony at La Lido Loca says.

[Cigar King]

I'd look into a late check-out at the hotel.  You can also drop your luggage off early and then do some sight seeing if they are not going to let you board early.

[livingonthebeach]

You could have the hotel hold your luggage and go on the HOHO (Hop on, Hop off) bus and view all the Miami landmarks.  Maybe get off and visit a museum.  Check GroupOn for discounted bus tickets. 

[LeeW]

Terminal A for Symphony has room for three waiting lines for the 1/2 hour blocks.  When we were there they were very strict about you being in the proper line and they checked when you hit the head of the line.  Had several people try to argue their way in with no success.  We had a 12:30 time and they didn't even start that line until around 1:00.  Suites and keys got in earlier - generally at the opening of each time block.

 

You could drop your luggage at the pier and then take the HOHO trolley that goes right by the terminal around Miami.  The Coral Way route is right there (maps: https://www.miamigov.com/Transportation-Roadways/Trolley-Information/Trolley-Maps).  There is an app that shows where all the trolleys are.  We used this to tour on a B2B.

 

We signed up for a later transfer from the hotel than usual and sat in the lobby reading after we checked out of the room.  Could have used the pool - the bell folks will hold your luggage for you.

 

The idea to keep checking your checkin for earlier times does work.  Keep checking several times a day and you will likely see earlier times open up.

[brillohead]

We're planning on sitting in the hotel lobby reading for a while before heading to the port.  

Much better than sitting on the sidewalk outside!

[Biker19]

9 minutes ago, Heymarco said:

Reports have been consistent that they are now very strict with checkin times and will ask you to leave.

This very much depends on port and day. No enforcement at all in Bayonne on the 10/10 Oasis sailing.

[nvance724]

Last month for Ovation in Seattle we had a noon embarcation. When we got to the port there was a HUGE line of people with later times trying to get in. We showed our set sail info and were escorted right to the front.  Very chancy if you want to risk a long line.