Earliest embarkation time Ft. Lauderdale?

[MTNest93]

I'm a newbie first time cruiser.  My husband and I will be cruising for our 30th anniversary next July on the Caribbean Princess.  We splurged on a Club-Class mini-suite and I immediately booked a couples massage for noon on embarkation day.  We are also interested in booking some time in The Sanctuary for sea days.  After watching a bunch of YouTube videos, I realize the process to book The Sanctuary will be a sprint to grab a number and wait to see what's available.  Now I'm worried we won't have enough time to do that and arrive at our massage appointment on time.  What is the earliest embarkation time out of Ft. Lauderdale for those with priority embarkation?  Or should we re-schedule the massages for later in the day (at a higher cost)?  Any input is greatly appreciated!

[skynight]

Probably around 11:00 or so. Really depends on when the disembarkation clears. Best if you enter all your inform on the medallion app and are green lined to board. Noon seems to be very tight for a spa appointment. Even when you are on board hardly leaves much time to get to and book the sanctuary, get to your cabin, kind of get settled in. Your cabin may or may not be available when you first board. Just give it a try after you do the sanctuary thing.

[PacnGoNow]

42 minutes ago, MTNest93 said:

I'm a newbie first time cruiser.  My husband and I will be cruising for our 30th anniversary next July on the Caribbean Princess.  We splurged on a Club-Class mini-suite and I immediately booked a couples massage for noon on embarkation day.  We are also interested in booking some time in The Sanctuary for sea days.  After watching a bunch of YouTube videos, I realize the process to book The Sanctuary will be a sprint to grab a number and wait to see what's available.  Now I'm worried we won't have enough time to do that and arrive at our massage appointment on time.  What is the earliest embarkation time out of Ft. Lauderdale for those with priority embarkation?  Or should we re-schedule the massages for later in the day (at a higher cost)?  Any input is greatly appreciated!

I agree with @skynightnoon is way too early.  
We usually board between 1100-1130. There can be delays boarding, it does happen sometimes, not too often. FLL does a very good job.

Go to the sanctuary and set that up.

 

Have a nice leisurely lunch to celebrate.

You will want to check in with muster and   When you get in your room, probably around 1-130pm you’ll watch a video on your TV, mandatory muster or later if you want.  We get it out of way. Unpack if your luggage is there yet. 

 

I would set up the massage later before dinner or another day.  A lot going on the embarkation day.  They have specials all the time.  You can ask.  Believe me, they are anxious to book. The Caribbean Princess (CB) even called my room a few times with a discount offer. They are busiest on formal nights, in the afternoon or on sea days. 
 

Congratulations!🎉🍾🎈 

 

Welcome to cruise critic!

Edited August 27, 2022 by PacnGoNow

[beg3yrs]

Just a thought: Find out if there's a missed appointment charge. If not, keep the noon appointment and book another one later. Cancel one or the other depending on when you actually board.

[CineGraphic]

Concerning the Sanctuary, I'm not trying to burst your bubble, just letting you know there are a few obstacles to deal with.

When boarding begins, they allow passengers with "Elite" and "Platinum" status to board first, and the Fort Lauderdale terminal will be packed with them. A handful usually rush to see what's available.

Even those who rush may find that everything's has already been booked by passengers who were on the previous cruise and staying on.

 

If there is nothing available for the entire cruise, you can always check availability daily.

[Steelers36]

9 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

Concerning the Sanctuary, I'm not trying to burst your bubble, just letting you know there are a few obstacles to deal with.

When boarding begins, they allow passengers with "Elite" and "Platinum" status to board first, and the Fort Lauderdale terminal will be packed with them. A handful usually rush to see what's available.

Even those who rush may find that everything's has already been booked by passengers who were on the previous cruise and staying on.

 

If there is nothing available for the entire cruise, you can always check availability daily.

The Club Class gets to go with the Platinums AFAIK, but yes, there will be several B2B'ers already on the ship who will have scooped up loungers before the new guests arrive at the Sanctuary check-in. 

 

For those not booking the entire voyage, the Sea Days are of course the most popular.  If they still do it the same, they don't necessarily let out all loungers for full-voyage bookings. 

 

The idea of checking daily is only if there is a cancellation because the OP, or anyone, can book individual days or half-days on embarkation day. 

 

The OP has a shot if they are among the first to arrive and be in line at the terminal and hustle on board.

[kywildcatfanone]

Normally between 11-11:30

[MTNest93]

3 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

The Club Class gets to go with the Platinums AFAIK, but yes, there will be several B2B'ers already on the ship who will have scooped up loungers before the new guests arrive at the Sanctuary check-in. 

 

For those not booking the entire voyage, the Sea Days are of course the most popular.  If they still do it the same, they don't necessarily let out all loungers for full-voyage bookings. 

 

The idea of checking daily is only if there is a cancellation because the OP, or anyone, can book individual days or half-days on embarkation day. 

 

The OP has a shot if they are among the first to arrive and be in line at the terminal and hustle on board.

I just chatted with Princess online and they're telling me I can board at 10:30, let's hope that holds true.  But I didn't think about B2B cruisers, ugh!  I just checked the site and it doesn't look like there are any 7 day or 14 day itineraries that go out a week before us, so maybe that's a good sign?  Regardless, we plan to have our running shoes on and will scope out the deck plans so we know our path ahead of time.  We know to not use the 1st bank of elevators we come to.  Geesh, it's stressful to plan our relaxation, lol!

[MTNest93]

3 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

Concerning the Sanctuary, I'm not trying to burst your bubble, just letting you know there are a few obstacles to deal with.

When boarding begins, they allow passengers with "Elite" and "Platinum" status to board first, and the Fort Lauderdale terminal will be packed with them. A handful usually rush to see what's available.

Even those who rush may find that everything's has already been booked by passengers who were on the previous cruise and staying on.

 

If there is nothing available for the entire cruise, you can always check availability daily.

I'd rather you burst my bubble than lie to me.  I appreciate the feedback! 

[MTNest93]

3 hours ago, beg3yrs said:

Just a thought: Find out if there's a missed appointment charge. If not, keep the noon appointment and book another one later. Cancel one or the other depending on when you actually board.

Cancellation Policy:

Please provide 24 hours for appointment cancellation, or your onboard account will be charged 50% of the treatment cost.

 

We won't be able to move back the appointment on the same day, unfortunately.  I see they have a couple other later appointments open and still at $209 (so that's good!).  2:45 pm might make us miss the sail away party or 5:30 pm.  I'll see what the hubby says and maybe we'll go ahead and change the time.  Thanks for the reply!

[MTNest93]

4 hours ago, skynight said:

Probably around 11:00 or so. Really depends on when the disembarkation clears. Best if you enter all your inform on the medallion app and are green lined to board. Noon seems to be very tight for a spa appointment. Even when you are on board hardly leaves much time to get to and book the sanctuary, get to your cabin, kind of get settled in. Your cabin may or may not be available when you first board. Just give it a try after you do the sanctuary thing.

The more I'm looking into this, I think you're right.  Even if we can get on board early we'll have no idea how long the wait is to book The Sanctuary and we really really want that experience!  Our TA warned us the cabin may not be ready when we board so we plan to have a carry-on tote with our bathing suits and change of clothes with us.  I'm going to talk it over with my hubby and see if moving the appointment back to 5:30 makes more sense - less stress.  Thank you for your insight!

[MTNest93]

4 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

I agree with @skynightnoon is way too early.  
We usually board between 1100-1130. There can be delays boarding, it does happen sometimes, not too often. FLL does a very good job.

Go to the sanctuary and set that up.

 

Have a nice leisurely lunch to celebrate.

You will want to check in with muster and   When you get in your room, probably around 1-130pm you’ll watch a video on your TV, mandatory muster or later if you want.  We get it out of way. Unpack if your luggage is there yet. 

 

I would set up the massage later before dinner or another day.  A lot going on the embarkation day.  They have specials all the time.  You can ask.  Believe me, they are anxious to book. The Caribbean Princess (CB) even called my room a few times with a discount offer. They are busiest on formal nights, in the afternoon or on sea days. 
 

Congratulations!🎉🍾🎈 

 

Welcome to cruise critic!

Thanks for the welcome, you experienced cruisers are so amazing and helpful!  I think moving back the massage appointment makes sense.  Embarkation day is still the best priced option and we thought it would be a good way to start our, "relaxation vacation", because after 30 years of marriage, we're tired!!  LOL

[Steelers36]

53 minutes ago, MTNest93 said:

I just chatted with Princess online and they're telling me I can board at 10:30, let's hope that holds true.  But I didn't think about B2B cruisers, ugh!  I just checked the site and it doesn't look like there are any 7 day or 14 day itineraries that go out a week before us, so maybe that's a good sign?  Regardless, we plan to have our running shoes on and will scope out the deck plans so we know our path ahead of time.  We know to not use the 1st bank of elevators we come to.  Geesh, it's stressful to plan our relaxation, lol!

Don't count on anyone getting on at 10:30am.  That is way early and not heard of such a time in PE.  I am pleased anytime the boarding starts before 11:30am.  It doesn't really matter when boarding starts as long as you are in position to be among the first.

The time at Sanctuary is going to depend where you are in line as guests get to see the layout and select their lounger location.

 

I have not seen any information about this, but I see there is a gap in CB's 2023 schedule for May & June.  It shouldn't be in drydock for two months, so there may be something going on before your voyage.  But, if you are actually first voyage after a break, you won't have to worry about B2B'ers.

[Wakepatrol]

I would definitely change the massage time. Get on the ship , get acclimated eat some food and people watch. Plus sometimes they’re doing tours of the spa and it’s really not peaceful in there at that time. Have a great cruise

[capriccio]

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

I have not seen any information about this, but I see there is a gap in CB's 2023 schedule for May & June.  It shouldn't be in drydock for two months, so there may be something going on before your voyage.

This made me rush to the Princess website since we have a family cruise (having cancelled it this year, understandably not scheduled in 2021, and had it cancelled in 2020) starting on July 1. We are hoping this time is a charm. I don't see the gap!

 

Eastern Caribbean:  May 6, June 3, July 1

Western Caribbean:  May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8

Eastern Caribbean w/ Puerto Rico:  May 20,  June 17, July 15

 

[Bgwest]

Please check back and let us know if you scored a Sanctuary lounger. 

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Don't count on anyone getting on at 10:30am.  That is way early and not heard of such a time in PE.  I am pleased anytime the boarding starts before 11:30am.  It doesn't really matter when boarding starts as long as you are in position to be among the first.

The time at Sanctuary is going to depend where you are in line as guests get to see the layout and select their lounger location.

 

I have not seen any information about this, but I see there is a gap in CB's 2023 schedule for May & June.  It shouldn't be in drydock for two months, so there may be something going on before your voyage.  But, if you are actually first voyage after a break, you won't have to worry about B2B'ers.

 

14 minutes ago, capriccio said:

This made me rush to the Princess website since we have a family cruise (having cancelled it this year, understandably not scheduled in 2021, and had it cancelled in 2020) starting on July 1. We are hoping this time is a charm. I don't see the gap!

 

Eastern Caribbean:  May 6, June 3, July 1

Western Caribbean:  May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8

Eastern Caribbean w/ Puerto Rico:  May 20,  June 17, July 15

 

Very strange.  I was not logged in and May/June 2023 showed blank when doing cruise search and had the CB selected.  I just logged in and now the May/June shows up. 

 

@MTNest93, perhaps you experienced what I did, but your ship is definitely running continuously, so you can expect B2B'ers for sure.

[MTNest93]

42 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

 

Very strange.  I was not logged in and May/June 2023 showed blank when doing cruise search and had the CB selected.  I just logged in and now the May/June shows up. 

 

@MTNest93, perhaps you experienced what I did, but your ship is definitely running continuously, so you can expect B2B'ers for sure.

I went back, logged in, and now I do see cruises in June, but nothing that backs up to our cruise.  I'm still not seeing the Western Jun 24th one that @capriccio sees.  That's the one that could potentially foil our plans.  In any regards, I spoke to my hubby and we agreed it's best to move the appointment back, so I already cancelled for noon and re-booked for 5:30.  

[MTNest93]

1 hour ago, capriccio said:

This made me rush to the Princess website since we have a family cruise (having cancelled it this year, understandably not scheduled in 2021, and had it cancelled in 2020) starting on July 1. We are hoping this time is a charm. I don't see the gap!

 

Eastern Caribbean:  May 6, June 3, July 1

Western Caribbean:  May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8

Eastern Caribbean w/ Puerto Rico:  May 20,  June 17, July 15

 

I must not have been logged in, because now I do see sailings in June, but not the Western on June 24th.  We rescheduled our massages for 5:30 so we now have breathing room.

 

So are you on the Caribbean Princess on July 1st then?  If so, you're the 1st I've found that will be on when we are!  I'm glad you're finally able to schedule your family trip!!

[MTNest93]

56 minutes ago, Bgwest said:

Please check back and let us know if you scored a Sanctuary lounger. 

Will do!  Looks like our chances are pretty slim, but we rescheduled the massages so at least we'll have a chance!

[MTNest93]

1 hour ago, Wakepatrol said:

I would definitely change the massage time. Get on the ship , get acclimated eat some food and people watch. Plus sometimes they’re doing tours of the spa and it’s really not peaceful in there at that time. Have a great cruise

I hadn't thought about the tours aspect - good point!  We did go ahead and change the massage time to 5:30.  I'm feeling much more relaxed about the whole thing now.  Hopefully we'll get some Sanctuary time but regardless I'm sure we'll have a great cruise - thanks!!

[MTNest93]

My newness is showing.  I just went back and searched again and now I see the dropdown where there is indeed a June 24th sail date, so yes there could be B2B cruisers to contend with.  Oh well, if we get a couple loungers, it will be a bonus.  If not, we're still on the trip of a lifetime and I'm sure we'll make do!!

 

Thanks everyone for your help and guidance!!

[kywildcatfanone]

Why have they not already moved booking of the sanctuary as an online option? 

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, kywildcatfanone said:

Why have they not already moved booking of the sanctuary as an online option? 

Not going to happen.

[kywildcatfanone]

28 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Not going to happen.

I guess if the goal is to only cater to those who pay more that makes sense.  By the time the in-Transit, Suite, and Elite passengers board, no one else could attend.  Online would give them the option, even if limited space is available.