Scarlet lady MIA embarkation time

[BJ223]

Hi, 

 

Booked last minute so got a 4:30pm embarkation time in MIA on Wednesday 21st for the 4 night cruise.
 

Are they strict with this? Previously cruised NCL and the time was sold to me as very much a “covid thing”

 

Will be checking out of the hotel late morning so looking for any tips on how to get onboard as soon as possible.
 

Thanks 

[Wildcatllamas]

Virgin isn't like the rest of the cruise lines. You don't have to be off the ship until 10:30. So time for a nice leisurely breakfast in the Wake and then off you go.

 

So with that they don't start embarkation until about 1:30 and then the ship doesn't sale until about 7pm. At this time about the only way to get a boarding time around the 1:30 mark is to sign up for the Splash of Romance package. This is actually a very nice package. This will get you the 1:30 embarkation. Here is a link to the info on it but it may be to late to sign up.https://www.virginvoyages.com/cruise-deals/splash-of-romance

 

I know that a lot of folks will get to the port and check their luggage and then catch the shuttle over to do a bit of shopping at Bayside.

 

Hope this helps and enjoy your cruise on Scarlet. I really love her. 

[CineGraphic]

8 minutes ago, Wildcatllamas said:

At this time about the only way to get a boarding time around the 1:30 mark is to sign up for the Splash of Romance package.

 

It should be noted, that the Splash of Romance Package is limited to how many packages they can sell per sailing, so at this late date, it MIGHT not be available.

[cantgetin]

2 hours ago, BJ223 said:

Booked last minute so got a 4:30pm embarkation time in MIA on Wednesday 21st for the 4 night cruise.

 

Will be checking out of the hotel late morning so looking for any tips on how to get onboard as soon as possible.
 

Thanks 

I'd show up around 3pm.  Boarding starts at 1:30.  If you arrive before your scheduled time, you stand in a line based on assigned time.  You will be taken when everyone ahead of you has gone.  Boarding goes very quickly once it starts, and people with late times are often able to board well ahead of their times. Suites, Splash of Romance, and Sailing Club (loyalty program) board first, then the time slots.  If you show up at 1:30, you'll stand around for 90 minutes or more.  Show up at 3 and you'll likely be on the ship about 3:30.

As others have noted, VV is very different than other lines.  You don't have to be off the ship on the last day until 10:30, allowing for a nice breakfast without taking your luggage with you!  You CAN leave between 7 an 7:30 if you wish, but that's up to you.  Cabins are ready when you board.  But, in exchange for for those nice features, boarding starts later than other lines.  Most lines actually depart around 5, but VV doesn't leave until about 7.

Get a late check out from your hotel and go have a long lunch somewhere. Your hotel might be willing to hold your luggage if you decide to do lunch in their area.   You can  also go to the terminal, drop your luggage, and take their complimentary shuttle to Bayside (a shopping and eating area), then return nearer you scheduled check in time. 

[BJ223]

Thanks all, indeed splash and romance has sold out for this sailing.
 

Thanks for the tips, will plan on showing up early. Isn’t a sold out sailing with many cabins available today so hopefully won’t be too much of a wait. 

[CruisingWalter]

In the beginning of the embarkation process, VV lines up all guests in 'corrals' outside the terminal in accordance with your check in time. Those corrals typically start out going to 3:00p. I would not show up much before 2:30 or 3 if you have a 4:30p check in. 

[cantgetin]

Walter has it right, as usual.  I'd shoot for about 3 pm with a 4:30 time.  That should get you on board as early as possible but also prevent hours of standing in line outside.

[BJ223]

Incase any other sailors are interested…

 

We dropped luggage and checked in at 10am. Walked across (nice 20min walk with great views of the ship) to bayside. Came back just before 2pm and were in our cabin by 2:15pm. Initially queued in the allocated 4:30pm area but we were let in almost immediately as there was a steady flow of sailors. 
 

Might not always be the case, this voyage wasn’t full with around 2200 guests. 

[cantgetin]

3 hours ago, BJ223 said:

Incase any other sailors are interested…

 

We dropped luggage and checked in at 10am. Walked across (nice 20min walk with great views of the ship) to bayside. Came back just before 2pm and were in our cabin by 2:15pm. Initially queued in the allocated 4:30pm area but we were let in almost immediately as there was a steady flow of sailors. 
 

 

Were you able to check in at 10 (get the red bracelet) or just luggage drop?  I've never heard of checking in before 1 pm.

[BJ223]

Yes, dropped luggage with the porters.

 

ground floor of the terminal was open with 4 check in agents with iPads who checked us in and gave us bracelets and told I come back at 2:30 (ish). 
 

very helpful service.