travelloverontario Posted July 20 #1 Share Posted July 20 (edited) I am boarding the Emerald Princess in Quebec for a 10 night Canada/New England cruise in September. Boarding begins at 1:00 pm but I will not be boarding until about 4:45 -5:00 pm. Do I stand ANY chance of getting an afternoon or two at the Sanctuary? If it is most likely a 'no way', then I will just put it out of my mind, and leisurely head to my cabin and slowly unpack. If however there is a good chance there will still be openings...I could try to rush up there to see what I can get. What do you think my odds are boarding 3 hours after the boarding time starts? Thanks 🙂 Edited July 20 by travelloverontario Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Its the journey Posted July 20 #2 Share Posted July 20 (edited) Will you be in a suite? What is your loyalty status? Basically first in line are people doing a b2b. Next suites Next elites Next platinum If you are none of those, you can still check, but the pickings will be slim. The first time I sailed (I had no status) there were two loungers left when I got to the Sun Deck. I was very lucky. And there were few btob on that cruise. Edited July 20 by Its the journey 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelloverontario Posted July 20 Author #3 Share Posted July 20 No suite... no elite (first Princess cruise)...no b2b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Its the journey Posted July 20 #4 Share Posted July 20 I wouldn't count on anything being available. But, I'd still check, you may get lucky. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wishing on a star Posted July 20 #5 Share Posted July 20 In a warmer weather cruise, you probably would not have any luck. Not sure about NorthEast. The above post is correct... Back-to-Back guests already onboard will have first opportunity. Then, those with priority boarding who arrive to the port early. Of coarse, any days at sea will book up faster. You might find a port day, if you would consider that. If there is any way that you can get to the port early, I would plan to do that. You never know! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelloverontario Posted July 20 Author #6 Share Posted July 20 19 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said: In a warmer weather cruise, you probably would not have any luck. Not sure about NorthEast. The above post is correct... Back-to-Back guests already onboard will have first opportunity. Then, those with priority boarding who arrive to the port early. Of coarse, any days at sea will book up faster. You might find a port day, if you would consider that. If there is any way that you can get to the port early, I would plan to do that. You never know! I cannot get to the port any earlier but I would be willing to use a port day (depending on the port) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Its the journey Posted July 20 #7 Share Posted July 20 All you can do is hope and try. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired-N-Happy Posted July 20 #8 Share Posted July 20 3 hours ago, travelloverontario said: I cannot get to the port any earlier but I would be willing to use a port day (depending on the port) I hope you're not planning on flying into Quebec the day of embarkation and that is the reason why you won't be boarding until close to 500. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cr8tiv1 Posted July 20 #9 Share Posted July 20 (edited) 33 minutes ago, Retired-N-Happy said: I hope you're not planning on flying into Quebec the day of embarkation and that is the reason why you won't be boarding until close to 500. Boarding is open all night (first of overnight stay). I arrived by train at 5 (delayed). Horrible trying to get a taxi/think chaos. Arrived at the terminal, porter took bags. Proceeded to check in with fewer agents at several tables. Boarded. On the other hand, if you arrive into the night, security will escort you on to the ship and Customer Service will check you in. This information was confirmed by email with port officials. Train station is a lot closer to port than airport. If you have a transfer from airport to cruise ship, they will make sure you get onboard. PS not sure the Sanctuary will be manned in the evenings. Edited July 20 by cr8tiv1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sox Fan Cruiser Posted July 20 #10 Share Posted July 20 The Grand class ships have the larger Sanctuary than the Royal class and it’s a New England cruise. So there is hope. I would not count it out. Conservative optimism is probably the rule here. Good luck! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelloverontario Posted July 20 Author #11 Share Posted July 20 6 hours ago, Retired-N-Happy said: I hope you're not planning on flying into Quebec the day of embarkation and that is the reason why you won't be boarding until close to 500. No worries...I live in Canada (and not to far away) and have my plan all set up. I have been to QC several times and know it well. Embarkation starts at 1:00 on day 1 of the cruise and the ship does not leave until day 2 at 5:00 pm...I should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelloverontario Posted July 20 Author #12 Share Posted July 20 13 minutes ago, Sox Fan Cruiser said: The Grand class ships have the larger Sanctuary than the Royal class and it’s a New England cruise. So there is hope. I would not count it out. Conservative optimism is probably the rule here. Good luck! Conservative optimism...I love that!!! 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelloverontario Posted July 20 Author #13 Share Posted July 20 6 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said: Boarding is open all night (first of overnight stay). I arrived by train at 5 (delayed). Horrible trying to get a taxi/think chaos. Arrived at the terminal, porter took bags. Proceeded to check in with fewer agents at several tables. Boarded. On the other hand, if you arrive into the night, security will escort you on to the ship and Customer Service will check you in. This information was confirmed by email with port officials. Train station is a lot closer to port than airport. If you have a transfer from airport to cruise ship, they will make sure you get onboard. PS not sure the Sanctuary will be manned in the evenings. Indeed I will be arriving by train. If the weather is decent and the train is not delayed, I may just walk to port (approx 15 minute walk) to avoid any taxi chaos. I travel pretty light..lol I did not even think about the Sanctuary being closed by that time. I guess it will be a boarding time decision! Thanks 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lx200gps Posted July 20 #14 Share Posted July 20 We're on the Emerald right now, a 7 day C/NE, though this time we didn't bother with booking the Sanctuary. We did pay a quick visit and asked about availability on the last sea day, and there actually were a few spots available, though in the worst locations. So for a sea day, you have little chance under normal circumstances. For a port day, you may be able to get something, if you head upstairs the moment you board. Another thing to keep in mind is that cancellations are always possible, so you could drop by the Sanctuary each morning when they open up to see if someone cancelled for that day. On our last trip, in February, we had the sanctuary for two days but found the location next to the hot tub so obnoxious we cancelled our second day. Worth a shot. BTW, boarding at 5PM seems awful late, what is the sail away time? Our sailaway last Sunday was 5PM with all aboard NLT 3:30PM 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelloverontario Posted July 20 Author #15 Share Posted July 20 1 minute ago, lx200gps said: We're on the Emerald right now, a 7 day C/NE, though this time we didn't bother with booking the Sanctuary. We did pay a quick visit and asked about availability on the last sea day, and there actually were a few spots available, though in the worst locations. So for a sea day, you have little chance under normal circumstances. For a port day, you may be able to get something, if you head upstairs the moment you board. Another thing to keep in mind is that cancellations are always possible, so you could drop by the Sanctuary each morning when they open up to see if someone cancelled for that day. On our last trip, in February, we had the sanctuary for two days but found the location next to the hot tub so obnoxious we cancelled our second day. Worth a shot. BTW, boarding at 5PM seems awful late, what is the sail away time? Our sailaway last Sunday was 5PM with all aboard NLT 3:30PM Great to know this info from someone currently on the Emerald!! Thanks. I will check for cancellations throughout the cruise. Cruise does not sail away until day 2 at 5:00pm...so I will have lots of time 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lady Arwen Posted July 20 #16 Share Posted July 20 1 hour ago, lx200gps said: We're on the Emerald right now, a 7 day C/NE, though this time we didn't bother with booking the Sanctuary. We did pay a quick visit and asked about availability on the last sea day, and there actually were a few spots available, though in the worst locations. So for a sea day, you have little chance under normal circumstances. For a port day, you may be able to get something, if you head upstairs the moment you board. Another thing to keep in mind is that cancellations are always possible, so you could drop by the Sanctuary each morning when they open up to see if someone cancelled for that day. On our last trip, in February, we had the sanctuary for two days but found the location next to the hot tub so obnoxious we cancelled our second day. Worth a shot. BTW, boarding at 5PM seems awful late, what is the sail away time? Our sailaway last Sunday was 5PM with all aboard NLT 3:30PM The embarkation port is an overnight. OP is arriving on day one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lx200gps Posted July 20 #17 Share Posted July 20 50 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said: The embarkation port is an overnight. OP is arriving on day one. Thanks, they had clarified that in the previous post 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treasure Hunter Posted July 20 #18 Share Posted July 20 New England cruise is much easier than a Caribbean ( warm weather itinerary. ) even Hawaii ( crossing from LA was very cool) Sanctuary was empty. Give it a try. You don’t have the best chance but you never know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerig Posted July 20 #19 Share Posted July 20 20 hours ago, travelloverontario said: I am boarding the Emerald Princess in Quebec for a 10 night Canada/New England cruise in September. Boarding begins at 1:00 pm but I will not be boarding until about 4:45 -5:00 pm. Do I stand ANY chance of getting an afternoon or two at the Sanctuary? If it is most likely a 'no way', then I will just put it out of my mind, and leisurely head to my cabin and slowly unpack. If however there is a good chance there will still be openings...I could try to rush up there to see what I can get. What do you think my odds are boarding 3 hours after the boarding time starts? Thanks 🙂 Since you are boarding late I doubt you will get a reservation but it has been my experience that people cancel their reservations all the time so check daily at the Sanctuary to see if anyone has cancelled. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunate 2 travel Posted July 21 #20 Share Posted July 21 (edited) DH and I sailed on the Regal September 2019. There was plenty of availability in the Sanctuary. It’s not a warm weather cruise. We usually try to book for the full cruise when in the Caribbean. The couple of days we checked availability it was wide open on this particular cruise. Edited July 21 by Fortunate 2 travel Double stated item in one sentence 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwms Posted August 4 #21 Share Posted August 4 Ok guys, what is the deal with Sanctuary? Is it open to everyone, based on making a reservation? First come, first served or is there a pecking order? Going on an Alaska cruise in 10 days, so I’m guessing there won’t be an abundance of sun worshipers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandybeaches44 Posted August 4 #22 Share Posted August 4 We were unable to get a lounge in the Sanctuary the past 3 Caribbean cruises that we were on. Immediately upon boarding, around 10:45, we would go directly to the Sanctuary. Back to Back cruisers booked them. Last cruise, we were able to reserve a cabana for 1/2 day in the afternoon. Hopefully, I'll be able to reserve a lounge on my upcoming cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sox Fan Cruiser Posted August 4 #23 Share Posted August 4 10 hours ago, cwms said: Ok guys, what is the deal with Sanctuary? Is it open to everyone, based on making a reservation? First come, first served or is there a pecking order? Going on an Alaska cruise in 10 days, so I’m guessing there won’t be an abundance of sun worshipers. Yes, on every ship but the Sun, it is open to everyone. You reserve a specific lounger and have it for that half/full day. There are lounge chairs and cabanas. You have to physically go up to the Sanctuary to reserve your spot and again you have to pick your exact lounge chair. It’s first come first served. So people doing back to back are already on the ship and get most of them. And on the Royal class ships the Sanctuary is small so they are usually sold out before anyone else gets on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JF - retired RRT Posted August 4 #24 Share Posted August 4 The Sanctuary should be easy to book on an Alaska cruise...fewer B2Bers and it's frigging COLD in the front of the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treasure Hunter Posted August 4 #25 Share Posted August 4 The staff is terrific. They will wrap you in blankets and bring hot chocolate and the view is amazing. And yes it is open first come . In the old days the suites boarded first so got first crack but now with the medallion it’s a free for all. You still need to run right up there. Unless you are a whale in the casino ( appropriate for Alaska) then you might get it as a perk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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