Miami boarding time question

[bouhunter]

Our doc's for Navigator arrived last week. Yeeaahhhhh!!!!!!!:D

 

There was a flyer in the book saying don't arrive before 2:00PM. I know if there are delays in disembarking everyone has to wait for that, but that they'll also start boarding earlier when possible. Seems like in prior posts many people arrive at the port around 11:30 or after, not 2:00. Any recent experience on boarding in Miami?

 

Thanks!

[bouhunter]

To the top. Anyone boarded before 2:00 PM in Miami lately??:)

[BobBeaSea]

I have been reading about the flyers being sent with the docs as well. In Miami there can be a problem clearing the ship and pax at U.S. Customs. I know for our cruise out of Miami in 2005 on Voyager we could not start boarding until after 1:00pm in 2005 as there was difficulty clearing the ship. In 2006 on Radiance there were no problems, we were onboard at 11:45.

 

I also think they need some more bodies at U.S. Customs but that is JMHO. You could take a chance and go over at 11:30 or so, drop off your luggage and check the status. If it's been delayed and you don't want to hang around, take a cab to Bayside.

[cb at sea]

That info is on ALL boarding documents! For every ship! Ignore it, and get there before noon (or thereabouts). They will let you start boarding as soon as all previous passengers are gone. Just get there before 2, when the RCI shuttles begin bringing TONS of buses in!

[alphakitty]

We usually arrive at the port between 11-11:30 and have had to wait from 1/2 hour to 1 hour. Usually on board by noon! :)

[Rcl Obsesd]

Just came back from navigator on saturday. Do not listen to the orange sheet you got with your docs. If you go to the port at 11:00 or so, you can get on the ship right away.

 

P.S. If your concerned about time try and get early departure. Because the passport regulations have changed it takes up a very long amount of time to disembark.

[Diamondbabydoll]

I wouldn't worry too much Bouhunter. You sound like an organized, well-traveled person. :eek:

 

Chances are your wife will keep you on time and organized. She usually does!:p :D

[rodbrod]

just sailed navigator dec 16 arrived at pier by 11:15 and we were eating lunch in windjammer by noon, into cabin by 1pm, all luggage arrived to cabin by 1:15 leaving ship was easy our luggage color was announced at 9am, we were off ship with our luggage by9:30 or 9:45

[fozzyfoz]

we sailed out of miami on 12/16. We left the hotel at 11:15 and were wandering on the ship by 12:05 - that includes leaving the hotel, travel time to the port, security, check in and getting onto the ship. there were no lines.

 

that said, there sometimes can be delays. be glad for the people who DO wait until 2pm - that's what enables the rest of us to get on early. if everyone arrived at 11pm then the boarding process would take longer since everyone would be there at the same time.

[DonnaC1]

We just got back from NOS on Jan 6...we got to the port just before 11:00 and were able to board around 11:30 am. Had a frosty drink in hand and relaxing on a lounger by 12:30 pm!! Awesome!

 

Donna

[mikeblum]

not sure why rccl put colored papaer in with your doc's telling people to show up at 2pm...the last 10 crusies we have gotten to the pier at 11am and no issue's...thru secuirty and lots of pictures and in the cabin by noon...windjammer for lunch by 12:15...pool at 1pm...2pm check to see how long the check in lines are at this time...

[threeofus]

I was hoping the late boarding was so that they could CLEAN the ship and lower our risk or passing around a bug.

[ciderapple]

Ignore the flyer!!!

 

We had the same for our December cruise. Got to the port around 11.30am we were on the ship by 12.30pm!

 

They are just putting that flyer in to cover their @$$e$, so you don't moan if you get there early and can't board til 2pm.

 

It is highly likely you will be on the ship before 2pm, but obviously you can't take it for granted. Go early, expect to hang around til 2pm and you will probably have had your lunch in the WIndjammer by then! If you do have to wait you won't be the only ones waiting in line and you can chat with fellow cruisers to pass the time.