Hawaii - What's the absolute earliest time . . .

[frazib]

. . . to check-in on the ships in Hawaii? I don't want to get there too early!

 

Many thanks!

[jerseyjk]

Funny, I was wondering what the absolute latest time to board was ... I'd like to soak up some pre-cruise sun on Waikiki.

[hello]

I'd like to know this answer also. We like to board as early as possible -- it's like another sea day!!

[elephant98]

We were on the January 8th-15th sailing onboard the Pride of Hawaii. We boarded the ship around 12:30pm and it appeared to us that people had been allowed to board somewhere around noon.

 

Of course, just because you get to board the ship early doesn't mean that your rooms will be ready. In our case (as has often been the case with Caribbean sailings on NCL and other cruise lines), we were sent up to the buffet for lunch and were allowed to explore all the public areas of the ship. (Also the shore excursion desk and guest relations desk was open. Be sure to make your reservations for specialty restaurants early!) But, our rooms were not ready for us when we boarded. So, think twice before you bring a bunch of carry on luggage with you if you are going to board early. It can be a hassle to lug it around with you on the ship.

 

In our numerous Caribbean sailings, our staterooms have always been ready somewhere close to 1pm. Unfortunately, that was not the case on the Pride of Hawaii, where the floors were announced being "ready" over a period of time, with the last couple of floors not being ready until 3pm.

[hello]

Thank you, elephant98, for the hint regarding luggage and carryons. I had read that elsewhere, but had forgotten that clue! I expect one reason that the rooms might not be ready is the late debarkation for some. We love not having to get off the boat in a mad rush -- so we have no problem with our rooms not being ready upon embarkation -- but we WILL remember to just carry a backpack with what we might need.

 

We also enjoy exploring the ship before it becomes so crowded. We have only found the first couple days to be crowded, and then everyone seems to find their favorite spots.