Embarkation Questions

[ron46936]

We will be on the Coral Princess going out of Ft. Lauderdale in November. This will be our first time on Princess but we have been on other lines several times.

 

When can we expect them to actually begin boarding the ship? Almost every line lists a time but NCL and RCCL often start boarding much earlier (11:30 to 12:00) , while HAL seems to board much later (and slower).

 

Upon boarding what lunch options will be available? Buffet ? Dining Room? Room Service?

 

 

Thanks,

 

Ron

[Pixelator]

My DD and I were just on the 12-19 Aug Caribbean Princess Eastern Caribbean cruise. The line outside the Princess cruise terminal was fairly long when we arrived about 11:20 am. The line quickly progressed. Forms to determine if anyone had been sick in the last two days were handed out in that line. Then we moved through the xray and metal detectors into the cruise terminal. We waited about 20 minutes - we were told that they were awaiting clearance from customs to board. Everyone had been handed a numbered card with a number 1 through 6 in different colors. At about noon the first numbers were called. Checking in progressed very quickly. There are two desks for each deck. We went right up to an empty desk for Dolphin deck and paperwork was reviewed and we were given our cruise cards in just a minute or two. Then we proceeded through the terminal up an escalator and onboard. Very smooth. Water was provided in line outside and while waiting inside the cruise terminal. Cell phones are not allowed to be used inside the cruise terminal. Hope this helps!

 

Bob Laubach

Manassas, VA

 

photos at:

 

[frankathy]

Hi Ron,

 

We have boarded as early as 11am on Princess. It all depends upon the officals clearing the ship. Since she has been inspected in May 2007 you should be ok. Your cabin may not be ready but the pools are so carry on your bathing suit. Lunch is only available Buffet style for the first day.

The check-in process is very quick. There usually is a line upstairs where pictures are taken and the ramps are quite steep as compared to those in Miami. Enjoy your cruise!

[vince_g]

At Port Everglades boarding usually starts around noon. It does seem to proceed rather easily.

 

Many members have also posted that one of the dining rooms is open on embarkation day, but it isn't advertised/encouraged. Posts have stated that one should go to the dining rooms to see if they are open if that is your preference.

[ron46936]

Thanks for the info.

 

The dining room being open but not advertised would be like NCL does it. After the hustle bustle of getting aboard it nice to sit down to a leisurely lunch instead of the buffet line.

 

I think we'll try to arrive around noon.

 

Ron