What is a good time to get to the port in NJ

[peachesnj]

If the ship is leaving Bayonne Liberty Port NJ at 5pm, what time should I get to the port? peachesnj

[the2006Junket]

For any cruise, you should plan to arrive hours before the ship departs. I'd shoot to arrive at 1 pm and enjoy lunch on the ship. If your cabin isn't ready, they will usually let you board and enjoy the public areas.

 

Enjoy,

 

Lynne

[megr1125]

Eh...NOW????/:D :cool:

 

We usually shoot for an arrival about 11 AM.

[138east]

I think the earlier the better. Why waste a minute of shipboard time if you can time your arrival?

 

If you arrive between 10:30 and 11, you will have to wait to board, but you will be among the first. If you are parking, you will also get a good spot. Typically, people will still be departing and they will start boarding no sooner than 12. You can have a relaxing lunch in the Windjammer before it gets insane and watch the arrivals. You can book dinner reservations, check out your dining table location, arrange internet access, and visit guest relations. Your room should be ready between 1 and 1:30. Only take what you absolutely need until the evening. Dinner is super casual, so you don't need to change.

 

You have all afternoon to explore the ship and pick a sail away spot. Try to find out if the spa is open - you may be able to use the hot tub, sauna, steam room, or exercise equipment. If it's a summer sail, you can get good seats on the pool deck or solarium. And of course the bars will be open to serve you.

[138east]

You can check if the ship is on time and adjust your schedule accordingly.

 

http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/cruiseships.phtml

*****/schiffsposition.php?schiff=Explorer+of+the+Seas

[megr1125]

BTW....when you board the ship in NJ, you hop on a bus to get fromthe terminal to the gangway...(it's only maybe the equivalent of 2-3 blocks, but you aren't allowed to walk!)...SO, don't take TOO much carry-on stuff. You can take things on the bus, it is just easier to NOT have much.

 

They are big, flexible buses borrowed from Rutgers Univ...only 1 step to get in.( at least they WERE when we went a couple years ago.)