Embarkation Time

[tamsam07]

Hello,

 

If Embarkation is at 10:30 am (but they recommend you arrive 2 hours early) and you don't actually sail until 5:00 pm, why do you embark so early?

 

Is it really necessary to arrive 2 hours prior to embarkation? Also, once you get checked in and to your cabin, are you allowed to leave the ship to sightsee some more before it sails?

[sk8teacher]

Typically that time is the EARLIEST time that you may board. If your cruise line states be aboard a minimum of 2 hours prior to sailing, then in your case you must be aboard no later than 3pm.

 

Once you have checked aboard, you certainly may leave the ship but in most US ports there really isn't any place nearby that you can get to easily. We normally try to be aboard around 1pm for a 5pm sailing as that is about the time cabins will be ready. After checking our cabin, we spend the next couple of hours getting familiar with the ship.

 

In addition, I'm pretty sure most cruise lines hold a mandatory muster/life boat drill 30 minutes prior to sailing, so now you are looking at 4:30 to be settled.

 

Cheers,

[JanineM]

Embarkation begins at 10:30 am - that's the earliest they want you to arrive (but some will be there earlier).

 

You must be on board at least 2 hours in advance of sailing time.

 

Sorry I can't help you with the leaving the ship piece - we have never done this before. But normally you would get on board, have some lunch, take a walk around the ship, then have lifeboat (muster) drill an hour or so before sailing. Many of us like to be on early because the ship is available to us, and we have already paid for that day of the cruise! All facilities except for the casino and shops will be available to you.

[tamsam07]

AHHHHHHH!!!! It makes perfect sense now LOL. We are leaving from Venice so that's why I asked if you can leave the ship, but since we don't have to check in as early as I thougth then there is no point in it. I'd rather become familiar with the ship and take advantage of the lunch buffet.

 

Thanks so much everyone! I really do appreciate everyone's help.

[uppitycats]

AHHHHHHH!!!! It makes perfect sense now LOL. We are leaving from Venice so that's why I asked if you can leave the ship, but since we don't have to check in as early as I thougth then there is no point in it. I'd rather become familiar with the ship and take advantage of the lunch buffet.

 

Thanks so much everyone! I really do appreciate everyone's help.

 

I don't know which ship you'll be on, but when you do get aboard -- assuming it's around lunch time -- do check to see if one of the main dining rooms are open for lunch. They'll rarely advertise that, but if one of them is, that means you can have a real sit-down lunch, and it will be quiet and peaceful and not rushed...unlike the buffet where everyone rushes as soon as they board.

 

Have a great cruise!

[Andee]

When we sailed from Venice, we arrived in the morning, checked in, got rid of our luggage, and went sightseeing. We were comfortable flying in on embarkation day because the ship didn't leave Venice until the next day.

[cb at sea]

You check in as early as possible, because boarding day counts as the 1st day of your cruise--you PAID for it, you may as well USE the ship!!!!!!

[TrentS]

You check in as early as possible, because boarding day counts as the 1st day of your cruise--you PAID for it, you may as well USE the ship!!!!!!

 

+1!!!!!!!!!

 

Exactly!

 

Get onboard before noon, have lunch, explore the ship, etc. YOU PAID FOR THAT DAY, USE IT!

 

Your sightseeing in the city of departure should have been done on the days prior to sailing day, so there's no reason to leave the ship once you check in.