The big day is approaching, and you’re finally ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. How can you ensure that you’re ready to start your vacation off on a good footing? You will need a plan to get to the port and some knowledge of the boarding process, including your cruise ship boarding times.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise lines often allowed passengers to be at the terminal on the day of boarding whenever it was convenient for them within half a day.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, rows began assigning boarding times to passengers or, more commonly, asking them to choose the length of time they wanted to disperse crowds. The new method has worked so well that it will most likely stay the same.
But what time do you get on the train, and yes good Time to board the cruise ship? Read on for the answer and when you should plan to arrive at your city of departure before you set sail.
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When to come for a cruise
Ask “when should I arrive for my itinerary?” and you might mean one of two things: When should you arrive at the ship’s port of departure before setting sail, or when should you arrive at the marina on the day of boarding?
The answer to the first question depends on your commute to the cruise port. If you live within driving distance of your port of departure, you can get there the same day your ship leaves — unless you’re looking for a multi-hour trip and don’t want to cut the time too close. with boarding time.
If you’re catching a plane, when to fly into your itinerary depends on a number of factors. I always recommend flying at least a day before you plan to depart, just in case you experience any delays or cancellations. That way, you have time to rebook yourself for another flight if something goes wrong.
Related: Should I buy my flights through my itinerary
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However, it’s not always possible for every traveler to charge extra for a hotel stay before going on a cruise, especially those on a tight budget. If that’s the case and you can find a super-early flight that gets you to your port city with some headroom, then it’s entirely possible to fly the same day you depart.
Either way, I recommend buying travel insurance (through a third party, not through your carrier) to protect your investment if something happens and you miss your train. me.
What time does the cruise ship board?
As for when to arrive at the marina on boarding day, the answer depends on your boarding time.
Cruise ships usually begin boarding an hour or two after all passengers from the previous cruise have disembarked. Disembarkation usually ends by 10 a.m. at the latest and the crew is allowed more time to begin tasks such as supply (replenishing supplies and food), refueling (refueling) and refueling. Clean the ship’s cabins and public areas to get them ready for the next arrival.
Related: 27 days on a cruise ship do’s and don’ts
Boarding begins between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship’s schedule and how long it takes people from their final cruise to disembarkation. Most cruise lines require all passengers to be on board at least one to two hours before their scheduled departure time, almost always in the late afternoon or evening.
Best time to board a cruise ship
The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short wait times. The trick is knowing when that will happen.
Unfortunately it can vary from port to port and from ship to ship, but I tend to prefer to arrive in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 pm
By then, the morning rush of “me priority” passengers has usually subsided and it allows enough time from when you arrive at port until “all on board”, the cut-off point when all passengers and crew must be on board. (If you’re someone who wants to spend as much time as possible on a plane, you can choose an earlier boarding time, but be warned that there can be long lines and wait times.)
Also, if you have a higher level loyalty status, then you’ve been reserved in a premium suite or you’ve purchased one of the many perks (like Festival cruise lineHappier, Royal Caribbean International‘s Key or Norwegian Cruise LineYour Priority), you can arrive at any time to take advantage of priority boarding or access to a special boarding lounge to make your waits more comfortable. The latter usually includes a separate seating area with snacks and drinks.
There are a few other tricks — like completing registration online or through the cruise line’s mobile app before you show up — that you can use to speeding process.
What to expect when boarding your cruise ship
When you arrive at the terminal at your boarding port, you can expect a chaotic scene. Follow the signs for the appropriate arrival channel, whether it’s parking or dropping off via taxis, Ubers, and shuttles.
Before you go inside, leave the large bags with the porter, who will make sure they are safely loaded onto the train. (Although it’s not required, it’s a good idea to tip a dollar or two per bag.) You can’t miss the porters and their luggage carts as they line the curb next to the station.
Upon entering the terminal, you will be required to show your identification and boarding documents and undergo a security check. Your carry-on baggage goes through a scanner and you have to go through a metal detector. While it’s similar to the procedure at airport security, you won’t have to take off your shoes or take your laptop or liquid out of your bag (unless they find you). contraband alcohol or something else that looks suspicious).
You will then proceed to the check-in counter, where staff will help you complete the process. If you have already registered online, the process will be quicker. The exception is higher-end ports or cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) that allow you to skip the check-in desk if you’ve already done everything (check-in, set up an account on board, and secure a photo). ) before using the application.
In case you do not receive your keycard upon check-in, it will be waiting for you at the cabin door or in your room.
After check-in, you will go up to the jetty and board the train, where security will scan your card to document that you have boarded. (Every time you let’s go or re-board at a port of call, you’ll also have to swipe your card, so be sure to bring it with you.)
How long does it take to board a cruise ship?
Curb-to-pathway travel time will vary based on a number of considerations, including:
- Whether you are traveling light. If you have a bring only, you can go straight into the station building. If you have larger luggage, you will have to ask a porter outside, which can take a few minutes.
- How advanced are cruise terminals and cruise lines in terms of technology. At the station where face recognition used, you can get on board a lot faster, as is the case with cruise lines that allow registration and account setup on board through mobile application before you board the plane. Technology allows passengers to bypass traditional check-in methods, which often involve waiting in line to speak to someone at the check-in desk.
- Whether you have priority boarding. If you’re on the upper end of the airline’s loyalty program, purchased a package that includes priority boarding, or you’re staying in a premium suite, you’ll get boarding privileges before most flights. your fellow passengers and the process will be accelerated with dedicated lines and lounges.
- Whether the passenger is actually complying with the designated boarding time. The goal is to alternate the number of people coming in at any given time so that everyone involved feels more comfortable and reasonable. If people disregard their time, that can cause congestion and slow down the boarding process.
- How crowded it was when you arrived. Obviously, if there are lines for passengers to park, drop off or check in, it will take you longer to get on the plane.
- How did everyone prepare? If travelers are unorganized and spend extra time rummaging through their bags for cruise tickets, passports and other necessary items for verification, it will affect the flow of traffic at the terminal when process. This also applies to passengers who pack contraband in their bags, thus keeping the security fence around.
bottom line
You should be in the city where you boarded the train the day before your trip if you’re flying in. Trains usually begin boarding shortly after the last passenger leaves the previous trip, usually between 10 and 11 a.m. The designated boarding time will make the boarding process go smoothly. (When choosing a time, aim for something in the afternoon, after the morning rush has passed.)
To ensure the shortest possible wait times, make sure to sign up and set up an account on board online or use your cruise line’s mobile app ahead of time. Also, have your ID and other boarding documents ready, and don’t pack anything in your luggage that could expose you to a security flag.
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