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He has become one of the foremost expert on a Royal Caribbean cruise. When you get the terminal, be sure to tell the pier agent you are staying in a suite so you can be directed to the right place. You'll want to do this as early as you can in order to get an early check-in time and avoid wasting time in the cruise terminal. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.
Boarding Cruise Ship FAQ
However, like most cruise lines, you can expect the earliest you can board the ship to be about four hours before departure. Early boarding for suite guests provides an excellent opportunity to make the most of your upscale accommodations and enjoy the elevated level of service and luxury provided by the cruise line. Whether you choose to relax in your private suite or explore the ship’s exclusive areas, early boarding enhances your cruise experience from the moment you step onboard. Royal Caribbean provides guests with a boarding window and advises all guests to follow the published check-in windows.
Spotted: Royal Caribbean adds new express pass for even faster cruise ship check-in - Royal Caribbean Blog
Spotted: Royal Caribbean adds new express pass for even faster cruise ship check-in.
Posted: Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Travel Documentation and Online Check-in
When you get onboard your cabin may not be ready which means you may be carrying around a carry-on bag and you’ll be on your feet. I like to run around the ship and have a photo taken in front of things that I think are cool like the staircase below on the MSC Meraviglia. There are no specific dress codes or rules about what you should wear when embarking a cruise ship. I had a loyalty status with Norwegian Cruise Line which I matched with MSC and was awarded a loyalty status of Diamond. The loyalty status means I can use the ‘priority embarkation’ lines at check-in.
Will I have to carry my suitcases with me?
The cruise line prioritizes the boarding time preferences of its long-time cruisers, providing priority boarding to loyal Disney cruisers. The earliest you can board a cruise ship is typically 4–5 hours before the scheduled departure time. Still, several factors affect how early you can board a cruise ship. Checking into a cruise ship is similar to checking in for a flight, meaning you can do it way in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean requests guests check in no later than three days before their cruise.
When will I be required to vacate our suite/stateroom on the morning of debarkation?
Aiming to arrive an hour before closing also leaves you plenty of time in case you are delayed on your way to the port. That’s why we think it’s best to wait until about minutes before the end of the boarding window to arrive at the port. We’ve personally sailed dozens of cruises and arrived at all times — both early and late.
You'll need a plan for getting to the port and some knowledge about the embarkation process, including your cruise ship boarding time. Early boarding sets the stage for an exciting and enjoyable cruise experience. Start your vacation on a high note and create unforgettable memories from the moment you step on board the ship. Most cruise lines require you to choose an arrival time for the day you arrive at the cruise ship terminal. In general, getting there earlier is better than getting there too late. However, if you arrive too early, you may be stuck waiting around for a while before you’re allowed to board.
How do I get on my ship? Is there a check-in process like at the airport?
Additionally, it’s recommended that special needs passengers provide the cruise line with any necessary documentation or medical information in advance to ensure a seamless boarding process. This may include information on mobility aids, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions that need to be accommodated during the cruise. It’s important to note that specific requirements and accommodations for special needs passengers may vary from one cruise line to another. Cruise lines strive to provide an inclusive and accessible experience for all passengers, including those with special needs or disabilities.
What Happens When I Get to the Port to Board?
We ask that you please do not arrive any earlier than one hour prior to the embarkation time noted in your eDocs, because security regulations might prohibit early entrance. The best way to start your cruise is to arrive at the pier expecting some lines and minor hassles — and perhaps a bit of chaos — and then be thrilled if you don't encounter any of them. Keep a level head and look forward to good times once your sailing gets underway.
Biggest Mistakes Made by Carnival Cruise Passengers [Carnival Tips]
When you complete online check-in, you will be assigned a check-in time. Since 2021, Royal Caribbean has mostly been enforcing check-in times, so it's important to get a good time as early as you can. In the weeks leading up to your cruise, be sure to complete online check-in. Royal Caribbean suggests arriving for the time slot you pre-select on the app. They claim that those who arrive before the time they pick may not be able to board before that time. Approval to embark or disembark mid-cruise may be allowed only in cases of emergencies.
The cruise line will let you know when you book your ticket what time you are eligible to board. After you have dealt with your bags, you will head inside and begin the check-in process. This entails going through security and having a port employee check your documents (i.e., passport, birth certificate, etc.).
Check out this article with other tips for embarking on a cruise ship. Along with knowing how early you can board a cruise ship, it’s essential to understand the difference between checking into your cruise and boarding your cruise. Are you wondering how early you can board a cruise ship and get your long-awaited vacation started? However, adding the cost of a pre-cruise hotel stay onto the overall bill isn't always doable for every traveler, especially those on tight budgets. If that's the case and you can find a super-early flight that gets you to your port city with some wiggle room, flying in the same day you sail is possible. Eyes might roll, but now is the time to talk to the kids about the danger of climbing on any railings or standing on balcony furniture.
Arrival Appointments can be selected for sailings within 90 days of departure and no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to your sailing date. Once you have done that, you will be given a time to arrive at the cruise terminal. We were given a time to show up and board, printed on our passes, and it was relatively late in the day. When we were in the general process of boarding, all of the employees told us we could have gotten there much earlier, despite what our passes said, and they recommended we do so in the future. If you decide to face the lines and board early, you should know that your cabin may not be ready the moment you get on the ship. In that case, there will be a spot to check your luggage so that you can explore the ship without having to lug around a suitcase.
Royal Caribbean, for instance, places them outside of your stateroom to be picked up once all cabins are ready. On the other hand, MSC Cruises hands them to you when you get your documents checked. If you're flying in the night before, an earlier time means that you will not be stuck waiting around at your hotel after you check out. Or, if you're driving, you will find that parking is less of a hassle, as the majority of passengers have yet to arrive.
