Embarkation Liverpool

Was hoping to get to Liverpool early, drop the luggage off and spend some time in the city, but informed that the luggage can only be checked in between 14.30 and 15.30

We are a little bit disappointed with this, planned to drop off luggage am, have a wander and get some lunch and eventually make our way to the ship:(

We sailed from Liverpool last year and had rung Fred, and also been to the port when another cruise was departing a few weeks earlier to ask about embarkation. We were told luggage can be accepted from about midday (and it was the same for a Southampton departure we made just over a week ago). We dropped our bags off at 12.30pm, then had lunch in Liverpool before checking in.

I can understand that it would not be possible to drop off luggage in the morning, and the handlers did tell us they can only accept luggage when the ship is accepting it, which is obvious. That would depend on departure time though and some cruises sail earlier or later than the 'norm' of about 4-5pm. Arrival/departure times may be delayed for some reason, if planned ahead you would be notified, or will see a message on the Fred Olsen website if you check there. We always make sure they have our mobile phone number for that pupose.

Check in times are later with Fred and lunch is not provided onboard that day, but I cannot understand that luggage can only be accepted from 14.30 to 15.30 as it would take longer than an hour to load the luggage on the ship. As you use the expression 'luggage can only be checked in from 14.30 to 15.30', I am wondering if you were given the time you can check in, as that is limited to a specific time slot, depending on your deck and booking status and will be given on your ticket.

Something could always delay things on the day though, so you could never be guaranteed what will happen. We have often had to wait a while at a terminal, but have never had to sit with anything other than hand luggage and Liverpool is good as you can go into town rather than sit in the terminal - as long as you go back in time of course!

Enjoy the cruise anyway.

Unfortunately we are unable to take luggage before check-in open due to security reasons.

Sorry on this occasion we are unable to help.

Regards

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines