pdteneyck Posted July 12, 2011 #1 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Was wondering whats the best time to get to the pier in New York for boarding? Late or early? Anyone have any suggestions? Leaving to Bermuda 8-7-11 on the Gem. Thanks!!:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billys mom Posted July 12, 2011 #2 Share Posted July 12, 2011 From what I've read, getting there around 11:30 seems the norm, that way you can check in and be one of the first one the ship when they start boarding. That's what we plan on doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMMD Posted July 12, 2011 #3 Share Posted July 12, 2011 When we sailed from the NY pier in January we were speaking with one of the staff while standing on line. It was very crowded at this time (noon) and we asked her if this was the norm for this time of day. She said that many don't know that you can come to the pier as early as 9am when no one is there. No lines or crowds. Of course you'll have longer to wait to actually get on the ship, but you will be first online. Generally between 10 & 11 seems to be a good time, but if you're up early and anxious, go early. Luckily we were in a Suite so our line was very short but the everywhere else it was absolutely mobbed. Hope you have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erichepler Posted July 12, 2011 #4 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I've been there once get there early, get a decent parking spot on the pier, beat the line, get on the boat and get partying. We were coming from central PA though so we got into NYC at 11ish, but had no problem parking and getting right through the lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacewoman Posted July 12, 2011 #5 Share Posted July 12, 2011 We got there around 11 last year. Very crowded. We were in the "lattitudes" line where everyone was remarking about the "privileges" they got by being lattitudes members:rolleyes: This year our limo company has a wedding to do and they're dropping us off around 9:30, so I'll know if there is any advantage to an early arrival, but I won't know that until after you have already cruised. Have FUN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zookiebird Posted July 12, 2011 #6 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Get on board as early as possible. It's day 1 of your cruise so why not enjoy the ship? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msg12188 Posted July 13, 2011 #7 Share Posted July 13, 2011 The earlier the better. When you get onboard check your carryon so you don't have to tote it around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Got Tequila? Posted July 13, 2011 #8 Share Posted July 13, 2011 We are typically at the pier between 9 - 9:30 am. They have seating for about the first 75 guests to arrive and keep us in order of arrival, we remain seated until the area becomes standing room only and is crowded....then they escort us into the line according to our seats/arrival. Wait in line until they open up the metal detectors, then check in. At the check in desks you are given boarding numbers according to your arrival time........there are plenty of seats to wait in at this point until your number is called. Typically you can get your boarding photos taken, check out the spa and specialty restaurant table, get a snack and relax and people watch until boarding time. Nothing like getting on the ship early, and enjoying lunch in the main dining room and starting vacation as early as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebas030 Posted July 14, 2011 #9 Share Posted July 14, 2011 The last two times we got there about 10:30 The last time ( may 22 ) there was 3 ships in port at the same time so the traffic jam was crazy on 9A North. After 30 minutes of it and moving about 20 feet, we opted to go north to the next avenue ( about 10 blocks ) and come down 9A south and we were in the parking area within minutes. We were parked on pier 90 and the Gem was at 88, so a little walk with all the luggage ( could not even think of dropping the luggage and doing the crazy traffic again ), went down to street level to give our luggage to a porter and the up again to the checking in line by 11 am. Latitudes line was almost empty :p , were group 9 on board at 12:10pm :) Have a look at the schedule of the port authority and adjust to the number of ship there. Have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilentHill Posted July 14, 2011 #10 Share Posted July 14, 2011 We book our cruises through a travel agent for a local bussing company which included free transport to and from the pier, so we have no control over the time we arrive, but thats a sacrafice i'm willing to make for free transport and no parking fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacewoman Posted July 15, 2011 #11 Share Posted July 15, 2011 We are typically at the pier between 9 - 9:30 am. They have seating for about the first 75 guests to arrive and keep us in order of arrival, we remain seated until the area becomes standing room only and is crowded....then they escort us into the line according to our seats/arrival. Wait in line until they open up the metal detectors, then check in. At the check in desks you are given boarding numbers according to your arrival time........there are plenty of seats to wait in at this point until your number is called. Typically you can get your boarding photos taken, check out the spa and specialty restaurant table, get a snack and relax and people watch until boarding time. Nothing like getting on the ship early, and enjoying lunch in the main dining room and starting vacation as early as possible. I am so liking this early arrival now:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJGeorge Posted July 15, 2011 #12 Share Posted July 15, 2011 Unless there is a protest, police activity or some other malady you are sailing on Sunday, the best day of the week to be plodding around NYC. Early birds catch the worm:);) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Gail & Marty sailing away Posted July 15, 2011 #13 Share Posted July 15, 2011 11:30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cv322 Posted July 16, 2011 #14 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Have cruised from NY all except 3 times (check my signature). Get there by 11AM. ;). Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdteneyck Posted July 16, 2011 Author #15 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Thanks to everyone for the great info!. I cant wait to go!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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