Timing for Check in question

[gladgirl]

What does it mean that you have to be on board 2 hours before check in? Does this mean it's like the airport and if you are in line but don't get through security before a certain time, you miss the cruise?

 

Wondering if for a 4pm departure it is cutting it too close to arrive at pier between 1-1:30 because of sightseeing?

 

This is our first cruise and I'm not sure what all has to happen at the pier before we board... We are in a suite and have VIP boarding if it makes a difference in the answers.

 

Thanks in advance!

[bonvoyagie]

The 2hr time frame is only for the first boarding - called embarkation.

They need this time to clear customs and do the lifeboat drills etc.

 

When you reach other ports - where you will be doing excursions - you will need to be back onboard 1/2 hr prior to the departure time.

 

All will be explained in the Freestyle Daily.

[don't-use-real-name]

When you hear the ships HORN sounding MAYBE you are too late !!!

Oh what the hey just go ahead and make the 100 meter dash to the

ships rapidly removing gangplank. Hey look up at the cheering audience

in the balcony cabins placing bets on whether you will make it !

 

Ah such excitement - will give the cruise director plenty of material for

the evening entertainment - so hint don't go to there unless you are

invited for being best in your race to beat the clock (horn).

[don't-use-real-name]

What does it mean that you have to be on board 2 hours before check in? Does this mean it's like the airport and if you are in line but don't get through security before a certain time, you miss the cruise?

 

Wondering if for a 4pm departure it is cutting it too close to arrive at pier between 1-1:30 because of sightseeing?

 

This is our first cruise and I'm not sure what all has to happen at the pier before we board... We are in a suite and have VIP boarding if it makes a difference in the answers.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Previous post was on a humors note - - -

 

This one on a more serious note - - -

 

Unless a more seasoned NCL cruiser has ideas to the contrary I would go

with the plan you have of checking in about 2 an half hours before sailing.

You have VIP check-in being in a FULL suite so there should be a separate

area to check in and get all your key cards and other information and then

be escorted to your suite (at least that is what I have read happens).

Don't push the envelope below 2 hours in case something unexpected

happens.

Other posters may chime in to provide useful information. In the

Pre-Cruise Docs that are available about 30 days before departure you

may get additional boarding and check-in information and perhaps the

newsletter (Freestyle Daily) previously mentioned by bonvoyagie.

It would be a good idea to get on board early enough that if something

is forgotten to be able to get off the ship briefly to get it straighten out

while the ship is in/at port.

Once the ship leaves the port you will have done all that you can do to

make things go as smooth as possible with time to correct problems.

 

"A stitch in time saves nine" &

"Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" !

 

Plan to have an unforgettable time - Good Luck - Bon Voyage !

[don't-use-real-name]

Dupe posting edited - - -

[roger001]

As long as you are at the pier by 1 or 1:30, that should be no problem at all. There are still large numbers of persons checking in at that time.

[DMLyons]

Unless a more seasoned NCL cruiser has ideas to the contrary I would go

with the plan you have of checking in about 2 an half hours before sailing.

You have VIP check-in being in a FULL suite so there should be a separate

area to check in and get all your key cards and other information and then

be escorted to your suite (at least that is what I have read happens).

Don't push the envelope below 2 hours in case something unexpected

happens.

 

My ship is due to depart at 4 pm, according to the itinerary. The eDocs say embarkation is at 12 noon. The cruise before it usually docks at 8 am. Is there any reason whatsoever to show up earlier than 11:15-11:30, if you're in a suite? I would imagine they aren't going to let anyone board much earlier than that.

 

Thanks in advance.

DML

[BuckBanzai]

On the POA Hawaii cruise, the embarkation time is 12 noon. They will let some special people (VIP?) at 10:30. We showed up at noon and there were probably 350 or more people already on board (we were the 8th group let onboard of 50-100). The ship departed at 7pm - we made great use of the 7 hours wandering around the ship, eating, and settling in to the room.

 

It took about 30 minutes to check in - that included posing for a photo, registering, and then waiting until our group was called. It was painless.

 

My ship is due to depart at 4 pm, according to the itinerary. The eDocs say embarkation is at 12 noon. The cruise before it usually docks at 8 am. Is there any reason whatsoever to show up earlier than 11:15-11:30, if you're in a suite? I would imagine they aren't going to let anyone board much earlier than that.

 

Thanks in advance.

DML

[DMLyons]

On the POA Hawaii cruise, the embarkation time is 12 noon. They will let some special people (VIP?) at 10:30. We showed up at noon and there were probably 350 or more people already on board (we were the 8th group let onboard of 50-100). The ship departed at 7pm - we made great use of the 7 hours wandering around the ship, eating, and settling in to the room.

 

It took about 30 minutes to check in - that included posing for a photo, registering, and then waiting until our group was called. It was painless.

 

Thank you! This is very helpful!

 

DML

[DMH15]

My preference is to board early. I like to be in the first VIP group on board. The Concierge will take the group to the Suite Lunch venue. To me this is a VERY relaxing and easy way to start the cruise.

 

Bonuses:

1. While having lunch the concierge can book those special things you desire like Chef's table, spa pass, etc.

2. You meet other suite guests that you will see in there all week.

3. You will be there dining when thry announce staterooms are ready.

 

When people are still boarding I have had lunch, unpacked and am ready for sailaway.

 

This is just my preferences.