Balmoral boarding time Southampton

[hazel80]

Hi fellow cruisers, we have not sailed from Southampton before so just wondered what time we may be allowed on the Balmoral, we are sailing this Sunday 20th July, apparently the ship sales at 16.30. We will be in Southampton early so wondered at what time we can board. Any ideas?

Thank you

[Mark_T]

Hi fellow cruisers, we have not sailed from Southampton before so just wondered what time we may be allowed on the Balmoral, we are sailing this Sunday 20th July, apparently the ship sales at 16.30. We will be in Southampton early so wondered at what time we can board. Any ideas?

Thank you

 

You should have been given a specific time along with your cruise documents as boarding is by deck and by status.

 

Turning up before your allotted time slot will not help as they do tend to stick to the assigned times unless of course they are running late, which is not uncommon, in which case you'd have even longer to wait.

 

It looks like Balmoral is due to arrive in Southampton around 6:30am so by the time they have got everyone off and made ready for new guests I'd guess that boarding will run from around 12:00-3:00. Exactly where you are in that time frame depends on your cabin and your 'Oceans' status.

 

No special rush to board early though as the normal dining facilities will not be open anyway.

Edited July 16, 2014 by Mark_T

[tigernut]

Hi fellow cruisers, we have not sailed from Southampton before so just wondered what time we may be allowed on the Balmoral, we are sailing this Sunday 20th July, apparently the ship sales at 16.30. We will be in Southampton early so wondered at what time we can board. Any ideas?

Thank you

 

As Mark T has already said, there is no rush to get to the terminal, as lunch is never served on Fred's ships on embarkation day. If you are on late sitting for dinner, I suggest you have lunch before arriving at the terminal. Once on board, afternoon tea is usually served about 3.30pm onwards, just beverages, sandwiches and cakes.

 

Passengers travelling in suites and in cabins on higher decks, normally board first. I have rarely boarded before 1.30 - 2.00 pm.

 

Enjoy Balmoral, I've sailed on her many times, she's a lovely ship.

[Jollysailor93]

Arrive at your allocated time slot :) if you arrive earlier don't expect to get on any sooner. FO stick firmly to their allocated times unlike other cruise lines when you can turn up as you wish.

 

Enjoy Balmoral, a truly beautiful ship!!!