Assigned (or just suggested) boarding times???

[SATexasPilot]

Greetings from San Antonio. Four of us (two couples) are on the Jan 18th Emerald cruise. We depart from the Houston cruise port.

 

This is our fourth Princess cruise. We just received an email that we are "assigned" a boarding time of 12:00 PM (noon) to 1:00 PM. (D deck).

 

May I ask the experienced among you - is this truly an "assigned" boarding time or just a suggestion. If someone with an assigned 2:00 PM boarding time shows up at noon - so what? My experience on the 4 prior cruises is that the ebb and flow of check-in is pretty much chaotic.

 

Thanks for any feedback.

[AKman2495]

This comes up frequently on this board. The answer is no, they are not mandatory and are only suggestions.

[Kinkacruiser]

I think these designted times are aimed at those new to Princess. Word certainly gets around (from forums such as this) that these are not mandatory.

[jagsfan]

They spread their net and hope to get a big catch. Only thing they can do to spread the horde out.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Colo Cruiser]

For now its been a suggestion only.

[satxdiver]

So far it has been a suggested boarding time. I have boarded twice last sailing season from Bayport and it was not enforced. I also have not seen it enforced on our last two sailings this fall.

[TracieABD]

I have yet to hear of the boarding times being enforced. We once receive an email that we should board at 4 pm. Fortunately, I am platinum.

[Beermam42]

This video should help you.

 

 

Your biggest problem is fog. Watch port web cam it is live if ship is not at dock by severn you will have back arrival time up.

[Beermam42]

BAYPORT TX.

 

http://www.portofhouston.com/cruise-information/live-cruise-terminal-cam/

[MSN-Travelers]

Activities that can only be reserved once you board may be a motivator to board as early as possible . . . Chef's Table, Santuary, excursions listed as full pre-cruise that may have slots available aboard, traditional dining wait list or other issues etc may be good reasons to board ASAP vs. the "suggested" boarding time.

 

Show up at a time that works best for YOU!

 

Enjoy!

[tdcjerry]

I got the email today-

IMPORTANT NOTICES

PROGRESSIVE CRUISE CHECK-IN INFORMATION

To help facilitate a smooth start to your voyage we have implemented a progressive cruise check-in schedule. If you have purchased a Princess Cruise Plus Package/Transfer, your check-in time will be provided at your hotel or the airport. Guests travelling on shared transport or arriving as a group will be checked in together. Priority check-in will be available to guests with a Preferred Boarding Pass within the allocated check-in times after dropping off luggage and clearing security. Boarding will commence shortly after check in. Please arrive at check-in times below. Once on board, enjoy a meal at Horizon Court which remains open throughout the day to serve you.

 

12:30pm - 1:30pm - Aloha, Dolphin, Emerald & Lido Decks /Start with A, D, E & L 1:30pm - 2:30pm - Caribe, Marina & Riviera Decks / Start with C, M & R 2:30pm - 3:00pm - Baja Deck / Start with B

 

All guests must be on board one hour prior to sailing

I really don't plan on getting on the ship after 1:30 since we are on "M"deck and will be checking out of our total about 11am we will need to go someplace. This reminds me of checking onto an airplane, group 1, group 2 and on, people just stand near the gate and get in the way.