Embarkation

[DP]

When your ticket indicates 3:00 p.m. boarding how strict are they about not allowing you on until exatly 3 p.m.? Some cruiselines (Radisson) allowed us on at 12:30 even though our ticket stated 3 but Sea Dream Yacht Club did not allow us to go anywhere near the ship until exactly 3 p.m. not 2:59 p.m. even.

 

So that said, if we showed up at the ship around 12:30 would we be turned away and if so could we leave our luggage in a secure area.

 

Diane

[LaPaloma]

We have gotten on a little early in many cases--I think 12:30 arrival for a 3 boarding might be pushing it a little. On our cruise last week we arrived at 2 for 3 departure, and we were ushered right in for the boarding procedure--we were in our suite at about 2:30. I wouldn't count on any thing earlier than that!

[Martita B.]

Diane, I think it depends on the Port. I'm sure you will be able to board by 2:00, if not 1:30. You may not be able to go to your suite, as the Housekeepers might still be preparing for your arrival, but you will surely be cared for either in the Sky Bar or the Veranda.

I was to board the Pride in New York on Sept. 15th, as I was hosting a luncheon for 10, in the dining room at 12:30. I had made all the plans and preparations a couple months in advance........I good friend of mine was flying up from Blue Lagoon Dr. especially for the luncheon. Well, 3 days before we embarked I received an e-mail that the Coast Guard would be on the Pride for inspections and that I would need to cancel the luncheon! The best laid plans of mice and men......(it worked out wonderfully, however, as we lunched at Charlie Plamer's "Auerole" restaurant) But, it was a good lesson for me NOT to make "boarding plans"......we did arrive at the ship about 3:00.

 

Have a marvelous sailing......:) :)

Martita B.

[JaneBP]

I have noticed with the last two embarkations that passengers are invited to wait in the large lounge, given a number, given TLC (champers and tea sandwiches) and then called in order at 3 PM for processing. Jane in PHL

[LaPaloma]

I have noticed with the last two embarkations that passengers are invited to wait in the large lounge, given a number, given TLC (champers and tea sandwiches) and then called in order at 3 PM for processing. Jane in PHL

Jane we booked the Mexican Riviera on our Spirit trip last week. We booked the Caldera to LA segment Jan 16 thru 26. We have a non stop flight PHX to SJO so it makes it pretty easy. Marc Bellizzi, Cruise Sales Specialist on the Spirit, figured this might sell out pretty fast--lots of West Coast interest.

[JaneBP]

Thanks for clarifying that. It looks intriguing and I might book it next week, just in case. However, I am leaning towards joining a small group of friends who are sailling at the same time on one of the Radisson (gasp) ships from Ft Lauderdale to South America and then across to South Africa. I think it's 28 days and the itinerary, except for Ft Lauderdale <G>, is new to me! Jane

[Chairsin]

Under normal circumstances I would not want to take advantage of Seabourn's hospitality by arriving early -- if everyone did it would force the crew to work at mach speed -- and they already kill themselves as it is. However, in special circumstances Seabourn's able to accomodate early arriving passengers -- like the time two years ago when we were in Rome and there was a blackout and a thunder storm and everyone who had been in Rome pre cruise like us decided to get out of Rome anyway they could ( we hired a private car and Kamakaze driver)to make sure they did not miss the boat. We arrived at 12:30 in the pouring rain and would have been satisfied to with a cozy corner in a lounge where we could light and sip a hot cup of tea -- instead we were gracioulsy whisked on board and offerred a lovely lunch in the dining room as if it was business as usual.Seabourn class and service won us over again!