Ft Lauderdale Port questions

[omc329]

I've received notice that our ship is running drills and not to arrive before 2pm at the port. I read somewhere on cc that Ft Lauderdale lines up outside? We cannot stay at our hotel until 2pm, and the hotel shuttles likely don't run that late. Now, we can pay for a cab if our back is against the wall, however, we STILL have to check out of the hotel before 2pm.

 

So the questions are as follows. Will they process us into the building even though the ship is not ready for boarding? I don't care about the wait at the port, I'm going to have to wait somewhere anyway. I DO care about standing. I have had a recent varicose procedure that has left me in pain anytime I stand for any period of time. I was prepared to stand in lines, but NOT for hours. Also, if the line is outside, what about inclement weather? I'll sit on the concrete if necessary, but rain???

 

Anyone ever done a late embarkation like this? Experience with line backups with everyone arriving at one time?

 

I've never gone out of Ft Lauderdale or had a late embarkation. What to do? Thoughts?

[paul929207]

Our experience is that people are lined up outside. There is some seating inside, but not enough for a ship full of people.

 

I am guessing that you are on the Coral Princess and this is your first Princess cruise. Unless you are booked in a full suite, you will not have priority boarding. This will delay you as suite passengers and those who are Elite and Platinum in the Princess Captain's Circle (loyalty program) will have priority. They will be checked in first, get seats first and board first.

[omc329]

Is outside covered or open to the elements? Will they leave us standing out in the open for hours or is their an indoor waiting pen? I understand drills must be run, but what are we to do with a 2pm boarding time coming from a hotel???

 

Yes, new to princess and Ft Lauderdale both.

[chrysalis]

Is outside covered or open to the elements? Will they leave us standing out in the open for hours or is their an indoor waiting pen? I understand drills must be run, but what are we to do with a 2pm boarding time coming from a hotel???

 

Yes, new to princess and Ft Lauderdale both.

Outside is covered if you are using Pier 2, which I suspect you are.

 

You can always arrange for a late checkout with your hotel...it may cost you, but, is a viable solution, and then take a cab. The port is close to hotels, so the cab fare is reasonable.

[Clampram]

I've received notice that our ship is running drills and not to arrive before 2pm at the port. I read somewhere on cc that Ft Lauderdale lines up outside? We cannot stay at our hotel until 2pm, and the hotel shuttles likely don't run that late. Now, we can pay for a cab if our back is against the wall, however, we STILL have to check out of the hotel before 2pm.

 

So the questions are as follows. Will they process us into the building even though the ship is not ready for boarding? I don't care about the wait at the port, I'm going to have to wait somewhere anyway. I DO care about standing. I have had a recent varicose procedure that has left me in pain anytime I stand for any period of time. I was prepared to stand in lines, but NOT for hours. Also, if the line is outside, what about inclement weather? I'll sit on the concrete if necessary, but rain???

 

Anyone ever done a late embarkation like this? Experience with line backups with everyone arriving at one time?

 

I've never gone out of Ft Lauderdale or had a late embarkation. What to do? Thoughts?

 

Talk to the manager of the hotel where you are staying. If you have status with their frequent guest program, they may just extend your stay until you want to depart. otherwise, most places will let you checkout, store your baggage with the front desk valet and then sit by the pool or a public area until you want to leave.

Which hotel is it???

Edited October 13, 2016 by Clampram
forgot to say something

[CineGraphic]

What makes you think they will stop the shuttle by 2PM, I'm sure they run all day as the port is right next to the airport.

I suggest you call the hotel.

[omc329]

Quality Inn Hollywood. No preferred status. I can ask about staying late, and will, but not counting on it. Moreover, will I be better off getting there early and sitting on concrete or waiting until lines are wrapped around and I'm basically standing forever. Standing WILL hurt.

 

I know how to time normal boarding times, but this drill thing isn't normal. Perhaps I'm a pessimist, but I'm picturing HUGE lines.

[capriccio]

If you are on the Coral - or any other ship (Princess or any other cruise line) returning to the US after a season overseas I don't think they are delaying boarding due to 'drills.' Rather returning ships are frequently subject to vessel and crew inspections by the US government.

 

If this is next week's Coral cruise you will be departing from terminal 2 according to the ship schedule and that has a covered walkway outdoors with a few benches. I agree with Clampram's recommendation to call your hotel now and ask 1) if you can have late check out or 2) if you can wait in the lobby (much more comfortable) with your luggage or if storage is available. If they insist on 'kicking you out' at 11 or noon, have a leisurely lunch and then make your way to Port Everglades. If you'll tell us which hotel you are staying in, many of us can give you restaurant recommendations.

[omc329]

I think I will give the hotel a call, but the line issue could still REALLY bite me. I'd rather sit on concrete for a couple of hours than stand for a couple of hours.

[Clampram]

Under the amenities tab on the hotel website it states: "late checkout available".

I would call and talk to the front desk. Good luck!

[pablo222]

I think I will give the hotel a call, but the line issue could still REALLY bite me. I'd rather sit on concrete for a couple of hours than stand for a couple of hours.

 

Why don't you request a wheelchair from princess?

[nukesubsailor]

We experienced delayed boarding of a Princess ship in Port Everglades once. The delay was due to an extreme sanitizing of the ship after a norovirus outbreak on the previous cruise. Princess had all the passengers waiting to board wait in the convention center building adjacent to the ship terminal. There were chairs for everyone and restrooms. If, in your case, Princess will not allow boarding to begin until 2:00 p.m., they may have you wait in the convention center if no other activities are scheduled there that day.

[omc329]

We experienced delayed boarding of a Princess ship in Port Everglades once. The delay was due to an extreme sanitizing of the ship after a norovirus outbreak on the previous cruise. Princess had all the passengers waiting to board wait in the convention center building adjacent to the ship terminal. There were chairs for everyone and restrooms. If, in your case, Princess will not allow boarding to begin until 2:00 p.m., they may have you wait in the convention center if no other activities are scheduled there that day.

 

THAT would be fantastic. I wonder whom I would contact to find out if that is an option. I doubt the general Princess number would provided much real information.

[omc329]

Why don't you request a wheelchair from princess?

 

Because I would feel silly when I'm going up and down stairs and walking all over. Walking isn't an issue, only standing. Sounds stupid, but it is what it is.

[paul929207]

Less than a mile walk from the port, there are places to shop and eat. You could go to one of the restaurants and have lunch. Grocery store (Publix) for any last minute purchases. Also, Total Wine & More.

[reedprincess]

You've been given several very good suggestions: get late checkout at Hotel. If no late checkout, simply hang out in lobby or lounge until time to go. Go to port at checkout and wait there, if you don't make it to inside seating, sit on the concrete while you wait for boarding. Even if you're in line, tou cab always sit down to wait, if you don't mind the concrete. Go to a leisurely lunch after check out, then head to port. Any or a combo of several works fine.

Personally, I'd be calling the hotel right away to arrange a layer checkout of maybe noon, or even 1, then heading either to do any last minute shopping like sunscreen or such then head to port or if the noon checkout, then to a leisurely lunch somewhere fun like Bahia Cabana, then off to the ship around 2:30 or 3 so I don't have to wait around in the lines.... We don't like waiting in the lines at all, so always head over after the initial rush. Personal choice really. Good luck and enjoy

[RocketMan275]

Go to amazon.com and search on 'hiking stool'.

 

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_12?url=search-alias%3Doutdoor-recreation&field-keywords=hiking+stool&sprefix=hiking+stool%2Cundefined%2C151&rh=i%3Aoutdoor-recreation%2Ck%3Ahiking+stool

 

Many available for under $15. Fold up. Light weight. Leave it behind.

 

You can probably find similar products near your home.

Edited October 13, 2016 by RocketMan275

[omc329]

It is funny, I was just thinking about a seat cane a bit ago. *L*

 

I think there were many ideas, it is now about timing. 3pm sounds soooooo late! Then again, so does 2pm. *sigh* So much for my traditional sit down lunch where I normally begin my cruise. I'm going to miss my aaaaaaahhhh moment. :(

 

I still would like to know about the convention center. That would be my preferred solution. Oh well.

 

Everglade port is not endearing me towards them. Not a great start to a new port and cruise line, regardless of the necessity of it all. I'm still wondering about all the other passengers. Sis was clueless. Never received an email or anything. I wonder how many folks are there at 11 or 12 from lack of info.

 

At any rate, thanks for the input.

[paul929207]

You should be able to drop off your check luggage with the porters. SO you will not have to lug it. I would aim to have as little carry on as possible.

[riclop]

I've received notice that our ship is running drills and not to arrive before 2pm at the port. I read somewhere on cc that Ft Lauderdale lines up outside? We cannot stay at our hotel until 2pm, and the hotel shuttles likely don't run that late. Now, we can pay for a cab if our back is against the wall, however, we STILL have to check out of the hotel before 2pm.

 

So the questions are as follows. Will they process us into the building even though the ship is not ready for boarding? I don't care about the wait at the port, I'm going to have to wait somewhere anyway. I DO care about standing. I have had a recent varicose procedure that has left me in pain anytime I stand for any period of time. I was prepared to stand in lines, but NOT for hours. Also, if the line is outside, what about inclement weather? I'll sit on the concrete if necessary, but rain???

 

Anyone ever done a late embarkation like this? Experience with line backups with everyone arriving at one time?

 

I've never gone out of Ft Lauderdale or had a late embarkation. What to do? Thoughts?

 

You will be standing outside.

[eandj]

As mentioned, unless you intend on sitting in your room, you CAN check out and then spend some time having lunch, taking a stroll or just lounging. I wouldn't arrive at the port early not knowing what lies ahead as far as waiting room space.

Most hotels will allow for an extra hour (complimentary) to check out. You can ask if you want to use the room longer.

If no shuttle, just grab uber or a cab. You might even be able to find another couple to share the cab with you. Just get one of the larger ones.

 

With your problem with standing, I wouldn't show up at the terminal until after 2:30. That IS if there really is a reason they are delaying boarding to everyone. :rolleyes: Often they just like to assign boarding times so everyone doesn't show up at once.

[Whimsy]

Perhaps ask your shuttle driver if he could drive you to the port with your luggage to drop it off then drop you off somewhere along 17th street for lunch. Take your time and have the restaurant call you a cab to take you to the port. Since the shuttle is going anyway it shouldn't be a problem and if you have to embark later you might like to have a relaxing lunch somewhere. There are several restaurants along 17th street and cabs are very easy to get in Fort Lauderdale. It should not be more than $10 from 17th street to the pier.

[paul929207]

I don't know OP or his physical condition, but it took us about 10 or 15 minutes to walk from the 17th street shopping/restaurant area to Pier 2.

[Mud_Shark]

We had this last September. We were on the Royal's first Caribbean cruise immediately after they arrived from the transatlantic. There was an expected delay for customs and they were running some kind of drills as well.

 

We were only told of this late boarding about 4 or 5 days prior to the cruise. We were told to arrive about 3pm. We had already locked in bus transportation from our motel in the Florida Keys - so we were stuck arriving at 11am.

 

When we got there, many others were also aware of the late boarding but were also lined up at the port as per usual due to coming straight from the airport or whatever. We were able to drop our bags off at the porters, then got in line outside. It is covered, but it was humid!. We stood in that line outside the terminal for probably about an hour, then they staff directed us non priority boarding types over to the terminal across the road - which they opened up just for us to wait in. We were able to find chairs there to sit in, but by about 1pm that terminal room was standing room only, and I felt bad because at least 500 or so people were standing and waiting. There was no food, but there was a bathroom and a drinking fountain, so it was much better than being outside.

 

By about 3:30pm or so we were escorted from this holding terminal to the main terminal for processing, and we got onboard around 4:pm. When it began - it went quick.

 

So it was very nice to have an air conditioned terminal to wait in, but it looked like someone just stepped up and problem solved the growing outdoor line and found a solution to let us get out of the heat. Hopefully they will do that in your case as certainly many will still arrive in the morning - just like us. Some complained constantly, but others just made the best of it and were glad we were inside and comfortable.

 

Don