Check-in time?

[Travis_in_Chicago]

We will be going on our very first cruise this Saturday, sailing on the Independence of the Seas out of Port Everglades. On our documentation the check-in window lists check-in from 12:30-3:30. Is there any benefit to arriving before 12:30, and if so, what would be a good time to arrive? I don't mind getting there early and waiting, and would like to be on the ship early to enjoy as much time on-board as we can. Thanks.

[Clarea]

We will be going on our very first cruise this Saturday, sailing on the Independence of the Seas out of Port Everglades. On our documentation the check-in window lists check-in from 12:30-3:30. Is there any benefit to arriving before 12:30, and if so, what would be a good time to arrive? I don't mind getting there early and waiting, and would like to be on the ship early to enjoy as much time on-board as we can. Thanks.

If you want to get on the ship as early as possible, I'd get to the terminal around 10:30am.

[Travis_in_Chicago]

If you want to get on the ship as early as possible, I'd get to the terminal around 10:30am.

 

Thank you!

[Laughing Angel]

There are some advantages to boarding early. You can enjoy lunch on board, you get to scope out the ship, get some photo ops in, make any changes in restaurant seating, excursions, etc. Keep in mind that your cabin may not be ready immediately upon boarding, so you'll have to keep your carry on with you.

 

Have fun!

[John Bull]

As per the Angel's post, your cabin certainly won't be available at 10.30 (& at that time you'll probably have to join a line to register/board for up to an hour), & your cabin probably won't be available til well after 1pm.

Which means you'll have to haul your carry-on around with you. Bear that in mind, but do include in it your cruise paperwork, pool-wear, medications & electronic stuff. And the bottles of wine that you're permitted - a pain to haul around but not as big a pain as one breaking in your checked luggage. ;)

 

JB :)

[Langley Cruisers]

The suggested check-in times are not enforced in North American home ports. We sail almost exclusively on RCI and have always arrived at the pier by 10:30 am to begin the check-in and boarding process.

 

Enjoy yourselves!

[davekathy]

...and would like to be on the ship early to enjoy as much time on-board as we can. Thanks.

 

Excellent game plan. Bon Voyage.

[sloopsailor]

There are some advantages to boarding early. You can enjoy lunch on board, you get to scope out the ship, get some photo ops in, make any changes in restaurant seating, excursions, etc. Keep in mind that your cabin may not be ready immediately upon boarding, so you'll have to keep your carry on with you.

 

Have fun!

 

Might as well get on board as soon as possible. After all, you paid for that day, and makes sense to get as much out of your $$$$ as possible.

 

We always get there so we are in the first group aboard. Once we were the 3rd and 4th passengers to board. It was absolutely amazing being on a large cruise ship while seemingly being the only people on board. You can explore the ship and be the only people in some areas. But give it about two to three hours and that feeling of having the entire ship to yourself will turn to it feeling crowded. Enjoy it while you can!!

Edited November 29, 2016 by sloopsailor

[cb at sea]

RCI doesn't do set times.....if you get there, get in line and board. Very easy.

[taglovestocruise]

Your ship sails at 4:30. The 3:30 time slot is the LATEST you can board.. Guests start lining up around 10am. happy cruising