POA Embarkation?

[trish1c]

Is anything about embarkation at the pier in Hawaii dramatically different from the procedures used at other ports? We've boarded in NYC, Miami & San Juan. All have their quirks but nothing is hugely different.

[VTSteerage]

Lots of postings in the Hawaii forum.

[pe4all]

Is anything about embarkation at the pier in Hawaii dramatically different from the procedures used at other ports? We've boarded in NYC, Miami & San Juan. All have their quirks but nothing is hugely different.

First, you take your luggage to a small area inside the terminal - go to the right. There are no porters. The workers take your luggage once in the small room and put it directly through screening machine while you get on a line and show them your ticket and id. You enter a large room and get "lei'd" and get on line for your keycards. You then sit in the section you are assigned as you checkin. They have dancers entertaining you as you wait. You are then led, section by section onto the ship. We were onboard by 12:30. Our cabin was not available until 2:30 - they open the cabins deck by deck, so bring sunscreen, swimsuit, etc. in a carryon so you can kill some time while waiting.

[tolkienfan43]

@Pe4all - very helpful info. Thanks. We are going on POA in less than 3 weeks. Quick question: Embarkation and grabbing a bite to eat for lunch. Based on previous Royal cruise the buffet can be a zoo. Any suggestions on where else to go for less crowds?

[tempus137]

@Pe4all - very helpful info. Thanks. We are going on POA in less than 3 weeks. Quick question: Embarkation and grabbing a bite to eat for lunch. Based on previous Royal cruise the buffet can be a zoo. Any suggestions on where else to go for less crowds?

 

One of the MDR's will be open for lunch. On our cruise it was Skyline.