What do you do while waiting for the ship to board in Fort Lauderdale

[30valantyne]

My wife and kids (age 8 and 12) arrive in Fort Lauderdale on Monday Jan 2nd at 10am to set sail on the Jewell of the seas. The boat does not board until 2pm and leaves at 5pm. We have to keep our luggage with us. Any ideas on things we can do with a few hours to kill in Fort Lauderdale? Also how firm are they on the 2pm boarding (Its Royal Carribean)? I read somwhere that its possible to board earlier.

[Bequia]

Also how firm are they on the 2pm boarding (Its Royal Carribean)? I read somwhere that its possible to board earlier.

 

RCCL in Port Everglades, even Port of Miami usually begins boarding at 11 am. ;)

[grits]

just returned from rcl enchantment in port everglades 12/05. go early. We were there by 11:30 and then boarded and had lunch. Rooms were not ready until 1:00. Luggage came much later. Everyone, had their luggage in the Windjammer (buffet) which is serving by 11:30. Get to the ship early and you will feel like you have an extra day.

[Bequia]

Get to the ship early and you will feel like you have an extra day.

 

That is so true! ;)

[dvan68]

Can you board Carnival ships this early as well? We are going on the Liberty. We are going down a day early, so we can get to the port any time - just not sure if we should go early and wait - or go later after the crowds die down.

[merela]

Your plane arrives at 10am and by the time you get your luggage, it's likely to be close to 11am. I would go straight to the ship's terminal and check in your luggage. You don't have much of a wait before boarding your ship.

 

Unless there is a delay of this particular ship arriving Fort Lauderdale, you should be able to board the ship around noon.

 

Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks for the kids so they can munch on stuff while they wait....unless you want to give them lots of quarters for vending machine food.

[TrentS]

Under normal circumstance ALL ships/lines begin embarkation between 11am & noon... You won't have any time to do anything but go straight to the port! You're assuming your flight will even be on time, and that's RARE in FLL!!! WHY AREN'T YOU FLYING IN A DAY EARLY??? You're playing with fire when you fly in on the day of your cruise! :confused: