First Time Cruising-Leaving from Boston, MA-Boarding Help

[TyGrimmett]

Hi All,

 

My wife and I are taking our first cruise and it is going to be out of Boston. We will be sailing to Bermuda on the Norwegian Dawn, and am hoping to get some ship boarding advice.

 

1-The Flynn Cruise Port allows for people to enter at 10:30am according to the telephone messages, and the ship wants everyone boarded by 2pm. If we arrive at 10am-10:30am, can anyone share with us what to expect? Will we be waiting outside for a long period of time, or can we begin boarding at 10:30am?

 

2-What is boarding like? Is it similar to an airport? What should we plan for?

 

3-Once boarded, can we go to our rooms, and begin enjoying the amenities on the ship?

 

4-Is there any advice/suggestions that anyone cares to give us about cruising? We're excited!

 

Thanks!

[roger001]

At 10:30, the terminal should be ready to start processing the new guests. You should go through the security check quickly and then go to a check in counter with very little delay. If all goes as usual, the actual ship boarding will begin about 11:30 usually. There are some priority boarders first, but you will get on quickly. Food and drink will be waiting for you and you can sit and eat or just explore the ship. Rooms are usually available around 1:30 or so. None of these times are ever exact. It all depends on how quick they can get the ship ready for new guests. After check in, there is a waiting area with chairs . You can sit and people watch and get excited. The security is much less strict than airport security. However, your hand carried items will have to go through an airport type screener. You will be given a short health form for each person to be filled out and given to the check in counter person. At check in, you will be given your cabin card which you will use for access to your cabin and everything else you do on the ship. Otherwise, just relax, explore the ship, eat lots of food, and enjoy. Excited it a big part of it for us. Can't get enough of it. At 10:30, there will be a small crowd already, but not bad at all. That's the time we always like to arrive. Get on eh ship as soon as boarding begins, leave the rest of the world behind...and the vacation has begun!

[poohdreaming]

Hi All,

 

My wife and I are taking our first cruise and it is going to be out of Boston. We will be sailing to Bermuda on the Norwegian Dawn, and am hoping to get some ship boarding advice.

 

1-The Flynn Cruise Port allows for people to enter at 10:30am according to the telephone messages, and the ship wants everyone boarded by 2pm. If we arrive at 10am-10:30am, can anyone share with us what to expect? Will we be waiting outside for a long period of time, or can we begin boarding at 10:30am?

You and your wife would be waiting in the lobby/waiting area after going through the security. They will make an announcement when the boarding start by calling the letter or the number of the card you are given. Boarding usually start around 11:30 am.

 

2-What is boarding like? Is it similar to an airport? What should we plan for? Once they call the number or letter of the card you were given to, you can start to board the cruise.

 

3-Once boarded, can we go to our rooms, and begin enjoying the amenities on the ship? Once on board, you cannot go straight to your room. They will make an announcement of when the staterooms are ready and to open the door for cruisers. It is usually around 1pm.

 

4-Is there any advice/suggestions that anyone cares to give us about cruising? We're excited! If you have any shore excursions or the dining package - make sure to call to book in advance. To read the freestyle daily to see what activities you both might be interested in for the next day and to use highlighters. Join the trivia questions/activities & to get the staff signature. At the end of the cruise, you can use the activity cards to redeem for prizes like NCL pen, shirt, etc. At the port, the spa might offer some discounts.

 

Thanks!

Once on board, you can go straight to the garden cafe (buffet) or to the main dining room for lunch or to look around. There's also this sail away party after the drill.

[bbryan5]

Some general cruise advice, since this will be your first cruise..

 

My first, and biggest piece of advice is don't sweat the small stuff! Sometimes, things happen. The buffet may run out of ketchup. You may have to wait more then a few minutes to get a beer. Keep in mind you're on vacation. Have a good time, no matter what little things may arise. Don't be one of those people that complain about everything.

 

Another thing I do.. if you have the drink package, you'll want to "store" some stuff in your cabin. I will go to a bar, get 2 glasses of wine, go to the cabin and dump in a water bottle. This is so you can enjoy some wine at night, and not have to run out to one of the bars. If you drink beer, order a bottle of beer, and ask the server to leave the cap on. You can amass a nice little collection in your mini fridge. If you don't plan on using any beverages in the mini fridge, ask your room steward the first day to empty it's contents, so you can use the fridge.

 

If you plan to sit by the pool in the morning, get out there early. Chairs do fill up quickly. We usually get up early, do a quick breakfast, then lay out for a couple hours.

 

The casino is fun, however it's definitely tighter than land based casinos IMO.

 

When eating at any of the main (free) dinning rooms, keep in mind you can order as many dishes as you would like. You want 5 appetizers? Order them. Can't make up your mind between 2 main courses? No problem, order both.

 

Bermuda is our favorite island, and we've been to about 10-15. It's clean, people are friendly, just a great place. A bit expensive, but not crazy. If it's your first time there, check out Horseshoe Bay Beach. Don't take a cruise line excursion there. Simply hop in a cab, which you will easily be able to find in the dockyard area.

 

If I think of more, I'll add them here. Enjoy your vacation!!

[BirdTravels]

1-The Flynn Cruise Port allows for people to enter at 10:30am according to the telephone messages, and the ship wants everyone boarded by 2pm. If we arrive at 10am-10:30am, can anyone share with us what to expect? Will we be waiting outside for a long period of time, or can we begin boarding at 10:30am?

That is the absolute best time to arrive. When you arrive, you drop your bags off with the porters on the curb. You can print out your luggage tags (link on your eDocs on MyNCL) or have the porter write one up for you. Tip the porter.

You then proceed to the terminal. Your passport and edoc boarding pass will be checked by port security. Then it is up to the security check point. Just like an airport, your handcarry will be x-rayed and you will go through a metal detector (you can leave your shoes on).

You proceed to check in. At check in, you fill out a health questionnaire (5 questions about whether you are currently sick - if you answer YES to any question, you may be denied boarding). You leave a credit card number for onboard charges. You will take security photos used by the ship to verify your identity. The agent will give you your room keys and you are one step closer to a fantastic cruise!

2-What is boarding like? Is it similar to an airport? What should we plan for?

After check-in, you will be invited to take an embarkation photo by the ship's photographers. Doesn't cost anything. Stop and say "Sailing". The port staff will direct to you a seating area based on your status. As a first time cruiser (orange card), you will directed to sit in an area with new cruisers. The port staff will start boarding people by priority group. (like an airport, first class passengers board first, followed by frequent sailers).

 

3-Once boarded, can we go to our rooms, and begin enjoying the amenities on the ship?

The ship kindly requests that you do not go to your room until invited by the cruise director. The housekeeping staff are still preparing your room for a fantastic cruise. Rooms are available about 1 pm. The buffet will open at 11:30. The main dining room will open at noon. O'Shean's grill is open 24/7. Go and have your first (of many) meals.

 

4-Is there any advice/suggestions that anyone cares to give us about cruising? We're excited!

If you want, the cruise staff give a tour of the ship, which may be fun for first time cruisers. Nothing fancy, just a walking tour of the public areas on the ship. It is conducted in the afternoon before muster (life boat drill).

If you have a dining package, make reservations exactly 120 prior to cruise (before things sell out).

Thanks!

 

The Dawn is a beautiful ship. Enjoy!

[DaisyGoldberg]

You can drop your bags with a porter at street level, then you go upstairs for security line and check in. There is a setup like a long hotel check in desk and one by one parties go to a free agent who checks ids (for each person), takes a credit card for charges to the room, takes a form you sign declaring you're not sick, takes your pictures, and gives you your room keys and a boarding group number.

 

Then you can find a seat and wait for your group to be called, at which point you follow the crowd up multiple ramps to the ship. Depending on how quick the ship has been cleared this can happen fairly quickly or take a while. There is priority boarding for certain levels of cabin/brand loyalty.

 

The rooms are not usually ready for a couple of hours so my advice would be to head for the open dining room as opposed to the buffet. In the dining room you can sit at a tableclothed table, put your carry on bag down, and relax out of the rat race. The buffet and pool area are usually pretty chaotic with so many people trying to figure out where they're going that the dining room is a calmer option Day 1.

 

After lunch, feel free to explore the ship. Stores and casino will be closed, but the bars will be open and band playing by the pool.

 

Once rooms are ready you can go, drop off your bags, and check the daily in your room that will indicate the activities schedule for the day including the time you need to attend the safety demonstration at your muster station. Your assigned muster station is on both your key card and the inside of your cabin door.

 

Your luggage generally takes a few hours to reach your room. You are free until the safety demo. During the demo everything on board is shut down until it is over.

 

Everything else is up to you - enjoy!!

[TyGrimmett]

Thank you all for your help! It is much appreciated! Lastly, I can't wait to rock my Buffalo Bills gear in Boston!!

[Stace894]

Hope you really enjoy your cruise! We took our first about 7 yrs ago and were instantly hooked. Our 7th is in June out of NYC and I will say we do not wear our Bruins gear in NYC before we leave but we will on the ship! We tend to be early arrivers. Last two times out of Boston we were waiting to enter the building by 9-9:30am. Even though people are still leaving the ship, we like to get upstairs, checked in as early as possible then just take a seat. Not everyone follows this path. It is totally an individual preference. I'm usually on the ship just after the Suites/Haven and people needed assistance, boarding numbers 1-2.

 

I completed agree with those saying to go to the MDR for Lunch. A much nicer experience than the Buffet for your first meal. Great way to start your trip. The Dawn is a nice first ship to try. Not to overwhelming but still very nice. Lots to do. You will love Bermuda, its my favorite place to visit by ship and with the overnight stays you have plenty of time to explore. Hope you have a wonderful time.

[doones2]

Thank you all for your help! It is much appreciated! Lastly, I can't wait to rock my Buffalo Bills gear in Boston!!

OH NO🤔😲😲😲. A Bills fan. Haha. Welcome to Patriots country.

[Oldgoat61]

I agree with those that suggest the MDR.....much more relaxed, and no where near as crowded. Also, don't over pack.:)

[CruisinChills]

Also, don't over pack.:)

 

However, DO pack everything you will want/need onboard those first few hours in your carry-on bag, including swimsuits if you're inclined to hang out by the pool the first day. The bags are usually pretty timely but sometimes things happen and they take a little longer, and it's a bummer if you left anything important in those checked bags!

[descal13]

From a native, welcome to Boston, Bills fan! It seems like many of your questions are answered, but I'll give you a bit more "insider" information as a huge fan of the Dawn (after all, the ship is named after me!) The best place for sail-away is the Bimini Bar, but you may want to bring a jacket. Even on a hot summer day, Boston Harbor can be breezy. The route out of Boston "Haa-baa" (go ahead, say it out loud - we really talk like that) goes right under the flightpath of Logan Airport, so depending on the wind, planes will either nearly land on you or take off right over your head. It is a wicked rush, so exercise your Ultimate Beverage Package for maximum effect. Just FYI, they do not call us "Taxachusetts" for nothing - any drinks you order before the ship sails are subject to taxation, throw all the tea you want in the aforementioned harbor. IMHO, one of the most awesome things about the Dawn is the spa, and my DH and I get a spa pass every trip. The main dining rooms are great, and O'Sheehan's is the best kept secret for getting breakfast - much better than the buffet and it serves longer than the dining rooms if you sleep late. Their wings are legendary, and they usually serve prime rib on the first and last nights of the cruise. If you are lucky enough to be on a sailing with Jose and Patti (check schedule here https://www.joseandpatti.com/calendarandschedule/) get a seat in O'Sheehan's early for their shows. Many people, us included, book our Dawn vacay's based on their schedule, they are THAT good. The other shows on the ship are awesome, too, especially "Elements". If you can, build an extra day or two into your trip to visit Boston, it is an awesome city. If your trip is after mid-July and you are game, Mary Jane will be legal and available, but you probably should not bring it on board. On Bermuda, don't rent a scooter unless you like getting stitches, but do rent a Boston Whaler from Somerset Watersports if you are up for an unforgettable adventure. Take a mini-van from right in front of the ship to the beach (I think $7 each way) because it is so much better than the bus. There is a free NCL ferry to St. Georges. Have a great time!

[TyGrimmett]

From a native, welcome to Boston, Bills fan! It seems like many of your questions are answered, but I'll give you a bit more "insider" information as a huge fan of the Dawn (after all, the ship is named after me!) The best place for sail-away is the Bimini Bar, but you may want to bring a jacket. Even on a hot summer day, Boston Harbor can be breezy. The route out of Boston "Haa-baa" (go ahead, say it out loud - we really talk like that) goes right under the flightpath of Logan Airport, so depending on the wind, planes will either nearly land on you or take off right over your head. It is a wicked rush, so exercise your Ultimate Beverage Package for maximum effect. Just FYI, they do not call us "Taxachusetts" for nothing - any drinks you order before the ship sails are subject to taxation, throw all the tea you want in the aforementioned harbor. IMHO, one of the most awesome things about the Dawn is the spa, and my DH and I get a spa pass every trip. The main dining rooms are great, and O'Sheehan's is the best kept secret for getting breakfast - much better than the buffet and it serves longer than the dining rooms if you sleep late. Their wings are legendary, and they usually serve prime rib on the first and last nights of the cruise. If you are lucky enough to be on a sailing with Jose and Patti (check schedule here https://www.joseandpatti.com/calendarandschedule/) get a seat in O'Sheehan's early for their shows. Many people, us included, book our Dawn vacay's based on their schedule, they are THAT good. The other shows on the ship are awesome, too, especially "Elements". If you can, build an extra day or two into your trip to visit Boston, it is an awesome city. If your trip is after mid-July and you are game, Mary Jane will be legal and available, but you probably should not bring it on board. On Bermuda, don't rent a scooter unless you like getting stitches, but do rent a Boston Whaler from Somerset Watersports if you are up for an unforgettable adventure. Take a mini-van from right in front of the ship to the beach (I think $7 each way) because it is so much better than the bus. There is a free NCL ferry to St. Georges. Have a great time!

 

 

 

Hey Dawn,

 

That is a lot of helpful info! Especially about the wings and shows!

 

We’re actually talking about a scooter rental all day so that we can basically explore the island for a solid day. Would you suggest the ferry instead, if we’re going to the other end that is?

 

My wife and I both work in Ohio, and are sailing in June, so I don’t think we would be able to swing the good stuff either way! Hahaha!

 

Thanks so much!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[descal13]

Haha, get the good stuff next time you cruise out of Boston, then! Really, skip the scooter rental. We were in a fairly bad accident a few years ago, and have seen many others who also were in accidents since. It's deadly. They have a new Twizzy mini car rental that looks fun and safer. You can get everywhere by bus, minivan or ferry. Dockyard is best saved for your last day, and there is a little beach, Snorkel Park, there. There are artsy shops and restaurants you can easily walk to, plus a little tourist train that makes the rounds. Go to Horseshoe Bay Beach one day, but take the minivan instead of the bus (like I said, they pick up right in front of the ship), bring beach towels from your room, but buy some cheap snorkel gear from home - cheaper than renting and it hasn't been in other people's mouths, ick. There is the free NCL ferry that goes to St. George's, but I do not believe it runs on Sunday. St. George's is a cool Colonial town, lots of tourist sites, Unfinished Church is my favorite. The nearby beach is Tobacco Bay, beautiful! We loved the Boston Whaler rental from Somerset Watersports, and a lot of people like the Jet Ski rentals. Crystal Caves are super, you can get there by bus from either Hamilton or St. George's. Gibbs Lighthouse is an awesome stop, too. Make friends with another couple and you can get a minivan driver to take you to all the sites for a fixed rate, they will even drop you at Crystal Caves and pick you up later.

[fridaythe13th]

You can get a 2 day ferry/bus pass that allows unlimited use of both. Take a ferry to Hamilton, then bus back to the dockyard. Get off at the Gibbs Lighthouse stop and climb to the top for a fantastic view of the island! Just being on one of the buses is an adventure itself!

 

St Georges is nice and the climb up the hill to the unfinished Church is worth the walk.

 

When you get dropped off at the port, give your luggage to a porter right away and head inside. Don't stand in the long line.

[roger001]

Here's my scooter thoughts, whether Bermuda or anywhere you've arrived by cruise ship. I've ridden motorcycles for 60 years. Love it. But, they are dangerous. A fender bender in a car is very likely "you're dead" on a two wheeler. And the accidents can happen so easily. Even just a slow "going down" from gravel or whatever can give you some major road rash and a trip to the hospital. And...with rentals, other than maybe a helmet, you don't have any protective clothing on at all. And....with a cruise ship, it doesn't wait for you. Although I'm an experienced rider, we just don't take the chance when out of country. (Also, it limits having a few adult beverages while out exploring.....just say no to two wheels and alcohol). Just an opinion.