Question about boarding priority

[fscool]

We've only cruised a few times, don't have any status with RCL and are not staying in a suite.  I get that all of those cruisers with status and/or in a suite get to board first.  But for the rest of us that get to the port at 10am and clear the check-in process early, does that mean we can get called to board earlier than somebody that arrives an hour later? Does RCL group people and board them based on the time that they arrive at the port and clear the check-in?  Or is it just a free-for-all?  We are sailing on Anthem in July.

 

PS, we will still arrive early regardless but was just curious if it helped with actual boarding times.

[Clarea]

Depends on the cruise terminal.  In a terminal like #18 at Port Everglades,  they are organized in releasing sections based on priority.  Other terminals may not be as organized.

 

By the way, one the boarding process starts, unless there is some unusual event, everyone who has been waiting to board is usually on board in around 15 minutes, so either way, it's not a big deal.

[cb at sea]

The "status" boarding thing really only applies if boarding hasn't started.  Those with priority have a special line to get in.  If you arrive and boarding has begun, then you will simply get in the regular line and be boarded in the order you arrived.  Suites and Diamonds, etc...go to the "special" line, which may or may not be shorter than your line.

 

I wouldn't arrive prior to 11am, to avoid a wait!

[asalligo]

Last week I arrived at 10:45, checked in and was seated in the no status section. When they started boarding at 11:30 they worked through the statuses and then boarded us lowly no status people. From when they started boarding pinnacles to getting to us was literally five minute. So, yes, getting there early will allow you to board early as soon as boarding starts.