Another "Boarding time" question.

[Gitmo]

We will be leaving on the Panama Canal Cruise in mid-December from Ft. Lauderdale on the Emerald in a full family Suite.  I have searched the forum and there is lots of advice and conflicting info on this topic.  Can anyone provide better incite for this specific port, cruise, ship?  We want to get there as early as possible for family reasons, I am not interested in what time the cabin will be ready, only in what time we can board the ship.  The information provided in our cruise packet for boarding is far later than the CC information I have found here. 

Here is what it says:

"Priority check-in will be available to guests with Priority Boarding within the allocated check-in times. Boarding will commence shortly after check-in. Please do not arrive prior to the start of cruise check-in as your cabin will not be ready.
12:30 PM - Aloha and Lido Decks - Cabins on these decks begin with A & L 1:00 PM - Dolphin and Emerald Decks - Cabins on these decks begin with D & E 1:30 PM - Caribe Deck - Cabins on this deck begin with C 2:00 PM - Plaza and Riviera Decks - Cabins on these decks begin with P & R 2:30 PM - Baja Deck - Cabins on this decks begin with B"

 

Thanks on advance.

[skynight]

Arrive around 10:30 or 11:00. Once checked in you will be shown to a waiting area. As full suite passengers you will have priority boarding. Boarding will begin around 11:30 or noon and full suite passengers are one of the first to board. You most likely will not be prohibited from going to your cabin, and as a full suite passenger your cabin probably will be ready. Drop your carry ons, place you stuff in the cabin safe and you are ready to go. As a full suite passenger you can dine in the Club Class DR which is on deck 6 mid ship DaVinci DR, Club Class entrance on Starboard side. This DR will be open for lunch at 12 to 1:30 or maybe 11:30 to 1:00. Check the back page of the Princess Patter which will be in your cabin, or just go there. Other options for lunch include the Horizon Ct. buffet, pizza or the grill by Lido pool, International Cafe on deck 5.

Don't forget as a full suite passenger you can get the mimosa breakfast each morning which I believe is in the Crown Grill on the Emerald.

The progressive boarding information you posted is just a suggestion, not enforced.

Edited November 23, 2019 by skynight

[BigGuy25]

Princess always sends out this schedule to, hopefully, spread out the crowds arriving at the port. But, anyone can get onboard once boarding begins. That’s usually around noon.  There are no guarantees... late arrival, extra cleaning, etc. can delay boarding.  However, boarding isn’t delayed very often!

Edited November 23, 2019 by BigGuy25

[MissP22]

You can arrive at the terminal as early as you like but it means waiting until the line goes through the entrance & security. The progressive boarding schedule is given in hopes that people will follow it & cause less congestion.

Be aware that there are not many seats outside the terminal.