Emerald Princess - boarding delayed - coast guard inspection?

[chalex]

We have been waiting for 2 hours to board. and they cannot give us an update as to when boarding will start. In all the cruises I have taken I have never had this happen before? Is this normal?

[PescadoAmarillo]

It’s because the Emerald just arrived back in the US for the first time since spending the summer in Europe. It’s standard practice, even pre-COVID, and it does generally delay boarding. 

[capriccio]

6 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

It’s because the Emerald just arrived back in the US for the first time since spending the summer in Europe. It’s standard practice, even pre-COVID, and it does generally delay boarding. 

Correct.  Various government entities conduct additional inspections of the ship and the crew that can delay both disembarkation and boarding.