The Key/Embarkation At Baltimore

[ElizaSTN]

Is anyone familiar with the Key embarkation process in Baltimore?  It’s currently discounted for our cruise and just a bit more than internet alone.  I’m interested because we’re trying to avoid running into family in the terminal who we’re trying to surprise.  Figured we could get on the boat early and hang out at the lunch until it’s time to surprise them.  They’re arrival time is 11:30.  Other option is to make our arrival time 1 or later but that’s a bummer.   

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, ElizaSTN said:

They’re arrival time is 11:30.

They could still get there at the same time - save your money and just surprise them whenever. 

You can show up with Key whenever.

[BND]

There is a separate entrance for Key and suites, but after that, everyone mixes together from security to check in and most times, walk on the ship.  If  you get there for the first check in time (1030 usually), you can get in before they get there.  We were on EN three times last year (b2b in Apr and single cruise in July) and we got there for our 1030 check in Apr about 1040.   We were early in July and waited outside til they opened the door at 1030.  But, from there, it literally was a walk on.   So, if you plan to be there by 1030, you more than likely will be on the ship before they even check in.   Worst case is you surprise them in the terminal.  It will still be a surprise.  Honestly the Key out of Baltimore really isn't much of a value.  

Edited January 10, 2023 by BND