Check-in time assignment

[Relaxing1]

Is it mandatory that you stick to your assigned time for check-in or can you arrive early? Our assigned time is 1 PM and our hotel check-out time is 11 AM. We are four-star mariners if that makes any difference, and this is our first cruise post Covid.

[Mary229]

Which port?

[FlaMariner]

We've cruised 4 times since the unpleasantness and we've departed from Amsterdam, Fort Lauderdale (2x) and Santiago/San Antonio.  

 

We never pay attention to our check in times and we've always been welcomed to check in.  We seem to arrive around 10:30am or so.  2pm for Santiago.  None of those times corresponded to our check in times. 

 

Our experience is that Holland America Line is happy to see you and is ready to welcome you onboard.  

 

 

[rodndonna]

Maybe it works well earlier scheduled times than later ones. We have done 4 HAL cruises since Covid - 2 FLL, Rotterdam and Vancouver all with later check-ins assignments (2pm or later) which we have always arrive at, and have then always had to wait in groups until our assigned group was called (which inevitably has always ended up being later than our scheduled check-in time).

 

We have similar timings to you this time  (will be at the port between 10:30- 11:00 with 1:00 check in) but just plan on dropping our bags and touring around until some time past 1:00 - in hopes we can then just breeze through.

 

For us, not willing to risk being held back 2 hours or more at the port when we could be wondering around the city (in this case Montreal) during that time.

 

We are just lowly 2 stars if that matter (although becoming 3 on this cruise 🙂)

 

[Florida_gal_50]

Everyone's check out time is 11 at a hotel.  At every hotel I've ever stayed at they will keep your bags for you and let you enjoy the property. That said, usually 4 stars and above can check in at any time.  You have to be prepared to wait just in case.

[Mary229]

You can always drop your luggage and this is the reason I asked which port.  Vancouver and Montreal you can drop luggage then turn around and walk directly to beautiful and interesting sites.   Fort Lauderdale - not so much.  Also some ports if you have to wait in a line it might be partially outside and it can be very hot in some locations.  So, which port?

Edited May 22, 2023 by Mary229

[Relaxing1]

Montreal on June 3rd.

[fsufancc]

HAL newbie here. 

 

Does HAL assign check in times?

or

Is there a window where you can check in online prior to sailing and choose a time?

[Mary229]

3 hours ago, Relaxing1 said:

Montreal on June 3rd.

Great.  If you want you can go by and leave your luggage with the porters.  The port is in the old town area - seriously 2 city blocks.  Usually the porters will be there as early as 10:15.  There is an indoor waiting area if you want to take your chances at early boarding

[Mary229]

36 minutes ago, fsufancc said:

HAL newbie here. 

 

Does HAL assign check in times?

or

Is there a window where you can check in online prior to sailing and choose a time?

Assigned.  There is a little bit of leeway.  I always go late so never an issue .