Priority embarkation

[pmass65]

We have a suite for the first time on Princess. We are told we have priority embarkation. Does anyone know what that means? Do we have to check in at a specific area? Not really concerned about the priority part just want to be sure we get in the right line when we get there. This is Port Everglades. Thanks 

[skynight]

This is kind of the standard. It does not mean very much. In Port Everglades everyone waits outside the terminal until around 9:30 or so. You then have to go through security, cumbersome, crowded, can be slow. No priority. Once through security passengers break into the green line for those that have their medallions an blue line for those that don't. Blue line makes a quick stop, took less than 5 minutes, to pick up the medallion. You are then moved upstairs. Boarding begins somewhere around 11am and maybe earlier. Once it begins it goes very quickly. If there is some waiting before boarding begins then priority boarders will board first. If you arrive upstairs after boarding begins you just go with the others. Boarding is controlled so there are not too many on the gangway at the same time.

Now with all that said I have read on these boards about a special pre-embarkation lounge in Ft. Lauderdale for full suite passengers. Here is the link. You may wish to investigate.

 

Edited April 3 by skynight

[pmass65]

thank you- we are flying in the morning of so we probably wont get to the terminal until 11 or so. 

We should be good.

[PMGS247]

7 minutes ago, pmass65 said:

thank you- we are flying in the morning of so we probably wont get to the terminal until 11 or so. 

We should be good.

 

You may see a slight benefit. 11 is like right on the border, but unlikely that they'll have everyone boarded by that point even if it has started.

 

The way general boarding works is they hand out group numbers and you wait in the waiting area until your group number is called.  Priority boarding is basically Group 0 (zero).  When boarding begins, B2B return to the ship first, then Priority boarding (made up of platinum, elite, suites), then group 1 and onward.

 

If you're really there right at 11 they may have just begun boarding or may be just about to.  if they've started boarding, you'll be directed to go on board with the current group and not have to wait.  Not a huge deal at that point either way, but technically this could still apply.  If boarding hasn't begun yet you'll be directed to the priority lounge to board with everyone else in priority.

[cr8tiv1]

7 hours ago, pmass65 said:

thank you- we are flying in the morning of so we probably wont get to the terminal until 11 or so. 

We should be good.

 

By the time you get your luggage and catch a cab, you will be able to just walk onboard (after check in).  Most of the crowd should have dispersed by noon.  Hopefully, you will be in time for embarkation lunch in the Reserve MDR.  Doors will close at 1:29:59 PM