How Early Can You Board?

[MaddyMom]

My family and I will be on Elation in May. We are flying in the night prior to our cruise. How early can we board the ship? Will there be anything to do if we board early?

 

Thanks!

[kelz66]

It all depends on how well the debarkation of the previous cruise goes.

 

I have always arrived around 11:00 and been onboard having lunch by noon. :D

[jscott918]

we boarded at around 10:15 but like the op said it all depends on how fast the preious cruise unloads they allways have the buffet open as well as the grill by the pool we like to get on early as possible (hates to wait in lines that move sloooowww) if you get there to early they will still process you and then you get in the line to board as soon as the give the green light your off and running find you a nice chair and watch all the people come aboard less stress in my opion we allways shoot for 10:00 am

[MaddyMom]

If we board early, does that mean we might get our luggage earlier, too?

[Maryutah]

On our cruise docs, it says boarding is between 12:30pm and 6pm (I think we sail at 7pm).

 

The lido food place is usually open, so i've read on these boards, and you can get a drink etc., The casino won't be operating til the ship is out in international waters etc.,

 

Not sure on luggage, if first on gets first buried or first transported - maybe put whatever you might need in your carry-on, just in case.

[PINEVIEW01]

Not sure on luggage, if first on gets first buried or first transported - maybe put whatever you might need in your carry-on, just in case.

I have found getting on first as I have the last couple times my luggage must have been buried:( . Lot of luggage was being delivered way before ours.

 

I've learned unless problems with the debarkation of the ship before us, I'm always on before the stated time in the docs.

[mattmdv]

Getting on early is a plus for us. Luggage, when it's gets to the room, its there. Things to do: Have lunch, explore the ship, find room, even if it's not ready, check out the spas, book spas/beauty shop if you need to, watch as others board and watch their expressions, grab a DOD, sit back and relax, the fun has begun and you are on your way!!!

 

Matt

[mikebarnett]

For the Elation in March '07.

We arrived at the ship at 11:00 a.m.

We had the suite VIP check-in and was on the ship at 11:30 a.m.

First drink at 11:35 a.m.

Lunch at Tiffanys at 12 noon.

Luggage arrived at 2:00 p.m.

Muster Drill at 4:00 p.m.