Port arrival time

[jakeil7]

So I have been lurking around here for a while, occasionally putting in a smartaleck comment in here and there, but I do have a more serious question (although nothing major):

 

I know people around here start to arrive at the pier in Miami at about 10:30am in some cases and that you may be able to get on board earlier than the 2:00pm time stated on the cruise docs. However, if you don't want to carry a stinking bag around, how bad is the line when you arrive at, say, 1pm which is about when the cabins open up?

[K1200S]

That is about when I arrived for our last cruise on Freedom. Within 45 min we were on the ship and headed to our cabin.

[cb at sea]

It truly depends on the ship and how fast the previous cruisers get the hell out! We boarded at 11:30 and our cabins were already cleaned and open to us. But, we have had to wait on previous trips until after 1pm. Pack light! Wear your swimsuit under clothes and only carry on what you MUST have!