What's the earliest time you can board the ship?

[2ndtimecruising]

We'll be arriving in Port around 10:30 or 11am on wednesday for our cruise which takes off at I believe 5pm. Will they start letting people on at 11 or will we need to kill some time somewhere in between the airport and port?

[petesweet]

I imagine it depends on the ship and the port. I usually shoot for about 11 a.m. so I can explore the ship before we sail. Sometimes I have to wait a bit; sometimes not.

[Sue L]

If you get there around 11 you should be able to check in shortly after, and be on the ship within a little bit. It all depends on how the disembarkation of the previous cruises passenger goes. You will not be able get in to your room until about 1pm but you can go tour around the ship and make your specialty restaurant reservations, spa appointments etc and go to the buffet for lunch. Have a wonderful cruise!!!

[cb at sea]

If they don't start boarding right away, it won't be a long wait. We usually get to the ship around 11:30 and after giving our bags to the porters, head right on!

If your plan lands at 10 or thereabouts, you won't get to the ship until around 11:30 anyway. I wouldn't plan any additional stops!

[firefly333]

You can usually board around 11 am or so, but they dont let you go to your cabin until 1 pm, so prepare to have your carry ons with you while you eat lunch in the buffet. We have one person watching the carryons and one person fills the plates lol.