Is this true?

[wernew2cruising]

Wow..thanks everyone for the replies. The dining room is open for lunch on embarkation day? That sounds nicer than a buffet. I can't wait. We sail in 10 days!

[Coral]

Wow..thanks everyone for the replies. The dining room is open for lunch on embarkation day? That sounds nicer than a buffet. I can't wait. We sail in 10 days!

 

Most of the time I have found it open. There were a few sailings when it was closed.

 

Regardless, you should be able to get into your room right away.

[aaerobear]

Here in San Francisco, the check-in usually starts between 10:30 and 11:00AM and boarding usually starts about noon (usually).

 

Princess hands out little flyers that state that your stateroom MAY not be ready until after 1PM, but, in most cases they are mostly all ready when they start boarding.

 

The lines at 10:30 until 11:30AM are usually very short, if any at all. After then the lines get pretty long as the buses from the airport and surrounding areas start to arrive. After 2pm it is pretty much no waiting.

[shofer]

This last cruise in February, we had access to my cousin's car so we were in no hurry to get to the port and stand in line. We left the hotel and went to see a movie, then drove to the port. Got there about 2 PM. No waiting at all. Dropped our bags, went to sign in and onto the ship. It was the easiest embarkation we ever had. Printing the boarding pass from home is an inspired idea.

 

Tried to do the boarding pass w/Celebrity when we went to Hawaii, but their computers were down so everything had to be done over again by the agent. So this was our first experience with it working correctly and it was a pleasure.

[jean s]

On our last cruise in February we slept late at the hotel and arrived at the ship around 2. We literally walked to check in, got our photo taken and were in our room at 2:15. We went and got pizza and beer and brought it back to our room to eat on the balcony. By the time we finished lunch our luggage was delivered. Best embarkation ever.

[wernew2cruising]

Never can understand why people go to the Horizon when not necessary--RELAX in the dining Room--when you've had lunch--maybe --even your luggage may make it early--or make reservations for specialty restaurants--

 

When you board the ship--usually you are told to get into the elevator and go to deck 14 or whatever to the Horizon--Wealso know that sometimes the elevators are only going to go where they want you to go--still-go to your stateroom--leave your hand luggage and go to the Dining Room--GREAT START for a great cruise!!

 

Nancy:D

 

Okay here is another newbie question. I keep reading about the different dining rooms..how do you know which one is open for lunch on embarkation day?

[SingerEsq]

The only time we've had to wait in a long line is when we followed Princess' suggestion and arrived later .... waited for over an hour that time.

 

Now, we try to get to the dock by 11:30, so that we can start our vacation asap. Two weeks ago, we arrived at the San Pedro dock at 12 noon. We were on board by 12:30. Upon boarding, we drop our carry ons in the cabin (have never had to wait). Then, usually we head up to the Lido for a burger and some pizza (which we love). As for the first dinner, we usually go to our assigned seating.

 

If you're with a group, you should all check your cruise cards. Two in our party this last time had "Anytime Dining" on their cards even though we had all reserved together for 2nd Seating. We were able to change it with the Maitre D' that first afternoon and also make our reservations for Sabatinis.

 

Have a great cruise.

[Seal]

Okay here is another newbie question. I keep reading about the different dining rooms..how do you know which one is open for lunch on embarkation day?

 

There is only one open--just go look for the one with the door open and waiters standing around--that's it!!!!!

 

Very rarely--there won't be one open--but that is really rare--don't bother asking the ladies who say hello to you as you board--sheck your map and find your dining room--many times they are right above/below each other--You'll be glad you made the effort--nice way to start kyour trip!!!!

 

Nancy:D

[Sillyjilly]

On our cruise personalizer it says for faster check-in to arrive after 2pm. What is your experience with this? True? Will our room be ready?

 

Also, this is our first Princess cruise. What are your recomendations for when we first board? Do we go and make speciality dining reservations, go to the buffet, what?

 

Thanks for all your help!

 

Without reading any other posts.....................I can tell you that as a West Coaster, when we arrive at 2 or later, we walk on the ship. No waits!

 

Happy Cruising,

Jill