How Early Can You Board A Ship?

[bridog22]

Finally going on a cruise where I can drive myself to the port and take my time getting to the ship. Good thing is I can get there as early as I want on the day of departure. Just wondering what the earliest time is I can board the ship.

[readytolose]

Usually around 11 if there aren't any delays with getting the previous passengers off.

[NorbertsNiece]

Fingers crossed 11am..... at least that's what I'm aiming for this year. Last year we boarded 1130 and weren't first by any means......

[bridog22]

That's good to know...past cruises that we had to fly to and take a bus to the ship, we usually got on the ship after 3:00 pm.

[nlcentralchmps03]

We usually get to the port at 10:30 and are on the ship usually no later than 11:00.

 

Of course if there is a problem with disembarking the previous group of guests, then of course, you won't be able to board quite as early. Although, that kind of situation is rather rare.

[BaumD]

Even though you may get on at 11 AM, you won't be able to get to your cabin until about 1 PM.

[getoutthere15]

We boarded as early as 11:00 o'clock when we drive and leave out of a local port.

[MouseGirl]

I know that we can't use our cabin until around 1:00 p.m., but if we have small carry-ons would we be able to put them in our cabin before then rather than take them with us from place to place once we board? Just wondering...

 

Thanks very much!

[negc]

I know that we can't use our cabin until around 1:00 p.m., but if we have small carry-ons would we be able to put them in our cabin before then rather than take them with us from place to place once we board? Just wondering...

 

Thanks very much!

Usually the fire doors leading to the corridors where the staterooms are located are closed. Whether or not they are locked may be another matter.:) We don't usually find it too much of a problem to keep our carryon (on wheels) with us until 1pm. On some cruises, RCI has offered to check our carryons after we boarded and delivered them to our cabins at 1pm. If you have valuables or medicines in the carryon, you might not want to do this, but if the carryon merely carries a change of clothes and non-essential or valuable items, it might be an option.:)

[MouseGirl]

Thanks so much, negc!

[bridog22]

Are the other parts of the ship open. WJB the shops or pubs in the mall etc if you board early?

[lissa42886]

Are the other parts of the ship open. WJB the shops or pubs in the mall etc if you board early?

 

everything should be open.. just no cabins till 1.

[PhoenixCruiser]

Are the other parts of the ship open. WJB the shops or pubs in the mall etc if you board early?

 

The shops and the casino will not be open until the ship is in international seas, one or two hours after the ship sails.

 

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