The big day is approaching, and you’re finally ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. How can you make sure you’re ready to start your vacation off on the right foot? You’ll need a plan to get to the port and some information about the embarkation process, including your cruise ship boarding time.
Cruise lines are used to allowing passengers to show up at the terminal on the day of travel whenever it is convenient for them, within a half-day window. Now, in an effort to stave off terminal crowds and prevent long waits, most cruise lines either set boarding times or ask passengers to choose whichever they prefer.
But cruise board what time, and there is the best Time to board a cruise ship? Read on to find out the answers, as well as when you should plan to arrive in your departure city before you set sail.
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When to arrive for the cruise
Ask “When should I arrive for my cruise?” And you probably mean one of two things: when should you arrive in your ship’s departure port city or when should you arrive at the cruise terminal on the day of your cruise?
The answer to the first question depends on how far you are from the cruise port. If you live within driving distance of your departure port, it’s acceptable to make your way there the same day your ship departs — unless you’re looking at a multi-hour ride and don’t want to cut it too close to boarding time.
If you are catching a plane, When to fly for your cruise depends on many factors. I always advise that you fly at least one day before you are scheduled to take off, in case you face any delays or cancellations. That way, if something goes wrong you have time to rebook on another flight.
Related: Should I Buy My Flights Through My Cruise Line?
However, adding the cost of a precruise hotel stay to the overall bill is not always possible for every traveler, especially those on a tight budget. If that’s the case and you can find a super-early flight that gets you to your port city with some wiggle room, it’s possible to fly out the same day you sail.
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Either way, I recommend purchasing cruise travel insurance (through a third party, not your cruise line) that will protect your investment if something happens and you miss your ship.
What time do cruise ships board?
The answer to when to arrive at the cruise terminal on the day of travel depends on your boarding time.
Cruise ships usually begin boarding within an hour or two after all passengers from the previous voyage have disembarked. Disembarkation is usually finished by 10 am at the latest, and the crew is given some extra time to begin tasks such as provisioning (restoring supplies and food), bunkering (refueling) and cleaning the ship’s cabins and public areas. For the next round of guests.
Related: Cruise Ship Embarkation Day Dos and Don’ts
Boarding begins approximately between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., depending on the ship’s schedule and how long it takes everyone to disembark from the last cruise. Most cruise ships require all passengers to board less than two hours before the scheduled departure time, which is almost always late afternoon or evening.
Best time to board a cruise ship
The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is to know when it will be.
Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer to arrive in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 pm.
By then, the morning rush of “me first” passengers is usually dead, and that leaves plenty of time between your arrival at port and “all aboard,” the cutoff when all passengers and crew must be on board. (If you are someone who likes to spend as much time on board as possible, you may choose to choose an earlier boarding time, but be warned that there may be long lines and wait times.)
Alternatively, if you have high-level loyalty status, you’re booked in a high-end suite, or you’ve purchased one of the many benefit packages (such as Faster to Carnival Cruise Line’s fun, Royal Caribbean International’s The Key or Norwegian Cruise Line’s priority access), you can arrive at any time to take advantage of priority boarding or special embarkation lounge access to make your wait more comfortable. The latter often includes a separate seating area with snacks and drinks.
There are several other tricks — such as completing online check-in before you show up or through your cruise line’s mobile app — that you can use to speed up the onboarding process.
What to Expect When Boarding Your Cruise Ship
When you arrive at the terminal facility at your port of embarkation, you can expect the scene to be chaotic. Follow the signs for the applicable arrival channel, whether parking or drop-off by taxi, Ubers and shuttles.
Before you board, leave large bags with the porters, who will ensure they are safely loaded onto the ship. (Although it’s not required, it’s nice to tip a dollar or two per bag.) You can’t miss the porters and their luggage carts as they line the curb by the terminal.
When you enter the terminal building, you must show your ID and boarding documents and proceed through security checks. Your carry-on bag goes through a scanner and you have to go through a metal detector. Although it’s similar to the airport security process, you don’t have to take off your shoes or remove laptops or liquids from your bag (unless they search contraband alcohol or something else that looks suspicious).
Then, you will go to the check-in desk, where an agent will help you complete the process. If you have already checked in online, you will be able to board faster. Exceptions are more advanced ports or cruise lines (such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises) that allow you to skip the check-in desk if you’ve already completed everything (check-in, onboard account setup, and security photo) using have taken application
In the event that you do not receive a keycard at check-in, yours will be waiting for you at the cabin door or inside your room.
After check-in, you’ll proceed to the gangway and onto the ship, where security will scan your card or boarding pass to log that you’ve boarded. (Each time you disembark or reboard in a port of call, you’ll also need to swipe your card, so keep it with you.)
How long does it take to board a cruise ship?
The time it takes from curb to gangway will vary based on several factors, including:
- Are you traveling light? If you have a Carry-on only, you can proceed directly to the terminal building. If you have large luggage, you will have to leave it outside with a porter, which may take a few minutes.
- How technologically advanced are cruise terminals and cruise lines. At terminals where facial recognition is used, you can board very quickly, as is the case for cruise lines that allow check-in and set up onboard accounts via mobile apps the day before you board. . The technology allows passengers to skip traditional check-in methods, which usually involve waiting in line to speak to someone at a check-in desk.
- Do you have priority boarding. If you’re in the upper echelons of the line’s loyalty program, have purchased a package that includes priority embarkation, or stay in a high-end suite, you’ll have the privilege of boarding before most of your fellow cruisers, and the process will be expedited with dedicated lines and lounges.
- Do passengers adhere to their assigned boarding times. The goal is to surprise the number of people arriving at any given time so that it is more comfortable and streamlined for everyone involved. If people ignore their timing, it can cause bottlenecks and slow down the boarding process.
- How crowded it is when you arrive. If there are lines for passenger parking, drop-off or check-in, it will take you longer to make your way on board.
- How ready is everyone? If travelers are not organized and spend extra time going through their bags for their cruise tickets, passports and other items required for verification, it affects the traffic flow at the terminal during check-in. This also applies to passengers who pack prohibited items in their bags, thereby holding up the security line.
Bottom line
If you’re flying it’s a good idea to show up in your city the day before your cruise. Usually ships begin boarding immediately after the last passenger disembarks from the previous voyage, usually between 10 and 11 a.m. to stick to your assignment. The boarding time will help the boarding process run smoothly. (When choosing a time, aim for something in the afternoon, after the morning rush is over.)
To ensure the shortest wait possible, be sure to check in ahead of time and set up your onboard account online or using your cruise line’s mobile app. Also, keep your ID and other boarding documents handy, and don’t pack anything in your luggage that could cause you to be flagged at security.
Have more cruise questions? TPG has the answers: