I am sure I have read this somewhere but what time do we want to be at the ship to board? We are on Freedom of the Seas March 25th if that matters. I think we would like to be on the early side so we can get on the ship and get and idea of where some things are.
Early is 11AM. You never know for sure when they will start to let you board. Normally boarding starts by 12 noon but it could be earlier of later depending on how disembarkation went with the previous cruise.
If you want to get on early as possible be there by 10:30 or 11. You will most likely have to wait to board but once they open up the ship to boarding you will get on. Some people don't like to wait and don't arrive until 1PM, but it seems that no matter what you do you will end up at some point waiting in line to board. My perspective is - I'd much rather wait at the ship and possibly get on early than wait at a hotel room or airport and arrive at 1PM.
Carnival Cruise Lines: Fantasy 1990, CCL Celebration 1995, Victory 2005, Conquest 2005, Spirit June 2006, Freedom June 2008, Holiday July 2008, Victory June 2009, Valor Sept 2009, Dream June 2010
Norwegian Cruise Lines NCL Dream October 2006
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007
We were on the Independence of the Seas Jan 31, 2010 and we arrived at the ship at 11:15 am and were processed very quickly by Deck number and on ship by 11:25 am. Up to Windjammer for lunch and in cabin by 1:3O PM. Try to travel light with only backpack and check rest of luggage otherwise cumbersome dragging suitcases with you to lunch. Happy cruising.
You can't start the cruise soon enough:-)... I've been aboard by 11:30 on some ships and then again 2 or so on others....Once in Houston, it was 5:00 before we could get on...the ship didn't get into port until almost 1...I get there as early as possible...just so I'm there...Happy sailing....
Back from the Independence. We drove through the port gates at 11 a.m. DH dropped me off with luggage while he parked car. The check in was so fast that I was running to keep up. By doing it by deck makes things move along. Make sure you have your sign and sail pass signed and ready. Also the give you a paper that you have to fill out - a health certificate saying that you hadn't been sick. We were eating in Windjammer by 11:40. At one we went to check our room and our luggage was sitting outside. Unpacked and ready to enjoy cruise by 1:30. Really enjoyed room on starboard side of ship with balcony.
