We've hit on this topic before, but I think it bears repeating. I read a story on-line today of a group that showed up at the pier at 4:30pm in Long Beach - yes 4:30pm - with the ship sailing within an hour. They were denied boarding. This is because of federal requirements for a final manifest to be submitted no later than 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Of course, in their complaint it is all Royal Caribbean's fault and everyone was mean to them.

The gripe didn't state whether these people had completed online check-in, but if you don't then you are required to be checked-in 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Either way, it was the passenger's fault for missing the ship. Don't let ignorance of the rules be your excuse. Get to the ship as early as possible.

Frankly showing up at 4:30pm (and they apparently had no delays) is just plain stupid.

'nuff said!

It sure seems that people don't take blame for their actions any more. They always have to blame someone else. Besides why wait so long, I can't get on the ship early enough.

I surely can't wait that long it would be just tourture.

People are stupid. Anyone investing that much money in a vacation ought to consult a website like this one if they have any questions or concerns before their cruise experience. No one knows it all (unless they spend 183 hours studying every topic) and so they should seek some simple advice.

Sodey

(unless they spend 183 hours studying every topic)

Very funny!!!

See Dave. Valeries220 likes my sense of humor.
She would appreciate my lectures!

Sodey

Tom, everyone appreciates a good sense of humor. You seem to combine good humor with a certain air of persistence. Those are good attributes in any situation.

Thanks for the reminder Dave.

Thanks for the reminder. Also, many travel insurance policies will not cover this situation as it was completely under the control of the passenger. (Air delays are a different story.)

Good point Lisa! Not many policies cover "acts of ignorance". I read the same story. I would have some pity if it was due to uncontrollable circumstances. I have showed up 3 hours late before through no fault of my own. That was before these new regulations were put in place though.

Dwayne

They always have a problem with me getting to the port TO EARLY!!!!

I am right in line with LHP, this next cruise we are on, is coming into NJ from a TransAtlantic at 7AM on Sept 23rd and I was wondering if my Cabin would be ready at 7:30AM LOL !! We will be seating out on the Dock waiting, I bet the staff grumles at passengers like me....

In Tahiti, I spoke with a Regent rep if 3pm was the earliest we could board. He told me that that was the official time but that they would allow us to board as early as 2:30pm. We hired a cab at 2:15 and drove to the dock and were there at 2:35. Amazingly, the cab was allowed to drive right up to the ship. The Regent staff grabbed our bags and escorted us up the gangway as if we were celebrities. As we passed the entry, we were handed glasses of Champagne. What a way to start the cruise. By 3:30 we were in our room, had all our bags, had all our excursion tickets, had our massage appointments, had our La Veranda Dinner reservations and was on a first name basis with the pool deck bartender (Johnathan) and had a Mai Tai and a Pina Colada to go with the Champagne. I'm a firm believer in planning to get to the ship early if possible.

Sodey

I've been on Carnival ships as early as 11:30AM, and having a Coors Light by 11:45 AM.



Dwayne

Dwayne, Which of those 3 guys are you?

Sodey

None.. he is taking the picture...