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How do I get early boarding on Royal Caribbean?

Priority embarkation is offered to suite guests (except Junior Suite) and Crown & Anchor Society members on the following tiers: Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle. Flexible Arrival is offered to Crown & Anchor Society Pinnacle Club members only.



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Priority boarding – being one of the first to embark a ship and skipping the lengthy check-in lines – is one of the most sought-after loyalty privileges from Carnival Cruise Line, available only to guests booked in suites, past cruisers who have achieved Diamond or Platinum status with the cruise line, or guests who ...

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While you may be able to check in earlier, you'll most likely be unable to board until just a few hours before your cruise, depending on the cruise line.

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The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

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As mentioned, cruise ships usually start boarding four to five hours before departure and won't allow you to board until they're ready. So there's no use in arriving at the cruise terminal first thing in the morning as you'll have to wait around for hours before you can even board.

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Priority embarkation is offered to suite guests (except Junior Suite) and Crown & Anchor Society members on the following tiers: Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle.

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All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

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Guests should arrive at the terminal within the arrival time slot you selected during Royal App check-in. Those who arrive early will not be able to begin boarding, and those who arrive late will need to wait until we are able to work them into another group.

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Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship.

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Cruise Ship Boarding FAQ As mentioned, cruise ships usually start boarding four to five hours before departure and won't allow you to board until they're ready. So there's no use in arriving at the cruise terminal first thing in the morning as you'll have to wait around for hours before you can even board.

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Can I join a Royal Caribbean cruise after it starts or leave before it ends? Royal Caribbean no longer allows cruise passengers to pre-plan early debark or late embarkation for any of our ships.

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You can add Priority Boarding to your trip to get an earlier boarding group. If you add Premier Access to your trip you get Priority Boarding automatically and you get access to faster check-in and security lines.

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In theory, if you identify as someone who needs additional time or assistance to get into your seat, the airline should not have any say on whether or not your claim is valid. You can request preboarding at the gate. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

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The price of priority boarding
While the cost of priority boarding will differ among airlines and flights, you'll typically pay between $10-$30 to board the plane before your group.

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It's pure luck. Royal Caribbean's stateroom bidding upgrade program is quite popular because it offers the opportunity to get a bigger (and arguably better) cabin for less than if you booked it outright.

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To keep flights orderly and boarding smooth, airlines calculate that it makes sense for small children to board early with a parent and get settled before the anxious masses wanting an on-time or early departure.

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The price of priority boarding While the cost of priority boarding will differ among airlines and flights, you'll typically pay between $10-$30 to board the plane before your group. And we should emphasize before your group, as your priority boarding doesn't out-prioritize many others.

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Staterooms are typically ready around 1:30 p.m. on the day of your voyage. Luggage may not arrive for a few hours afterward, so I recommend that you bring a swimsuit and coverup in a carry-on bag if you'd like to enjoy the pools onboard shortly after boarding.

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Embarkation day for your cruise vacation is an exciting day. You get to board the ship and check into your stateroom. You'll likely have a glass of Champagne or other drink in your hand within moments of boarding, activating vacation mode.

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Pack a Carry On Size Luggage or Tote Bag This is because when you arrive at your cruise terminal on boarding day, you'll drop your checked luggage with porters. The luggage will go through security, then placed onto the cruise ship and delivered to your cabin several hours after you board.

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