What happens if I miss my cruise check-in time?

Guests who miss their cruise due to travel delays can contact the Emergency Travel Team (ETT) to discuss their options going forward. In specific situations, when the guest has the proper documentation, it is possible to join the cruise at the next port of call, but all options must be discussed with ETT.



People Also Ask

The Verdict: Plan to Board Your Cruise Ship Early Remember that it's always better to be a little early and wait a little longer before embarking rather than show up late and miss your trip entirely! Check out this article with other tips for embarking on a cruise ship.

MORE DETAILS

Depending on the cruise line, size of the ship/number of passengers, and how efficient the boarding process is, embarkation can range from 30 minutes to a few hours.

MORE DETAILS

The only time a cruise ship will wait for late passengers is if they are on a ship sponsored shore excursion, meaning the tour was booked and operated through the cruise line.

MORE DETAILS

For the best check-in and boarding experience, arrive only during your pre-selected check-in/wellness screening time with your entire travelling party. All members of a party must check-in together. Your check-in appointment is dedicated for your screening, so arriving earlier will have you turned away until your time.

MORE DETAILS

Most cruise ships require all passengers to be on board no fewer than one to two hours before the scheduled departure time, which is almost always in the late afternoon or evening.

MORE DETAILS

All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. Our Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Ocean View/ Panoramic (No Balcony) Suites, and Owner's Suites all receive priority boarding, and our Royal Suite and Villa Suite guests are escorted onboard by an officer.

MORE DETAILS

Anyone travelling some distance to join their cruise ship, or taking a shore excursion in distant lands will have had the thought cross their mind - “What if I don't make it to the ship in time?” It is estimated that around 5% of passengers will miss their ship once in their cruising lifetime.

MORE DETAILS

So, the short answer is NO, the cruise ship will not wait for you if you are late. If you arrive late for the scheduled departure time, it's almost certain the cruise ship will leave you behind.

MORE DETAILS

You will need to pass through an x-ray machine and have your carry-ons scanned, but the process is not as rigorous as at the airport. (You likely won't need to remove your shoes, for example.) Then you'll enter a large open space with roped-off lines and check-in stations.

MORE DETAILS

Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

MORE DETAILS

Upon entering the terminal, you'll need to show your cruise documents and go through a security line. You will need to pass through an x-ray machine and have your carry-ons scanned, but the process is not as rigorous as at the airport. (You likely won't need to remove your shoes, for example.)

MORE DETAILS

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. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!

MORE DETAILS