What if I arrive early for my cruise?

It all depends on which cruise line you are sailing with and how busy the terminal is. Boarding will continue up until one to two hours before the scheduled departure time. If you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before the ship's departure, you will not be allowed on.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

Fewer crowds at the cruise terminal One of the best reasons to get an early check-in time is to avoid crowds at the cruise terminal. The embarkation process is fairly straightforward, but it entails going through several lines before you can board your ship.

MORE DETAILS

In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time.

MORE DETAILS

You can check in via the app beginning about 45 days in advance up to the morning of your sailing. Checking in via the app allows all guests in your party to board more quickly on your sailing day.

MORE DETAILS

6 Simple Ways to Speed Up Your Cruise Ship Embarkation Process
  1. Schedule any COVID-19 tests required before your cruise. ...
  2. Check in before you arrive at the cruise terminal. ...
  3. Avoid arriving at peak boarding time. ...
  4. Bypass the lines with priority boarding. ...
  5. Drop off your luggage with the porters. ...
  6. Have your official documents handy.


MORE DETAILS

While most people focus on the exciting activities, delicious food, and beautiful scenery a cruise vacation offers, few think about what happens to their luggage before boarding the ship. If you're planning to go on a cruise, you might be wondering whether cruise lines check your luggage. The answer is yes, they do.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You're eased into time zone changes On longer itineraries, such as a transatlantic or transpacific cruise, you'll cross over multiple time zones. However, the cruise ship time will typically change to reflect the new time zone at night, which should only be a difference of an hour.

MORE DETAILS

Changing Dates: If you need to change the dates of your cruise, the cruise line may be able to accommodate your request, depending on availability. However, there may be fees associated with changing the dates, especially if you are changing to a more expensive time of year.

MORE DETAILS

Most cruises beginning and ending in the same location are considered closed-loop, meaning they begin and end at the same port in the United States and travel within the Western Hemisphere.

MORE DETAILS

You can stay on the cruise ship when in port. In fact, it's a pro cruiser “secret” to let others get off the cruise ship, while they enjoy a quiet and less crowded day onboard! When staying on board the cruise, you can relax and enjoy the cruise ship amenities and activities.

MORE DETAILS

If you ultimately miss the ship's departure, it's the port agent who can stay in contact with the ship's crew to inform them of your intentions to join the ship at the next port or simply find a flight home if your cruise is near its end—they'll need to know, for example, whether to pack and ship your luggage if you ...

MORE DETAILS

You have choices when it comes to checking your bags on a cruise. Usually, you can check your large luggage during boarding, and it will be delivered to your stateroom. However, that can take a few hours, so you'll want to keep carry-on luggage that includes items such as a swimsuit and sunscreen with you.

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

Can you bring snacks, like candy, on a cruise? Shelf-stable snacks like chips, pretzels, protein bars or any other items packaged in sealed wrappers are permitted on every major cruise line.

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.

MORE DETAILS

With priority boarding, you'll have access to a dedicated security and check-in lane, which saves you from waiting in the usual lines. In some cases, this also means your accommodations will be ready before others.

MORE DETAILS

Priority embarkation means you are called to board before group 1.

MORE DETAILS

Your must bring your SetSail pass to the port to enter to cruise terminal. Please make sure you print your SetSail pass after you check-in. You must print your SetSail pass 3 days prior to the sail date. We recommend to download the Royal Caribbean App to display your SetSail Pass on your phone (no need to print).

MORE DETAILS

Check if your stateroom is ready After 1pm, check to see if your cabin is ready. You will find your SeaPass cards wedged in the stateroom number sign. If it's ready, collect your SeaPass cards, explore your stateroom, drop off your bags. What is this?

MORE DETAILS

The entire timeline can take 30 to 45 minutes after arrival. Just because your cruise ship is at the dock doesn't mean that people get off immediately. Once you are cleared to go ashore, you may experience a rush of people, but lines tend to decrease quickly.

MORE DETAILS