In our experience, guests will usually be let into the cruise terminal around 10am, or shortly thereafter and embarkation usually begins somewhere around 11am.
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Cruise Ship Boarding FAQAs 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.
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.
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.
Embarkation refers to the window of time that people check-in and board the vessel, while departure time refers to the time the cruise officially leaves port and heads out into the water. Your ship's departure time is usually later than the cutoff time for checking in.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every person who sails with Royal Caribbean will receive a SeaPass card at check-in on embarkation day. The card is tied to your name and cabin number, meaning you can use it to open your stateroom door, as you would in a hotel.
The Water Package will be delivered to your stateroom on the date you request. You can choose between 6, 12 or 24 packs of water. The fountain soda package entitles you to unlimited refills at any of our bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining room, and our private destinations.
One of Royal Caribbean's most recent changes to their drink package policies is important to note when planning for your upcoming cruise. If purchasing the Deluxe Beverage Package, every guest of legal drinking age sailing in the same stateroom must also have the drink package.
Each Interior stateroom includes: Either a Royal king size bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, vanity area, a TV and telephone, fridge or minibar, hair-dryer and 24 hour room service.
What Happens If You Miss your Ship On Embarkation Day? If the delay is en route, prior to embarkation, provided you have adequate travel insurance, you should be covered for missed departure - which might include additional expenses incurred, such as hotels and onward flights to enable you to join your ship elsewhere.
What do you wear on embarkation day? Comfort is key on embarkation day, and it's okay to keep it casual on the first day of your cruise. Many people wear bathing suits underneath their clothes or pack their suit in their carry-on so they can head to the pool right away.
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.
Cruise lines typically follow strict departure times at all ports of call. While exceptions may be made for passengers participating in excursions organized by the cruise line, the cruise ship generally does not wait for late passengers.