What time should you board a cruise ship?


What time should you board a cruise ship? Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail. If you choose to fly ChoiceAir, Royal Caribbean automatically displays only the airline schedules that will enable you to meet your cruise.


What do you wear on embarkation day?

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.


What not to do on embarkation day?

One sure-fire way to muck up your embarkation day is by smuggling illegal substances or going over your allotted amount of carry-on alcohol. Embarkation day will be much more peaceful if you don't get busted by ship's security. Whether it's drugs, alcohol or a clothing iron -- leave it at home.


Will Royal Caribbean leave you behind?

When you book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean, we guarantee that if your tour is delayed, the ship will wait for you. In the unlikely event that your tour is significantly delayed, and the ship cannot wait, we will make all the arrangements for you to return to the ship at no expense to you.


Is it better to check-in early or later for a cruise?

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.


What is priority embarkation?

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


How long is the cruise boarding process?

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.


What happens if you miss embarkation time?

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.


How long do you have to get off a cruise ship after it docks?

Generally, passengers are required to disembark within an hour or two after docking. However, some cruise lines may allow passengers to remain onboard for a few extra hours if they have special arrangements with the port authority.


How to board a cruise ship early?

Look up your specific cruise line to see exactly how early you can check in and then set an alarm or reminder on your phone for that date. If you can check in using the cruise line's app or website the very first day you have a better chance of having an early boarding time.


Do you go through TSA for a cruise?

Going Through Security All cruise ships have security to ensure the safety of all cruise passengers before boarding the cruise ship. While the extent of the cruise line security isn't that of the TSA, it's still important to know the process. Once you've shown your cruise documents, you'll be sent to the security line.


What happens if you are late to board a cruise?

If you do not arrive at the port before the boarding window ends, the cruise ship will most certainly leave without you. Even if you are standing at the pier, waving frantically. That's because a cruise ship's departure time is carefully planned and more than just your vacation is at stake.


What is priority boarding on a cruise?

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.


What is the best time to board a cruise ship?

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.


What time do you leave the ship after a cruise?

On voyage-conclusion days, also called turnaround days, passengers are asked to vacate their cabins between 8 and 8:30 a.m. so stewards can begin cleaning them for the next round of cruisers. Everyone from the cruise that's ending must be off the ship between 9 and 10 a.m. in most cases.


What happens if you arrive early for your 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.


Do cruise ships wait if you are late?

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.


Can you bring alcohol on a cruise?

Policy – Guests are allowed to take spirits, wine, and champagne onboard, though most alcohol is included in the price of the cruise. Policy – Two bottles (750ml each or smaller) of wine or champagne per cabin are allowed. No beer or spirits may be taken onboard for consumption.


Can you go to your room right away on a cruise?

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.