How strict is MSC embarkation time?

How strict is MSC embarkation time? MSC, understandably, is now staggering times but they did not offer a choice and there is no possibility of changing the time they assign. If you miss the assigned time, you will be allowed 1 hour leeway to board late.

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.

What happens if you miss your boarding time on a cruise?

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.

How does priority embarkation work?

For a better embarkation experience, guests are asked to adhere to that arrival time. We will not be able to accommodate guests who show up earlier than their selected window. If Priority guests arrive later than their selected window, they will be accommodated in the Priority line.

Can I arrive early for my cruise?

If you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before the ship's departure, you will not be allowed on. This is usually in the late afternoon or evening. I've been able to check-in for a cruise as early as 10:30am and as late as 3:00pm before. You can usually gauge the ship's last call by looking at the ship's itinerary.

What is priority embarkation?

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

What time do you have to board MSC cruise?

Boarding time ends about 90 minutes prior to departure to allow for safety drill procedures for all on board before the ship leaves the port. For a 6 PM departure you should plan to be at the pier no later than 4 PM but always check with your cruise line to verify.

Is it better to board early or late on a cruise?

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.

How many hours before departure can you board a cruise ship?

The most straightforward answer is that it depends on the port and your cruise line. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect the earliest embarkation time to be four to five hours before sailing.

What happens if you show up early for a 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.

Can you go to your room as soon as you board a cruise ship?

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.

What is the best time to check-in on 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.

How long is the average cruise boarding time?

While boarding times and procedures can vary significantly depending on cruise ship, your stateroom category, or your status with that cruise line, but boarding typically begins in the late morning and continues until about an hour or so before departure.

How long does it take to stop a cruise ship at full speed?

And so just how easily can a cruise ship slow down or speed up? The numbers are pretty similar to a container vessel. “From full speed, just putting the engines to stop and letting the ship coast as it were, it would take 15 minutes, and 1.75 miles, for us to stop,” says Bathgate.

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.

How do you get early boarding on a cruise?

Is it best to wait last minute for cruises?

In short, last-minute cruise bookings could offer significant savings. While booking a cruise last-minute isn't the best option for everyone, it can be a win for your wallet if you're flexible and spontaneous.

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.