Will cruise ships let you board early?

Will cruise ships let you board early? Let's jump right into it and find out how early you can plan to get on board your 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.

How early should you get back to cruise ship?

For your ports of call, disembarkation is as soon as the ship's paperwork has been cleared - varies a lot but usually 30 minutes or less after docking, unless the arrival time is at daft o'clock in the morning. At ports of call you usually need to be back on the ship 30 minutes before the sailing time.

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 is the 99.75 charge on Royal Caribbean?

Just like some land-based hotels, guests can expect to see an initial $99.75 pending charge or authorization on their credit card. This pending amount is used to secure funds for anticipated onboard purchases. Purchases made onboard over the initial $99.75 will generate additional holds.

Can I change my check-in time Royal Caribbean?

SETSAIL PASS Swipe left to view the SetSail Passes for other Guests in your party. If you need to edit your check-in or change your port arrival time, tap 'Edit Check-in' to make the necessary changes. When your documents (EDoc) are ready you will be able to find them on your Cruise Planner account on your computer.

What time do cruise ships usually start boarding?

Cruise ships will usually begin boarding approximately four hours before the scheduled departure time, typically around 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you'd like to arrive at that time, go right ahead!

What happens if you miss boarding time cruise ship?

If you miss boarding you will not be able to get on the ship. One hour before ship departure we run the final passenger manifest which we submit to the local customs and border services authority, another copy goes to the port agent, and one copy to head office. Once this is done, no one can board the ship.

Does Royal Caribbean have priority boarding?

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.

How early can you board on embarkation day?

However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect the earliest embarkation time to be four to five hours before sailing. As most cruise lines leave port at around 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm, in most cases, you can anticipate the earliest time you can board to be at around noon.

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.

Can you sleep with balcony open on cruise?

In order to keep the air conditioning working inside the cabin you do have to keep the balcony door closed on the majority of cruise lines. This is one of the reasons that many people do sleep on the balcony because in theory you can't lay in bed and keep the door balcony open.

Can I remove daily gratuities on Royal Caribbean?

If you do not prepay gratuities and are instead being charged a daily amount onboard, you can go to Guest Services and request to remove or modify this daily charge.

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?

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.

Are cruise rooms ready when you board?

It's important to note that if you board very early, your cabin may not be ready yet as they're probably still cleaning from the last cruise. Once settled in, or if your cabin isn't ready, it's time to explore the ship and check out everything there will be to do throughout your trip.

Can you go straight to your room 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. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!

Is it better to board early 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.

Can cruise workers sleep with guests?

Cruise ship workers are not supposed to hook up with passengers, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It is rare though – most crew follow the rules because they know they'll lose their job if they're caught. You won't be surprised to hear that cruise lines ban crew from having sex with passengers.