Early boarding

warren41 · #1 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 11:26 AM

Traveling on Celebration next weekend and have been told that they will be boarding as early as 11am. Is there anything to do on the boat by boarding that early. is the buffet already open, can we swim etc.

CA Cruiser · #2 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 11:33 AM

Yes, lunch is served and the pools are open. After lunch, EXPLORE the ship. Check out your table in the dining room, make adjustments if needed. Tour the Spa, they have specials. We always check out the seating in the theater so we know ahead of time where we want to sit. So much to do before the muster drill. Have a great time. 12 days left for me!!

TC(Top-Cat) · #3 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 11:34 AM

On four cruises, we have always boarded no later than 11:30, mainly because of the crowd. Carnival has a buffet lunch available. You can familiarize yourself to the ship. They put sea water in the pools and those are usually not filled until at sea.

Hope this helps.

TC

fitzla · #4 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 01:51 PM

Or if your like me yuou can just get really drunk before the muster drill.

kissell · #5 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 02:00 PM

that's right!! get some lunch, order you up a Miami Vice to drink and kick back & enjoy!!

#6 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 07:03 PM

I like to get there early as well. Unfortunately with our July Triumph sailing, the coast guard was doing a ship inspection. They had us herded like cattle. We were finally on the ship at around 2. The kids were starving and cranky after waiting for 2 1/2 hours. It was a bad way to start, but the cruise was wonderful!

wakedreams · #7 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 08:13 PM

we plan on being at the port at 11am and hope to board early.
we want our vacation to start ASAP!!!!
Wandering / exploring , around the ship takes up much of the afternoon.
Our first cruise we boarded at 1230pm .... : )

Ro · #8 (**permalink**) August 17th, 2004, 10:09 PM

Kissel whats a Miami Vice? can U please tell us? Thanks Ro

phoebe · #9 (**permalink**) August 18th, 2004, 08:17 AM

The Miami VIce is fantastic but also try a 'kiss on the lips'
As far as getting on board early...it all depends what's going on. If the ship is late in clearing immigration and customs you could be held up but if it's finished early then embarkation can start early. Once the ship docks it's in the hands of the US Immigration and Customs and they can do whatever they want. It is no longer in Carnival's hands and most people don't know that so they blame Carnival for any delays. I was on that cruise in July too and we waited ages to board!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
You just never know and that's why the official boarding time is usually stated as 1:30..

dmdiver · #10 (**permalink**) August 18th, 2004, 08:22 AM

at sandals resort, miami vice was 1/2 pina colada, 1/2 strawberry daquiri