How early to board ship

Our ship leaves port at 4PM. How early will they let you check in?

I would like to tour the ship before we pull out.

You can probably board as early as noon, depending on the ship, the cruise terminal and when the ship docked. We sailed at 4:30, got on ship at 1:00........in Tampa.

[chris623]

I boarded the Glory in Port Canaveral at 11:45 last May. The line begins to get really long after noon.

[CruisegirlKim]

I try to always be at any port by 11 if not sooner.... I have only once had to wait for them to let people on board and I think that was in Tampa and it was at around 12 or so.... I have to honestly say I think that was only because of extra security we were crusing out on 9-11 a couple of years ago.........

Good advice, everyone, arrive by 11:00 a.m. you will be processed quickly thru the boarding process and be onboard between 12:00 -12:30 p.m., the buffet is ready for your enjoyment, the drinks are flowing and the music playing.....enjoy a leisurely lunch and tour the ship before it gets crowded.

[nolou525]

Went on the Fantasy. It was leaving at 4:30 pm. We were having our embarkation photo taken at 12:00 noon.

My flight arrives at 10:47 am in Fort Lauderdale that should put me at the pier around 1130-12pm I hope they get me through quickly and on board. Bruce you might want to pack some shorts or swim trunks in your carry on bag, in case you can't change in your state room right away. If you come from a cold city like me your ready to party that way.

It depend on the port In Tampa, I usually board before lunch so I can eat lunch aboard the ship.

Kitty,

Actually, I am from Pensacola Florida and my ship (Holiday) departs from Mobile Alabama. It is a 45 minute drive for me.

We wanted to get there early enough to roam the ship before departure.

Thanks for the advise. 51 days to go.