Embark Time

luv2vacation63 · #1 (**permalink**) August 8th, 2011, 10:52 AM

Going on the Carnival Freedom, which departs this Saturday. What time should we get to the port? Are we better off getting there early and sitting and waiting with the crowds or should we arrive a little later to miss some of the crowds? If early, what time is early? And, if later, what time is later? We are flying in the night before and staying at a hotel, and the checkout time at the hotel is not till noon time, so we could wait till noon before we leave for the port.

Only 4 more days!!! Starting to get really excited. Not sure how I'm going to make it through the rest of my work week.

green_rd · #2 (**permalink**) August 8th, 2011, 12:11 PM

Everybody has their own opinion on this one. We sailed on Freedom in February and they actually begin embarkation right about noon. Embarkation moved very smoothly. When we do it again we would probably shoot for arriving about 12:30 or 1. There were plenty of people sitting around. On the other hand if you are just going to be sitting around at the hotel what is the difference of sitting around the terminal and getting on board ASAP.

Henry43 · #3 (**permalink**) August 8th, 2011, 12:23 PM

We arrived 9:15 for a 4:45 embarkation on our last cruise .We were on the ship at 10:35 .

RTALLEN · #4 (**permalink**) August 8th, 2011, 12:35 PM

If you've not been on this ship before, arriving somewhere between 12:00 & 1:00 would not only give you time to have some lunch on the lido deck, it would also give you time to explore the ship a bit and see where things are in relation to your cabin (the dining room, the theater, gift shops, etc.). If you're lucky, maybe even meet some of the crew members.

fun2cruiz · #5 (**permalink**) August 8th, 2011, 02:49 PM

arriving at approx. 11am has always had us onboard sailings by 12 noon regardless of the U.S. departure port.

green_rd · #6 (**permalink**) August 8th, 2011, 04:16 PM

The one thing that must always accompany this question.

You may not be able to get to your cabin until after 1:30. If you want to get wet before then bring a swim suit in your carry on.

Fern · #7 (**permalink**) August 8th, 2011, 08:46 PM

We try to get to the port around 11:30 AM. We're usually onboard by 12:30. On Carnival it will be about 1:00 or 1:30 before you're allowed into your cabin.

I'd suggest you take your carry on and go to the Dining Room or the Buffet for lunch. Although it's not generally adverstised, there's usually one Dining Rooom open for lunch. Sometimes you have to search for it yourself, other times if you ask a crew member they'll direct you.

As green rd said, if you want to sunbathe or swim, pack your swimsuit in your carry on.

We feel that since we're paying for the embarkation day we should enjoy it!

If you want to board very quickly, show up about 2:30 PM for a 5:00 PM sailing.