Earliest boarding time?

[fivepoints]

We are in a non-suite cabin. What is the absolute EARLIEST we can board?

[Billy in FLL]

In my experience, I have always arrived at the port around 11:00 or 11:30am. Carnival posts that embark. times are from 1:30 - 3:30pm, as a standard. As I have posted on other related postings, if you arrive early, and CCL does not allow you onboard, it is US Customs that is holding you up, not CCL. In all probability, some dingle-dork was trying to sneak something by customs and failed.

If no problems come up when you arrive, it should be smooth sailing. Makes sure that you have your "Funpass" completed for all passengers. This helps tremendously with check-in. Once there early, you have avoided all the last minute chaos. Get on the ship, find your cabin, and head to the Lido deck for lunch. Then look over at the chaos that you have avoided.

The Pride is a beautiful ship. Absolutely stunning and clean with great service and food. I loved this ship and would sail her again in a heartbeat.

Hope I helped.

Billy

[fivepoints]

Tanks, Billy. Appreciate the info.

[Billy in FLL]

Any time. Glad I was able to assist. Have a great time!!!

[Jim C.]

Yup, my experience has been the same as Billy's. If you get there early (11ish) you can most times get on a little earlier than the posted 1PM.

We got at the port at 10:30AM for this last cruise (because that is when the hotel shuttle could get us there) and we stood in line for about 45 mins and were on the ship at 11:30!! They even handed out a sheet of paper explaining that though they normally don't start boarding until 1PM, they were ahead of schedule and could offer us early boarding. Just seems like you get a bit more "cruising" time than if you wait until 3 to board. I also figured I could wait there at the ship and maube get on early or wait at the hotel and gaurantee I don't.

[fivepoints]

We're gonna give it a try around 11am. I'll let you know how it goes...