What time to arrive at ship?

[sunshine37922]

This will be my first cruise and I am seeing posts of people arriving at 11:30 and boarding...the ship leaves the port at 4pm, but the sooner the better typically with anything in my book...are there drawbacks or advantages for arriving at one time over the other?

[Andrealovescruising]

sunshine, If you board at 11:30 a.m. be aware that your cabin will not be ready. The crew is usually cleaning and there's a chance that there may even be some late disembarking passengers on board. On Pride last month we didn't walk off until 11 a.m. and there were still others behind us. It is relaxing to arrive early, sit in the sun, get comfortable with the layout of the ship, or grab a bite to eat on the Lido Deck for lunch. We have always arrived earlier just out of excitement for the trip. It is totally your discretion. I'd say it's better to be earlier than late. Have a wonderful cruise.

[Deege2424]

Hello Sunshine, As they say the earlier the better. Although your cabin may not be ready you can still explore the ship have a bite to eat or just relax (as if anyone on their first cruise can really relax when they board the ship). I always arrive early, but I am just not a last minute person. Also being that the ship leaves at 4pm, I don't find 11am to be early, I've boarded at 11am when the ship sailed at 10pm. Left ship and found me a walmart and purchased me a few bottles of water and soda for my cruise, saved me a few bucks which I invested in Carnival building a new casino, one that may let me win next time. Well which ever you choose, late or early, just make sure you are there before the last boarding time. Have a safe and fun cruise!!!!
Deege

[sunshine37922]

Thanks for your responses....I will definitley be early now that I know you can board and grab a bite to eat. I thought it might be us getting on the ship and nothing being available or ready...to be honest I didn't know what to expect...I'm so freakin' excited!!!!!!!

[Andrealovescruising]

sunshine, I don't blame you. I've been on numerous cruises and every time I walk on board, I'm "freakin' excited" ! Have a great cruise.

[judy27]

sunshine:

given your name, i would assume you are hoping to tan. you can start right away!

my daughter and i unexpectedly arrived at the port at 11:30 and we intened to just relax and read and wait to start the embarkation process. surprise: we were allowed in right away, did the check-in thing and hit the decks within about 30 minutes.

hint: bring a bathing suit and sunscreen in your carry-on! your room won't be ready -- but you can grab a lounge and relax if you'd like. we changed in the spa bathroom, by the way.

have a great cruise.
judy

[sunshine37922]

Thanks everyone...so any suggestions on what all to keep in my carry on bag if I arrive early or in general I guess...that's a stupid questions isn't it? sorry if so...just made me think of it because I would have never thought to keep my bathing suit in my carry on until the last post....

[Jaye]

What I would suggest you carry on would be your swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a change of clothes. You might not be able to go to your cabin right away, but you should be able to get lunch and start enjoying the pool.

On our first cruise, we were not aware that it may take the luggage a few hours to arrive; so we were not able to start enjoying ourselves right away. I also packed the camera and film in the suitcase so I couldn't start taking pics until later that evening. I remember wishing I had my swimsuit most of all.

Hope it helps and enjoy!!
Jaye

[sunshine37922]

Thank you Thank you.....i would have never imagined to do this....

[baby doll]

A kid at Christmas..ahhhhhhh know the feeling sooooo well. We will be going on our 8th next year and each time is exciting. Where are you going on your cruise sunshine? What ship?