Drive to arrive embarkation time?

[Diane]

I will be driving to the Port and would like to board as soon as possible. My TA told me I shouldn't arrive before 2 as the only people that board any earlier are Crown and Anchor and people that fly in or come from a nearby hotel. Is this true? I have seen many say they get to board as early as 11 AM, but are those people not in my category of "drive in"?
Diane

[Diane]

I will be driving to the Port and would like to board as soon as possible. My TA told me I shouldn't arrive before 2 as the only people that board any earlier are Crown and Anchor and people that fly in or come from a nearby hotel. Is this true? I have seen many say they get to board as early as 11 AM, but are those people not in my category of "drive in"?
Diane

[Karen Knowlton]

Diane, there is a lot of variation in when you can get onboard. Your T.A. is basically right; however, you may be able to board as early as 12:30 or 1:00, depending on how early the ship clears customs and disembarks all passengers from the previous cruise that day. I tend to want to be early for things, and have usually gotten to the pier about noon or earlier. I have always had to wait, but have usually been able to board between 1 and 2 PM. If you try to be there by noon, you should have a similar experience.

[Diane]

Thanks Karen!
As we will be driving from RI to Fl and on the morning of the cruise will be driving from St. Petersburg to Miami, I have a feeling we will arrive very early as I will probably start off about 6AM. I would be very nervous about missing the ship if I left any later. I can just see us trying to hitch a ride on a passing alligator when our Van breaks down in the Everglades!
Diane

[Karen Knowlton]

I hope all goes well, that you have a safe drive and a wonderful cruise - and don't have to hitch from a gator!