What kind of time frame is given to embark on ship from ports of call?

[saublewater]

How much time before the ship leaves port does one have to embark? I'm not looking to cut it close...but what is a reasonable amount of time?

panabrite

[Dave]

Most cruise lines require the passengers to be back aboard 30 minutes prior to departure. This can be 45 minutes at ports where you have to tender to the ship, where they will do their best to make sure everyone understands "the last tender departs at XX:XX pm".

[saublewater]

Thanks Dave

[Cruise Fanatic]

It sounds like you are referring to initial embarkation. Most cruise lines want you checked in no later than 1 Hour prior to departure.

[Dave]

Originally posted by saublewater:
Thanks Dave

As Cruise Fanatic notes, I may have misunderstood your question. Do you mean boarding the ship on embarkation day or do you mean in the ports-of-call?

[saublewater]

Well I guess it was more of an overall question. Thanks for both replies...it answered them all.

Thanks again,

panabrite

[Dave]

Originally posted by saublewater:
Well I guess it was more of an overall question. Thanks for both replies...it answered them all.

Thanks again,

panabrite

Although the lines will be gone if you arrive at the embarkation port an hour or so before departure, you will be missing out on almost a whole afternoon of cruise time. We get to the pier around 11:30 or so and usually are aboard before 12:30, which means we get to eat lunch at the Windjammer, have a drink or two, explore the ship, etc. Cabins are typically not available until after 1pm but almost everything else is in full operation.

[Cruise Fanatic]

That's the way I like to do it too. Get there earlier if possible.

[saublewater]

We arrive in Philly at 7am...took the early flight out of Buffalo at 5:40am...we never sleep the night before a trip...and I'm sure you all don't either?

I'm sure we'll waiting for the doors to open at that time? lol

panabrite

[Berick1234]

Get on the ship as soon as you can...That's when the cruise starts:-)....get settled and then have a snack....as far as tours go...just don't miss the ship...booked tours will get you back in time...if you go on your own...well, that's another story....Happy Cruising..

Bob E