You can show up at any time during that window. Generally speaking, the busiest time for boarding is between noon (when most cruise lines’ regular check-in begins) and 2 p.m., so we recommend arriving just before or after that window.
How early should you board a cruise ship?
Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail.
Should I check-in early for my cruise?
On sailing day, some terminals can get quite crowded at peak times. It can be hard to predict how long you’ll wait. You’ve probably received a recommended check-in time from your cruise line, but it’s generally OK (and a good strategy to avoid longer lines) to arrive at the port a little earlier.
What happens if I get to the cruise port early?
Regardless of your status, the earlier you check-in, the sooner you will board the ship. The advantage of arriving to the cruise port early is you will likely find shorter lines, and board the ship sooner. That means your vacation begins sooner, and you will have more time on embarkation day to explore and have fun.
How early can you board a 4pm cruise?
The earliest that guests can board a cruise is between 4-5 hours before the ship is scheduled to sail away. Guests may be able to check in earlier but will usually not be able to embark until this time. A number of factors affect when you can embark a cruise ship.
What time should you leave for a cruise?
On the final morning of a cruise experience in most countries all guests must leave the ship before the guests joining the next cruise can board. In most environments the latest time to leave the vessel will be between 10:00am and 11:00am.
How long do cruise check ins take?
Depending on the cruise line, size of the ship/number of passengers, and how efficient the boarding process is, embarkation can range from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Should I Hotel night before cruise?
Bottom line: It’s a great idea to find a cruise hotel to stay the night before your ship departs.
How many bags can you take on cruise?
two suitcases
The best news about packing is that there is no (reasonable) limit on how much you can bring on a cruise. Most cruise lines “encourage” each passenger to limit luggage to two suitcases, each one less than 50 pounds. In addition, you can also bring carry-on luggage (more on that in a moment).
How long does it take to get off a cruise ship after docking?
In most cases you’ll find that it is completed in 30-45 minutes of arrival. So just because the ship is tied up at the pier doesn’t mean passengers can immediately get off. Once passengers are free to go ashore, there is a bit of a rush of people at the beginning, but the lines usually goes quickly.
How long do you stay at each port on a cruise?
The length of your stay in port will vary. But, in general, your ship will dock for a half-day to a full day. Check the itinerary pages for estimated onshore and reboarding times for your cruise.
Do your bags get checked on a cruise?
Just like the security screening at an airport, we also screen all luggage our guests bring onboard to ensure everyone’s safety. If there is an item in your luggage that is prohibited or is believed to be prohibited, your bag will be taken to a screening location and will be inspected by our Security Team onboard.
Do you go through security on a cruise?
Going Through Cruise Ship Security
When you arrive at the cruise terminal, the first thing you will do is line-up to pass through security. Just like at the airport, the first stop you’ll make is a security agent who will check your boarding documents and your passport/birth certificate.
Are there curfews on cruise ships?
The vast majority of cruise lines don’t publish official curfews, though they do rely on parents to exercise good judgement.
What you should not do on a cruise?
Here are five things to not do on a cruise.
- Misjudge Your Cruise Fare. One of the most important things not to do on a cruise vacation is to neglect the details of your fare, otherwise known as the price of your cruise.
- Ignore Cellular Data.
- Neglect Travel Insurance.
- Under-Pack.
- Pick the Wrong Cruise Line.
Do you have to dress up every night on a cruise?
Your cruise is your own. If you don’t want to dress up for the evening, then you certainly don’t have to do so. Many people choose to keep it casual. If you decide that shorts and a t-shirt are as formal as you want to get, you won’t be alone.
What is the safest month to go on a cruise?
November through April is the dry season, and these months are marked by unbelievably clear days when almost any plans you make are safe from the weather’s interruption. For this reason, the dry season is one of the best times to go on a cruise to the idyllic Caribbean islands.
Do they drug test you before a cruise?
Does American Cruise Lines have a drug test policy? Yes. Random drug screens. How long does it take for them to receive the drug test results?
What should I bring on my first day of cruise?
5 Things to Pack for Your First Cruise
- Extra Bags. A day pack, a bag for dirty laundry, a plastic bag for wet bathing suits, Zip-Loc bags for snacks…
- First-Aid Kit.
- Your Favorite (Nonalcoholic) Beverage.
- Laundry Alternatives.
- Power Strip.
Is it better to stay higher up on a cruise ship?
The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren’t always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
What do you wear on a cruise at night?
For evenings, the recommended onboard dress is elegant casual for most ship venues. Suggested attire for men includes trousers and collared shirts (ties and jackets are optional but not required). For women, dresses, or skirts or slacks with sweaters or blouses are recommended.