All Aboard! Essential Tips for Cruise Boarding Times and How Early to Arrive

The big day is almost here, and you're preparing to head to the cruise port to embark on your adventure. How can you make sure you're ready to start your vacation stress-free? Planning your arrival time and understanding the boarding process, including your scheduled boarding time, are key to getting your trip off to a smooth start.

In the past, cruise lines allowed passengers to show up at the terminal on embarkation day at their convenience, within a broad time window. However, to reduce congestion and minimize waiting times, most cruise lines now assign specific boarding times or give passengers the option to select their preferred time.

So, what time do cruises actually start boarding, and is there an ideal time to arrive? Keep reading to learn the best time to board your cruise ship and when you should plan to be in your departure city before setting sail.

When to Arrive for Your Cruise

When you ask, 'When should I arrive for my cruise?' you're likely referring to one of two things: When to reach your ship's departure city before sailing, or when to arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

The answer to the first question depends on how far you are from the cruise port. If you live close enough to drive, it's fine to arrive on the same day your ship departs—unless you have a long drive and don't want to risk cutting it too close to the boarding time.

For those flying to the port, deciding when to fly in for your cruise involves a few considerations. I always recommend arriving at least a day before your departure to account for potential flight delays or cancellations. This gives you a buffer in case you need to reschedule your flight.

However, not everyone can afford the extra cost of a pre-cruise hotel stay, especially those traveling on a budget. If you're in this situation and can find an early flight that gives you enough time to reach the port city, flying in the same day as your cruise is still a viable option.

In any case, I highly recommend buying cruise travel insurance (preferably through a third-party provider, not the cruise line) to safeguard your investment in case something goes wrong and you miss your ship.

What time do cruise ships begin boarding?

When it comes to arriving at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, your arrival time will depend on your assigned boarding time.

Cruise boarding typically starts one to two hours after the previous passengers have disembarked. Disembarkation usually finishes by 10 a.m., and this gives the crew time to carry out essential tasks like restocking supplies, refueling, and cleaning the cabins and public areas in preparation for the new guests.

Boarding usually starts between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., depending on the ship's schedule and how long it takes for everyone to disembark from the previous voyage. Most cruise lines require all passengers to be onboard at least two hours before the scheduled departure, which typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening.

Optimal Time to Board a Cruise Ship

The ideal time to board your cruise is when there are minimal lines and shorter waiting times. The challenge is knowing when that window will occur.

Unfortunately, the best boarding time can vary depending on the port and ship, but I personally prefer arriving in the early afternoon, around 1 or 2 p.m.

By this time, the early morning rush of eager passengers has typically subsided, leaving you with ample time between your arrival at the port and the final 'all aboard' deadline, which is when all passengers and crew must be onboard. (If you're someone who likes to get onboard as early as possible, you can opt for an earlier boarding time, but be aware that this could mean facing longer lines and wait times.)

Alternatively, if you have elite loyalty status, are staying in a luxury suite, or have purchased a perks package such as Carnival Cruise Line's Faster to the Fun, Royal Caribbean International's The Key, or Norwegian Cruise Line's Priority Access, you can arrive at any time to take advantage of priority boarding or special lounge access, which often includes a separate area with snacks and beverages to make your wait more enjoyable.

There are several other strategies you can use to expedite the embarkation process, such as completing your check-in online or via your cruise line's mobile app before you arrive.

What to Expect When Boarding Your Cruise Ship

Upon arriving at the terminal, expect a bit of chaos. Follow the signs directing you to the correct arrival area, whether it's parking or drop-off zones for taxis, Ubers, and shuttles.

Before entering the terminal, leave any large bags with the porters, who will ensure they're safely loaded onto the ship. While tipping a dollar or two per bag isn't mandatory, it's a nice gesture. The porters, with their baggage carts, are easy to spot as they line up outside the terminal.

Inside the terminal, you'll need to present your ID and boarding documents before passing through a security check. Your carry-on bags will be scanned, and you'll walk through a metal detector. This process is similar to airport security, but you won't be asked to remove your shoes or take laptops and liquids out of your bags unless something suspicious (like contraband alcohol) is detected.

Next, head to the check-in desk where an agent will assist you with completing the process. If you've already checked in online, this step will be much faster. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, allow you to bypass the check-in desk entirely if you've completed everything (check-in, onboard account setup, and security photo) in advance through the app.

If you don't receive a keycard at check-in, don't worry—your keycard will either be waiting for you at your cabin door or inside your room.

After checking in, you'll proceed up the gangway and onto the ship, where security will scan your boarding card or pass to confirm you've boarded. (Each time you disembark or reboard in a port of call, you'll need to swipe your card, so keep it handy.)

How long does it take to board a cruise ship?

The time it takes to get from the curb to the gangway depends on several factors, including:

• Whether you're traveling light. If you're only bringing a carry-on, you can head straight into the terminal. Larger luggage, however, needs to be left with a porter, which may take a few extra minutes.
• How advanced the terminal and cruise line are with technology. At terminals with facial recognition, you can board much faster. Similarly, cruise lines that allow you to check in and set up your onboard account via a mobile app in advance help speed up the process, letting you skip traditional check-in lines.
• Whether you have priority boarding. If you're in a loyalty program's top tier, have purchased a priority embarkation package, or are staying in a premium suite, you can board before the majority of passengers, enjoying expedited access through special lines and lounges.
• Whether passengers stick to their assigned boarding times. The goal is to stagger boarding to keep things flowing smoothly for everyone. If people disregard their scheduled time, it can create bottlenecks that slow the process.
• How crowded the terminal is when you arrive. Longer lines for parking, drop-off, or check-in can delay your boarding.
• How prepared passengers are. If travelers take too long digging through their bags for tickets, passports, or other documents, it can slow down the check-in process. This includes passengers who pack items that raise red flags during security checks, such as contraband, which can further hold up the line.

Bottom Line

If you're flying into your embarkation city, it's a smart idea to arrive the day before your cruise. Boarding typically begins shortly after the last passenger disembarks from the previous sailing, usually between 10 and 11 a.m. To keep the process running smoothly, it's important to stick to your assigned boarding time. (When choosing a time, opt for the afternoon after the morning rush has subsided.)

To minimize wait times, be sure to complete your check-in and onboard account setup ahead of time, either online or via your cruise line’s mobile app. Also, have your ID and boarding documents ready and avoid packing items that could raise red flags at security.

Got more cruise questions? TPG has the answers:

• More prohibited items: What should you avoid packing for a cruise?
• The mystery of man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• Baked Alaska: What is it and why is it celebrated on cruise ships?
• The giants of the sea: What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• The role of a gentleman host on a cruise: What does it entail?
• The Jones Act explained: How does it impact cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What is a cruise cabin guarantee and can it save you money?
• What sets apart a cruise concierge from a butler?