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AIBU?

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Original poster

to arrive after my allotted embarkation time for cruise?

104 replies

CallieCruiser · 31/03/2025 14:19

Shamelessly posting for traffic!
I'm going on my first ever cruise in a few weeks. I had thought from the info I had that boarding would be any time after 11am and best to be onboard at least 2 hours prior to departure. Just had updated info and I have been given an embarkation time of 11am-midday. All aboard is 5.30pm for departure at 6pm. The thing is we fly in to the departure city on that day and we wont make it to the port until 1-2pm. Have tried to contact cruise operator but they cant change my slot.

Does anyone have experience of how strict they are with the embarkation slots? I will be there 4.5 hours before 'all aboard' but 1-2 hours after my slot - will they let me on ok?

YABU - You need to be there between 11-12
YANBU - the slot is a guide, as long as you are well before all aboard it will be fine.

OP posts:
Isobel201 · 31/03/2025 17:51

We went on one with P&O from southampton, we were given the later time of 3pm which suited us as we drove down from West Yorkshire on the day. It was pretty busy by then with a lot of people waiting, so the boarding groups do end up being mixed. If you can get there earlier, I recommend it.

Beeloux · 31/03/2025 17:48

I’m a bit a worrier so I would probably email them and ask. 😅Then if they confirm it’s ok at least you have written proof.

99victoria · 31/03/2025 17:42

If you're flying into Southampton airport it'll be really speedy - there's only one domestic luggage claim and a 5 minute walk and you're out of the terminal building 🙂

Whatwillido2 · 31/03/2025 17:37

Msc don’t mind , have done this several times !! No one says anything, it’s just to try and manage queues

Downbadatthegym · 31/03/2025 17:34

I worked for Celebrity cruises about ten years ago, I imagine all cruise lines are the same. They never leave without guests (just threaten too) so I can’t imagine they will have a problem with you embarking late, the times are just to make it fluid.

Original poster
CallieCruiser · 31/03/2025 17:25

JuvenileBigfoot · 31/03/2025 17:24

MSC unlike almost all other lines has people embarking and disembarking at every port ( other lines everyone gets on, stays for a week/2 weeks etc and then everyone gets off) so, although it would be a hassle getting to the next port the would let you embark there. So wouldn’t be writing off the whole cruise if your flight gets messed up.

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that is reassuring in worst case scenario!

OP posts:
JuvenileBigfoot · 31/03/2025 17:24

CallieCruiser · 31/03/2025 16:19

In normal circumstances i would fly the day before but i'm going on a last minute deal with a group and compromises were needed!

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MSC unlike almost all other lines has people embarking and disembarking at every port ( other lines everyone gets on, stays for a week/2 weeks etc and then everyone gets off) so, although it would be a hassle getting to the next port the would let you embark there. So wouldn’t be writing off the whole cruise if your flight gets messed up.

SpringHasSprungg · 31/03/2025 17:20

PointsSouth · 31/03/2025 16:53

Ooh, that’s awkward because I assumed 28.

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Not necessarily awkward if the magic number is indeed 28.

JuvenileBigfoot · 31/03/2025 17:18

I’ve been with MSC twice and arrived later both times. Wasn’t an issue. Have a lovely time!

ThePoshUns · 31/03/2025 17:00

you will be fine. I have only been on one cruise but we were a group. Our group had different embarkation times. When I rang and queried this P&O said to all board at the later time as they couldn’t bring the time forward for half the group. I think it’s to prevent everyone turning up too early .

PointsSouth · 31/03/2025 16:53

SpringHasSprungg · 31/03/2025 15:57

I know it’s more than 25 and less than 30. I can’t remember them all and would be possibly lying if I said it’s 28 or whatever. Why do you ask?

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Ooh, that’s awkward because I assumed 28.

Shetlands · 31/03/2025 16:42

CallieCruiser · 31/03/2025 16:19

In normal circumstances i would fly the day before but i'm going on a last minute deal with a group and compromises were needed!

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Chances are you'll be absolutely fine and arrive in plenty of time. Meanwhile, I'd be having nightmares about running up the dockside sobbing as the ship disappeared into the sunset without me. I'm normally a rational person but my family and friends have endured many an instance of me being a PITA on 'journey day'.

Original poster
CallieCruiser · 31/03/2025 16:20

Ohnobackagain · 31/03/2025 15:52

@CallieCruiser I called them on the chat and they changed mine (also MSC) - though I don’t think it would have mattered if late.

because i'm part of a group booking it can't be changed as it would have to change the whole group and they wont do that.

OP posts:
Original poster
CallieCruiser · 31/03/2025 16:19

Shetlands · 31/03/2025 16:08

I admire anyone who could fly the same day as their cruise started. I'm a very stressful traveller until I'm on the train, ship, plane and then I can relax. You wouldn't want me as your travelling companion that day! 😱

In normal circumstances i would fly the day before but i'm going on a last minute deal with a group and compromises were needed!

OP posts:
Original poster
CallieCruiser · 31/03/2025 16:18

toomuchfaff · 31/03/2025 15:01

even if it is risky, it seems you're pretty much locked in to plans now anyhow. You can't leave early, you can't get another flight, you booked the cruise...

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I just want reassurance that this wont be an issue, so i can relax, or confirmation that this is a no-go and i look to cancel my flight and fly to port 2.

Cant change slot as i'm part of a group booking. had to fly same day (not my choice) due to something the day before which i can't change. in future, if i ever get to cruise again, these tips will be vewry useful.

OP posts:
Sakura7 · 31/03/2025 16:16

It's fine OP, as others have said it's just to help them stagger the arrivals. You won't have any problem getting onboard. However if you're worried you can ring MSC and ask them to move you to the later time.

Shetlands · 31/03/2025 16:08

I admire anyone who could fly the same day as their cruise started. I'm a very stressful traveller until I'm on the train, ship, plane and then I can relax. You wouldn't want me as your travelling companion that day! 😱

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 31/03/2025 16:06

toomuchfaff · 31/03/2025 15:01

even if it is risky, it seems you're pretty much locked in to plans now anyhow. You can't leave early, you can't get another flight, you booked the cruise...

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But it's nice for OP to be reassured it's OK (barring a cancelled flight) rather than undergoing unnecessary excessive anxiety

ScruffGin · 31/03/2025 16:04

Completely irrelevant to your issue, but it reminded me of turning up a day early to a cruise once at Southampton 😂 better than a day late I suppose but was a little embarrassing!

Cunningfungus · 31/03/2025 15:58

sweetpickle2 · 31/03/2025 14:35

You'll be fine in my experience OP- they give out time slots to stagger arrivals so they don't have the entire ship trying to board at once, but they won't turn you away for being late. Plenty of people will be delayed by traffic etc and will still be able to board.

This. Assuming your flight is on time etc, you’ll be fine @CallieCruiser - it’s just to stagger embarkation.

SpringHasSprungg · 31/03/2025 15:57

PointsSouth · 31/03/2025 15:46

..complete aside...

To be clear, this is not a criticism. It's not a prod. I'm not suggesting anything should be changed. And I do know that this really doesn't matter a bit. For me, it's just one of those things that are triggering out of all proportion to their importance.

@SpringHasSprungg have you been on 26 cruises? If it's more than that, why choose 25 as the cut off for the number? Why not 'more than 26'? Where would you stop - 'more than 28'?

One sees on websites things like 'we have more than 18 industry awards'....what, 19? Obviously they know exactly how many in order to know it's more than 18.

People at my company used to write to prospective clients saying, "We have more than 32 consultants who..." What? Don't we know how many exactly? "But we might gain a few." "And we might lose a few. Have many have we actually got?"

Actually, this might be quite a good idea for a thread...Things You Find Triggering Out Of All Proportion To Their Importance.

Anyway, sorry. Ignore me, I'll go away. I'll get professonal help.

.....Now back to your scheduled programme.

Edited
Show quote history

I know it’s more than 25 and less than 30. I can’t remember them all and would be possibly lying if I said it’s 28 or whatever. Why do you ask?

Ohnobackagain · 31/03/2025 15:52

@CallieCruiser I called them on the chat and they changed mine (also MSC) - though I don’t think it would have mattered if late.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 31/03/2025 15:51

@CallieCruiser better earlier than later!! it is to do with high tide for boats sailing out of harbours!!

PointsSouth · 31/03/2025 15:46

SpringHasSprungg · 31/03/2025 14:27

I’ve flown on the day for about half of my cruises (I’ve been on over 25) and it’s been fine. I hope you have a lovely trip.

..complete aside...

To be clear, this is not a criticism. It's not a prod. I'm not suggesting anything should be changed. And I do know that this really doesn't matter a bit. For me, it's just one of those things that are triggering out of all proportion to their importance.

@SpringHasSprungg have you been on 26 cruises? If it's more than that, why choose 25 as the cut off for the number? Why not 'more than 26'? Where would you stop - 'more than 28'?

One sees on websites things like 'we have more than 18 industry awards'....what, 19? Obviously they know exactly how many in order to know it's more than 18.

People at my company used to write to prospective clients saying, "We have more than 32 consultants who..." What? Don't we know how many exactly? "But we might gain a few." "And we might lose a few. Have many have we actually got?"

Actually, this might be quite a good idea for a thread...Things You Find Triggering Out Of All Proportion To Their Importance.

Anyway, sorry. Ignore me, I'll go away. I'll get professonal help.

.....Now back to your scheduled programme.

Thebloodynine · 31/03/2025 15:42

How are there deleted comments on a thread about cruise ship check in times? How does that turn nasty? People are seriously weird.

OP, you’ll be fine.