How Early Can You Board A Carnival Cruise Ship?

Guests should arrive promptly within their Arrival Appointment to reduce wait time in line. They must present their boarding pass, picture ID, and citizenship documents (including any necessary visas). Carnival’s boarding process includes check-in procedures, early boarding eligibility, and tips for a smooth embarkation day.

The recommended arrival time can vary depending on the terminal, but boarding is scheduled to begin at approximately 12:30 am. Priority guests may board anytime between the earliest opening hour and at the latest, an hour before departure. Departure times can be found on your boarding pass.

Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship’s published departure time. Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for additional fees. The earliest port arrival times are between 1000-1100, depending on the port. The earliest actual boarding time depends on customs.

Carnival cruises usually start boarding once the last passengers from the previous cruise are off the ship. Guests must select their Arrival Appointment no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to their sailing date when completing their Online Check-in. You can choose one on Carnival’s site 14 days before your cruise and be allowed onboard as of that time.

By completing their Online Check-in and selecting their Arrival Appointment within 14 days, guests can expect the earliest you can board the ship to be about four hours before departure. Boarding begins between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship’s schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark.