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Q: I am going to a Mediterranean Cruise in September with NCL Cruises. One thing I don't quite understand is the time passenger has to go on-board a ship. If the ship depart from a port at 7:00 pm local time, I was told that passenger must be back on ship by 2 hrs ahead (5:00 pm). So what what happen if you come back at 6:00 pm at the dock. Will the gate be closed and I won't be allow to go on board the ship? Any information will be much appreciated. This is my first time on a cruise, so I don't quite understand how things work. Many thanks.

Submitted by:Lau, Toronto on 26th Aug 2008
Subject: NCL Cruises/Norwegian Gem/Mediterranean

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Answer by Binder, Manchester (09 Oct 08 00:28) to a QUESTION by Lau (26 Aug 08 19:43)

it all depends whether you are talking about the first day it leaves or any day it docks. On the first day you have to board the ship by latest 2 hours before it sails, but if you mean when it leaves after stopping off during its port visits, then it is usually latest 30 minutes before - but you will be informed on the ship and each time it docks

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Answer by Anderson, Clevedon (27 Aug 08 13:00) to a QUESTION by Lau (26 Aug 08 19:43)

I have never heard of needing to be back on the ship 2 hours before...it is normally 30 mins to 1 hour, this is to take account of the final checks the crew need to complete before departing. All aboard times are normally earlier if you are tendering at a port. If you weren't back by then they would still let you back on the ship but you would probably be warned to try and keep to boarding times in future. Also bear in mind that the ship is only obliged to wait for you if you are on an organised tour, if not, the ship will leave without you.

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Answer by Wilba, N (26 Aug 08 20:14) to a QUESTION by Lau (26 Aug 08 19:43)

I don't know who you've been talking to, but they have little idea of what they're talking about. Normally at ports 30 minutes before stated departure time is the 'All Aboard' time. If your later than this they don't lock the dock gates, as there is normally many other ships in port, but the ship will leave on time, so it's up to you to be on board before the gangplank is removed.