I'll be a 1st timer on Royal Carribean. I was advised to board early. Are restaurants and bars open early?

Question

Will be sailing on ship "Monarch of the Sea" on a 4day Baja cruise that sails at 5:30pm. Was told to board between 12-12:30pm. Others have told me not to board because nothing is open and there is nothing to do at that time on the ship. Does anyone know?

Answer 1

Why not start the party early?  12:00pm is a fair estimate of what time you may board.  You can go onboard, check out your room, have lunch, get a drink and hang out by the pool.  The shops and the casino won't be open, but that is about it.

Answer 2

I've done several Royal Caribbean cruises and always board early.  There has always been at least one buffet and several (if not all) bars open.

PS - I did the same cruise you're going on a few years ago, same ship and all -- have fun!

Answer 3

It's better to board early to beat the crowds and to make sure you aren't denied boarding. Passengers have to be on 60-90 minutes prior to departure or they can be denied boarding. Usually the windjammer buffet is open for meals. Also the pool may be open.

Answer 4

Its only suggested to get there that early so that people can board on a timely fashion.  I would go early to beat out the line.  Probably nothing will be open, but with that spare time you could walk around the ship, grab some shut eye before the voyage.

Answer 5

I have been on 4 cruises. I am going on our 3rd Royal Caribbean cruise this summer. They always say not to get there too early because they have to clean everything, get the passengers off from the prior cruise, etc... Don't get there early in the morning because they won't be ready and you will be bored waiting in the cruise terminal. The earliest you would want to get there is probably 12-12:30 p.m. We usually get there around 2-2:30. It depends on what time our plane lands. Yes, most things will be open. You can go swimming, go to a bar, go get some food at the Windjammer, etc... Probably the only thing that won't be open is the casino because they can onlyl open that in international waters. Other than that, everything else should be ready. You will probably be able to go to your stateroom, but it might not be cleaned yet, and your luggage normally does not arrive until about 4-5:30. Have fun though. Royal Caribbean is amazing.

Answer 6

Board the ship as early as you can and close to noon.  When you board the ship the place to eat lunch, called the Windjammer Cafe, will be open for lunch and have a great buffet spread with everything you could want.  The pools, hot tubs, and gym will be open for you to use as well.  So bring clothes for that in your carry on bag because you will not get your luggage for several hours.  The bars will be open so you can buy drinks and soft drinks too. There may be some recorded music playing but the real music will start after everyone is aboard and the ship is ready to set sail.  The thing to do when you first board is find your cabin, get something to eat, and then explore the ship to learn your way around and how to find things.

When you first board the casino and shops on the ships will not be open and they do not open until about half an hour after the ship sails.  But there is plenty to do and amuse yourself with.  

Board as early as you can.  I have been on about 20 cruises and I always do.  Take pictures before the crowds get on ship.

Answer 7

YES!

the bars never close after the last group of passangers get off.

they prepare fresh food.

(Lunch food)

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