BOARDING EARLY OR LATE, THAT IS THE QUESTION

Cruise departure day arrives and the thought of boarding your ship and your exotic ports-of-call are exciting. You've done your prep work, have your proper attire all snug in their bags and you are ready to set sail.

But first, here are a few random things to consider before you decide on an early or late embarkation. Nothing profound, just my personal observations.

• First, check and re-check to make certain you have all required documents. It is easy to forget something in the excitement of any vacation or trip.

• Investigate your particular Port of Embarkation. If, like Port Everglades, there is a checkpoint before you are permitted through the gates, you will need to allow extra time. Long lines are possible as cars stack up while security checks your papers, gives you a parking card for your dash, sometimes even checks your trunk (just depends on their temperament, it seems).

• Want to step aboard as early as possible? Understand this could mean very long lines at the terminal check-in. All ships handle this differently in one way or another, and your stateroom location could play a role as well.

• Boarding early means you have even more time to roam the ship and the dining room buffet lines are not quite so crowded. However, you will also encounter other confused travelers also attempting to find their way. Sometimes your room won't be ready and if you carried your luggage onboard, you will have to find a place to sit and look after it.

• Boarding later in the day also has advantages and disadvantages. So, pick what works best for you and your companions.

• A late-in-the-day boarding usually means shorter lines and it always seems as though the terminal staff is more efficient at this point. Your check-in will go faster, as a rule.

• However, the ship is now almost completely loaded with passengers and things are hectic. Elevators are jammed, buffet lines are quite long and the narrow hallways are beginning to fill with luggage and wandering shipmates. Everyone is lost, but finding their way.

We have observed how interesting that by the second day, the ship seems completely settled with everyone as comfortable as can be. Everyone seems to  know where most things are located, elevators are mostly empty when you need one and  the common areas are not a glut of harried passengers.

As long as you get yourselves onto the ship, early or late, it will be fabulous and peaceful sailing exists! -- Pam, for Cruising Squared