Is it as bad getting onto a cruise ship as it is at the airport. Are there metal scanners and guards?

Question

How long does it take to get on to the ship? Do they search every piece of luggage? Do they make you empty your pockets and search your shoes like at the airport?

Answer 1

I don't think that it is nearly as bad on a cruise ship as it is on a plane. They do have guards and metal detectors. Basically, just like at the airport you need to empty your pockets and take of anything with a lot of metal, i.e. belts and watches, and then put them in the tray. You also need to put your carry on bag through the scanner. I've walked right through security every time and never been stopped to have bags checked or anything like that. As long as you don't have any metal on you, going through the metal detector shouldn't be a problem either. You don't have to take your shoes off, however.

As far as your bags, they do scan them before delivering them to your room, which is why it can be delayed a little. But, I've never had any of my bags opened or anything like that, I always lock them, so again, I've never had any problem.

Be sure to have all of your documents out and ready that you will need. Anything the cruise line and/or your travel agent gives you, your id or passport, a credit card for your onboard account, etc. will all be needed. As long as you have everything ready and listen to the representatives in the port, you shouldn't have any problems. After you check in, then you just have to wait to get on the ship. In my experience, it generally takes about a half hour to get on the ship, of course it will depend on when you get on the ship and things like that.

Finally, don't forget when you get off the ship at the end of your vacation, you will need to go through customs. Don't forget to write down everything you buy and how much you paid, it makes the process much quicker and prevents any complications.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You go through a scanner just like at the airport. Take off your shoes, take out your laptop, empty your pockets.

We showed up around noon to embark on our cruise (that left at 5pm) and had a line. IIRC it took us about an hour or two to get from where we were in line (it was a LONG line) to the boat.

I suggest getting there at least four hours before your boat is scheduled to depart. I would also have things you want right away in a carryon bag (swimsuit, lotion, laptop, medicine, another outfit) since it may be some time before your checked in bags make it to your room.

Answer 3

I don't think boarding a cruise ship is as bad as boarding an airplane. If you go to the cruise terminal early, ie: 11:30 a.m. for a 4:00 sail, you can get on the ship quickly.....about 15-20 minutes. Very few people board the ship early. If you do go early, then you can also enjoy the buffet lunch that the cruiseline has around 12:00 noon.

Answer 4

Actually it takes longer on the average to get on a ship than on a plane.

There is tight security with guards and scanners. Your carry on baggage is x-rayed, your travel documents are checked, your ID is checked, you will have to go through a scanner and if you have metal objects in your pockets, they will be put in a tray for the scanner - just like at the airport.

Your checked baggage will be x-rayed in the baggage room.

They have to make sure no weapons such as guns or knives get on board the ship.

Answer 5

It takes just about 30 min. They dont scan everything. The luggage is left with their staff and you just go right to the ship. it gets delivered to your room. Only thing that takes long is immigration process

Answer 6

Yes, everytime you reboard the ship at any port along the way as well.

Answer 7

its way worse on a cruise than on a plane they have the boats security plus the ports security

Answer 8

They scan everything now everywhere since 911.

Answer 9

IT TAKES LIKE AN HOUR JUST TO GET ON THE FLIPPEN BOAT IT SUCKS