We are cruising with friends. We are gold they are silver. I assume this will mean different PAT’s. Will they let them board earlier with us or will we have to wait for their PAT?
Not necessarily going to be too much of a difference in PAT from yours. They still might be able to get one close to yours or exactly at yours. And as you know the PAT is tied to your Boarding group number, so they might end up being with you that way as well.
However, if this does not work when they do their on line check in, you could ask the CM if they could board with you, and if not then wait for them so you can board together.
It really is the discretion of the CM.
That’s what I figured. I guess we can try when we board and the worst thing they can say is no. I also think that maybe when that initial crowd gets through they may let them on even if it’s a bit early
Did you already book your PAT's for you and did they book theirs?
PAT = Port Arrival Time
You’ll select one when you do online check-in, as a new cruiser that is 75 days prior to your cruise. PAT is just that, the time you expect to arrive at the port. It was instituted primarily for the Dream class ships at Port Canaveral because the terminal can’t handle that many passengers if they all arrived at once (due to fire code). But PAT is used for all ships and all embarkation ports now. Your boarding number is given when you check-in at the port and is directly tied to PAT (earlier PAT gets lower boarding numbers, later PAT gets higher boarding numbers). It’s all intended to control the crowds.
Enjoy your cruise!