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We came off the Aurora today, having spent 14 nights on a Baltic Cruise. I t was absolutely brilliant. One of the best we have been on and we have done many. As for the initial boarding, get there as close to 12 noon as you can and you will avoid the crowds. You will be allowed on board but, as your cabin will not be ready, you will be directed the Orangery on Deck 12 where you will be able to partake in the available buffet. Enjoy the cruise.

THINK THIS WILL BE THE EARLIEST YOU CAN BOARD, BUT THERE IS NO HARM ARRIVING AT THE TERMINAL EARLIER AS WE DID LAST YEAR. YOU ARE WELL LOOKED AFTER AND THEY DONT DELAY ONCE YOU CAN BOARD - ITS SUCH A SMOOTH PROCESS. WE SAILED ON THE OCEANA LAST YEAR & WOULD IMAGINE THEY ARE ALL PRETTY MUCH OF A MUCHNESS WITH THE BOARDING PROCEDURE. JUST A FEW TIPS FOR YOU AS FIRST TIMERS -YOU'LL NEED TO LOOK 'GLAM' FOR THE PHOTO THEY TAKE AS YOU BOARD THE SHIP - WE DIDNT AND OURS WERE AWFUL!! BUT A GOOD TIP TO PASS ON, IS THAT ONCE YOU ARE ON BOARD YOU GET SENT UP TO THE TOP DECKS WHERE THE RESTUARANTS ARE LOCATED AND YOU CAN EAT AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE. THE BARS ARE OPEN AS WELL. WE DIDNT KNOW THIS LAST YEAR AND HAD A MEAL BEFOIRE WE GOT ON - WE WERE MIFFED WHEN WE REALISED WHAT WAS GOING ON - THE FOOD LOOKED LOVELY! HAVE A FAB TIME.

Board as soon after 12 noon as you can, don't leave embarkation until 2 pm. +. From previous experience, the queues start c. 2pm. The procedure is quick, slick and generally pain free ! Luggage arrival can be early or late - not always tied in with early embarkation. Enjoy your cruise.

We sailed on P & O Oceana from Southampton in May and people were already queuing when we arrived at 1230 and we were on the ship before 1.00. The cabins aren't ready but you can go into the buffet restaurant for something to eat and familiarise yourself with the ship. My advice, get there early and start your holiday and make the most of it. Don't know when you're sailing but we were quite seasick going through the bay of Biscay. It's a good idea to buy some Stugeron from the chemist beforehand and take them just in case. Happy holiday !

Usually you can board from about 12noon. Have sailed on P&O from Southampton several times -- so hastle-free really the only way to go!

Our experience with P and O is that we arrive around noon and check-in is (generally) swift and smooth. People are immediately ushered through security, etc. and board immediately and make their way either to the self-service restaurant (or a specifically allocated area for Portunus Gold Tier passengers) where lunch is served continuously. You can move from the food area once you've eaten into one of the public rooms which makes space for others coming on board later. An announcement is made as soon as staterooms are available (sometimes as early as 1.30 p.m. in our experience but, as a rule, about 2 p.m.) and we have always found our bags already there and are well unpacked before its time for a cup of tea, checking restaurant tables and safety drill. I believe it is unfair for people to go to their cabins earlier than requested as they only get in the way of staff who are doing their best to get accommodation (complete with bags!) ready for EVERYONE. Anyhow, why take so much hand-baggage - just take an extra suitcase and save yourself the carrying and messing about.

we arrived at 12noon and just for curiosity went to our cabin, and would you believe it our cases were there and no sign of the stewards, so we unpacked and then enjoyed the lunch and lemonades!! this may not be the norm but it has always worked in 9 cruises. and no, there was no queing at the terminal for our seapasses etc. enjoy.

The whole point of having a set time to arrive is to stagger the crowds and make it easier for everyone. If everyone turned up at 12.00 it must be chaos. I have found that the later the time slot you are given the higher grade accommodation you are travelling in! You may be unlucky and have to wait a couple of hours in the lounge area. Food is available in plentiful quantities whatever time you board

We arrived early this year and 2 years ago for a cruise on Arcadia. Both years we were allowed on about 12 oclock and although our cabin was understandibly not ready, we were allowed to go up to the self service restaurant and have lunch. We were then called by an announcement when our cabins were ready. The check in at Southampton is really well organised and quite a leasant seating area so no problems if you have to wait. Kay Derbys

Hope you'r not going on 30th August, there will be three P&O ships in that day !!! That will make life very interesting. We are sailing on Aurora that afternoon if the car parking system works a little more smoothley this time. Get there before the Eavseway coaches turn up with three ships worth of passengers. We will be there by 11.30 Have a good cruise