I did the 4 night Spain Cruise from Southampton at the end of August and I'm in the middle of writing my trip report. I did pre and post cruise days in Southampton and arrived by train from Southampton airport.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/s...pain-cruise-2023-updated-2nd-sea-day.3929341/
This is my embarkation experience at Queen Elizabeth II Terminal on Wednesday 30 August.
I stayed at IBIS Southampton Centre and my check out time was 11am. The
DCL Health Questionnaire popped up about 10am.
I went down to the hotel lobby at 11.am and my taxi arrived at 11.10am. I had pre booked with Radio Taxis for 11.15am pickup. I paid cash for the journey but they do accept card. It was £10. I did not tip the taxi driver.
Arrival at Queen Elizabeth II Terminal was easy. The taxi was directed into a big covered warehouse area which was divided into different sections for taxi drop off and pick up.
The entrance building was at the the far end. There a big signs and lost of port staff so its organized and easy to find where to go. I was first directed to the luggage drop area. They checked I had the DCL luggage tag and then a porter took my bag. You do not tip the luggage porters in Southampton.
Then I was directed to the entrance queues. Port staff checked my PAT form and I was directed into the 12pm queue. It was now 11.35am.
At 11.40 our queue was allowed into the main check in hall and into the switch backs. It moved fast as there were alot of desks open. At the check in they checked my PAT form and my passport and that I had done the Health Questionnaire. I was given a wristband and then told to go up stairs. On the way to the next level was the DCL Embarkation Photo OP.
Up the escalator to the next level and I was in the final holding area before security and walking onto the ship. It was now about 11.50am and this area was crowded as they hadnt called Boarding Group 1 yet.
Boarding Group 1 was called at 11.55am and they moved quickly though and soon it was Group 11, my boarding group.
When the boarding group is called there a switchback to get to the security area. They have 3 security lanes, so they get through people fast. Just like at the airport, bags in the scanner, walk through the scanner.
And then finally I was walking through the glass walkway. Its a lot longer than in Dover, theres a few switchbacks.
I checked the time after the welcome announcement and it was 12.15pm.