Hi Debbie: When you get to the pier, you will see a check-in line marked Suite Passengers. It is USUALLY, but not always, on the far left. Go to that line and when the person checking you in gives you your boarding card, be sure it says "Priority Embarkation" or has the numer "1" on it. If you receive anything else, ask for it. Once in a while, they simply forget to give the priority card and will quickly rectify the error.
It will depend which terminal the ship is docked at as to where you will wait. If it is HAL's usual terminal, go upstairs (there is an elevator if you need/want it)...find a seat and Suites will begin boarding immediately after people in wheelchairs and those who need special assistance. This is usually between 1:15 and 1:30.
There is an alternate terminal Immigration has sometimes made HAL use for Maasdam and this one is set up differently; In that terminal, most of the seating is downstairs, but there is a separate waiting area upstairs (where the door for boarding is located) and Suite Pax are directed to it. There is a metal gate they have to raise to allow access. I, personally, did not like this terminal and much prefer the regular one they usually use. Not HAL's choice.....Immigration ordered it.
We always do a pre-cruise stay in FLL before our cruises and have to check out of the hotel by noon, so that is when we head to the port. The stevedores are all set up to take your checked luggage and they have started doing the security scans and check-ins by that time.
Any other questions I can help with, don't hesitate.
HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!!! I know there have been crew change as many recently left for their vacations....but whoever rotated in I am sure are terrific.
