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Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

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Google is testing Gemini integration in Chrome’s tab groups.

The feature would give Gemini access to every tab in the group, allowing it to summarize the contents of each individual tab.

In addition to being able to ask the AI questions about the tabs, it will be able to pin or unpin tabs within the group.

Google continues to try to find new places in Chrome to stuff Gemini into . The next place you may spot the AI is in your tab group. An “Ask Gemini about this group” feature is currently being tested for the company’s browser.

The folks over at Windows Report have spotted a new “Ask Gemini about this group” option in Chrome Canary. This option becomes visible after you right-click on a tab group. Selecting the menu item will give Gemini access to every tab in the collection.

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The big day is approaching, and you're finally getting ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. But how can you ensure you're prepared to start your vacation on the right foot? You need a plan for when to arrive at the port, and you should have some knowledge about the embarkation process.

Cruise lines used to allow passengers to show up at the terminal any time within a half-day window on embarkation day. Now, in an effort to stagger crowds and prevent long waits at the terminal, most cruise lines either assign boarding times or ask passengers to pick their preferred times.

But what time do cruises board, and is there a best time to board a cruise ship? Read on to find out the answers to all your boarding questions.

When should I arrive for a cruise?

MITCH DIAMOND/GETTY IMAGES This is actually a two-part question: When should you arrive in your ship's departure port city before your sailing? Or, when should you arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day?

The answer to the first question depends on how far of a commute you have to the cruise port. If you live within driving distance of your departure port, it's acceptable to make the drive the same day your ship leaves — unless you're looking at a multihour drive and don't want to cut it too close to boarding time.

If you're catching a plane, when to fly in for your cruise depends on several factors. I always advise flying in at least one day before you're scheduled to embark, just in case you encounter any delays or cancellations. That way, you have time to rebook yourself on a different flight if something goes wrong.

Related: Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

However, adding the cost of a precruise hotel stay onto the overall bill isn't always doable for every traveler, especially those on tight budgets. If that's the case and you can find an early flight that gets you to your port city with some wiggle room, you can fly in on the same day you sail.

Either way, I recommend purchasing cruise travel insurance (through a third party, not through your cruise line) that will protect your investment if something happens and you miss your ship .

What time do cruise ships board?

The Port Tampa Bay cruise terminal waiting room. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY Cruise ships usually begin boarding an hour or two after all passengers from the previous voyage have left the ship. Disembarkation generally wraps up by 10 a.m. at the latest, and some extra time is allowed for the crew to start on tasks like provisioning (restocking of supplies and food), bunkering (refueling) and cleaning the vessel's cabins and public areas for the next round of guests.

Related: Cruise ship embarkation day do's and don'ts

Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship's schedule and how long it takes everyone to disembark from the last cruise. Most cruise ships require all passengers to be on board at least two hours before the scheduled departure time, which is almost always in the late afternoon or evening.

How do I check in for my cruise online?

Completing check-in online before embarkation day is one of the easiest ways to speed up the boarding process. Most cruise lines open online check-in between 30 and 90 days before sailing, depending on the line and your loyalty status. Suite guests and top-tier loyalty members are often granted access first.

Once check-in opens, log into your cruise line's website or app and enter your travel documents, set up your onboard account, upload a security photo (if required) and select your boarding time. The earlier you complete these steps, the more boarding slots you'll get to choose from. Early and midday windows are the most popular and tend to fill quickly.

After checking in, download your boarding pass to your phone or print a copy to bring with you. You'll need it at the terminal, along with your photo ID and other required travel documents.

Checking in online doesn't just save time. On some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, it can help you bypass the check-in desk entirely and proceed directly to the gangway.

What's the best time to board a cruise ship?

ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are the fewest lines and the shortest waits. The trick is knowing when that will be.

Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

By then, the morning rush of "me first" passengers has usually died down, and it allows enough time between your arrival at the port and "all aboard," the cutoff for when all passengers and crew must be on the vessel. (If you're someone who prefers to spend as much time as possible on board, you can elect to choose an earlier boarding time, but be warned that there could be long lines.)

Alternatively, if you have upper-tier loyalty status, you're booked in a high-end suite or you've purchased one of several perks packages (like Carnival Cruise Line's Faster to the Fun , Holland America's Club Orange or Norwegian Cruise Line's Priority Access), you can arrive at any time to take advantage of priority boarding or special embarkation lounge access to make your wait more comfortable . The latter often includes a separate sitting area with snacks and drinks.

Boarding times at a glance

Early boarding times usually attract peak crowds, while afternoon boarding is much quieter.

Boarding time Wait times Cabin ready Best for

10 to 11 a.m. Longest Usually no Cruisers who want maximum time onboard

12 to 1 p.m. Moderate Sometimes First-time cruisers and families

1 to 2 p.m. Shorter Sometimes Cruisers who want a streamlined boarding

2 p.m. to cut off Shortest Usually yes Cruisers who dislike lines and waiting

Who should board early vs. later?

The right boarding time also depends on your travel style. Families and first-time cruisers who want to squeeze every possible minute out of their vacation may prefer an early boarding slot, even if it means waiting longer for their cabin and dealing with larger crowds. Meanwhile, passengers with mobility issues might prefer a later arrival, when the morning rush has eased.

Families and first-time cruisers: Board early if you want as much ship time as possible and don't mind waiting for your cabin.

Passengers with mobility limitations: Aim for early afternoon, when crowds and queues are usually shorter.

Travelers arriving after a flight or long drive: A midday or early-afternoon slot can make for a less stressful embarkation day.

Suite guests and priority passengers: You generally have the flexibility to arrive at your convenience.

What should I expect when boarding a cruise ship?

WEBPHOTOGRAPHEER/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO When you arrive at the terminal facility in your port of embarkation, you can expect the scene to be chaotic. Follow signs for the applicable arrival channel, whether that be parking or drop-offs via taxis, Ubers and shuttles.

Before you head inside, leave large bags with the porters, who will make sure they're safely loaded onto the ship. (Although it's not required, it's nice to give a dollar or two per bag as a tip .) You can't miss the porters and their baggage carts, as they line up on the curb by the terminal.

When you enter the terminal building, you must show your ID and boarding documents and proceed through a security check. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you'll have to walk through a metal detector. Although it's similar to the procedure at airport security, you won't have to take your shoes off or remove laptops or liquids from your bags (unless security finds contraband alcoho l or something else that looks suspicious).

Then, you'll proceed to the check-in desk, where an agent will help you complete the process. If you've already checked in online, you'll usually be able to board more quickly. Some cruise lines and ports have streamlined the process even further. If you're a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises passenger and you check-in through the app ahead of time, you can skip the traditional check-in desk; meanwhile, MSC Cruises has introduced biometric check-in at some ports to speed up embarkation. If you don't receive a keycard at check-in, it will be waiting for you at your cabin door or inside your room.

After check-in, you'll head up the gangway and onto the ship, where security will scan your card or boarding pass to log that you've boarded. (Each time you disembark or reboard in a port of call, you'll also have to swipe your card, so keep it with you.)

How long does it take to board a cruise ship?

ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY The length of time it will take from curb to gangway will vary based on several considerations, including:

Whether you're traveling light. If you only have a carry-on bag, you can proceed straight into the terminal building. If you have larger luggage, you'll have to leave it with a porter outside, which can take a few minutes.

Whether the cruise terminal and cruise line are technologically advanced. At terminals that use facial recognition, you can board a lot faster. The same goes for cruise lines that allow guests to check in and set up their onboard accounts via a mobile app before boarding. Technology allows passengers to skip traditional check-in methods, which usually involve waiting in line to speak with someone at the check-in desk.

Whether you have priority boarding. If you're in the upper echelons of the line's loyalty program, you purchased a package that includes priority embarkation, or you're staying in a high-end suite, you'll have the privilege of boarding before most of your fellow cruisers. The process will be expedited with dedicated lines and lounges.

Whether passengers adhere to their assigned boarding times. The goal is to stagger arrivals to make it more comfortable and streamlined for everyone involved. However, if people disregard their designated times, it can cause bottlenecks and slow down the boarding process.

How crowded it is when you arrive. If there are lines for passenger parking, drop-off, or check-in, it will take you longer to board.

How prepared everyone is. If travelers aren't organized and spend extra time rifling through their bags for cruise tickets, passports and other items required for verification, it slows traffic at the terminal during check-in. This also applies to passengers who pack contraband in their bags, thereby holding up the security line.

When will my cabin be ready?

If you board early, there's a good chance your cabin won't be ready. Crew members spend the morning cleaning and preparing cabins after the previous sailing. Cabins typically become available in the early afternoon — often between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. — although it can be later on ships with tight turnaround schedules. The good news is that you won't be confined to the terminal while you wait. Your cabin might be off-limits, but the rest of the ship isn't.

What happens right after you board?

Most cruise lines open key venues as soon as boarding begins, so you can grab lunch at the buffet, relax by the pool, order a drink at a bar and start exploring the ship while other passengers filter in. Some lines also offer embarkation-day lunch in the main dining room or select specialty restaurants.

Before departure, all passengers must complete the mandatory muster drill, which covers basic safety procedures and emergency meeting locations. Depending on the cruise line, this may involve watching a safety video through the app, checking in at a muster station or attending an in-person safety briefing.

If you've checked larger bags with a porter, don't expect them to arrive immediately. Luggage is typically delivered to cabins throughout the afternoon and sometimes into the early evening.

What to bring and wear to the terminal?

Embarkation day is one of the few times that you are separated from your luggage and cabin — sometimes for many hours. Pack a carry-on with the essentials you'll need before your bags arrive, including your travel documents, medications, valuables, phone charger, swimsuit and change of clothes.

PAUL HENNESSY/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES As for what to wear, comfort is key. You may spend time walking through the terminal, standing in queues and moving around the ship before your cabin is ready. Comfortable shoes and lightweight layers are usually best, particularly if it's hot or the weather is stormy. Dressing for both the terminal conditions and the first few hours on board can make embarkation day much more enjoyable.

Can I arrive whenever I want, or is my boarding time assigned?

Most cruise lines assign boarding times or ask guests to select a time slot during check-in. If you arrive outside your assigned window, you may be asked to wait until your scheduled time.

Is it bad to board early?

Not necessarily. Early boarding gives you more time onboard, but can mean longer lines and a higher chance your cabin won't be ready.

What happens if I miss my boarding window?

You can usually still board if you arrive before the final boarding cutoff, but some terminal services (like baggage drop-off) may be limited later in the day.

Can I change my assigned boarding time?

Usually yes, through the cruise line's website or app, depending on availability. Early slots go fast.

Should I arrive at the terminal before check-in begins?

You can, but arriving too early may mean waiting until your assigned boarding window opens.

Bottom line

ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY If you're flying in, it's a good idea to arrive in your embarkation port city the day before your cruise. Ships usually start boarding shortly after the final passenger has disembarked from the previous sailing, usually between 10 and 11 a.m. Adhering to your assigned embarkation time will help to keep the boarding process running smoothly. (When choosing a time, aim for something in the afternoon, after the morning rush has died down.)

To ensure the shortest wait possible, check in and set up your onboard account online or via your cruise line's mobile app before you board. Also, have your ID and other boarding documents handy, and don't pack anything in your luggage that could cause you to be flagged at security.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise

Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?

What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?

What are the largest cruise ships in the world?

What is a gentleman host on a cruise?

What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?

What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?

What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?

What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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A new patent is for a system more advanced than a simple GPS tracking device.

Ford recently launched its ‘Start Inhibit’ function in the US to help lower vehicle thefts.

The company notes that this patent doesn’t mean such a system will be launched.

Ford’s anti-theft efforts go further than making its vehicles harder to steal and easier to find afterward. A recently filed US patent shows the company turning its attention to what sits in the bed, specifically the tools a large share of its truck owners depend on to earn a living.

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The patent , first spotted by Ford Authority, was filed in September 2024 and granted and published only recently. The premise is fairly simple. The market is currently flooded with small, inexpensive RFID tags that can be easily attached to tools to help track them, and Ford’s patent aims to eliminate the risk of false notifications that tools were snatched.

Read: Ford’s Patent Wants Your Parked Car To Drive Away From Shopping Carts

To do so, a monitoring device fitted inside the vehicle analyses whether the temperature inside the vehicle’s cabin or in a toolbox mounted in the bed has moved outside the tracking tag’s normal operating range, noting that extreme heat or blistering cold could cause a tracker to fail.

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Saving Your Tools

If temperatures are close to reaching predefined limits, the technology can recommend that the owner enable the climate control. If a tracker indicates that the tool it’s attached to has been stolen, the monitoring system will analyze whether the vehicle’s doors or windows have remained closed. If they were opened, a theft notification would be sent. If not, it’s possible temperatures have damaged the tag and the tool actually hasn’t been stolen.

The emergence of this patent comes shortly after Ford launched its new ‘Start Inhibit’ function in the US. It functions like two-factor authentication you may use on your banking app, sending a notification to an owner’s phone if their vehicle is accessed and someone attempts to start it. Without a code being plugged into the infotainment system, the vehicle cannot be turned on.

Of course, the emergence of this patent doesn’t mean such a system is anywhere near becoming a reality. In a statement issued to Ford Authority , the company noted, “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans.”

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Ford/USPTO

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Agatha Christie is among the best detective writers to ever live, and her works still amuse fans worldwide. Case in point, Netflix’s new three-part series, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials , which recently enchanted global audiences. Dubbed "The Queen of Crime," her stories are known for their surprising twists and beloved sleuths. Over the years, many filmmakers have taken their shot at her stories — like A Murder on the Orient Express , The Mirror Crack’d , Appointment with Death , and more — which are beloved classics enjoyed by fans worldwide.