We boarded three separate cruise ships! Check-in is (presumably) up to 30 minutes before departure, and the meeting time at the boarding area is 10 minutes prior. However, I recommend waiting inside the building where check-in is located, as there are food vendors and tables, which will keep you warm. Japanese guests are grouped together and accompanied by staff members who speak Japanese! We took an evening cruise, and although it was cold, warm drinks and blankets were provided for us to use freely. They even launched fireworks from a spot where Gwangandaegyo Bridge was visible and took photos for us with our own smartphones and cameras!