What is check-in at San Diego like?

[tbrein]

We will be departing from SD on Friday. I'm just wondering what it is like to check in.
Can anyone give me any hints to make check-in go smoothly at the port?
Arrival time, luggage drop off, etc.?

Thanks,
Terri

[Mary Ellen]

My best advice - pray and hope that another ship isn't also boarding that day. We experienced that and it was a NIGHTMARE. We're in NO hurry to sail from San Diego again.

That said, if your ship is the only one, it should be a breeze. San Diego is a lovely city and I can't can't think of another port with such easy access to the airport and in such a nice area.

[oliverbc]

When you arrive at the port to embark there is a station to drop off your luggage. Stay with it until a crew member confirms what is yours. It will then be taken care of for the ship. One group walked away and the crew said they could not load the luggage until it was confirmed. It was a very fast embarkation for us.

[Copper10-8]

We will be departing from SD on Friday. I'm just wondering what it is like to check in.
Can anyone give me any hints to make check-in go smoothly at the port?
Arrival time, luggage drop off, etc.?

Thanks,
Terri

Looks like there will be two other cruise ships in at San Diego besides Maasdam on FRI 22 JAN 09, Carnival Spirit and Radiance of the Seas. HAL usually gets the northern most berth at SD. The guards at the entrance gate will let pax in starting at 1130 hrs. How are you getting there? Driving/cab/bus?

San Diego usually has their "stuff" together as far as check-in. We've been there with one other ship (not two like this FRI) and arrived around 1300 (1:00 pm). Check-in was smooth. First up once you're in and after you've dropped off bags with a porter, is the security clearance. After that, pax for HAL are usually "funnelled" to the right while the other ship's pax go left. Next up is the medical clearance forms, then check-in with one of the shore-side folks (maybe you'll see Boatdrill;)). After that, it's the "welcome aboard" pic and a set of stairs upwards (there's also an elevator).

Have a great cruise and enjoy the Panama Canal

[Loreto]

Hi Terri,
If you google Port of San Diego, you can find information. There are 3 ships departing Friday, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and HAL. We have cruised out of SD 5 times on HAL without trouble. We park across the street. At 11AM they let new passengers on the pier. You show your passport/Cruise ID at the gate then walk in on the sidewalk. Porters took our luggage....make sure they are going to the correct ship.....then we went into the terminal, filled out health forms and got in the check in line. We were given a number, and when it was called we proceeded thru security, bypassed embarkation photos and boarded the ship. Went right up to the Lido for lunch...also I got a shore ex form to fill out while waiting to get into stateroom.

We have done check in in a tent there if there are several ships in port. It took time, just be patient....you are leaving on a wonderful cruise! Bon Voyage!:)

Karen

[tbrein]

Looks like there will be two other cruise ships in at San Diego besides Maasdam on FRI 22 JAN 09, Carnival Spirit and Radiance of the Seas. HAL usually gets the northern most berth at SD. The guards at the entrance gate will let pax in starting at 1130 hrs. How are you getting there? Driving/cab/bus?

San Diego usually has their "stuff" together as far as check-in. We've been there with one other ship (not two like this FRI) and arrived around 1300 (1:00 pm). Check-in was smooth. First up once you're in and after you've dropped off bags with a porter, is the security clearance. After that, pax for HAL are usually "funnelled" to the right while the other ship's pax go left. Next up is the medical clearance forms, then check-in with one of the shore-side folks (maybe you'll see Boatdrill;)). After that, it's the "welcome aboard" pic and a set of stairs upwards (there's also an elevator).

Have a great cruise and enjoy the Panama Canal
Copper,
Thanks for great info. I knew there were two other ships but had no idea regarding procedures.
We are staying at the Marriott Marina and taking a taxi. What should I expect to pay?
Who is "Boatdrill"? or should I say what?
We are three with two pieces of luggage each. We also are bringing on wine, water and some soda. Any special procedures regarding this?
Thanks again for your help.
Terri

[tbrein]

Thanks for your help.
I did go to the Port site, but actual experiences usually help more.
I appreciate the time you all took to answer my questions.
Terri

[Copper10-8]

Copper,
Thanks for great info. I knew there were two other ships but had no idea regarding procedures.
We are staying at the Marriott Marina and taking a taxi. What should I expect to pay?
Who is "Boatdrill"? or should I say what?
We are three with two pieces of luggage each. We also are bringing on wine, water and some soda. Any special procedures regarding this?
Thanks again for your help.
Terri

Hi Terri; never taken a cab since we usually drive south in our car, but pretty sure they (cabbies) drop you off at the gate (somebody else, please correct me if they can drive in to the terminal lot itself). I'm thinking not more than $10-15 for the ride

"Boatdrill" is a poster here who has a lot of great info, expertese, etc. as to what makes San Diego tick since he works there. Never met him, don't know what he looks like but the shoreside personnel in SD knows their business.

As far as your luggage, drop your six pieces of luggage with a porter as soon as you are inside the secure area (behind the guards at the entrance). I would take your wine/water and soda on as carry-ons unless you need a camel;)

One more thing; you might want to wait until the initial "masses" have been processed and are onboard. I'm talking maybe around 1:00 PM

[planobob]

3 times out of San Diego and my cab experience has been that cabs are allowed inside the gated area. In fact, they seem to stop right next to a porter who is ready to take your luggage.

bob

[Copper10-8]

3 times out of San Diego and my cab experience has been that cabs are allowed inside the gated area. In fact, they seem to stop right next to a porter who is ready to take your luggage.

bob

Thanks for the update!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have sailed quite a few times out of San Diego.

One time we were sailing on the Ryndam and the Zaandam was also there with us. The Zaandam had the main terminal -- we had the other side -- tents!!

But there was a lot of confusionn about what to do with luggage. We arrived via hotel shuttle and told our driver to take us over to the Ryndam. We had to wait several minutes until a porter came for luggage.

Then we had to back track to the main terminal and merge with the Zaandam people. Once inside there were 2 lines for the Zaandam and only one for the Ryndam. After showing our documents and passports we then went through security and had our carry-ons, etc. exrayed. Since we had only one line and one exray machine -- it took awhile to get through this area.

Then we proceeded to the check-in area -- that only took a few minutes. From there we walked over to the tents -- through them and climbed a steep ramp to get onto the ship.

The whole process took over an hour. Worst embarkation we have ever had.

[LordSpain]

I'm wondering how they're going to manage three ships at once. The third ship always used to use the Broadway pier but the now the steel is going up for the new terminal there - the whole pier appears to be a construction site.

http://live6.truelook.com/face/newface.jsp?func=live&name=/ecodb/1amnorth/camera1&pan=-104.26465&tilt=-13.295357&panfov=22.849657&tiltfov=17.81001&overlay=default&skin=default&useapplet=true&time=1264022984041&width=640&height=480&quality=65&catalogname=catalog&zoom=2.0437944&vfmap.x=223&vfmap.y=35&vfmap.w=127&vfmap.h=65

Bruce

[skypilot9]

Sailed out of San Diego last month...arrived in a cab; porter took all the bags from the the cab, and I just walked inside to fill out the medical form and was on the ship within 15 minutes. There was one other large ship in port at the time; perhaps with the third ship in port for this Friday and the possible rainy weather, things could go a little slower. Arriving at the ship around 12:30 or 1:00 p.m. may have shorter lines than an early arrival.

[garydm]

We have sailed out of San Diego 7-8 times. Only problem was on Silversea. HAL does a great job. Your cab will be allowed inside the luggage drop off area. They will ask which ship you want when you come in the gate and you will be directed to the appropriate porters. Just drop your stuff with them-we check our wine along with bags and have never had a problem. Then head for the terminal - tent, building, or whatever that day. We have been there when 3 ships were in port and it was not a problem. It is the easiest port we have encountered.

Gary

[Mary Ellen]

OK, since you will have multiple ships embarking - lessons from our boarding fiasco -

Make sure all luggage on the porter's trolley is tagged for your ship. If they say 'don't worry', IGNORE them!!! No matter how much you want to get rid of your luggage, keep it until you make sure the other bags are also tagged for your ship.

We had a few couples whose luggage ended up on the wrong ship. Fortunately most was identified as such and transferred to the correct ship. However, one lady sailed the entire 15-days without any of her luggage. It went to Mexico on the Oosterdam, while she went to Hawaii on the Zaandam. Initially the plan was take her bags off at the Oosterdam's first port and flown to meet the Zaandam at our first port, Hilo (5 days into the cruise). That didn't work out. She was told that the Mexican customs officials wouldn't allow her unaccompanied luggage off the Oosterdam.

The next plan was to wait until the Oosterdam returned to San Diego and send her bags from there to Hawaii. I don't remember what the foul up with that was, maybe it was the major earthquake that hit Hawaii (yep, we felt it in on the ship as we were anchored :eek: ). Anyway, she didn't get her bags until we returned to San Diego.

All that assumes you can find someone to take your bags. We had mass confusion on the pier. No one knew where we should go. It probably took us about an hour (in the hot sun) to even give our bags to the ONE porter who was working the line we were in. From there it only got worse. I hope to never go through an embarkation like that one again. It took several hours to get onboard, all the time in lines or looking for the correct line. Once we finally checked-in we went straight to the (yet another) line to board. No waiting for a number to be called. There was NO ONE our on the pier to direct passengers to the correct lines for their ship.

That said, we did have a great cruise - once we got away from San Diego.

[RuthC]

Please, Mary Ellen! You're bringing tears to my eyes, and making me shake all over, making me remember that awful day.

First we were told to drag all that luggage over there, then told, no, drag it over there, then back to the first place, then .... All in that hot sun, and me in agony with the walking. :(

Had it not been for some true gentlemen in our group, and their "take charge" attitude, I swear, we would still have been dragging our luggage up and down when the ship was pulling away.

[tbrein]

One of the things that is concerning me is the terrible weather here. WE are presently in Newport Beach. Will be driving to San Diego tomorrow and dumping the rental car. Staying at the Marriott Marina.
We have special needs person in our party and with the rain and wind, we don't want to be outside too long.
Will it make a difference on the line that we are in the Penthouse Suite ?(nice upgrade!)
I am getting nervous that this will turn into a fiasco. WE have wine and other stuff with us. Wine is in a case. Should I check it? or carry it?
Thanks
Terri

[Mary Ellen]

We have special needs person in our party and with the rain and wind, we don't want to be outside too long.
Will it make a difference on the line that we are in the Penthouse Suite ?(nice upgrade!)We also had a special needs person (DH) and another in a suite (I helped with her bags in addition to dealing with our own). In our case, since there was NO ONE out on the pier to direct passengers, there is no way they could have directed whomever was in the PH to the suite check-in line. I know Calm Seas didn't get any different treatment for being in a suite until once we made our way inside - after more than an hour outside. DH and I did get to go to a 'special' check-in for wheelchairs. We spent more time (standing) in that line than our friends did in the regular line. I wish you a MUCH better experience than we had. As I said earlier, it was a nightmare.

Good luck -

[tbrein]

You guys are scaring me to death. The weather is awful and we will probably be soaking wet. Not a good scenario for my BIL who doesn't need much to catch a cold.
Terri

[Copper10-8]

One of the things that is concerning me is the terrible weather here. WE are presently in Newport Beach. Will be driving to San Diego tomorrow and dumping the rental car. Staying at the Marriott Marina.
We have special needs person in our party and with the rain and wind, we don't want to be outside too long.
Will it make a difference on the line that we are in the Penthouse Suite ?(nice upgrade!)
I am getting nervous that this will turn into a fiasco. WE have wine and other stuff with us. Wine is in a case. Should I check it? or carry it?
Thanks
Terri

Terri; no need to get nervous - I have no doubt that what Mary Ellen and Ruth, et al experienced in SD caused them great anxiety but that cruise occurred, what ladies, in October 2006? We have sailed out of San Diego several times after that and have had no problems. Since they do let the cabs in, they will drop you off inside the secured area where you will see porters with their carts. If you don't have pre-printed HAL luggage tags, those porters will have those on them. Mary Ellen is correct; make sure/verify that they are tagged to the correct ship (Maasdam will be the only HAL ship in port that day).

Yes it will make a difference that you are in the PH - congrats! When you are done with your luggage outside, seek out one of the HAL shoreside ladies/gents (identified by their uniforms) and advise them that you are in the PH. It won't help you much with the security check-in, which is first as soon as you enter the building but after you clear that part, you should be directed to the VIP check-in.

As far as the weather, yes, we are getting hit hard here with rain storms but today should be the strongest one. Just drive careful on Interstate 5 to SD, about an hour and 15 min drive. Stay out of the slow and fast (HOV) lanes because they could have collected standing water. Hopefully you do get to enjoy San Diego some, tomorrow, a great city!

If is does rain hard on Friday, I would take care of your special needs person and get her/him inside the cruise terminal first and out of the rain. Remember, once done with check-in, there is an elevator to take her/him up to embarkation level in SD so no stairclimbing required for him/her. Maybe think about purchasing some rain ponchos and then take care of the porter and your luggage. As far as the wine, it if was mine, I would hand-carry it, your decision! Have a great cruise and enjoy the Canal and Maasdam!:)

[tbrein]

Terri; no need to get nervous - I have no doubt that what Mary Ellen and Ruth, et al experienced in SD caused them great anxiety but that cruise occurred, what ladies, in October 2006? We have sailed out of San Diego several times after that and have had no problems. Since they do let the cabs in, they will drop you off inside the secured area where you will see porters with their carts. If you don't have pre-printed HAL luggage tags, those porters will have those on them. Mary Ellen is correct; make sure/verify that they are tagged to the correct ship (Maasdam will be the only HAL ship in port that day).

Yes it will make a difference that you are in the PH - congrats! When you are done with your luggage outside, seek out one of the HAL shoreside ladies/gents (identified by their uniforms) and advise them that you are in the PH. It won't help you much with the security check-in, which is first as soon as you enter the building but after you clear that part, you should be directed to the VIP check-in.

As far as the weather, yes, we are getting hit hard here with rain storms but today should be the strongest one. Just drive careful on Interstate 5 to SD, about an hour and 15 min drive. Stay out of the slow and fast (HOV) lanes because they could have collected standing water. Hopefully you do get to enjoy San Diego some, tomorrow, a great city!

If is does rain hard on Friday, I would take care of your special needs person and get her/him inside the cruise terminal first and out of the rain. Remember, once done with check-in, there is an elevator to take her/him up to embarkation level in SD so no stairclimbing required for him/her. Maybe think about purchasing some rain ponchos and then take care of the porter and your luggage. As far as the wine, it if was mine, I would hand-carry it, your decision! Have a great cruise and enjoy the Canal and Maasdam!:)
Thanks, John,
My BIL can walk okay. He is mentally challenged. He cannot be left alone.
What do you think about taking the Pacific Coast Hwy instead?
Terri

[Copper10-8]

Thanks, John,
My BIL can walk okay. He is mentally challenged. He cannot be left alone.
What do you think about taking the Pacific Coast Hwy instead?
Terri

Copy that Teri! I would take the 5 instead (PCH could be subject to mudslides) - Just stay in the center of the freeway and you'll be fine. It's an easy drive but you might get some backup after you pass Camp Pendleton, in the Oceanside/Carlsbad area.

I would get your BIL to the cruise terminal and have you stay with him. The cabbie will off-load your bags and while he's doing that, have your DH flag down a porter. While that's goin on, maybe you can look for a HAL shoreside agent

[Mary Ellen]

Terri - In all likelihood you won't have the same fiasco we experienced in San Diego. Just like you probably won't experience an earthquake onboard a ship like we did that cruise. Many people say they had their easiest boarding ever in San Diego. We obviously aren't among them. If that had been our first HAL cruise (or even first cruise ever) we wouldn't still be sailing with them. All I can say is be prepared. Wear appropriate clothing and bring umbrellas if raining.

Oh John, we were dropped off inside the secure area. Didn't help us.

[Copper10-8]

Terri - In all likelihood you won't have the same fiasco we experienced in San Diego. Just like you probably won't experience an earthquake onboard a ship like we did that cruise. Many people say they had their easiest boarding ever in San Diego. We obviously aren't among them. If that had been our first HAL cruise (or even first cruise ever) we wouldn't still be sailing with them. All I can say is be prepared. Wear appropriate clothing and bring umbrellas if raining.

Oh John, we were dropped off inside the secure area. Didn't help us.

I understand that Mary Ellen - So were we (we drove in and dropped off) and had no problems. Perhaps the Port Authority has learned from those problems three years ago

[tbrein]

Thanks for all your help.
We will take I-5 and stay in the center lane.
This is DH's first trip to Cal. I don't think he will ever want to come back. We just left cold and wet in SC and came here for worse than we had there.
I hope embarkation is uneventful.
Thank again.
Terri

[DAllenTCY]

The music hasn't stopped yet, so it isn't definite as to which pier which ship will occupy on Friday. The latest info is that the RCCL ship will be on the north side of the B street pier and the Carnival Spirit on the south side. The Maasdam is scheduled to be at the north side of the Navy Pier....opposite the USS Midway museum.
The Broadway pier is still under construction, and there are many cranes and barges which tie up there during this time.
Bring your patience along with you on Friday, as the Port of San Diego can barely deal adequately with 2 ships, let alone 3.
David

[tbrein]

This is what I just found on the San Diego Port Site:


Expect traffic delays along North Harbor Drive on Friday, January 22, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nearly 12,000 passengers will be departing from and embarking onto three cruise ships (http://www.sandiegocruiseport.com/?from=port) berthed along the North Embarcadero.
City of San Diego Traffic Enforcement Officers will be stationed along North Harbor Drive to maintain traffic flow.
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas (http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do?shipCode=RD) will berth at the north side of the B Street Pier (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/maritime/get-cruise-terminal-and-broadway-pier-info/437-berthing-and-terminal.html) and Carnival Spirit (http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_spirit/default.aspx?shipCode=SP) will dock at the south side.
Holland America Line’s ms. Maasdam (http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Maasdam) will dock at the north side of the Midway Pier (Navy Pier) due to construction of a new cruise and public facility on the Broadway Pier.
Cruise passengers traveling on these ships are urged to allow extra time to arrive at their ship.
The USS Midway Museum (http://www.midway.org/) will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as usual. Parking is available on the pier.
Due to San Diego’s popularity as a cruise destination, the Port of San Diego is improving its cruise facilities. The new Broadway Pier Cruise Ship Terminal is scheduled for completion later this year. Read more about the new terminal (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/broadway-cruise-ship-terminal/1883-port-of-san-diego-broadway-cruise-ship-terminal-taking-shape.html) and watch a video showing the latest progress.

There is a Map on the site but it is not marked with the different Piers.
Help.
Terri

[Krazy Kruizers]

Our Fiasco was in 2007.

We were doing a 22 day Pan/American cruise and the Zaandam was doing a 15 day Hawaiian cruise.

Quite a few people dropped their luggage off in the wrong area and it went to Hawaii -- so they were without their luggage for nearly a week. Another couple never got their luggage until near the end of the cruise -- it went everywhere.

As for special treatment because you are in the PS -- that doesn't happen until after you enter the terminal building showinf security your passport and documents -- where the zoo is. Been there and went through that.

[tbrein]

Our Fiasco was in 2007.

We were doing a 22 day Pan/American cruise and the Zaandam was doing a 15 day Hawaiian cruise.

Quite a few people dropped their luggage off in the wrong area and it went to Hawaii -- so they were without their luggage for nearly a week. Another couple never got their luggage until near the end of the cruise -- it went everywhere.

As for special treatment because you are in the PS -- that doesn't happen until after you enter the terminal building showinf security your passport and documents -- where the zoo is. Been there and went through that.
Thanks for your help.
Terri

[statmanfp]

Hi Terri,
We are booked on Maasdam for tomorrow. We are local and have left from San Diego many times with no problem. Taxis/cars with passengers with proper boarding papers are allowed on the pier. The problem tomorrow is that we heard from our TA yesterday the Maasdam will be berthed at the Navy Midway Pier not the usual B Street pier. Navy Midway Pier is located 700 ' south of B street Pier. Check in 1PM-3PM. Hope this update helps.
Sandy

[tbrein]

Hi Terri,
We are booked on Maasdam for tomorrow. We are local and have left from San Diego many times with no problem. Taxis/cars with passengers with proper boarding papers are allowed on the pier. The problem tomorrow is that we heard from our TA yesterday the Maasdam will be berthed at the Navy Midway Pier not the usual B Street pier. Navy Midway Pier is located 700 ' south of B street Pier. Check in 1PM-3PM. Hope this update helps.
Sandy
Thanks,
I know that. Come to the meet and greet on Sat. morning at 10:30 in the Crows nest.
You did not join the roll call.
Terri