How smooth is check in?

[Adventure]

I have horror stories of check in at the start of a cruise and special treatment that made some of us feel like royalty. Everyone seems to say it's easy but what exactly do you mean??
We were put in the wrong line on one cruise and when we tried to get into the right line we were stopped and had to stay in the wrong line up to the front and then told to go to the back of the correct line later.
We were escorted to the front of the line and put in front of everyone ahead of us (mother was in wheel chair) and got stares from everyone.
We were meet by the Captains wife and bypassed the line. etc etc etc
How did your check in go??
One of the reasons we're looking forward to our cruise on Oceania is because of the smaller size and less people. If there is only one check in station we could be lined up for hours if we came at the wrong time.
Tell me you storys.

[LHT28]

Our last O cruise in 2004 (before Concierge)we had lines by the letter of your surname. Then they did the security thing. We were on board by 12:30.

EG: A-C, D-F etc...
I think if you are in a wheelchair they escort you to a special desk but not sure.

Of course if you are Concierge level I think you can board earlier than the peons who wait till 3pm.

[shoshona2]

We have been on three Oceania cruises and boarding went very smoothly since there are only 700 passenger sailing. Concierge Class boards does board first, but I doubt if anyone would have stared at someone in a wheelchair boarding before them. Oceania attracts a very congenial and well traveled type of passenger. Just make sure you fill out the "passenger info" sheet on line before hand. It sure saves time. Call your TA to find out what time you can board.

Sheila

[shedevil]

We arrived at the port in Dover by taxi at 10:30am.

We knew we were early to check-in to our PH suite and expected to wait. They did not have the area set-up for taking on passengers but they had chairs in a large tent and water for sale (but in Dover make sure you have Euros). There were about 30 folks waiting to board.

Waited about 30 minutes for them to get the security/luggage screening equipment in the right place and then we were escorted on board. Went through the security check as we boarded and we were directed to the Insignia Lounge. There were check-in stations by last name and we handed over our passports and a credit card. It took less than two minutes to check-in and get our paperwork completed. Ten minutes after boarding we walking around the ship getting our bearings.

Lines - never had to wait in a line when we boarded. Fabulous. A huge difference from other cruiselines.

[digby]

"but in Dover make sure you have Euros"

Last I knew England is still uses Pounds.

[larablair]

I sailed from Dover on June 20th. Arrived at the terminal for check in at 11a.m. No tents!! A very nice modern terminal(much nicer than San Francisco's Pier 35!! Port security took our bags then we made our way up to the area for check in. They were not quite ready, but shortly (15 minutes) we were called to check in. FYI, there was free water available in water containers, chilled!!. We were through check in(they process your credit card)handed our cabin key(also used for all charges on board, and also for ID when embarking and disembarking) Very civilized process!!