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Best embarkation tips and tricks


wlmfoster
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We used to always get them free in the casino although on our last Carnival cruise on the Magic, they told us they stopped giving them out in the casino for free and that they can be purchased at the gift shop. Just bring an old one with you or buy one online.

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As soon as you and your "gang" or cabin mate receive your S&S card, check and see if you all have the same dining room and table.

One time my DW and I were assigned different tables on different levels! :o

Bee-lined it to the restaurant ant got it straightened out.

(I told my DW this was her chance to meet new people, but she didn't appreciate the humor!):halo:

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Unless they've changed since June there are lanyards in the casino for free. Not any I would use, but free.

 

I don't like those coiled things. Get your own lanyard.

No open drinks at embarkation. You can pour it out and take the empty bottle for use later. If they say something, ask for a supervisor. I did this in Port Canaveral and the guy started hollering at the supervisor who said I sure could take the empty.

A book to read while waiting.

Have health form completed.

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Have a good breakfast before your board, Bathing suit in carry-on, or under what you wear as you board. Enjoy the pools until they announce the cabins are open, then have your first meal.

Your cabin will still be there, but that’s likely the only time the pool and then buffet won’t be crazy crowded.

 

 

 

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What's that about when the cabins are open? I can't go to my cabin as soon as I board?

Cabins open up after a certain time, never really paid attention to exactly when. The hallway doors leading to the cabin areas will be closed. I gone in a few times while they were still cleaning my room to just drop of my carry on, and put my bathing suit on. Basicly in and out of the room in 3 minutes.

 

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Consider FTTF if you aren't already Diamond or Platinum if you'd like a less hectic embark experience.

When we arrived at Miami's Terminal D, the line to enter the building snaked around the corner. We dropped off our luggage and simply walked in using the Priority line; no waiting. We were sent to the FTTF seating area and boarded right after the loyalty folks, at around 11:40. Dropped off our carry-ons as allowed and were able to enjoy our day that much sooner.

 

Research your ship's embark-day dining options for alternatives to the Lido Deck buffet zoo.

We were on Vista two weeks ago and, of course, the Lido buffet was a madhouse. We dropped our stuff in the stateroom (since we had FTTF) and went straight up to Jiji's Asian Kitchen for free stir-fry. There were maybe two other tables taken by others. Afterward we felt guilty and almost wanted to walk along the line waiting for the buffet saying "Hey, see those stairs? Walk up there, you have Chinese stir-fry AND an Italian pasta bar, and they're free and almost empty!"

I DID post about it for our roll-call group and got several grateful responses.

 

Remember to book certain things as soon as you board. Reserving a good cabana location at Half Moon Cay, or booking the Behind the Fun tour, must be done ASAP after boarding. Cabana locations are first-come first-served and the BtF tour tends to sell out fast. You don't want to get stuck with Cabana 1 or 2. :)

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Cabins open up after a certain time, never really paid attention to exactly when. The hallway doors leading to the cabin areas will be closed. I gone in a few times while they were still cleaning my room to just drop of my carry on, and put my bathing suit on. Basicly in and out of the room in 3 minutes.

 

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On another cruise line I did drop my carryon in the closet and left. Didn't want to lug it around.

 

 

Rooms open at or around 1:30 for most cruises. Please don't go to your room before then. They aren't ready and you will just be getting in the steward's way. They won't tell you no, but (1) you are in the way and (2) early access is a privilege that is earned or purchased.

 

 

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I would think that a lanyard would be included with your SS card.....our first cruise coming in January 2018, do we really need one?

 

You do not get one with your S&S card. Whether or not you need one is up to you.

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Please don't go to your room before then. They aren't ready and you will just be getting in the steward's way. They won't tell you no, but (1) you are in the way and (2) early access is a privilege that is earned or purchased.

 

 

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Last time I was on the Sunshine, they had a guard at the fire door that was refusing to allow passengers past it unless they were Platinum/Diamond/FTTF.

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We always purchase FTTF. There are plenty of threads on CC explaining, and also plenty of opinions. We are some of the first onboard, and head directly to our cabin to drop off our carryons. Then, it's off to the closest bar to activate our Cheers package. Once we have a drink, we head to Lido deck to get food. There are virtually NO lines at this time. We leisurely enjoy our meal, and then head back to the cabin to unpack. Often, if the cruise is less than 5 days, our carryons are our luggage. Once it's past 1:30, we head to our dining room to make sure our seating is ok. It only hasn't been one time, but that was enough to warrant our checking it each cruise now. By the time most are boarding, we are unpacked, full belly's and a couple of drinks under our belts. What a GREAT way to start our vacation!

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