VIP boarding

[bobbyleduck]

Thanks for this information Bob. I know that we have already booked a balcony stateroom on the main deck, but we have been doing some research on if we want to upgrade or not.

 

We, on the other hand, are sailing Carnival for the 4th and 5th time, but because we don't have a suite, we're not VIP. That's OK! I don't mind the lines because it gives me a chance to visit with so many wonderful people while we're waiting for our opportunity to board the ship.

 

If you want some real fun, while you're waiting to board, if you get there early and have to sit in a waiting room, stand up and announce yourself as a Cruise Critic member, and let the fun begin.:)

 

Happy cruising to all!

 

Bob

[marriednlovinit]

Oh, I am sure that will certainly start up some conversations. For me, that would be hard to do since I am not the one to start a conversation with others that I dont know, especially face to face, but for my husband on the other hand. He can surely start a conversation with anyone and every body. Some times I feel sorry for the people that he starts talking to cause it can go on for hours. So, maybe waiting in line wont be so bad after all. Especially if we find people that are interesting and or have some of the same interests.

 

I do like to people watch so for me that will be interesting in itself. So I cannot wait and I am getting more and more excited every day as I find out more and more information about cruising.

[bobbyleduck]

So, maybe waiting in line wont be so bad after all. Especially if we find people that are interesting and or have some of the same interests.

 

You're getting ready to board a cruise ship, as are all of the other people, so you will definitely have at least one same interest - CRUISING!

 

Happy cruising to all!

 

Bob

[Kurbanfan]

I know that this is most likely a stupid question, but since I am new to cruising and all, thought that I would go ahead and ask anyways.

 

VIP boarding ---- I take it depends on how many cruises you have previously taken and or what groups you are a member of? Just curious if there is a chance for a first timer to go through VIP or not. Just do not like long lines. Which I am sure most people don't.

 

There are 2 ways to get VIP boarding. You either have to be a Platinum cruiser (or board with a platinum cruiser) or book a suite. Booking a suite ONLY qualifies you to board with the VIP's. Platinum cruisers have cruised 10 or more times with Carnival and receive other perks such as priority embarkation/debarkation, tendering, laundry service, free slot/21 tournaments and more......

 

the countdown is for the great gherkin to come out of self exile and start the threads again.

 

ROFLMAO!!! How could I forget:D

[Rosefloater]

 

ROFLMAO!!! How could I forget:D

 

See. Now I helped you remember:D

[sjn911]

Quite a ways from VIP..but sure glad to know the ropes with buddies and even more so...the researching the Groups ideas before a cruise or Vegas..Vegas being an easier possibility lately from here...Kurb's got the travel and a lot of other genius...Hi..happy week-end all...sjn911.

[LUVSWA35639]

Back to the initial question about a seperate VIP line, if you are a VIP, it shows up in the upper right corner of your Fun Pass, and just flash that, and you get into the VIP line that has been available at all ports that I've been to.

[glrounds]

Long Beach has a special check in area and a VIP line to board.

 

Yes, Long Beach has a separate small building right by the parking garage for VIP paxs to check-in. Then you are given a VIP card and one assembles near the entrance to the dome (old Hughes "Spruce Goose" building) where you wait to enter first.

Only problem I saw was the Carnival attendant went through the line awaiting VIP boarding just as the doors were opening, taking the cards and other "slick" observers just joined in the group knowing that no one had the VIP card anymore identifying him/her as such and they could "pass" as VIP.

[CruiseDreaming]

Yes, Long Beach has a separate small building right by the parking garage for VIP paxs to check-in. Then you are given a VIP card and one assembles near the entrance to the dome (old Hughes "Spruce Goose" building) where you wait to enter first.

 

Only problem I saw was the Carnival attendant went through the line awaiting VIP boarding just as the doors were opening, taking the cards and other "slick" observers just joined in the group knowing that no one had the VIP card anymore identifying him/her as such and they could "pass" as VIP.

 

Will there be staff to direct us to the small vip checkin building or will we see it easily when parking at the garage?

 

Kerrie:)

[jimbo5544]

Will there be staff to direct us to the small vip checkin building or will we see it easily when parking at the garage?

 

Kerrie:)

There will be staff there. It is to the left side of the embarkation building right across the driveway of the parking garage. Can't really miss it.

[CruiseDreaming]

There will be staff there. It is to the left side of the embarkation building right across the driveway of the parking garage. Can't really miss it.

 

Thanks! Kerrie:)

[LRDR01]

We are staying at the LB Hilton the night before and using their shuttle to the pier. Does anyone know if they drop off at the VIP checkin area, or do we need to walk? If we need to walk, is the seperate small bldg visible from where the shuttle will drop off?

Thank you for any help.

Lisa

[Alliea]

Who lied:confused: Not me......

 

We offer VIP Check-In at ALL embarkation ports.

Note: For those guests traveling with an additional stateroom that does not fall into one of the three categories above, the additional stateroom may check in through the VIP Program only if, 1) there are minor children traveling in the additional stateroom, or 2) the guests in the additional stateroom share the same Sail & Sign account with the qualified VIP guest.

 

Can I add additional credit cards to my Sail & Sign account?

Yes. Throughout your cruise, the Guest Services Desk will be able to assist you with any changes to your account, including references, additional credit cards, cash deposits and setting spending limits.

 

http://www.carnival.com/cms/faq/default.aspx?faq=VIP

http://www.carnival.com/cms/faq/default.aspx?faq=sail+Sign

 

Is there anyway I can put someone not VIP on my cc when we board? They did not book with my cc, but can we switch it while waiting to board? And then undo it once onboard?

[MacSmooth]

Yes! Book a suite. My parents are first time Carnival cruisers, but booked suites and are VIP.

 

Happy cruising to all!

 

Bob

 

Yep, that's exactly what my wife and I do. Next week will only be our second cruise, but we'll be in the VIP line once again. After we saw how quickly we checked in and how many people we bypassed in line, we said we would always try to book a suite on our future cruises. Can't wait to get platinum status. It may take another decade or so, but we're in our 20s, so we'll hopefully have many more decades of cruising together :)

[Kurbanfan]

Is there anyway I can put someone not VIP on my cc when we board? They did not book with my cc, but can we switch it while waiting to board? And then undo it once onboard?

 

Our TA sets it up when we book......if you do it when you arrive then your non VIP's cards will be in a different area then yours.

What port are you sailing from?

[Mike&Shell]

I guess it all depends where you sail out of.. I've always seen a VIP line except for once.

[msbandit]

We went VIP in Miami and in Ft Lauderdale. In Miami it was with NCL and you walk right in and there is a special room for VIP check in. Then they escort you directly to your room.

 

In Ft Lauderdale it was with Carnival and again we just walked in, just bypass the line and you follow the sign to VIP if anyone asks where your going, tell them VIP check in and they direct you. We had no problem at all.

 

Hope it helps.

 

Ceil

[Alliea]

our ta sets it up when we book......if you do it when you arrive then your non vip's cards will be in a different area then yours.

What port are you sailing from?

nyc

[Alliea]

Our TA sets it up when we book......if you do it when you arrive then your non VIP's cards will be in a different area then yours.

What port are you sailing from?

Could she change the cc now before we cruise to mine? She is alone, and I would never go to the VIP area without her. Thank you.

[Kurbanfan]

nyc

 

Oh ok. I don't have any experience with that port. I was gonna say if it was Miami it would be super easy.

 

Could she change the cc now before we cruise to mine? She is alone, and I would never go to the VIP area without her. Thank you.

 

I don't see why not. See if she can go in and edit it. If not then when you get there tell the employee that handles the VIP line that she will be checking in on your credit card so she needs to be with you. Because regardless if it is entered in before hand you stil have to give them your card in person. Then when you get on board take care of the change in the VIP line at the guest service desk. I really don't think you will have a problem regardless of what some might say on here:) Last May in Miami we just asked where the VIP line was and they sent us thru without looking at any of our boarding passes. We have done this process 4 times without a problem and will be doing it again in Dec. As a matter of fact I believe in Miami the cards are entered in a machine as you check in and not made up ahead of time as in the past......but don't quote me on that.

Good luck!

[Alliea]

Oh ok. I don't have any experience with that port. I was gonna say if it was Miami it would be super easy.

 

 

 

I don't see why not. See if she can go in and edit it. If not then when you get there tell the employee that handles the VIP line that she will be checking in on your credit card so she needs to be with you. Then when you get on board take care of the change in the VIP line at the guest service desk. I really don't think you will have a problem regardless of what some might say on here:) Last May in Miami we just asked where the VIP line was and they sent us thru without looking at any of our boarding passes. As a matter of fact I believe in Miami the cards are entered in a machine as you check in and not made up ahead of time as in the past......but don't quote me on that.

Good luck!

Thank you:) You have been most helpful. I may even keep her on my cc., not a big deal .

[Kurbanfan]

Thank you:) You have been most helpful. I may even keep her on my cc., not a big deal .

 

Your welcome. If you have the Carnival credit card you will get double points if you keep her on and then she can just write you a check for her amount............something to think about....here I go again thinking outside the box:D

Come back and let us know how it turns out!

[gumballz]

Here's a shot of the VIP entrance in Long Beach. As you can see, it's marked pretty well.

 

[cpayne]

This is our first CCL cruise as a platinum member. Our luggage tags say VIP. Is this how the port will now to allow us access to the VIP embarkation area? This is really the only perk we are looking forward to so want to make sure I know exactly how it works.

 

Thanks!

[LRDR01]

Here's a shot of the VIP entrance in Long Beach. As you can see, it's marked pretty well.

 

 

 

Thank you Gumballz