Timing

[newfieprincess]

How long should you arrive prior to departure? Our ship sails at 4pm.

[sail7seas]

If departing from a U.S. port, I would arrive around 12 noon.

I don't know about Carnival but many cruise lines begin embarkation about 11:15 - 11:30 for a 4 P.M. sailaway.

Edited June 22, 2014 by sail7seas

[Langley Cruisers]

I see you've already posted on your Roll Call about this, so I think you are covered. Personally, I would arrive at 10:30/11 am and begin the check-in process. You will probably be onboard by noon. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Seeing as you are flying from Newfoundland and flying in January -- I suggest you fly in at least a day early.

We always fly in 2 or 3 days early and this past February we had a massive snow storm that shut down airports along the east coast for 3 1/2 days. Over 75,000 flights were cancelled and many of us were caught in the mess. Even out 3 day early arrival did not help us and we lost out on a cruise.

Just another reason to buy insurance.

[Philob]

How long should you arrive prior to departure? Our ship sails at 4pm.

 

If you are flying to your port, try to arrive the day before to account for flight delays.

 

Departures from US ports require to you check-in and be on board about two hours before departure.

 

We like to get on as soon as possible and start to relax knowing that our vacation has actually begun.

[LHT28]

I would go at 1:30pm no point in standing in line for the crush be first on the ship ;)

That is just me though

[Marie51]

Please consider arriving at least one day early.

Usually you can start boarding about 11am and then you can eat lunch on the ship.

[Keith1010]

We would board at Noon to start enjoying the ship.

 

You have to be on the ship 90 minutes prior to the sailing.

 

Keith

[JawjaFatBoy]

We generally plan to be at the port in the 10-11am range. That usually puts us on the boat between 11 and 12. Then its off to Lido for grub, drinks and relaxation!:D

[cb at sea]

As early as possible..boarding day IS day 1 of the cruise...you paid for this day...get on the ship and start using what you paid for!

[newfieprincess]

Thanks for all the advice. We are flying from Newfoundland two days prior (got my request in to mother nature to be good to me) and staying in Bradenton until the morning of the cruise with some family. The reason I was asking about boarding is because I was debating purchasing ($50) the FTTP with Carnival for priority boarding (behind VIP etc) and having our cabin ready when we arrive. Not sure if it is necessary. Not sure if the check in is long and if the cabins are generally not ready. Any advice on the FTTP program would be welcomed.

 

Thanks

 

Heidi

[newfieprincess]

Seeing as you are flying from Newfoundland and flying in January -- I suggest you fly in at least a day early.

 

We always fly in 2 or 3 days early and this past February we had a massive snow storm that shut down airports along the east coast for 3 1/2 days. Over 75,000 flights were cancelled and many of us were caught in the mess. Even out 3 day early arrival did not help us and we lost out on a cruise.

 

Just another reason to buy insurance.

 

 

How sad you lost your cruise. I am sure this happens but I have never heard of it from anyone I know or experienced it myself but this is my first winter cruise. I have insurance in place for delays due to weather but I still wouldn't want to loose my cruise as my daughter is getting married on the cruise. That would be devastating.

[OCruisers]

Go for the FTTF! It'll be worth it to you in the long run. Also, only one person per cabin needs to buy it. :)

LuLu

[SPacificbound]

We arrive at the ship between one and two, no line.

[DonnaK]

We always arrive at the ship around 11am. We've never had an issue with lines, and usually just walk right in. We like to be onboard when the ship is still relatively empty, and to be having lunch in the buffet before it gets too crowded to find a seat.

 

Then, we find a quiet place in the shade near the pool to relax until the cabins are ready (it's not usually a long wait, but we always leave the buffet area when we are done eating to turn the table over to people who are waiting to eat - this is a pet peeve of mine when people stay at the buffet after they eat, waiting for their room to be ready)

 

If the ship is new to us, we sometimes go exploring until the cabins are open.

 

I don't think it is necessary to have access to the cabins early - we only bring on small carry-ons that are easy to manage/maneuver around

[paul929207]

If you go early, you may want to try to minimize your carry ons. Carnival does not have the cabins ready until about 1:30 for most passengers. So you will be stuck lugging stuff until then