With FTTF will you really board the ship faster?

[mcatmcat]

I was reading about FTTF and it says "Bypass lines and have exclusive security screening lanes and express boarding lane. This is only available on embarkation day."

 

But I was wondering if you are one of the people let says arriving to the port at 10 without the FTTF how long will they hold you before letting you get in the ship? For me FTTF could be great to get in the ship faster but since I'm always early in the port I'm not sure if FTTF is necessary for me. Aside from early boarding I'm not really interested in any other benefits of FTTF, should I still buy it? What is your advice?

 

Thank you

[cmukid87]

Depends on the port. Usually it will help you. If you simply arrive early, you are still queued to board after Platinum/Diamond/Suite/Weddings/FTTF/Handicap (not necessarily in that order).

 

We arrived at Galveston at about 11am and they had just finished boarding Platinum when we (FTTF) were called. We never waited more than 1 minute in any line and were on board within 15 minutes of arriving @ the port.

[tommy]

I was reading about FTTF and it says "Bypass lines and have exclusive security screening lanes and express boarding lane. This is only available on embarkation day."

 

But I was wondering if you are one of the people let says arriving to the port at 10 without the FTTF how long will they hold you before letting you get in the ship? For me FTTF could be great to get in the ship faster but since I'm always early in the port I'm not sure if FTTF is necessary for me. Aside from early boarding I'm not really interested in any other benefits of FTTF, should I still buy it? What is your advice?

 

Thank you

We get there early around 10:30 and I would say FTTF gets loaded maybe 5 to 10 minutes before we do.The one time we did use it they had a problem finding 1 of our luggages.

TOM

[ufyellowfin]

I wouldn't use it to board Faster, the biggest perk is having your room ready once on board so you can put your carry ons down and go enjoy lunch.

[Gran1]

three of four couples had this on a May Cruise out of Baltimore. Couple without it got on before us and off before us. Also our rooms were not ready.

I was not having FUN with FTTF.. Saw no advantage at all.

[Tree Hugger]

I think the priority tendering would be a big help as well. FTTF is currently sold out on our cruise, but I'm hoping it opens back up because I'd love to skip the outgoing tender line in Belize.

[elliair]

On our recent Miracle cruise, there were several FTTF people complaining about not boarding right away, nor their luggage was at their cabin. Also, debarking in Puerto Vallarta did them no good. When announced that we cleared customs and debarkation would take place, it did not matter what your status was, you got in line in back of everyone else who did not have FTTF, platinum or diamond. I showed my card to Nate and it did not matter to him. Same as when we debarked in Long Beach, Nate was there at the debarkation door, I showed him my card again, and he shrugged his shoulder. Another Carnival crew member who didn't give a ****. I don't know how much FTTF is, but seems as though it's not worth it, and you won't get your money back if you complain.

[cruzeluver]

It can vary by port.

 

In Charleston for example, there is no separate security screening. Everyone (those with FTTF, Platinums, first-timers, everybody!) goes through the same screening. We had no early boarding perks and were on by 11:47. They started boarding at 11:45.

 

FTTF has no benefit for me personally. As stated, we always manage to board early, have only needed guest services twice in 18+ cruises, do not care about priority tendering, and carry on only a small backpack, and therefore are not concerned with getting to our room right away.

[45014]

We used FTTF on our cruise out off Jacksonville, and really thought it was worth the money. Of course, we were traveling with out grandbabies (8 and 10) and it was really nice to have our bags in the room and the kids were able to go to the pool and start enjoying the WaterWorks.

Hubby and I are using it again in March.

[Havingfun2010]

FTTF is a huge benefit to Carnival because it is an extra $60.00 they get from you so you can get on 15 minutes faster, and have a separate line at guest services that the majority of people never need. Luggage is of course delivered to your room, but they would do that without the program and really, unless you have a good reason to get your room 90 minutes sooner than everyone else then it's good (but free). Basically everything you get, is free to get, but Carnival loves it because it's a new money stream. :D

[Island Hopping]

On our recent Miracle cruise, there were several FTTF people complaining about not boarding right away, nor their luggage was at their cabin. Also, debarking in Puerto Vallarta did them no good. When announced that we cleared customs and debarkation would take place, it did not matter what your status was, you got in line in back of everyone else who did not have FTTF, platinum or diamond. I showed my card to Nate and it did not matter to him. Same as when we debarked in Long Beach, Nate was there at the debarkation door, I showed him my card again, and he shrugged his shoulder. Another Carnival crew member who didn't give a ****. I don't know how much FTTF is, but seems as though it's not worth it, and you won't get your money back if you complain.

 

FTTF is only good at tender ports. If the ship docks, it's whoever is in line first. No advantage for plat's, diamonds or FTTF.

[loxley]

If you get to the port at ten thirty, fttf has basically no user because you will be directly behind the fttf people boarding.

 

The wonderful part of fttf is you get there after boarding has started and the terminal is full and you are escorted straight past the mass of people to the next available check in desk, check in, and walk straight in the ship.

 

There is evidence from this thread that some people who have dttf does not understand how it works and were probably bit getting the full benefit.

 

Also, we happened to be missing a piece of luggage. With the separated line at guest services, we were able to stop in at the desk each time we were in the area and check in it. It was found on Wed.

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[berrieh]

We have used it. In my opinion, the biggest benefits are 1) customer service line (separate), 2) tender ports priority, 3) room being ready, 4) getting bags early (hit or miss). Not embarkation. But I'm sure that varies by port.

Edited September 30, 2015 by berrieh

[HectorAchilleus]

FTTF is very beneficial for tendering and guest services. It is hit and miss for luggage. As far as boarding early, it is good if you arrive after 1:00 because you can board right away. If you already arrive early, however, it can actually be slower than being in zone boarding. in some ports they so over-sell it, and there are so many Plats, et., that you can be waiting in line for your boarding pass while they are boarding the zones (This happened at our last cruise).

 

If you get there early enough to get your S&S cards you will board with hundreds of other priority about 10 minutes before the zones.

[Velvetwater]

Both times with FTTF I have boarded before a good chunk of everyone else..its nice to have no lines on the Lido. When we had general delayed boarding we sat in a nice lounge with Plats and whatnot and boarded while everyone was sweating and puffing in the regular lounge.

 

I personally love the early luggage delivery even more.

[kona_wahine]

You get on a few minutes earlier than the first round of general boarding.

You get to go directly to your room. (Best thing about it)

Your luggage has priority delivery. We've been unpacked by 12:00.

You get to use the VIP lane at GS. If you have a need (and you never know) it's great! Especially last sea day because it's crazy busy.

You get priority tendering. At places like HMC you just can't beat it.

 

We've had it last three cruises and booked for our next cruise. The above reasons are why I will continue to buy it.

[elliair]

FTTF is only good at tender ports. If the ship docks, it's whoever is in line first. No advantage for plat's, diamonds or FTTF.

 

Yes, I know that, they need to change their terms of benefits when it comes to debarkation. We didn't even get off in Cabo. Had the same experience the last time we were there. We are platinum, I showed my card to the security guy, he told me to go to the back of the line. I told him we had first off debarkation privileges and I wasn't budging. The crew has no clue.

[zgwortz]

Yes, I know that, they need to change their terms of benefits when it comes to debarkation. We didn't even get off in Cabo. Had the same experience the last time we were there. We are platinum, I showed my card to the security guy, he told me to go to the back of the line. I told him we had first off debarkation privileges and I wasn't budging. The crew has no clue.

 

Actually, last time I used that, I needed to go to Guest Services - they escorted a group of Platinum people to security and passed us through. So probably not the security guy's fault.

[SadieN]

Actually, last time I used that, I needed to go to Guest Services - they escorted a group of Platinum people to security and passed us through. So probably not the security guy's fault.

 

 

Exactly.

 

Only when the Paradise was here could we go (the back way) to the tender line. All other ships we've been escorted by someone from GS.

[7upp]

FTTF was useful in NYC. Regular line was huge. Separate line for FTTF/platinum/diamond put me right to the front. Additionally, the separate line for guest services is great. Having room ready is a nice perk too.

[JMAE]

I was reading about FTTF and it says "Bypass lines and have exclusive security screening lanes and express boarding lane. This is only available on embarkation day."

 

But I was wondering if you are one of the people let says arriving to the port at 10 without the FTTF how long will they hold you before letting you get in the ship? For me FTTF could be great to get in the ship faster but since I'm always early in the port I'm not sure if FTTF is necessary for me. Aside from early boarding I'm not really interested in any other benefits of FTTF, should I still buy it? What is your advice?

 

Thank you

 

We used FTTF in Baltimore twice, within 15 to 20 minutes of paying my $105 parking fee we were on the ship, eat, took a walk and a nap before the muster drill. With that said I am sure it is not the same at all ports. But in Baltimore it was fast.

[deborahjo]

Have used FTTF last 3 cruises and just bought for our next cruise. Have never gotten on ship later then noon. Luggage has been there and room has been ready.

 

We have found it extremely helpful at tendering also. We just bypass everyone and get on the next available tender.

 

I love it but this is the last cruise we will need it.

[jager77]

I will be cruising out of San Juan in January. I am wondering when I would be able to board if I purchase the FTTF? The Embarkation Hours for San Juan is 230 to 830. Does this mean with FTTF the earliest would be 230? or could you board earlier? (This will only be my second cruise I am really new at this)

[RoscoeJames]

I have used FTTF for the last 6 cruises and love the benefits. Always have a smooth embarkation, go straight to my room (sometimes it is not ready but we can drop off our carry ons), usually get our luggage by 1:00, priority guest services, and most importantly early debarkation. I have left a ship as early as 7:00 AM. If you tender you also get priority but this only is good if you have a non-Carnival excursion or just want to get off early to explore the port city.

[tommy]

I have used FTTF for the last 6 cruises and love the benefits. Always have a smooth embarkation, go straight to my room (sometimes it is not ready but we can drop off our carry ons), usually get our luggage by 1:00, priority guest services, and most importantly early debarkation. I have left a ship as early as 7:00 AM. If you tender you also get priority but this only is good if you have a non-Carnival excursion or just want to get off early to explore the port city.

Withthe exception of priority tender,I did the exact same without fttf. just saying.