Boards, settle a bet please

[2wheelin]

Wow. Yeah, they for sure tell you to take a picture ID. I didn't in San Juan and the gate security guard didn't want to let me through. He almost made DH go up to the cabin and get my DL but finally relented. If I would have been by myself I don't know what I would have done.

Should have followed their POLICY ;) :')

[firemanbobswife]

Should have followed their POLICY ;) :')

 

Yeah I should have! [emoji39] That was on Celebrity and for some reason I didn’t hear them say take an ID off the ship when they made the announcement even though I should have known better. At least Carnival prints it in the FunTimes although apparently not everyone reads that part since it’s news to some.

[Moviela]

I don't want to contribute to anyone's headache, but of the six cruises I have taken my boarding pass has had FTTF logo if I paid for FTTF, or Priority if I booked a suite. In every case the luggage tags had a FTTF logo on it. Might this be confusing suite guests to think they are permitted to go to their cabin earlier than the throngs?

 

On my last suite cruise, my sign and sail card had a "Suite Guest" sticker on it instead of a FTTF logo. and it seemed to work fine for tendering. I have never had a need to use guest services so I don't know about that.

 

As I read it Carnival has not specifically said suite guests cannotgo to their cabins until a determined time. I think priority means just that, including early boarding and cabin access.

 

The company makes so much more profit on suite passengers I doubt they would deny any perk given to a frequent traveler or front of line pass purchaser.

[firemanbobswife]

I don't want to contribute to anyone's headache, but of the six cruises I have taken my boarding pass has had FTTF logo if I paid for FTTF, or Priority if I booked a suite. In every case the luggage tags had a FTTF logo on it. Might this be confusing suite guests to think they are permitted to go to their cabin earlier than the throngs?

 

On my last suite cruise, my sign and sail card had a "Suite Guest" sticker on it instead of a FTTF logo. and it seemed to work fine for tendering. I have never had a need to use guest services so I don't know about that.

 

As I read it Carnival has not specifically said suite guests cannotgo to their cabins until a determined time. I think priority means just that, including early boarding and cabin access.

 

The company makes so much more profit on suite passengers I doubt they would deny any perk given to a frequent traveler or front of line pass purchaser.

 

 

Actually they have said it in the pics I have posted in previous responses but I’ll go ahead and leave this here. This is from Carnival’s site that distinguishes FTTF, Diamond, Platinum, and Suites benefits in regard to the different perks that are included. I have edited the ports and pricing for easier reading but you can view it in its entirety here: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1374/~/faster-to-the-fun-%28fttf%29

 

It doesn’t get any simpler than what’s in writing. Reaching for the Tylenol now............

 

Now guests can maximize their vacation fun with Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF) package. This program is available for purchase via Carnival.com Shore Excursions. Space is limited. Simply click on your cruise ship departure port for availability. Faster to the Fun is very popular and sells out quickly so we encourage you to check back in case of cancellations.

 

Note: VIFP Platinum and Diamond members do not need to purchase this package as these and other benefits are included as part of Platinum and Diamond Club status.

 

Here's what the program includes:

 

Priority Security, Check-in and Boarding

A dedicated security and check-in lane has been set aside for all Priority guests on embarkation day. FTTF guests will board after VIFP Diamond, Platinum and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

Note: Only Diamond, Platinum and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations have access to the Captain’s Lounge.

 

First Access to Stateroom

Your stateroom will be ready for you as soon as you board, so you can relax or freshen up for all the fun you are about to have.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

 

Priority Luggage

While we process thousands of bags, FTTF luggage will receive priority delivery.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

 

Guest Services

Quickly have any of your questions answered or requests addressed as you will have a dedicated phone extension and line at Guest Services.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

 

Dining Reservations

Priority Dinner Time Assignment: FTTF guests will be cleared after VIFP Platinum guests. This benefit does not include specific time reservations for 'Your Time Dining'.

Note: VIFP Diamond guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations are guaranteed their dining in the Main Dining Room.

 

Tender Priority

You will have priority tender service from ship to shore (multiple departure times may be possible) so you can explore ashore as quickly as you want to. When ready to go ashore, if not on a Carnival shore excursion, present yourself at the Guest Services Desk.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

 

Debarkation Choices

When it’s time to say good bye, you may choose an early or late disembarkation time upon arrival to your homeport.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

 

 

Things to Remember

 

The FTTF price is not per person. One ticket per stateroom covers all occupants of the stateroom, so only one guest needs to purchase and all occupants receive the benefits.

 

For guests sailing on multiple cruises back to back, FTTF must be purchased for each cruise in order to benefit from the program.

 

FTTF can only be purchased prior to the cruise; al a carte services cannot be purchased onboard. FTTF is now open on sail dates through 2018, where applicable. It will be offered on the Carnival Horizon starting with the 12/01/2018 departure. For 2019 sail dates, please check back in the Spring of 2018.

 

All FTTF guests must check-in online and select an Arrival Appointment.

Guests who completed their Online Check-in prior to purchasing the FTTF package, will need to re-print their boarding pass and luggage tags so the FTTF stamp reflects on the documents.

A Few Facts on Faster to the Fun

 

VIFP Diamond and Platinum members and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations are the only guests to have access to the Captain’s Lounge at embarkation.

 

Similar to airlines boarding first class and then elite frequent flyers, etc., we will start boarding with VIFP Diamond and Platinum members, followed by guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations and then FTTF guests.

 

The number of people who may purchase the FTTF package will be capacity controlled based upon the number of VIFP Diamond and Platinum members booked on the sailing.

[DebJ14]

Go back to last Sunday on JH's page and watch the video he made. It's called "Please don't ignore the sign". He asked that you NOT do that and the RS of course aren't going to tell you no because they are too nice. When in reality they don't want to upset the guests and have them remove gratuities.

 

Before FTTF existed, RS had less cabins to do as well as more help. Things have changed.

 

Now that your S&S card won't be in your mailbox, you can't get in and if you stop your RS from completing their work affecting their flow and other people's cabins from getting done, then that's nothing but selfish. Go when you are supposed to.

 

But, if one of the housekeeping supervisors is there, they will tell you to get lost and stay out of the cabin. They aren't worried about the tips, so they do enforce that rule. We have seen it happen!

[firemanbobswife]

But, if one of the housekeeping supervisors is there, they will tell you to get lost and stay out of the cabin. They aren't worried about the tips, so they do enforce that rule. We have seen it happen!

 

Awesome! I wish Carnival made tips a mandatory “Service Charge” so that crew members wouldn’t be afraid to enforce the rules no matter what they are. But until they do, it will remain the way it is.

[Moviela]

I am curious why a FAQ about FTTF would exclude suite guests from a perk? It remains silent as to suite availability time.

 

I am not sure why, but my April voyage on Horizon has a FTTF logo on the luggage tags, even though it is not available on Horizon until December according to that FAQ.

 

Every time I have checked in at Long Beach when booked in a suite, it was ready, and I was welcomed by staff and supervision.

[firemanbobswife]

I am curious why a FAQ about FTTF would exclude suite guests from a perk? It remains silent as to suite availability time.

 

I am not sure why, but my April voyage on Horizon has a FTTF logo on the luggage tags, even though it is not available on Horizon until December according to that FAQ.

 

Every time I have checked in at Long Beach when booked in a suite, it was ready, and I was welcomed by staff and supervision.

 

Carnival isn’t silent as to suite availability time - it states that immediate access to the cabin is not included by excluding it where it explicitly spells out what perks Suites, Diamonds, and Platinums share with FTTF. It also says it on the cards you receive at embarkation and signs on the fire doors that lead to the cabins. I’ll post again in case you missed those.

 

It not a perk probably because all the suites are generally grouped into one block and with the RS being responsible for 30 or so cabins each that there simply isn’t the manpower to turn them all over when the ship starts accepting passengers. Personally I think it should be a perk, but it isn’t and in don’t see Carnival hiring anymore crew since all they seem to be doing is cutting back. Hence the push towards once a day service.

 

[sanmarcosman]

But until they do, it will remain the way it is.

Right you are, best to stop gnawing on this bone. It's lost its flavor ;)

[Moviela]

Careful reading reveals that Staterooms have access times. It is silent about suites. Carnival differentiates Staterooms and Suites.

 

The door sign reinforces this as it says ... your STATEROOM is ready. It says nothing about suites.

[firemanbobswife]

Careful reading reveals that Staterooms have access times. It is silent about suites. Carnival differentiates Staterooms and Suites.

 

The door sign reinforces this as it says ... your STATEROOM is ready. It says nothing about suites.

A Suite IS a Stateroom. Don't read too much into it. They already try and dumb it down enough for the general population to comprehend. The average person wouldn't even consider that a suite isn't a stateroom. But since this has obviously gone the way of ridiculous, the definition of "stateroom" per Dictionary.com is "a private room or compartment on a ship, train, etc"

 

Have you ever heard anyone on the ship ask "What is your cabin or suite number?" No. Because they are one in the same.

 

If they wanted you to enter the sign would say Diamonds/Platinums/Suites come on in. Also on the card it clearly spells out Diamond, Platinum, and FTTF guests can gain access at 11:30. If Suites were included it would say Suites as well.

 

Anyway, that's the facts and it is very clearly spelled out. If people don't want to believe it, then that's on them. With the S&S cards in the mailboxes, suites will find that their cabins aren't ready and, therefore, won't be able to get their cards. When that happens, you have nothing to complain about. Until it is listed explicitly as a perk of being in a suite, it's not no matter what someone may tell you. And that's all I gotta say about that.

[firemanbobswife]

Right you are, best to stop gnawing on this bone. It's lost its flavor ;)

Agree. It's getting the same result as a dog chasing it's tail. Some people just can't handle the truth (hint: it's not me :'))!

[NavarreCruiser]

I just spoke with Diana at the Diamond Desk about a reservation issue, but also asked her about embarkation cabin time availability. She said one of the perks of reserving a suite was early check in if desired. She said that since early check in/boarding was included that those suite cabins they fall into the same availability rules as Diamond & Platinum & FTTF. Suite guests do not have to wait until 1:30 to access their cabins. She specified that no other perks like Guest Services special desk or priority tendering are included in the Suite benefits.

 

And I can handle the truth it is just fake news and facts I dislike

[firemanbobswife]

I just spoke with Diana at the Diamond Desk about a reservation issue, but also asked her about embarkation cabin time availability. She said one of the perks of reserving a suite was early check in if desired. She said that since early check in/boarding was included that those suite cabins they fall into the same availability rules as Diamond & Platinum & FTTF. Suite guests do not have to wait until 1:30 to access their cabins. She specified that no other perks like Guest Services special desk or priority tendering are included in the Suite benefits.

 

And I can handle the truth it is just fake news and facts I dislike

 

This is my last post on this because I KNOW I’m right. Diana at the Diamond Desk is also wrong about what is and isn’t included in a suite. How do I know? Proof once again as listed below from FTTF which can be viewed on Carnival. Pay special attention to the last paragraph. But you continue to think what you want in your alternate universe. I’m turning off notifications and won’t respond anymore to this thread. Adios!!!!

 

P.S. Have her send you that in writing directly from Carnival’s policies and procedures.

 

Tender Priority

You will have priority tender service from ship to shore (multiple departure times may be possible) so you can explore ashore as quickly as you want to. When ready to go ashore, if not on a Carnival shore excursion, present yourself at the Guest Services Desk.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

[NavarreCruiser]

This is my last post on this because I KNOW I’m right. Diana at the Diamond Desk is also wrong about what is and isn’t included in a suite. How do I know? Proof once again as listed below from FTTF which can be viewed on Carnival. Pay special attention to the last paragraph. But you continue to think what you want in your alternate universe. I’m turning off notifications and won’t respond anymore to this thread. Adios!!!!

 

P.S. Have her send you that in writing directly from Carnival’s policies and procedures.

 

Tender Priority

You will have priority tender service from ship to shore (multiple departure times may be possible) so you can explore ashore as quickly as you want to. When ready to go ashore, if not on a Carnival shore excursion, present yourself at the Guest Services Desk.

Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

 

So now even the Diamond desk personnel, people who deal with the most veteran Carnival cruisers, are wrong, it must be nice to be so smug and superior in your knowledge of facts as they are printed. It may not be in writing, but lots of Carnival actions happen in the real world and every detail is not written down.

[NavarreCruiser]

I am sailing on the Valor in January, through lots of mishaps, and customer service calls, myself, my mom and my dad are booked in a ocean suite. I know that suite "perks" are not the same as FTTF perks, but on my last cruise (November) my mom swears she saw a sign flashing by guest services that suite guest staterooms were ready at 11:30, same as FTTF. I vehemently disagree, and believe they are ready at 1:30 with everyone else's. We are all content to wait around until the announcements are made that all staterooms are ready, but I have some casino money bet down on this, so i'm curious.

 

Anyone care to chime in?

 

Do us all a favor and post here after your cruise to tell us if your suite was ready early at check in. My Diamond desk people tell me it will be, but FiremanBobswife disagrees.

[Alaskan Joe]

To the OP, you and your Mom should just put the $20 in your pockets for now. When you get on board you will see if your room is ready or not, and if you should be able to legally access your OVS. Then you will know who is buying the first round of drinks:D.

 

As for everyone else if you feel the need to break the rules or just act like......:confused: Oh I was not suppose to come to state room yet.:confused: I did not know! its people like you that make the cruise lines make stupid rules.

 

As for my DW and I we have at least 1hrs worth of work to do as soon as we board, such as; Making sure our MDR time and table is what we asked for. Also we do the Steak house one of the nights so we go and confirm that seating as well. Also we like to walk the ship when it is still fairly empty (if we have never been on her) for our viewing pleasures. Then on to our first drinks, so we do not need to go to the state room. Especially if all we are doing is getting in the way of RS.

[buddylover]

This is my last post on this because I KNOW I’m right. Diana at the Diamond Desk is also wrong about what is and isn’t included in a suite. How do I know? Proof once again as listed below from FTTF which can be viewed on Carnival. Pay special attention to the last paragraph. But you continue to think what you want in your alternate universe. I’m turning off notifications and won’t respond anymore to this thread. Adios!!!!

 

 

YAY!! You just don't give up.........:rolleyes:

[2wheelin]

So now even the Diamond desk personnel, people who deal with the most veteran Carnival cruisers, are wrong, it must be nice to be so smug and superior in your knowledge of facts as they are printed. It may not be in writing, but lots of Carnival actions happen in the real world and every detail is not written down.

She just could not accept that many people had rightly accessed their suite when boarding—-in spite of her policing efforts. It’s obvious that in some cases on some ships suites were ready early and officially available to guests. Is it policy? I don’t know or care. What actually happens is what happens. No need to argue it to death.

[NavarreCruiser]

She just could not accept that many people had rightly accessed their suite when boarding—-in spite of her policing efforts. It’s obvious that in some cases on some ships suites were ready early and officially available to guests. Is it policy? I don’t know or care. What actually happens is what happens. No need to argue it to death.

 

I agree completely. I rarely cruise in a suite, prefer more cruises in less expensive cabins. I only asked the Diamond desk about suite check in because I called about another matter. The Diamond desk folk have been very helpful over the years and have almost never steered me wrong.

[NavarreCruiser]

I just spoke with a different Diamond Desk employee on another matter and she confirmed what Diana said, suites are ready early.

[mworkman]

Let it be so, let it be written! �� Policy baby �� LOL

[Schoifmom]

I agree completely. I rarely cruise in a suite, prefer more cruises in less expensive cabins. I only asked the Diamond desk about suite check in because I called about another matter. The Diamond desk folk have been very helpful over the years and have almost never steered me wrong.

 

I just spoke with a different Diamond Desk employee on another matter and she confirmed what Diana said, suites are ready early.

 

I don't disagree with what you are saying, but just throwing this out there. Would the DIAMOND DESK agent believe that it would be ready because you are a diamond cruiser (in which case all staterooms would be ready for you)?

[NavarreCruiser]

I don't disagree with what you are saying, but just throwing this out there. Would the DIAMOND DESK agent believe that it would be ready because you are a diamond cruiser (in which case all staterooms would be ready for you)?

 

During the discussion I told her it was not for me, but just a general question.

[2Shoes2Go]

We boarded Fantasy yesterday. No signage on the fire doors, but Becky, in the terminal invited Diamond, Platinum, FTTF, and Suites to access their cabins upon boarding. No problem for us, of course. We're having a fabulous cruise, as usual! :D