Boarding the Edge - here’s what we experienced

[hcat]

Helpful post and thread.

I believe  I once heard that check in folks work for outsourced companies contracted to X or the port.

 

Hope they are all vaccinated and tested!

[KKB]

17 minutes ago, hcat said:

Helpful post and thread.

I believe  I once heard that check in folks work for outsourced companies contracted to X or the port.

 

Hope they are all vaccinated and tested!

I'm confident if that is true that Celebrity required it.

Too much is on the line for the not to.

[Big Feet]

Many many excuses.  Look when a cruise leaves at 4pm and you have to be onboard as in at the check in 1 hr before that doesn't leave much time.  4K people checking in from 12 to 3-- ya gotta expect crowds????

Anyway I spoke to CS at Celeb and there is nothing they could do about the check in time of 230 to 3.  Nothing for a customer with 100+ cruises-- nothing.  Just go when you get to FLL MAYBE THEY WILL TAKE YOU?  

That's the consideration for long time patrons!!!!!

Oh and it took 52 minutes for them to pick up and tell me that on the phone.  Guess no worse than the 8.4 hrs waiting on Delta to talk?  

I'm sorry folks--- customer service is shot to heck in this country.  AND then they wonder why have the customers abandoned us? 

I need a cruise-------- BAD.

[ItsADryHumor]

1 hour ago, Big Feet said:

Many many excuses.  Look when a cruise leaves at 4pm and you have to be onboard as in at the check in 1 hr before that doesn't leave much time.  4K people checking in from 12 to 3-- ya gotta expect crowds????

Anyway I spoke to CS at Celeb and there is nothing they could do about the check in time of 230 to 3.  Nothing for a customer with 100+ cruises-- nothing.  Just go when you get to FLL MAYBE THEY WILL TAKE YOU?  

That's the consideration for long time patrons!!!!!

Oh and it took 52 minutes for them to pick up and tell me that on the phone.  Guess no worse than the 8.4 hrs waiting on Delta to talk?  

I'm sorry folks--- customer service is shot to heck in this country.  AND then they wonder why have the customers abandoned us? 

I need a cruise-------- BAD.

This is the most melodramatic thing I’ve read in a long time, and I teach fourteen year olds. 

[BDevilCruiser]

2 hours ago, Big Feet said:

Many many excuses.  Look when a cruise leaves at 4pm and you have to be onboard as in at the check in 1 hr before that doesn't leave much time.  4K people checking in from 12 to 3-- ya gotta expect crowds????

Anyway I spoke to CS at Celeb and there is nothing they could do about the check in time of 230 to 3.  Nothing for a customer with 100+ cruises-- nothing.  Just go when you get to FLL MAYBE THEY WILL TAKE YOU?  

That's the consideration for long time patrons!!!!!

Oh and it took 52 minutes for them to pick up and tell me that on the phone.  Guess no worse than the 8.4 hrs waiting on Delta to talk?  

I'm sorry folks--- customer service is shot to heck in this country.  AND then they wonder why have the customers abandoned us? 

I need a cruise-------- BAD.

Well, the Edge (current sailings from FLL) sails at 6pm, not 4, so the 2:30-3:00pm slot isn’t that tight.

[Oville]

4 hours ago, Big Feet said:

Many many excuses.  Look when a cruise leaves at 4pm and you have to be onboard as in at the check in 1 hr before that doesn't leave much time.  4K people checking in from 12 to 3-- ya gotta expect crowds????

Anyway I spoke to CS at Celeb and there is nothing they could do about the check in time of 230 to 3.  Nothing for a customer with 100+ cruises-- nothing.  Just go when you get to FLL MAYBE THEY WILL TAKE YOU?  

That's the consideration for long time patrons!!!!!

Oh and it took 52 minutes for them to pick up and tell me that on the phone.  Guess no worse than the 8.4 hrs waiting on Delta to talk?  

I'm sorry folks--- customer service is shot to heck in this country.  AND then they wonder why have the customers abandoned us? 

I need a cruise-------- BAD.

Oh my, I guess you do need a cruise.😉

[CruiserRob]

On 7/18/2021 at 6:56 PM, hcat said:

Helpful post and thread.

I believe  I once heard that check in folks work for outsourced companies contracted to X or the port.

 

Hope they are all vaccinated and tested!

While they have been able to skirt the issue with cruisers, requiring port workers to be vaccinated would certainly run afoul of the Florida law.

[MrCoachRentz]

So we now think that the cruiselines should accomodate, outside the terminal with lines and such, people arriving early when the guidance has specifically been, "come at your allotted check in time"?  SMH  

 

We're cruising next weekend on the Edge.  Our check-in time is 12:30.  We plan to get to the port around noon.  If we have to wait outside for < 30 minutes, I'm ok with that.  If they can get me in and on board earlier, that would be awesome.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Our check in time in October is 12:00.  We take a town car from the hotel so will probably arrive 11:50 or so. Being in a RS we don't expect to have to wait too long, unless something happens to delay boarding for everyone.  

[KKB]

16 hours ago, Big Feet said:

4K people checking in from 12 to 3-- ya gotta expect crowds????

Uh, NO cruise has sailed w/ 4K passengers this year.

Carnival Horizon had 3K---explains the 2 hour waits.

Celebrity been running 1600 max...

 

[Frenchkona]

17 hours ago, Big Feet said:

Many many excuses.  Look when a cruise leaves at 4pm and you have to be onboard as in at the check in 1 hr before that doesn't leave much time.  4K people checking in from 12 to 3-- ya gotta expect crowds????

Anyway I spoke to CS at Celeb and there is nothing they could do about the check in time of 230 to 3.  Nothing for a customer with 100+ cruises-- nothing.  Just go when you get to FLL MAYBE THEY WILL TAKE YOU?  

That's the consideration for long time patrons!!!!!

Oh and it took 52 minutes for them to pick up and tell me that on the phone.  Guess no worse than the 8.4 hrs waiting on Delta to talk?  

I'm sorry folks--- customer service is shot to heck in this country.  AND then they wonder why have the customers abandoned us? 

I need a cruise-------- BAD.

 

[Fouremco]

1 hour ago, KKB said:

Uh, NO cruise has sailed w/ 4K passengers this year.

Carnival Horizon had 3K---explains the 2 hour waits.

Celebrity been running 1600 max...

 

Why do people like you have to keep interjecting with factual information that spoils the rant? 🤣🤣🤣

[cangelmd]

4 hours ago, CruiserRob said:

While they have been able to skirt the issue with cruisers, requiring port workers to be vaccinated would certainly run afoul of the Florida law.

That’s an interesting point.

We have one Carnival ship home ported here. The ship docked in April to much local fanfare, and some crew members were vaccinated (I’m sure it was bridge crew, maintenance,etc). I remember the mayor stating proudly that all the port workers were vaccinated and anxious to get back to work.

This was before the legislature passed a law similar to Florida’s, and obviously still on EUA. All this in a state with the lowest vaccination rate in the country and quite honestly proud of it.

So who is obfuscating the truth?

It was announced yesterday that the ship will start sailing again in October 

[KKB]

2 hours ago, Fouremco said:

Why do people like you have to keep interjecting with factual information that spoils the rant? 🤣🤣🤣

Sorry--occupational hazard (librarian)😉

[jelayne]

20 hours ago, Big Feet said:

Many many excuses.  Look when a cruise leaves at 4pm and you have to be onboard as in at the check in 1 hr before that doesn't leave much time.  4K people checking in from 12 to 3-- ya gotta expect crowds????

Anyway I spoke to CS at Celeb and there is nothing they could do about the check in time of 230 to 3.  Nothing for a customer with 100+ cruises-- nothing.  Just go when you get to FLL MAYBE THEY WILL TAKE YOU?  

That's the consideration for long time patrons!!!!!

Oh and it took 52 minutes for them to pick up and tell me that on the phone.  Guess no worse than the 8.4 hrs waiting on Delta to talk?  

I'm sorry folks--- customer service is shot to heck in this country.  AND then they wonder why have the customers abandoned us? 

I need a cruise-------- BAD.

What ship are you booked on?  The departures for the ships out of Fort Lauderdale have departure times at 6 or 7 pm.   Originally our  Edge cruise was scheduled to depart at 4pm and and awhile ago that was changed to 6. 

[Big Feet]

19 hours ago, stinkyenglishteacher said:

This is the most melodramatic thing I’ve read in a long time, and I teach fourteen year olds. 

I think your profession and name says it all.  I was making a general comment about times for not just our cruise but most leaving port.  Thanks for the B+ on my drama class.

[BDevilCruiser]

Here's what Celebrity emailed me today regarding my Edge (FLL) cruise in a couple of weeks:

 

YOUR SCHEDULED ARRIVAL TIME AT THE TERMINAL IS 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Arrive only during your scheduled arrival time to avoid long wait times outside the terminal and boarding delays. All guests in your reservation must check in together.

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, DOWNLOAD THE CELEBRITY CRUISES® APP • It’s the fastest way to check in, complete most of your pre-arrival requirements including the Guest Safety Briefing, and enjoy contactless service throughout your vacation. COMPLETE YOUR REQUIRED HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE The form is available 24 hours prior to sailing. We’ll send you a reminder via the app. HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF VACCINATION READY TO SHOW AT THE TERMINAL

Acceptable documentation must be in the form of the original document issued by the country’s health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination. Proof of vaccination will be recorded and reviewed for signs of fraud. Please be aware that falsification of vaccination records is a federal crime subject to prosecution and will result in denial of boarding or removal from the voyage. Additionally, it may:   • Be a violation of state and local laws, exposing you to criminal prosecution in places we visit.   • Expose you to civil liability for costs and damages caused.   ALL UNVACCINATED GUESTS BETWEEN AGES 2 - 15 WILL REQUIRE A COMPLIMENTARY COVID-19 TEST AT THE TERMINAL   ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR UNVACCINATED GUESTS 16 +   • You will need to arrive for embarkation with a negative RT-PCR taken within 3 days in advance of arrival to the terminal.   • You will be required to take a Covid-19 test at the terminal, mid cruise onboard, and again at the end of the cruise.   • Please do not make early travel plans on the day of debarkation to allow time for the required testing process.   • The per person costs for these tests is $178 and will be applied to your onboard folio.   • Masks will be required at all times onboard except while eating or drinking.   • Unvaccinated guests are required to book a Celebrity curated tour, and depending on local government requirements, unvaccinated guests may be further restricted from going ashore.   • Unvaccinated guests will have designated seating areas in some venues such as the dining rooms, casino, theatre, etc.   Guests that do not meet the testing and health screening policy requirements will be denied boarding.

 

ARRIVAL AT THE TERMINAL

ARRIVAL TIME Please arrive at your scheduled arrival time.   WEAR YOUR MASK, SANITIZE YOUR HANDS, AND FOLLOW PHYSICAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES   LAUNCH MUSTER 2.0TM Begin via the app in the terminal and complete once on board. For families with children 12 years and under, your Safety at Sea wristbands and information card will be in your stateroom.               CHECK IN AND WELLNESS SCREENING Have your Xpress Pass ready on the Celebrity Cruises app. Screening begins with presenting your original vaccination card, visual check, and health questionnaire. If you show signs of a fever, cough, or fatigue, you’ll be directed to a secondary screening.   PROCEED TO THE GANGWAY   BOARD YOUR SHIP You’ve completed your check-in requirements. Now, your unforgettable vacation begins.

Edited July 20, 2021 by BDevilCruiser

[coffeebean]

On 7/17/2021 at 11:52 PM, Ken the cruiser said:

 

I was just basing my comment on what @lbryantmentioned on the last line and what I heard regarding the previous Edge cruise where there were no unvaccinated adults and wristbands weren't issued. But, if you are saying there are unvaccinated adults on this cruise, then maybe X has decided to do away with the wristbands and has opted to use the honor system with regards to wearing a mask in public areas and punching a hole in their ship card when it comes to unvaccinated passengers.

Celebrity is sailing vaccinated cruises. A minimum of 95% of passengers must be vaccinated. Vaccinated cruises do not require anyone on board to wears masks. No need for wristbands.

 

Royal Caribbean is sailing with an unlimited amount of unvaccinated passengers. These cruises have all passengers wearing a mask indoors in the areas where vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers are together. Royal Caribbean has vaccinated passengers wear wristbands to identify they are vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers have a hole punched in their Seapass card.

 

Hope that answers your concerns.

[FLCruiser97]

On 7/20/2021 at 7:52 AM, MrCoachRentz said:

So we now think that the cruiselines should accomodate, outside the terminal with lines and such, people arriving early when the guidance has specifically been, "come at your allotted check in time"?  SMH  

 

We're cruising next weekend on the Edge.  Our check-in time is 12:30.  We plan to get to the port around noon.  If we have to wait outside for < 30 minutes, I'm ok with that.  If they can get me in and on board earlier, that would be awesome.

Outside Florida heat 95+ degrees right now. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long outside.

[Robkat]

Thank, lbryant, for this very useful info.  

It sounds like X needs to get some organization going for Boarding and Disembark days!

A few people walking around, helping to direct people to the correct waiting/processing lines?  And signage at the head of the lines?  These seem like easy fixes.  

Hoping the confusion and chaos are mostly resolved by our own boarding in September!  🤞

[curtsfan]

On 7/17/2021 at 3:39 PM, lbryant said:

We just boarded the beautiful Edge. Here’s how it went: We are a family of 6 in Aqua class. Our boarding time was 12:30-1p. We arrived at 12:10. There was a large crowd, some in lines and some people standing off to the side.   Retreat / Suite guests had their own line (yes, it was a line at least at 12:15). We dropped off luggage and wandered over to the front of the line to find an employee. We showed our 12.30 boarding time and they directed us to one of the lines for 12:30 boarding. It looked like they had lines for other boarding times (I assume the 1p-1:30, and a 1:30-2p). There was no signage, you just had to ask someone and they told you where to go.  I could not tell how many separate lines they had but clearly some people were there well before their boarding time. Our line started moving at 12:20. By 12:25 we were in the building. First stop was the health check where they reviewed your vaccine card and asked some questions. This took several minutes (it looks like they were training people today so it was a little slower). They took photos of the vaccine card. After that we took the elevator upstairs to go through security. No line there. Next we “checked in” using the Xpress pass and showed our passports. That took maybe 30 seconds. Then onto the ship. We were on the ship by 12:40. 
My recommendation is to arrive at your scheduled time. Can you get on earlier? Maybe. But how early I have no idea. It just depends on when you arrive and how many other people are also trying to board early.  Hope this helps everyone who is anticipating their arrival. Gorgeous ship. So classy and comfortable. The trip of a lifetime and it’s just day 1. 

 

[hcat]

21 hours ago, BDevilCruiser said:

Here's what Celebrity emailed me today regarding my Edge (FLL) cruise in a couple of weeks:

 

YOUR SCHEDULED ARRIVAL TIME AT THE TERMINAL IS 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Arrive only during your scheduled arrival time to avoid long wait times outside the terminal and boarding delays. All guests in your reservation must check in together.

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, DOWNLOAD THE CELEBRITY CRUISES® APP • It’s the fastest way to check in, complete most of your pre-arrival requirements including the Guest Safety Briefing, and enjoy contactless service throughout your vacation. COMPLETE YOUR REQUIRED HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE The form is available 24 hours prior to sailing. We’ll send you a reminder via the app. HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF VACCINATION READY TO SHOW AT THE TERMINAL

Acceptable documentation must be in the form of the original document issued by the country’s health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination. Proof of vaccination will be recorded and reviewed for signs of fraud. Please be aware that falsification of vaccination records is a federal crime subject to prosecution and will result in denial of boarding or removal from the voyage. Additionally, it may:   • Be a violation of state and local laws, exposing you to criminal prosecution in places we visit.   • Expose you to civil liability for costs and damages caused.   ALL UNVACCINATED GUESTS BETWEEN AGES 2 - 15 WILL REQUIRE A COMPLIMENTARY COVID-19 TEST AT THE TERMINAL   ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR UNVACCINATED GUESTS 16 +   • You will need to arrive for embarkation with a negative RT-PCR taken within 3 days in advance of arrival to the terminal.   • You will be required to take a Covid-19 test at the terminal, mid cruise onboard, and again at the end of the cruise.   • Please do not make early travel plans on the day of debarkation to allow time for the required testing process.   • The per person costs for these tests is $178 and will be applied to your onboard folio.   • Masks will be required at all times onboard except while eating or drinking.   • Unvaccinated guests are required to book a Celebrity curated tour, and depending on local government requirements, unvaccinated guests may be further restricted from going ashore.   • Unvaccinated guests will have designated seating areas in some venues such as the dining rooms, casino, theatre, etc.   Guests that do not meet the testing and health screening policy requirements will be denied boarding.

 

ARRIVAL AT THE TERMINAL

ARRIVAL TIME Please arrive at your scheduled arrival time.   WEAR YOUR MASK, SANITIZE YOUR HANDS, AND FOLLOW PHYSICAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES   LAUNCH MUSTER 2.0TM Begin via the app in the terminal and complete once on board. For families with children 12 years and under, your Safety at Sea wristbands and information card will be in your stateroom.               CHECK IN AND WELLNESS SCREENING Have your Xpress Pass ready on the Celebrity Cruises app. Screening begins with presenting your original vaccination card, visual check, and health questionnaire. If you show signs of a fever, cough, or fatigue, you’ll be directed to a secondary screening.   PROCEED TO THE GANGWAY   BOARD YOUR SHIP You’ve completed your check-in requirements. Now, your unforgettable vacation begins.

Lots of instructions to follow

Hope things  are more relaxed and fun onboard. But it does lay everything out

Our tech stuff is too old for  download of the app so I guess we will take longer for checking in etc

[curtsfan]

Thank you for all the info.  We are sailing August 21st on the Edge.   I had a quick question regarding the muster drill.   I am under the impression that we can watch the video on our iPhone or on the stateroom tv, then we are suppose to go to our muster drill station to check in.   Is there a certain time to report to the station, or can we go anytime after boarding on embankment day?

[curtsfan]

2 minutes ago, hcat said:

Lots of instructions to follow

Hope things  are more relaxed and fun onboard. But it does lay everything out

Our tech stuff is too old for  download of the app so I guess we will take longer for checking in etc

I wouldn’t worry about it!   I’m sure that the process will be quicker then usual even the old school way.

[BDevilCruiser]

1 minute ago, curtsfan said:

Thank you for all the info.  We are sailing August 21st on the Edge.   I had a quick question regarding the muster drill.   I am under the impression that we can watch the video on our iPhone or on the stateroom tv, then we are suppose to go to our muster drill station to check in.   Is there a certain time to report to the station, or can we go anytime after boarding on embankment day?

It has to be done before the ship sails; if too many don’t then the ship can’t take off.

 

I haven’t done this yet, but I believe you can watch the video before you board.  I plan todo so, and the. Go to my muster station right after dropping off my carry on bags I. My cabin.  That way I won’t forget todo it!