Cruise check-in process?

Question

I am going to be taking a carnival cruise in November - can someone please tell me the check-in process from the time you arrive at the home port on forward. Like how does your luggage get on the boat? Is there a security check? I heard that you leave a credit card number for additional charges? Thanks

Okay - does eveyone get in one line? How does this process take place? Please spell it out for me - thanks

Answer 1

When you arrive at the port, you need to show your boarding tickets and your proof of ID to get into the port. Once inside, there are usually porters who will load your baggage onto a hand cart, and they will take it to the security scan and it will be loaded on the ship. It will then be delivered to your stateroom. Make sure your Room Tag is filled out with your cabin number, so it gets to your room. Be prepared with singles; the appropriate tip for the porters is $1 a bag.

When you check in, you will need to provide a credit card number, or prepay on your account, as you buy everything on the ship through your Carnival Card (they wil give it to you at check in). Any charges you make onboard the ship will go to this credit card after you debark the ship. You will have the chance to review all of your charges before you get off of the ship. YOur stateroom porter will deliver a copy of your charges to your room at the end of the cruise.

Carnival has an FAQ page that really helped me out on my first cruise. Check it out.
http://carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/FAQLanding.aspx
http://carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Embarkation_Procedures.aspx

Answer 2

It's really very well organized and quick, for the most part. Bring your bags and stuff to the counter, show your documents and your bags are tagged and brought to your room while you're explorign the ship-- generally within an hour. The check-in process only takes a matter of about 1-2 minutes at the most, and you show your ID/passport. I don't remember any security check like they have at airports, but they do match the documents to the ID to the person so ASK if you need a passport. You'll need at least a photo ID, and if going outsite of the USA, a passport too.

As for getting in line: I remember 2 things from 2 separate cruises: One had different "lanes" set up with groups of letters for last names (A-G, H-L, M-R etc) and the other was just going to the next available person. Neither had any real wait-- about your average supermarket or bank line.)

Because the embarkation timeframe is greater than it is with air travel, if you get there early, you'll breeze right through checkin and see almost no lines (and I hate standing in line so I note these things). Towards the end of the embarkation period, things might get busier, so I'd say get there ASAP, check in and enjoy the ship for those few hours prior to sailing.

You'll need a credit card on file for things like alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, on-board shopping, photos, shore excursions, etc. You never exchange cash, these are just billed to your room, then you tally up and approve the charge upon disembarkation. Also, plan on adding TIPS to your final total, sometimes $2-3 per day, per person (say about $5.00 per day) It's optional, but you should leave tips on your final "charge" bill. (I believe you can settle your final bill at the end with cash, but you need a credit card on file anyway.)

Note: Generally, the cabins/bathrooms are TINY! Try NOT to bring big pieces of luggage. A soft-sided duffle bag that can be squished down when you've unpacked is much better than a hard-sided suitacase-- there's almost no storage and after a few days, it starts to feel tight. Try to bring as little as possible. You don't need as much as you think you do-- pack half of what you think. (like you don't need 8 pairs of shoes; bring sneakers, sandals and something nice for evenings at the most)
Also-- don't sit on the toilet and flush LOL You'll know what I mean when you use it ;-)

This happened on the last 2 cruises I took: When it's time to leave at the end, you generally vacate the room pretty early, 8-9am) putting your bags outside your room the night before (so pack all but what you need for the morning). Then you go eat breakfast and hang around until they announce your "color" based on your luggage tags. Once your color is called (if they still do this- if could have changed in the last 3 years) you disembark, go through a quick passport check and pick up your bags.

For the number of people they process, it's very well organized and relatively quick.
Bon voyage.

Answer 3

You go through a security check and check in your luggage. You can carry the luggage yourself if your wish. If you check it in you will not see it for a few hours. Your paperwork will be checked. You must have a passport, etc. You are then given your key card. When boarding the ship they take your picture. This is checked when you get off and on ships in port. You need a credit card or a cash deposit. There is no money used on the ship except in the casino. Everything is charged to your room using the key card. Lunch buffet is served upon boarding.

Answer 4

They put your luggage on, there is a security check and you have to leave a credit card number.