amberjeannette

You have yourself to blame.

WOW...just...WOW!! Some of these responses are mind blowing and downright rude. What did I do to you? I will never come back here for anything ever again. This is unbelievable. Why would you even make a comment like that??!!

Possibly because staggered check in has been talked about ad nauseam on this site?

As mentioned in my original post, I have 2 small children so we have taken a hiatus from cruising for a bit. And sorry I didn't stalk this site for the latest and greatest!!!

FYI. People on these boards do not like it when new people come on hurling complaints and asking for special treatment, which I am sorry, your original post sounded like. Not just asking for advice as you may have thought.

Anyway, welcome to cc and use the boards for research.

Check the top right corner of my posts. I've been on this group since October 2006....10 years with this group and many more years of cruising!! So not really sure why you say I'm new. ??

I'm sorry to have pissed so many of you off....wow, I didn't know my reach out for advice was gonna cause such a stir!!! My issues are with Carnival, not you all. I would have thought if you didn't have anything nice or constructive to say...then you just would have opted not to say anything at all, but boy was a wrong!! On a positive note, thank you to those people who suggested the children's museum or aquarium. I will definitely be looking into those options.

You are making this a bigger deal than it really is.

Oh, you have NO idea!! Thanks for your opinion.

We haven't cruised for four years so this staggered check in was new to me. However, it wasn't hard to find out the information, both at Carnivals web page and here at CC. We like to board as early as possible so I made sure to sign up immediately for the earliest time slot. I don't understand why you feel it's Carnivals fault, or surprised that early time slots are already taken, and no, I don't think they should make exceptions.

 

 

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Perfect! They didn't make an exception and I never would want/expect an exception if it weren't for the kids and late departure cruise. I booked this cruise over a year ago and don't stalk this forum or Carnival's website so I had no clue about this new check in rule.

Everyone thinks they should be the exception. You have the option of FTTF but you don't want to take it so you accept the alternative of being patient and boarding later. If it's not worth $70 or whatever FTTF would cost to make sure the kids are on board, fed and comfortable then it's really not important enough to make a fuss over. IMO

 

I'm sure you can find a local childrens museum or park for them to spend some fun time at instead of sitting in a car if you want. Have a picnic and some family time pre cruise.

FTTF is sold out....so don't have that option EVEN if I was willing to throw more money at Carnival.

So you should be in control of when you arrive at lot. Get there later.

I wish!! We will be held up somewhere, so.... Can't stay at the hotel room til 6...so got to stay somewhere!!

Another question. Our dining time is 6pm and we always go to the dining room. So I guess this means Carnival is skipping out on us (and everyone with check in 6pm and later) a dining room meal and forcing us to eat alternative. ??

No, they will not make an exception.

You can try to purchase FTTF or you can use Carnival transfers from the airport. People who purchase Carnival transfers can enter on arrival.

We will be arriving by personal transportation and I guess having a parking lot party for 3 hours. Hope the temp is good that day. Ah, never again!!!

purchase FTTF if there are any available. that would allow you get check in at any time

Thank you for the advice and I am aware of that option. However, the last thing I'm gonna do is throw more money at Carnival. I'm am one cruise away from being Platinum and if they are unwilling to make an exception this one time (bc of the kids), then I will take my business elsewhere. I booked the cruise thinking check in started at 3pm. Would have selected a more traditional (departure time) cruise if I would have know about staggered check in and the chance of us not even setting foot on the ship until bedtime!!

Been booked for Carnival Sunshine (out of Charleston) for over a year now. Cruise in November. Just checked in recently when I received an email. Normally I am in no rush to check in. When I did, I discovered this new (to me) staggered check in process. Check in starts at 3pm but the earliest available was 6:00-6:30pm. I have 2 young children and their bedtime is soon thereafter. I called into Carnival and explained my scenario. We are basically gonna lose a whole day, prob miss dinner, etc etc because of this late check in. They would not make an exception. I have cruised with Carnival many many times but this new "rule" is not sitting well with me under these particular circumstances. This will prob be our last time with Carnival. When did all this start? We are arriving in Charleston at 3pm as normally scheduled...so I'm gonna have to wait in the car/parking lot with 2 toddlers for 3 hours???!! I'm so NOT happy. Any advice? Thanks.

Thanks. It's not saying OBC but my total charges are reflecting the price (drop) difference. Even though they charged my credit card for the greater amount, I guess the difference will be OBC. Hope so!!

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Is there a way to check online to see how much OBC is in your account? I just want to verify it's there!

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