dsotm73

 

Let me put your mind at ease. I didn't check to see if you've cruised since the new program went into place, so here's our experience.

 

We just sailed on our 25th milestone aboard the Triumph on December 28 from Galveston. The drop down box for check in times was wide open for us, and we selected the earlier time.

 

Being suspect, I called Carnival ready to give them a piece of my mind about being forced to arrive in the time slot, how we make a casual morning of breakfast, shower, load the car and then drive over to the terminal, etc.

 

Carnival has platinum and diamonds check in at their leisure still, that hasn't changed. The only thing is all guests must choose a time for their system.

 

The mess was once inside the entire group rushed the cue area after the wedding parties were taken aboard. We had to push our way to the front to board when platinum and diamond was called next. Not many friends were made doing that...

 

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I'm confused. If you want to "make a casual morning of breakfast, shower, load the car and then drive over to the terminal, etc." why would you select the earlier time?

The best wake-up call is room service with a pot of hot coffee and a couple of bagels. I've found them to be fairly accurate as well, usually showing up within five or ten minutes of the time I designated.

YMMV

Just read the online pdf and it says NOLA embarkation is 1pm to 3pm. If youcan get there before 11AM, why do they say that?

Probably to keep the mad rush from getting there when embarkation starts and delay the full crowd from boarding before the crew is completely ready for them.

Doesn't particularly matter why they say that, I can tell you I've been on board before noon on all four of my Carnival cruises leaving from New Orleans.

I also don't know of any waitlist for FTTF I don't believe it.

Choose to believe it or not, but it does exist. Search these forums for others' experiences if you don't believe me. Or send an email to the address in the first response I made her to see what response you get.

What is Seafay brunch and how do I find it?

Link to sample menu:

http://www.zydecocruiser.net/menus/CarnivalCruiseLineSeaDayBrunch.htm

I can't see the wait list working because when it opens they want the money immediately, I would keep checking a few times everyday, like I did and I got it.

You're wrong there:

"And your $59.95 Faster to the Fun ticket will be charged to your onboard account."

Don't count on that. I read in other posts that people on the waiting list weren't notified and FTTF did in fact open up online so they bought it that way. Not a peep from the FTTF waitlist people. You were fortunate. Doesn't hurt to get on the list and keep on checking.

Probably best to cover your bases by doing both. I can tell you I've been checking online all week and it has never showed anything but "Sold Out." Nice surprise to see the email.

Repeatedly checking for availability might work, but that seems pretty labor intensive.

An easier (more passive?) way is to send an email to FttFinfo@carnival.com with FTTF Waiting list, your ship, and your sailing date in the subject line (e.g., FTTF Waiting list, Dream, 11/15/15 Sailing), and ask to be put on the waiting list.

Does it work? I sent my email in early September, received a receipt notification in a day or so, and today received an email saying we are now FTTF! Three days before our sailing, BTW.

Let the jealousy commence! :D

Here's a different wrinkle: on my last cruise I brought on-board at embarkation, without problem, two four-packs of 16-oz. cans of Monster energy drink. If I try that again, how are the pop police going to treat that? Fewer total ounces than twelve 12-oz. cans, but violates the 12-oz can restriction.

Now I'm afraid to book a Carnival cruise late in the year. What if their ships sink like the Cowboys in December?

bud-ah-bing

We sailed the Elation the week before Christmas, got to the port about 10:45 and walked through the whole boarding process without a line or delay. We were in a short line for the deli by 11:15 or so (mmmmm Rueben). If you can, get your money back from the FTTF as there was absolutely no advantage to having it.

Personally I don't see what's wrong with parking at the port. You drop your luggage off at the entrance to parking and don't have to handle it again, don't have to worry about loading luggage and yourself into shuttles, and your car is waiting there when you return. You're on the road within minutes of debarkation, and I've never encountered traffic at the port.

But, to each his own.

I do not ever recall seeing it before. I know on the ecstasy the carnival website has it and the taste bar listed as "New".