Queen Mary Early Cruise Check-In

Just how does this work? How early can you check in? What time would you suggest I check in? What do you do between early check in and embarkation?

Carnival has set up a program in an area of the Queen Mary that allows guests to check-in early on the Queen Mary. There is a large sign and many Carnival workers guiding people to the check-in area. I believe that you can check-in as early as 9:00. I checked in at 9:30. Between early check-in and embarkation you can take a tour of the Queen Mary for $6.00pp. It is very interesting, and makes you appreciate the modern cruise chip you will soon be on. You can also tour the Russian submarine Scorpion which is docked next to the Queen Mary.

I suggest you line up no later than 11:00 as the lines begin to get long shortly after then.

This is information I received directly from Carnival on the Pre Check-in. After we checked in, we choose to just wait in line. We live locally and have been to the QM on many occassions.

Pre Check-In at Long Beach Cruise Terminal

For guests arriving at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal early on the day of

embarkation, we offer a Pre Check-In service from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Whether arriving by air and using our motor coach or arriving by private

car, the guest will give the luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for

this service is $1.00 per bag.

The guest will proceed to the Queen Mary where the Queen Mary Staff will

direct the guest to the Carnival Check-In Lounge.

The check-in includes submitting cruise documents, showing proof of travel

documentation and issuing a credit card (if applicable) for his/her Sail

& Sign Account. Guests opting to pay in cash for the Sail & Sign Account

will do so on board at the Information Desk.

The guest will receive a stamped boarding pass and be advised to return

to the cruise terminal at 12:00pm for the boarding procedure.

The guest will have many entertainment options while waiting to board the

ship (see list below).

After 12:00pm, the guest may proceed to the cruise terminal for the

embarkation process, but bypassing the Check-In Counter.

The guest will pass through the X-ray Security Machines with his/her

carry-on bags. Luggage larger than 11"x 17" will not be permitted through

the security machine and must be checked-in with a curbside porter.

The guest will have a "Welcome Aboard" photo taken by the Ship's Photo

Staff. The photo will be on display later in the cruise for purchase.

The guest will go to another area to collect his/her boarding card.

The guest will be issued a boarding card that is used for,

1) getting on/off the ship, 2) stateroom key, and 3) Sail & Sign Account.

The guest will be issued a boarding card that is used for, 1) getting

on/off the ship, and 2) Sail & Sign Account. A separate plastic key will

also be issued for the stateroom door.

The Security Personnel will take the guest's boarding card and with the

A-Pass System, will imbed a full color, digital photograph together with

personal database information directly onto the boarding card.

The guest at this time may proceed on board for his/her cruise.

Entertainment options in Long Beach, California

The guest may take advantage of the following options:

Take a guided or self-guided tour of the Queen Mary; tickets are $8.00

per person and can be purchased through the Queen Mary Staff.

Eat lunch on board the Queen Mary, at his/her own expense.

Complimentary Passport Shuttle Bus; runs every fifteen minutes to the

following destinations.

The AquaBus Water taxi takes visitors between the Queen Mary, the

Pine Avenue shopping district and the Aquarium = $2.00 per person.

. Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach is the excitement mecca, with sidewalk

cafes, restaurants and trendy shops.

. Shoreline Village is a replica of an early California resort. This lively

waterfront boardwalk, lined with jewel colored buildings is home to spec-

ialty shops, souvenir stores and restaurants.

. Rainbow Harbor is the centerpiece of Long Beach's waterfront, surrounded

by a 2,000 foot long multi-level public esplanade that connects Shoreline

Village to the Aquarium.

. The Aquarium of the Pacific has three main aquariums in the facility as

well as a few semi-permanent exhibits. Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm daily;

Admission = Adults: $18.75; Kids 3-11: $9.95; Seniors: $14.95.

Thank you both for the information :D We'll be coming up from the OC so I'm thinking 10:00am would be a good time to arrive at the Queen Mary. I'll just read a book until embarkation :rolleyes: