Is FTTF worth it for Fascination?

[DSJ28]

Fascination sails out of Jacksonville, which is a very small port. Does FTTP really get anyone on board so much faster? I guess I can see how it would be nice in a large port with long lines, but Jacksonville is such a small cruise market.

 

I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile. Early boarding, immediate access to the stateroom, and expedited baggage are the only reasons I'm even considering FTTF. I'm still undecided.

[Colorado Kat]

What ports do you have? If any are tender ports, you get to bypass the ship line for tendering.

[DSJ28]

Only Nassau and Half Moon Cay. We have a cabana at HMC. Do cabana guests get head of the line tender at HMC?

[GTO-Girl]

Only Nassau and Half Moon Cay. We have a cabana at HMC. Do cabana guests get head of the line tender at HMC?

 

Not sure but if you have FTTF you get priority tendering. Just go to Guest Services and they have someone walk you down & put you on a tender. :D

[christmas]

Only Nassau and Half Moon Cay. We have a cabana at HMC. Do cabana guests get head of the line tender at HMC?

 

Since Half Moon Cay is a Tender Port get FTTF cabana guests do not get in front of the line for the Tender.

[rdevine10]

We bought FTTF for our upcoming fascination cruise. I liked the idea of our room being ready when we boarded, as we are traveling with our kids. This way, we have a place to drop all of our "stuff"- bathing suits, bags and carry on beverages (soda & wine). Plus we can get on quicker, so we can enjoy more of the day on the ship! We also have a tender port (Little Stirup) so Im sure we will like the priority tender!

[Sh1035]

Cabana guest do get priority tendering at a certain time. I used my platinum boarding later in the day. Be prepared for a long wait back. To the ship.

 

Honestly jax can have so crazy lines so I would pay the 50 bucks.

[HO HO]

Some other lines have all cabins ready for embarkation time, so no one has to lug their stuff around, or go sit and wait until a certain time. In the absence of CCL doing the same, FTTF is always a better option, until you reach Platinum.

[beckyk329]

opps.

Edited November 18, 2013 by beckyk329

[beckyk329]

We've had it 2x now, last time on the Fascination. And it really is worth it we believe. If it's not like so many say, Carnival really does a great job making you "feel" special. I think that's one of the best perks, my kids especially loved it!

 

At embarkation, we didn't get there as early as planned, instead got there at 11:30ish.. right when it's the worst most backed up time. Entering the shed (I HATE JAXPORT!) we were escorted straight to check-in. Oh the angry looks! Then once we had our S&S and were ready to move on, someone else walked us over to the pictures, put their hand up to stop the next group, and pushed us in next. (Kinda had a twinge of guilt there!:o) We were on the ship in about 5 min!!! That with hundreds crammed in the check-in ques.

 

Then, at HMC, we walked down to the CS desk, were escorted to an elevator they had roped off, and taken directly to tender. Hours and hours those people had waited...

 

And this is not normal, but on that particular cruise, we had a delay debark because of some customs issues with the crew paperwork not being filed correctly??? Normally we never hurry off, we just wait out the rush eating one last ice cream or something. But it was probably about 11 by the time we were cleared. We were able to be some of the first off because of the FTTF.

 

Lots of other perks. Bottom line. Buy it. :cool:

[marshhawk]

We had it three weeks ago on the Fascination and loved it so much we got it for our next cruise, and that has no tendering. On the ship within minutes, up on the lido having lunch before everyone else boarded, loved the fact that when we needed to go to guest services, we were immediately taken are of, the escort to the tender was a plus, but being to get off and hit the road first was priceless.

[christmas]

Cabana guest do get priority tendering at a certain time.

Is this New? I have never heard this.

[Tapi]

We did NOT have it when we sailed from JAX. We went from parking lot to cabin in 15 minutes.vBased on our experience, I wouldn't bother.

[Tapi]

We did NOT have it when we sailed from JAX. We went from parking lot to cabin in 15 minutes. Based on our experience, I wouldn't bother.

[michigyrl]

I just got back yesterday from my Fascination cruise using FFTF. Loved it and thought it was worth it...for boarding alone! Boarded with Zone 1, headed straight to my room (which was ready), and within 15 minutes of getting there, my luggage arrived!

 

I also was in Zone 1 for getting off the ship. With a 1:00 flight, I was happy to be one of the first off.

 

I never had a need to go to the Guest Services desk, so I can't really comment on that.

[CrimsonTideGal]

Is this New? I have never heard this.

 

 

No you get priority tendoring if you rent a cabana. Done it 3 times in the past 2 years. Had FTTF on the Dream and loved it. Bought it again on the Fascination next month.

[DSJ28]

Looks like I asked too late. FTTF is sold out for my sailing. I'll check back over the next few days. I live in Jacksonville, but this will be my first cruise out of Jaxport. The ship is small and the port looks small, so I figured it wouldn't be too bad. The FTTF option seems to be popular.

[Lerin]

Is this New? I have never heard this.

Not sure how long it's been going on, but cabana rentals are considered an excursion so you are escorted to the tender when you wish to go.