Imagination and Port Questions

[wantingpj]

Hello

 

It’s been awhile since I cruised and I have a few questions. I tried to search them out…sorry if I missed the answers and are asking questions that are asked a lot.

 

We are sailing out of Long Beach on the Carnival Imagination in about a week. We are staying at Hotel Maya and taking the shuttle over to the port.

 

Now questions:

 

Do they still do early check-in at Queen Mary? What time?

 

Also we did the on-line check-in, do we still need to check in at Queen Mary or the dome?

 

My family is confirmed for any time dinning. Our friends are wait listed. What is the best way to get this fixed?

 

In Ensenada we plan to just walk around. I think I read that it’s not a very long walk from the pier to town, is that right? Or is a taxi better?

 

I might have more questions…

 

Thanks for all the help and all the fun hours reading about cruising.

[SadieN]

You still need to check in at port. Online check in just makes the process faster for everyone.

 

Have heard varying reports that early checkin is and is not at the QM. If not, it there will be tables set up in front of the Dome starting around 9:30am.

 

The tourist area of Ensenada is about a 10 minute walk from the pier. No need to use a taxi/shuttle unless someone has difficulty walking.

Be careful of the sidewalks. The sidewalks going to and on Ave Primera/Ave Lopez are nice. Those off the tourist area have open, unused utility boxes in them. Also the curbs are of varying heights.

Look on the Mexican Riviera board for more info.

 

For your dining issue--- check your cards, if they all say the same thing you are good, if not go to the MDR around 1pm (check the FunTimes) to get it straightened out. It might not be able to be done for the first night.

 

We sailied on the Imagination in January and ATD was messed up. Never had to wait so long in line as we did on that ship, even at 6pm. If you have a large party (over 4) set-time dining might be easier.

[ccruisequeen]

If you are on the 4-day, leaving Sun, the check in will most likely be on the plaza, as the QM isn't open on Sunday. Priority is still in the booth opposite the parking lot.

 

 

[AQW]

The tourist area of Ensenada is about a 10 minute walk from the pier. No need to use a taxi/shuttle unless someone has difficulty walking.

 

To piggyback on this, if you have someone in your party who cannot make the walk to town (or if you just don't feel like it!) there is a shuttle bus that you can grab for $3 round trip. When you exit the ship you walk through a small market/plaza area; the shuttle bus sits directly outside that. They will drop you off at a convenient intersection; when you are ready to return just come back to that same intersection (very easy to find) and shuttles leave every 10min or so returning to the ship. Very, very simple and straightforward. :)

[wantingpj]

Thanks for the answers.

 

I got an email from Carnival today and it said to not show up at the port until 1:30. Does that mean there isn't early check-in or are they just wanting people there later?

[Rod in Az]

Thanks for the answers.

 

I got an email from Carnival today and it said to not show up at the port until 1:30. Does that mean there isn't early check-in or are they just wanting people there later?

 

We got the same e-mail every cruise on the Inspiration. We still showed up around 11:00 (give-or-take) and were checked in and on the ship shortly after arrival...

[SadieN]

We got the same e-mail every cruise on the Inspiration. We still showed up around 11:00 (give-or-take) and were checked in and on the ship shortly after arrival...

 

Rarely is the email correct. If something will truly delay the check-in process it will be specified in the e-mail. They will still do check in outside the Dome even if there is a delay.

 

We sailed on the first sailing out of LB for the Imagination. We did board later than usual and the email was very specific (Panama Cruise and CBP).

 

**

 

There will be a big rush getting into the Dome at the beginning. We usually arrive at port around 11:30. Avoiding the first rush and practically walking right on thru.

[cruzinfamilyof4]

Last time we cruised out of Long Beach we did the early check in on the QM. Since we can't do that this time where do we check in? Is it going to be clearly marked from the parking structure?

 

A pp said the QM is closed on Sunday. Does that mean just for early check in? I'm assuming we can still get on board and have breakfast if we want right?

[ccruisequeen]

Last time we cruised out of Long Beach we did the early check in on the QM. Since we can't do that this time where do we check in? Is it going to be clearly marked from the parking structure?

 

A pp said the QM is closed on Sunday. Does that mean just for early check in? I'm assuming we can still get on board and have breakfast if we want right?

Yes, just for early sign in. The ship is open for tourists.

 

Early sign in will be on the plaza just beyond the priority room. You'll see the tables clearly marked, unless they are surrounded by the check in lines!

 

 

Edited March 19, 2014 by ccruisequeen

[SadieN]

Get onboard where for breakfast? QM or Carnival? Carnival doesn't open the Dome for boarding until 11-11:30 the earliest. QM checkin has never (or for a very long time) been for Sunday departures.

 

Can't miss Early Checkin (from 9:30a). There will be tables and lines in front of the Dome.

Priority check-in is in the Little Building at the curb.

 

If you have FTTF ask. Sometimes it's in the Priority Building, other times it's in with the other lines.

 

Remember that there are now three ships sailing out of Long Beach so it can be difficult finding a parking spot in the structure. Last cruise DH almost had to park on the roof. There is plenty of parking outside the structure.

[ccruisequeen]

Get onboard where for breakfast? QM or Carnival? Carnival doesn't open the Dome for boarding until 11-11:30 the earliest. QM checkin has never (or for a very long time) been for Sunday departures.

 

Can't miss Early Checkin (from 9:30a). There will be tables and lines in front of the Dome.

Priority check-in is in the Little Building at the curb.

 

If you have FTTF ask. Sometimes it's in the Priority Building, other times it's in with the other lines.

 

Remember that there are now three ships sailing out of Long Beach so it can be difficult finding a parking spot in the structure. Last cruise DH almost had to park on the roof. There is plenty of parking outside the structure.

 

There may be a restaurant/diner open on the QM for breakfast.

 

 

[CableKC]

Just a few question since this thread seems to be the one to ask.

 

1 ) We'll be doing the 4 Night Cruise in July out of Long Beach and will be driving there from DisneyLand. Is there a Parking structure at the Port for the Imagination in Long Beach that allows for long-term Parking?

 

2 ) What time should we get there to make sure we get to the port and parking Structure ( to get a parking spot...assuming there is long-term parking there ) while allowing for enough time to check in at the Terminal? I'm not sure if parking gets full quick....but I also don't want to wait ( forever ) to check-in and board the ship.

 

3 ) What's the usual check-in time?

 

I'm assuming that we'd be able to get there by noon/early afternoon. I'm hoping that we'd be able to get onto the boat by noontime/early afternoon so that the kids can hit the buffet for lunch. I'm okay with not getting into the room.....but ( as most of you know ) when kids are hungry...they are hungry.

 

4 ) We have a party of 4.......Me ( Dad ), Mommy and 2 kids ( 6 and 10 years old ) and have decided on eating at the 6pm Seating. I prefer having a Table of 4 to ourselves.....usually with Kids that's the best ( as most of you with Kids know ) given how noisy and difficult they can be. What's the best way to ensure that we get a table for 4 at the 6pm Seating?

 

5 ) About the Camp Carnival for the 6 and 10 year old.....I wanted the kids to try it out at least 1 day. Are we able to go on the day to the Camp and sign them up? or do we have to sign up on the morning that we board the ship?

 

6 ) My guess is that the best thing to do is to book/reserve/sign up for "whatever" as soon as we board the ship. Any tips and/or suggestions on what to book/reserve/sign up when I board?

 

Thanks for your responses.

Edited March 30, 2014 by CableKC

[xbatt8]

1 ) We'll be doing the 4 Night Cruise in July out of Long Beach and will be driving there from DisneyLand. Is there a Parking structure at the Port for the Imagination in Long Beach that allows for long-term Parking?

 

Yes. The building is several stories high and is about 200 feet from the entrance to the building (dome). The cost of parking is $17 per day so your 4 day cruise will cost you $68.

 

2 ) What time should we get there to make sure we get to the port and parking Structure ( to get a parking spot...assuming there is long-term parking there ) while allowing for enough time to check in at the Terminal? I'm not sure if parking gets full quick....but I also don't want to wait ( forever ) to check-in and board the ship.

 

How long it takes you to board and what time you start depends on crowds and how soon customs releases the previous cruise for debarkation. I have seen them start embarkation as early as 11am and as late as 1:30pm. You just never know. So what time to get there just depends. You could walk right in, or you could sit and wait for a while. There really isn't any definitive answer.

 

Now, how long it takes you to board once they start can be sped up in a few ways. First, you can get there pretty early (around 10) and do your check in at the QM and get a pretty low zone number (as people check in, they are grouped in order of arrival and given zone numbers. Then numbers are called - lowest first - and the people in that zone then board). This does, however mean that you will likely sit around for an hour or more after you have checked in. Plenty of places to walk around, but there will be a wait until all the priority folks have boarded. Another way to speed up the boarding process is to purchase FTTF. It is a $49 per cabin "excursion" and it allows you to board with the priority folks who all board before they call any zone numbers. You can arrive any time, do your check in at the Captains lounge as soon as you arrive, then you get to go to a separate line for boarding. It also gets you priority tendering in Catalina (and the tender gets pretty crowded there), as well as priority debarkation when you get back to Long Beach. It also gets you priority luggage arrival. A final way of speeding up the boarding process is to arrive later. The really large crowds are from 11 to about 2 or so. If you get there after that (eat lunch before you start your trip), then the odds of walking right in to the check in area and then right on to the ship are increased.

 

3 ) What's the usual check-in time?

 

See above

 

4 ) We have a party of 4.......Me ( Dad ), Mommy and 2 kids ( 6 and 10 years old ) and have decided on eating at the 6pm Seating. I prefer having a Table of 4 to ourselves.....usually with Kids that's the best ( as most of you with Kids know ) given how noisy and difficult they can be. What's the best way to ensure that we get a table for 4 at the 6pm Seating?

 

The best way is to go to the dining room as soon as the Maître 'd arrives and work it out with him/her. S/he usually arrives around 1:30 or so. Your dining room will be the Spirit DR located on deck 8 Aft (all the way in the back). Be warned, you can only get there by using the rear stairs or elevator. Deck 8 does not go all the through from front to back

 

I cannot answer any questions about CC as we have never had youngs kids with us.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Bob

Edited March 30, 2014 by xbatt8

[SadieN]

There are more than enough spots in the structure for parking. You can also park outside the structure, if needed.

 

Parking is $17/24hours. If you go over a 24hour period you will be charged the extra time.

 

You pay upon exiting the structure. Keep your ticket handy because you will need to put it into the machines (to the right) when leaving the port area.

Sometimes it is quicker to park outside but you'll have to stay in the left lane to pay when exiting the port area.

[CableKC]

4 ) We have a party of 4.......Me ( Dad ), Mommy and 2 kids ( 6 and 10 years old ) and have decided on eating at the 6pm Seating. I prefer having a Table of 4 to ourselves.....usually with Kids that's the best ( as most of you with Kids know ) given how noisy and difficult they can be. What's the best way to ensure that we get a table for 4 at the 6pm Seating?

 

The best way is to go to the dining room as soon as the Maître 'd arrives and work it out with him/her. S/he usually arrives around 1:30 or so. Your dining room will be the Spirit DR located on deck 8 Aft (all the way in the back). Be warned, you can only get there by using the rear stairs or elevator. Deck 8 does not go all the through from front to back

Thanks Bob.

 

It sounds like I should just stop by after I board the ship....hopefully no later than 1:30pm-ish to ask if we can get a table for 4.

 

Is the 6pm Assigned Dinner always at the Spirit Dining Room?

 

or

 

Is there a different 6pm Assigned Dinner at the other dining room?

 

It sounds like I have to go to the correct Dining Room.

[ccruisequeen]

Both the mid-ship and back MDR have assigned dining. The Mid-ship MDR also has YourTime, and the assigned is for forward, midship cabins

 

 

 

Edited March 30, 2014 by ccruisequeen

[SadieN]

Look in the Funtimes. Always seen the Maitre'D available at the MDR located off the Atrium. The lobby of the aft MDR is only good for sardines.

When assigned the aft MDR we wait upstairs in the bar until the doors open.

Edited March 30, 2014 by SadieN

[Beachlover1964]

Thanks posters for the helpful information. We wil be on the April 13 sailing. My mother has trouble walking long distances. Does anyone know whether there is any form of public transportaton from the Catalina Island port to the town?

Thank you!

[candigirl]

No long walk in Catalina. It is a tender port and the "town" is right there.

[SadieN]

Avalon is at the end of the Green Pier.

 

Check the Mexican Riviera board for more info about Catalina and Ensenada.

[USNUZULOOSE]

No long walk in Catalina. It is a tender port and the "town" is right there.

 

You can rent golf carts for Catalina and they provide you a map where to go with them. I enjoyed Catalina very much.

[Beachlover1964]

Thanks to all for their helpful responses!

[CableKC]

I haven't been on a cruise for a long time....I forget.....to play Bingo, to buy drinks, playing at the casino, and to do basically anything on the ship itself that we have to pay for.....do I have to bring Cash to pay for most of it?

 

or

 

Do they allow you to charge it to your Room ( via Room Key )?

 

I'm assuming that the answer is that you can charge some to your Room and others via Cash. I just need to figure out if I need to bring a lot of cash or not.

[Rosefloater]

I haven't been on a cruise for a long time....I forget.....to play Bingo, to buy drinks, playing at the casino, and to do basically anything on the ship itself that we have to pay for.....do I have to bring Cash to pay for most of it?

 

or

 

Do they allow you to charge it to your Room ( via Room Key )?

 

I'm assuming that the answer is that you can charge some to your Room and others via Cash. I just need to figure out if I need to bring a lot of cash or not.

 

Use the card for every purchase. In the casino, you can either use cash or your S&S card. If you are going to play any table games, use cash. Otherwise you will be charged a 3% fee.

[CableKC]

Use the card for every purchase. In the casino, you can either use cash or your S&S card. If you are going to play any table games, use cash. Otherwise you will be charged a 3% fee.

Even for Bingo? for some reason, I thought that we had to pay cash to get the Bingo Cards.

 

Thanks for responding BTW

Edited April 3, 2014 by CableKC