Embarkation process at Long Beach

[wlfarm]

We will be sailing on Carnival Pride from Long Beach November 13. I have read several postings and am confused about the embarkation process. I have read about early check in at Queen Mary. Do you actually go on the Queen Mary ship to check in. What benefit does early check in give you? Do you get to board earlier? I've read about "the dome". What is the dome and what do you do there? Is there anything to do during the downtime from check in until boarding?

What time should we plan to get there for the easiest boarding? Lastly, is there any place nearby where you can purchase wine to carry on board?

 

Also, we are staying at Beach House hotel at Hermosa Beach the day before.

Any suggestions on things to do?

 

Thanks!

[cherylandtk]

1. yes, on QM

2. you can check in instead of waiting around 3 or 4 hours for regular check in to open

3 yes

4. The dome is the terminal

5 not really unless you wander around ports o call.

6. easiest boarding is always the 1.5 hours before sailing, but most folks don't like to wait that long.

7 don't know about wine.

 

Did you read the post by Phroggie? was very detailed. Here is the link again:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=234342

[southbayer]

Was on Paradise in May, and going again myself Nov 14th.... See my review on cruise critic for "Paradise", it should apply to Pride embarkation procedures too... Gives you step by step instructions and explains details... Have fun :D

[glrounds]

I'm sure all this may seem a bit daunting to you, but it will all be crystal clear once you get to the port.

 

When you get to the port you'll immediately notice the QUEEN MARY (huge black and white ship with smokestacks :D ) berthed next to the PRIDE. As you come out of the parking garage or get off the bus your checked luggage will be taken from you. You'll see signs and sometimes Carnival reps directing you to her. Once you enter the QUEEN MARY you'll be directed to EARLY CHECK-IN. This process eliminates a lot of paperwork and allows for speedy movement through embarkation which takes place in the DOME. Early check-in allows you to stand in (presumably) a shorter line for embarkation. It also speeds up the process once you get into the DOME.

As you enter the DOME, a large white geodesic hemisphere (which used to house the "Spruce Goose", a huge plywood bomber built by Howard Hughest during World War II), your carry-on luggage will go through the x-ray machines, they'll take "Welcome Aboard" pics of you, and issue you your Sail'n'Sign cards while taking another pic of you. From there to the gangway which takes you to the ship, entering on the deck that has the lobby atrium bar. From there you go to your cabin, or the buffet for lunch, or to one of a zillion bars for a drink ! ! :)

If you have any questions during any part of this process there will be about 2200 people that can answer your questions. About half of them will be right (47% of PRIDE cruisers are on their first cruise) ! :D

Enjoy, but be warned, cruising is incredibly addictive ! ! ;)