Galveston check-in, first timer-help please!

[get me off land]

I know there has been a ton of info swirling around. Im a first timer, please help me break it down.

1) i leave Sunday on the Magic

2) I have FTTF

3)i want to board ASAP (after weddings diamonds and platinums)

4) my boarding pass says 12:30-1:30

5) i know the advice is "just ignore it" and come at normal time

 

However, what IS normal time?

 

Thanks in advance!

[hungt23]

I believe if you come before 12:30pm, they will not let you board.

 

Edit: my bad. I didn't read that you have FTTF. Please ignore my post.

Edited October 22, 2015 by hungt23
Wrong info

[Bimmie Girl]

normal time for FTTF is 10:30-11:00.............usually boarding begins after the last person has left the ship, which is around 11:30 but has been earlier. Enjoy your cruise.

[Hawaiifrank]

If you want to be boarding right after the wedding parties and Diamond/Platinum, you need to be in the terminal, through check-in and waiting before those groups are allowed to board. Boarding can start as early as 11 am, maybe sooner. Not something I'd do, but if you shoot for arriving by 10 or so, you should be one of the first in line.

 

You may also still be sitting there in the Priority Lounge for a couple of hours. Boarding may not start at 11 or even by 12 noon if there is a delay disembarking last week's pax or if there's extra cleaning needed due to a Noro breakout or something.

 

I try for 11-ish arrival and the line is usually moving, people are already getting onboard and the wait isn't so bad if boarding is delayed.

[Hawaiifrank]

Also, Galveston will be starting a new boarding "assignment" in November, around the 15th depending on the exact cruise dates. You will select your preferred boarding time from a list. When a time slot is "full", it won't be shown on the list. I believe the time slots are 30 minute intervals beginning at 10:30 AM.

 

On Monday, I just did the pre-check-in and printed my docs for our Nov 28th cruise on Carnival Freedom. I selected the second time slot, 11 to 11:30 AM. All slots were still available when I selected my time, however, this selection option just started (the new policy doesn't actually take affect till mid - November) and I expect once it is widely known, the early slots will be gone within days after pre-check-in starts for every cruise.

 

The explanation on the page says you will not be allowed into the terminal until your designated time. You will be accommodated if you arrive later than your time slot, just not earlier.

 

I guess no one paid any attention to the emails they used to send. I know I didn't.

[lccruiser2006]

Also, Galveston will be starting a new boarding "assignment" in November, around the 15th depending on the exact cruise dates. You will select your preferred boarding time from a list. When a time slot is "full", it won't be shown on the list. I believe the time slots are 30 minute intervals beginning at 10:30 AM.

 

On Monday, I just did the pre-check-in and printed my docs for our Nov 28th cruise on Carnival Freedom. I selected the second time slot, 11 to 11:30 AM. All slots were still available when I selected my time, however, this selection option just started (the new policy doesn't actually take affect till mid - November) and I expect once it is widely known, the early slots will be gone within days after pre-check-in starts for every cruise.

 

The explanation on the page says you will not be allowed into the terminal until your designated time. You will be accommodated if you arrive later than your time slot, just not earlier.

 

I guess no one paid any attention to the emails they used to send. I know I didn't.

 

OP is sailing in October not November

[whaletaillover]

We normally get to the pier around 10am and usually on board between 11 and 11:30 with fttf.

[DobberDog]

I know there has been a ton of info swirling around. Im a first timer, please help me break it down.

1) i leave Sunday on the Magic

2) I have FTTF

3)i want to board ASAP (after weddings diamonds and platinums)

4) my boarding pass says 12:30-1:30

5) i know the advice is "just ignore it" and come at normal time

 

However, what IS normal time?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Please keep in mind that we have a large storm system creeping up the coast and are supposed to get 4-5 inches of rain out of over the weekend. There is already some coastal flooding in Galveston area. Harborside Dr (runs in front of the terminal) tends to hold water pretty well and will be a MESS. Also, just so you are aware, if you are coming in the night before, they just started construction (repaving the shoulders) on I-45 between FM 96 (League City) and FM 517 (Dickinson) This is like 2 miles maybe and the construction is ONLY occurring after dark in the evenings. This just started today so while its a small project, i dont see it being completed before the weekend.

[watermelonqueen99]

We have sailed out of Galveston 3 times, always with FTTF. We get to the terminal around 10:00, and we are always on board by noon. And yes, if you have FTTF, ignore the email telling you when to arrive.

Edited October 23, 2015 by watermelonqueen99

[LibratPDX]

Also, Galveston will be starting a new boarding "assignment" in November, around the 15th depending on the exact cruise dates. You will select your preferred boarding time from a list. When a time slot is "full", it won't be shown on the list. I believe the time slots are 30 minute intervals beginning at 10:30 AM.

 

On Monday, I just did the pre-check-in and printed my docs for our Nov 28th cruise on Carnival Freedom. I selected the second time slot, 11 to 11:30 AM. All slots were still available when I selected my time, however, this selection option just started (the new policy doesn't actually take affect till mid - November) and I expect once it is widely known, the early slots will be gone within days after pre-check-in starts for every cruise.

 

The explanation on the page says you will not be allowed into the terminal until your designated time. You will be accommodated if you arrive later than your time slot, just not earlier.

 

I guess no one paid any attention to the emails they used to send. I know I didn't.

 

I don't get how this will work with FTTF...............and I hope the other ports don't follow suit!

[get me off land]

Please keep in mind that we have a large storm system creeping up the coast and are supposed to get 4-5 inches of rain out of over the weekend. There is already some coastal flooding in Galveston area. Harborside Dr (runs in front of the terminal) tends to hold water pretty well and will be a MESS. Also, just so you are aware, if you are coming in the night before, they just started construction (repaving the shoulders) on I-45 between FM 96 (League City) and FM 517 (Dickinson) This is like 2 miles maybe and the construction is ONLY occurring after dark in the evenings. This just started today so while its a small project, i dont see it being completed before the weekend.

 

Thanks for the info, we are flying in from MI and taking a shuttle so other than a longer shuttle ride i shouldnt have to worry :)

[Colsen0924]

Also, Galveston will be starting a new boarding "assignment" in November, around the 15th depending on the exact cruise dates. You will select your preferred boarding time from a list. When a time slot is "full", it won't be shown on the list. I believe the time slots are 30 minute intervals beginning at 10:30 AM.

 

On Monday, I just did the pre-check-in and printed my docs for our Nov 28th cruise on Carnival Freedom. I selected the second time slot, 11 to 11:30 AM. All slots were still available when I selected my time, however, this selection option just started (the new policy doesn't actually take affect till mid - November) and I expect once it is widely known, the early slots will be gone within days after pre-check-in starts for every cruise.

 

The explanation on the page says you will not be allowed into the terminal until your designated time. You will be accommodated if you arrive later than your time slot, just not earlier.

 

I guess no one paid any attention to the emails they used to send. I know I didn't.

 

Thanks for sharing this useful information - I don't think I would have been aware of this policy change otherwise since I've completed my check-in :)

Edited October 23, 2015 by Colsen0924

[tkportersat]

As Platinum I normally get to the terminal around 11am. Last time my parents had FTTF they boarded about 10 minutes after we did. Get there any earlier and you may just be sitting in chairs.

 

I know there has been a ton of info swirling around. Im a first timer, please help me break it down.

1) i leave Sunday on the Magic

2) I have FTTF

3)i want to board ASAP (after weddings diamonds and platinums)

4) my boarding pass says 12:30-1:30

5) i know the advice is "just ignore it" and come at normal time

 

However, what IS normal time?

 

Thanks in advance!

[IPlayWithString]

I believe if you come before 12:30pm, they will not let you board.

 

Edit: my bad. I didn't read that you have FTTF. Please ignore my post.

 

 

It also depends on whether or not you have special needs guests in your party. We've never boarded later than about 11 am or so because they usually take us right past the plat/diamond/wedding party and escort us straight to guest services.

[Hawaiifrank]

OP is sailing in October not November

 

I see that now after reading right past "sailing Sunday". Nevertheless, I did mention the start date and hope the information will be useful to others as well.

 

 

 

 

 

I don't get how this will work with FTTF...............and I hope the other ports don't follow suit!

 

I too wonder how this will work with FTTF. I've never bought FTTF myself so I don't know how it works now. I've heard the Sail Away pass, or whatever it's called, is marked somehow so the door keeper knows to let them in anytime. I suppose Platinum and Diamond VIFP Level check-in sheet is also marked for priority boarding as well. Suites too, or is that another cruise line?

[jh2360]

I see that now after reading right past "sailing Sunday". Nevertheless, I did mention the start date and hope the information will be useful to others as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I too wonder how this will work with FTTF. I've never bought FTTF myself so I don't know how it works now. I've heard the Sail Away pass, or whatever it's called, is marked somehow so the door keeper knows to let them in anytime. I suppose Platinum and Diamond VIFP Level check-in sheet is also marked for priority boarding as well. Suites too, or is that another cruise line?

 

The information for this is both readily available and has been discussed extensively here.