Assigned check in...you got to be kidding me

[HamSammie]

What do they do to the people that choose an early check in and don't show up an hour after their schedule time?

 

Nothing. You can check-in anything during or after your scheduled check-in time.

[fdwt994]

I am not going to flame the OP, I've hated the thought of this check in time stuff from the beginning for the very reasons OP has going on right now, what if you have multiple family cabins? What if your hotel boots you out at 11 am? What if you arrive early because you drove several hours to your port allowing a few hours extra in case of car trouble? Carnival's check in crap suits them NOT their customers. I may have to conform but I don't have to like it. ;)

 

No disrespect, but I think Carnival is doing it to make the experience better for their guests. I have yet to experience the staggered check-in, but to me it makes sense for people to arrive spread out over a few hours rather than 75% of the people all at the same time. Nobody likes huge crowds. When we did the online check-in a month ago (cruising next month), ALL times were available so we chose exactly the time we wanted.

[KatieCharlotte]

No disrespect, but I think Carnival is doing it to make the experience better for their guests. I have yet to experience the staggered check-in, but to me it makes sense for people to arrive spread out over a few hours rather than 75% of the people all at the same time. Nobody likes huge crowds. When we did the online check-in a month ago (cruising next month), ALL times were available so we chose exactly the time we wanted.

 

Either everyone gets the times they want, or the crowds are spread out more than before. It can't be both. :confused:

[LMaxwell]

Last time I checked in at POM there was maybe 40 check in windows but less than 25 agents working. Clearly this is an issue that could have been solved by throwing more bodies at the problem, which would have been better from a customer service perspective.

 

Staggering check in times is a cop out by Carnival. It just is.

 

SOMEONE has to get stuck with the later times eventually.

[PC Cruisin]

Another slap in the face for Gold card members! :mad:

[jimbo5544]

Either everyone gets the times they want, or the crowds are spread out more than before. It can't be both. :confused:

 

 

All in perception. The facts are it makes the process work better....period.

[jimbo5544]

Another slap in the face for Gold card members! :mad:

 

 

... Well that's one way to look at it. The other is that they offer special perks for Diamonds and plats (and VIP such as weddings) and everyone else plays by the rules. The embarkation process works better and everybody has a much better embarkation process (including gold, blue and red).

Edited February 14, 2016 by jimbo5544

[LMaxwell]

All in perception. The facts are it makes the process work better....period.

 

Better for who in particular?

[jimbo5544]

Last time I checked in at POM there was maybe 40 check in windows but less than 25 agents working. Clearly this is an issue that could have been solved by throwing more bodies at the problem, which would have been better from a customer service perspective.

 

 

 

Staggering check in times is a cop out by Carnival. It just is.

 

 

 

SOMEONE has to get stuck with the later times eventually.

 

 

I agree more or less with the last statement. While I do not know this for fact, I think the backup is due to people waiting to get on the ship, not the checkin process. When 3000 people show up at 10:30, check in and have to wait 2 hours to board it is a nightmare. Their creating checkin times is an effort to manage people waiting to board. Your solution gets everybody checked in and then wait, and wait, and wait.

Edited February 14, 2016 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

Better for who in particular?

 

 

For everyone, including diamonds, plats and VIP's. Do you think I enjoy going through a crowd of unhappy people to board the ship? We have been in two delayed boarding situations where some cruisers, when they started boarding rushed the agents with the diamonds and plats. The poor workers were in shock. Not a pretty sight, to say the least.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Can't believe all the consternation that appears on these boards when check-in times are mentioned in whatever context.

 

What does early check-in and boarding actually get for someone? The only thing I can think of is lunch on the lido made up of the last' cruise left-overs, since supplies are still being boarded until just before sail away.

 

Shops aren't open, casino is closed, for other than a handful no one has access to their cabins. Other than summer months its usually too cool to use the pools, besides who wants to strip in the public restrooms.

 

There isn't any entertainment, excursion desk is crowded from the get-go, so is passenger services. Alcohol isn't any cheaper the earlier you board. The maitre'd doesn't open for business until well after 1.

 

We have always checked-in at 1:30 and been on board 20 minutes after heading into the terminal. Still plenty of time for lunch, our rooms are ready, the initial log jams at the service desks are down to a crawl (though we've never had to use them), reservations for spa services are still wide open, reservations at the pay for restaurants have no way filled up...and, amazingly, there is still plenty of booze to go around.

[PC Cruisin]

Can't believe all the consternation that appears on these boards when check-in times are mentioned in whatever context.

 

What does early check-in and boarding actually get for someone? The only thing I can think of is lunch on the lido made up of the last' cruise left-overs, since supplies are still being boarded until just before sail away.

 

Shops aren't open, casino is closed, for other than a handful no one has access to their cabins. Other than summer months its usually too cool to use the pools, besides who wants to strip in the public restrooms.

 

There isn't any entertainment, excursion desk is crowded from the get-go, so is passenger services. Alcohol isn't any cheaper the earlier you board. The maitre'd doesn't open for business until well after 1.

 

We have always checked-in at 1:30 and been on board 20 minutes after heading into the terminal. Still plenty of time for lunch, our rooms are ready, the initial log jams at the service desks are down to a crawl (though we've never had to use them), reservations for spa services are still wide open, reservations at the pay for restaurants have no way filled up...and, amazingly, there is still plenty of booze to go around.

 

As I see it, I am paying for this day and I shouldn't be told what time I can board. First impressions will make or break your cruise!

[cruizinisthebest]

As I see it, I am paying for this day and I shouldn't be told what time I can board. First impressions will make or break your cruise!

 

So is everyone else. And like I had to remind my 7-year old yesterday, everybody can't go first.

[PC Cruisin]

For everyone, including diamonds, plats and VIP's. Do you think I enjoy going through a crowd of unhappy people to board the ship? We have been in two delayed boarding situations where some cruisers, when they started boarding rushed the agents with the diamonds and plats. The poor workers were in shock. Not a pretty sight, to say the least.

 

People will still be unhappy waiting outside the door waiting for their schedule time to enter the boarding gates. They will still rush to the agents to board. I have never seen an unhappy worker. They always greet everyone with smiles. I bet you are a platinum/diamond card holder and like this idea to be first to board and look back at the rest of us low card holders like we deserve this huge mess.

Edited February 14, 2016 by PC Cruisin

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

As I see it, I am paying for this day and I shouldn't be told what time I can board. First impressions will make or break your cruise!

 

Then you should be standing on the pier when the boat docks and demanding your rights for the "day" you paid for at 7 in the morning. Does that work well for you at hotels when check-in is at 3 and check-out is at eleven. Curious as to how many times they reimburse you for those 4 hours.

[PC Cruisin]

Then you should be standing on the pier when the boat docks and demanding your rights for the "day" you paid for at 7 in the morning. Does that work well for you at hotels when check-in is at 3 and check-out is at eleven. Curious as to how many times they reimburse you for those 4 hours.

 

I worked in the hospitality business for 10 years at a hotel front desk and would never turn away a customer for showing up early to check in. If I had a room clean, I would check them in and not charge them extra or tell them to come back later for our check in time :rolleyes:

[jimbo5544]

People will still be unhappy waiting outside the door waiting for their schedule time to enter the boarding gates. They will still rush to the agents to board. I have never seen an unhappy worker. They always greet everyone with smiles. I bet you are a platinum/diamond card holder and like this idea to be first to board and look back at the rest of us low card holders like we deserve this huge mess.

 

 

......... Yeah that's exactly what we do. We all kick puppies out in the rain also....really? People could do as you say.....or they can follow rules, show when they are assigned and make the embarkation process enjoyable...imagine that! For the record, this is what most cruise lines already do. That being said I do agree that agents always smile as do all their employees, it's their best asset. People can gripe and complain about being cheated out a meal, or its their "cruise". Again you can join them, or embrace a little change that makes the embarkation process better....and again better for everybody.

[HectorAchilleus]

Can't believe all the consternation that appears on these boards when check-in times are mentioned in whatever context.

 

What does early check-in and boarding actually get for someone? The only thing I can think of is lunch on the lido made up of the last' cruise left-overs, since supplies are still being boarded until just before sail away.

 

Shops aren't open, casino is closed, for other than a handful no one has access to their cabins. Other than summer months its usually too cool to use the pools, besides who wants to strip in the public restrooms.

 

There isn't any entertainment, excursion desk is crowded from the get-go, so is passenger services. Alcohol isn't any cheaper the earlier you board. The maitre'd doesn't open for business until well after 1.

 

 

 

We have always checked-in at 1:30 and been on board 20 minutes after heading into the terminal. Still plenty of time for lunch, our rooms are ready, the initial log jams at the service desks are down to a crawl (though we've never had to use them), reservations for spa services are still wide open, reservations at the pay for restaurants have no way filled up...and, amazingly, there is still plenty of booze to go around.

 

This post makes too much sense! Are you sure you want to post it on CC?

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

I worked in the hospitality business for 10 years at a hotel front desk and would never turn away a customer for showing up early to check in. If I had a room clean, I would check them in and not charge them extra or tell them to come back later for our check in time :rolleyes:

 

Guess your hotel wasn't very busy.:D

[jimbo5544]

I worked in the hospitality business for 10 years at a hotel front desk and would never turn away a customer for showing up early to check in. If I had a room clean, I would check them in and not charge them extra or tell them to come back later for our check in time :rolleyes:

 

 

Did you have to check in 3000 people in an hour? For the record, your response is an anomaly for the vast majority of front desks I have experienced.

[fdwt994]

Either everyone gets the times they want, or the crowds are spread out more than before. It can't be both. :confused:

 

 

What I'm trying to say is, if one is choosy about a specific time, then complete the online check in as soon as you can and you should have all times available to choose from. My family and I will arrive at the terminal around 1pm with the hopes that boarding has already begun., thus less wait times . We chose 12:30-1:00 check-in time.

[jimbo5544]

as i see it, i am paying for this day and i shouldn't be told what time i can board. First impressions will make or break your cruise!

 

 

i knew it!

[PC Cruisin]

Guess your hotel wasn't very busy.:D

 

If you don't know the facts, you shouldn't response. You don't know what hotel I work for and how demanding our clientele is ;)

[jimbo5544]

What I'm trying to say is, if one is choosy about a specific time, then complete the online check in as soon as you can and you should have all times available to choose from. My family and I will arrive at the terminal around 1pm with the hopes that boarding has already begun., thus less wait times . We chose 12:30-1:00 check-in time.

 

 

Exactly!

[PC Cruisin]

Did you have to check in 3000 people in an hour? For the record, your response is an anomaly for the vast majority of front desks I have experienced.

 

Groups come in together and yes, I have checked in a high majority people at one time. Of course not like Carnival since hotel hours are totally different from cruise hours since the ship leaves at a certain time ;)

Edited February 14, 2016 by PC Cruisin