Freedom embarkation 3-20-16

[jadmiral]

The four of us arrived at port garage around 10:30. The best port parking by far! You line up on the lower level as the attendants direct you to the next available Porter. We unloaded our bags then drove upstairs to park. We prepaid $120 for the week so you just have to scan you receipt to get in. We got on elevator and walk into terminal. This was all done under cover, so rain would never be a factor. Security was great and fast. You proceed upstairs and get in line to agent counter. The process was fast and we received our Sea Pass cards and boarding number, We had White 15, within 15 minutes. Now you stand around until they call your number. This was very puzzling To us Because they call you in order of arrival. By 11 they were calling gold numbers 1-15. The speaker system was garbled so it was difficult to hear what number they are up to. Everyone was standing around making it difficult for people to get through. Now keep in mind that you had to swipe your sea pass card in order to enter gangway so we could not understand the need for number calling. It was already on a first come first serve basis and priority boarding had their own line. There are TV screens all over the terminal but they are not being used for announcing the gold numbers. By 11:30 it was time to call white numbers and, low and behold, these numbers appeared on the screen making it very easy to know when it's your turn. If you show up to terminal before 11 you are going up sit there until your number is called. I can't understand why you just can't get online after you receive you sea pass cards. You still have to scan you card and that's where the crowd control comes in. No need for a numbering system. If you show up last, you board last, you don't need a number to tell you that. All in all we were on ship in less than an hour from the time we pulled into garage. Now about off site parking. Yes you will pay less, however you will pay for 8 days. Yes 8! You are charged for the day you leave. So think about it, you pay for the day you leave and others are being charged for arriving, so technically the lot is making double on Sunday's! But hey, it's a free economy right? Just keep in mind you will be paying more than $80 for a week, only if you pay online, otherwise it's more. That's less than a $40 saving over the terminal garage. AND, you don't have to wait to be picked up. If anything, at least drop off you bags before heading to the off site lots. This way you don't have to "shlep" all that stuff on a mini bus. Good luck!

[Woodmnky]

The four of us arrived at port garage around 10:30. The best port parking by far! You line up on the lower level as the attendants direct you to the next available Porter. We unloaded our bags then drove upstairs to park. We prepaid $120 for the week so you just have to scan you receipt to get in. We got on elevator and walk into terminal. This was all done under cover, so rain would never be a factor. Security was great and fast. You proceed upstairs and get in line to agent counter. The process was fast and we received our Sea Pass cards and boarding number, We had White 15, within 15 minutes. Now you stand around until they call your number. This was very puzzling To us Because they call you in order of arrival. By 11 they were calling gold numbers 1-15. The speaker system was garbled so it was difficult to hear what number they are up to. Everyone was standing around making it difficult for people to get through. Now keep in mind that you had to swipe your sea pass card in order to enter gangway so we could not understand the need for number calling. It was already on a first come first serve basis and priority boarding had their own line. There are TV screens all over the terminal but they are not being used for announcing the gold numbers. By 11:30 it was time to call white numbers and, low and behold, these numbers appeared on the screen making it very easy to know when it's your turn. If you show up to terminal before 11 you are going up sit there until your number is called. I can't understand why you just can't get online after you receive you sea pass cards. You still have to scan you card and that's where the crowd control comes in. No need for a numbering system. If you show up last, you board last, you don't need a number to tell you that. All in all we were on ship in less than an hour from the time we pulled into garage. Now about off site parking. Yes you will pay less, however you will pay for 8 days. Yes 8! You are charged for the day you leave. So think about it, you pay for the day you leave and others are being charged for arriving, so technically the lot is making double on Sunday's! But hey, it's a free economy right? Just keep in mind you will be paying more than $80 for a week, only if you pay online, otherwise it's more. That's less than a $40 saving over the terminal garage. AND, you don't have to wait to be picked up. If anything, at least drop off you bags before heading to the off site lots. This way you don't have to "shlep" all that stuff on a mini bus. Good luck!

Thanks for the updated info. Last year we arrived at the terminal for Freedom about 10:30 and had a similar experience parking, getting checked in and such. I read another review recently that said the person wasn't allowed to drop off their luggage until after 11, but it sounds like that is not a constant and maybe just for their week. We will still plan on being to the port early because it beats sitting around a hotel waiting to go.

 

Also, I am in complete agreement about parking in the garage at the terminal. I am very thrifty, but it is so convenient. We have a 10 hour drive after leaving the terminal so getting on the road quicker and in a less stressful manner if worth it to us.

[BeckyUK97]

Do you recommend the pre-paying for the garage? We have considered pre paying but now think we just want to wait until we get there. Is there a chance that the garage could fill up?

[OCEANCATS]

Does pre-paying save any $$$?

[Clarea]

Thanks for the feedback.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for your report.