How long after check in do you actually board

[CruisinRD1976]

My family, including 2 young kids, will be sailing on the Pride out of baltimore on Sunday. We have a suite and our check in time is 12:30 to 1. Will there be a long time that we have to wait to get on the ship in the terminal after we check in? I am wondering if we should actually come later just so we don't have to entertain the kids in the terminal! We are driving into on Saturday so we can really come anytime. Thank you!

[bluejay555]

I'd probably get there at the actual check in time. We experienced the staggered check in times last year for the first time (new orleans) and we got right on board after checking in. Not sure how efficient Baltimore port is, but I can't imagine you'd have to wait that long!

[riclop]

It varies.

[Kamloops50]

Sometimes suites are the first to board regardless of the staggered time for your deck.

[springs741]

Sometimes suites are the first to board regardless of the staggered time for your deck.

Not on Carnival. The order is Wedding parties, Diamond, Platinum, FTTF and the Suite guests follow by boarding zones.

[mexicobob]

Three weeks ago we waited (in The French Quarter) to the last minute to board our cruise out of New Orleans. We were the only passengers in the terminal and boarded immediately after check in. Highly recommend boarding late.

[glrounds]

Back in the day when there were only 25-50 Platinums per cruise, I boarded right after the handicapped and weddings (was one of the first 50 or so) . . . now there are roomfuls of Platinums and Diamonds and it takes much longer. :D

[maryred]

Actually Suites board before FttF, as they get to wait in the Priority Lounge with the Diamonds and Platinum passengers, and those with FttF don't wait in the lounge.

 

In Baltimore the Pride usually docks around 9 am, and debarkation starts about 30 minutes later. Because of how small the parking area is generally they do not allow new passengers, even with priority, to enter the parking lot until the majority of the disembarking passengers have removed their cars. In many cases this will not be until about 2-3 hours after the Pride docks. For those being dropped off by family/friends, cab or shuttle unless holding a priority boarding pass they will make you wait outside the terminal for the staggered check-in time selected before proceeding to the security and check-in process.

 

At any port boarding will commence boarding new passengers about 3-5 hours after the ship docks, dependent on the ship's size. The Pride is a medium sized ship expect the ship to begin boarding the priority passengers already waiting in the terminal about 3.5-4 hours after docking if things go well with disembarkation and the various government mandated inspections or tours. If things go wrong or extra inspections are required to be done it could be longer, but terminal must finish boarding about 60-75 minutes prior to sail away that muster can be held on schedule.

 

The OP will need to think about if they wish to be on board early before the majority of passengers board and having a possible wait in the priority lounge, or if they wish to use their suite priority to be able to bypass the longer general boarding lines and walk on right after finishing at the check-in desk. Also if the OP decides to go later than the check-in time on their boarding pass they DO NOT need to change the time in their cruise manage.

[JMAE]

Been on the Pride 5 times, 6th in April. If you are within driving distance I would monitor the ship

 

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[JMAE]

Been on the Pride 5 times, 6th in April. If you are within driving distance I would monitor the ship in the morning and determine when to arrive.

 

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Back in the day when there were only 25-50 Platinums per cruise, I boarded right after the handicapped and weddings (was one of the first 50 or so) . . . now there are roomfuls of Platinums and Diamonds and it takes much longer. :D

 

 

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[thephillykid]

With kids, I would plan on arriving to the port between 1 and 2. By that time, you will be sure that the boarding process has started and you won't have to wait that long to get on.

Howard

[hobster7]

You have a suite and by definition priority boarding. The check-in times are for those without proliority boarding and therefore do not apply to you.

 

That being said, the one time I left out of Baltimore I had FTTF and boarded at 11:30.

 

If I were you, I would get to the terminal at 11 and once through the check-in process you should be able to walk right on.

 

I would NOT get there after 12, because unless you are very late, you will be right in the pack with the rest of the masses.

 

 

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[cb at sea]

If you get there AFTER boarding has started, you will get in line to "check in", and then board!

[Nic6318]

You have a suite and by definition priority boarding. The check-in times are for those without proliority boarding and therefore do not apply to you.

 

That being said, the one time I left out of Baltimore I had FTTF and boarded at 11:30.

 

If I were you, I would get to the terminal at 11 and once through the check-in process you should be able to walk right on.

 

I would NOT get there after 12, because unless you are very late, you will be right in the pack with the rest of the masses.

 

 

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Hi there

 

Did you notice...the OP said they had a check in time for 12:30-1. If they arrive at the terminal before 12:30 they will not be allowed into the terminal building until after 12:30. That would defeat the purpose of arriving earlier.

 

To the OP, If you arrived at your scheduled time, the ship will likely be already boarding. So after you finish your check in process you will not have to wait too long to board. I would however suggest that (if convenient for you) you try to come a little later 1-1:30 p.m. You will be able to check in right away, the crowds would be thinning somewhat, you will not have any wait to board and by then your cabin will also likely be ready for you to enter. (if you are too early the cabin may not be ready)

 

hope this helps

have a great cruise

[evandbob]

Hi there

 

Did you notice...the OP said they had a check in time for 12:30-1. If they arrive at the terminal before 12:30 they will not be allowed into the terminal building until after 12:30. That would defeat the purpose of arriving earlier.

 

To the OP, If you arrived at your scheduled time, the ship will likely be already boarding. So after you finish your check in process you will not have to wait too long to board. I would however suggest that (if convenient for you) you try to come a little later 1-1:30 p.m. You will be able to check in right away, the crowds would be thinning somewhat, you will not have any wait to board and by then your cabin will also likely be ready for you to enter. (if you are too early the cabin may not be ready)

 

hope this helps

have a great cruise

 

Since they have a suite, they can ignore the boarding time on their pass - suites get priority boarding. Per Carnival:

 

Suite

 

Get all the comforts of home and then some, with absolutely none of the hassles. the priority when it comes to getting on and off the shSince your suite gives you VIip. Plus, you’ll receive a ton of exclusive amenities making this the ultimate way to cruise. Get comfy… stretch out, put your feet up, or just spend time on your balcony — you’ve got one of our most spacious rooms.P status, you’re

[Souper Cruiser]

Evanbob

The Pride is not due into port till 10 am and the earliest check-in is 12:30 pm. So arriving earlier than 12:30 pm would not be a good idea.

CruisinRD1976: I suggest you arrive around 1 pm and you should be in good shape.

 

 

 

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[Nic6318]

Since they have a suite, they can ignore the boarding time on their pass - suites get priority boarding. Per Carnival:

 

Suite

 

Get all the comforts of home and then some, with absolutely none of the hassles. the priority when it comes to getting on and off the shSince your suite gives you VIip. Plus, you’ll receive a ton of exclusive amenities making this the ultimate way to cruise. Get comfy… stretch out, put your feet up, or just spend time on your balcony — you’ve got one of our most spacious rooms.P status, you’re

 

Hi

 

Good point...missed that.

 

thank you

[hobster7]

Hi there

 

Did you notice...the OP said they had a check in time for 12:30-1. If they arrive at the terminal before 12:30 they will not be allowed into the terminal building until after 12:30. That would defeat the purpose of arriving earlier.

 

To the OP, If you arrived at your scheduled time, the ship will likely be already boarding. So after you finish your check in process you will not have to wait too long to board. I would however suggest that (if convenient for you) you try to come a little later 1-1:30 p.m. You will be able to check in right away, the crowds would be thinning somewhat, you will not have any wait to board and by then your cabin will also likely be ready for you to enter. (if you are too early the cabin may not be ready)

 

hope this helps

have a great cruise

 

 

 

I did notice.

 

Did you read the rules for Suites ?

 

The OP CAN and SHOULD arrive much earlier than that as I said in my original post.

 

 

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[garmar73]

My wife and I went through the Baltimore Cruise Terminal the first part of January of this year. Prior to check-in, examine your Boarding Passes to see if the word "PRIORITY" is somewhere on the pass. If you have booked a suite it should be present. According to CCL rules, even though you have a specified check-in time; you may check-in at your convenience. Also be advised that check-in time is not the same as boarding time. Following arrival and dropping off your bags at the Porters, you will proceed to the terminal where you will find two entrances. One is for General Boarding and the other for "PRIORITY" Boarding Pass holders. Proceed to the Priority entrance and you will be escorted to the Priority Check-in counter. Once checked-in you will be told to have a seat in a "waiting room" (no "lounge" is present) to wait until actual boarding begins. When the ship is ready to board, you will be called and board in the following order; wedding parties, Diamond, Platinum, Suites and FTTF. General Boarding will follow these groups according to group number. Also be advised that unless you are Diamond, Platinum or purchased FTTF; you will not have early access to your cabin or have expedited luggage delivery. After you are on board the remainder is up to you. Have a great cruise!!

[Souper Cruiser]

Hobster7

Did you notice what time the ship is docking? 10:00 am. So how much earlier, than the earliest check-in time of 12:30 pm, are you advising them to arrive?? You are giving bad advice.

I am on the same ship today so I will let you know what happens.

[emoji106]

 

 

 

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[CruisinRD1976]

Thanks for the replies and the helpful information. We are in baltimore now, planning to get to the terminal closer to 1 and see how it goes. The kids will be waiting somewhere so I guess it doesn't really matter how long it takes. Just can't wait to get on the ship! Thanks again, this board provides so much helpful info for a newbie cruiser!

[hobster7]

10am is what time it's due in this week. I was giving general rules of arrival for a suite holder leaving out of Baltimore.

 

Obviously, one should adjust their time based on any related delayed arrival by the ship. Ship is always SCHEDULED to be in between 8-9am.

 

 

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[fair-winds39]

Does anyone know if the Carnival Pride gangway is repaired yet, or are folks still boarding from the lower deck? Thanks in advance for any info.

[Souper Cruiser]

The gangway was not working last Sunday and we entered from the lower deck.

 

 

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[First and Ten]

Three weeks ago we waited (in The French Quarter) to the last minute to board our cruise out of New Orleans. We were the only passengers in the terminal and boarded immediately after check in. Highly recommend boarding late.

 

 

Bob, I have found that is some of the best advice for cruising....SHOW UP LATE to embark....People showing up at 10 am, its literally a cattle drive, elbow to elbow....Show up at 2 pm and there will literally be more Carnival workers in the terminal than there are passengers....The room is ready, the buffet will have plenty of food and you can still get your "Drink of the Day" :D