Embarkation/Debarkation

[Mooses96]

Its been a LONG time since I've been on a cruise, can someone explain to me what exactly happens at embarkation and debarkation? Also, how does it work getting off at ports? None of our ports use tenders.

[Organized Chaos]

At embarkation, you go through the check-in process first. Security scanners, checking your documents, then move on to the check-in desk where they'll issue you your Sign & Sail cards and set up your spending account, things like that. Except, I believe, on the Vista and maybe one other (someone else will have to confirm) they leave your S&S card in the mailbox outside your cabin door now. Once you're finished with check-in, you wait. Wedding parties, Diamond/Platinum, and First To The Fun passengers will be boarded first. Then the rest by your assigned groups.

 

When you arrive at a port of call, there will be an announcement when they are ready to allow passengers off the ship. Since you won't be in a tender port, there isn't much to it. You can deboard right away, wait for the lines to die down, or stay on board. At ports without a tender, they tie off to the pier and you walk right off the ship. Preferably using the gangway. ;p

 

For final debarkation, you'll have the choice to manage your own luggage (called Self Assist) or leave it in the hallway the night before (called Relaxed Debark) and the crew will come get it. You're steward will issue you new luggage tags prior to all of this. Self Assist is supposed to be the faster of the two methods. We did Relaxed by leaving our large suitcases to be picked up, but kept our carry-ons. You'll be assigned a zone number to wait in the morning of debarkation (e.g. main lounge, lobby, Lido, etc.). They'll call the zones when they're ready. If you chose Relaxed Debark, your luggage will be waiting in a staging area in the terminal according to your assigned zone.

[cb at sea]

You must keep at least one bag, if you are putting your bags out the night before...you will need something to put your last night's clothes and toiletries in! After you pick up the rest of your luggage, you can rearrange contents, if needed.

And, don't forget to keep out clothes to wear that last morning!!

[Mooses96]

We're only taking carry-on luggage anyways! So sounds pretty easy then! Haven't been on a cruise in 13+ years, and even then I was only a child so most of it I was completely blind to!

[Organized Chaos]

Hope you have a great time. It'll be a whole new adventure now that you're older. We've only been on one cruise (last year) and loved it. Booked our second one last month, but unfortunately it isn't until June '18. We're taking members of my wife's family. They're all first-timers so it's fun getting to plan with them & talk about what they can expect.

 

 

If you purchase Faster To The Fun, it includes immediate access to your stateroom, meaning it'll be ready as soon as you board. Otherwise they're ready around 1:00-1:30, give or take. We got on board around 12-12:30 and went to Lido for lunch right away to beat the rush. We didn't do FTTF, so we had our carry-ons with us. I know a lot of people don't like doing it that way, but it wasn't so bad. One of us sat at the table and watched the bags while the others got their food. Our room was ready by the time we finished eating and got to it. Any checked luggage will be waiting for you.

[mrsfuzzmo]

Something that may be different than when you went years ago is the document prep. You used to get your docs in the mail and have to fill out all the pages. Now, of course, its all online and has to be done (or should be done) prior to your cruise. After your final payment, you should be all registered, have your credit card account all set, and you'll need to print out your luggage tags. Yes, luggage tags are now just pieces of paper folded in thirds and stapled around your suitcase handle. (Some people buy special holders, but I don't find it necessary). Having everything completed prior to arrival at the port makes your life a whole lot easier. Some cruise lines also have you choose a port arrival time so that you know when you can come into the embarkation building.

 

As far as getting off the ship at ports, just wait for the announcement that the gangway is open and you are free to leave the ship. KNOW your All aboard time and be onboard before that time. You will need to take a photo ID and your ship Key card with you to both get off the ship and get back on the ship.

[Keys2Heaven]

Its been a LONG time since I've been on a cruise, can someone explain to me what exactly happens at embarkation and debarkation? Also, how does it work getting off at ports? None of our ports use tenders.

First, you're tagged as you enter the port. Then, after a thorough security search, you are escorted to another line where you receive your mandatory vaccinations. Next, you recite the Carnival pledge in order to get your S&S card. Then comes the 1/2 mile walk along the gangway to actually board!

 

Have fun!

[SmoothFlying]

Its been a LONG time since I've been on a cruise, can someone explain to me what exactly happens at embarkation and debarkation? Also, how does it work getting off at ports? None of our ports use tenders.

 

Also be sure you DOUBLE CHECK ( might be wise to have your partner check behind you) that you have the correct passports. I have read here where people don't do this and have to jump through hoops to try and make arrangments with family back home to express mail them the necessary passports.It's not the cruise line, but ICE who will deny you boarding. Make sure the cruise docs are identical (especially last names) with the passports. Some forget that a marriage last name change NOT changed on the passport can present a problem. If you do all that others have posted here (hopefully) you will have a FANTASTIC cruise ! Hopefully, not the last.

 

Mac

[RWolver672]

Some cruise lines also have you choose a port arrival time so that you know when you can come into the embarkation building.

 

Most if not all Carnival ports have assigned port arrival times. When you fill out your information online, you will have the option of choosing what time you want to check in. Do not show up before that time as you will not be allowed in the building. You can show up any time after the time you choose, but not before.

 

The only exception is if you are Diamond/Platinum or have purchased Faster to the Fun.