Someone explain the boarding time thing to me

[CruiserMiami]

Now that I think of it, there was one time when they didn't use the cards and were writing the boarding zones on the boarding passes with green markers. That's when I heard it was because people were stashing the low zone numbers in their bags for next time and just piggy backing off of someone else's in their group that had a card.

 

Back in the days (2 years ago) when everyone had to go up to the counter to get their keys, the check-in agents would take everyone's boarding pass and stamp it with the Boarding Zone Number (except priority).

When the Vista came and they started implementing the new boarding procedure with the keys onboard they started giving out the paper boarding zone number cards at the door of the terminal. Priority, Special Assistance, Airport Check-in, or FTTF would receive this card without a boarding zone number on the backside. Everyone else had the number printed on the back. It used to be that Carnival didn't collect them at all. They then started collecting them before boarding and reusing them but since they were a cardstock paper they weren't very durable.

They now give out a blue plastic card with the zone number on the front, at the entrance of the terminal and collect it when boarding.

This is how it works in Miami, where I have worked for 5 years.

[firemanbobswife]

Back in the days (2 years ago) when everyone had to go up to the counter to get their keys, the check-in agents would take everyone's boarding pass and stamp it with the Boarding Zone Number (except priority).

When the Vista came and they started implementing the new boarding procedure with the keys onboard they started giving out the paper boarding zone number cards at the door of the terminal. Priority, Special Assistance, Airport Check-in, or FTTF would receive this card without a boarding zone number on the backside. Everyone else had the number printed on the back. It used to be that Carnival didn't collect them at all. They then started collecting them before boarding and reusing them but since they were a cardstock paper they weren't very durable.

They now give out a blue plastic card with the zone number on the front, at the entrance of the terminal and collect it when boarding.

This is how it works in Miami, where I have worked for 5 years.

Interesting. I can only say what I have experienced on Vista last March which is where my friends got the same card as me with no number on the back.

 

All the other times I have been on Glory (9 total since 2013 - 7 out of Miami) they have had the rectangle boarding cards with the exception of October which was the only time on Glory that the cards were in the mailbox for me and the time when I saw them writing on the Boarding Passes. I specifically remember the cards because I saw a lady put hers in her carry on bag. When her friend asked her why she said she does it every cruise so in case she gets a high number next time she can use it and that she will just walk on with her and say they were together so they only needed the one pass.

 

I understand that it has changed again now that they follow the Vista's process of cards in the mailboxes. I'm just stating what I experienced on Vista last March and the way it was for my cruises before Glory adopted that procedure last year. Maybe the agent gave my friends the wrong card. I don't know. But I appreciate the info!

[CruiserMiami]

Interesting. I can only say what I have experienced on Vista last March which is where my friends got the same card as me with no number on the back.

 

All the other times I have been on Glory (9 total since 2013 - 7 out of Miami) they have had the rectangle boarding cards with the exception of October which was the only time on Glory that the cards were in the mailbox for me and the time when I saw them writing on the Boarding Passes. I specifically remember the cards because I saw a lady put hers in her carry on bag. When her friend asked her why she said she does it every cruise so in case she gets a high number next time she can use it and that she will just walk on with her and say they were together so they only needed the one pass.

 

I understand that it has changed again now that they follow the Vista's process of cards in the mailboxes. I'm just stating what I experienced on Vista last March and the way it was for my cruises before Glory adopted that procedure last year. Maybe the agent gave my friends the wrong card. I don't know. But I appreciate the info!

 

Are you referring to the card you posted a picture of on Post #40? If so, those cards were rolled out with the new boarding procedure. Before then they would either stamp your boarding pass (non-priority guests) or give out a card.

Maybe your friend, who I believe you mentioned was not Priority, got an empty card because they either came in the priority line with you or boarding was already open to "All Guests."

Well they've done away with those cards and use something like they used to a while ago.

Now they give out something like this, color coded for ships:

[firemanbobswife]

Are you referring to the card you posted a picture of on Post #40? If so, those cards were rolled out with the new boarding procedure. Before then they would either stamp your boarding pass (non-priority guests) or give out a card.

Maybe your friend, who I believe you mentioned was not Priority, got an empty card because they either came in the priority line with you or boarding was already open to "All Guests."

Well they've done away with those cards and use something like they used to a while ago.

Now they give out something like this, color coded for ships:

Yes. When we were on Vista, they went through the separate non Priority line and waiting area and got a card just like mine with nothing on the back. Boarding hadn't commenced yet. The card you posted is like the ones I am used to seeing that you are supposed to turn in but some don't. I like it better when they put it right on the boarding pass. It keeps people honest.

[CruiserMiami]

Yes. When we were on Vista, they went through the separate non Priority line and waiting area and got a card just like mine with nothing on the back. Boarding hadn't commenced yet. The card you posted is like to ones I am used to seeing that you are supposed to turn in but some don't. I like it better when they put it right on the boarding pass. It keeps people honest.

 

Lol well then they were accidentally handed the wrong boarding zone card, theirs had to have a boarding zone number on it. :o

Yep, I too preferred the stamp on the boarding zone number for the same reasons. People who try and cheat the system don't understand that things are put in place so that the boarding procedure can run smoothly and we can get everyone onboard in an organized and timely manner. It only makes things more chaotic. Like people who crowd around the boarding areas when they call Zone 2 because they "have Zone 10, so I am next!" :confused::'):confused::')

[firemanbobswife]

Lol well then they were accidentally handed the wrong boarding zone card, theirs had to have a boarding zone number on it. :o

Yep, I too preferred the stamp on the boarding zone number for the same reasons. People who try and cheat the system don't understand that things are put in place so that the boarding procedure can run smoothly and we can get everyone onboard in an organized and timely manner. It only makes things more chaotic. Like people who crowd around the boarding areas when they call Zone 2 because they "have Zone 10, so I am next!" :confused::'):confused::')

Yeah they always think about themselves. I can't stand cheaters. Can't you convince them to go back to the stamps?! I would think it would save them money not having to replace the boarding cards. Seeing as the boarding pass is used for everything until the S&S cards are ready on the ship, it only seems to make sense to just put it on there.

 

Oh and don't even get me started about trying to get through the gate lice when they call Priority or FTTF to board! It's a long way to walk through the gauntlet from the Priority Lounge all the way to the escalator on the other side. At least they are getting better at checking the boarding passes to make sure they are supposed to be boarding with Priority. I saw a few people try to blend in with us and were busted and told to wait their turn. It was great :D.

[CruiserMiami]

Yeah they always think about themselves. I can't stand cheaters. Can't you convince them to go back to the stamps?! I would think it would save them money not having to replace the boarding cards. Seeing as the boarding pass is used for everything until the S&S cards are ready on the ship, it only seems to make sense to just put it on there.

 

Oh and don't even get me started about trying to get through the gate lice when they call Priority or FTTF to board! It's a long way to walk through the gauntlet from the Priority Lounge all the way to the escalator on the other side. At least they are getting better at checking the boarding passes to make sure they are supposed to be boarding with Priority. I saw a few people try to blend in with us and were busted and told to wait their turn. It was great :D.

 

Stamping the boarding pass would be much more convenient for the guests, considering they will need to show it for boarding. Eliminating the boarding zone cards would give guests one less thing to have to carry.

However, it is extremely unlikely they will bring back the stamps as the lobby/travel document check station before security is often too hectic, and once corporate sets their mind on something they wont want to go back or listen to suggestions from the port agents.

There always are those few individuals who try to blend in with the line of priority guests being escorted to boarding, sometimes they get caught and sent to wait for their zone numbers, other times they get caught and allowed through. It depends on who is checking the boarding passes that day, and if they are doing their job properly.

[firemanbobswife]

So I’m guessing they no longer use the Captain’s Lounge due to the number of Priority Guests? On Glory in October we were put in a huge room with windows at the back overlooking the front of another ship. It was jam packed!

[SmittyCo]

So weird ... when we went on the Vista over NYE... they literally scanned our passports, didn't look at our sodas or wine, didn't give us any papers, boarding zone numbers, etc. We walked right in about noon!

[CruiserMiami]

So I’m guessing they no longer use the Captain’s Lounge due to the number of Priority Guests? On Glory in October we were put in a huge room with windows at the back overlooking the front of another ship. It was jam packed!

 

 

 

In Terminal E they use the Captain’s Lounge on the second floor. In Terminal D they use the Priority Wing (the large room with windows) on the second floor.

 

If any Priority guests need to complete their check-in or set up their account they will go up to the check-in counter on the second floor, where they have a dedicated line.

[firemanbobswife]

Good to know! Thanks [emoji4]

You should really start your own thread so people can ask questions about how things work at the port. I think it could be pretty useful to a lot of people. Especially concerning documentation, staggered check in, Appointment Arrival Times, etc. It has been to me and I appreciate you taking the time!

[CruiserMiami]

So weird ... when we went on the Vista over NYE... they literally scanned our passports, didn't look at our sodas or wine, didn't give us any papers, boarding zone numbers, etc. We walked right in about noon!

 

 

This was a smooth day, and you were able to get to the fun a whole lot quicker!

By noon general boarding was open so you could go straight on to the ship, no need for a zone number.

As for soda and wine, security is supposed to look at that when it goes through the X-ray machine.

[CruiserMiami]

Good to know! Thanks [emoji4]

You should really start your own thread so people can ask questions about how things work at the port. I think it could be pretty useful to a lot of people. Especially concerning documentation, staggered check in, Appointment Arrival Times, etc. It has been to me and I appreciate you taking the time!

 

 

 

I’m glad to be able to help.

While I have given thought to creating a separate thread, I feel like that would raise more attention, and Carnival does indeed snoop around these forums.

They could reprimand for offering tips and help outside of the workplace.

[Mommawo]

I was on Liberty, Oct 2017 and giving my experience. I received S&S at check in, so I guess it depends on the ship.

 

 

First time cruiser here what is S&S card?

[pacruise804]

First time cruiser here what is S&S card?

 

Sign and Sail card. It is your cabin key and used for any onboard purchases. It is also your identification to get on/off the ship.

[Yellowbird75]

When are you able to pick your check in time on the website and where? Does your cruise have to be paid off completely?

 

Thank you all in advance...

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Sorry if I missed it but I didn't see anyone answer this question? I'm wondering the same thing. First time using the check-in times since our last cruise we had FTTF and before that they weren't at any of the ports we used yet. Thanks!

[CruiserMiami]

Sorry if I missed it but I didn't see anyone answer this question? I'm wondering the same thing. First time using the check-in times since our last cruise we had FTTF and before that they weren't at any of the ports we used yet. Thanks!

 

 

 

According to the Carnival website “Arrival Appointments can be selected any time after you make a reservation, for sailings within six months of departure and no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to your sailing date.”

This section is under the Online Check-in portion of your reservation.

[Yellowbird75]

According to the Carnival website “Arrival Appointments can be selected any time after you make a reservation, for sailings within six months of departure and no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to your sailing date.”

This section is under the Online Check-in portion of your reservation.

 

Ahhh, thank you! We normally don't even do the online check in until right before so we would've never noticed!

[CruiserMiami]

Ahhh, thank you! We normally don't even do the online check in until right before so we would've never noticed!

 

 

No worries!

I recommend you do it as soon as possible so that you are able to choose your desired arrival appointment time. Otherwise Carnival will assign which ever slot is left.

Make sure when you print your boarding pass, it has a barcode on the top left corner. :)

[Mommawo]

Sign and Sail card. It is your cabin key and used for any onboard purchases. It is also your identification to get on/off the ship.

 

 

Thank you