Flying same day. What time to check in by (Ft Lauderdale)?

[SireDoime]

Hmmm, I can't agree with most, but it all depends on timing of arrivals and willingness to pay for a hotel for one night.

 

That's why I always book my flights to arrive in the port city airport at least 2 to 4 hours prior to my scheduled embarkation check-in time, not when the ship actually sails; which for me at the time was about 2 to 4 hours after check-in.

 

Both cruises I took with Celebrity in 2019 I scheduled myself to arrive within 4 hours of my 1pm scheduled check in. However in June, my flight from TPA to FLL arrived about an hour late due to rain, but I still arrived at the port before my scheduled embarkation check-in. In December my flight arrived in MIA about 3 hours before check-in, and I sat waiting for about 2 hours before we checked-in & boarded. Both times the ships sailed at around 4pm or 5pm.

 

So far, I never had an issue with same day flights; with what I spent on cruises, I couldn't justify spending more on a hotel for a 1 day - unless the cruise line is paying.

 

Just plan your flights accordingly, this is has been my experience for both of my cruises.

 

Edited July 2, 2021 by SireDoime
Clarification of timing

[SireDoime]

[deleted, questioned answered elsewhere]

Edited July 2, 2021 by SireDoime
deleted, questioned answered elsewhere

[pooh/tigger]

14 hours ago, HskrCrsr said:

Celebrity offers this check-in advice (note they indicate you need to be checked in no later than 60 minutes prior to scheduled sailing time - earlier seems highly recommended above)

When can I check-in for my cruise?

The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities in which we operate are our top priority. We are guided by the recommendations of our Healthy Sail Panel and the requirements of countries where we sail. We will provide clear communication about what you need to know for your cruise in advance of your sail date, including check in dates, health and safety information, app notifications and the shore excursions available for your cruise. Our cruise check-in window opens closer to your sailing date, which differs from our traditional check-in timeline.

 

When it’s time to check in, we recommend you use the Celebrity Cruises app to check in all guests on your reservation. The app provides a quick and easy check-in process so you can start your vacation sooner. Updates include: 

• Your arrival time at the terminal - a scheduled arrival time at the terminal on your sail date 

• The required Health Questionnaire – only available in advance in the app 

• Our reimagined Guest Safety Briefing - Simply tap the Safety icon on the homepage to launch the Safety Briefing, whether you’re in the terminal or you’ve just stepped onboard, to complete the first steps of the Safety Briefing before heading to your assigned Assembly Station. Remember all guests must complete the Safety Briefing before the ship can sail. 

· Extended app check in window - Check in using the app until 8am the morning of your sailing 

 

As before, guests may also check in using our website up to 48 hours before sailing. Guests must complete check in, however, using the app or at the terminal. We highly recommend completing check in using the app for the easiest, fastest, and complete check-in experience. 

• Celebrity Cruises requires guests to be checked in no later than 60 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail.  

•  When you check-in at the terminal, show your Xpress Pass in the app to the terminal agent to scan and complete the check-in process. 

 

Regarding the app and check in, does each guests need to have the app on their phones? Each required to fill out the questionnaire? What about guests who don't have a cell phone? Yep, that's right. My elderly mother won't carry one. I assume she'll be able to check in at the terminal. Thank you. 

[trivia addict]

Even flying into the port a day early will sometimes not be enough time!

Years ago, I was meeting my daughter in FLL for a cruise.

Both of us were flying in from different East Coast cities.
Being savvy cruisers we arranged to fly in and meet the day before the cruise sailed.

it was just before a holiday weekend and a ferocious storm moved up the East Coast. I had got out in time from my city but guess what? Her plane never took off from Philadelphia and all flights in that city and neighboring cities were booked solid for the next 2 days.
She tried everything but was not able to get to the ship on time and I had to cruise alone.

I would never fly to a port the same day as embarkation and as proven, even a day early can sometimes not be enough.

[Pickels]

17 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

i'm looking at Equinox (sept).

from my home airport, i reach Ft Lauderdale at 1pm or Miami at 1:25pm.

 

Whats the latest time i  need to be onboard? (dont remember since its a long time because Covid)

 

Why did I say it’s Bad?  From a personal experience… Took an early flight out of New York (around 8:00 a.m.) for a cruise that was to depart at 4:00 from Ft. Lauderdale.  Plenty of time!  Right?  Wrong!  We left New York hours later due to an equipment problem.  When we arrived at Ft. Lauderdale, we had to wait on the tarmac because there was no terminal for us to park because we were so late. Got to the port 45 minutes before the ship was to leave; too close for me, never did that again!  So, reconsider your decision to fly same day,  we also do the same thing on the back end, stay at a hotel and leave for home the next day!

[graphicguy]

Interestingly enough, Celebrity Air is booking the exact same flights (flying in day of) that I booked myself (at lower cost) for my Edge cruise.  If you can compare what Celebrity Air is offering, see if you can match the same flights and book them yourself if you get a better deal.

[marieps]

12 hours ago, cangelmd said:

Bless your heart. 
That’s like the time we were flying out and the light on the cockpit door that indicates the door is locked wouldn’t work. The door would lock - the pilot locked and and unlocked it and the FA tugged on the locked door about 10 times, but the light wouldn’t come on. It’s a 45 minute flight to Atl. But no, they couldn’t go. Had to fly a maintenance guy and a light bulb down from Atl.

 

Yep.  Never again.  

[fstuff1]

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Interestingly enough, Celebrity Air is booking the exact same flights (flying in day of) that I booked myself (at lower cost) for my Edge cruise.

 If you can compare what Celebrity Air is offering, see if you can match the same flights and book them yourself if you get a better deal.

The same day flight for my cruise is the same flight celebrity air is offering (but no carry on luggage).

 

Since I bring 1 carry on,I have to book myself. 

Hmm.. how do I find out how much more to add carry on if celebrity booked?

 

Anyway, my point being if I'm late, then those booked celebrity air will also be late since we're on the same flight

 

Edited July 2, 2021 by fstuff1

[Fouremco]

5 hours ago, SireDoime said:

 

So far, I never had an issue with same day flights; with what I spent on cruises, I couldn't justify spending more on a hotel for a 1 day - unless the cruise line is paying.

So far. We bought our first home 49 years, and we've had fire insurance coverage from the outset. But we would never cancel our insurance just because we've never had a fire so far. And it is because of the amount that we spend on cruises that we view a night in a hotel as dirt cheap insurance.

[marieps]

7 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

So far. We bought our first home 49 years, and we've had fire insurance coverage from the outset. But we would never cancel our insurance just because we've never had a fire so far. And it is because of the amount that we spend on cruises that we view a night in a hotel as dirt cheap insurance.

Well reasoned.

[bEwAbG]

53 minutes ago, fstuff1 said:

Anyway, my point being if I'm late, then those booked celebrity air will also be late since we're on the same flight

 

Is it a charter flight?  That might get some consideration in terms of holding the ship for a bit but still no guarantees (the port agreements can come into play as to when the ship must leave without incurring extra costs).  Your assumption is that the entire flight will be full of Celebrity cruisers, but that's not necessarily the case.  Flights by Celebrity puts people on same-day commercial flights because they're often cheaper than other flights; most cruisers know the best thing is to travel a day or two in advance, and the pricing reflects that demand. 

 

Same day flights work most of the time & they may work in this case.  During COVID when there are extra boarding protocols in place and knowing that major airlines like American and Southwest have been dealing with lots of cancellations?  Very risky.  I flew the week Southwest was having computer issues earlier in June.  My flight was not one of those affected directly, but it was full of people who had been trying to get somewhere else the day before.

Edited July 2, 2021 by bEwAbG

[mom says]

1 hour ago, fstuff1 said:

those booked celebrity air will also be late since we're on the same flight

Unless this is a charter flight ( highly unlikely with Celebrity), your basic assumption is flawed.  Celebrity Air is basically acting as a 3rd party booking agent, booking customers on regular flights. Just how many of your fellow passengers are flying in to catch your particular cruise? Or any cruise, for that matter. And aside from the "misery loves company" factor, so what? You will still miss your cruise. And with the current restrictions on downleg  boarding, Celebrity will do nothing to get you on the ship.

[LGW59]

1 minute ago, mom says said:

Unless this is a charter flight ( highly unlikely with Celebrity), your basic assumption is flawed.  Celebrity Air is basically acting as a 3rd party booking agent, booking customers on regular flights. Just how many of your fellow passengers are flying in to catch your particular cruise? Or any cruise, for that matter. And aside from the "misery loves company" factor, so what? You will still miss your cruise. And with the current restrictions on downleg  boarding, Celebrity will do nothing to get you on the ship.

Nor should they assist because the OP is making an unwise CHOICE.  Seems does not want to pay 1 night at a hotel or a potential checked luggage fee.  🙄

[Denny01]

It’s interesting on so many threads about flying in the day of, that the huge majority of posters say they never do it; a goodly number say how they have, but describe how they had had issues getting in and almost or Did miss the cruise and will never do it again; And the only, again Only, ones who fly in the day of  say they haven’t missed a cruise……yet. Not one person has ever posted: ‘Yeah, I fly in the day of the cruise. I’ve missed or almost missed two or three departures and spent days catching up to the ship, or just didn’t go……but I saved money on a hotel and will keep doing that!!’

 

Just an observation of human nature. Why should I fly in a day earlier to make sure I lower the potential/stress of ruining my entire vacation; Why buy insurance when I haven’t had issues before; Why get vaccinated when I’m healthy and I don’t give a squat about others; why……

 

Oh well.

 

Den 

[Fouremco]

2 minutes ago, Denny01 said:

It’s interesting on so many threads about flying in the day of, that the huge majority of posters say they never do it; a goodly number say how they have, but describe how they had had issues getting in and almost or Did miss the cruise and will never do it again; And the only, again Only, ones who fly in the day of  say they haven’t missed a cruise……yet. Not one person has ever posted: ‘Yeah, I fly in the day of the cruise. I’ve missed or almost missed two or three departures and spent days catching up to the ship, or just didn’t go……but I saved money on a hotel and will keep doing that!!’

 

Just an observation of human nature. Why should I fly in a day earlier to make sure I lower the potential/stress of ruining my entire vacation; Why buy insurance when I haven’t had issues before; Why get vaccinated when I’m healthy and I don’t give a squat about others; why……

 

Oh well.

 

Den 

Several years ago, a poster who had booked a same day arrival with HAL's Flight Ease missed her Med cruise departure after a flight problem. She  posted a description of her first couple of trying days catching up to the cruise, but she did finally make it. Another time, a family visited Disney World for a few days pre-cruise and decided to set off driving to Fort Lauderdale on the morning of the cruise rather than the evening before. According to the father's subsequent post, there was a major accident on the interstate and the ensuing traffic jam delayed them so much that they missed embarkation. When they realized that they were going to be late, they phoned to see if the ship could be held, but they were told no.

 

Those are the only times that I can recall CC members posting first-hand admissions that planning same day arrivals can blow up in your face.

[graphicguy]

I understand where some of you are coming from.  I’ve gone back and forth on this very issue, myself.  We’ve flown in the day before (when I couldn’t adhere to my own rules of flying in the day of).  We’ve flown in days ahead (couple of years ago when we wanted to stay in Barcelona and hang out a while before our Mediterranean cruise, or hanging in NYC before sailing to Bermuda).  

 

Honestly, the FL ports don’t do much for me to hang out in.  Nothing against FL, but Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, etc just aren’t my cup of tea.  So, for me, why wasted a day going somewhere just to eat an overpriced meal and then hang out at the hotel until I fall asleep, just to wait around the next day until you’re able to check into your cruise?  IF you’re a Disney person, or a Universal person, or really like the Miami scene, I understand going in early.

 

But, if you’re going to drop $250-$300 to fly in a day early for hotel and food/drink, then complain on the ship about those $200 massages, or overpriced excursions, or play in the casino and claim their slots play too tight, then that seems just a wee bit ironic.

 

All that being said, I’ve NEVER missed a cruise because of flying in the day of departure.  Was never really even close.

 

Actually, I take early enough flights, or have enough back up cushion if my flight is delayed, that I get to the pier and usually just mill around for a good long while until I can board.  

 

Can that change?  Sure!  

 

Will that happen?  I don’t know? 

 

But after cruising for 25 years, on soon to be 25 cruises, it’s never happened.  I’ve been delayed, but planning ahead enough I’ve never come close to missing a cruise as a result.

[NutsAboutGolf]

The OP is probably on "team" save money by skipping a $100+ hotel, potential hotel transportation and a vacation day.

Edited July 2, 2021 by NutsAboutGolf

[TeaBag]

In these uncertain times, I think it is more important than ever to fly in a day ahead of the cruise.  You can't go to the next port if you miss the embarkation because of COVID.  Please do yourself the favour of arriving the day before, even the night before, so you do not board the ship stressed out or worse, miss it altogether.

[HskrCrsr]

6 hours ago, pooh/tigger said:

Regarding the app and check in, does each guests need to have the app on their phones? Each required to fill out the questionnaire? What about guests who don't have a cell phone? Yep, that's right. My elderly mother won't carry one. I assume she'll be able to check in at the terminal. Thank you. 

Sorry, I wish I knew. Anything I say on this would be guessing. On this topic, I only know what Celebrity posted. And we all know their site is not always up to date.

[jg51]

On 7/1/2021 at 2:07 PM, fstuff1 said:

i'm looking at Equinox (sept).  from my home airport, i reach Ft Lauderdale at 1pm or Miami at 1:25pm.  Whats the latest time i  need to be onboard? (dont remember since its a long time because Covid)

 

15 hours ago, traveline said:

Has anyone checked hotels in Ft Lauderdale lately. Hotels have doubled their rates for people coming in day before cruise. The rates are crazy. They know the dates cruises are sailing and they are jacking up the prices.

 

10 hours ago, SireDoime said:

Hmmm, I can't agree with most, but it all depends on timing of arrivals and willingness to pay for a hotel for one night.  That's why I always book my flights to arrive in the port city airport at least 2 to 4 hours prior to my scheduled embarkation check-in time ...  So far, I never had an issue with same day flights; with what I spent on cruises, I couldn't justify spending more on a hotel for a 1 day ...

 

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

... Honestly, the FL ports don’t do much for me to hang out in.  Nothing against FL, but Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, etc just aren’t my cup of tea.  So, for me, why waste a day going somewhere just to eat an overpriced meal and then hang out at the hotel until I fall asleep, just to wait around the next day until you’re able to check into your cruise?  ... [Y]ou’re going to drop $250-$300 to fly in a day early for hotel and food/drink ...

All that being said, I’ve NEVER missed a cruise because of flying in the day of departure.  Was never really even close. ...

But after cruising for 25 years, on soon to be 25 cruises, it’s never happened. ...

 

.

Hello, "fstuff1."

 

We will never criticize the fifteen or twenty people who have now advised you not to fly/arrive on Embarkation Day.  They have reasons that they find convincing, and we have to respect their decisions. 

 

We see certain trends in what they describe as motivations:

Some have had a bad experience (missing the ship, losing money) themselves; some have had, or heard of (among friends/family), a "close call" (or worse); some just realize that they have a personality that finds it too hard to deal with the stress/worry about the mere possibility of arriving late.

 

The three CrCr members that I have quoted above, however, seem to join us (jg51) in leaning toward advising you to fly/arrive on Embarkation Day, if you wish -- and not to be troubled about it. 

 

We (jg51) have been "non-conformists" since high school (1960s), so we will continue to be a bit "rebellious" -- by not joining in with the advice being offered by the majority of CrCr members on this thread! 

 

We have cruised more than 30 times, and the only times we have not flown on the day of a cruise have been the following:

~~ When we have driven to the ports (four times) ...

~~ When it was impossible to get to Vancouver, from the eastern U.S., early enough to board a ship for Alaska cruises (twice).

 

In every other case, we have arrived, by air, on Embarkation Day -- without a mishap ["never really even close," to quote "graphicguy"].  We have even left the U.S. (1/2 day early) to land in Europe (London, Rome, Copenhagen, Lisbon) on Embarkation Day, despite having to change planes once or even twice!

 

Why do we do this?

..... (1) We do not have the kind of personality that is troubled by stress/anxiety about possible failure.

 

..... (2) We expect the airlines to do their jobs well enough -- as they probably do 99.99% of the time -- so we do not fear to "gamble," because the odds are with us.

 

..... (3) We prefer to save the money that would otherwise be spent on pre-Embarkation-Day taxis, meals, and hotel charges.  We estimate that the money we have thus saved, over the years, has been enough to pay for an entire "extra" cruise (plus lots of specialty restaurant meals)!  [Notice, in the posts quoted above, that "traveline," "Sire Doime," and "graphicguy" seem to be somewhat similarly motivated -- not wanting to spend money unnecessarily.]

 

..... (4) We usually purchase insurance that would help us to recover losses that we could experience (but have never yet experienced).

.

We hope that you, "fstuff1," will enjoy your trip.  We have been considering the same kinds of Equinox cruises (but have not yet booked).

.

Edited July 2, 2021 by jg51

[LGW59]

10 minutes ago, jg51 said:

 

 

 

.

Hello, "fstuff1."

 

We will never criticize the fifteen or twenty people who have now advised you not to fly/arrive on Embarkation Day.  They have reasons that they find convincing, and we have to respect their decisions. 

 

We see certain trends in what they describe as motivations:

Some have had a bad experience (missing the ship, losing money) themselves; some have had, or heard of (among friends/family), a "close call" (or worse); some just realize that they have a personality that finds it too hard to deal with the stress/worry about the mere possibility of arriving late.

 

The three CrCr members that I have quoted above, however, seem to join us (jg51) in leaning toward advising you to fly/arrive on Embarkation Day, if you wish -- and not to be troubled about it. 

 

We (jg51) have been "non-conformists" since high school (1960s), so we will continue to be a bit "rebellious" -- by not joining in with the advice being offered by the majority of CrCr members on this thread! 

 

We have cruised more than 30 times, and the only times we have not flown on the day of a cruise have been the following:

~~ When we have driven to the ports (four times) ...

~~ When it was impossible to get to Vancouver, from the eastern U.S., early enough to board a ship for Alaska cruises (twice).

 

In every other case, we have arrived, by air, on Embarkation Day -- without a mishap ["never really even close," to quote "graphicguy"].  We have even left the U.S. (1/2 day early) to land in Europe (London, Rome, Copenhagen, Lisbon) on Embarkation Day, despite having to change planes once or even twice!

 

Why do we do this?

..... (1) We do not have the kind of personality that is troubled by stress/anxiety about possible failure.

 

..... (2) We expect the airlines to do their jobs well enough -- as they probably do 99.99% of the time -- so we do not fear to "gamble," because the odds are with us.

 

..... (3) We prefer to save the money that would otherwise be spent on pre-Embarkation-Day taxis, meals, and hotel charges.  We estimate that the money we have thus saved, over the years, has been enough to pay for an entire "extra" cruise (plus lots of specialty restaurant meals)!  [Notice, in the posts quoted above, that "traveline," "Sire Doime," and "graphicguy" seem to be somewhat similarly motivated -- not wanting to spend money unnecessarily.]

 

..... (4) We usually purchase insurance that would help us to recover losses that we could experience (but have never yet experienced).

.

We hope that you, "fstuff1," will enjoy your trip.  We have been considering the same kinds of Equinox cruises (but have not yet booked).

.

not one person on here ever said fstuff does not have a choice, he/she certainly does.  He/she posted here asking opinions and or advice, got kind of hard to tell after a while, he/she got opinions from folks with their reasons for doing so.  If you don't want a response that you may not agree, why post?

 

(4) We usually purchase insurance that would help us to recover losses that we could experience (but have never yet experienced).  To this, a previous poster referenced having homeowners fire  insurance, yet never having had to use it, just provides peace of mind

[gerelmx]

4 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

The same day flight for my cruise is the same flight celebrity air is offering (but no carry on luggage).

 

Since I bring 1 carry on,I have to book myself. 

Hmm.. how do I find out how much more to add carry on if celebrity booked?

 

Anyway, my point being if I'm late, then those booked celebrity air will also be late since we're on the same flight

 

 

Yes, but Celebrity will  move those passengers to the next port without a charge or reimburse the money,  You will need to arrange by your self  the transportation to the next port o will lost your money.

[mom says]

49 minutes ago, gerelmx said:

 

Yes, but Celebrity will  move those passengers to the next port without a charge or reimburse the money,  You will need to arrange by your self  the transportation to the next port o will lost your money.

Have you looked at the covid restrictions for some cruises regarding missing embarkation and catching up at the next port? That's not allowed right now for some cruises.

[fstuff1]

2 hours ago, gerelmx said:

 

Yes, but Celebrity will  move those passengers to the next port without a charge or reimburse the money,  You will need to arrange by your self  the transportation to the next port o will lost your money.

ahh.. thought celebrity would hold the ship for them? (and thus me since im on the same flight.)

never thought of celebrity getting those passengers to the next port for free instead of that. 

 

in that case, might as well book celebrity air (no luggage) and pay the extra fee to have 1 carry-on

 

Edited July 2, 2021 by fstuff1

[LGW59]

6 minutes ago, fstuff1 said:

ahh.. thought celebrity would hold the ship for them? (and thus me since im on the same flight.)

never thought of celebrity getting those passengers to the next port for free instead of that. 

 

in that case, might as well book celebrity air (no luggage) and pay the extra fee to have 1 carry-on

 

Motel 6, they will leave the light on for you