Cruise Preperation

[smashedpumpkins]

First cruise, sorry!! Thanks

 

So me and my fiance are jumping on board the Paradise on the 18th. A few months ago when I booked the cruise the guy on the phone told me to make sure to get online and fill out our information so we won't have to do it at the port. (Or at least most of it) However, I never received any emails from Carnival with login details. What is this called? It'd be great to do ahead of time.

 

Also we have a Pent Suite so we get free VIP boarding. How exactly does that work? Will there be signs or anything that can guide us around? Do we pick up a pass or anything before hand or do we just come with ID's, CC's, Passport etc...?

 

Lastly, how early should we get to the port? We're driving a long ways to LA. The ship leaves at 5:00PM.

 

I think that's all for now :) Thanks a ton! I'd be on the phone for all of this if it wasn't for everyone here. Been learning lots!

[redlef]

Go to Carnival.com and login. If you don't have an account, create one. Somewhere under guest services go to My Profile. If your cruise isn't there, there will be a link to retrieve it by booking number.

 

Under "Current Reservations" click on "My cruise details." On the left side of the screen are the links to complete your travel information, {Pre Cruise Registration" and "My Documents"

 

I think all the goodies you need will be there.

[cruisinJenF]

Also- after you create an account and click on "My Cruise" you will need to click on "Booking #" and then "Add Booking #" so make sure you have your booking number handy.

 

Have fun!!!

 

Jen

[katiecat]

You have to fill out your fun pass information & print. Then you can view your documents and print them. On the last page of your documents is your luggage tags print extra luggage tags for every suitcase your not carrying. I use a folder to keep fun pass, cruise documents along with airline tickets, hotels all together in your carry on.

Have A Great Cruise!:)

[Froufie]

Your funpass and cruise ticket (and luggage tags?) - should say VIP on them. There is a special line for VIP boarding once you get to the port building - if you don't see it ask!

[smashedpumpkins]

Sounds great! I finally filled out my Fun Pass and printed my docs. Is the Fun Pass really only one page that says "Complete"? Considering everyone needs their ID's and passports do you all just bring your wallets and purses?

 

And my ship starts boarding at 1:30PM and doesn't leave till 5:30PM. Is everything open at 1:30PM as if you were sailing?

 

Oh and I didn't a cruise ticket to print? Is the Fun Pass my ticket?

 

Thanks everyone! Only 10 days to our first cruise! :)

[pattimelt]

LOL-- I'll be boarding the same ship you get off... I cruise on the Paradise on the 22nd--so you guys better be off the ship so I can get on!!!

[momof4boys]

Hi. I have never done a west coast cruise, but I think some info will be the same.

 

We always have VIP boarding and when we get to the port--we go around 10:30-10:45, if we don't see a sign for VIP waiting area, we ask a CCL person and they have always politely showed us where to sit.

 

We have always boarded our cruise ship around 11:15, dropped our carry-ons in our rooms (even if the rooms are not totally ready, they let us leave our carry ons there.) and have gone to eat on the Lido deck by 11:30.

 

The Lido deck buffet is open and you can walk around the ship to get the layout etc. Casinos are not open but you can look around the area. It is a great time to get acquainted with your ship! The photographers are all over the place taking fun photos and it is a real enthusiastic atmosphere.

 

Have a great time!!

[TPCRUISER2]

Just go to carnival.com, print fun pass. Go to port, porters have tags. Have fun!

[G'ma]

The completed Fun Pass, a government issued photo ID (like a drivers license or passport) and your original or state issued birth certificate is all you'll need.

 

When you arrive at the port, there will be people there to take your luggage and check it for you. It's customary to tip them a couple of $$$. Ask where the VIP checkin is located. They'll tell you which direction to go.

 

When you board the ship, everything will be up and running except the casino and the shops. Head up to Lido to find a nice lunch buffet and some refreshment. Casino and shops will open shortly after you're underway.

 

Your cabin may not be ready. You'll know that because the doors to the passenger cabins will be closed. There is a sign on the doors advising what time you will have access to your cabin.

 

Have a wonderful time.

[yogi2929]

Hey Smashed Pumpkins- You'll have a wonderful time on the Paradise.

 

 

 

Early Check in starts at 9:30 but they won't let you board until 11 or so. VIP check in is in a little building in front of the Dome. Just bring your Fun Pass, Credit card and ID (passport or BC & DL). They will escort you thru to the front of the security line. Cabin access at is 1:30.

 

Print out any info about any On Board Credit (OBC) you might have.

 

If you get a phone call asking to be there around 2, don't worry. Every cruise out of Long Beach some people get the call.

 

Remember to carryon meds, jewelry & electronics.

 

Caution about the parking if you arrive too early in Long Beach. They charge by the 24hr period and the hour. If you arrive at 9a on Monday and don't leave until 10a on Friday they will charge you for 4-24hr periods and for the extra hour. (voice of experience)

 

We usually wait to be the last off the ship. We are usually off by 10:30.

[smashedpumpkins]

Thanks sooooo much everyone! I'm excited and can't wait! I always like to be extra prepared especially something so different for me. I think I'm all set. I've printed everything out and written some notes. :)