VIP check-in Norfolk

[NCTribeFan]

I did a cruise-to-nowhere from Norfolk in 2009 just so I'd be Platinum on my next Carnival cruise. You would think I would've paid attention, but I didn't figure I'd be sailing from there again.

 

But I am. Sailing 10/16 to Bermuda on Carnival Glory.

 

Can anyone tell me about VIP embarkation? I don't recall seeing a separate security line, but our one-off 2-night cruise may not have followed the usual check-in procedure (for one thing, we had only carry-on luggage).

 

Will there be a separate security line? In Ft Lauderdale, there was only one security line, but when I showed my FunPass to the Carnival employee upon entering the building, he led us to the front of the line, stopped everyone, put us through security, then we went straight to the VIP check-in desk.

 

But in Charleston, there was none of that. Had to stand in line with everyone else. Then, after going through the scanner, went into a separate VIP check-in line. Saved a couple of minutes, but not much.

 

Any info appreciated!!

[montekat]

You will be able to go to the front of the line, just let the people on the dock know you are VIP. They will tell you to go up the stairs and thread through the center of the 2 regular lines on the overhead walkway. You will go through security and the scanners, then immediately go into the room on the right. Sign your name on the list and have a seat. They will call you when an agent is available to check you in. After check in, the agent will escort you into the main room and show you where the VIP line is to go onto the ship.

 

VIP embarkation is great in Norfolk. I only wish the parking was as easy. For those who don't know, the parking is offsite and you have to take a bus over to the pier. It wouldn't be so bad, but a lot of people are trying to drop off passengers and luggage at the dock and then go park (it even states on the Carnival website to do this). We have sat on the bus for over an hour waiting in traffic just to get to the dock.

[NCTribeFan]

Sounds great! Thanks for the info.

 

As for parking, I think I've found a great hotel deal with a cruise parking rate. Actually, the email from the res manager sounds too good to be true, so I'm going to call tomorrow. Includes shuttle to and from the pier.

 

When I sailed from Norfolk, there was no problem getting dropped off, but I always get to the pier early, which helps avoid the lines. Plus this cruise, like last time, the ship is repositioning, so is arriving empty; no disembarking passengers (and their rides) to clog the traffic.