CarnivalGlory/Port Canaveral Embarkation Process

[katier825]

Hello,

 

In 32 days :D we will be leaving on our first Carnival cruise. I was just wondering how Carnival's embarkation process differs from Princess. I always thought Princess did a pretty good job of it. Waited longer for security than anything else.

 

Thanks!

:)

[slynnr]

VERY SLOW. We got back from the Glory on the 3/19 sailing. Arrived at port Canaveral at 11:30 am . Got on Fast Pass line (went quickly). Then we went to another line for room key/sign & sail card ( went slow). Then got on another line to pass though to a LONG LONG LONG wait to board the ship. Didn't board the ship until 1:30. No chairs to sit on. Stood the whole time. Your best bet is to arrive at Port at 2:00 pm. The ship will be open and you can board right away.

[Intrudr]

sailed on 3/26/2005. we entered the terminal at 230pm and were sipping cocktails at the turquoise pool bar by 315pm after dropping bags off at the room. I used to believe in early boarding - now I can't figure our why....

[katier825]

Thanks for your replies!

 

On our first cruise (NCL/Miami), we took the cruiseline's bus to the ship and arrived about 1:30, along with many other busses. That crowd prompted us to be there early! After that, we always grabbed a cab at about 10:45-11:00.

 

It sounds like Princess has a more streamlined process, get in one line for checking in & receiving cruise cards, then the security line, then onto the ship (after snapping your picture). I've never waited more than an hour from time I arrived to getting my first margarita!

 

I still think I'd prefer to get there earlier rather than later.

:)

[disneysteve]

We were also on the 3/26 sailing and I agree with Intrudr. Boarding was reasonably quick and painless. All the paperwork says boarding is from 1:30 to 3:30 so I'm not sure why anyone would choose to show up at 11:00. If you do, I would fully expect a long wait because the ship probably isn't ready for boarding yet.

[RWolver672]

They start boarding sooner than what the posted time says. The cabins aren't usually ready for you until 1:30 but the rest of the ship can be explored and most of the facilities are open. (Pools, buffet restaurants, bars, etc.)

[disneysteve]

They start boarding sooner than what the posted time says. The cabins aren't usually ready for you until 1:30 but the rest of the ship can be explored and most of the facilities are open. (Pools, buffet restaurants, bars, etc.)

I guess that makes sense. Personally, we'd rather board when we can go straight to our cabin and ditch our carry-on bags before we go exploring. Plus, from reading a lot of the comments here, it sounds like boarding later may result in a shorter wait time at check-in.