Boarding order question - FTTF vs. Suite Passengers

[1313steve]

We're on the Glory in about a week and I was curious to the boarding order. We're in an ocean suite, which I know gives us "priority" boarding, but how does that compare to the boarding order for FTTF passengers and Platinum passengers, etc. Also, are suites typically ready for occupancy as soon as we would board?

 

Since we're driving to the port, we're able to pack a little different than if we were flying in, so we'll probably carry on a garment bag or two rather then throw stuff in the suitcase where it's more likely to get wrinkled. But the last thing I want to do is drag around garment bags or other carry ons while we are onboard but waiting for our cabin to be ready.

[HO HO]

We're on the Glory in about a week and I was curious to the boarding order. We're in an ocean suite, which I know gives us "priority" boarding, but how does that compare to the boarding order for FTTF passengers and Platinum passengers, etc. Also, are suites typically ready for occupancy as soon as we would board?

 

Since we're driving to the port, we're able to pack a little different than if we were flying in, so we'll probably carry on a garment bag or two rather then throw stuff in the suitcase where it's more likely to get wrinkled. But the last thing I want to do is drag around garment bags or other carry ons while we are onboard but waiting for our cabin to be ready.

 

Wedding parties (those getting married on the ship before it leaves, whose guests will depart after the wedding) are first, then the Diamond, Platinum, and Priority (suites). After all of those folks have gone through the door, FTTF are next....

[Cruising Rules]

Wedding parties (those getting married on the ship before it leaves, whose guests will depart after the wedding) are first, then the Diamond, Platinum, and Priority (suites). After all of those folks have gone through the door, FTTF are next....

 

Having just retuned from a cruise on the Glory I can tell you there was no order to early boarding. We are Platinum and they called everyone in the lounge at the same time. It was not pretty. There seems to be no standard for boarding in any of the ports of call. We have boarded four Carnival ships in the last year and not once did they call Diamond/Platinum before the FTTF folks!!! Very disappointing to be honest.

[crusinpsychRN]

Having just retuned from a cruise on the Glory I can tell you there was no order to early boarding. We are Platinum and they called everyone in the lounge at the same time. It was not pretty. There seems to be no standard for boarding in any of the ports of call. We have boarded four Carnival ships in the last year and not once did they call Diamond/Platinum before the FTTF folks!!! Very disappointing to be honest.

 

Tampa was the same. Cluster luck!:eek: They kept having to ask people to sit back down.

[Cruising Rules]

Tampa was the same. Cluster luck!:eek: They kept having to ask people to sit back down.

 

"Cluster Luck" .... That was very funny!!! That's for the morning laugh!

[MIZZ_K]

We're on the Glory in about a week and I was curious to the boarding order. We're in an ocean suite, which I know gives us "priority" boarding, but how does that compare to the boarding order for FTTF passengers and Platinum passengers, etc. Also, are suites typically ready for occupancy as soon as we would board?

 

Since we're driving to the port, we're able to pack a little different than if we were flying in, so we'll probably carry on a garment bag or two rather then throw stuff in the suitcase where it's more likely to get wrinkled. But the last thing I want to do is drag around garment bags or other carry ons while we are onboard but waiting for our cabin to be ready.

 

I sailed in a suite from Fort Lauderdale I. August, we were put in the VIP room and boarded with platinum and diamond, room being ready is not a suit perk, I had purchased FTTF so I could get early luggage and room ready, if I hadn't I just would have gotten priority boarding.

[ForSharonB]

I sailed in a suite from Fort Lauderdale I. August, we were put in the VIP room and boarded with platinum and diamond, room being ready is not a suit perk, I had purchased FTTF so I could get early luggage and room ready, if I hadn't I just would have gotten priority boarding.

 

I have my first suite in December. When I was inquiring about FTTF, I was told SUITE PERKS INCLUDES LUGGAGE DROP OFF, so if that was all that was impt to me, I did not need FTTF. They informed me that the cabin may not be ready, but I can drop off luggage. It's not a big deal for me if the cabin is not ready, but I HOPE I HAVE ACCESS TO DO A DROP OFF. Otherwise I will consider FTTF.

Thanks!

[jerseyralph]

We were FttF on the Glory out of NYC on 9/21. We were directed to the VIFP lounge. When our name was called (about 20 minute later), the attendant looked at our boarding pass, scanned through the sail and sign card pile, and then got up and left the room. She was gone for quite awhile. She came back with our sign and sail cards. She told us the person at the VIFP lounge door should not have directed us into the lounge. She should have directed us to another area. We went to the other area and were immediately escorted onto the ship. So, if we are understanding it, we should have bypassed the VIFP lounge, and the many people waiting there, completely. Just an FYI... in the lounge they had four attendants at 4 different desks checking people in. There was still a wait. There is seating and something to drink. A bathroom is right outside the door.

 

The only real issue out of NYC is having to haul your luggage from where you park your car to an elevator. You have to go down a level or two before you find a porter. For those who are coming in with a car they must park, if your luggage is tough to manage alone, you might want to drop of the significant other by the porters and loop around to park the car.

 

We are boarding the Splendor (NYC) on November 9. I booked FttF before taking this week's upsell call to an OS. ($380.00 for the suite- We had been in an aft balcony.) So, when we board on 11/9 we will eligible for both F2F and suite VIFP boarding. We will also be platinum after we step onto the ship. I think, anyhow!

 

I have no idea how they will do it. I will report back here when we get home.

 

Safe travels to all,

 

Gina

[jerseyralph]

I have my first suite in December. When I was inquiring about FTTF, I was told SUITE PERKS INCLUDES LUGGAGE DROP OFF, so if that was all that was impt to me, I did not need FTTF. They informed me that the cabin may not be ready, but I can drop off luggage. It's not a big deal for me if the cabin is not ready, but I HOPE I HAVE ACCESS TO DO A DROP OFF. Otherwise I will consider FTTF.

Thanks!

 

Dropping luggage off early is not a suite perk.

[jabberjaw070596]

Dropping luggage off early is not a suite perk.

This is my understanding. I have read reviews that say that Carnival has staff members at the fire doors and only FTTF, Plantinum, and Diamond can get access to cabins

[Miller_KC]

Having just retuned from a cruise on the Glory I can tell you there was no order to early boarding. We are Platinum and they called everyone in the lounge at the same time. It was not pretty. There seems to be no standard for boarding in any of the ports of call. We have boarded four Carnival ships in the last year and not once did they call Diamond/Platinum before the FTTF folks!!! Very disappointing to be honest.

 

 

We were on the 9/21 Glory cruise. Diamond, Platinum, and Suites were all put in the same room, FTTF went to a different checkin and waiting area. The port people had a hard time even keeping that straight. Then when the VIP lounge boarded it was basically a free for all. No pushing or shoving, but just come on everyone, it's time to board.

[jimbo5544]

Having just retuned from a cruise on the Glory I can tell you there was no order to early boarding. We are Platinum and they called everyone in the lounge at the same time. It was not pretty. There seems to be no standard for boarding in any of the ports of call. We have boarded four Carnival ships in the last year and not once did they call Diamond/Platinum before the FTTF folks!!! Very disappointing to be honest.

How many were there in total? We have never had an issue regarding boarding, although I did not check out where we were in line to ensure everyone was boarding correctly. While that is true getting on (again to us no big deal), getting off was different. They put Diamond and Platinum in a separate room from FTTF and we were escorted off prior to FTTF.

[Sparky2]

How many were there in total? We have never had an issue regarding boarding, although I did not check out where we were in line to ensure everyone was boarding correctly. While that is true getting on (again to us no big deal), getting off was different. They put Diamond and Platinum in a separate room from FTTF and we were escorted off prior to FTTF.

 

Debarkation is what annoyed us with FTTF people. They put all of Platinum, Diamond, & FTTF in one dining room and we all debarked at the same time. And to top it off, there was a delay going through customs as a couple of the agents had not yet arrived. This was at the beginning of sequestration.

 

We did make it to our flight (11:30) in plenty of time, but we were concerned. We also had wanted to grab a porter, but the porters were forced to use the same lines as we were in. No special line for porters. This was on Feb. 2, 2013 from Port Everglades.

[jerseyralph]

How many were there in total? We have never had an issue regarding boarding, although I did not check out where we were in line to ensure everyone was boarding correctly. While that is true getting on (again to us no big deal), getting off was different. They put Diamond and Platinum in a separate room from FTTF and we were escorted off prior to FTTF.

 

On the Glory (9/21) we were in a balcony (our last gold)and had FTTF. We were given zone 1 tags for disembarkation and were told to be in one of the dining rooms at 9 am. Everyone was together: Platinum, Diamond, Suites and FTTF. The conversation was good. Lots of experienced cruisers with good attitudes. We could have used a few hot or cold drinks. Took some time to get clearance. The CD came in-person to apologize for the delay.

[HO HO]

On the Glory (9/21) we were in a balcony (our last gold)and had FTTF. We were given zone 1 tags for disembarkation and were told to be in one of the dining rooms at 9 am. Everyone was together: Platinum, Diamond, Suites and FTTF. The conversation was good. Lots of experienced cruisers with good attitudes. We could have used a few hot or cold drinks. Took some time to get clearance. The CD came in-person to apologize for the delay.

 

On FREEDOM this past June, Diamond, Platinum, Suites & FTTF were all directed to a conference room behind the main lobby bar around 7:30 AM. Unable to accommodate us all, we were moved to the dining room. When they called for us to debark, it became a push & shove contest.....DW and I just sat back and waited for the crush to subside and then made our way off the ship. We collected our luggage, went through customs, caught a shuttle to the Park n Fly lot, and were on the interstate heading home by 8:45 AM .....

[Tutankhamen]

We have boarded four Carnival ships in the last year and not once did they call Diamond/Platinum before the FTTF folks!!! Very disappointing to be honest.

 

Oh the horror!! Steerage boarding with the elite Diamonds. Shame on Carnival.:rolleyes:

[jerseyralph]

On FREEDOM this past June, Diamond, Platinum, Suites & FTTF were all directed to a conference room behind the main lobby bar around 7:30 AM. Unable to accommodate us all, we were moved to the dining room. When they called for us to debark, it became a push & shove contest.....DW and I just sat back and waited for the crush to subside and then made our way off the ship. We collected our luggage, went through customs, caught a shuttle to the Park n Fly lot, and were on the interstate heading home by 8:45 AM .....

 

We did not experience pushing and shoving. It was quite a crowd though. Not sure how many. I would not try to guess. This cruise was packed with couples, probably an older mean age than is typical with Carnival. We saw maybe 5 children the entire cruise. None in late seating dining. Kids would have changed the dynamic. Many platinum cruisers and a few diamond...more than I have ever seen on one cruise.

[1313steve]

Thanks to everyone for all the answers and experiences. Keep 'em coming! :)

 

What I've learned from the responses so far is the only thing that is consistent is the lack of consistency.

 

Our Glory cruise departs from Norfolk and it will be the first one out of Norfolk this fall. Who knows what will happen! LOL.

[Raven Days]

My last cruise was on the Magic. They boarded the wedding parties first. Then they called for the Platnuim Guests, Chefs Table and Suite Guests, but not more then a few seconds later, they called the FTTF guests (where I was). They had kept us in a roped off area. Upon debarkation, all of the above plus self debarkation were in the same dinning room and it was a complete mad house to get out. I think the next cruise I purchase FTTF, I will just wait for a while...I drive to the port, so I can afford to wait.

[tootsiescurly]

Having just retuned from a cruise on the Glory I can tell you there was no order to early boarding. We are Platinum and they called everyone in the lounge at the same time. It was not pretty. There seems to be no standard for boarding in any of the ports of call. We have boarded four Carnival ships in the last year and not once did they call Diamond/Platinum before the FTTF folks!!! Very disappointing to be honest.

Just another reason people are becoming exasperated with Carnival. It is becoming time to switch loyalty!!!

[timhoke]

We have done suites prior to becoming Platinum, boarding with either has always been a breeze. The only wait I have ever had is to get checked in & get our S&S cards then just walk onboard. Our rooms have always been ready when we got onboard. However with the Platinium our luggage was at our room before I even got there, which was really nice, wife went to get us cocktails while I unpacked & had a smoke.

As for disembarkation, we usually hang out in the room until we are ready to leave the ship. I have never had an issue with it(although we do tip the steward well so he's not too pushy to get into our room to clean it), the last thing I want to do is go wait around a dining room to leave. By the time we head off the ship, most of the other luggage is already claimed so ours is easy to find, plus ALWAYS grab a porter he will get you through customs & into a cab quicker than you can get a $10 bill out of your wallet. They have gotten us right through customs, sometimes in a closed line that was opened up just for us. We have gotten us cabs in front of the long line of people who dragged their own luggage out the door.

It is amazing how a nice attitude, a smile & a couple of bucks smooths out any journey.

[Kethry88]

 

We are boarding the Splendor (NYC) on November 9. I booked FttF before taking this week's upsell call to an OS. ($380.00 for the suite- We had been in an aft balcony.) So, when we board on 11/9 we will eligible for both F2F and suite VIFP boarding. We will also be platinum after we step onto the ship. I think, anyhow!

 

I have no idea how they will do it. I will report back here when we get home.

 

Safe travels to all,

 

Gina

 

Gina,

 

If your 11/9 cruise is your 10th cruise taken before the end of the year, making you Platinum, you don't need FTTF. You will get ALL the Platinum perks on the entire cruise, including having the cabin ready at boarding, priority luggage delivery, VIP line at guest services, etc.

[tootsiescurly]

We were FttF on the Glory out of NYC on 9/21. We were directed to the VIFP lounge. When our name was called (about 20 minute later), the attendant looked at our boarding pass, scanned through the sail and sign card pile, and then got up and left the room. She was gone for quite awhile. She came back with our sign and sail cards. She told us the person at the VIFP lounge door should not have directed us into the lounge. She should have directed us to another area. We went to the other area and were immediately escorted onto the ship. So, if we are understanding it, we should have bypassed the VIFP lounge, and the many people waiting there, completely. Just an FYI... in the lounge they had four attendants at 4 different desks checking people in. There was still a wait. There is seating and something to drink. A bathroom is right outside the door.

 

The only real issue out of NYC is having to haul your luggage from where you park your car to an elevator. You have to go down a level or two before you find a porter. For those who are coming in with a car they must park, if your luggage is tough to manage alone, you might want to drop of the significant other by the porters and loop around to park the car.

 

We are boarding the Splendor (NYC) on November 9. I booked FttF before taking this week's upsell call to an OS. ($380.00 for the suite- We had been in an aft balcony.) So, when we board on 11/9 we will eligible for both F2F and suite VIFP boarding. We will also be platinum after we step onto the ship. I think, anyhow!

 

I have no idea how they will do it. I will report back here when we get home.

 

Safe travels to all,

 

Gina

Sorry but if the FTTF people get on the ship before I do as a platinum cruiser, who always books a suite, it is definitely time to start cruising a better cruise line!!!

[jimbo5544]

Sorry but if the FTTF people get on the ship before I do as a platinum cruiser, who always books a suite, it is definitely time to start cruising a better cruise line!!!

It's all about choices. If that happens and makes you cruise another line then so be it. It matters not to me who gets on 35 seconds before or after me.

[Cruising Rules]

Oh the horror!! Steerage boarding with the elite Diamonds. Shame on Carnival.:rolleyes:

 

I have what I consider a polite response to your sarcasm. As a Carnival cruiser with now 25 cruises, I expect Carnival to follow procedures as advertised and thus expected. In addition I have earned the right to board first after spending thousands of dollars over those 25 cruises, not a one time $50 fee so I can feel like I am a Platinum cruiser like I suspect you do. This site needs less sarcasm and more just general discussion and the sharing of information. You obviously do not understand that.