Flight and Cruise Process

[carnival03]

In April will be the first time my Family and I will fly to the embarkation port in Tampa aboard the Carnival Legend. We're flying with Southwest airlines. As I'm sure many of you are aware they have no assigned seats, it depends on how early you check in and I would like to sit with my family. We don't have a problem when going to Tampa but coming back we do so...

 

 

-Our flight comes in at 8:45 in the morning, so we should be at the terminal by 9:30. What is the best way to get from TPA to the port?

 

-Considering we are going to be at the port a little early what is there to do? Anything?

 

-We are most likely going to purchase FTTF can anyone put insight on that program for me?

 

-Departing from our cruise is there anyway we can check in for our flight before we disembark on the ship?

 

-Has anyone ever done Carnival's luggage express is that worth it? Can some provide insight for this also?

 

-Our flight doesn't leave till 2:25PM so anyone recommend anything in Tampa to do before leaving?

 

- What is the best way to get to TPA from the terminal?

 

If anyone can provide any or all of the information for me that would great thanks for your help!

[okgirl]

In April will be the first time my Family and I will fly to the embarkation port in Tampa aboard the Carnival Legend. We're flying with Southwest airlines. As I'm sure many of you are aware they have no assigned seats, it depends on how early you check in and I would like to sit with my family. We don't have a problem when going to Tampa but coming back we do so...

 

 

-Our flight comes in at 8:45 in the morning, so we should be at the terminal by 9:30. What is the best way to get from TPA to the port? It's more likely that it will take you at least an hour to exit the plane and retrieve your luggage so you'll probably not even be heading to the airport until closer to 10am. I've never cruised from Tampa, but the cheapest is probably the Carnival shuttle, or a taxi.

 

-Considering we are going to be at the port a little early what is there to do? Anything? By the time you get to the port you should be able to check in. I usually get to any embarkation port by 10:30. However, you'll probably want to have somekind of crackers and snack bars in your carry on to tide you over until you're on the ship which should probably be between 11:30 and 12.

 

-We are most likely going to purchase FTTF can anyone put insight on that program for me? It's a great program that sells out quick so purchase it as soon as it's offerred. The cost is per cabin and gets you a special checkin line and seating area. Everyone in your cabin will board right after the VIP groups and you can go directly to your cabin to drop off your carry on luggage. If you have any tender ports you can go to guest services and be escorted to the front of the tender line to get off the ship but not back on. You also get to use the VIP line at Guest Services.

 

-Departing from our cruise is there anyway we can check in for our flight before we disembark on the ship? The ship has internet access and you can purchase a package or go by the minute to do online checkin 24 hours before your departure and also print your boarding passes.

 

-Has anyone ever done Carnival's luggage express is that worth it? Can some provide insight for this also? I do LE everytime it's available. You set your luggage out the night before you debark and don't see it again until you go to baggage claim back home. It's not available on all sailings and you also can't have an early flight.

 

-Our flight doesn't leave till 2:25PM so anyone recommend anything in Tampa to do before leaving? I would hang out on the ship as long as possible, take a taxi back to the airport and have a leisurely lunch before boarding.

 

- What is the best way to get to TPA from the terminal?

 

If anyone can provide any or all of the information for me that would great thanks for your help!

 

Have a great time.

[Rirruto]

A cab between the airport and the cruise terminal is only about $25 (for the cab, not per person) so I would recommend that. Carnival transfer is $20per person so doesn't make much sense unless you are traveling alone and wish to wait around for the bus to fill up.

 

The drive to the terminal is pretty quick, about 15-20 minutes. I would estimate you would get to the cruise terminal anywhere between 945am-1030am depending on how quick you get off the plane, pick up your bags, and get in a cab, and traffic. The terminal is right by Channelside (lots of touristy shops and restaurants similar to Bayside in Miami) so if you are looking to kill time, you could walk around there. If you get to the terminal more in the area of 10amish I wouldn't bother walking around and just try and check in ASAP, especially if you FTTF. There is internet access on the ship for a fee. I would probably utilize this since you are flying Southwest and checking in early is vital. I've never flown Southwest so I usually just do my flight check in the morning of debarkation through my phone. I am pretty sure the Legend has Luggage Express but it's also dependent on your airline that you use. I think it would be a good idea if your airline participates since you are looking to kill a little time. There will be a handout in your stateroom a night or two before debarkation detailing this.

The aquarium is also right by Channelside, so it could be something to do to kill time after your cruise and before your late flight.

[Dirkgun]

I would add to okgirl's great info.... when you get back within cell range use southwest's smartphone app if you can to check in.... maybe you would not even need to print boarding passes then.... a lot of airlines and airports can scan an email barcode on the phone.

[Roz]

I've found that paying for the Early Bird check-in on SW is cheaper than purchasing internet time on the ship. As long as you're checked in, you can print the boarding passes at the airport.

 

Roz

[firstcruiseever]

In April will be the first time my Family and I will fly to the embarkation port in Tampa aboard the Carnival Legend. We're flying with Southwest airlines. As I'm sure many of you are aware they have no assigned seats, it depends on how early you check in and I would like to sit with my family. We don't have a problem when going to Tampa but coming back we do so...

 

 

-Our flight comes in at 8:45 in the morning, so we should be at the terminal by 9:30. What is the best way to get from TPA to the port?

 

-Considering we are going to be at the port a little early what is there to do? Anything?

 

-We are most likely going to purchase FTTF can anyone put insight on that program for me?

 

-Departing from our cruise is there anyway we can check in for our flight before we disembark on the ship?

 

-Has anyone ever done Carnival's luggage express is that worth it? Can some provide insight for this also?

 

-Our flight doesn't leave till 2:25PM so anyone recommend anything in Tampa to do before leaving?

 

- What is the best way to get to TPA from the terminal?

 

If anyone can provide any or all of the information for me that would great thanks for your help!

 

As far as what to do in Tampa, there is a TON. You could check out the butterfly garden... Or you could go shopping at the IKEA there which is super fun. You could go to the beach there. They have pretty nice beaches. Seriously there is a LOT to do there!

[Twin A]

Can someone back home check you in? I usually get my sister or husband to do the check-in if they aren't traveling with me.

 

I've also used the early-bird option on SW, but that can get pricey with a large family.

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[carnival03]

Thanks for everyone's help! I'm just torn between all the options coming home.. Luggage express, check in on computers, early-bird check in, etc... so many choices. Pros and cons to each. I need to make sure my family and I sit together on the flight home. So a "C" boarding position probably won't cut it. Has any one participated in Carnival's luggage express with a southwest flight? How early does carnival check you in? Do you get an "A" or "B" boarding position?

[carnival03]

Can someone back home check you in? I usually get my sister or husband to do the check-in if they aren't traveling with me.

 

I've also used the early-bird option on SW, but that can get pricey with a large family.

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

That sounds like and excellent idea. Thanks so much, we have family that fly all the time, so they should be on the ball with it!

[judycruiser]

Thanks for everyone's help! I'm just torn between all the options coming home.. Luggage express, check in on computers, early-bird check in, etc... so many choices. Pros and cons to each. I need to make sure my family and I sit together on the flight home. So a "C" boarding position probably won't cut it. Has any one participated in Carnival's luggage express with a southwest flight? How early does carnival check you in? Do you get an "A" or "B" boarding position?

 

We just got off the Legend on November 3. They did not have Luggage Express. Probably should not count on it being available.

 

Judy

[carnival03]

We just got off the Legend on November 3. They did not have Luggage Express. Probably should not count on it being available.

 

Judy

 

Thanks Judy, I'll be sure to keep that in mind....

[45014]

Do you mind my asking, why do you not have to sit together on the way to the cruise, but have to be together going home? Just wondering. Have a fantastic cruise!!

[carnival03]

The way Southwest boards their planes is: 24 hrs prior to the flight you can check in, the earlier you check in the earlier you get to board. So say If I check in 24hrs prior to my flight I'm likely to get a "A" boarding position, therefore since we're one of the first ones on we will be able to get a row where we can all sit together. For the flight going to the cruise I won't have this problem considering I'll be able to check in on my computer however coming back I don't know If I'll be at a computer 24hrs. prior on a cruise therefore if we wait and check in at the airport we will most likely have a "C" boarding position meaning there might not be a full row for us to sit together... hopefully that makes sense lol.

[cruisinfanatic]

I've found that paying for the Early Bird check-in on SW is cheaper than purchasing internet time on the ship. As long as you're checked in, you can print the boarding passes at the airport.

 

Roz

Not with 5 people

[cruisinfanatic]

The way Southwest boards their planes is: 24 hrs prior to the flight you can check in, the earlier you check in the earlier you get to board. So say If I check in 24hrs prior to my flight I'm likely to get a "A" boarding position, therefore since we're one of the first ones on we will be able to get a row where we can all sit together. For the flight going to the cruise I won't have this problem considering I'll be able to check in on my computer however coming back I don't know If I'll be at a computer 24hrs. prior on a cruise therefore if we wait and check in at the airport we will most likely have a "C" boarding position meaning there might not be a full row for us to sit together... hopefully that makes sense lol.

I'd spend the 10 bucks that it might cost and check in 24 hrs before on Carnival's computers. Or you can bring a laptop and do it using their minutes. Or you can buy preboarding from SW at $12.50pp

[snowskier]

The way Southwest boards their planes is: 24 hrs prior to the flight you can check in, the earlier you check in the earlier you get to board. So say If I check in 24hrs prior to my flight I'm likely to get a "A" boarding position, therefore since we're one of the first ones on we will be able to get a row where we can all sit together. For the flight going to the cruise I won't have this problem considering I'll be able to check in on my computer however coming back I don't know If I'll be at a computer 24hrs. prior on a cruise therefore if we wait and check in at the airport we will most likely have a "C" boarding position meaning there might not be a full row for us to sit together... hopefully that makes sense lol.

 

I've been well in the "B" group the last 5 or 6 flights when I have used Southwest Early Bird check in so not sure you should count on being in the "A" group by checking in 24 hours ahead of time. Last flight I didn't do Early Bird as I had knee surgery and was a pre board. I did do online check in 24 hours ahead and was B58. Checked my husband in at the same time and he was C4.

 

The only way to ensure being in "A" or the first 2/3's of "B" would be early bird at $12.50 a person. Families with kids board between "A" and "B" which also limits the options for a full row if you don't do early bird. For around $40 a seat you can board in A1 - A15.

 

Of course two could do early bird and save seats for the others. Sometimes the flight attendants will not let you save seats but they are so busy when folks are boarding they don't always know when people are doing it.

[carnival03]

I've been well in the "B" group the last 5 or 6 flights when I have used Southwest Early Bird check in so not sure you should count on being in the "A" group by checking in 24 hours ahead of time. Last flight I didn't do Early Bird as I had knee surgery and was a pre board. I did do online check in 24 hours ahead and was B58. Checked my husband in at the same time and he was C4.

 

The only way to ensure being in "A" or the first 2/3's of "B" would be early bird at $12.50 a person. Families with kids board between "A" and "B" which also limits the options for a full row if you don't do early bird. For around $40 a seat you can board in A1 - A15.

 

Of course two could do early bird and save seats for the others. Sometimes the flight attendants will not let you save seats but they are so busy when folks are boarding they don't always know when people are doing it.

 

That sucks, oh well at least it's only at 2hr. flight....

[cruisinfanatic]

That sucks, oh well at least it's only at 2hr. flight....

Anyone at home that could ck you in?

You don't need printed boarding passes

[riffatsea]

There is no guarantee you'll get an A boarding position even if you are at your computer 24hrs. before the flight!

These days soo many people are either buying Business class (which goes first) or the early bird check in ,OR have status with pts. on Southwest ,that the average person just checking in on line is not the one usually getting those A positions.

Not sure why all sitting together is sooo important but if you want to stop worrying about it then either buy the Business class tix or buy the early check in and hope!

[nooney64]

I have always paid the $10 early check in with SW for the return portion of my trip and have had no problems getting an "A" boarding assignment. This way you don't have to worry about a late boarding and you can print your boarding pass at the kiosk at the airport.

[Twin A]

That sounds like and excellent idea. Thanks so much, we have family that fly all the time, so they should be on the ball with it!

 

You're welcome! This has worked for me quite well. The times I've checked in right at 24 hours ahead (or had a family member check me in) I got either an A or B boarding pass. And I always get A with early-bird.

 

If either of your children are young enough, you may be able to preboard.

[carnival03]

I have always paid the $10 early check in with SW for the return portion of my trip and have had no problems getting an "A" boarding assignment. This way you don't have to worry about a late boarding and you can print your boarding pass at the kiosk at the airport.

 

Thanks for the insight! If a family member can't check in for us this is probably what we'll do! Thanks!

[RWolver672]

T

Not sure why all sitting together is sooo important but if you want to stop worrying about it then either buy the Business class tix or buy the early check in and hope!

 

The OP never said how old the rest of the family is. They might be little kids.

Would you want to sit in the back of the plane while the rest of your family is scattered about the plane? Most families like to sit together.

[RuthlessBoss]

The way Southwest boards their planes is: 24 hrs prior to the flight you can check in, the earlier you check in the earlier you get to board. So say If I check in 24hrs prior to my flight I'm likely to get a "A" boarding position, therefore since we're one of the first ones on we will be able to get a row where we can all sit together. For the flight going to the cruise I won't have this problem considering I'll be able to check in on my computer however coming back I don't know If I'll be at a computer 24hrs. prior on a cruise therefore if we wait and check in at the airport we will most likely have a "C" boarding position meaning there might not be a full row for us to sit together... hopefully that makes sense lol.

Most are aware of Southwest's way of boarding.

I'm curious about having to sit together. It's not like someone will get "lost" once in the plane:rolleyes:. The important thing is just to be ON the plane.

[RWolver672]

Not to be snarky at all but family togetherness mean more to some than to others. As I said in the above posting, we have no idea of how old the other family members are. They could be little kids and should be with their parents.