POA Suite embarkation -- first time cruiser

[KitinIowa]

We will be experiencing our first cruise ever in a few weeks. Lots of chatter on here about long lines, etc. on checking in for the POA. Since we are suite guests I know we have priority check-in. What do we need to look for when we arrive at the port, is it clear where the suite guests go?

 

I don't want to get stuck in the wrong line? If I can avoid that . . . Are there obvious people to ask when we first arrive to get us through the madness? Remember, we are newbies to all of this. . . . :) Also, will someone be there to take our suitcases, purchased beverages, etc. as we exit the car? Or will we need to lug our baggage around for a bit to get started?

 

We will be dropped off by friends who live in Honolulu. So we won't be with other people arriving on a shuttle or through NCL/Marriott in HNL.

[buckeye82]

You can pull right up in your car (the driver will probably need to tell port security that they are dropping off passengers). Porters will be available to load up your luggage on carts and take it to the luggage drop off area. You will get into the security line (showing paperwork, ID and putting your hand luggage through scanners) and then you will enter the huge terminal, get your lei and a picture taken. There will be people to help, so ask one of them where suite passengers check in.

[KitinIowa]

Thanks... that helps... didn't know how close our friends would be able to drop us off that day.......

[puddles99]

A few things to think about:

• Depending on what time you arrive, porters may or may not be available. Decide in advance if you can maneuver comfortably on your own.
  
• You cannot take any kind of "weapon" on board the POA, including a pocket knife or leatherman-type multipurpose tool, and it doesn't matter if its in your checked or carry-on luggage. Either way, its not allowed (this is different from other ports). You can either just leave the item at home or check it with security and pick it up on your last night before disembarkation.
  
• Don't be shy about reminding folks at various check-points that you're a suite passenger - sometimes the communication doesn't happen at key hand-offs so you could get pointed in the wrong direction if you don't speak up.

And most of all, enjoy your adventure! :D

[KitinIowa]

Weapon? hadn't thought about bringing a weapon....? I usually just use my wife . .

[SMerritt]

Once you are through security look for VIP CHECK IN or ask one of the many crew members that will be available - do not stand in any other lines after security

[Novastar]

I just boarded POA a couple of weeks ago. As Puddles mentioned, there were no porters outside of the terminal. Everyone had so take their own bags into the terminal and stand in a rather long line to drop bags off. Actually there were 2 lines, 1 for those who already had luggage tags on their bags and another line for those who did not. The "no luggage tags" line was way, way shorter than the other. We didn't have tags so we went into that line and actually go through fairly quickly.

 

Once through security and the picture-taking, the terminal was packed and it was hard to see the different check-in lines. However, there were several staff members holding up signs for suite passengers and they were easily spotted.