check in?

[lyentzer]

How many days before sailing can you check in and sign up for port arrival time?

[msidescooter]

First time cruisers is 75 days.

 

 

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[moki'smommy]

It depends on your castaway club status. You must be paid in full to do the on line registration.

 

Concierge and platinum, 120 days.

Gold 105 days

Silver 90 days

first timers 75 days

 

It is another of those perks that costs DCL nothing, but makes "frequent flyers" feel special.

[Shmoo here]

It depends on your castaway club status. You must be paid in full to do the on line registration.

 

Concierge and platinum' date=' 120 days.

Gold 105 days

Silver 90 days

first timers 75 days

 

It is another of those perks that costs DCL nothing, but makes "frequent flyers" feel special.[/quote']

 

Actually, you must be paid in full to book excursions and such. You don't need to be paid in full to do the online checkin.

 

For those whose online check in and excursion booking window opens before the actual paid in full date, they can check in, but will not be able to book excursions and all unless they've paid in full early.

[moki'smommy]

Actually, you must be paid in full to book excursions and such. You don't need to be paid in full to do the online checkin.

 

For those whose online check in and excursion booking window opens before the actual paid in full date, they can check in, but will not be able to book excursions and all unless they've paid in full early.

 

You are right....I typically do them at the same time, so just remember to be paid.

[Shmoo here]

You are right....I typically do them at the same time' date=' so just remember to be paid.[/quote']

 

Well, I thought you knew that, but I figured I'd just clarify it. :)

[cruisefamilyforever]

Please refresh my memory. What is the earliest port arrival time you can select?

[moki'smommy]

Please refresh my memory. What is the earliest port arrival time you can select?

 

You don't actually choose a specific time, you choose a range. I believe the earliest is 10:30-11:00. Of course, everyone looks at the starting time of the range and considers that to be their time.

[Shmoo here]

Please refresh my memory. What is the earliest port arrival time you can select?

 

For the Dream & Fantasy PAT windows start at 10:30. Fifteen minute windows.

 

For the Magic & Wonder (when in port) the PAT windows start at 11:00, I believe.

[mdchachi]

What happens if you completely ignore your selected time and show up, say, an hour earlier? Will they actually make you wait?

[Shmoo here]

What happens if you completely ignore your selected time and show up, say, an hour earlier? Will they actually make you wait?

 

Yes they can, and have. If you arrive earlier than your selected PAT, and the terminal is full (as it can be at first opening, before boarding actually begins) with everyone wanting "first on" privileges.

 

On the other hand, if you have a 2:30 PAT, and show up at 1:00, chances are you will be allowed in, since typically Open Boarding is called around 12:30. The terminal is less busy at that time of day.

 

I'll also point out, your actual boarding number that you receive at port check in is tied to your PAT. Even if you are allowed to enter the terminal early, you will most likely have to wait and will see others (arriving at their correct PAT) board before you will, as they will have a lower boarding number then you will.

[moki'smommy]

The key here is that your PAT is the time you are supposed to arrive at the terminal. Arriving early will not get you onto the ship early UNTIL open boarding is called.

 

That is, you will check in and get a boarding card number. Boarding is done by number until the terminal is largely cleared out. So if you come really early, you still get the same boarding number that the computer assigned to you based on your PAT. You don't get to move up; you get to hang out in the terminal.

 

At about 12:30 or 1, they announce "open boarding." That means no longer using the number system and anyone may board as soon as they are checked in. This is basically the "sweet spot" for arrivals if you have an assigned time later than this. But if you have a late time and show up before the ship starts boarding, you may be kept standing outside briefly. And you will be kept waiting in the terminal. Once boarding starts, they no longer have an issue with number of people in the terminal, so you'll be able to get that far.

[Gardeneroflove]

We skip the wait, arrive later, walk on, no waiting, much easier with kid, and more enjoyable for us.