Wedding/Diamond/Platinum/FTTF Boarding

[wemjam]

Just wanted to put this out there since there has been a lot of debate over this and I was slammed by quite a few respondents on a previous post about the fact that they NEVER had this issue before.

 

So I am Platinum with Carnival (big woop :-) ). However, one of the main things I did enjoy about this status was the priority boarding as it afforded us the opportunity to not have to deal with the cattle herd of people during the boarding process. Since starting FTTF, I have noticed that the priority boarding for us has been useless. Not once, in any of our last five or six trips, were we afforded the same boarding as before. We basically just had to board with the general boarding groups. Now, I thought maybe we were just arriving "too" late so, it was kind of our fault (mind you we usually arrive by noon at the latest). Used to be no matter when you arrived you would be escorted to basically the front of the line.

 

When I commented on this on a previous post, and said that both in Tampa and Miami, we had to wait for FTTF to be checked in before us, and had to just boarded with a bunch of other general boarding - I was corrected by numerous posters that they had always received priority and NEVER had this issue.

 

So, now I am back, to say - bull! Just sailed out of Fort Lauderdale on the Conquest and ran into the same kind of situation.

 

We got to the port by 10:30am - (flew into FLL night before this time). Get inside past security and here is this long line for VIFP members (which is Platinum, Diamond, Suites, FTTF, Weddings, etc) and the "regular" boarding line had like 5 people in it. There were 2 attendants helping the priority line, and like 10 or more in the regular line. After literally watching over 30 to 40 people go through the regular line while ours moved like 5 people, I asked an attendant if we couldn't just move over to a regular desk to speed things up (and trust me, I was not the only one in our line getting frustrated). I was told NO sorry, have to stay there as they have your key.

 

So, after finally getting through our line we were escorted to the waiting room - which did not have enough seating and a ton of people were standing in isle ways, etc. (so basically hot, crowded, and people standing on top of each other). Finally, 20 minutes later they moved us upstairs to a different room that was big enough for everyone.

 

Now, this is where I cry bull. Carnival does not "board" in the order stated. Yep, we got to board first... our entire room full of people all at once!!!! They just had a person come in and say "everyone can board now" and it was a chaotic mess. There were hundreds of us in this room - between weddings ( I saw at least 3 to 4 wedding dress bags), Suites, Diamond, Platinum, and FTTF - it was crazy. I was slammed into the door because some guy next to me caught his suite case on something and tripped in the chaos of everyone in the room trying to pass through one door way. Some poor bride was finally "escorted" by a Carnival employee that took pity on her because she was trying to wrangle her large wedding dress bag in all these people - then we all had to set aside and let the entire wedding part through.

 

So much for Carnival following their perk of priority for loyal, long time cruisers and some shred of order.

Edited September 22, 2015 by wemjam

[snc_cam]

I wonder what changed because we sailed out of FLL on the Conquest in May and the Wedding party went first, then the platinum/diamond/suite cruisers, then the FTTF (I had FTTF). And this was the same in Tampa in March as well as in NYC last week on the Splendor.

[slord12]

Just wanted to put this out there since there has been a lot of debate over this and I was slammed by quite a few respondents on a previous post about the fact that they NEVER had this issue before.

 

So I am Platinum with Carnival (big woop :-) ). However, one of the main things I did enjoy about this status was the priority boarding as it afforded us the opportunity to not have to deal with the cattle herd of people during the boarding process. Since starting FTTF, I have noticed that the priority boarding for us has been useless. Not once, in any of our last five or six trips, were we afforded the same boarding as before. We basically just had to board with the general boarding groups. Now, I thought maybe we were just arriving "too" late so, it was kind of our fault (mind you we usually arrive by noon at the latest). Used to be no matter when you arrived you would be escorted to basically the front of the line.

 

When I commented on this on a previous post, and said that both in Tampa and Miami, we had to wait for FTTF to be checked in before us, and had to just boarded with a bunch of other general boarding - I was corrected by numerous posters that they had always received priority and NEVER had this issue.

 

So, now I am back, to say - bull! Just sailed out of Fort Lauderdale on the Conquest and ran into the same kind of situation.

 

We got to the port by 10:30am - (flew into FLL night before this time). Get inside past security and here is this long line for VIFP members (which is Platinum, Diamond, Suites, FTTF, Weddings, etc) and the "regular" boarding line had like 5 people in it. There were 2 attendants helping the priority line, and like 10 or more in the regular line. After literally watching over 30 to 40 people go through the regular line while ours moved like 5 people, I asked an attendant if we couldn't just move over to a regular desk to speed things up (and trust me, I was not the only one in our line getting frustrated). I was told NO sorry, have to stay there as they have your key.

 

So, after finally getting through our line we were escorted to the waiting room - which did not have enough setting and a ton of people were standing. Finally, 20 minutes later they moved us upstairs to a different room that was big enough for everyone.

 

Now, this is where I cry bull. Carnival does not "board" in the order stated. Yep, we got to board first... our entire room full of people all at once!!!! They just had a person come in and say "everyone can board now" and it was a chaotic mess. There were hundreds of us in this room - between weddings ( I saw at least 3 to 4 wedding dress bags), Suites, Diamond, Platinum, and FTTF - it was crazy. I was slammed into the door because some guy next to me caught his suite case on something and tripped in the chaos of everyone in the room trying to pass through one door way. Some poor bride was finally "escorted" by a Carnival employee that took pity on her because she was trying to wrangle here large wedding dress bag in all these people - then we all had to set aside and let the entire wedding part through.

 

So much for Carnival following their perk of priority for loyal, long time cruisers and some shred of order.

 

Yikes, that sounds awful. I have only cruised out of Port Canaveral and I do think they have it all together there. My most recent cruise was for our wedding in June. We had 100 guests attend our wedding and I had been in constant communication with Carnival. We arrived at the port before 10am the morning of the wedding/embarkation day since the hotel wanted to go ahead and start shuttling our huge group over to make sure we all made it by 10:30am. We were welcomed inside and the Carnival agents immediately knew that we were the large wedding group. We were checked in and all directed to our own private area - not with the diamond, platinum, and FTTF guests. There were just too many of us and the whole area would have been chaotic like you described if they would have lumped us all together! Just before it was time to board the port workers and our coordinators had our group go ahead and get our stuff together and start walking towards the escalator to head to the gangway. As we were walking the announcement was made that they were now boarding the Lord-Morris wedding group (we were the only wedding that day) and right after would begin boarding diamond, platinum, and FTTF guests.

Edited September 22, 2015 by slord12

[rocketship]

How many times have you sailed out of FLL? I had my worst experience ever embarking in Fort Lauderdale. That was in July of this year.. Almost a 2 hour wait to get on board.. Never have I ever waited in line so long.

 

Im just wondering if this was a product of the bad setup in Fort Lauderdale...

[KLD1019]

I wonder what changed because we sailed out of FLL on the Conquest in May and the Wedding party went first, then the platinum/diamond/suite cruisers, then the FTTF (I had FTTF). And this was the same in Tampa in March as well as in NYC last week on the Splendor.

 

i can only speak for Galveston and NOLA, but it was the same. they announced "Wedding parties/suites/diamond/platinum to board now". then a few minute later "FTTF passengers may now board"

[riffatsea]

Sorry to hear that FLL boarding was such a mess!!

I have not experienced that on the west coast which had separate check in lines and waiting areas for priority vs. FTTF and boarded in strict order: weddings,priority, and THEN FTTF.

We have priority AND FTTF for our Conquest cruise in October and I hope that doesn't completely confuse the check in people!! It would not be fun to be in such a "cattle call" atmosphere to start our cruise!!

[wemjam]

This is my first cruise out of FLL. However, as I said in the last couple years I have had "issues" in several ports and the rules of boarding (and benefits of platinum/diamond) seem to be out the window.

[bluemoon12]

I am not platinum (few more cruises to go) but I would be upset as well if this took place. Sounds like someone is dropping the ball and not setting the priority as they should. Being a loyal cruises and getting to platinum/diamond you should have priority over the FTTF. I buy the FTTF and in New Orleans they put you differently then the suite/platinum/diamond. At least this past May they did.

[NCTribeFan]

My past two cruises have been out of FLL. Both were also Premier Casino cruises, where those folks ALSO get priority boarding.

 

Each port is different. Yes, the VIP check-in counter at FLL is undermanned (especially when you arrive early) and the "regular" check-in line was shorter both times.

 

Yes, it's a small room and everyone with priority is in there.

 

Yes, we all boarded together - I think. There were so many it was hard to tell.

 

Know what? I didn't care. We were still the first group on the ship. We were still on before lunchtime.

 

This was NOT how it was done in Baltimore. FTTF was in a different room. Plat/Dia boarded before them.

 

San Juan boarding is such a joke, I won't even go into it.

 

Yes, I enjoy priority boarding. It's one of the very few Platinum perks I actually use.

 

Am I going to throw a hissy fit because <gasp> those people who BOUGHT THEIR PERKS got to board the same time as me?!?!?! :eek:

 

Nope. It just isn't worth getting my panties in a wad over something so inconsequential.

 

Maybe OP should ask Carnival to delete their cruise history and just join the great unwashed masses so they can sit and complain about how the people boarding before them think they're entitled (psst - they are). :p

[bobsfamily]

Last couple of cruises on Carnival have been out of smaller ports on Fantasy class ships, never had that problem! D/P have gone right after a wedding party... actually the only wedding party went about 15 minutes before anyone else, then D/P started... about halfway thru FTTF were told to get in line.

 

Have you sent any notes, emails, etc to corporate?

[quickrate]

Just wanted to put this out there since there has been a lot of debate over this and I was slammed by quite a few respondents on a previous post about the fact that they NEVER had this issue before.

 

So I am Platinum with Carnival (big woop :-) ). However, one of the main things I did enjoy about this status was the priority boarding as it afforded us the opportunity to not have to deal with the cattle herd of people during the boarding process. Since starting FTTF, I have noticed that the priority boarding for us has been useless. Not once, in any of our last five or six trips, were we afforded the same boarding as before. We basically just had to board with the general boarding groups. Now, I thought maybe we were just arriving "too" late so, it was kind of our fault (mind you we usually arrive by noon at the latest). Used to be no matter when you arrived you would be escorted to basically the front of the line.

 

When I commented on this on a previous post, and said that both in Tampa and Miami, we had to wait for FTTF to be checked in before us, and had to just boarded with a bunch of other general boarding - I was corrected by numerous posters that they had always received priority and NEVER had this issue.

 

So, now I am back, to say - bull! Just sailed out of Fort Lauderdale on the Conquest and ran into the same kind of situation.

 

We got to the port by 10:30am - (flew into FLL night before this time). Get inside past security and here is this long line for VIFP members (which is Platinum, Diamond, Suites, FTTF, Weddings, etc) and the "regular" boarding line had like 5 people in it. There were 2 attendants helping the priority line, and like 10 or more in the regular line. After literally watching over 30 to 40 people go through the regular line while ours moved like 5 people, I asked an attendant if we couldn't just move over to a regular desk to speed things up (and trust me, I was not the only one in our line getting frustrated). I was told NO sorry, have to stay there as they have your key.

 

So, after finally getting through our line we were escorted to the waiting room - which did not have enough seating and a ton of people were standing in isle ways, etc. (so basically hot, crowded, and people standing on top of each other). Finally, 20 minutes later they moved us upstairs to a different room that was big enough for everyone.

 

Now, this is where I cry bull. Carnival does not "board" in the order stated. Yep, we got to board first... our entire room full of people all at once!!!! They just had a person come in and say "everyone can board now" and it was a chaotic mess. There were hundreds of us in this room - between weddings ( I saw at least 3 to 4 wedding dress bags), Suites, Diamond, Platinum, and FTTF - it was crazy. I was slammed into the door because some guy next to me caught his suite case on something and tripped in the chaos of everyone in the room trying to pass through one door way. Some poor bride was finally "escorted" by a Carnival employee that took pity on her because she was trying to wrangle her large wedding dress bag in all these people - then we all had to set aside and let the entire wedding part through.

 

So much for Carnival following their perk of priority for loyal, long time cruisers and some shred of order.

sounds like you don't have very good luck when it comes to boarding! I went out of both Miami and Fort Lauderdale this summer and did not run into those problems at either one.

Pat

[quickrate]

My past two cruises have been out of FLL. Both were also Premier Casino cruises, where those folks ALSO get priority boarding.

 

Each port is different. Yes, the VIP check-in counter at FLL is undermanned (especially when you arrive early) and the "regular" check-in line was shorter both times.

 

Yes, it's a small room and everyone with priority is in there.

 

Yes, we all boarded together - I think. There were so many it was hard to tell.

 

Know what? I didn't care. We were still the first group on the ship. We were still on before lunchtime.

 

This was NOT how it was done in Baltimore. FTTF was in a different room. Plat/Dia boarded before them.

 

San Juan boarding is such a joke, I won't even go into it.

 

Yes, I enjoy priority boarding. It's one of the very few Platinum perks I actually use.

 

Am I going to throw a hissy fit because <gasp> those people who BOUGHT THEIR PERKS got to board the same time as me?!?!?! :eek:

 

Nope. It just isn't worth getting my panties in a wad over something so inconsequential.

 

Maybe OP should ask Carnival to delete their cruise history and just join the great unwashed masses so they can sit and complain about how the people boarding before them think they're entitled (psst - they are). :p

I'm pretty sure when we boarded the Glory together that was all diamond, platinum and premier casino people and FTTF were in another area.And yes, there were a lot of us but we still got on the ship before noon and what a great time we had!!

Pat

[Bellicheck Brain Trust]

We had a similar experience during our August cruise on the Conquest. They did allow weddings to board first, but after weddings they opened it up to the "priority" room. Included in the "priority" room was Diamond, Platinum (us), Suite, and faster to the fun. It was a nightmare free for all. It was my understanding that FTTF was to be kept with general boarding until all priority was boarded, but that was not the case.

 

As a side note, we also found that the priority line was longer for check in at port everglades.

[love my grandkids]

For some reason each port is different. No idea why that should be.

[CJinFLA00]

FLL is the worst at embark & debark. HATE IT! They need to re-train the staff there.

 

Ratings

1. Port Canaveral

2. Miami

3. Tampa

.

.

.

.

.

499. FLL

[Elaine515]

Sorry to hear that FLL boarding was such a mess!!

I have not experienced that on the west coast which had separate check in lines and waiting areas for priority vs. FTTF and boarded in strict order: weddings,priority, and THEN FTTF.

We have priority AND FTTF for our Conquest cruise in October and I hope that doesn't completely confuse the check in people!! It would not be fun to be in such a "cattle call" atmosphere to start our cruise!!

 

 

 

When you say you have priority and FTTF, why both ? Unless you're booked into a suite ? I might have just answered my own question lol

 

BUT, just in case its not a suite booked, why do you have both ?

 

 

And please let us know how it goes in October because I'm boarding the Conquest in January .. Thanks

Edited September 22, 2015 by Elaine515

[rocketship]

FLL is the worst at embark & debark. HATE IT! They need to re-train the staff there.

 

Ratings

1. Port Canaveral

2. Miami

3. Tampa

.

.

.

.

.

499. FLL

 

I absolutely could not agree more. Actually, I think you might have FLL a little too high still. Worst experience embarking and debarking ever.

[ATL_Miami_Cruiser]

Sorry to hear about the bad experience. I'm surprised they allowed FTTF into the Plat/Diamond lobby. Usually FTTF just gets herded with everyone else and the only benefit during embarkation is the ability to use the priority lines and board after Plat/Diamond.

[springs741]

I can only share what I experience when embarking in Fort Lauderdale. That trip was before Platinum status but we had FTTF.

 

The first check of paperwork and X-ray went quickly and smoothly. Check in for S&S also moved rapidly. They moved a few counter attendants to priority line as things began to back up.

 

We were not allowed to wait in the priority waiting area. (not part of FTTF). After that group boarded that announced FTTF may now board. The bottle neck at the door occurred because of those without FTTF trying to board. People follow the rules! In their defense the announcements were not made over a loud speaker. So perhaps they just follow the crowd.

 

OP I do believe you experienced what you reported. I find there are way too many people in this world that don't think the rules apply to then and Carnival not stern with enforcement. This combination can lead to exactly the problems you reported.

[KevInPitt]

It seems that your rightful aggravation isn't with the introduction of FTTF but how your boarding experiences have been mishandled within the "priority" lines/areas.

 

It would seem logical that within the priority area there be an order to which certain priorities are permitted to queue up for boarding.

 

It would seem your experiences relate to poorly executed boarding procedures where the ropes were pulled back and everyone in the priority area started pushing to be the first of the first.

 

I can only speak to my experiences with the port of New York and the port of Baltimore; I can assure you there was a very clearly announced segmented order of who could board once boarding commenced and it was strictly followed (both by Carnival personnel and the passengers).

 

Perhaps this may be an issue unique to Florida ports (I believe you mentioned Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa). Regardless, you have my sympathies for not getting the priority you deserve as a Platinum Carnival guest.

[2xsin12mths]

You people are killing me! I'm leaving out of FLL in November on Conquest and this kind of BS gets me really worked up. We are finally Platinum and really hate when I become part of a cattle chute and it's total chaos at the port. We left out of Baltimore in May on Pride and it went very smooth. First drink in hand by 11:00.

I best warn my DH to have a few drinks BEFORE we even get to FLL:D

[HectorAchilleus]

I experienced similar situations as the OP in Ft Lauderdale, Miami and San Juan. Baltimore, and Port Canaveral were just fine. I think that there is a temptation for companies to oversell something when it does not actually cost them anything. I was on a flight from Pittsburgh to Paris and they boarded the special needs, first class, etc. and another priority group, leaving about 2/3rds. of the people left. then they announced boarding for the people who paid extra (us) to board early and more than 1/2 of the remaining people lined up!. I can really picture carnival doing the same thing.

 

I actually notice it more at priority tendering. On our last cruise there were over 200 waiting to get on the tender to 1/2 moon cay. It was ill-organized as they tried to get us down in elevators, and non-priority were getting rather upset at the wait. Very nasty looks. I just think that the program is becoming unmanageable.

[N2Mischief]

We are Platinum too, and last time we boarded in Miami, the Platinum/Diamond lounge was so full of FTTF the there was no room for us and we had to sit outside the lounge. Then when we started boarding, we were all taken together. As we walked through the crowds to get to the elevators random people just joined in. It was a mess! The line backed up and stopped at the place where you take the embarkation photos. We just went under the ropes and bypassed the photographers and ended up on board before most anyways, we don't ever do the photos. But we felt less than priority.

[RjayB]

Boarding Glory in Miami on August 29th was very similar. The "Captain's Lounge" was full of Diamonds, Plats, and FTTF. They came in and called the whole room at one time. It wasn't that bad as we were still among the first on board, but not the orderly process that some ports have. I had a funship special by 11:45am. :)

Edited September 22, 2015 by RjayB

[stargate fan]

We had a totally different experience in Port Everglades, our first time boarding there as Platinum, back in February.

 

We got to the port at our usual 9:00 am. We checked in right away and sat in the VIP room. Our friends, who purchased FTTF, sat in a different area designated for FTTF. At 11:00, a port employee came into the lounge and told us it was time to embark. We walked calmly towards the door leading to the ship. There was no pushing nor shoving. Our friends with FTTF met us on the ship about 15 minutes later.

 

Galveston also was a great experience. Tampa was a weird situation because we sailed Legend repositioning from Tamps to Long Beach. There were 100 Diamond and 500 Platinum on that cruise so VIPs were everywhere. Miami's lounge has been getting fuller and fuller, but, again, priority embarkation has been smooth.

 

The common denominator-we arrived at all the ports by 9:00.

 

Boston, on the other hand was a complete cluster. The port employees had no idea what they were doing. The VIP area was just a roped-off area. The port employees were seating people as they arrived, regardless of priority status, assistance needed, etc. But, we endured because we didn't have to fly to a port. Finally! One hour in a car and we were at the port.

 

You all do know that the people working in the port buildings don't actually work for the cruise lines, right? They work for the port authorities. Their embarkation process, or lack thereof, has nothing to do with the cruise lines and everything to do with port management.