What to expect when checking in for the first time?

[Teenybk]

Going on our first cruise in ages and wondering what to expect when we're checking in and boarding. We'll be boarding Celebrity's Constellation in Citivecchia, if anyone has specific information on boarding at this port. We'll be taking a shuttle to the port from Rome, after a stay of a few days, and expect to arrive around Noon.

 

If anyone can provide advice and information so we'll know what to expect, it'll be appreciated.

[CruiserBruce]

Generally, the boarding there will be the same boarding procedure Celebrity uses every where. The building may be different, but the procedure should be the same.

 

 

You might want to check on the Celebrity board, here:

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

[Teenybk]

Thanks for the link, but couldn't find specifics. We're pretty much newbies, so totally not familiar with what happens when you enter any port for checking in and boarding.

[perditax]

Thanks for the link, but couldn't find specifics. We're pretty much newbies, so totally not familiar with what happens when you enter any port for checking in and boarding.

 

 

I can only speak for U.S. Ports, but it basically goes:

 

--arrive cruise terminal, drop off checked/tagged luggage with porters, tip them

 

--go through security (passport/ID and X-ray of all carry ons. In U.S ports this has not seemed as rigorous to me as modern airport security. Take off metal stuff and sling your bags on the belt.)

 

--now you actually check in at the cruise line's check-in deck, probably receive your room key

 

--wait until it's time to board.

 

--get lunch, do not freak out about the buffet crowds, you will never see them this bad again

 

--get into your room around 1 or 2

 

--your luggage will find you sometime after 4 or so

Edited October 10, 2015 by perditax

[TheOldBear]

Thanks for the link, but couldn't find specifics. We're pretty much newbies, so totally not familiar with what happens when you enter any port for checking in and boarding.

 

In general, you will check any luggage you are not carrying on at arrival at the port. [at some ports tipping is expected - check the 'ports of call' and 'homeports' sections for Rome/Citivecchia]. Put luggage tags [either provided on paper, or downloaded and printed] on all bags you are checking.

 

Your carry on should include everything you might need the first day - it may be late in the day before you see your checked bags.

 

You will then need your documents [tickets, passport] to check yourself in. The checkin process also includes establishing a payment method [credit card] for onboard purchases. You'll be issued a card that works as both your room key & for on board purchases. You may find [if the upgrade fairy smiles] a different room than you have reserved.

 

Hopefully there is a waiting area, and the wait will be short. On the way from the waiting room into the ship, there is usually a photographer [we tend to avoid this].

[Teenybk]

Appreciate the info. I've seen some photos with people holding numbers - I guess you may receive a check-in number at some point. I'm sure all will go well, but always feel better when I have an idea of what to expect. Thanks again!

[Keith1010]

I would arrive around 10:30 AM to drop off luggage and you will be on board by Noon or earlier.

 

Keith

[Stratheden]

Going on our first cruise in ages and wondering what to expect when we're checking in and boarding. We'll be boarding Celebrity's Constellation in Citivecchia, if anyone has specific information on boarding at this port. We'll be taking a shuttle to the port from Rome, after a stay of a few days, and expect to arrive around Noon.

 

If anyone can provide advice and information so we'll know what to expect, it'll be appreciated.

 

Suggest you post this on the Celebrity forum. I have boarded HAL at Citavecchia but not Celebrity. There will be porters to take your checked bags and you will have to have your carry on scanned.

[Jimnbigd]

Note that USA requires check in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. I'm not sure about Italy's rules. I agree with another poster -- arrive before noon. Lunch (usually the buffet) is included the first day, something I did not know on my first cruise.

 

Tip: If you want your hair done during the cruise (usually just before the 2nd formal night), make your appointment at the ship's spa when you board, either just before or just after you eat lunch.

Edited October 10, 2015 by Jimnbigd

[cb at sea]

Checking into the ship is like checking into a hotel, for the most part. You will go thru security before checking in...but from that point, it's simply giving name and ID and form of payment! Not a big deal at all.

[lindabodrum]

Can you still check in your room before luggage arrives

[NMLady]

Can you still check in your room before luggage arrives

 

On most cruise lines rooms are not available until about 1:30pm since they're being cleaned from morning's debarkation. An announcement will be made when cabins are available. At that time you can go to your cabin even though your luggage will not arrive until much later.

 

The luggage stewards will leave it in the hallway next to your cabin door.

If your cabin steward sees it and has time he will put it inside your cabin but most times it will be up to you to put it in your cabin.

Edited December 15, 2015 by NMLady

[Kartgv]

A couple of things haven't yet been mentioned. You will need to complete and sign a medical form, basically certifying that you have not had any gastrointestinal illness, etc. in the few days.

 

Another thing is photographs. There will be ship photographers with some sort of a backdrop offering to take your picture. Feel free to say 'No, thank you' and walk on by. There is also the official photograph taken by security, sometime during the check-in process - that one is not optional. You will be asked to remove hats and sunglasses. This photo remains on file and each time you board the ship, your face is compared to the picture that comes up when you insert your card.

 

The other thing, somewhat unique to Celebrity, is that you will be offered a glass of 'bubbly' as soon as you get onboard the ship! These are free, but don't assume that the drinks are free every time you see someone wandering around with a tray full. Bon voyage!

[kitty9]

I've embarked on a Celebrity ship in Civitecchia, and the whole procedure is simple. When you arrive, your big bags will be taken for security screening, while you take your carry on into the terminal. You will go through a security screening before heading into check in. You will be directed to the appropriate line, depending on your cabin type, where you'll present your e-documents, your credit card for on board purchases, the medical form stating that you're not, or haven't been ill in the last 48 hours, and finally you'll show your passport. It's there that they will take your picture for security purposes. After that, you'll be directed to where to board the ship. There will be photographers to take a souvenir photo and then you'll go through another security check where you'll swipe your sign and sail card. Once all that is done, you'll board the ship. If you get on board before 1pm, you will be able to find a place to sit and wait until they announce that cabins are ready, usually around 1pm.

 

Now, if you're in a suite, you should be escorted to Michael's Club where you'll wait for the cabins to be ready.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I can only speak for U.S. Ports, but it basically goes:

 

--arrive cruise terminal, drop off checked/tagged luggage with porters, tip them

 

--go through security (passport/ID and X-ray of all carry ons. In U.S ports this has not seemed as rigorous to me as modern airport security. Take off metal stuff and sling your bags on the belt.)

 

--now you actually check in at the cruise line's check-in deck, probably receive your room key

 

--wait until it's time to board.

 

--get lunch, do not freak out about the buffet crowds, you will never see them this bad again

 

--get into your room around 1 or 2

 

--your luggage will find you sometime after 4 or so

 

Pretty much the routine for at least US ports (maybe other countries too) and for most cruise lines. On the cruises we've been on (which have all started from US ports, we have been checked in before going through security. At the check in, you hand over the health form that you're to fill out right inside the entrance to the terminal, your ID like a passport, a credit card for your on-board spending. Then the security line. Before boarding you're given the chance to take the official "embarkation photo" (no charge to take this and no obligation to buy it), but the next photo is mandatory as it's embedded into your cabin card.

 

On most cruise lines rooms are not available until about 1:30pm since they're being cleaned from morning's debarkation. An announcement will be made when cabins are available. At that time you can go to your cabin even though your luggage will not arrive until much later.

 

The luggage stewards will leave it in the hallway next to your cabin door.

If your cabin steward sees it and has time he will put it inside your cabin but most times it will be up to you to put it in your cabin.

 

We have never had to lug our carry ons around. Used to be that you can go directly to your cabin on Carnival (but I guess they make people pay extra for this now) but on Princess, you are allowed to go directly to your cabin upon boarding. Just saying this as there could be new cruisers who are going on other cruise lines viewing this thread.

[GUT2407]

Drop bags

 

 

May need to go through security screening

 

 

Line up for what may feel like an eternity

 

 

Hand over your boarding pass, passport probably credit card

 

 

Get cruise card, probably have photo taken at this stage

 

 

Line up for another eternity

 

 

Pass through security screening

 

 

Board the ship

 

 

Start to enjoy your cruise

 

 

Get lunch and wait for announcement that cabins are ready

 

 

Go to mustard drill

 

 

Set sail

 

 

If I can do it anyone can.

[donaldsc]

No big deal. You get to the terminal. You follow the crowds. You sit for a while. You wait in line a while. You check in.

 

DON

[rockdoctor]

When you say taking the shuttle, it sounds like you have a Celebrity transfer. If so, have your check in paperwork and your passport in your hand when you leave the bus. Haven't needed my credit card lately. You can carry it through security. Fill out the health questionaire and follow the line. Your good as gold. Smile when they take your picture. Never had to sit around. I guess it's one of the advantages of a Celebrity transfer.