Assigned check in...you got to be kidding me

[cruizinisthebest]

If you don't know the facts, you shouldn't response. You don't know what hotel I work for and how demanding our clientele is ;)

 

Whether it was busy or not isn't really the point. Hotels are rarely filled to capacity for the same consistent number of days in a row. And no hotel checks every guest in and out at the same time like a cruise ship. So yes, they may have unoccupied rooms available to accommodate early arrivals.

 

Nevertheless they have check-in rules and timeframes that everyone has to abide by. And unlike ships, hotels don't have half of a ship holding thousands show up at once to check-in AFTER they have been advised when check-in is in the first place.

 

Everyone loves to leave out the basic fact that Carnival wasn't always this stringent. When they politely suggested check-in times, many people ignored it. And it wasn't entirely because of logistics but more so the idea, just like you suggested, that I paid for this day and I want on on on. To hell with what was suggested or asked by the cruiseline. Well even if you have a few dozen parties per hour flipping the bird to the suggested times, it can become chaotic. I have seen it get ugly with the port employees. So something had to be done. Nobody cared about bombarding port employees, so I don't see why Carnival should care about when you can check out and what time your drive gets you to the port, or your irresponsible multi-party family randomly picking various times then posting the outrage that you can't board together (as in the OPs case). There are a number of ways people can ensure being at the front of the check-in line, but boarding which is what everyone is really wanting to do first, remains a separate process.

 

When you're asked and don't comply, next you will be told and forced to comply. Simple as that.

[Jampt1003]

I've got preferred status on Avis, silver status with Hilton, and my wife thinks I'm peachy. Therefore, with all that status, I agree with the advice that you all just go when the latest boarding time in your party is.

 

I guess you could call me a statustician.

 

haha!! Outside from the original post, this is hilarious! :p:)

[seamusdad]

Whether it was busy or not isn't really the point. Hotels are rarely filled to capacity for the same consistent number of days in a row. And no hotel checks every guest in and out at the same time like a cruise ship. So yes, they may have unoccupied rooms available to accommodate early arrivals.

 

Nevertheless they have check-in rules and timeframes that everyone has to abide by. And unlike ships, hotels don't have half of a ship holding thousands show up at once to check-in AFTER they have been advised when check-in is in the first place.

 

Everyone loves to leave out the basic fact that Carnival wasn't always this stringent. When they politely suggested check-in times, many people ignored it. And it wasn't entirely because of logistics but more so the idea, just like you suggested, that I paid for this day and I want on on on. To hell with what was suggested or asked by the cruiseline. Well even if you have a few dozen parties per hour flipping the bird to the suggested times, it can become chaotic. I have seen it get ugly with the port employees. So something had to be done. Nobody cared about bombarding port employees, so I don't see why Carnival should care about when you can check out and what time your drive gets you to the port, or your irresponsible multi-party family randomly picking various times then posting the outrage that you can't board together (as in the OPs case). There are a number of ways people can ensure being at the front of the check-in line, but boarding which is what everyone is really wanting to do first, remains a separate process.

 

When you're asked and don't comply, next you will be told and forced to comply. Simple as that.

Amen....very well said.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[hotsauce126]

We are Elite on Celebrity and Diamond Plus on Royal

 

Awesome! I have six punches on my punch card for a local coffee shop.

[MissCruiseAddict]

For me and my family we like to board as early as possible. We head up to the lido for lunch, we explore the ship and we find a nice spot to just sit and relax. To us it's like a whole other day on board.

[KatieCharlotte]

Can't believe all the consternation that appears on these boards when check-in times are mentioned in whatever context.

 

What does early check-in and boarding actually get for someone? The only thing I can think of is lunch on the lido made up of the last' cruise left-overs, since supplies are still being boarded until just before sail away.

 

Shops aren't open, casino is closed, for other than a handful no one has access to their cabins. Other than summer months its usually too cool to use the pools, besides who wants to strip in the public restrooms.

 

There isn't any entertainment, excursion desk is crowded from the get-go, so is passenger services. Alcohol isn't any cheaper the earlier you board. The maitre'd doesn't open for business until well after 1.

 

 

Since you asked...My stress at getting everyone and everything to the ship is over. We eat at our lunchtime, before it's crowded, and then we enjoy the ship while others are eating and wandering around. We wear our swimsuits under our clothes and go in the empty hot tubs. My kids enjoy activities like the basketball courts before they're crowded. On the Elation, my room was officially ready at 12:30 and on all other ships they've been ready at 1:30. I am usually able unpack and put away everyone clothes before the muster drill and sailaway. This is how I start a relaxing cruise.

[tbmrt]

Just booked today so didn't register yet online. Is that when we have an opportunity to choose our check-in time?

 

Thanks

[ShakyBeef]

Just booked today so didn't register yet online. Is that when we have an opportunity to choose our check-in time?

 

Thanks

 

Yes, if you are cruising out of a port that has instituted the staggered check-in times. If your port of embarkation has not, the option will not be available.

[Keys2Heaven]

I've learned that with a large group of cattle, er, I mean people, rules/times, etc. are hardly ever adhered to. Best thing you can do is meet up as a group and hope to board at the same time.

 

First rule of vacation is to constantly remind yourself that you're on vacation. SO RELAX!!!!

 

The boat isn't leaving without you.

The buffet isn't going to run dry.

You room will be ready when it's ready.

 

I love watching these people make a mad dash to be "first", only to later see them dragging butt the rest of the cruise.

Edited February 17, 2016 by Keys2Heaven

[Domergirl]

Wow...I am SO glad that I read this post!! We are sailing for the first time out of Galveston in April, and this will be our first time with this new system. I usually wait until a few weeks before the cruise to check in online...but I just did it now!! Woo hoo!!! So glad I did...we are flying in the day before the cruise, with the plan that we want to get on board as early as possible. I would have been SO bummed if I had waited to check in and not gotten an early time!!! I just checked in for both of our bookings, and we are all checking in between 11:30 - 12.

 

So - OP, I am sorry for your frustration, but I really do thank you for posting this, and for all of you who commented, because thanks to you...we are all set for our April cruise!!! :):):)

[Yvonne]

I'm a bit skeptical about this. But our cruise is 11-months away so it will be interesting reading more threads pertaining to this.

 

What about the people who want to do the "Behind the Scenes" tour, and have a late check-in and you can't sign up for that tour until you are actually on the ship?

 

Do they still go by zones for boarding the ship? Earlier check-in people get the earlier boarding times?

 

We always like to get to the port about 10:30 so we're some of the earlier people to board. We enjoy spending as much time as possible on the ship so would not really be happy to have a late check-in time

 

I know Sweet Dutch Girl doesn't have a problem getting onto the ship later, but not all of us want to do that.

[bamagirl16]

If you are sailing out of a port that has the staggered check in times in effect now you can go ahead and select your check in time without completing the rest of the online check in. We did this for our cruise in March out of New Orleans as soon as we got the email that they were going to implement this in New Orleans.

[elliair]

Not sure what Elite on Celebrity and Diamond on RCI has to do with your complaint.

 

Maybe they wanted to be treated special like they are on Celebrity and RCI. I hope they have a great time as Carnival newbies.

Edited February 17, 2016 by elliair

[tkportersat]

I think you are being a tad dramatic..have you even tried the process yet? From what I have read most of the reviews are positive.

 

People will still be unhappy waiting outside the door waiting for their schedule time to enter the boarding gates. They will still rush to the agents to board. I have never seen an unhappy worker. They always greet everyone with smiles. I bet you are a platinum/diamond card holder and like this idea to be first to board and look back at the rest of us low card holders like we deserve this huge mess.

[tkportersat]

I almost spit my coffee out! lol :D

 

......... Yeah that's exactly what we do. We all kick puppies out in the rain also....really? People could do as you say.....or they can follow rules, show when they are assigned and make the embarkation process enjoyable...imagine that! For the record, this is what most cruise lines already do. That being said I do agree that agents always smile as do all their employees, it's their best asset. People can gripe and complain about being cheated out a meal, or its their "cruise". Again you can join them, or embrace a little change that makes the embarkation process better....and again better for everybody.

[Je Souhaite]

We are doing a cruise on Carnival out of Galveston this Coming Sunday....6 rooms...we all have different check in times.... so how the #/^÷/%_£^/#= are we supposed to coordinate picking up family members from hotels...flights....others driving in..... We are Elite on Celebrity and Diamond Plus on Royal...earned both....not real impressed with Carnival so far....:mad:

 

The path Carnival has chosen to handle crowd control is pure lunacy.

How they have gone from boarding and proceeding directly to your stateroom upon boarding, to staged, all while offering early embarkation for $60, at the expense of everyone else trying to get on is just poor customer service.

And makes me very happy I am one of those precious metal VIP people that don't have to put up with such nonsense.

 

Pity the lowly new cruisers, where blockades are just inserted everywhere in their path.

[tkportersat]

I don't get it either...I also don't get why everyone makes a fuss about checking in at the same time. My parents were Platinum on RC once and they went and drank champagne in a VIP room while we waiting with everyone else. On Carnival we were VIP and my parents were slightly behind. We were spending the whole week together for crying out loud, I wouldn't begrudge their little perk and they didn't begrudge me. People are going on vacation for crying out loud, and are lucky to do so.

 

Can't believe all the consternation that appears on these boards when check-in times are mentioned in whatever context.

 

What does early check-in and boarding actually get for someone? The only thing I can think of is lunch on the lido made up of the last' cruise left-overs, since supplies are still being boarded until just before sail away.

 

Shops aren't open, casino is closed, for other than a handful no one has access to their cabins. Other than summer months its usually too cool to use the pools, besides who wants to strip in the public restrooms.

 

There isn't any entertainment, excursion desk is crowded from the get-go, so is passenger services. Alcohol isn't any cheaper the earlier you board. The maitre'd doesn't open for business until well after 1.

 

We have always checked-in at 1:30 and been on board 20 minutes after heading into the terminal. Still plenty of time for lunch, our rooms are ready, the initial log jams at the service desks are down to a crawl (though we've never had to use them), reservations for spa services are still wide open, reservations at the pay for restaurants have no way filled up...and, amazingly, there is still plenty of booze to go around.

[butterflys]

Yes, if you are cruising out of a port that has instituted the staggered check-in times. If your port of embarkation has not, the option will not be available.

 

 

I'm cruising out of Miami this summer. As soon as I booked, I checked the site. I was able to select a check-in time. I'm glad I checked I had not heard it was instituted in Miami. I got 10:30am.

[cruizinisthebest]

I don't get it either...I also don't get why everyone makes a fuss about checking in at the same time. My parents were Platinum on RC once and they went and drank champagne in a VIP room while we waiting with everyone else. On Carnival we were VIP and my parents were slightly behind. We were spending the whole week together for crying out loud, I wouldn't begrudge their little perk and they didn't begrudge me. People are going on vacation for crying out loud, and are lucky to do so.

I don't get fretting over checking in or boarding together either.

 

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[Savlamara]

Color me confused, but is it not staggered "check-in" and not staggered boarding? Or does your check in determine your boarding position? I have yet to do this so very curious...

[LMaxwell]

Color me confused, but is it not staggered "check-in" and not staggered boarding? Or does your check in determine your boarding position? I have yet to do this so very curious...

 

It is staggered check in. If you arrive too early you can't even go through security and sit to wait your turn, they simply leave you out on the sidewalk. If you get stuck with a 2:30PM check in time and have to leave your hotel by 11AM, too bad; no A/C, no bathrooms, and certainly no lunch for you.

 

Carnival should have simply had more check in agents but decided to cut costs and make this a guest problem. Everyone cheers Carnival when they get a 10:30AM slot, but let's see how it goes when they get a 2:30PM slot.

[westview1]

The path Carnival has chosen to handle crowd control is pure lunacy.

How they have gone from boarding and proceeding directly to your stateroom upon boarding, to staged, all while offering early embarkation for $60, at the expense of everyone else trying to get on is just poor customer service.

And makes me very happy I am one of those precious metal VIP people that don't have to put up with such nonsense.

 

Pity the lowly new cruisers, where blockades are just inserted everywhere in their path.

 

I have 21 cruises with Carnival and 30 overall and I think that I have checked in and then boarded right away 2 or 3 times total. The common factor in those 3 occurrences is that we arrived at the terminal after 1:00 p.m. When you get to the terminal early, you are most likely going to wait. Even my diamond status won't help if the ship is not ready to board passengers.

[tkportersat]

Glass half full huh? :rolleyes:

I have boarded around 2:30 before, it wasn't that bad.

 

It is staggered check in. If you arrive too early you can't even go through security and sit to wait your turn, they simply leave you out on the sidewalk. If you get stuck with a 2:30PM check in time and have to leave your hotel by 11AM, too bad; no A/C, no bathrooms, and certainly no lunch for you.

 

Carnival should have simply had more check in agents but decided to cut costs and make this a guest problem. Everyone cheers Carnival when they get a 10:30AM slot, but let's see how it goes when they get a 2:30PM slot.

[Savlamara]

It is staggered check in. If you arrive too early you can't even go through security and sit to wait your turn, they simply leave you out on the sidewalk. If you get stuck with a 2:30PM check in time and have to leave your hotel by 11AM, too bad; no A/C, no bathrooms, and certainly no lunch for you.

 

Carnival should have simply had more check in agents but decided to cut costs and make this a guest problem. Everyone cheers Carnival when they get a 10:30AM slot, but let's see how it goes when they get a 2:30PM slot.

 

 

Thanks for clarifying... I got a 10am check in time, so I guess that means I'll get a good seat to people watch until its time to board. :D

[jh2360]

It is staggered check in. If you arrive too early you can't even go through security and sit to wait your turn, they simply leave you out on the sidewalk. If you get stuck with a 2:30PM check in time and have to leave your hotel by 11AM, too bad; no A/C, no bathrooms, and certainly no lunch for you.

 

Carnival should have simply had more check in agents but decided to cut costs and make this a guest problem. Everyone cheers Carnival when they get a 10:30AM slot, but let's see how it goes when they get a 2:30PM slot.

 

Orrrrrrr, you drop your luggage off at the port and go grab lunch somewhere. Or a drink. Or do some shopping. Or hang out at the beach. Or get a late checkout. Or any number of other things. It's a big world out there.