Poll:FTTF-Worth It?

[Vitamin_Sea]

It is not worth 60 bucks just to cut lines. Did FTTF once from curiosity. Realized that we don't need it

[It's a Ship!!!]

For me, it would not be worth it. I'm sure I would like having some of the perks FTTF gives you, but I would rather spend the money on other things.

 

My next cruise will have staggered check in, so I have a better chance of getting on board early. I usually do self assist for debarkation, so I'm off the ship as early or late as I want to be. I don't really care about getting to my room early since the only carry on I usually take is a light backpack.

 

The only benefits that I would care about with FTTF are priority tendering and the priority line for guest services. I don't even go to guest services most cruises. A lot of people love everything about it, and that is perfectly fine. It is just an option, and I'm glad that people who want it can get it, but I don't see myself ever spending the money on it.

[hapytobehr]

We had FTTF last cruise on magic. Wanted to board tender about 9 or 10, don'r remember, but not real early. Could see lines of people waiting for elevators and up and down stairs. When we were approaching GS, saw 2 other couples that had just arrived at the "seating" area there. A woman walked up to all of us and took us a different way to where the front of the tender line started. We got right on. But, remember, it doesn't help on the return trip. But, I have noticed that it is more staggered then and not everyone trying to board at once.

 

We always get FTTF on all our cruises. As a matter of fact.....we were able to use it on the return trip on the tender this last trip from Grand Cayman. The line was very long because it was one of the last ones back to the ship. We showed our card to one of the Carnival reps and he had us go to the front of the line. No one said a word! It was awesome!

 

So, as far as I'm concerned....it is worth every penny for all the reasons stated here.

 

This was our last one because my husband becomes platinum on our next cruise!

 

Happy sailing!

[Scott6444]

It's great for rookie cruisers who don't know how to get the same benefits for free.

 

Lol very true

[Vitamin_Sea]

It's great for rookie cruisers who don't know how to get the same benefits for free.

 

Yes indeed. The rookies fall right into the trap created by CCL for easy profits.

[Willow45]

Our next cruise is the first time we are traveling with carnival so don't know much about getting on a carnival ship. My daughters will be in a suite and we are balcony. With a suite do they get priority boarding and other perks? I should probably get FTTF so we roughly get on the same time OR because we will be with them can we join them in their line?

[yaddayaddayadda]

Totally worth it, IMO.

[PortSideCruzan]

Just curious from fellow cruisers if paying extra to board the ship early is worth it. Are there truly any advantages to it? Why is getting on board first so crucial to people?

 

HI MMfan :)

 

There are far more advantages to FTTF than simply boarding the ship earlier. One must evaluate all of the FTTF benefits to see what would be beneficial to them personally, the people they are cruising with & their sailing.

 

The benefits of FTTF are very individual....

 

 

1) Priority security, check-in and express Boarding

 

(3 nice benefits that require no explanation)

 

 

2) Access to your stateroom when you board

 

(No dragging your bags around)

 

 

3) Express luggage delivery to your stateroom

 

(It's nice to receive your luggage hours prior to the muster drill)

 

 

4) A dedicated (4-digit phone line) & (priority line) at guest services

 

(The 4-digit phone line often eliminated even going to the priority line)

 

 

5) Priority dinner reservations

 

(We use anytime dining, did not use this benefit)

 

 

6) Priority tender (Escorted from guest services to next tender)

 

(Went to guest services & was immediately escorted to the next tender)

 

 

7) Debarkation 'Choices' (Early) 'OR' (Late) Disembarkation

 

(Early debark is nice for many passengers, but we always fly late in the day, very nice to have the option to stay on the ship as late as possible instead of the airport and obtain high number luggage zone tags so that our luggage is not sitting in the pick up area, or going round & round on a luggage carousel for too long)

 

$59.95 per stateroom for cruise durations 5 days or longer.

$49.95 per stateroom for shorter sailings.

 

Detailed FTTF info located @:

https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1374/~/faster-to-the-fun-(fttf)

 

Have a terrific day!

 

 

:)

 

Edited March 22, 2016 by PortSideCruzan

[cruzelover55]

Our next cruise is the first time we are traveling with carnival so don't know much about getting on a carnival ship. My daughters will be in a suite and we are balcony. With a suite do they get priority boarding and other perks? I should probably get FTTF so we roughly get on the same time OR because we will be with them can we join them in their line?

 

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but no you can't join them. I, do know, for sure, that FTTF is not available just whenever you may decide to purchase. Sells out fast, so you need to check quickly to see if it is even available. Looks under shore excursions in whichever port you are leaving from to see if sold out. Or go through your PVP or TA. They open up some more spots sometimes as time goes by, depends on how many diamond, plat., etc...Would not make sense to sell it to everyone. We bought about 10-11 months out so can always get it and our choice of balcony room. We love it and will continue to purchase until we reach platinum.

[Folsom]

For us, yes! The line at GS is enough for us. But if you have a port with tender it's valuable too. I do believe that with the staggered checkin now being implemented at the ports, more people will opt for FTTF. Unless they are lucky enough to get an early check in time.

 

Just curious, what about Guest Services is so important? 6 Or 7 cruises in and I have gone one time to get a deck of playing cards. What service do they perform that is that vital?

 

Thanks

-F-

[cruzelover55]

Just curious, what about Guest Services is so important? 6 Or 7 cruises in and I have gone one time to get a deck of playing cards. What service do they perform that is that vital?

 

Thanks

-F-

 

For me, none. My husband however, has a major issue about not getting hard copies of bills. I do all our banking online. And pay any bill that can't just be zapped out of our account online. As a result, we don't receive paper bills. Drives him NUTS! Told him the day he wants to write out checks and address envelopes, etc... I would be glad to turn it over to him. So, on a cruise, he can run down each morning and get a paper bill printed out.:rolleyes:I do love that the room is ready when we board. We live less than a mile from the port, so can go early, get on early, unpack and the vacation is on! Seems like almost getting an extra day.

[loxley]

Just curious, what about Guest Services is so important? 6 Or 7 cruises in and I have gone one time to get a deck of playing cards. What service do they perform that is that vital?

 

Thanks

-F-

For me, it was when one of our bags did not get delivered. It was found on Wed evening.

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[lablover61]

100 % yes! We attempt to purchase it every cruise now. Love getting into our room very early , love being on the first tender for tendered ports , and love having little or no waiting at the guest service desk. Considering the overall cost of the cruise , it really is an insignificant amount of money.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Edited March 23, 2016 by lablover61

[John Reid]

It's great for rookie cruisers who don't know how to get the same benefits for free.

 

Just wondering why you don't have some wonderfully worded sage advice on page 4 yet as you do on each one of the first three.

 

I figure you need at least one more post to justify why you have chosen not to use FTTF and how that is the right decision that all rubes should bow down and follow.

[Willow45]

I used FTTF before reaching platinum and absolutely loved it and would recommend it to others. Early boarding for those like me that are at the port early as possible. Room ready upon boarding. The line at GS, this is my favorite benefit and the tender priority all combined make this a very good value for me. Only need to purchase once for the entire cabin.

 

Soo. You only need to purchase one FTTF to cover the cabin and not FTTF for each individual person?

[yaddayaddayadda]

Soo. You only need to purchase one FTTF to cover the cabin and not FTTF for each individual person?

 

Per cabin

[Jimmy Geegitz]

FTTF is great!!!, Everyone should buy it.

[cruiseonthebrain]

Just curious from fellow cruisers if paying extra to board the ship early is worth it. Are there truly any advantages to it? Why is getting on board first so crucial to people?

 

Absolutely worth it. We board when we want, take our bags right to our cabin where beverages are already waiting, and enjoy the view from our balcony instead of trying to lug bags and cram onto Lido.

[Hornet441]

FTTF is great!!!, Everyone should buy it.

 

No, don't do it! He's wrong! Everyone should NOT buy it!

(I need to make sure it is there for me when I need it :D)

[PGBSAB]

For us it definitely is worth the money. We learned that quickly last September with the fire on the Liberty. The lines to talk with guest services was miles long (wait was up to 2 hours at one point - at least estimated) and being able to go to the FTTF line to get answers was so worth it. We will not be without it now, it was definitely something we were glad we paid for...plus love being able to drop off our luggage right away as well.

 

To each his own, we were glad we paid the extra money and will gladly do until we become platinum.

[Indytraveler83]

For us it is priority debark that makes it worth it. We have a long drive that's only possible to do without an overnight stop if we get an early start.

[RiotAct]

For me, none. My husband however, has a major issue about not getting hard copies of bills. I do all our banking online. And pay any bill that can't just be zapped out of our account online. As a result, we don't receive paper bills. Drives him NUTS! Told him the day he wants to write out checks and address envelopes, etc... I would be glad to turn it over to him. So, on a cruise, he can run down each morning and get a paper bill printed out.:rolleyes:

 

I know on the Liberty about 17 months ago, we got a hard-copy of our final statement on the last evening of the cruise (in the little mail slot next to the stateroom door). Not sure if they still do that, however.

[cruzelover55]

I know on the Liberty about 17 months ago, we got a hard-copy of our final statement on the last evening of the cruise (in the little mail slot next to the stateroom door). Not sure if they still do that, however.

 

Yes, we did also. But, as to his quirks, he wants a hard copy daily.:rolleyes:In only one cruise have we ever had to dispute a charge. He just likes the paper copy for the only time in his life he can have it. As I said before all our bills are paperless, at home. So, if it gives him a thrill to go get it everyday, why not? His vacation. Also, you have to realize we are old as dirt and he just won't jump on the internet bandwagon.

[Bob NC]

Yes

[cruzin Phillis]

Our next cruise is the first time we are traveling with carnival so don't know much about getting on a carnival ship. My daughters will be in a suite and we are balcony. With a suite do they get priority boarding and other perks? I should probably get FTTF so we roughly get on the same time OR because we will be with them can we join them in their line?

NO, you will not be able to check in with your daughter unless you list as in the suite cabin with her. FTTF sells out fast. Only a limited number ares sold. It is based on how many diamond and platinum are on your sailing. so it is not something you can opt for close to your selling. If you want the perks, the best thing to do is purchase it as soon as it is available.