New Sign & Sail card delivery system??

[peachy92]

The cards were pre-punched that we got from the envelope on the Splendor.

[firemanbobswife]

I think I read that the cards will all be punched going forward. It was on JH's page but I don't know if it is fleetwide yet. At least it would eliminate having to find someone to do that for you.

 

 

Yes the holes are already punched when you receive them.

[Retired_to_Cruise]

What has been working for many years is not broken. I want to be handed my card when I check in at the port. I want my current picture taken and linked to that card when I check in. That card is linked to my credit card and I want it directly from the check in person.

 

To subject the crew members to having multiple ways of dealing with the customer purchases during the boarding process and probably all the way up to the muster drill time is a silly idea. What is in place now works well.

 

I wonder what beard convinced the other beards that this would be a great idea.

[coevan]

If I understand this process correctly, it makes absolutely no sense and creates a large amount of unnecessary risk to Carnival. It's like issuing someone an unlimited credit card and then just dropping it off in an unsecured area for pickup. It's your room key and your credit card for the entire voyage. What happens if someone takes mine out of the box and proceeds to go on a drink and shopping spree?

 

In any case Carnival has not updated it's webpage. I sail on Saturday on the Freedom and when I looked at the FAQs, it still says that you receive your S&S at check-in.

 

 

 

I would like to think that most people are honest and have more faith in mankind. We are talking about cruising families and couples.

[NCTribeFan]

I love this.

 

Run into it all the time at work. Some new process/procedure is going to be implemented and almost everyone immediately starts griping about how It Will NEVER Work!!!!! I'm one of the oldest people in the office yet I'm one of the few who actually thinks change is a good thing. Usually. But you certainly never know until you try it out.

 

Eventually, those who were adamant that It Will NEVER Work admit that they were wrong and maybe, just maybe, it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

 

Sheesh. The handful of people who have experienced this are saying it was no big deal, yet there are dozens here insisting that it's The Worst Idea Ever!! :rolleyes:

 

Hey, I never wanted them to change the name from "Capers" to "FunTimes" but I've managed to sail several times since they changed. And then they had the audacity to decrease the size and now I can fit the whole thing in my pocket. The nerve!

[jimbo5544]

I took that as helpful input from a member about a system used by one line that may help to clarify what Carnival may be up to. No call for snark.

 

 

Thanks for the advice. Strange coming from a cheese and apple pie comment guy.... Actually there was no snark, perhaps some humor.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[sanmarcosman]

Thanks for the advice. Strange coming from a cheese and apple pie comment guy.... Actually there was no snark, perhaps some humor. Sent from my iPhone

 

You've made it plain you can be difficult on here, Jim :D

 

As you so often say: " we can move on ................................. "

Edited October 19, 2016 by sanmarcosman

[jimbo5544]

You've made it plain you can be difficult on here, Jim :D

 

As you so often say: " we can move on ................................. "

 

 

.....and here I thought I was entertaining and objective. ....... Moving on does keep it civil, while I do enjoy a discussion, when things are repeated 6 or 7 times, it usually is time to move on.

 

On a slightly more serious note, I will stand by my posts here, subjects brought to table and defending the anti Bashers.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[Cr2zCr8zy]

I imagine this is to speed up boarding. As it is now everyone has to stop, get their photo taken, then cards have to have photos printed onto them which holds the process. With this type of boarding everyone can just walk right on, it makes sense to streamline the boarding process as much as possible.

 

Also I'm sure someone other than the attendants are verifying the identification on the cards and getting the cards into the envelopes. All the attendants have to do is drop the card into the mailbox along with the funtimes. How is that a hardship on them? They are already dropping a funtime off in the box, so now they drop off the card that goes to your room, that takes what all of 2 seconds to do?

 

These are my thoughts exactly! Boarding agents will take less time to check passengers in, which may result in needing less of them. This combined with the staggered check in should result in a more efficient and streamlined boarding process.

 

I would prefer this time of cost cutting measure to the ones that have been implemented in the past. At least this makes sense to me, IMHO! ;)

[jimbo5544]

Naw, you must be mistaken, there are no changes that can have a positive influence, they are all cutbacks with the intention of belittling the cruisers experience and a significant loss of staff

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[TrqoisWtrs]

I don't like it.

 

What is to stop someone who innocently went to the wrong room, going in? That's the least of it. Not to mention those who do it on purpose. Or people who think its funny to snag the card from someone's room.

 

I don't want someone having access to my sail and sign card. I've linked my credit card to that.

 

I agree with this. I don't care how they change it up, but the system needs to be secure. I don't want to have to review my S&S card to look for unauthorized charges. Then it becomes my responsibility to try to convince Customer Service that they are not mine. Not how I want to spend my vacation.

 

I would like to think that most people are honest and have more faith in mankind. We are talking about cruising families and couples.

 

Sorry, with the things I've seen on cruise ships, I don't want my S&S card sitting out there for anyone to access.

[d12j28]

It's a test only on the Splendor.

 

 

Can't view FB at work. Does it say how long they will be doing it?

[Havingfun2010]

I agree with this. I don't care how they change it up, but the system needs to be secure. I don't want to have to review my S&S card to look for unauthorized charges. Then it becomes my responsibility to try to convince Customer Service that they are not mine. Not how I want to spend my vacation.

 

Not to point out the obvious. If you card is stolen, from the door, wouldn't you know because you can't get in? Therefore, if it is stolen, would you report it, than if anyone actually charged a few drinks on it, it would be known, because they would know which card was swiped. The card is also in a sealed envelope. So if the seal is broken, than you know it is an issue.

 

Sorry, with the things I've seen on cruise ships, I don't want my S&S card sitting out there for anyone to access.

 

Yes, theft can happen anywhere, but this is a system that has been in place on other cruise lines without an issue. It saves money for the cruise line, for faster check-in and everyone loves it when Carnival cuts back and saves money!

[jimbo5544]

Yes, theft can happen anywhere, but this is a system that has been in place on other cruise lines without an issue. It saves money for the cruise line, for faster check-in and everyone loves it when Carnival cuts back and saves money!

 

How about that, you defending a Carnival action....

[cruzinlisa]

Ha! Since my passport is due for renewal next summer, the photo is over 9 years old. Not that I've aged any since then. ;) But it's got to be better than the ones they've taken at the port that past few cruises. Just hope that with the age difference they'll know it's me when they scan it. Hate to be left behind in one of the ports! :p

 

But seriously, folks. You can't manage for an hour without a drink? Just have a double when you finally get one!

 

Mine expires in 2018 but the photo I used had actually been taken before that. I am pretty sure I had it taken when I was going to renew my passport and did not, which would have been a couple of years before that. So mine is probably closer to 13 years old. And I have gained quite a bit of weight since then plus obviously older. But they have not batted an eye when I used it for documentation so I guess its no issue.

 

I am not that much of a drinker on cruises (prices are too high), but I always get a drink on the first day. And DH thinks he can't eat lunch (on vacation that is) without a beer. So, yeah, it would stink.

[poobears]

If your card is missing it's as simple as going to GS and getting a new card, at that point any charges on your account made with the card would be disputed and wiped clean and you'd get a new card with a new access code. Seriously it wouldn't be a big deal, it would be the same as losing your card. You would not have to watch your account all week because the other card would not work all week. The theft would be instantly known because your card would be gone from your slot. I think everyone is freaking out over nothing. With all the cameras around the ship the thief would be reported, caught and arrested/put off before the ship ever left port.

 

Plus your photo would still pop up when the card was scanned, what are the odds the thief would look like you? How is he going know who's card he's taking, if it's some 80 yr old guys or some 20 yr old guys just by reading the name? Also how will he access the hall and get all these cards without any stewards seeing him? He'd have to be checked and prove he had FTTF or something because they stop you at the entrance so now we have a thief who has FTTF, is platinum or diamond gaining early access to the hallways, dodging all other early guest and room stewards, finding cards that only match his description and hitting the bars to run up bills? Ok now do you see how absurd this scenario is?

[Aquahound]

We just got off a RCL cruise that did this and it was NO ISSUE at all....

 

for those worried about buying a drink....on RCL they just looked up your information when you showed them your boarding pass. I am guessing CCL would do the same....I can't imagine them wanting to miss a single drink purchase! LOL

 

So if you bought the drink package it showed as such to your server.

 

Cards were available outside the cabins at 1:30....again if they were missing or tampered with (sealed envelope) then you would report it.

 

Wasn't an issue AT ALL!!!

 

Exactly. I was getting ready to type the same thing. This is a system RCI started a couple years ago with Quantum of the Seas. They worked through the glitches and now it seems to be working great. In fact, they take it a step further and offer the Disney style RFID wrist bands instead of the cards as an option, so I wonder if CCL is also considering this. Either way, this will all work out just fine, just as it did on RCI, and as it will on other lines that do this in the future.

 

I'm having a deja vu moment because I remember this exact conversation happening a couple years ago on the RCI board. :D

Edited October 19, 2016 by Aquahound

[jimbo5544]

Exactly. I was getting ready to type the same thing. This is a system RCI started a couple years ago with Quantum of the Seas. They worked through the glitches and now it seems to be working great. In fact, they take it a step further and offer the Disney style RFID wrist bands instead of the cards as an option, so I wonder if CCL is also considering this.

 

I'm having a deja vu moment because I remember this exact conversation happening a couple years ago on the RCI board. :D

 

I sure hope not (the bands....):(. Do you know what percentage of cruisers opt for them? Is in only Anthem, or did they continue it with Harmony?

[Aquahound]

I sure hope not (the bands....):(. Do you know what percentage of cruisers opt for them? Is in only Anthem, or did they continue it with Harmony?

 

Surprisingly, a lot of people opt for them. They are pretty convenient for those who don't mind wearing them. Yes, they are available on Harmony.

Edited October 19, 2016 by Aquahound

[trvlgirlmq]

If your card is missing it's as simple as going to GS and getting a new card, at that point any charges on your account made with the card would be disputed and wiped clean and you'd get a new card with a new access code. Seriously it wouldn't be a big deal, it would be the same as losing your card. You would not have to watch your account all week because the other card would not work all week. The theft would be instantly known because your card would be gone from your slot. I think everyone is freaking out over nothing. With all the cameras around the ship the thief would be reported, caught and arrested/put off before the ship ever left port.

 

 

 

Plus your photo would still pop up when the card was scanned, what are the odds the thief would look like you? How is he going know who's card he's taking, if it's some 80 yr old guys or some 20 yr old guys just by reading the name? Also how will he access the hall and get all these cards without any stewards seeing him? He'd have to be checked and prove he had FTTF or something because they stop you at the entrance so now we have a thief who has FTTF, is platinum or diamond gaining early access to the hallways, dodging all other early guest and room stewards, finding cards that only match his description and hitting the bars to run up bills? Ok now do you see how absurd this scenario is?

 

 

Not absurd. If you get a drink from the roving servers they do not swipe your card just write your folio number down. No photo verification in that instance.

 

I also do not have any faith in mankind and their a$$hole kids who like to wreak havoc up and down the halls.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[RW20]

Isn't the Conquest at a port when you have to pick a check-in time? If so then maybe you can go to your room right away since they will know the earliest time you are able to board.

[poobears]

Not absurd. If you get a drink from the roving servers they do not swipe your card just write your folio number down. No photo verification in that instance.

 

I also do not have any faith in mankind and their a$$hole kids who like to wreak havoc up and down the halls.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

How are these kids going to get into the hallways unseen by all the employees keeping people out of the halls without proper access and all the early guests entering so they can steal all these cards? That also puts you back at, if your card is missing or been opened/tampered with you know it immediately so again no worry about charges you won't know about.

 

These scenarios just aren't realistic.

[fuddrules]

Not absurd. If you get a drink from the roving servers they do not swipe your card just write your folio number down. No photo verification in that instance.

 

I also do not have any faith in mankind and their a$$hole kids who like to wreak havoc up and down the halls.

 

 

Come on, have some faith. You can even put your two kids on my S&S account. I'd give them a little bit of charging privileges each day.

[Raxter54]

So, if I'm understanding correctly, the only change to the check in process is that you would not actually get your S&S card, and you would use your boarding pass to be "dinged" onto the ship. No actual change to boarding times, and you wouldn't be able to get your cards until rooms open around 1:30, unless you are Plat/Diamond/FTTF. Except for possibly longer lines at GS, seems like an acceptable plan....

 

Sent from my Galaxy 4

[asalligo]

This sounded scary at first, possible fraud and room access and all, but it sounds like they have thought of that with the sealed envelope. I see no problem with this new process and embrace anything that might get me on the ship even a few minutes earlier.