Staggered Check-in at Galveston on Breeze

[kbalthaser66]

Okay, here is my issue and I am hoping that someone has actually done this and can give me a 100% clear answer. I know this staggered check in process is very new to Galveston so I do understand the confusion but PLEASE someone tell me you had this issue and how it was handled.

 

I purchased a cruise with many family members, each in their own cabins. We all decided to purchase FTTF. Of course when I went to purchase it that evening it was SOLD OUT (probably because my family is so large they grabbed the bulk of the FTTF rooms). This is a family vacation as we were hoping to all purchase FTTF and we were hoping to get a HUGE family boarding photo done.

 

Obviously, I am traveling with this entire group that has FTTF, via flight and shuttle. I picked the earliest check in time I could which is 12:00-1230. My issue is this. I am on the shuttle from out hotel in Houston to Galveston with my group which is dropping us off at the cruise pier at 9:45. I do not want to left standing outside waiting for almost 3 hours for my scheduled check-in time while the rest of my entire family is onboard. I have read that if I purchase the Carnival shuttle I can check-in immediately after the first Carnival Shuttle arrives at the pier? Is this in fact, 100% accurate? Reading the carnival website it appears to confirm this but I would like to know what do I need to show the people at the doors checking paperwork for the correct check-in time? I am willing to purchase the Carnival Shuttle but I will be actually riding in a shuttle van with the rest of my family. Do I just wait for the first shuttle bus to arrive at the pier and then show the door people that I purchased the Carnival Shuttle Transfer to be allowed inside to proceed to check in? My cruise is in 3 weeks so I need to get this figured out. I keep calling Carnival 2 times a day and checking on their website to see if FTTF had a cancellation but no luck.

 

Just to add a little drama to the situation, I have Lupus and standing for a long period of time or even walking quickly is not an option for me. I use a cane and I am hoping that I can board early without a bunch of people pushing me from behind to walk to quicker. I just don't have that kind of mobility anymore. Any ideas? My sister who has FTTF was going to be my helper in walking onboard the ship and obviously this is not going to be an option and I will be myself (traveling as a single this cruise) trying to not have people pushing me to get out of their way. Is there a way that I can board with the special assist passengers where we have a little more time to walk to board the ship or do I need someone with me? Again, I do walk with a cane but not very gracefully.

 

Advice PLEASE.

[skrufy]

With all having FTTF but yourself, and can check in at any time, , why not have everyone arrive at your check in time with one FTTF person check in with you and assist you. Then the group meet after check in and board and have your picture taken together. I have never come across taking the Carnival shuttle gets you priority boarding. If the ships sold out there will be no more FTTFs unless someone cancels at the last minute. keep trying Carnival, maybe you can be considered handicapped and they will allow you to board with your group. Good luck.

[dmdiver]

You may want to check with Carnival's special services to see if you can board as handicapped. I don't know if you need a doctor note or not, but certainly worth checking into it. Also, you can keep checking daily for FTTF. Our neighbors were wanting it and it was sold out. I kept checking every day & lo & behold once morning some more had opened up. They were able to jump online & snag it for their cabin. So, don't give up on FTTF, but do be diligent about checking daily - even multiple times daily.

[BigDozer66]

Okay, here is my issue and I am hoping that someone has actually done this and can give me a 100% clear answer. I know this staggered check in process is very new to Galveston so I do understand the confusion but PLEASE someone tell me you had this issue and how it was handled.

 

I purchased a cruise with many family members, each in their own cabins. We all decided to purchase FTTF. Of course when I went to purchase it that evening it was SOLD OUT (probably because my family is so large they grabbed the bulk of the FTTF rooms). This is a family vacation as we were hoping to all purchase FTTF and we were hoping to get a HUGE family boarding photo done.

 

Obviously, I am traveling with this entire group that has FTTF, via flight and shuttle. I picked the earliest check in time I could which is 12:00-1230. My issue is this. I am on the shuttle from out hotel in Houston to Galveston with my group which is dropping us off at the cruise pier at 9:45. I do not want to left standing outside waiting for almost 3 hours for my scheduled check-in time while the rest of my entire family is onboard. I have read that if I purchase the Carnival shuttle I can check-in immediately after the first Carnival Shuttle arrives at the pier? Is this in fact, 100% accurate? Reading the carnival website it appears to confirm this but I would like to know what do I need to show the people at the doors checking paperwork for the correct check-in time? I am willing to purchase the Carnival Shuttle but I will be actually riding in a shuttle van with the rest of my family. Do I just wait for the first shuttle bus to arrive at the pier and then show the door people that I purchased the Carnival Shuttle Transfer to be allowed inside to proceed to check in? My cruise is in 3 weeks so I need to get this figured out. I keep calling Carnival 2 times a day and checking on their website to see if FTTF had a cancellation but no luck.

 

Just to add a little drama to the situation, I have Lupus and standing for a long period of time or even walking quickly is not an option for me. I use a cane and I am hoping that I can board early without a bunch of people pushing me from behind to walk to quicker. I just don't have that kind of mobility anymore. Any ideas? My sister who has FTTF was going to be my helper in walking onboard the ship and obviously this is not going to be an option and I will be myself (traveling as a single this cruise) trying to not have people pushing me to get out of their way. Is there a way that I can board with the special assist passengers where we have a little more time to walk to board the ship or do I need someone with me? Again, I do walk with a cane but not very gracefully.

 

Advice PLEASE.

 

 

As someone who Debarked from the Breeze this AM I can tell you without a doubt that there were 2 groups that some had FTTF and some in the group did not. They let them go through at the same (earlier) time just like all of them had it. ;)

 

I would just do like posted above and let one of the ones with FTTF assist you in getting on and off and I feel confident that they would let you having Lupus.

 

they were very accommodating with people that needed assistnance and since it is just you (not 6-8 people) I don't think any other cruisers will care. :cool:

[Crusin Hogs]

The Carnival shuttle you hear about is The Carnival bus from the airport ,Not the hotel shuttles ..In Galveston ,you will pass thru up to 4 different Carnival employees who will verify your Check In time ,,, 1 may pass you thru ,Next 1 send you back to wait till your printed check in time

[springs741]

With all having FTTF but yourself, and can check in at any time, , why not have everyone arrive at your check in time with one FTTF person check in with you and assist you. Then the group meet after check in and board and have your picture taken together. I have never come across taking the Carnival shuttle gets you priority boarding. If the ships sold out there will be no more FTTFs unless someone cancels at the last minute. keep trying Carnival, maybe you can be considered handicapped and they will allow you to board with your group. Good luck.

 

OP will NOT be allowed into the building until her check in time.

 

The shuttle OP and family are taking to the port (non Carnival) will be dropping them all off at 9:45. I doubt with having paid for FTTF they will want to wait with her until OP's check in time.

 

And yes those folks that are on a Carnival transport from the airport are indeed allowed to enter the terminal upon arrival. What I can't help you out with is how proof is established. It is possible just showing proof of the transport purchase would allow you into the building but I have to wonder if Carnival isn't aware of the ease in which one might enter early without priority boarding. It might very well be that passengers on the shuttle are "off loaded" and escorted directly into the priority entrance. Since you weren't on the shuttle that wouldn't work for you.

 

I wish I had a suggestion for you to stay with your family. I think maybe the Carnival shuttle might be your answer but you need to know from several sources how entrance to the building was determined.

[stargate fan]

Okay, here is my issue and I am hoping that someone has actually done this and can give me a 100% clear answer. I know this staggered check in process is very new to Galveston so I do understand the confusion but PLEASE someone tell me you had this issue and how it was handled.

 

I purchased a cruise with many family members, each in their own cabins. We all decided to purchase FTTF. Of course when I went to purchase it that evening it was SOLD OUT (probably because my family is so large they grabbed the bulk of the FTTF rooms). This is a family vacation as we were hoping to all purchase FTTF and we were hoping to get a HUGE family boarding photo done.

 

Obviously, I am traveling with this entire group that has FTTF, via flight and shuttle. I picked the earliest check in time I could which is 12:00-1230. My issue is this. I am on the shuttle from out hotel in Houston to Galveston with my group which is dropping us off at the cruise pier at 9:45. I do not want to left standing outside waiting for almost 3 hours for my scheduled check-in time while the rest of my entire family is onboard. I have read that if I purchase the Carnival shuttle I can check-in immediately after the first Carnival Shuttle arrives at the pier? Is this in fact, 100% accurate? Reading the carnival website it appears to confirm this but I would like to know what do I need to show the people at the doors checking paperwork for the correct check-in time? I am willing to purchase the Carnival Shuttle but I will be actually riding in a shuttle van with the rest of my family. Do I just wait for the first shuttle bus to arrive at the pier and then show the door people that I purchased the Carnival Shuttle Transfer to be allowed inside to proceed to check in? My cruise is in 3 weeks so I need to get this figured out. I keep calling Carnival 2 times a day and checking on their website to see if FTTF had a cancellation but no luck.

 

Just to add a little drama to the situation, I have Lupus and standing for a long period of time or even walking quickly is not an option for me. I use a cane and I am hoping that I can board early without a bunch of people pushing me from behind to walk to quicker. I just don't have that kind of mobility anymore. Any ideas? My sister who has FTTF was going to be my helper in walking onboard the ship and obviously this is not going to be an option and I will be myself (traveling as a single this cruise) trying to not have people pushing me to get out of their way. Is there a way that I can board with the special assist passengers where we have a little more time to walk to board the ship or do I need someone with me? Again, I do walk with a cane but not very gracefully.

 

Advice PLEASE.

 

Why not have the entire group wait with you for your check-in time?

Just because they all have FTTF doesn't mean they can't check-in and board later.

[kbalthaser66]

I am greatly appreciating all the feedback from everyone. CC people are the absolute best.

 

I would never expect or allow all of my family members who paid an additional fee to board early with FTTF to wait with me until I am allowed to board. They paid a fee to be allowed to board super early, explore the ship and have access to their cabins immediately. I can merely wait until my assigned boarding time and I will then meet up with everyone later. One of my main concerns was I am traveling by myself this cruise and with having lupus I need additional time and sometimes assistance walking up the ramps to board the ship. My sister has always been my travel assistance buddy so I will be winging this on my own. I am sure she would offer to stay behind with me but I will not allow that. She needs to get on-board and start enjoying her cruise. I am hopeful that Carnival, with whatever proof they require (permanently disabled placard, note from my doctor stating my permanent disability due to lupus, cane/walker, etc....) will allow me to enter the check in terminal early so that at a minimum I can sit and/or board the ship with all of the disabled or special assistance people.

 

I have sailed on Carnival many times but I have never had to request special boarding due to my disability because I have always had family traveling with me to help assist me. It is very embarrassing having to ask for help so I am hopeful that they will just let me board early so that I can take my time and draw attention to myself. I have sent an email to the Carnival Special Assistance desk to find out what is needed.

 

Thank you all for your help. Please keep the advise coming as you all are always to helpful to many by answering these questions.

[Anthomaniac]

I am greatly appreciating all the feedback from everyone. CC people are the absolute best.

 

I would never expect or allow all of my family members who paid an additional fee to board early with FTTF to wait with me until I am allowed to board. They paid a fee to be allowed to board super early, explore the ship and have access to their cabins immediately. I can merely wait until my assigned boarding time and I will then meet up with everyone later. One of my main concerns was I am traveling by myself this cruise and with having lupus I need additional time and sometimes assistance walking up the ramps to board the ship. My sister has always been my travel assistance buddy so I will be winging this on my own. I am sure she would offer to stay behind with me but I will not allow that. She needs to get on-board and start enjoying her cruise. I am hopeful that Carnival, with whatever proof they require (permanently disabled placard, note from my doctor stating my permanent disability due to lupus, cane/walker, etc....) will allow me to enter the check in terminal early so that at a minimum I can sit and/or board the ship with all of the disabled or special assistance people.

 

I have sailed on Carnival many times but I have never had to request special boarding due to my disability because I have always had family traveling with me to help assist me. It is very embarrassing having to ask for help so I am hopeful that they will just let me board early so that I can take my time and draw attention to myself. I have sent an email to the Carnival Special Assistance desk to find out what is needed.

 

Thank you all for your help. Please keep the advise coming as you all are always to helpful to many by answering these questions.

Good luck! When I had my initial MS diagnosis I had the same issue asking for help at the airport. Don't feel bad! Send your carry on items with your family, that should help!

 

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[margaret10987]

They call handicap immediately after fttf. You need to tell them during check in. You will board just prior to zone 1 but then might get bomb barded by zone one coming up after you if you have not made it all the way yet. Carnival will assist you up the ramp if need be.

[Shaded Lady]

They call handicap immediately after fttf. You need to tell them during check in. You will board just prior to zone 1 but then might get bomb barded by zone one coming up after you if you have not made it all the way yet. Carnival will assist you up the ramp if need be.

 

But the original issue is with check-in, not boarding.

 

KBalthasar- I think following up with Special Assistance is the best bet... just make sure you tell them that you're a solo cruiser and your normal assistance (your sister) is FTTF... They're usually outstanding at helping with issues so I'm sure they'll find a solution.

[robtx100]

Hi Kristin,

Are you on the Breeze on 2/12? We are too. If I see you needing assistance, I will be happy to help.

[blyle]

There is one way to board with them. One of them must use their credit card to pay for you. They will let you board together if you do that. Just pay them back later.

[okgirl]

There is one way to board with them. One of them must use their credit card to pay for you. They will let you board together if you do that. Just pay them back later.

 

They closed that loophole years ago.

[CJHAN]

Everything everyone is saying sounds right to me however being at the pier at 9:45 mean everyone including the FTTF people will be waiting untill atleast 11:00 to start entering the terminals. Best bet is to get the earliest boarding time you without FTTF can get and all board at that time.

 

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[CJHAN]

We where on the Breeze last may and they where serious about your scheduled checkin times and not letting people in so be prepared to wait.

 

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[isaiahsnana]

I am greatly appreciating all the feedback from everyone. CC people are the absolute best.

 

I would never expect or allow all of my family members who paid an additional fee to board early with FTTF to wait with me until I am allowed to board. They paid a fee to be allowed to board super early, explore the ship and have access to their cabins immediately. I can merely wait until my assigned boarding time and I will then meet up with everyone later. One of my main concerns was I am traveling by myself this cruise and with having lupus I need additional time and sometimes assistance walking up the ramps to board the ship. My sister has always been my travel assistance buddy so I will be winging this on my own. I am sure she would offer to stay behind with me but I will not allow that. She needs to get on-board and start enjoying her cruise. I am hopeful that Carnival, with whatever proof they require (permanently disabled placard, note from my doctor stating my permanent disability due to lupus, cane/walker, etc....) will allow me to enter the check in terminal early so that at a minimum I can sit and/or board the ship with all of the disabled or special assistance people.

 

I have sailed on Carnival many times but I have never had to request special boarding due to my disability because I have always had family traveling with me to help assist me. It is very embarrassing having to ask for help so I am hopeful that they will just let me board early so that I can take my time and draw attention to myself. I have sent an email to the Carnival Special Assistance desk to find out what is needed.

 

Thank you all for your help. Please keep the advise coming as you all are always to helpful to many by answering these questions.

 

Your best bet is to ask for wheelchair assistance when dropping off your luggage. The porter will arrange for a wheelchair to pick you up - then no one is rushing or shoving you. It is a service they are glad to provide - it is a much safer way to board because unless you wait until after 2 pm, everybody is in a hurry and are pushing their way on to the ship.

[scuddles]

We were on the Breeze last week and no one checked our check in time as reported in previous replies. Now I am not sure if it was due to our fog delay but we were about 10 mins early for our check in when we got upstairs to get our Sign and Sail Cards and with the exception of Customs and checking our passports downstairs no one ever asked what our check in time was.

[DebJ14]

Those who are arriving at the pier at 10am may have a long wait in the terminal. We boarded the Breeze on Sunday 1/22 and boarding for Diamonds did not commence until noon. There was a wedding that went first, then about 100 travel agents who went next and then finally the Diamonds, then Platinum, then Suite guests and then FTTF. We arrived at 11am and it took us all of 5 minutes to get our passport scanned, clear Security and do Priority check in and we still had a 55 minute wait to board.

Edited January 24, 2017 by DebJ14

[DebJ14]

We were on the Breeze last week and no one checked our check in time as reported in previous replies. Now I am not sure if it was due to our fog delay but we were about 10 mins early for our check in when we got upstairs to get our Sign and Sail Cards and with the exception of Customs and checking our passports downstairs no one ever asked what our check in time was.

 

They were definitely checking on Sunday 1/22. We were priority and had to show our pass to about 4 people before we got to the door. There was a lady lining people up at the regular entrance who had the next time slot. They were not letting anyone in the door unless they were Priority or it was their check in time.

[jimbo5544]

They were definitely checking on Sunday 1/22. We were priority and had to show our pass to about 4 people before we got to the door. There was a lady lining people up at the regular entrance who had the next time slot. They were not letting anyone in the door unless they were Priority or it was their check in time.

 

 

Sounds like the system is working just fine. Galveston is a great example of why they needed staggered check in.

 

 

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