skohrs Posted March 17, 2017 #1 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Several on the roll call for our Freedom cruise leaving tomorrow (3/18/17) received an email from RCCL last night that said (in part): "We would like to provide you with important information regarding the upcoming sailing of Freedom of the Seas departing on Saturday, March 18th, 2017. Prior to cruise check in, there will be a required U.S. Coast Guard inspection. To enhance the check-in and boarding experience, we ask that guests arrive at the terminal after 12:30 p.m. " Is this something that happens every week between sailings and a standard email, or is this actually something different? If I arrive at 10:30 as I was planning, am I likely to have to wait several hours for this "Coast Guard inspection"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted March 17, 2017 #2 Share Posted March 17, 2017 This is something different, does not happen every week, and I would expect your boarding to be delayed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skohrs Posted March 17, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Argh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea shepherd Posted March 17, 2017 #4 Share Posted March 17, 2017 That's grate. I will be there early I have no choice . Coming from Empress. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamacat3 Posted March 17, 2017 #5 Share Posted March 17, 2017 We went through same issue on MAJESTY last month. You will have to wait to board until the complete inspection is finished. In fact, our sailing was delayed for one full day due to mechanical problems with life jackets and a few fire doors that did not completely close. RCL did provide compensation to us, but we did not board until after 2 PM. So, you might want to plan accordingly....sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emdia43 Posted March 17, 2017 #6 Share Posted March 17, 2017 We went through same issue on MAJESTY last month. You will have to wait to board until the completeinspection is finished. In fact, our sailing was delayed for one full day due to mechanical problems with life jackets and a few fire doors that did not completely close. RCL did provide compensation to us, but we did not board until after 2 PM. So, you might want to plan accordingly....sorry. What was the problem with lifejackets? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker19 Posted March 17, 2017 #7 Share Posted March 17, 2017 What was the problem with lifejackets? Long thread about it here - too old and frayed parts made them fail inspection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilwhite483 Posted March 17, 2017 #8 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Coastguard inspections are mandatory and are beyond the control of the ship/company, which legally have to be comply with the Coastguard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowler15547 Posted March 17, 2017 #9 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Went through one on the Grandeur. It delayed boarding about an hour (around noon we got on). Keep in mind the Coast Guard will still be performing their inspection after you get on the ship! You will likely see them around and hear the PA test A LOT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nivek82 Posted March 17, 2017 #10 Share Posted March 17, 2017 $600 OBC sounds like a reasonable expectation for one hour missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Dancer Posted March 17, 2017 #11 Share Posted March 17, 2017 We had a Coast Guard inspection prior to boarding Serenade in November. Were told these were random and happen once or twice a year. We were delayed about an hour..................no email. You never really know when one will pop up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrD Posted March 17, 2017 #12 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Well hopefully the proposed 12% budget cut for the Coast Guard will help alleviate the problem of delayed boarding. (sarcasm) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare APDMOM Posted March 18, 2017 #13 Share Posted March 18, 2017 We decided to take our chances and showed up around 10:30. Things went very well for us, as the ship was cleared for boarding at 11:01! I know it could have been bad with hours of waiting, but we took the chance and it worked out this time... Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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