Port Everglades expectations

[kollarism]

First time cruisers; will be on Conquest July 15th. Looks like there are 4 arriving, and 5 departing cruises that day (Harmony of the Seas being one).

 

We have FTTF, but are unfamiliar with a cruise terminal. What should we expect? Is there a specific terminal/area for the taxi to drop us off at from FLL? Will we go through a general security checkpoint for all ships in the port, similar to an airport, or does Carnival have a separate section? Will there be signage for priority/FTTF lines?

 

Many thanks in advance!

[joepeka]

Several things on your inquiry:

 

First, according to the cruisetimetables web site, there are only two ships in Port Everglades on 7/15: Conquest and Harmony. So I'm not sure where you read/heard that there are four arriving and five departing ships that day.

 

Your taxi or shuttle or whatever transport you use to the terminal will drop you off in front of that terminal. Conquest has been using terminal 19 recently and given there's only two ships in port that day, I would expect you will also be using terminal 19. Here's a link to the PE port map: https://res.cloudinary.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/porteverglades/Port_Everglades_Map_REVISED_November_30_2016_bae57d31-04c5-41d1-b193-a4bf242d9293.pdf

 

There will be signage and likely employees to direct you through the security and ID screening area at the terminal and from there to your FTTF check-in area.

 

It's really pretty easy and simple and since the port won't be clogged with lots of cruise ships that day, traffic should be relatively light. Enjoy! :)

[kollarism]

Several things on your inquiry:

 

First, according to the cruisetimetables web site, there are only two ships in Port Everglades on 7/15: Conquest and Harmony. So I'm not sure where you read/heard that there are four arriving and five departing ships that day.

 

Your taxi or shuttle or whatever transport you use to the terminal will drop you off in front of that terminal. Conquest has been using terminal 19 recently and given there's only two ships in port that day, I would expect you will also be using terminal 19. Here's a link to the PE port map: https://res.cloudinary.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/porteverglades/Port_Everglades_Map_REVISED_November_30_2016_bae57d31-04c5-41d1-b193-a4bf242d9293.pdf

 

There will be signage and likely employees to direct you through the security and ID screening area at the terminal and from there to your FTTF check-in area.

 

It's really pretty easy and simple and since the port won't be clogged with lots of cruise ships that day, traffic should be relatively light. Enjoy! :)

 

Thank you! I was using PE ship schedule, which looks like it included container ships and daily cruises, so you are right with on 2 departing! Also using the link below, it appears Conquest might be Port 4? Will I receive any notification on which terminal to report to, prior to cruising?

https://pevvesseltraffic.broward.org/webx/

[joepeka]

Thank you! I was using PE ship schedule, which looks like it included container ships and daily cruises, so you are right with on 2 departing! Also using the link below, it appears Conquest might be Port 4? Will I receive any notification on which terminal to report to, prior to cruising?

https://pevvesseltraffic.broward.org/webx/

 

I'm not sure where you see "port 4" associated with the Conquest's terminal in the Port Everglades port schedule - on both 7/6 and 7/10 Conquest is using terminal 19. You can probably check that schedule again on 7/8 or 7/9 and it will show you the planned terminal for Conquest on 7/15 (that schedule only goes out seven days).

 

You will not get any notification as to which terminal Conquest is using that day but your driver will know because they have ship terminal assignments posted on a sign at the entry to the port.

[drvmywifecrzy]

Look for the large whale tail you wont miss it

[Organized Chaos]

We sailed out of Port Everglades terminal 4 last year aboard the Conquest for our first cruise, but it's looking like they're using #19 nowadays. Try not to sweat it too much, it really is a simple process for first-timers. As others have said, your taxi driver will know which terminal to take you to. In our case, we took a hotel shuttle and our driver knew exactly where to go. These drivers do it all the time.

 

When you arrive at the terminal, there will be porters outside to take your checked luggage. Make sure you have your luggage tags that you printed off on the bags to be checked. They can point you in the right direction to enter the terminal, but all you need to do really is follow the crowd. Your first stop will be terminal security where they check your travel documents and scan your carry-ons. Again, there will be terminal employees directing you, telling you to get your documents ready, etc.

 

From there you go to Carnival's check-in counter. Since you have FTTF, you'll have a separate line for that and there will be people directing you. They'll do things like set up your S&S account and you'll get your S&S card (unless the Conquest has started the new method of leaving the S&S cards in your cabin mailbox). Then you wait in the waiting area. Normally passengers are assigned a boarding zone number when they check in, but you have FTTF, so that's what you listen for when they begin boarding. They'll call for wedding parties, diamond & platinum cruisers, passengers in suites, then FTTF.

 

With FTTF, you can go directly to your cabin. It's supposed to be ready, but there are times when it's not. You're free to go check as soon as you get on board. If there's a crew member at the fire doors keeping passengers out of the halls, show them that you have FTTF. If they're still preparing your cabin, you can drop off your carry-on bags and go do whatever. If the Conquest has begun putting S&S cards in cabin mailboxes and you didn't get it during check-in, be sure to grab them when you get to your cabin. They'll be in an envelope in the mailbox outside your cabin door. You might want to head up to the Lido buffet for some lunch because it will get very crowded when general boarding starts.

 

We loved our first cruise and have booked Conquest's sister ship, Glory, for next June. Taking along some people for their first one. Counting down the days, wish we were as close as you are. Have a great time and like I said, try not to sweat it. Go with the flow.

[kollarism]

We sailed out of Port Everglades terminal 4 last year aboard the Conquest for our first cruise, but it's looking like they're using #19 nowadays. Try not to sweat it too much, it really is a simple process for first-timers. As others have said, your taxi driver will know which terminal to take you to. In our case, we took a hotel shuttle and our driver knew exactly where to go. These drivers do it all the time.

 

When you arrive at the terminal, there will be porters outside to take your checked luggage. Make sure you have your luggage tags that you printed off on the bags to be checked. They can point you in the right direction to enter the terminal, but all you need to do really is follow the crowd. Your first stop will be terminal security where they check your travel documents and scan your carry-ons. Again, there will be terminal employees directing you, telling you to get your documents ready, etc.

 

From there you go to Carnival's check-in counter. Since you have FTTF, you'll have a separate line for that and there will be people directing you. They'll do things like set up your S&S account and you'll get your S&S card (unless the Conquest has started the new method of leaving the S&S cards in your cabin mailbox). Then you wait in the waiting area. Normally passengers are assigned a boarding zone number when they check in, but you have FTTF, so that's what you listen for when they begin boarding. They'll call for wedding parties, diamond & platinum cruisers, passengers in suites, then FTTF.

 

With FTTF, you can go directly to your cabin. It's supposed to be ready, but there are times when it's not. You're free to go check as soon as you get on board. If there's a crew member at the fire doors keeping passengers out of the halls, show them that you have FTTF. If they're still preparing your cabin, you can drop off your carry-on bags and go do whatever. If the Conquest has begun putting S&S cards in cabin mailboxes and you didn't get it during check-in, be sure to grab them when you get to your cabin. They'll be in an envelope in the mailbox outside your cabin door. You might want to head up to the Lido buffet for some lunch because it will get very crowded when general boarding starts.

 

We loved our first cruise and have booked Conquest's sister ship, Glory, for next June. Taking along some people for their first one. Counting down the days, wish we were as close as you are. Have a great time and like I said, try not to sweat it. Go with the flow.

 

Thanks so much for the detailed response! This was really helpful, looking forward to getting on the boat for drinks and start relaxing!

[Sixtytwo]

Welcome to cruising! Something that maybe you need to remember...do not put your boarding pass in your luggage that is being checked! You will not be denied, but it sure will cause you a lot of grief! Other than that, I would recommend you understand what ship's time is and be sure you do not rely on an electronic device that changes the time based on the time zone! Ships do not normally change their clocks with the time zone, so be sure you know what ship's time is! Always be back at the port at least 30-45 minutes before departure time and you won't have any problems. Hope your first cruise is a good one!!