Fantasy Drydock January 2019

[CJMini]

We are booked on Fantasy January 21st out of Mobile.  She will have completed drydock on January 20th.  Our boarding passes show a 6:00 pm departure and the choices for arrival appointments begin at 1:30 pm.  There will be no disembarking passengers and the parking garage will be empty.

Able to select the earliest arrival appointment time (1:30-2:00 pm) and we prebooked our parking at the cruise terminal deck parking.

 

My questions are:

Do you think passengers will arrive earlier than 1:30 to try and park/board?  I am not sure what time Carnival will open the terminal to begin embarkation...I would think the 6:00 pm sail away would affect the opening?

We don’t want to miss the opportunity to park in the covered terminal parking...over flow will be directed to the Mobile Civic Center.  Do you think the parking garage will delay their usual opening time (I’m assuming it’s usually 10:00 am on other cruises which set sail at 4:00 pm)?

 

Just hate to arrive at 1:30 pm and discover there are passengers already onboard...the parking garage full...and DH in a fit when we’re told to turn around and head to off site parking at the Civic Center.

 

What would you do?

 

Thank you in advance,

CJ

 

 

[BoDidly]

Well I truly was hoping someone would have helped you with your post by now.  

 

You can bet the mobs of people will arrive early creating long , slow moving lines.

And more than likely board earlier.   Your options are to wait till later with the chance of not parking in the covered parking area or flock to the lines with the masses .  When we visit this port we try to do a park n stay package and park in a higher area, it's known to flood.

Mobile has a quite a few great restaurants and I do rather enjoy Mobile and its history in itself. Perhaps grab a bite to eat.  What ever you decide just be prepared to go with the flow .  

[mackenzie80]

On 12/9/2018 at 5:39 AM, CJMini said:

We are booked on Fantasy January 21st out of Mobile.  She will have completed drydock on January 20th.  Our boarding passes show a 6:00 pm departure and the choices for arrival appointments begin at 1:30 pm.  There will be no disembarking passengers and the parking garage will be empty.

Able to select the earliest arrival appointment time (1:30-2:00 pm) and we prebooked our parking at the cruise terminal deck parking.

 

My questions are:

Do you think passengers will arrive earlier than 1:30 to try and park/board?  I am not sure what time Carnival will open the terminal to begin embarkation...I would think the 6:00 pm sail away would affect the opening?

We don’t want to miss the opportunity to park in the covered terminal parking...over flow will be directed to the Mobile Civic Center.  Do you think the parking garage will delay their usual opening time (I’m assuming it’s usually 10:00 am on other cruises which set sail at 4:00 pm)?

 

Just hate to arrive at 1:30 pm and discover there are passengers already onboard...the parking garage full...and DH in a fit when we’re told to turn around and head to off site parking at the Civic Center.

 

What would you do?

 

Thank you in advance,

CJ

 

 

I would suggest arriving 30-45 minutes (12:30-12:45) before your scheduled time.  IF the doors aren't open yet, you will be at the first of the queue.

 

Make sure to prepay parking, so you can park and hop in line.

 

If there then Garage won't be full yet, and may miss the big hunk of crowds.

[CJMini]

Thank you for your helpful replies BoDidly and Mackensie80.  The last time we cruised from Mobile was in 2010.  The drive to Mobile is a pleasant one and we gain an hour too!

We pre-booked our parking.  If we have to stand in line as a result of arriving early, no problem.  My DH is an avid chatter and will no doubt make new cruising friends.

Happy holidays,

CJ

[mackenzie80]

CJMini,

Also keep in mind Mardi Gras is going on during this time.  Keep an eye out for Parades on Embarkation or Debarkation days.  Could cause delays.

[Bengalbug]

Still no updates that I can find

[Bengalbug]

Asked on FB, no alchemy during dry dock.

[rnr4thatsme]

What ARE they doing to her during the drydock?  Anyone know?

[linbobky]

don't know what they are doing to her, but, we saw her high and dry in freeport last week. they were welding the bottom of the ship. we are on her in sept. for a 10 day panama  canal cruise. can't wait, but will have too.

[wesorbeth]

Park your car, if you can't embark hang out in Mobile.  It's a cool little city.

 

[KmomChicago]

CJ Mini, can you come back and tell us about your cruise?