Check in opens

[Lolo65]

My cruise is saying check in opens 21 July. First time cruisers so sorry if this sounds daft but why do we need to check in if we already have our room? 

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 minutes ago, Lolo65 said:

My cruise is saying check in opens 21 July. First time cruisers so sorry if this sounds daft but why do we need to check in if we already have our room? 

How else will the cruise line know that you're actually going? And even if all you are talking about is a preliminary online checkin, there's still embarkation check-in where you'll need to identify yourself, go through some sort of preliminary health screening, surrender your passport (some cruise lines), etc.

[Kate P.C]

Pretty much the same as you would check - in yoir flight 24 before eventhough you have your seat number. 

[JimnKaren]

It used to be that your travel package came in the mail and the doc dance was done. Now, you have to enter everything online and you print your own documents. You will need them to get into the terminal. Then, the actual process begins where you get your cabin card and your photo is taken. The photo matches with your card, so when you get on and off the ship, you mug will show on their terminal. If you elect to not print out your papers, then you won't be able to get on the ship.

Jim

[Flatbush Flyer]

14 minutes ago, JimnKaren said:

It used to be that your travel package came in the mail and the doc dance was done. Now, you have to enter everything online and you print your own documents.

Some cruise lines still send hard copies of, at least, some travel docs including luggage tags.

Our preferred line sends both email and snail mail items.

[Essiesmom]

It sounds like you are on Carnival.  It used to be that you could do online checkin as soon as your cruise appeared in your cruise manager.  But a year or so ago Carnival changed it to the date final payment is due, or (I think) 60 days before sailing.  And at that time you get your arrival appointment at the pier.  It is not absolutely necessary to do this online checkin, but it will save time at the pier if you have already inputted your passport and payment info...  EM

[navybankerteacher]

19 hours ago, Lolo65 said:

My cruise is saying check in opens 21 July. First time cruisers so sorry if this sounds daft but why do we need to check in if we already have our room? 

They want some details, will advise of arrival time and procedures, and you will be expected to print your boarding passes.

[clackey]

Which cruise line and when is departure?  Some lines have postponed departure until 10/1.

 

[Lolo65]

Hi it’s Royal Caribbean and we leave on the 19th October 

[AF-1]

You log into your online account. The check in that Royal is talking about is getting your passport info, credit card info etc.   You do that online and once they have all the info you should see a msg that says your boarding pass will be available to print 90 days prior.  

Edited July 6, 2020 by AF-1

[Lolo65]

Ok thanks for all the replies 

[Sue Do-Over]

The online check-in serves several purposes:

> Provide passport number so that cruise line can 'pre-clear' passengers at ports.  This way, you don't have to go thru customs at each port.  By providing this info ahead of actual boarding, the cruise line can do this efficiently and not hold up either departure or debarking at a port to clear the stragglers.

> Set up ship-board charge account with your credit/debit card.  They don't charge anything or put a hold on your account, but need that all set up.  Even if you plan to pay off your balance in cash, having a credit card on file speeds the process.

> On NCL, and likely others, you can book dinner reservations ahead of departure.  We learned the hard way that you can't wait until you're on board, or walk up to the hostess podium, and expect to be seated at a reasonable time at your preferred restaurant.  You might get lucky, but we wasted some of our dinners by not having them booked ahead.

> Book airport transfers, ship-arranged shore excursions, pre-purchase drink packages (i.e. soft drinks for kids), etc.  By pre-booking (and pre-paying) you don't have to stand in line at guest services.

[john watson]

There is also an element of identifying people and doing security checks on them to ensure the overall passenger safety and compliance with the law.

 

Regards John

[crazyank]

On 9/21/2020 at 12:50 AM, john watson said:

There is also an element of identifying people and doing security checks on them to ensure the overall passenger safety and compliance with the law.

 

Regards John

Do you really believe that cruise lines do a background check on every passenger>

[john watson]

14 hours ago, crazyank said:

Do you really believe that cruise lines do a background check on every passenger>

 

I never mentioned "background checks"  I was referring to the check-in agent identifying people by comparing passport photo to passengers appearance.  Similarly making passengers walk through metal detectors and scanning hand luggage. These are security checks.

 

Regards John