Hotel cruise-n-park shuttle times vs arrival appointment

[movtarget]

Although my port is Charleston, could also be a generic port Carnival embarkation timing question.

 

I have an 11:30-12:00 arrival appointment for 12/5 Carnival Sunshine sailing out of Charleston. My available hotel shuttle pickup times were 10:30 or 11:30 (plus others). I chose 10:30, which will likely put me arriving by shuttle sometime before my arrival appointment, but variable, depending on other hotel stops along the way (if any). If I get there by shuttle early, will they just ask us to wait a little while? I assume it's not like when you drive and they tell you to come back later.

 

Anyone have experience with this? (Holiday Inn Express US Hwy 17 & I-526)

[staceyglow]

Maybe, maybe not.  It varies from port to port and even cruise to cruise.  The people who are checking the tickets for arrival times don't know how you got there.  

 

I certainly wouldn't count on being able to get into the terminal early, especially if you would not handle waiting outside very well (i.e., heat, standing, impatience, etc.)

Edited November 23, 2022 by staceyglow

[mz-s]

You will be put in the standby line and may be able to get in earlier than your arrival time, but likely not.

 

They won't turn you away and make you come back later.

[CruizinSusan70]

I wouldn't worry.  Charleston is a secondary port and the part time employees checking you in probably don't follow all of the rules to a T.  Things vary from port to port.  If you're scheduled to leave the hotel at 1030, you may not get to the ship till close to 1100, only a half hour early.  Worst case is that you stand around for 20-30 minutes, best case is you embark slightly early.

[Saint Greg]

I would take the earlier one. My experience with shuttles is they leave late. And take forever to load and unload bags. 

[klfrodo]

If it were me, I would plan on having to wait until my scheduled check-in time. If, by chance, they allowed me to check-in early, then life is good. If they don't, I'm prepared.

 

If it was a huge concern of mine, I would just order up a cab or an uber or a lyft so I could arrive at the appointed time. Just because a shuttle service is offered, does not mean I'm obligated to take it.