What time to arrive for check in?

cashe said:

oh cool! yeah, no special equipment. I just have 2 really bad ankles and knees! Thanks! I'll have DH drop me and the kiddo off first and direct him to those spots.

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Albertan mom said:

Are there different parking fees between the parking garage, other parking and preferred parking?

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Albertan mom said:

So in the picture above, the covered thing is parking? On the left side, under the red letters saying PARKING? And the lot beyond that too I imagine? I was thinking the Preferred was so much closer, but not if that is a covered parking garage! And is that a ramp to the round part to the terminal?
I was thinking dragging our big suitcases from the far top lot to the terminal was going to be quite a workout!

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newfoundlandtrista said:

When in May are you cruising. We are going on the Dream May 29. 8 of us frm Newfoundland.

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Albertan mom said:

First time cruisers going in May!

If our check in time is 10:30, what time should we arrive at the Port? 10:15-10:30. The terminal doesn't open until 10:30 so you'll just be standing around outside until then.
If we park at the parking lot there, do we walk to the check in spot, or is there a shuttle? No shuttle, but you will drive in and stop to allow the porters to collect your checked luggage. Then you will go and park your car.
If there is a shuttle, does it pick us up at our car? Then does it pick up others too?
To make this easier, if someone could give me the play by play of what happens from when we arrive at the parking lot, and the time it takes to get to the check in spot, that would be great!

You will enter the terminal grounds. Follow the signs to the DCL Terminal.

Stop at the security station. Have your ID ready to facilitate the process.

From there, you will proceed to the porter stand and drop off your checked luggage. Be sure you don't need anything you check as it will be a few hours until you see that luggage again.

Park your car. I recommend level 3 in the parking garage (that's where the walkway to the terminal is located.)

Cross the walkway and clear port security.

Enter the terminal. Check-in will be on the left side. For the signs for new DCL cruisers. You will get your KTTS cards and boarding group number at this time.

Hang out, check out the terminal and wait for them to call for your boarding group. They will start with Concierge and FotD, then they will start with boarding group 1 (Platinum CC members). From there it will be roughly 3-4 minutes between boarding group announcements. Platinum CC members are the only Castaway Club level that gets preferential boarding. All other boarding group assignments are based on your selected Port Arrival Time.

Thanks!

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mmouse37 said:

If you are parking at the garage, just drop luggage off with a porter at the curb downstairs and then park on Deck 3 of the garage. There is an entryway into the terminal up there. In hotter months it is at least shady and there is a breeze up there. You don't have to wait in the line by the curb. We parked on Deck 3 for the Fantasy last month and it was a cinch to park and then just wait to enter terminal from above. No stairs to deal with either. Your carry ons will go through a scanner just like down below. We parked literally 5 spaces from the walkway entrance. They open the both lines at pretty much the same time.

Here is a pic of the walkway from garage to the terminal (looking back towards the garage):

View attachment 85667

I'd like to add that Preferred parking is outdoors. I prefer to park indoors, especially during a week long cruise. I'd rather have my car out of sun.

MJ

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TNkidspt said:

My husband is able to walk with a cane but has a lot of difficulty standing in lines. Is there ample seating in the terminal? I just envision lots of lines and standing around.

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