Check in Question -1st Timer

[StargazerNova]

My check in is to be 6/24/23 (midnight tonight)
My question is: Will checking in at midnight tonight benefit me in any way ? (if not i will sleep and do it in the a.m.)
Is my time to arrive at the terminal already predetermined? or is that why i should jump on it at midnight
what else should i know about checking in ?
Thank you

 

[RedHead0186]

My check in is to be 6/24/23 (midnight tonight)
My question is: Will checking in at midnight tonight benefit me in any way ? (if not i will sleep and do it in the a.m.)
Is my time to arrive at the terminal already predetermined? or is that why i should jump on it at midnight
what else should i know about checking in ?
Thank you

The big reason to stay up and check in at midnight (and remember that's midnight Eastern, so if you're in a different time zone adjust accordingly) is to get your port arrival time. You select your PAT at the end of the check in process. If you don't care about getting an early PAT, then no need to stay up.

Check out this thread about online check in, it's really helpful: https://www.disboards.com/threads/what-do-i-need-to-have-prepared-for-online-check-in.3885775/.

A couple things to note: if you do it tonight, be prepared for the website to move slowly and/or freeze. The thread I linked to will give you tips on how to be ready. You can do it on your phone or the computer; I've toggled between the two if one freezes up. You'll need headshots of each person, pictures of their citizenship documentation, and you'll need to enter in info about each person like birthdate, passport info (if they're using a passport), contact info, etc. You'll also have to enter how you're getting to/from port and how you will handle your onboard account.

You can also book the Royal Gathering at midnight tonight. That's not tied to check in, but it still books 30 days out.

 

[StargazerNova]

The big reason to stay up and check in at midnight (and remember that's midnight Eastern, so if you're in a different time zone adjust accordingly) is to get your port arrival time. You select your PAT at the end of the check in process. If you don't care about getting an early PAT, then no need to stay up.

Check out this thread about online check in, it's really helpful: https://www.disboards.com/threads/what-do-i-need-to-have-prepared-for-online-check-in.3885775/.

A couple things to note: if you do it tonight, be prepared for the website to move slowly and/or freeze. The thread I linked to will give you tips on how to be ready. You can do it on your phone or the computer; I've toggled between the two if one freezes up. You'll need headshots of each person, pictures of their citizenship documentation, and you'll need to enter in info about each person like birthdate, passport info (if they're using a passport), contact info, etc. You'll also have to enter how you're getting to/from port and how you will handle your onboard account.

You can also book the Royal Gathering at midnight tonight. That's not tied to check in, but it still books 30 days out.

Glad I asked . We do not have passports. In that case head shots?
will i need to post our birth certificates in that case ?
Royal gathering ...is this like Captains night ?
Thank you so much

 

[erionm]

Glad I asked . We do not have passports. In that case head shots?
will i need to post our birth certificates in that case ?
Royal gathering ...is this like Captains night ?
Thank you so much

Head shots are required for everyone regardless of what documents you are using.
Yes, you will need to upload an image of your birth certificates. You will still need to bring them with you for the cruise.
Royal Gathering is basically a princess meet & greet.

 

[CarolynFH]

Is midnight checkin also the time to try to book Palo too? Or is that a different day/time? What about the Port Adventures?

 

[Calantha]

Is midnight checkin also the time to try to book Palo too? Or is that a different day/time? What about the Port Adventures?

It is at midnight, but it isn't the same night as check in. Palo/Port Adventures happen a few months earlier depending on your status. For new cruisers, I believe it is 75 days for Palo/etc, and then 30 days for check in.

 

[CarolynFH]

It is at midnight, but it isn't the same night as check in. Palo/Port Adventures happen a few months earlier depending on your status. For new cruisers, I believe it is 75 days for Palo/etc, and then 30 days for check in.

Thanks! I was pretty sure I was confused and am happy to be straightened out now!

 

[RedHead0186]

Glad I asked . We do not have passports. In that case head shots?
will i need to post our birth certificates in that case ?
Royal gathering ...is this like Captains night ?
Thank you so much

@erionm covered most of it. The head shot is how you are identified whenever you scan your Key to the World card (like when you get off the ship). It should be shoulders up, plain background, no hats no glasses.
Your reservation (online) will tell you what documentation is required for your cruise. For most cruises, either a passport or a birth certificate (and valid photo ID for adults) is required.

The thread I linked above will be helpful if you haven't yet checked it out. I know it's a lot, and some you can skim, but it's verrrrrrry helpful, especially if it's your first time!

 

[StargazerNova]

Thank you folks for all your help
Logged on at midnight and all went smooth
Boarding group 13 .....Arrival time 12:15 -12-30