Is boarding group based on arrival time at the terminal or Castaway Club status?

[MarkLT1]

Yeah.. I remember the boarding process going pretty smoothly on our first cruise. Though it being our first cruise, the whole thing was kind of a blur. The more my wife and I talk about it, the less we are even interested in a Palo brunch. It would be fun, but if we miss out on it, there is always next time. And from what I remember, the breakfasts we had on board were fantastic anyway.

 

[SL6827]

Yes, the staggered online check-in dates and selecting PATs was in place in 2011. Our first cruise was 2011, and I managed to get an early PAT even though I forgot to do online check-in until later in the day. It really just depends on the demographics of your cruise -- how many CC members are booked, how many are interested in early PATs, etc.

Enjoy your cruise!

Oh, ok. I just must have really done my homework then. But I really can't remember that well.

 

[msbliz]

When you do your online check in, you select a Port Arrival Time. The boarding number you get at the port when you check in is tied to your PAT.

Boarding typically begins around 11:15 or so, with the Family of the Day, followed by Concierge guests, then Platinum Castaway Club level members. Then they start announcing boarding numbers.

Usually, once the boarding number being announced for boarding catches up with the one being issued at check in, Open Boarding in announced. Anyone holding any boarding number may board at that time. This seems to occur around 12:30 or so.

The location and time open for Palo reservations/changes will be noted in the Navigator you get at check in. It can vary where this happens.

What is the Family of the Day? Never heard of that before!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What is the Family of the Day? Never heard of that before!

A random CM in the check in terminal is selected to randomly pick a "Family of the Day". They are then escorted first onboard, I believe they get some extra perks for it, also.

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

Platinum Castaway Club members (and Concierge) do online check in (select PAT) at 120 days out
Gold CC - 105 days out
Silver - 90 days out
First time DCL cruisers - 75 days out.

Two more cruises and I'll be platinum. I'm waiting to book another big/special sailing until I'm platinum so I have a better chance of getting what I want with regards to PAT, cabanas at CC, port excursions, Palo, spa, etc.

 

[SL6827]

Two more cruises and I'll be platinum. I'm waiting to book another big/special sailing until I'm platinum so I have a better chance of getting what I want with regards to PAT, cabanas at CC, port excursions, Palo, spa, etc.

So you are Gold and cant get the PAT you want? That kinda surprises me, but I guess it is all based on the cruise, dates, ect?