New Boarding Procedures?

[Michelle2]

That is good to know....wow I had no idea the lines would be that long so early...maybe the delay until 10:40 didn't help. Thanks so much for your reply! We are leaving so soon, and I am trying to prepare myself for as much as possible, so I will not be shocked and can just relax!

 

[mbaidacoff]

Does anyone know - when they board the handicapped guests, do they board the rest of the party too? There are 8 of us, in 3 staterooms (one handicapped room). We were going to try to arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds anyway.

 

[branv]

Also, I think I remember from previous cruises that when you check in at the terminal only one person in your party need to check in. This last time they required everyone who is in the same room to be together at check-in. No big deal, just a change from what I remember.

Can anyone else confirm that they are no longer allowing a one person check in on the cruises before or since this sail date of 10/15?

This would definitely change the strategy for those of us with cars to return

 

[BoardwalkBabe]

It seems that all members of each party were standing in the check-in lines and I did overhear a CM asking to see each member of a family she was checking in, so I'd say that is probably the case.

 

[musicgirl]

mbaidacoff,

I would definitely call and ask DCL. It may depend on if the entire party was booked on the same reservation, it may be only that stateroom.

It does sound like they board the handicapped guests at the beginning.

 

[pixie Mom]

just got an e-mail from dcl and it stated that they have put the new system into practice.. the number assigned is by first come first serve not by state room catagory...

hope this helps

 

[missmulan]

So as of now, does anyone know what the boarding procedures are? Did they go back to first come first served or is it random?? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MarkRG]

From what I have been reading, except for concierge and handicapped, who automatically in group 1, it seems to have settled to numbers handed out in order of arrival.

I would like to hear from other recent cruisers too.

 

[ICEMANPAD]

we were on the 11/19/05 Magic and the boarding cards were handed out in order of arrival. We arrived at the port at approx 10:00 and received #2. Those who arrived at approx 10:30 received #3. Another dis family arrived approx 11 am and received #5.

 

[thegales]

From what I have been reading, except for concierge and handicapped, who automatically in group 1, it seems to have settled to numbers handed out in order of arrival.

I would like to hear from other recent cruisers too.

Yes, this is the case. We were the first to arrive at the terminal for the Thanksgiving Wonder cruise (by the way, that was cool). The folks at the top of the stairs checked our documents. I inquired about the boarding cards, and those folks sent me to the manager at the far right desk. I went and spoke with her, and she said I should talk to the folks at the top of the escalators. I told her that they sent me to her.

At that point, she went into the back, and got the cards. She gave me a card from the top of the deck, and it was group 2. Because we were the only dis folks there at the time (and the only ones who knew the new procedure), I told all the other families to make sure they got their cards. All of us were in group 2, so it is definitely by the arrival time, not random or by category. We sat in the chairs opposite check in, and were able to hear the announcement. Because we were in the first group, there were not people from later groups blocking our way (like what happens when boarding a plane).

My opinion is that this is a great change. They just need to be ready with the cards right at the beginning (but in their defense, we were there shortly after 10:00 am).

 

[cristit14]

So, can I have DH drop the kids and I off with the luggage to start getting checked in while he drops off the rental car or not with the new system?

 

[lbgraves]

Christi, you will get the boarding number. Tell your DH not to get one when he gets into the terminal.

 

[mbaidacoff]

After Mom and kids have received their boarding number, do you have to wait for DH to return from dropping off the car to check in as a family?

Sorry if this is redundant, but with all the changes it is hard for those of us who have to plan ALL the details!

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

After Mom and kids have received their boarding number, do you have to wait for DH to return from dropping off the car to check in as a family?

Sorry if this is redundant, but with all the changes it is hard for those of us who have to plan ALL the details!

Thanks for asking that mcaidacoff - I've been wondering the same thing. We usually have DH drop us off, he returns the rental car and then when he comes to the terminal...if we've already checked in...he has to go to the same CM we used...and he picks up his KTTW card.

ANYONE - Has this changed??? I keep hearing that they won't allow you to check in without everyone in your party. So I ask - if that's the case, can we and our luggage be dropped off in the lot across from the terminal, DH goes to return the rental car and then we meet up with him sooner than later????? We're early birds so him dropping us off across from the terminal would be no big deal for us since we've actually waited in our car in a line to get into the terminal.

 

[sdaniel105]

So as of now, does anyone know what the boarding procedures are? Did they go back to first come first served or is it random?? Any help would be appreciated.

What time are you planning on getting to the port?

We arrived around 1:30PM (after embarkation time) and just boarded after we were done registering. No waiting, no number.

Sean

 

[lillygator]

hmm...yes I wonder if you can check in without your enitre party being there??!!

 

[sdaniel105]

hmm...yes I wonder if you can check in without your enitre party being there??!!

For the past 4 years they always seem to want us all together. I would think each cabin would need to be present. Our sons stay with my parents, but charge to our account so all 6 of us check in together for our 3 cabins.

Sean

 

[lbgraves]

The past two years we have been able to have DH drop us off while he parked the car. I went with the kids up to the check in line & the CM just had to see DH's ID to give him his KTTW card when he got thru security & joined us upstairs. It wont be an issue for us this year since we are going to take the Rad's shuttle over together.

 

[lillygator]

so all my DH needs is his driver's license to join up with us?

 

[sdaniel105]

so all my DH needs is his driver's license to join up with us?

Not even his drivers license if you park in the inside lot.

Sean