Online check-in timing (from the UK)?

[ElleBelle88]

As mentioned above, we are due to check-in soon for our 2nd April cruise. As a first timer, I'm not sure when we can do this-is anyone able to help please? We have paid off our balance over the holidays so it should just be a case of reserving a few bits- if anything is left that is! TIA

 

[squirk]

I believe it is 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time here in the States, so that would be 5:00 a.m. GMT in London, yes?

 

[Scillycruisers]

Yes, it's 5 hours after the stated time as we are 5 hours ahead. I have never bothered getting up early to do this even on our first cruise and have always got what I wanted, but I suppose I have never tried to get any of the early sell out reservations.

 

[ElleBelle88]

Thank you for helping with the time. Is there a way of finding out the date please? I'm sure I'm missing something very obvious!!

 

[squirk]

The date should be listed when you check your reservation details online. So if it's, say, February 13th, be at your computer at 4:45 a.m. the morning of the 13th, log in, and start refreshing the page around 4:55. Eventually, the link for "Onboard Activities" will change from "Available February 13th" to "Book Now". Then off you go.

 

[BartmanLA]

Often being "logged in" to the DCL site prior to the allowed check in time will return a failure to check in once the "12:01am" time arrives, it's recommended that you log OUT of your browser and log back in after 12:01am, that way you're guaranteed to be sure to be able to complete your online check in and book on board activities. Another caveat, often I see complaints from people having difficulty trying to accomplish their online check in from mobile devices, ie. Cell phone or Tablet, it's strongly suggested in order to complete the check in that you use a computer such as a laptop or desktop system to be sure your data is entered correctly and you can complete the process with out any issues.

 

[squirk]

Often being "logged in" to the DCL site prior to the allowed check in time will return a failure to check in once the "12:01am" time arrives, it's recommended that you log OUT of your browser and log back in after 12:01am, that way you're guaranteed to be sure to be able to complete your online check in and book on board activities.

I have heard about that issue, but in five cruises, I have always just logged in early and refreshed and "Book Now" has always appeared shortly after midnight EDT. I wonder if there is a rhyme or reason to it, or if I just got lucky.

My fear has always been if I wait until 12:01 to log in, and there's a crush of other ppl trying to do the same thing simultaneously, I might have trouble getting in.

I only go through this to try and get a cabana and Palo/Remy brunch. For all other activities, I don't think you need to be so Johnny-on-the-spot.

 

[ElleBelle88]

I now see it, sorry/thank you! I know of course it's all very subjective and personal to taste but do people think a Palo brunch on our sea day of our 4night Bahamian on the Wonder would be worth it? If still available? I suppose I'm asking if people think that it's a must do for two late 20 somethings on their first cruise?

 

[squirk]

I now see it, sorry/thank you! I know of course it's all very subjective and personal to taste but do people think a Palo brunch on our sea day of our 4night Bahamian on the Wonder would be worth it? If still available? I suppose I'm asking if people think that it's a must do for two late 20 somethings on their first cruise?

Yes, for $30, I think it's a great deal. However, as a first-timer, you should probably be prepared to find it sold out when you log in. Concierge, Platinums, Golds and Silvers will all have had a crack at those reservations before you have a chance. It'll be all the more difficult since the cruise is shorter with fewer at-sea days.

I hope you get lucky, but if not, grab a Navigator when you check in at the port and look on the first page for where the Palo/Remy dining changes can be made. DCL often "holds back" a few reservations for those folks who won't or can't use the web site for cruise preparations. As soon as you board, run over to one of those locations and you might be able to book something there, or at least get on a wait-list.