Wonder - January 21, 2011 The Cruise To Nowhere In Particular..

[stitch4336]

OK first time cruiser question!
So we can start checking in at 10am. Is that like checking in at the airport - you go thru security and then wait around until you board? Is the port security like airline secuirty? Shoes off, no jackets, etc, etc? Then we can actually get on the ship at 1p - am I understanding it correctly?

We are SO excited to go on our first cruise!!!!

BTW, HoJo posted updated dates this week for the Entertainment Rate - Sun 1/23 and Mon 1/24 are available if anyone is looking for a post cruise DL jaunt.

 

[ClubDis]

OK first time cruiser question!
So we can start checking in at 10am. Is that like checking in at the airport - you go thru security and then wait around until you board? Is the port security like airline secuirty? Shoes off, no jackets, etc, etc? Then we can actually get on the ship at 1p - am I understanding it correctly?

We are SO excited to go on our first cruise!!!!

BTW, HoJo posted updated dates this week for the Entertainment Rate - Sun 1/23 and Mon 1/24 are available if anyone is looking for a post cruise DL jaunt.

To add to this, once we check in can we leave the terminal if it's going to be a few hrs before boarding begins or do we have to stay in the terminal once we check in? We've never been down that way before and were thinking of maybe jaunting over to see the QM if possible.

 

[dsnydaddy]

OK first time cruiser question!
So we can start checking in at 10am. Is that like checking in at the airport - you go thru security and then wait around until you board? Is the port security like airline secuirty? Shoes off, no jackets, etc, etc? Then we can actually get on the ship at 1p - am I understanding it correctly?

We are SO excited to go on our first cruise!!!!

BTW, HoJo posted updated dates this week for the Entertainment Rate - Sun 1/23 and Mon 1/24 are available if anyone is looking for a post cruise DL jaunt.

If it's done like Port Canaveral, then you check-in, go through Security (Just like the airport but I don't remember ever having to take off my shoes) get your boarding number. Then you'll get in line (according to your numbered group) to be checked in. You get your room keys, and they'll take a picture of you. You are then free to roam about. I do not believe that you can leave without going back through security. At 1pm they'll start calling people to board according to their boarding group number. While waiting, usually Mickey, Minnie and Goofy come out for photo ops. It all goes pretty fast and I never felt like the waiting was too long even though I believe that the earliest boarding group I've gotten was 6.

I snagged one of those AP rates at HOJO's for a pre-cruise stay. I was pretty stoked!

 

[dsnydaddy]

To add to this, once we check in can we leave the terminal if it's going to be a few hrs before boarding begins or do we have to stay in the terminal once we check in? We've never been down that way before and were thinking of maybe jaunting over to see the QM if possible.

The QM tour is quite long. I'm not sure that you'd be able to get it in, unless you took it early in the morning and afterward checked in for your cruise. As far as leaving the terminal, I've never tried. But I assume that you could, you would just have to go through the screening process again. Like I said everything happens fast and you'll be onboard before you know it.

 

[suzcruz]

if i were you, i might stop off at the queen mary before you check in, if you don't mind getting a late boarding number. they say that we can get on starting around 1 pm, but i think they started letting people on earlier before the official time on the mex cruise, i think i got on about 1230, does anyone else remember this?

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

OK first time cruiser question!
So we can start checking in at 10am. Is that like checking in at the airport - you go thru security and then wait around until you board? Is the port security like airline secuirty? Shoes off, no jackets, etc, etc? Then we can actually get on the ship at 1p - am I understanding it correctly?

We are SO excited to go on our first cruise!!!!

BTW, HoJo posted updated dates this week for the Entertainment Rate - Sun 1/23 and Mon 1/24 are available if anyone is looking for a post cruise DL jaunt.

To add to this, once we check in can we leave the terminal if it's going to be a few hrs before boarding begins or do we have to stay in the terminal once we check in? We've never been down that way before and were thinking of maybe jaunting over to see the QM if possible.

To let you know...usually the port in our area does not allow you through to the terminal until 10:30-11:00. I am not saying that they won't - just usally..so be prepared if they tell you to come back. It just depends on what's happening.

As for leaving the terminal once you check in. I am not entirely sure. I would assume as stated that you just need to go through security again. I would stop at the Queen Mary beforehand...it isn't super close to the port and may take you awhile.

Usually they let you start to board about 12-12:30 and your cabin is available about 1ish....

This is just my experience with the Port of LA... everything is of course subject to change on a daily basis...

 

[kkmcan]

Thanks for the first hand experience info! I thought maybe they would start boarding before the 1pm time. Getting there at 10:30 and begin boarding at 12:30 isn't that bad. We do have to check in, get photos etc. It will fly by quickly!

 

[closetmickey]

Thanks for the first hand experience info! I thought maybe they would start boarding before the 1pm time. Getting there at 10:30 and begin boarding at 12:30 isn't that bad. We do have to check in, get photos etc. It will fly by quickly!

Just remember, this is DCL's first cruise out of LA for quite sometime. I have been warned (by DCL- take it for what's it's worth!) that boarding may commence a bit late, rather than early.

 

[stitch4336]

Thanks for all the advice everyone - much appreciated!! DH rolls with anything, but I like to know what to expect!

Steve - we'll be at HoJo the night before the cruise too - maybe we'll run into you there

 

[lapdwife]

Just remember, this is DCL's first cruise out of LA for quite sometime. I have been warned (by DCL- take it for what's it's worth!) that boarding may commence a bit late, rather than early.

Good point, I didn't think about it that way with us being their guinea pigs

 

[PizzieDuster]

Just remember, this is DCL's first cruise out of LA for quite sometime. I have been warned (by DCL- take it for what's it's worth!) that boarding may commence a bit late, rather than early.

GOOD POINT!

On our Disney Mex. Riv. cruise, I thought I would just get to the port at 1pm and walk right on. My parents were dropping us off and I told them, no rush to get us there. Well, there were lines and all the photo ops were done. It was a mistake that I still regret. I actually had dreams afterwards...where I'm trying to get to the port and I just can't!

I will have my DD bring her IPOD, DS, whatever else she needs to keep her busy but I think I'll have fun meeting all of you in line!

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Just remember, this is DCL's first cruise out of LA for quite sometime. I have been warned (by DCL- take it for what's it's worth!) that boarding may commence a bit late, rather than early.

Good point...if I hear anything onboard about plans - I will post it on the thread the day before. My Mom and sis are meeting us at the port so I hope it's painless!

 

[Zoom]

Good point...if I hear anything onboard about plans - I will post it on the thread the day before. My Mom and sis are meeting us at the port so I hope it's painless!

Good idea Des, and also maybe, you can let us know the morning you disembark if everything is pretty much on time or if there would be a delay on embarkation. Thanks.

Des, regarding FE partipants, i think Mommy2Cody is no longer sailing with us, i remembered reading her post the week (or before) the final payment was due, that they're canceling...

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Good idea Des, and also maybe, you can let us know the morning you disembark if everything is pretty much on time or if there would be a delay on embarkation. Thanks.

Des, regarding FE partipants, i think Mommy2Cody is no longer sailing with us, i remembered reading her post the week (or before) the final payment was due, that they're cancelin...

Thanks! I will remove her.

 

[PizzieDuster]

Thanks! I will remove her.

Do you have to actually disembark the ship or do you get stay onboard?
Cuz you can wave to us

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Do you have to actually disembark the ship or do you get stay onboard?
Cuz you can wave to us

What I have been told is that those of us who are remaining from the PC cruise will be escorted off as a group and rechecked back in. We will then be escorted back on to the ship where we will be able to hang around.

I am torn..it sounds kind of fun but then again, I would have liked to be able to meet up with my Mom and Sis in the terminal.

 

[LoriLuvsDisney]

if i were you, i might stop off at the queen mary before you check in, if you don't mind getting a late boarding number. they say that we can get on starting around 1 pm, but i think they started letting people on earlier before the official time on the mex cruise, i think i got on about 1230, does anyone else remember this?

Last July in Port Canaveral, we arrived at the terminal around 12 Noon. Got our boarding number which was I think 14, they were calling 9 at the time. Used the restroom, took a picture with Mickey, made a few last minute phone calls and before you knew it we were boarding thru those Mickey Ears and taking our picture. We were trying for Parrot Cay for lunch but many were diverted to the buffet upstairs. We really wanted a sit down and waited about 5 minutes for a table. Ate, then heard the announcement that our rooms were ready. Kids changed, dip in the pool, back to change for the drill and off we sailed!!!!

I'm kinda concerned though - we will be the first group to check in LA. I'm sure they've flown seasoned cast members, but I'm planning to be patient and to expect problems. I'm sure anything will be smoothed out just as quick as they can and then will be partying at the Sail Away Party.

 

[captaincrash]

I'll be there crazy early. I'm a freak about making sure I have plenty of time. It is good to know what time embarkation starts.

I'll be there crazy early too!

I can't wait to meet all of you!

We're gonna be somewhat early too - enough to beat traffic but not super early before noon!

 

[captaincrash]

That's good. I didn't want to pack a whole lot for this cruise.

I hope to pack rediculously light for this cruise too!

Somehow I fear my spouse will not let me off so easy in being lightly packed!​

 

[captaincrash]

I love watching parents.....and coaches....

My DD12 is in playoffs this week end. After a night of Trinity League football...I am all for relaxing on the sideline of her soccer games So much more relaxing DD12 doesn't have scholarship offers YET

Yeah... it warms the heart to see all the drama - and smiles among everyone - and the mild exhaustion among the children! In my time I've been to a few (or many?) professional sports events - however NEVER before have I been so in tune and focused on a game then the ones my kids are in! And I don't mean that I'm focused when I am refereeing a game either! < chuckles >

And... this marks the 23ooth posting!