Part Six: Parking and Debarking!

Part Six:  Parking and Embarking

It’s finally here!  You’re ready to depart for your cruise.  The last part of this series will focus on everything you need for debarkation!

Before you leave home you need to complete your registration online.  This will allow you access to your e-docs.  These include your Fun Pass, boarding pass, and luggage tags.  (If you did not print enough luggage tags for all of your bags you may obtain more from the curb-side porters.)  Carnival prefers that you limit your baggage to two suitcases per guest.  Luggage should not weigh more than 50 lbs per bag.  If you’re flying you will want to check with your airline about specific luggage requirements since many airlines charge for overweight bags and additional bags.  Carnival won’t be responsible for any charges incurred by your airline for additional or overweight baggage.

There are two primary ways to reach your debarkation port.  Obviously, if you’re driving, you will arrive by personal vehicle.  If you’re flying, you will either arrive by rental car, taxi, or shuttle.

Let’s run through the procedure for those of you who are flying:

If you’ve arranged for a Carnival transfer then you will be met by Meet and Greet staff after your flight lands.  Depending on the airport at which you arrive, you will be met at the arrival gate, past the security checkpoint, or at baggage claim.  You will be responsible for claiming your own luggage.  After that is done you will be led by the staff to the awaiting motor coach.  The coach will depart once it is full.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal you will gather your bags and begin the check-in process.  Your carry-on luggage may stay with you.  Anything larger than a carry-on will be handled by the porter.  This is a great time to make sure that all of your bags are unlocked.  If your bag is locked it could be delayed during the security screening process.  Having the bag unlocked will ensure that it arrives quickly to your stateroom (usually long before you arrive there, yourself).  The porter service will take your bags and you will not see them again until you are in your stateroom so it is important to keep all valuables, medicines, travel documents, IDs, etc. with you!  Don’t forget to tip the porter (standard rate is $1.00 per bag)!

If you are arriving via taxi or personal vehicle you will go through a similar process.  When you arrive at the port you will be required by port authority to show your boarding pass and ID.  They will direct you to the baggage drop-off.  You will then unload your luggage and pass it along to the porters.  Don’t forget that you will need luggage tags, as well!  After unloading your bags you will proceed to the parking area.  Parking fees range from $8.00 - $30.00 per day, depending on your debarkation port.  Some parking areas require you to pay up front (at the time you enter the parking facility).  Others will not require you to pay until you leave the facility.  All of the parking areas are well lit and secured.  Many of them are covered. 

Regardless of your arrival method, you will proceed to the check-in area once your luggage has been taken by the porters.  When you enter the lobby of the debarkation terminal you will be asked to present your boarding pass.  Then you will proceed to the x-ray security check-point where your carry-on items will be scanned. 

Once you pass through security you will proceed to the check-in counter.  Here you will need your proof of citizenship, photo ID, Sail & Sign application, and your boarding pass.  They will process your information and your Sail & Sign card will be issued to you.  You will use this card to make purchases, to enter your stateroom, and to debark and embark the ship at ports of call. 

Now you’re ready to board!  You and your fellow guests will have your Welcome Aboard picture taken by a ship photographer.  Then you will proceed to the A-Pass kiosk (the security checkpoint you will pass through each time you debark/embark).  You will have your security photo taken that registers on your Sail & Sign card.  This photo, which will appear each time your card is scanned at the kiosk, allows for quick debarkation/embarkation because security personnel will not have to manually check each travelers ID to the information on the Sail & Sign card.  You will ALWAYS want to carry your ID though!  There will be times when you will be asked to present it to security personnel or ship personnel (when you purchase alcohol, for instance)! 

Once you pass through the kiosk you are officially a guest of Carnival.  It is time to relax and enjoy the vacation of your dreams! 

Happy Sailing!