Going on Pride at end of March. Have been on the website reading various comments re: embarkation in Long Beach. Some say to get there at 9:30 for early checkin (can anyone do that or only VIP) and then hang around for a couple of hours to then actually get on board. Also read wait till hour before sail and get on easily then. Those who have done it before, what would you recommend? We have cruised only out of Miami before and we just check in and sometimes we have waited 2 hours and sometimes get right on. Thanks.
Going on Pride at end of March. Have been on the website reading various comments re: embarkation in Long Beach. Some say to get there at 9:30 for early checkin (can anyone do that or only VIP) and then hang around for a couple of hours to then actually get on board. Also read wait till hour before sail and get on easily then. Those who have done it before, what would you recommend? We have cruised only out of Miami before and we just check in and sometimes we have waited 2 hours and sometimes get right on. Thanks.
I don't know about the early check-in, but if you are able to do it, I suggest using the extra time to visit Queen Mary. It's a pretty quick walk from the cruise terminal. (Although I seem to recall that when we stayed on Queen Mary 2 years ago, Carnival's early check-in was on Queen Mary, but that might have changed since.)
Anyone can do it. They have regular lines and VIP lines.
Once you have checked in and gotten your Sail and Sign cards, you will be waiting outdoors until "the dome" opens. This can be as late as 12:30pm, and there is limited seating at best and little cover outside while you wait...so be aware in case the weather gets wet or chilly.
There are some kiosks there that sell ice cream etc .
Have a great time and tell Duane (Piano Bar)that "musicalcruiser" (from the Fantasy) said hi!!
Yes we do early check in at the back of Queen Mary and when they check your papers and all they give you a boarding pass 1 and when they all begin to line up you get in that line for first to get on the ship after the disabled people. Best way to do it. Check your bags with the porter and your free till line up time. Indeed visit the Queen, and if time they have a neat tour that takes you into the belly of the ship. Or if you want jump on one of the red trolleys out in front of the Queen for free take a tour into Long Beach. Just stay on it and it will bring you back. Get on the ship early and have the day to play on board , get aquainted and have lunch. They usually ask you, beings you are getting on early, not to go to your cabin for awhile cause they are still cleaning it from the last passengers and getting it ready for you, but hang out at the Lido and eat and meet new friends..be open and friendly and you will have a ton of new friends that you will run into during your cruise. Have fun....
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1998 Holiday CATALINA-MEXICO
2000 Viking Serenade CATALINA- MEXICO
2002 Fantasy BAHAMAS
2004 Esctasy CATALINA-MEXIC0
2005 NCL SAN FRANCISCO
2006 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2007 Pride MEXICAN RIVIERA
2008 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2008 Destiny SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
2009 Liberty EASTERN CARIBBEAN
2010 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2011 Paradise CATALINA-MEXICO
2012 Crown Princess EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
Pride embarkation last month was out of San Pedro due to that propulsion problem for us. But, I can tell you that when you disembark, it's a breeze. Our easiest yet. We did not disembark until around 11 a.m. Quite unusual for a ship that needs to load and board a whole new sum of people. They are very casual and low key on you getting off of the ship. The dome is huge and user friendly. The Queen Mary is a must-see! You will absolutely love Pride. She is gorgeous. Even the outside of her with all of the balconies is a beautiful sight to see. Can you tell I'm wishing I was back on her? Have a great trip!
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