We have seen a line at the Port Canerval saying VIP? We have been wondering what that is all about and if its something that can be purchased before hand or if its given to a cruiser after so many cruises?

It is for guests in deluxe accommodations ie: suites, and Platinum members (those on their 10th cruise or more) with Carnival.

It basically works like this; You are taken to a separate waiting area to be checked in. No standing in line. Then you will be the first group to board the ship after the wedding parties. They usually personally escort you to the place they take your embarkation photo. It can depend on the port though about the escorting.

It's pretty neat being one of the first ones on the ship. Sometimes in the past Carnival has roasted a huge turkey to perfection and had it at the carving station in the Lido buffet for early "embarkees" (not sure that is a word). http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo...icon_smile.gif

And, if a VIP arrives later in the boarding process (as we did), you're escorted to the front of the line for the embarkation photo, thereby getting on the ship without having to wait in a long line. (This was in Mobile.)

Early embarkation was about the only perk... we also had priority debarkation, yet it took a while as those carrying off their own luggage debark first, and there were a lot of them.

We love it! There is nothing better than getting on the ship before the rest of the guest and hitting the buffet line and being basically the only one on board.. By the time the guest start arriving we are done eating. And even better. When you are with other family and they are not VIP you get to wave at them while they are in a long line like cattle and we are strolling on our little way to the ship... AWWW!! No laundry to pay for during the cruise. VIP line at the pursur desk.free Carnival logo gift. Just little perks but we use them all.

And the free slot (or blackjack entry)....

we won it in January 2008...on a free entry!

http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif

we are vip and I love the boarding process, kinda makes you feel special for a while. we are leaving on the dream next week on the 18th. cant wait.

One thing I really like about Carnival's past passenger program is that the VIP treatment given to past passengers at the Platinum level is more comprehensive than that given to those who sail in suites. We're Gold members, and had VIP embarkation due to the suite. It was perfectly fine with us to get just that, as the loyal customers should be treated with considerably more.

For more on Carnival's past guest tiers, click here. These are pretty nice, IMO.

Speaking about the priority embarkation; the idea of being first on the ship and up to the chow like sounds good.

I will put my in-laws on my sail and sign, so they can board the ship with us. If I abandoned them in the terminal
they would probably disown us http://cruise-chat.com/groupee_commo.../icon_wink.gif

Does anybody know what time to show up at Port Canaveral for Platinum VIP Boarding?

I always show up around 11:00-11:30AM and seldom have had to wait to board. When I have had to wait it is minimal.

Yup for Port Canaveral 11AM is good for VIP. I truly depends on the port but they are really good there.