Luv 2 Float replied on Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 02:07 PM

Haven't boarded the Dream in Port Canaveral but HAVE boarded others from there.  We usually arrive EARLY - around 9:30 or so.  We're usually at the front of the line waiting for the doors to open and, once inside, get through check-in fairly quickly.  Then, you sit and wait for a couple hours and once the ship is cleared, around 11:30 or so, you can board.  Go to lido, grab lunch, sip a few DODs and watch everyone else arrive!  Start as early as you can - the time will go TOO quickly!

megamind replied on Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 01:37 PM

 Having worked for Carnival at Port Canaveral, I can share what I learned about checking in.  Yes, you can go as early as 9:30 or so, but, we didn't open up embarkation lines untill 11:00.  The ship will have to be cleared before boarding starts.  That usually isn't until around 11:30.  Once aboard, they may not let you go to your room untill after 1:00 or 1:30.  That gives you time to eat and look around the ship.  Boarding between 12:00 and 3:00 mean long lines.  Of course it helps if you have VIP status.(10 or more cruises).  Good luck and enjoy.  We are looking forward tosailing on the Dream.  Also, it helps to live 15 minutes from the port.

 

Art

GGBOXERS replied on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:52 PM

We are also cruising on May 1st on the Dream. 

According to Carnival, Embarkation begins at 12:30 P.M.  They will not begin before that time.  Your patience will be rewarded once to get onboard! 

We are staying at the Radisson the night before and have shuttle reservations for 11:30 A.M.  to go over to the port. 

Carnival suggests that you not arrive real early to board because you will wait.  Remember all previous passengers MUST be OFF the ship before the new passengers can board.  This can be a long process. 

For complete information, go to the Frequently Asked Questions on the Carnival Cruise site.  There is a detailed section - Important Embarkation Arrival Advisory and Embarkation Process that will answer your questions. 

Let's hope for calm seas and blue skies!

Luv 2 Float replied on Mon Nov 2, 2009 at 01:16 PM

GGBOXERS:

We are also cruising on May 1st on the Dream. 

According to Carnival, Embarkation begins at 12:30 P.M.  They will not begin before that time.  Your patience will be rewarded once to get onboard! 

We are staying at the Radisson the night before and have shuttle reservations for 11:30 A.M.  to go over to the port. 

Carnival suggests that you not arrive real early to board because you will wait.  Remember all previous passengers MUST be OFF the ship before the new passengers can board.  This can be a long process. 

For complete information, go to the Frequently Asked Questions on the Carnival Cruise site.  There is a detailed section - Important Embarkation Arrival Advisory and Embarkation Process that will answer your questions. 

Let's hope for calm seas and blue skies!

ALL the cruises say that you can't board until 12:30 but on EVERY ONE we've been on, we've been sitting on the Lido and sipping a DOD by noon!  Also, by getting to the terminal as early as possible, you miss the long check-in lines and simply have to sit in a chair, stare at the ship and wait for them to start boarding!  Believe me, if you plan to arrive at noon, you can expect to wait in line for half an hour or more before you get to the check-in counter!  I'd rather be sitting in a chair than standing in a line any day!