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Top 4 problems during embarkation.


I recently spoke to a boarding agent at an undisclosed cruise port.

This person shared with me the top 4 problems they see when people try to board their cruise vacation.

Sample Boarding Pass

I literally fell over when I was told that many cruise guests have been told by their travel agent that their boarding passes will be printed out at the cruise port!

Seriously, can you imagine coming to the cruise port without your boarding pass in hand?

This was the top problem!

I’m Special!

The second problem at embarkation is that the cruise guest tells the cruise port agent that they believe that they get priority boarding!!!!

Everyone should know what level VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) that they are on Carnival.

On my Carnival Fascination cruise at the end of September, I was only 3 days away from Platinum level, but since it was a 4 day cruise, both my boarding pass and luggage tags reflected my upgraded VIFP status!

You can imagine the drama at the cruise port if people think they are entitled to priority boarding when in reality they are not!

Luggage Tags

The 3rd major problem upon embarkation is that many cruise passengers are being told their luggage tags will be printed at the cruise port!

Are you serious?????

When you check in online, their is an option to print out all your critical documents!

If you don’t, baggage handling personnel at the port can hand write tags for your bags, but please tip them for this service. Keep in mind that the tags won’t be in color which can cause long delays in getting your bags delivered to your cabin!

Carry-on luggage

The 4th problem that can cause serious delays upon embarkation is crazy stuff in your carry-on luggage.

I’ve been told that avid hunters forget to take guns, ammo, knives and other hunting items out of their carry-on luggage prior to packing for their cruise!

Can you imagine the TSA agent seeing these items in your carry-on luggage as it passes through the security scanner!

In conclusion, make it easier to board the ship quickly and help avoid problems and delays at embarkation by taking these issues seriously and by being informed.

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Scott Lara @scottlara1961 on Twitter

About Scott Lara

President of MilitaryFares.com. Navy Veteran, Travel Agent, love to cruise!

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