After receiving my Carnival Sensation travel documents I was horrified to see that we have to arrive at the port no later than 2:30. Our flight is due to arrive at 1:15 @ Sanford Orlando Airport. We have a private car service picking us up from there. The driver says that he can get us to Port Canaveral no later than 3:00. I called Carnival to find out if the 2:30 arrival was strictly enforced and the customer service rep could only refer me back to my documents. Basically he could not gurantee that me and my party would be prevented from boarding the ship if we arrived after 2:30. Can someone give me some information on the boarding policy and if it is strictly enforced?

What time do you leave port? Did you book your flight through Carnival?
You could also try calling the port directly and asking, or trying another PVP. Some don't know diddily , and other are just great!

The ship is due to leave the port at 4:00. Our driver states that he can get us to the port by 3:00 and not to worry. All we will have to do is exit his car and just walk up and get processed. When I spoke with the carnival rep he informed me that he could not gurantee that the gangplank would still be down at 3:00. I am so stressed. I didn't book my flight through Carnvial. First time curiser and unfortantely I wasn't even aware that we had to be there by 2:30 until my travel agent handed me my documents last Thursday. This may sound like a stupid question but what is PVP?

It stands for Personal Vacation Planner (Carnival reps)

I will give them another call. The Carnvial rep that I spoke with previously just continued to refer me back to my travel documents which stated that the boarding time was from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm. Thanks for your help.

TennesseeGirl - You ARE cutting it pretty close anyway. Our neighbor was in a similar situation, same timing, and missed the ship due to traffic tie-up on the way from airport to cruise terminal.  Are you in ANY position to re-book your flights to a MUCH earlier flight the same day, or preferably a flight the preceding day and a relaxing stay in hotel the nite before (you don't need to stay right near the terminal)??? It might be worth the extra booking fee to change the flights for the peace of mind.  If all else fails, There IS the Carnival Hotline Number in your papers - call the number when you depart the airport and tell 'em you're on the way.  Also, don't do any airline checked luggage - re-pack everything into carry-on sized luggage so you don't have to wait for baggage!!!!  Ken

i think that port will be closed for the next few days i think you have to go to port everglades because of trop. storm faye

I took your advice and just changed our flight. We will be in Sanford for two days which is what I was trying to avoid, but that way we will get to the port on time. Thanks again. 

Tennessee Girl:   One of the problems that most of us don't take in consideration is the new Homeland Security issues that the cruise lines have to deal with cause them to have boarding done at a cetain time prior to ship leaving port. I know this as I work in that area, Homeland Security. Sometimes things just have to go the way they do...but is for a good reason. We have just rescheduled our travel time to meet the situation as we sail on Glory in 09, and have a 8 hour drive. Changing your flight makes good sense. Hope you have a Good cruise.

I live in Orlando and yes, I was going to say you are cutting it pretty close. Sanford is about an hour away from Port Canaveral WITHOUT traffic. Glad to hear you switched it.

I'm glad to see you changed your flights. There would be nothing worse than missing the boat after waiting for your crusie date to arrive.

 I prefer to be safe than sorry as well and with the airlines having so many issues of late we chose to fly down to San Juan a day early JUST to be sure not to miss or much awaited trip.

Have fun!!