We are going to be pushing it to get to Mobile and checked in by 2:30 and was wondering if traffic is real bad at the last minute and if we are in line to get on board from 2:30-4:00 is the boat going to cancel our reservations or leave?

If you are in the port at 2:30 or 3:00 you will not be left. Carnival knows how many there are in line to check in..But   if you are 3:30 or 4:00 getting there you are pushing it. Traffic is not all that bad, if you are driving you might want to adjust your schedule a little. If you are flying in it's about 20 to 30 minute from Mobile airport. Airport Blvd is tough for traffic all the time. Good luck!!

Thank you so much!! If we leave no later than 7 am and we have no problems we should be able to get to Mobile in 6 hours which will be 1pm.  We just didn't want to chance it you since this is our first cruise!!!

 It might have worked last year but in Feb 2008 Homeland Security enacted a new law that requires the cruiselines to submit a passenger manifest 60 minutes prior to sailing.  Once submitted they are not allowed to make any additions/deletions to it.

Currently your cruise ticket states that you have to be checked-in by 2:30pm.  Carnival's website states that if you have NOT filled out the fun pass you must be checked-in 90 minutes prior to sailing.  If you have filled out the fun pass you have to be checked-in 60 minutes prior to sailing. 

So 3pm would be the latest if you go by their website.