Has anyone actually experienced the VIP check in process at San Diego? 

I am sailing in October from the San Diego Cruise Port.  We have cruise transfers that will take us from the airport to the terminal.  Our plane comes in at 11am; how early can you arrive at the terminal?

Upon arriving at the terminal how do I locate the VIP check in? What happens 1st; security line and then go to the VIP check in?  We are doing a surprise for my dad (he does not know that he has a suite) so I want to be alert to the process in an effort to preserve the surprise of his cabin (he will simply open the door and get the surprise).   Also my 19 year old son does not have a suite; can he be checked in with us?  Thank you in advance for any tips! Michelle

Our cruise documents have the earliest and latest times to board. Our ship doesn't leave until 9pm but we plan on boarding at 1pm.

If no one from these boards answers you on the VIP check-in on this thread, repost it under the new cruisers thread. There are plenty of VIP's on this board.

Michelle, 

The wifey and I were VIP (Cat 12) in Nov 08 on the Elation, departing from San Diego.

 Although we are NOT familiar with cruise/flight transfers (we drive from our domicile to the port)...the following information may prove helpful:

 We went to the port at approximately 1000 - 1030 the morning of cruise day.  We checked in our baggage (sans our backpacks/documents) outside the facility and then proceeded inside (we started boarding around 1130).  There will be signs (unless this has changed) directing you to a particular checkin area (Platinum, VIP (Cat 11-12), Handicapped) etc.) When we cruised, the Platinum checkin, handicapped checkin and VIP checkin lines Cat 11-12) were all right next to each other.

Regardless of which line you need, you will process through security (X-ray, passport check, metal detector, etc., prior to reaching the Carnival "checkin line".

 As far as your son goes,  this is "situational."  check with your PVP or T/A as applicable.  The port may or may not accomodate your son,with respect to VIP and/or handicapped checkin. Best of luck to you and have a GREAT cruise!!!

Seawinejazz,

Can you post after your trip on the VIP checkin procedure? I am going out of SD on the Elation 10-01-09 and 12-31-09 and would like to know what to expect. Thanks!

Hey thank you very much for the information.  We are ready to sail today! 

4bolts:

I like your "name" and those of us on the prior sailing say: we don't want to give up the ship to you pirates on the 18th. We will fight the boarding.

And us CT yankees will be right behind you!!!

Lainy

Well, I wasn't able to take pictures inside the terminal but it was very easy to spot the VIP check-in.  There was a sign directing us to the VIP area which are a row of seats off to the left.  We sat down and a Carnival rep came over to us, checked our paperwork and escorted us to the front of the x-ray line.  (Other's weren't happy either!)  Once through the x-ray, we were again escorted to the front of the line where there are two VIP check in booths where we got our sail and sign cards. After that, we boarded.  It was pretty easy and very smooth.  But you will get angry looks from those stuck in the lines, especially when they escort you to the front and you're allowed to "cut" in front of them.  But, they get over it!

Thanks, Regina for the post. Now I know what to expect. Hope you had a great cruise!

Yes, I sure will!

Oh thank you so much for the response!  It will be interesting because we are traveling in a group (24 total) and only 4 of us will be looking for the line.  The carnival customer service told me that my son (19 years) who will not be VIP can come with us to check in....saying that one suite can check in one non suite. Hope that is true!  Our plane from Seattle comes in about 11:30 so after baggage claim, we will be on our way via the carnival bus.  Hope you had a wonderful trip and thanks again!

That is too funny!  I live in Seattle, love wine and jazz so the "seawinejazz" works well.  Sea can also be for the water because I love that too.  Oh and please exit the ship on time so the new pirates can take over right away!  What excursions are you planning to do?  We are still trying to decide.  Have a wonderful trip!

So far there isn't much to chose from. Someone from cruise critic is working with rosie who owns a van that can transport 12 people on a custom tour. My husband decided he doesn't want to so we will just taxi to the hard rock cafe and maybe walk back if it isn't too far. then we'll head over to the divers. Our ship leaves at 3 so it doesn't give us much time in alcapulco.

Ixtapia is going to be the catamaran snorkel trip and then just walk into town to look around and then back to the ship. 

Manzanillo doesn't have much to offer yet and the beach doesn't interest us as we have a beach in san diego that we don't use. 

If you want, I'll get the information about the alcapulco tour guide. 

seawinejazz:

That is too funny!  I live in Seattle, love wine and jazz so the "seawinejazz" works well.  Sea can also be for the water because I love that too.  Oh and please exit the ship on time so the new pirates can take over right away!  What excursions are you planning to do?  We are still trying to decide.  Have a wonderful trip!

Do you want to share that cab to the Hard Rock? I just my new Rocktober BC awareness guitar pin,(I have the entire series) going to have to get the keychain, tee shirts, etc.

Bud, of course, will get his beer glass, shot glass.....

Here it is September, we cruise NEXT MONTH!

Elaine