Hello
I know I am a newbie to the world of cruising so this question maybe comes from inexperience I have never booked a trip directly throu carnival this is my first time I always used a Travel agent before,
I got a question about Carnival documents,
I decided to receive my travel papers from carnival via mail not the online service,
Do you know when they usually arrive??
I mean how much time before my trip I should expect them?

3 or 4 weeks

If you had done the electronic version you'd have them now. I like eDocs, not sure why so many don't.

My bad you are correct I should have used eDocs,
But as I said don’t know much about booking directly from carnival
I always used Travel agent, so I figured it will be better if I have them send thru mail.
This time I booked directly since a Friend told me this way was cheaper,
It was more to know what can happen if I book directly from them offers, upgrades, etc.
Next time I am planning to use eDocs, I don’t really know
What can happen if the day comes and I don’t have them??

quote:

Originally posted by Casanova frankenstein:

This time I booked directly since a Friend told me this way was cheaper,

That is for the most part not true. There are exceptions but for most bookings what you get from Carnival direct is the same price as any travel agent or agency will offer. Carnival made a big deal a couple years ago about "leveling the playing field" where they insisted that the price for X cruise would be the same whether they sold it directly, or if Neil sold it, or if I sold it, etc. Actually, if you can find someone with group space available on the cruise you want, it is usually cheaper than the "going" rate. And there are also special deals approved by Carnival where XYZ Agency can offer something that is discounted.

I am one of those who does not like e-docs. Perhaps it's because I'm a scrapbooker. I also like to have something tangible. Funny though, as I love having e-docs when I fly, as I don't have to bring anything to the airport, but cruising is still so special to me that I suppose it should be treated in a special way.

Casanova frankenstein, don't worry about not having your documents yet. I got mine just a few days ago for a cruise a week before yours. Even if you don't receive your paper documents -- a highly unlikely situation -- you will still be in the system.

You can also go to Carnival's Web site and follow the instructions to complete your Fun Pass online. We did this last year...very simple, and you will be all set.

The online check-in is really "it" these days. Even if you show up with a big document booklet, all they really want to see is your single sheet printed off after you checked in online. They scan the bar code on that sheet, scan your credit card, check your passports, and you are done. The last paper docs we got were for the Freedom Of The Seas last year. The booklet is sitting next to me and except for the baggage tags we removed, the booklet is untouched.

I already filled out my fun pass, I call carnival and there was a problem with the address they told me they will send them again,same as you told me they said I only needed the fun pass I hope they send it wright this time.
Thanks for your help...

Caz,

And remember what Neil does when he shows up for a cruise.....if I recall correctly his employer asks that they show up with nothing but a booking number and their ID....just to see how the cruise line handles it. As many have said, you are in the computer system and they can find you and get you on the ship.

I don't even tell them I have the booking #. I actually have everything, just in case. I just play dumb (really easy for me) and hand them my passport. It's then up to them to get me on the ship. Never had a problem... yet.

Neil,

I thought it was something along those lines. And it is good to read that you have never had a problem....yet.

this happen after I call
Somehow, I don’t know how and believe me even the person at Carnival who help me with my case don’t know how it happen, I can access the documents via the internet.
The system at carnival somehow converted them to eDocs even after I already ask them to send them by mail. If you enter my account it said:

“Guests will receive Paper documents via mail”

But the teller told me that in the system it was like I order them by eDocs,
So I enter my account and push the view bottom and BOOM!!
You can access them …Crazy world huh??
Well don’t if am lucky or this represent more trouble in the future.
I just save them to my computer so I can print them later but since I never expected to have travel papers in eDocs now I have a question
Are the eDocs them same exact thing they send by mail??
The tag for the luggage looks cheap but at least I now have papers UUUUUFFFFFFFF

Take your "Fun Pass", that's your boarding pass to the pier. Don't print those silly paper bag tags. When you get to the pier there will be porters there. Ask them to tag your bags and hand them your funpass. Then check to see that they put your correct cabin # on them and give the porters a few bucks for their tip. $1. to $2. per bag.

Don't forget to get your fun pass back from the porter. Now go get in line and when you get to the front... you'll get your key card and be directed to board the ship. Last but not least... have a great vacation!

Cheers, Neil

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Beers:
They scan the bar code on that sheet, scan your credit card, check your passports, and you are done. .

If you plan on using cash for sign and sail card, they don't scan a credir card do they? Sorry for the dumb qustion but I want to be well prepared. We have a debit card, but I don't want to use that on the cruise after much debate.

They ask for a credit card, and I believe is a rule to give them at least one credit card the first day in order to make the fun pass, but they don’t charge you until the last day, so I think you can pay in cash the very last day of your cruise and in that way there is no need for the credit card…
Well here is the truth about it
• Is convenient to use the credit card and let them charge you , the lines that last day can be long as many people are trying to pay in cash or fix a problem believe if you can avoid it do it.
• Also if you use your credit card you have the back up of your credit card and protection.
• I believe you can use a debit card, but when I travel at least I have two credit cards a master card and a visa you never know what can happen.
This is a recommendation:
Before you leave port, call the credit card company and let them know the islands you will visit.
Why??
Because in order to protect you, if you live in Puerto Rico for example, and they found a payment charge in Aruba, they will think someone stole your account and probably cancel that payment or declined your transaction.
I never use the credit cards in the islands to avoid identity theft.
Always bring a small quantity in cash…

quote:

Originally posted by travlngrl1996:
If you plan on using cash for sign and sail card, they don't scan a credir card do they? Sorry for the dumb qustion but I want to be well prepared. We have a debit card, but I don't want to use that on the cruise after much debate.

They won't ask for a card if you want to cover your account with cash. They will ask for the money. But when the money runs out, your card turns into a pumpkin until you go to the desk and give them more money.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Beers:

quote:

Originally posted by travlngrl1996:
If you plan on using cash for sign and sail card, they don't scan a credir card do they? Sorry for the dumb qustion but I want to be well prepared. We have a debit card, but I don't want to use that on the cruise after much debate.

Thanks Dave, this is the answer I thought I heard before. Like I said I wanted to make sure and be well prepared.

They won't ask for a card if you want to cover your account with cash. They will ask for the money. But when the money runs out, your card turns into a pumpkin until you go to the desk and give them more money.

There is no way I'd ever cruise without registering a CC. I've heard and read all the reasons people do it. I just don't want large sums of money on me or with them druing my vacation. I take some cash and I frequesntly use the CC they have registered to get more. It all goes on the same account, not like a cash advance with fees. There are some major protections afforded by using a CC. You can dispute charges if someone elses tab gets added to your account (never had that happen). You get not only a statement from the cruiseline but a statement from your CC company when you get home. If something's fishy it's easier to determine what went wrong. Sure, they put a hold on your CC for a great big bundle of money during your vacation. That hold is not a charge unless you actually spend that much. It's reassuring to me that I have a great big limit available should there be a need. Ever see those Carl Malden commercials? He's hawking travelers checks which are not needed for a cruise if you have a CC on file. But the underlying message is the same. What happens if your big wad of cash disappears on vacation? You're back to needing the CC and now out the cash as well. Just my thoughts on it.

Cheers, Neil

I also always use a credit card and don't understand the cash deposit logic. Is it fear of having a credit card balance? Just use the cash you were going to give the ship to pay off the credit card bill. Or if you use a debit card, put that cash in your bank account to cover the ship expenses. It does take some discipline to do either of these.

I use my American Express card since I have to pay it off when the bill comes, and they also provide good protection if a problem occurs, among many other travel benefits at my card level.

Exactly trvlpro, I’m 100% with your post.
Besides what’s the point?
Is the same paying to the cruise line or the credit card bank, is the same amount of money, either way you spend it you have to pay it Wright?
If you have a debit card deposit the money and when they charge the last day be sure you have the money needed to pay that’s all.
At least you will not have to keep checking your balance during your cruise.

Dave Beers,
I did not know you can avoid using your credit card when you make your fun pass, well I learn something new everyday… thanks