Everyone on various media pages are excited fttf is coming back. On some ships it costs $129. That is quite a few drinks just to get on a ship early. I dont understand why people want to do this. The ship isnt going anywhere till all on board, most activities are after ship gets underway. My first cruise we stood in line and eventually got on ship at no cost. Got to do same stuff as fttf people did. I guess I am weird. My wife is diamond now, so I ride her coat tails getting on board first,etc. No different of the stuff going on now as when we started cruising. I guess we are old compared to the younger cruisers who want to buzz on and buzz off the ship, hurrying up and waiting
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Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Faster to the fun returning
10 Answers
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Originally posted by:
Uncljo64
One of my reasons i always get it is claustrophobia. with FTTF i am not herded in the lines and large groups and can relax and not stress about the crowd. also again to avoid the crowds of embarking we always go very early and with FTTF my room is ready.
Reasonable...logical...good for you.
Contributor Level:
Purser
One of my reasons i always get it is claustrophobia. with FTTF i am not herded in the lines and large groups and can relax and not stress about the crowd. also again to avoid the crowds of embarking we always go very early and with FTTF my room is ready.
Royal Caribbean's Key program is similar, and includes Internet for 1 person, for the non-sale price of $34.99 or more, per person/per day. Depending on the ship, I have seen non-sale prices of up to $60/per day. IMO, 100% not worth it.
I cruise to get away from people at home, work, and on Social Media, so Internet is unnecessary, and I can carry whatever we will need until our stateroom is available in a medium sized backpack.
Call me cheap, but for my next cruise (5 Days on Grandeur) I'd much rather put that $350 towards my drink package, Flights, Uber, Hotels, etc.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
That’s the beauty of the program. If you feel it’s worth the extra $$$, then you buy it. If not, no one will make you do so. I read on the Shipmate APP, that a lady was thankful for it because it helped her autistic child get comfortable with the ship before it got too crowded. I’m happy for those that want it, that it’s available. I’m also happy that I’ve cruised enough on Carnival that we don’t need to purchase it.
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Paying what is sometimes as much as the cruise fare on a 3 or 4 day cruise just to board early doesn't make sense to me. Want to board "early"? Check in for the cruise as soon as check-in opens for your cruise, and you'll be able to board immediately after the diamond and platinum guests, for free. We don't carry our luggage onboard, and don't need to get to our cabin early, so there's no other real benefit for us.
Contributor Level:
First Mate
I just looked over the cost & benefits of FTTF for our upcoming cruise. I've been called cheap many times, but for the life of me I cannot justify spending an additional $130 for what's offered on that list. Maybe if it was still $50 I'd consider it.
We'll pass.
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Well i clicked too fast...the other good thing is they'll have your luggage waiting for you in your cabin ASA you get there..We don't need it anymore, and looking back, didn't need it then either...just my .02.
Contributor Level:
Admiral
I think the main appeal is getting to go to your cabin and drop off your carryon luggage, rather than keep it with you as you try to eat lunch. Getting the designated line at customer service is another nice bennie, Plus some just like to "stick it to" the Platinum/Diamond that they didn't have to go through all that cruising to get the same benefits, (I'd probably be that mischievious).
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Agreed. We did it once long ago, it was only a 5 day cruise believe it was $50. Not doing $129...no need anyway.