P&O new check in procedures

[Capt Black]

For those those still interested and not experiencing "embarkation fatigue" here is the latest update copied from another forum;

"

P&O – Changes to Embarkation Procedure
The P&O Cruises embarkation procedure is changing, please read on for further details;
Summary:
• The check-in and embarkation process has been improved, increasing the number of passengers we can process per minute.
• All of our communications will ask passengers to adhere to their allotted Arrival Time on their e-ticket.
• There are some slight changes to loyalty benefits, as detailed on the attached.
• This change applies to all Ex Southampton departures with immediate effect.
Key Changes:
• In the spirit of fairness, we will be giving priority to those who arrive at their allotted time. If passengers arrive at their allotted Arrival Time or after, they will be checked in straight away and get on board quicker. All of our communications will ask passengers to adhere to their allotted Arrival Time.
• The first available arrival time is now 12.30pm, which is reserved for our Ligurian and suite guests. This is slightly later than before, but is the earliest available time in the new system. Ligurian Tier and suite benefits remain the same, and they will be given the earliest possible Arrival Time of 12.30pm.
• There will still be a priority queue for our suite, Ligurian, Baltic and Caribbean guests, but we will operate this slightly differently. Instead of dedicated desks, there will be a Priority Lane to ensure you proceed to the next available desk quicker.
• Due to the slightly later embarkation times, we invite our suite, Ligurian, Baltic and Caribbean guests to a new and improved Welcome On Board Reception in place of the existing embarkation lounge. The reception will run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, serving a selection of complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks, and canapés.
• Baltic and Caribbean Tier passengers will be allocated an early Arrival Time of 1pm. However, this time may not be printed on their e-ticket, something we’re looking to correct by early 2016. In the meantime, they should arrive at 1pm, regardless of the time on their e-ticket.
• Arrival Times are allocated by deck. The size of the ship dictates the number of people per deck that are given any one time to ensure a steady flow at embarkation. Priority Arrival Times are given to our top three loyalty tiers.

Seems to spell it out quite well. As long as people know what to expect, they can't moan if they turn up early.

I appreciate that there are always going to people who may not have any alternative to having to arrive early, but that happens at the airport or train station.

They don't let you on the plane or train early simply because you arrived at the airport or station early.

[emjay45]

We've probably been staying overnight in Southampton for the last fifteen years or so and we've never been kicked out of a hotel either, we tend to have finished breakfast around 9.30am and then go back to our room and clear it of luggage so very often we have vacated our room by 10.00am, we will then sit and have coffee and chat and usually make our way to the terminal to arrive for about noon, it's never been a problem in the past and from P&O's recent update it would seem they won't be upsetting the 'goldies' in future so there shouldn't be a problem ... until norovirus strikes then everyone will be in the same boat ( pun intended ) and we'll all get on when they say

There really should be a like button on this forum. That's exactly what we do.

[Mervyn and Trish]

They say they will give priority to those who arrive at their allotted time. That's all I've ever asked. Thank you.

[towny44]

They say they will give priority to those who arrive at their allotted time. That's all I've ever asked. Thank you.

But do they penalise you for early arrival by adding time onto your designated arrival time, before allowing you to check in.

[david63]

The way I read it is that when you arrive you will be given a card to indicate your "official arrival time". Passengers will then be processed by that time and if there is a lull in proceedings then those in the next time slot will be processed.

Where I feel that it could fall down is with the "priority lane" whereby those with priority boarding will "queue jump" those who are waiting in the queue at their allotted time and possibly delaying them - I would prefer the airport style method where there is a business class desk(s) and if they are free then they take passengers from the economy queue.

[Mervyn and Trish]

They say they will give priority to those who arrive at their allotted time. That's all I've ever asked. Thank you.

But do they penalise you for early arrival by adding time onto your designated arrival time, before allowing you to check in.

Not worried as long as they don't penalise me for turning up on time by allowing queue jumpers on first (priority passengers excepted of course because they too are doing the right thing)

[qbman1]

"There will still be a priority queue for our suite, Ligurian, Baltic and Caribbean guests, but we will operate this slightly differently. Instead of dedicated desks, there will be a Priority Lane to ensure you proceed to the next available desk quicker."


They've been doing that on every cruise we've been on since we became Goldies. Like I said at the start of this - "little changes"

[Flying Doc]

We have just returned from a 4 nighter on Arcadia and on prior receipt of our letter warning us of the new check-in process I was expecting the worst. We were lucky enough to be in a suite but still made sure we turned up AT our embarkation time as had been requested on the letter. There were no delays although the early arrivees had polished off all the cakes and biscuits in the waiting area...It was a big improvement to be able to go straight to our cabin to drop our coats and hand luggage, and not have to loiter (whether in an embarkation lounge for the few, or the public areas - we've done both). And the buffet (hot and cold) provided in the Meridian restaurant was much more than canapés!

[Mervyn and Trish]

Good news Flying Doc and welcome to the forum

[Ian Perth]

Welcome to the forum, good to know all is going well it's the changes, although we've never had a problem.

[Capt Black]

Just got back from Oceana today.

For those who are interested, the way embarkation worked for us was:

Our notified arrival time was 14:00, however we were able to ignore that as we had priority boarding.

We actually arrived about 12:15 after checking out of our hotel. We were given a different embarkation letter to those arriving at the same time as us.

About 12:20ish an announcement was made that check-in would commence at 12:45. About 12:50 those in the suite/Ligurian area proceeded to Oceana, maybe they had already checked in, as none of the check-in desks appeared to be open.

Soon after 13:00 the first letter to be called (ours!), all the check in desks were opened, so there was minimal queueing. No queues at security after checking in.

We were on board before 13:15, carry on luggage dumped in cabin, and at the embarkation reception by 13:25, ie it had been opened early.

BTW, our cabin was ready at the time we went to it.

[Suekersh]

Thanks for the info. We have 12:30 check in time so will endeavour to arrive at 12:15 ish. What time did your cases arrive?

[Stephen]

Arrival time for us today on Oriana was 2pm. We arrived early and thought we would chance our arm and turn up, fully expecting to have to wait in the lounge which we would have had no problem with. We were on board by 11.50. Never had such an easy quick boarding. Excellent result

[daib GC]

Thanks for the info. We have 12:30 check in time so will endeavour to arrive at 12:15 ish. What time did your cases arrive?

You may want to be a little earlier as the suite/Ligurian passengers were checked in at 12.15 and then we waited in the lounge with the tea/coffee. At 12.45 we boarded. This was in Ocean. It may be different in Mayflower as you are sent straight to the lounge area and then to checkin and boarding.


Dai

[Capt Black]

Thanks for the info. We have 12:30 check in time so will endeavour to arrive at 12:15 ish. What time did your cases arrive?

Hi Sue,

I think we returned to our cabin from the reception at about 15:00, and our cases were there. Lots of other cases in the corridor.

BTW, after reading other posts, we embarked at Mayflower.

[Suekersh]

Thanks all. We are boarding at Ocean terminal. Will aim for noon then.