If you have ever cruised before it is possible you have experienced a long drawn out boarding process. Thanks to the Celebrity Cruises App you don’t have to worry about slow moving embarkation lines anymore!
The cruise line has started offering an expedited boarding process for cruisers who check in using the cruise line’s mobile app on the Edge and Summit. We used it on a recent cruise and it took us less than 10 minutes to drop off our luggage, go through security and get to our stateroom!
We were so impressed by the ease of the embarkation process and the other features of the app, but were also puzzled that so few people seemed to be utilizing it.
In this article we will be sharing information about the app along with the benefits of using it. We believe this app really added to our overall cruise experience and hope Celebrity continues to expand the Expedited Arrival process throughout it’s fleet.
Initial Skepticism
We had heard from prior Celebrity cruisers that the company had been working on a mobile app to enhance the overall cruising experience. We were highly encouraged to utilize the app, especially for the check in process. We had poor experiences trying to use cruise ship mobile apps with other cruise companies previously, so in the beginning we were a little skeptical.
About a month prior to our cruise we finally downloaded the app from the app store and completed the check in process. It was at this time that we realized Celebrity’s vision with the app – hassle free boarding and a technologically enhanced on board experience.
When it was time for us to embark on our recent cruise, the app did not disappoint. We dropped our bags, went through the Expedited Arrival process and were in our stateroom in less than 10 minutes! Keep reading to find out how to download the app and complete the check in process to qualify for the Expedited Arrival process.
How to Check In For a Cruise on the Celebrity Cruises App
Once on your mobile phone, access Google Play (Android) or App Store (Apple) and search “Celebrity Cruises”. The app is free and is called Celebrity Cruises (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.) Currently the icon is shades of aqua with a white X in the middle.
Once downloaded, open the app. It should prompt you for your last name, date of birth and reservation number. Once you provide this information the app will locate your reservation and load your your ship and sailing information.
At this time, ships that support the Expedited Arrival process include: Edge and Summit. Ships that are supported by the additional app features include: Apex, Constellation, Edge, Equinox, Millenium, Reflection, Silhouette and Summit.
Once your reservation has been loaded in the app you will have access to many functions like ship floor plans, port excursions and online check in.
Prior to clicking on the link to check in you will need to have your passport and the credit card you would like connected to your onboard account. You also need to be prepared to take a photo. When you have your documents and are ready to take your picture for your account, click the link to check in.
The first step in the process is to provide your passport information. You may have the option of using your phone’s camera function to obtain the required information from the passport, or you can manually type in the information.
In order for the app to access your camera functions you may need to give the app permission to do so. You can change the camera permissions in settings.
Second you will need to manually enter the information on your credit card, to connect it to your onboard account. The app did not offer an option for the camera to capture this information when we followed this process.
Third, you will be required to take a photo for your onboard account. This photo will be connected to the Sea Pass you receive when you board your cruise ship. The app will allow you to have someone else take a photo of you or take a selfie.
Make sure your photo is clear and follow the outline provided when you take the picture. We have heard of a few people completing this process and not receiving the Xpress pass due to issues with their photos, which requires them to take new ones at the port.
Once all three steps are complete you should receive a digital Xpress pass in the app. This is what will allow you to follow the Expedited Arrival for express boarding when you arrive at the cruise terminal.
This is the process when using an Android phone. The steps may differ for an Apple device.
What Do I Need for the Expedited Arrival Process at the Port
After dropping off your bags at the cruise terminal you will want to make sure you have the following items available prior to going through the Expedited Arrival process:
- Passport and/or any identification that is required for your specific itinerary.
- Cruise documents with your reservation information.
- Xpress pass on your Celebrity Cruises app.
Prior to your embarkation day, we would recommend taking a screen shot of your Xpress pass so it can be accessed even if the app malfunctions.
Once you have these items ready, look for the Expedited Arrival sign and follow the process. Our experience at the San Juan port consisted of:
- Showing staff our cruise documents and required identification.
- Going through a security check point.
- Showing staff our Xpress pass and ID.
- That was it!
This process seriously took a few minutes and we were quickly on our way to the ship. Once on the ship, we were able to go to our stateroom where our Sea Passes were waiting for us on our door! After dropping our carry on luggage at our room, we were off to explore the ship.
We can not praise Celebrity enough for the incredible improvement to the embarkation process. If you are sailing on a ship that supports the Expedited Arrival process, we would highly recommend completing the check in process through the app.
Please note: The information in this article was accurate as of February 22, 2020 when we embarked on the Celebrity Summit out of San Juan. For any updates on the Expedited Arrival process and app features please visit https://www.celebritycruises.com/celebrity-app or contact Celebrity Cruises directly.
Additional Celebrity Cruises App Features
While we felt like the Expedited Arrival process was the biggest perk of the Celebrity app, it did offer additional functions that are also free! Check out a few of the options that can enhance your onboard experience:
- Ship Deck Plans
- Digital Room Key
- Dining Reservations
- Excursion Bookings
- Onboard Messaging
Have you sailed on a Celebrity ship that was supported by the app? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments. Happy sailing!
To hear more about sailing on the Celebrity Summit listen to Jamie & Skylar’s podcast interview on “Between the Mountains”:
To learn more about Jamie and Skylar’s journey to starting Explorcation listen to their podcast interview of “If I Could Tell You One Thing” below: