Faster to the Fun (FTTF): Is it worth the cost?

Is Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF) worth the hype, or is it just another way to lighten your wallet? We're diving into whether you should snag this perk or stick to the regular boarding chaos.

If you like skipping the lines, feeling like a VIP, and getting straight to the good times on your Carnival vacation? Well, my friends, a little something called Faster to the Fun, or FTTF as the cool kids call it, may be what just for you!

So what is Faster to the Fun? Faster to the Fun is a paid add-on package that provides priority benefits. Essentially, it allows you to get "to the fun" quicker by skipping some lines and gaining access to certain perks. It has limited availability and often sells out, so if FTTF sounds like something you may enjoy book early to secure your spot.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

🏃‍♂️ Early boarding and cabin access

🏃‍♂️ Express luggage delivery

🏃‍♂️ Priority Guest Services

🏃‍♂️ Priority Dining Reservations

🏃‍♂️ Priority water tender boarding

🏃‍♂️ Priority disembarkation

Imagine this: You arrive at the cruise terminal, bubbling with excitement for your impending adventure, but then you see it—the line. The loooong line stretching further than a pelican's wingspan. But wait! You, my clever cruiser, purchased FTTF. You sashay past the masses, straight to the priority check-in.

Once on board, the FTTF magic continues! Instead of dragging your carry-ons around, you get to skip right to your cabin and drop them off, take a quick peek at your room, and then head off to explore the ship or grab a bite to eat. Your bags? They’ll be joining you in your cabin with express delivery, so you can unpack and settle in without a worry.

And if, by some cosmic coincidence, a tiny question arises during your cruise, FTTF has your back at Guest Services too. Instead of joining the never-ending queue, you'll have a dedicated line to get your answers and get back to having fun.

For ports that require a tender (those smaller boats that take you from the ship to the shore), FTTF grants you priority access. You can be umong the first to step onto that exotic island paradise, beating the crowds and grabbing those pristine beach spots! And when the cruise ends, you also get to choose an early or later debarkation time.

VIFP Platinum and Diamond members, along with suite guests, are automatically granted most of the benefits included in the purchasable Faster to the Fun (FTTF) package. These benefits include priority check-in and boarding, early access to drop off bags in staterooms, priority luggage delivery, and priority access for dining reservations (excluding Your Time Dining) and tender boat boarding. VIFP Platinum and Diamond members also enjoy additional perks like complimentary laundry service not included in FTTF. While suite guests receive many similar priority benefits, they typically do not receive priority luggage delivery or a dedicated guest services phone extension.

I had someone ask me "what time do you get to board on Emarkation Day with FTTF?". It's not so much "what time", it's just "priority". So you basically get priority boarding as soon as all the previous guests have disembarked and the ship is cleared by customs for boarding for new guests. Disembarkation usually begins around 8am. Also Diamond and Platinum VIFP members and guests in suites have priority over FTTF when it comes to boarding. The official priority boarding order is: Diamond, Platinum, Suites, and then FTTF....and then everyone else. So the answer to this question is there isn't a specific time, it's just "priority".

So, is Faster to the Fun worth the extra cost? Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you're a line-hater, a time-maximizer, and a lover of feeling just a little bit fancy, then FTTF could be your cruise companion MVP. However, if you're a master of patience and don't mind a bit of controlled chaos, you might be perfectly happy with the regular boarding process and standing in a line or two. Plus, some perks of FTTF, like priority tendering, might not even be relevant depending on your itinerary, so you might find that you can skip this perk and still have an amazing time without the added expense.

If you're on the fence, maybe browse some online forums and see what other cruisers have to say. But one thing is for sure: Carnival wants you to have the most fun possible, no matter how you choose to cruise!

🏃‍♀️🏃Have you used Faster To The Fun? Would you use it again? Share your experience in the comments!