Carnival opens check-in option at Miami airport

This item was written by Fran Golden, a cruise expert and Trip Coach for Budget Travel magazine. Golden is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while USA TODAY Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is away.

Carnival passengers flying to Miami International can now check in for their cruise right at the airport.

The cruise line has opened check-in counters at Concourses D and H, to handle passengers arriving the day of their sailing, says Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen.

Cruisers sailing from either the Port of Miami or Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) can use the new service. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Here's how it works: You retrieve your own luggage at the baggage claim and head to a check-in counter, where you receive your Sail & Sign card and an "Airport Express" boarding card.

If you didn't purchase transportation to the pier from Carnival, you have the option to buy transfers during the check-in process.

Once at the pier, you flash your pass to access a special express security lane, and then have your embarkation photo snapped. You skip most other lines.

Those who want to use cash as a deposit for onboard expenses still need to either stop at a terminal check-in counter or use an onboard Sail & Sign kiosk, however.

Carnival also recently began testing a fee-based, airline-style "Faster to the Fun" check-in program where passengers pay $49.95 per stateroom for early boarding and other perks.