Check-In
Usually, checking into a hotel requires a confirmation and the collection of a room key. The Dreamboat requires far more than one check-in desk.
First, we were routed to an open warehouse-like area of the port building on the ground level. “Please have your ID and confirmation email ready,” a large group of us were told as we stood in line waiting to check-in.
I provided my confirmation and ID. I received my Dreamforce Badge and was directed towards a trail of others going to the second floor. I’d heard about the long registration lines, but Dreamboat check-in made that badge registration seamless. We snagged our nifty Dreamforce backpacks at the Marriot Marquis later in the day.
Next, I felt as if I were back at the airport except I did 
not have to take off my shoes and stand with my arms above my head. The security people were really cool throughout the week. I would casually joke with them whenever I beeped and they made me look forward to seeing them, so I could get a good laugh throughout the week. After going through the TSA-like security, I entered a really nicely decorated lounge area; however, I was directed to get in another line to receive my boat pass.
I provided my ID, my confirmation and my credit card to put on file in case I had any room charges or damage on the ship. I received what looked like your standard hotel room key (at least nowadays) and made my way to another line to have my picture taken. At this point I made it a point to let the ladies know, “Can we not do this today? I am not feeling really pretty right now.” We all laughed and I made a final request, “Please don’t DMV me, okay?”
At this point I began to peruse the layout and decor of this half-reservation desk setup. The second floor lounge was decked out for comfort. It reminded me of some of the popular club venues I attended back when I was younger, but with a bunch of people spread throughout to make sure only people with reservations made it through the doors to the boat.
Welcome to The Dreamboat
As we finally made our way through the doors, we walked what I like to call “The Blue Mile.” The ramp from pier to boat deck contributed a good portion of steps to my weekly Fitbit challenge, which on one hand is healthy; however, healthy starts to look annoying and downright exhausting when you have swag in your bag.
After hiking the blue mile, I finally made it to the final check-in point upon the ship itself where my new non-DMV pic popped-up on a screen after my room key was scanned. So for anyone wanting to book a stay on the Dreamboat next year, I have just walked you through the check-in process and given you a look at just the port-side of things. As to what happens next…a warm welcome to the Dreamboat!
