Carnival Cruise Lines launches fee-based perks package with early boarding

One cruise line is taking a chapter from the airline industry and offering passengers –willing to pay extra — the chance to board their ship early.

Carnival Cruise Lines announced it will begin testing a new program where all the occupants of a given stateroom can board the cruise ship as soon as it is cleared for new arrivals. The program, called “Faster to the Fun,” also will allow passengers instant access to their staterooms upon boarding and will even have their hand-delivered luggage waiting for them in the stateroom upon arrival.