Bill:

I have had it both ways. First, like you, they led us onboard Mariner to the theater. On the Voyager, they checked in in the terminal, even for the Full World Cruise Passengers. Both were just as effortless. I also have boarded the Diamond at Ft Lauderdale; that was the most effortless. Dropped off passport at reception and went to the Grill. Room key was provided later and I dropped off credit card the second day.

I will be interested to see what this new Amex Platinum boarding privelege is about; has anyone experienced it yet?