Oh Ship! You've followed all those pre-embarkation day tips I blogged about before you hit the cruise port and now you've made it to the *BIG* day--Embarkation!
Here's my top 11 tips you should follow to ensure a more efficient, smooth, and enjoyable embarkation day.
“Nothing lasts forever, except the day before you start your vacation.” – Gayland Anderson
Hello again my cruising fam,
It's me, Peggy Lynne, with another post to help all my cruise-goers. Because, well, I don't know about you, but when it's finally the day of sailing, no matter which cruise line, I have many different emotions flooding my body. From total excitement--Woohoo!-- that I will be on the ship soon sipping that yummy beer or strawberry daquiri, to anxiety--oh dear--when will my luggage reach my cabin?
So, if you're also a bit anxious about how boarding the ship on embarkation day works and how it will unfold, I've got you! 💖
I've sat down and listed my top 11 best practices for embarkation day, to better help my fellow cruisers. You're welcome!
And with that, let's get into those top 11 tips.
Tip #1 - Know Your Arrival Time, and Stick To It
Now, if you were paying attention to the pre-embarkation tips, you're well rested, hydrated, wearing comfy clothing, and you should have prepared for how you'll get to the cruise port (download those directions, stat!). Plus, you should have completed an online check-in starting about 2 weeks before the sailing date.
You should have then received a specific arrival time window on your boarding pass. Whenever I check in, I prefer a 11am-12pm window if it's available, but do what's best for you! Sometimes the best times are already taken, but that's okay because everyone, no matter the time, will be able to board as long as you get there in time.
Cruisers are given these earlier, specific arrival times to help stagger the massive influx of passengers and to help prevent long lines of embarking guests through all the different check points (we'll get to those later, so don't worry). I'm all for a smoother, less crowded arrival, so please don't try to get there too early and alter the flow of process; but also don't arrive too late and chance missing getting on the ship! Cut off is generally 4 pm or 2 hours before sail away.
Tip #2 - Check Your Luggage With The Porter, But Don't Forget Important Items In Your Carry-on
Whether you use a taxi service, you shuttle in, or drive yourself to the port, one thing is for certain--you need to get your luggage on the ship! Usually when you enter into the port, you will be directed to the luggage porters to drop off any *CHECKED* baggage. This area is generally hustling and bustling, but don't feel like you need to rush through dropping off your luggage.
For those new to cruising, this means you leave your luggage, other than what you want to carry on, with the cruise terminal porters and they will handle getting it to your room, or cabin, on the ship. I always tip them a few dollars because, well, that's one laborious job, and I want to thank them for their efforts. But tipping is up to you.
Make sure you have your printed luggage tags (another pre-embarkation tip!) and ensure they are securely fastened to the handle of your bags.
I like using these clear cruise luggage tags from Amazon because you never know how the weather will be, and I know my tags won't fall off!
However, if it turns out that you, Uh-oh!, forget to print your luggage tags, your porters can provide hand-written ones.
But, I know you're asking, when do your bags actually make it on board? From the cruises I've had in the past, my luggage was usually delivered at my cabin door between 2 pm-4pm if I arrived around 12 pm. But if you decided on a later time, don't worry! They'll get your bags there before sailing off.
And in the HIGHLY unlikely event they do forget your luggage, just be sure that you have a well-packed carry-on with items like: swimsuit, toiletries, extra change of clothes, medications, any valuables, your important travel documents, and any items that the cruise line will only allow in a carry-on, like a bottle of wine, or a 12 pack of soda.
Tip #3 - Don't Bring Prohibited Items, Security Will Confiscate
This might be common sense, but just like at an airport, all luggage (and You!) will be going through security. Whether in your checked bag, or your carry-ons, be sure you didn't pack any of the cruise line's prohibited items-- not only will these items get confiscated, any hold up while going through the security line will have a backlogging effect. So, please, don't try to sneak that booze or clothes iron on board!
If it turns out you accidently brought along a prohibited item, and security finds it, they will confiscate said item(s). However, when you return from the cruise, you will be directed to the area in the terminal where you may retrieve the confiscated item.
Tip #4 - Pack Your Patience
Really, pack your patience, or at least try to be as patient as possible because crowds and lines do happen. Depending on the cruise terminal, the process can be quite different in the order that you will go through all the needed check points. In my experience the most common way to go through the whole process is: after dropping off your luggage with the porters but before you can enter the building to check-in, you will be required to produce your boarding pass, vaccination information, negative Covid test papers, and any other travel documents needed to cruise line staff. If anyone in your party has opted for, or needs to be tested for Covid-19 at the port, you will be directed there first but make sure you produce appointment and exemption papers.
Doing a check of these documents before heading into the terminal is a way to ensure that you are, indeed, ready to go through check points like security, which is what you will go through next. Then, finally, you'll end up at the counter where you'll hand over your documents again. All documents are double or triple checked. But, once they get your picture, and O.K. everything through their systems, you'll finally make your way to the gangway!
Sometimes though, if you choose an extremely early arrival time such as 10 am, you may need to hang out a bit in the terminal before the cruise line is ready for you to board.
Tip #5 - Get Ready to say, "Cheese!"
As if taking your picture at the cruise line counter isn't enough, before you get on the ship, you will have an opportunity to take your first official pictures via the cruise line backdrops! Love it or hate it (I covered this topic in my blog here), just be prepared to get your smiles on!
If you don't want to take a photo, just tell them that and they will let you pass without much intimidation.
Also feel free to take as many pictures of the ship and surrounding area as you want so you can capture the fact you finally made it on board. YES!
Tip #6 - Drop Off Your Bags
Woohoo, you made it on board! Now what? Well, my advice is to drop off any luggage first before doing anything else. I have found most cruise lines will allow you to drop off any carry-on's in your cabin when you get on board, even if it's prior to the time that the cabin is officially 'available' (usually 1pm-2pm).
By dropping off your luggage, you not only unload your, well, load, but you can grab your sailing card. This card is usually sealed in an envelope, above the cabin number. This card will be the key to your cabin, along with your charge card for the duration of the cruise. Be sure to not to lose it (go to guest services if you do!).
If you need access to other rooms, such as if you have your children or other family next door, you can get a 'room key only' type sail card so you can access that room as well. Guest services will help you with that once on board.
And to help protect this precious card, I use a waterproof retractable lanyard that I got off Amazon to keep mine safe and sound.
Tip #7 -Muster Up ASAP!
Next, I suggest doing the muster (nope, not mustard) drill that is MANDATORY on all sailings. Basically, it's a quick safety exercise with the main objective being that all guests and crew familiarize themselves with the specific location (the muster station) where they are to go and assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency. You can find your muster station listed on your boarding pass, or a crew member can help you figure it out if need be.
During the drill, safety information (such as how to find and put on a life jacket) is presented. The pre-departure assembly muster drill is a coast guard regulatory requirement. So, ALL guests must still attend, even if they have sailed previously. The cruise ship CANNOT leave until ALL passengers complete the drill, so don't be that person that delays going to complete it, and thus prevents the sail away. Plus, they will constantly do announcements and will finally hunt you down if need be. Now that would be embarrassing. So, just get it done asap!
Please note, that if you have a medical condition that might impact your ability to stand or complete the muster, please alert the crewmembers. They will arrange a more comfortable method to complete the drill.
Tip #8 - Hit the Happy Hour or Grab Some Grub
Now that you got the safety drill over with (good job!), nothing is more refreshing as when you get that first drink when you're on the ship. But most people don't know that Happy Hours, where drinks are discounted, exist on cruise ships. These are usually during the afternoon (such as 1pm-3 pm) on embarkation day and also port days, so keep your eye out! I know for certain that Carnival often has these at the Red Frog Pub (not the Rum Bar) and it's half off most drinks, including pitchers! Servers will also come around on the Lido deck and around the other areas of the ship if that's where you prefer to go find a drink, just ask for the specials, which usually you can get a few dollars off certain types of mixed drinks. Now, that's how you get that cruise off to the right foot!
After you've grabbed yourself a beverage (or two), definitely get your grub on! Most cruisers flock to the buffet on the Lido deck, but check for other food fare, especially if you want to avoid the crowds. On Royal, maybe hit Playmaker's for some awesome nachos or wings, or if you prefer a free option, hit the Café Promenade for great grab & go options. Guy's Burgers is always a crowd pleaser if you're sailing Carnival, I mean those fries are absolutely delicious!
Speaking of food--as a side note regarding any specialty restaurants, if you did not book reservations prior to getting on the cruise ship, book now! Slots fill up fast and you don't want to miss out if you were hoping to try that specialty cuisine. You can do this by either reserving on the cruise line's app, call the restaurant from your stateroom phone (yep the old skool way!), or just visit the restaurant to inquire about reservations. Bon Appetit!
Tip #9 - Use The Cruise Line App & Don't Forget Airplane Mode
Speaking of the cruise line app, use them to your advantage! If you didn't listen to the pre-embarkation tip about downloading the app, do it NOW. From booking specialty restaurants and/or checking in for My Time Dining, to reserving shows, to watching the muster drill videos, the app is, well, where it's at! You can easily check your account balance, book shore excursions, access deck plans, see daily shipboard events, and more.
Plus, if you hadn't previously registered your kiddo's in any of the kid's clubs, and want to utilize those clubs, check the app for times to complete the registration and meet the counselors.
To access the app to it's fullest, once you're on board, you will put your phone on airplane mode (that cute little plane icon found in your settings) and switch over to the ship's free Wi-Fi. Now, keep in mind this is different Wi-Fi than if you purchased a plan. If you purchased an internet plan, you will see directions on how to access that in the app as well, in a different section.
Please, please, please don't forget to set your phone to airplane mode before you set sail whether you use the app or not, though. I've heard horror stories of people coming home to $3,000+ USD phone bills. Holy smokes!
I also recommend waterproof phone pouches to use throughout your cruise since your phone is as valuable, if not more than, your sail card.
Tip #10 - Enjoy The Sail Away
My tenth tip is this: It's time to ENJOY YOUR CRUISE! Even though each cruise line handles sailing off from the port differently, don't miss out on the awesome views and the effervescent energy coursing through the ship when you finally pull away from the port. So go around and explore the ship and have fun! I really like the upbeat, grooving sail away parties on Carnival ships, but if that's not your idea of fun, you can find hidden nooks and crannies around the ship, or even your own private balcony if you booked that category of cabin, if you prefer more solitude.
Tip #11 - Head to the Welcome Aboard Show
An as my final tip, I highly recommend attending the cruise ships' welcome aboard show. Whether you're a new cruiser or seasoned traveler! Usually a few hours after the sail away, it's a must see event in my opinion. Not only will you meet your Cruise Director (or CD), but they will provide insider tips, tricks, and valuable information about things like shipboard shows, any special port information, shopping specials, and more.
I've also seen that when you attend, you can get raffle tickets to possibly win items like shore excursions, bottles of wine, or other cruise merch! I've yet to win myself, but maybe one day. I mean, you won't win if you don't go, right? So do yourself a favor, grab yourself a drink and go enjoy the show.
Now, Well done. You made it through Embarkation Day!
Congrats, you did it! While it seems like a lot as you read through, the more cruises you do, the more you'll get used to all the boarding practices and procedures. I do hope that my tips listed here have, or will help you, on your upcoming embarkation day. With these 11 top boarding practices, you're sure to be more prepared, and less stressed! Cruising is all about enjoying your vacation in the best way possible, at sea.
And with that, I wish you all, Bon Voyage!
Your Cruise Tips Captain,
Peggy Lynne
P.S. YouTube video on this topic is below if you'd like to watch! Thanks for your support. 💖
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