IT’S CRUUUUISE DAY!
So exciting! Everyone wants to get to the cruise terminal and board the ship, BUT if you want everything to go as smoothly as possible, here are a few DO’s and DON’Ts to help you navigate embarkation day.
#1) DO complete your online check-in before you arrive at the cruise terminal. A successful and efficient embarkation day begins with the online check-in. Cruise lines typically allow check-in anywhere from 15 to 60 days before you ever arrive at the terminal. Check-in includes submitting identification, providing emergency contacts, and a method of payment for onboard expenses. Getting this done ahead of time will get you through the cruise terminal and onboard the ship significantly quicker.
#2) DO NOT arrive hours before your selected boarding time. This will not get you on the ship any quicker. It actually may slow you and other cruisers down as cruise lines stagger boarding time strategically to move passenger traffic more efficiently. Conversely, DO NOT arrive late–you could miss your ship.
#3) DO check your large suitcases in with the terminal porter and DO bring cash to tip them. It is never advisable to try to manage your large suitcases yourself as you board the ship. It may take several hours before your stateroom is ready, and you certainly do not want to lug your luggage around the pool deck! Which leads to….
#4) DO NOT pack your travel documents, passports, medications, or other important items in your checked bag. You will need them as you go through security. By the way…
#5) DO be prepared to go through security. It is kind of like airport security. Your luggage will go on a conveyor belt to be screened, you will walk through a metal detector, etc. That being said…
#6) DO NOT attempt to take items onboard the ship that the cruise line does not allow. Your bags will be inspected and could be searched. If you aren’t sure, you will find a list of banned items on your cruise line’s website. Check it. Follow it. They will confiscate your items and it will further delay your suitcases being delivered to your stateroom.
#7) DO pack the perfect carry-on. Along with your travel documents, passports, medications, etc, pack a change of clothes, swimsuit, and sunscreen in your carry-on. Making sure you have these items will ensure you can get your day started while waiting to get into your stateroom.
#8) DO NOT try to go to your stateroom early. Your cabin steward is doing their best to get your room ready for you. You stopping by for any reason just slows them down.
#7) DO take a moment to take in the ship. Look up at the atrium–it’s impressive. DO take some pictures. DO take a selfie. DO take a group photo. DO soak it all in. DO enjoy the moment.
#8) DO NOT head straight to the Lido Deck buffet. Tony always says he’ll see you on the Lido, but he isn’t there yet. Everyone else is, though. It’s crowded. Instead,
#9) DO look for an alternative dining option. You may find a quiet cafe, a burger joint, or a pizza spot. The main dining room may be open or even a specialty restaurant.
#10) DO make the Muster Drill a top priority. Different cruise lines handle this in different ways, but generally, you can watch a video on your mobile app or in your cabin and then check in at your muster station. Maritime law states this must be done within 24 hours of embarkation, or you can be forced to disembark. DO NOT procrastinate or fail to do the Muster Drill.
#11) DO take some time to explore the ship. DO find guest services, the theaters, the lounges, and the bars. Traveling with children or teens? DO visit the kids and teen club areas and register your children. DO book spa treatments. DO make specialty dining reservations. DO plan your shore excursions. Once they announce that staterooms are open,
#12) DO head to your stateroom. DO put away your valuables. DO take time to unpack. DO meet your cabin steward. If you have any special needs or requests, DO communicate those.
#13) DO take the time to freshen up and head back out and continue exploring the ship. DO sit by the pool. DO watch the people. DO take a swim. DO play a game. DO kick back. DO relax.
#14) DO NOT miss the sail-away party. DO participate. DO watch. Just DO NOT miss it. There is nothing quite like watching the ship leave port as it sails off into the open water. Your cruise is just beginning, but there is one more thing…
#15) DO put your phone in airplane mode. Please put your phone in airplane mode. Once you leave port, your phone will go into satellite roaming, which translates into extremely high cell phone bills. DO NOT fail to put your phone in airplane mode. DO connect to the onboard WiFi.
#16) DO enjoy your cruise as you embark on the adventure of a lifetime.