What to Expect at Embarkation
One of the most important and fun days of your cruise is embarkation day, when you board the ship and kick off your adventure. Follow these tips to make sure you start your cruise off right.
Handoff your luggage to a porter
Go through security
Check-in or verify your online check-in
Get your cruise card & boarding number or pass
Wait in the cruise terminal for your boarding number to be called
Board the ship
The cruise embarkation process to get on a cruise ship can vary depending on the cruise line you are sailing with and the port you are departing from.
Before You Sail
Check in online. This should be done as soon as the cruise line portal opens for check-in, which is usually a 30 - 60 days before your cruise, depending on the cruise line and your cruise line status and stateroom.
Choose an early – or late - arrival time. Your cruise documents may say that the ship leaves at 4 pm, but check-in typically begins at before noon and embarkation begins around noon. Choosing an early arrival time means you can start your vacation several hours before the ship sets sail, thus getting more fun for your money. However, you can avoid some of the lines by choosing a late arrival time, and there’s a good chance you’ll breeze through the embarkation process. Regardless of the time you choose, be at the port 30 minutes ahead of your appointment.
At the Port
Be prepared to show documents. Have your boarding pass (printed or email on your phone), picture ID, and citizenship documents handy.
Have small bills handy. When you get to the port, you'll hand off your luggage to the porters. (It’s customary to tip $1 to $2 per bag). The next time you'll see your luggage will be in your stateroom later that afternoon.
Pack a carry-on. When you give your luggage to the porters, you'll keep your carry-on, purse, tote, or backpack with you. You may not receive your luggage for several hours, so be sure to pack everything you'll need until then including medications, identification, eyeglasses, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimsuits. (No need to pack pool towels, which are available onboard.)
Prepare for the security checkpoint. When you enter the port terminal, you'll pass through a security checkpoint with a metal detector similar to what you find at an airport. It'll speed up the process if you have placed your jewelry, belts, coins, and other metallic items in your carry-on bag.
Have your cruise documents ready. Inside the terminal, you’ll line up to finish checking in and get your stateroom key cards. You'll need your cruise documents, passports or birth certificates, and a credit card handy. You’ll also need to complete a health questionnaire.
Check for upgrades at the supervisor’s desk. If the ship isn’t full, there may be upgrades available for a discounted price. You should never count on an upgrade, but you never know when pixie dust will come your way.
On the Ship
Enjoy lunch. Once you've boarded the ship on embarkation day, you can head to the top deck for a buffet lunch.
Reserve special experiences. Reserve any experiences you may have missed during online check in, such as spa treatments, shore excursions, or dinner at the specialty restaurants.
Start having fun right away. Your stateroom may not be ready until early afternoon, and your luggage may not arrive until hours later, but you can begin exploring the ship and having fun as soon as you board. The pools and other activity hubs will be open.
Be ready for the muster drill. On the first day of the cruise, typically around 4 pm, all passengers must attend a 10-minute muster drill and learn what to do in case of emergency. Plan to be in your stateroom at least 15 minutes before the drill. You'll find directions to your drill station on the back of your stateroom door. Attendance is mandatory. (Note: If anyone in your party feels claustrophic in crowds, let the attendant at the muster drill know, and they may be able to stand on the end, rather than in the middle, of the assembly.)
Take a walking tour of the ship. Nothing is as exciting as exploring the magnificent ship you’re sailing on!
Take a dip in the pools. To enjoy the pools or waterslides, change into the suits you packed in your carry-on (or wore under your clothes) and hit the decks before the ship fills up.
Attend the Sail-Away Celebration. Just before the ship leaves the pier, head up for a top-deck party that includes music, dancing, and refreshments. It's a fun way to officially start your cruise!
Hopefully these tips will get you onboard and on the right track to a wonderful, relaxing vacation. Happy Sailing!