32+ Expert Tips to Navigate Cruise Embarkation Day Like a Pro
Heading off on a cruise vacation? What does cruise embarkation day entail? Embarkation Day is the exciting start to your cruise.
It’s the day you first step onto the cruise ship. It’s a day filled with anticipation and joy as you prepare to set sail. While the boarding process might bring some waiting in line (sometimes not), it’s all part of the journey.
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In this post, I’ll guide you through what to expect the day of, how to prepare for a smooth embarkation day, and what to do after you embark.
Navigating the Embarkation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embarkation day is like the opening scene of your cruise vacation—a mix of excitement, a tiny bit of chaos, and the first taste of vacation freedom. But before you can sip that welcome aboard drink and kick back, there’s a process to get through.
Don’t worry! I’m here to walk you through it, step by step, so you can get through the cruise ship boarding process like a pro. Our tips below will help you prepare in greater detail. Here’s what you’ll be doing:
Remember, the embarkation process can vary depending on your cruise line and departure port. Some cruises let you hand your bags to a porter right at the curb, while others may have you accompany your luggage further. And if you’ve checked in online (highly recommended for its time-saving magic), you’ll breeze through certain steps faster.
When we boarded Celebrity Solstice in Los Angeles Cruise Port, we did all our check-in stuff online and zipped through the terminal like VIPs. It was smooth sailing onto the ship after security and a quick check-in to get right onboard.
Then, the lines to board the Norwegian Encore to Alaska from Seattle Cruise Port were terrible, and it felt like forever before we were onboard.
The day can have its hectic moments—lines here, a bit of waiting there—but with some planning and patience, you’ll get through it, and in the end, you won’t regret it.
Cruise Embarkation Day Tips
What Should You Do Before Embarkation?
Embarkation day is on the horizon, and the countdown to setting sail is getting exciting. Here’s how to ensure you’re all set with these cruise embarkation tips.
1. Passport Check
Make sure your passport isn’t about to expire. Aim for validity six months beyond your cruise end date. Found it’s expiring soon? Hustle to renew it—delays are common, and expedited services, while helpful, you can’t trust the turnaround time.
2. Fill Out Necessary Travel Forms and/or Visa Requirements
You might need to fill out some extra forms or get a visa, depending on where you’re cruising. It all depends on your stops along the way. Your best bet is to chat with your cruise agent or check directly with the cruise line. Sometimes, you can submit these forms through them for an additional cost.
Don’t skip this step – you don’t want any surprises that could keep you from boarding. This includes looking into health declarations or proof of vaccinations.
3. The Cruise Line App is Your New Best Friend
Download it post-booking. It’s a treasure trove: online check-in, day counts, deal alerts, dinner reservations, and a peek at your onboard account. It’s the digital companion you didn’t know you needed. You’ll need it ready for departure day to check-in.
4. Simplify Your Boarding With Online Check-In
Take advantage of online check-in, available via the cruise line’s app or website, typically starting a few weeks before your cruise. The sooner you check-in, the earlier the boarding time you’ll receive. This step may include uploading a clear, light-background photo of yourself, which can lead to a quicker experience.
For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line permits check-in 21 days before sailing. I always set a calendar reminder for myself.
5. Plan to Arrive The Day Before
Avoid travel hiccups by arriving at least a day early at your port city. Flight delays and cancellations are common these days, and you want enough time to adjust travel plans to make it in time before your ship departs. It also allows you to explore and adjust to any time differences.
6. Book Flights and Hotels
Getting your flights and hotels right can significantly set you up for a successful and smooth cruise embarkation process. Here are some smart booking tips:
Flights
- Book Early: Secure your flights well in advance to avoid last-minute price surges and limited availability.
- Optional, Book Through the Cruise Line: Consider booking your flights through the cruise line for added benefits like flight protection, which safeguards you against travel disruptions. Although experiences can vary.
Hotels
- Location Matters: Choose accommodations close to the cruise port for convenience and to minimize travel time.
- Complimentary Breakfast: Start your day with a light breakfast, and having it available at the hotel saves you time from searching for a breakfast spot.
- Shuttle Service: Opt for hotels offering shuttle services to the cruise port to streamline travel.
- Cruise and Park: Some hotels offer special deals for cruise passengers, including parking and transport to the terminal.
7. Print All Documents and Have Them Digitally Backed Up
In the digital age, paper still reigns supreme when technology decides not to work. I still recommend printing and having all essential documents handy. You can also back digital copies in email and on a cloud drive for extra security.
- Printing out boarding documents
- luggage tags
- reservations, and bookings
8. Prepare Cash for Convenience
Before you board, prepare to have cash on hand, especially in smaller denominations, for tipping. While we’re big fans of racking up credit card points for everything, the reality of needing cash for certain transactions, like tips, can’t be ignored. Though it’s possible to withdraw cash from the ATM aboard the ship, we advise against it due to steep fees.
9. Pack for Your Cruise
One of the best parts about cruising is not having to lug luggage around from city to city. The luggage you bring stays on the ship for the entirety of your cruise.
Aim to pack smartly for your time aboard comfortable daywear, chic dinner attire, and suitable outfits for shore excursions. Unsure about what to bring? Dive into our essential cruise packing list.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack an embarkation day bag with essentials since luggage delivery is sometimes delayed. This could include a swimsuit, a change of clothes, a portable charger, and important medications.
10. Arrange Transportation to The Port
We often request an Uber or Lyft from our hotel or have the hotel call a taxi, but sometimes it’s not always that simple. Sometimes, you need to plan ahead, which could be due to the destination, if you’re a large group, or if you prefer to have it scheduled for peace of mind.
- Pre-Book Transfers: If you arrive the morning of, you can schedule a transfer from the airport to the cruise port with the cruise line. Cruise lines typically allow bookings 2-3 weeks before sailing but close reservations about a week out.
- Rideshare Options: Uber or Lyft offer flexible, convenient alternatives. Schedule your pick-up in advance to ensure a timely departure from your hotel.
- Local Taxis: Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you on the morning of departure. It’s an easy, stress-free option if you prefer not to use an app.
- Hotel Shuttles: Your hotel may offer a shuttle service to the cruise port. Make sure to inquire and/or sign up upon check-in.
Driving in and parking near the cruise port? Research parking locations, costs, and if you need reservations. Sometimes reserving a parking spot at a parking lot outside the cruise terminal can lead to some savings.
11. Don’t Forget to Watch the Muster Drill Video
Remember to watch the muster drill video provided by the cruise line. You’ve likely received multiple email and app notifications about it; watching it before the day arrives is best. It’s a necessary requirement for everyone in your party, and you’ll need to check in with your muster station once onboard.
Most cruise lines have modernized this process, so very few still conduct the traditional full muster drill on the ship.
12. Optional: Maximize Time By Purchasing Priority Boarding
To enhance your experience, consider maximizing your time by investing in priority boarding. Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Priority Boarding, offer the option to purchase it for an additional fee. This allows you to board the ship more quickly, providing added convenience. If this aligns with your preferences, you can easily add this benefit by contacting the cruise line or your agent before your cruise date.
What to do on the Morning Of Embarkation Day?
The first day of your cruise is here! If you’re anything like us, the anticipation might have kept you up most of the night—feeling like a kid on Christmas morning, right?
Embarkation typically begins mid-morning to mid-day, timing influenced by the ship’s arrival and the disembarkation process of previous guests. Sometimes, there can be delays, but that’s not always the case. Aim to arrive as close to your designated check-in time as possible to maximize your first day on board.
13. Rise and Shine With an Early Start
Kick off your embarkation day by waking up bright and early. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and prep for the day ahead without the last-minute scramble.
Aim to arrive as close to your designated check-in time to maximize your first day on board. You want to be among the early boarders, which lets you savor the ship’s amenities before the crowds pour in.
14. Check the Weather and Dress Accordingly
Check the local weather at the embarkation port and dress accordingly, as it may not necessarily reflect the climate you expect from your itinerary.
15. Final Luggage Check
Ensure everything’s packed and your carry-on bag includes all embarkation day essentials—documents, medications, and a change of clothes, just in case.
16. Don’t Forget to Tag Your Bags!
Whether your cruise line mails you luggage tags (hello, suite life!) or have you print them at home, attaching them to your suitcases is a must.
For the DIY tags, you can slip them into special cruise tag holders (a smart investment for a seasoned cruiser) or go old-school and staple them directly onto your bag handles.
Pro tip: If you’re stapling, ask the hotel’s front desk to loan you a stapler as you wait for your transportation or pack a mini stapler in your travel kit.
17. Get a Ride to the Port
Whether it’s a cab, a rideshare, or a shuttle, it’s time to head to the port. Seeing your ship for the first time is a moment to remember as it starts to sink in that you’re about to go on a cruise vacation.
18. Pass Your Luggage to a Porter with a Smile (and a Tip!)
When you hit the cruise terminal, look for a porter to take your luggage off your hands. A tip is always appreciated.
How much should you tip the porter? Typically, $5 a bag.
19. Navigate the Security Lines
Facing the long security lines may be the most testing part of your embarkation day as there will be lines. It’s not meant to discourage you, but the sooner you join the queue, the better. Remain patient, heed the instructions, and extend kindness to the staff managing the hustle. Remember, it’s a shared experience — everyone’s in the same boat, needing to clear security first.
20. Check-in at the Cruise Terminal
Having completed your online check-in, as suggested earlier, the terminal check-in should be smoother and quicker than security. That’s the hope, but it’s not always the case. Depending on your cruise line, it might be a simple scan of your paperwork or check-in bar code, or you’ll need to meet with an agent.
For those with priority boarding—thanks to loyalty program status or suite bookings—keep an eye out for dedicated lines to make this step even more efficient.
21. Wait to Hear Your Group Be Called to the Board
Boarding begins once the ship has been cleared of previous passengers. Sometimes, after you check in, they’ll point you toward the gangway if the ship is ready. Or, you’ll receive a boarding pass, group, or number. Keep an ear out for the announcement of your group or number—it’s your signal to start the exciting journey aboard your cruise ship.
What to Do Once You’re Onboard?
It’s so exciting when the cruise staff welcomes you on the cruise ship. Sometimes with a welcome drink and sometimes not. Either way, just getting on that ship feels like the beginning of a wonderful vacation.
Celebrate With a Drink
Whether you’re toasting with champagne, a piña colada, or a mocktail, your first drink onboard marks the start of your vacation. Cheers!
And if you have a beverage package, take advantage immediately. Note that while in port, you may be charged just the tax for the amount of the drink.
22. Check-in At Your Muster Station
Prioritize checking in at your muster station as soon as you board. It’s a mandatory procedure, but it’s been streamlined for efficiency. You likely would have viewed the safety video via email or the cruise line app by now. Checking in at your muster station is important to ensure everyone knows the safety procedures.
Remember, the ship cannot depart until everyone has checked in.
23. Book Dinner or Show Reservations
Need to tweak or book dinner plans, add a drink package, or sort out Wi-Fi? Swing by Guest Services or chat with the Concierge as soon as possible. Sometimes, the ship has designated areas with the crew to handle these bookings on the first day. While many arrangements can be handled via the cruise line’s app, your cabin TV, or a quick call from your room, sometimes a face-to-face chat is just what you need to line everything up perfectly.
24. Explore The Cruise Ship
Once aboard, it’s time to explore, see what’s what, and familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout. Early birds catch the ship at its calmest, making it easier to spot all the cool spots without the crowds. Remember, more passengers will arrive as the day progresses, filling up spaces.
Helpful Hint: Mega-ships can be overwhelming to explore fully in a short time. Focus on prioritizing specific areas of interest on the first day, such as the main dining room, buffet, and pool deck.
25. Check if Your Cabin is Ready and Drop off Your Carry-On Bag
When the cabin is ready, they’ll make an announcement. However, it doesn’t hurt to check. It’s a great time to drop off your carry-on items, as long as your cabin attendant says it’s okay. Most of the time, it is.
26. Savor Your First Meal Onboard
One of the first things to do when you embark is have lunch. Usually, the buffet will be open for lunch, but everyone will be heading to the buffet, and it will crowded. Avoid the crowds and see if other options, like the main dining room or another eatery, are open. It’s a more relaxed option for lunch and a great way to start off your day.
27. Spa and Special Offers
Day one often comes with spa deals and specials. It’s the perfect time to book treatments for your cruise. The spa is also open to everyone on this day, so you can also get a tour of the thermal spa if the ship has one.
28. Sign Up the Kids for The Kids’ Club
Register the little ones at the kids’ club as soon as possible if you’re cruising with family. If it’s a packed ship, sometimes there is limited availability.
29. Unwind by the Pool
Straight to the pool deck after boarding? It’s your vacation, after all! Just remember, the muster drill is a must. But if you’ve explored, grabbed a bite, and sorted your plans, now’s the perfect moment to snag a prime spot by the pool or on the deck, drink in hand, and start unwinding.
30. Attend the Sailaway Party
The sailaway party is a cruise tradition. Enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and the stunning views as the ship sets sail and leaves the port behind.
31. Enjoy a Memorable Dinner
On the first night, we always treat ourselves to a lovely dinner in the main dining room or one of the specialty restaurants on board. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the start of our journey. We often opt for a later dining time to coincide with the ship’s departure, allowing us to enjoy a few cocktails while watching the sail away. And the best part? No need to dress up—casual attire is perfectly fine on day one.
32. Attend the Welcome Aboard Show or Party
Most cruise lines will have a welcome party or show on the first night. This is a great way to meet fellow cruisers and get psyched for the cruise vacation.
Check out the cruise line’s FAQs regarding their check-in and embarkation
What is the embarkation time on a cruise?
Embarkation time on a cruise refers to when passengers are allowed to board the ship. This time is specified in the cruise documents and varies depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Sticking to the embarkation time is important to ensure a smooth boarding process.
What to expect on cruise embarkation day?
Embarkation day combines excitement with necessary steps. Begin at the port with check-in and security, then board to explore the ship, eat, and attend the muster drill. Settle in, discover the ship, and book extra services. Celebrate your first cruise day with the sail away party.
What do you do with your luggage on embarkation day?
On embarkation day, you typically hand over your luggage to the porters at the cruise terminal, who will ensure that it is delivered to your stateroom later in the day.
Can you leave the ship on embarkation day?
After boarding the ship on embarkation day, it is generally not advisable, and sometimes not permitted, to leave the ship again. This is subject to the policies of the cruise line and the specific procedures at the port of embarkation.
Passengers typically board the ship and begin their cruise. It is not common practice for passengers to leave the ship on the same day they board, as embarkation day marks the start of the cruise journey.
What to wear on embarkation day?
On embarkation day, it’s advisable to wear comfortable and casual attire, as you will check-in, explore the ship, attend a safety drill, and join in on the sail away party. It’s a good idea to check the weather in the morning and dress in layers to accommodate potential changes in temperature throughout the day.
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
- Planning Shore Excursions on Your Own
- Joining a Roll Call For a Cruise
- Smart Cruise Stateroom Tips and Hacks
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.