I don’t know about you, but embarkation day is one of my absolute favorite parts of the whole cruise.
There’s nothing quite like that rush of excitement when you first spot the ship in port, knowing you’re about to board, discover your cabin, and explore everything the cruise has to offer.
In short, the embarkation day is very important. It’s the beginning of the vacation you have been waiting for a long time, so you definitely want to make the most of it.
For this reason, I want to give you some tips on the do’s and don’ts on embarkation day. If you follow them, I guarantee that you will board the cruise ship stress-free and ready to start your adventure!
The things you should do
Arrive at the port early
To avoid long lines and get on board as soon as possible, it’s preferable to arrive at the port well in advance.
Usually, a couple of hours before your assigned embarkation time should be perfect.
Try to avoid arriving too late because unexpected events can always happen and you may risk missing the ship.
Complete your online check-in
To make the process faster remember to complete the online check-in and to carefully enter all your personal information.
In addition, have all required documents ready before arrival. Keep them handy in a carry-on luggage or a backpack.
Don’t put them in the suitcase that you will leave at the baggage counter, as you may still need them as you get on the ship.
Take advantage of early boarding to explore the ship
If you can get on the ship before everyone else, you can use that time to familiarize yourself with the ship layout.
As you probably know, cruise ships are getting bigger and bigger, and sometimes it becomes really hard to find your way around.
If you can’t find your cabin right away, try to carefully follow the signs, or don’t be afraid to ask a crew member for help.
Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on
I always recommend putting a swimsuit in your carry-on, so you can enjoy the pool before your luggage arrives.
There is no specific time, suitcases can arrive between 1 hour to 4 hours after embarkation. Here’s why you should keep the things you might need in your carry-on luggage.
To avoid mistakes read the list of 20 things you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag.
Take photos of the ship
It could sound silly, but right after boarding is the perfect time to take some photos of the ship’s interior.
Consider that it could be the only time when the ship is relatively empty so it’s a great time for pictures.
In addition, you could take some good pictures of your cabin before you unpack and it starts to look messy.
Make reservations
I think I’ve already mentioned this in another article. If you want to make reservations for some special experience, it’s wise to make them as soon as you get on board because many of them can sell out quickly.
For example, you should immediately book your favorite day and time if you wanna have dinner in a specialty restaurant, get tickets for special shows that require booking, or book a massage or spa treatment.
It would be even better if you booked them from home before departure; it is one of 20 tips to save money during a cruise.
Unpack and settle into your cabin
Once your luggage arrives it is time to unpack and settle into your cabin.
Just take your time to arrange everything carefully, otherwise you may have difficulty finding things in the following days.
I know that some passengers don’t unpack, they take clothes directly from their luggage as soon as they need them. I would not recommend it, just take an hour to sort everything out and you will live in a much tidier cabin.
Attend the sail-away
When embarkation is completed and the ship starts sailing there may be a sail-away party. Be sure to attend in order to kick off the cruise experience with some fun.
The party is often held on the pool deck, but it might be moved indoors if it’s raining.
You should find all the information in the daily program that you will find in the cabin. Sometimes there can only be a digital version on the cruise line’s app as I’ve explained in the 10 things you won’t be able to do on cruises anymore.
Bring a small power strip
If you have many electronic devices, remember to bring a small power strip. It will save your life, especially if you’re traveling with your whole family in a single cabin.
The only important thing is to make sure it’s cruise-approved. I’ve explained how to check that in the article on the things you can bring on a plane but not a cruise ship.
Take a moment to enjoy the view
In my opinion, the moment of the first departure from the port is one of the most magical.
One thing you should do is take a few minutes to enjoy it fully.
Watch the ship you’ve dreamed about for so long set sail on a journey that will create memories that will stay with you forever.
The things you should NOT do
Arrive too late for embarkation
One of the worst things you could do on embarkation day is to arrive too late.
If you arrive less than an hour before the ship’s departure time, you really risk that they won’t let you on.
As I always say, better to arrive very early than very late.
Overpack your carry-on
I know that packing for a cruise can be quite complex, especially for longer ones that will call in different countries.
However, remember to keep your carry-on bag light since you’ll be carrying it around until your cabin is ready.
Remember that traveling light doesn’t mean leaving the important things at home, it means packing smartly. To do it check the list of things people always forget to pack for a cruise.
Skip the safety drill
I know it can be boring and repetitive, especially if it is not your first cruise. However, the safety drill is mandatory and very important for everyone’s safety.
If you care a lot about safety, I also recommend you read the articles on what to do in case of a fire on board and the code words used by cruise ships and their meaning.
Overindulge at the buffet
A few weeks ago I had asked on my Facebook page what was the first thing passengers do as soon as they board a cruise ship.
Without much surprise, many people responded that they head straight to the buffet.
This is not a bad thing. Of course, you can be hungry and it is okay to eat something.
However, remember not to exaggerate. There’s plenty of time to enjoy the food, and if you eat too much you can start to feel sluggish, and you won’t enjoy the rest of the day.
Forget to check your cabin
A good rule to follow is to immediately check the cabin when it’s ready.
It’s important to do it to avoid unpleasant surprises and to check that everything is right.
Check that the cabin is the category you booked, that there are no broken or malfunctioning things, that water comes out of the faucets, and that the toilet flush works.
If there’s any issue you must notify staff immediately. They will try to fix the problem, or in serious cases, they will provide you with another cabin.
Also, check the 7 hidden things you can find in a cruise ship cabin.
Try to do everything on the first day
I know that getting on a cruise ship is a very strong emotion, you would like to explore the ship, taste the food, see the cabin, try all the attractions…but please don’t do everything on the first day.
Take your time and avoid getting exhausted right away. As I said before, use the first day to explore the ship, settle in, and enjoy the departure.
Leave your valuables unattended
Embarkation days can be quite chaotic, a lot of people are moving around the ship and many of them are not even sure where they are going.
During these days you should absolutely avoid leaving valuables, bags, or other personal items unattended.
Remember to go to your cabin, drop off things you don’t need, and put money, jewelry, and other valuables in the safe.
Cruise theft is not very common but it still happens. Of course, it’s amongst the things that can get you banned from a cruise line.
Ignore your schedule
Another thing you must not do on embarkation day is to ignore the daily program.
On the first day, there could be schedule changes and activities that differ from the usual ones.
Accordingly, remember to check the opening hours of the pools, the time for your emergency drill, the opening hours of guest services, and any other services you may need.
Forget to double-check your dining time and table assignment
Regarding dinner, cruise lines have two different methodologies: on some, you do not have a fixed table and you can have dinner at the time of your choice, while on others you are assigned a specific time and table for dinner.
If the cruise line you are traveling follows the second type then I recommend that you check the table and time on embarkation day.
If you don’t like it, or if you want to be at the same table as some of your friends or fellow travelers, then you should immediately notify the restaurant manager.
Stress if things don’t go perfectly; remember, you’re on vacation!
The last thing I want to tell you is not to worry too much if things don’t go as planned.
Unexpected events can always happen, and it’s better to face them with a smile rather than let them ruin your vacation.
If there’s a problem, speak with a staff member. Luckily, I’ve always found them to be friendly and ready to help.
In addition, check the mistakes that even seasoned cruise passengers make. If you know the most common ones in advance it will be much easier to avoid them.
