Some people cruise all the time, even multiple times a year. But for others, it’s more of a rare treat. If you do not get to sail often, you will probably want to make every moment count, including getting on board as quickly as possible.
The problem is that cruise terminals can get crowded, and long lines are frequent. I often had to wait many hours before I could board.
So how do you skip the hassle and be one of the first on the ship? I have a few tricks that have worked for me, and in this article, I will share them with you.
Check-In Online as Early as Possible
Many cruise lines allow you to check in online. This way, you can enter your passport details and add a payment card that can be linked to your onboard account.
Consider that all these things you will do from home will allow you to spend less time during the embarkation procedure.
When you check in online, remember to pay attention to some small details. For example, some cruise lines will let you choose a time slot for embarkation. Of course, if you want to board early, choose the first one available.
Many of the early slots fill up quickly, so you should check in as soon as you can, usually a few weeks before the cruise.
Carefully Plan Your Journey to the Port
Another key thing is to arrive at the port at the right time. This is why you should carefully plan the journey to the port.
I don’t know how far your home is, but try to account for any potential delays or unforeseen circumstances, especially if you are using multiple modes of transportation.
If you need to take a flight, it is usually best to arrive the night before and stay at a hotel near the port. That way, you will already be there and can be among the first to board.
The boarding schedule varies depending on the ship, so it’s difficult to make estimates. Keep in mind that the staff must first disembark the passengers who have finished their vacation before boarding the new ones.
Keep Everything Ready
To smooth up the whole process, you should have everything ready and in order for boarding.
The most important thing is your personal documents: have your ID or passport, boarding pass, and any other necessary documents readily accessible.
In addition, check everything in advance so that there are no problems with security checks. Also, remember that you can’t bring these 10 items on cruise ships.
Other Things That May Affect Embarkation Time
Consider that other factors can affect boarding time. For example, passengers who travel in suites or have high status with loyalty programs might have priority boarding.
You also have to consider the number of people that are present when boarding the ship.
Cruises that cruise during off-peak seasons or days (like mid-week) tend to have fewer passengers, which can make it easier to be among the first on board.
To avoid setbacks and delays, be sure to check the 20 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts.
You Can Arrive Before the Scheduled Time
As mentioned earlier, many cruise lines assign a specific check-in time slot. They do this to prevent long lines by staggering passengers based on their cabin type.
One thing you can do, if you have a very late check-in slot, is to head to the port early anyway. I’ve done it twice, and both times I was allowed to board much earlier than my assigned time.
If possible, try requesting an earlier check-in time in advance by contacting the cruise line’s customer service or your travel agent. In many cases, your request will be granted, especially if you have a disability or mobility challenges.
And one last thing, don’t forget to check out the 10 Disembarkation Tips Every Cruiser Needs to Know
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
