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Embarkation Day Tips for Your Cruise

Last updated on February 4th, 2025 at 03:34 pm

On our first cruise, embarkation day seemed like a blur. It was busy and there were so many things we didn't know about what would happen that first day onboard. Muster drill - What's that? Where's my luggage?
Virgin's Terminal V Port Miami
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On our first cruise, embarkationday seemed like a blur. It was busy and there were so many things we didn’t know about what would happen that first day onboard. Muster drill – What’s that? Where’s my luggage?

 

The mere size of a cruise ship can be overwhelming. Add to that the hundreds or thousands of other passengers boarding at the same time as you, and it is no wonder everyone isn’t nervous on the first day of a cruise – Especially first-time cruisers!

Familiarize yourself with the ship before you arrive. This is easy to do; just visit the cruise line’s website. You will be able to see the layout of the ship and there will be maps for each deck. 

Be sure to download the cruise line’s app. You’ll be able to access the maps while exploring the ship. 

First-day jitters are common, but with an understanding of what to expect, as well as a few tips on how to manage that first day, you will set yourself up for a smooth and easy transition from land-lubber to experienced cruiser.

Arrive To the Departure Port a Day Early

Too many cruisers will try to fly into the cruise port city, and take a taxi directly to the port. While the personal satisfaction of perfect travel logistics may be appealing, you are also setting yourself up for a lot of stress, and possibly a missed cruise. Everything from commuter traffic to a delayed flight are uncontrollable and could make you miss the cruise.

Cruise lines are also on a deadline. They are allotted a certain amount of time at a dock, so they make sure to leave on time. Even if you notify them, a cruise ship will not wait for late passengers. 

If you are flying into your cruise port city, give yourself a little flexibility by arriving the day before. It’s no surprise that airlines often cancel flights. It can be due to weather, mechanical or staffing issues.  

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This gives you the time to enjoy a nice meal, and relax with a nice night’s sleep prior to the busy day of boarding the ship.

Having some extra time can also give you other options to get to your departure port.

You will also be able to pace yourself and comfortably get ready in the morning without trying to sprint through an airport. 

While it is tempting to try and fly the same day you sail, you are taking the risk of ruining your entire vacation by not making it to the ship on time. 

DO NOT FLY TO YOUR DEPARTURE PORT ON THE SAME DAY AS YOUR CRUISE LEAVES!!!

Flying to Your Cruise

Prepare To Stand In A Line

On your first day, you will have to stand in a queue with hundreds of other people boarding the ship at the same time. Make sure you pack snacks, water or a refreshing beverage, as well as a book or earbuds to pass a little time.

In recent years, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean give you a specific time to arrive at the ship. Try to arrive as close to that time as possible. This helps to reduce the line-ups at the port.

If you have mobility issues or standing for long periods is difficult for you, find a staff person as they may be able to expedite the process for you to get on the ship.

 

Boarding Cruise Ship

 

How Do I Check-in?

Boarding a cruise ship is much like boarding a plane, except your luggage will be collected outside the cruise terminal. You will first go through a security check and your luggage will be scanned.  

Be aware that prohibited items on cruise ships  will be confiscated until the end of the voyage. Check your cruise line’s web site for the list of prohibited items before you start yoru packing. 

Unlike a flight, you will likely fill out a health questionnaire. When there are a lot of people in a confined space, like a cruise ship, viruses can spread quickly. Having been through a pandemic, cruise lines are taking extra precautions to keep passengers safe. 

Once you are through the security check you will move to the check-in line. Prior to the check-in line you will want to make sure you have all of your citizenship and identification documentation available for each member of your party. This is also where you will take a photo for your ship passenger photo ID.  Make sure that all of your documentation is up to date. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after the end of your voyage, so make sure to double check expiration dates. 

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What Do I Do with my Luggage?

Porters will typically meet you outside the cruise terminal ready to take your luggage.

Make sure you don’t hand them your carry-on bag (first day cruise bag), and make sure you have your documents, money, and prescription medication in your carry-on.

Customarily you will tip $1-$2 per bag for porters. You can expect to have your bags in your room within a few hours. However, depending on the size of the cruise it may take longer, or you may receive some bags before you receive others. It’s often best to make sure your carry-on bag is sufficiently packed and let the porters take care of the luggage.

 

Cruise Ship Luggage

 

Pack Smart for Your Cruise

Preparing a list prior to travel days can be indispensable. You should have two packing lists for your cruise. The first is a carry on (day bag) list, and the second is your luggage list.

Most people are comfortable enough traveling to know what goes on their luggage list, however, don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs you’ll possibly buy while traveling. One rule of thumb is to leave 20% to 30% of your bag empty if you choose not to pack an additional bag just for souvenirs.

It is also wise, especially if flying to the port, to pack each suitcase with at least one outfit for each person in the cabin, instead of each person having their own suitcase. That way, if one suitcase happens to go missing, everyone in the cabin will have a few clean items to wear until the missing suitcase shows up.

 

Packing for your cruise

 

Secondly, your first-day bag (carry-on) should have everything you will need for that first day from clothing (bathing suit, undergarments) to personal medication and other toiletries.

You should also remember to pack your personal identification such as a passport and driver’s license, as well as cash.

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What many people don’t realize is that ATMs at heavily traveled areas such as airports and cruise ports can often have mechanical problems and sometimes even run out of money.

Remember, you will possibly have thousands of people withdrawing hundreds of dollars in a short period of time. Plus, the ATM fees on the ships are high.

Your carry-on should have enough items to get you through that first day, but not so much that you are struggling to carry the bag.

Secondly, your first-day bag (carry-on) should have everything you will need for that first day from clothing (bathing suit, undergarments) to personal medication and other toiletries.

You should also remember to pack your personal identification such as a passport and driver’s license, as well as cash.

What many people don’t realize is that ATMs at heavily traveled areas such as airports and cruise ports can often have mechanical problems and sometimes even run out of money.

Remember, you will possibly have thousands of people withdrawing hundreds of dollars in a short period of time. Plus, the ATM fees on the ships are high.

Your carry-on should have enough items to get you through that first day, but not so much that you are struggling to carry the bag.

Take the Stairs

On embarkation day, everyone will have the same idea…take the elevator to their deck. That can mean a traffic jam! Consider taking the stairs to where you want to go on the first day. It will give you a chance to find alternative routes when the elevators are packed. 

Explore and Enjoy

By following these few tips, the first-day cruise jitters can be minimized. This allows you to enjoy the excitement of getting on the ship, grabbing a drink, and heading up to the top deck for the sail away!

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This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

 

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About Jody Mabry

Jody Mabry is a multi-award winning freelance writer who splits his time between Minneapolis, MN and San Francisco, CA. When he is not out on assignment he can be found with family, and knocking a few balls around the tennis court.

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