Cruise embarkation day – top tips for a smooth sail-away

Embarkation day is a thrilling start to your cruise adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming. After months of planning, you want a seamless boarding experience. While embarkation usually goes smoothly, unforeseen delays can happen.

By understanding the process, preparing ahead, and embracing a relaxed vacation mindset from the moment you arrive at the port, you can make your embarkation day stress-free. That way, the only thing left to do is enjoy the sail-away party!

Below, we answer the top nine questions asked by cruise guests, many from travelers embarking on a first-time cruise.

1. What is the embarkation procedure?

By the time you get to the port, you should have checked in online for your cruise.

Embarkation procedures vary significantly from cruise line to cruise line, just as in the port. But generally, you will first enter the check-in area before boarding your cruise ship.

Here you approach a cruise staff member at a check-in desk and present your passports and cruise tickets. If you have not already registered a credit card on your online cruise account, do this at check-in.

At the end of your cruise, purchases made on board will be charged to your card.

You can check your final bill on your cabin TV screen or the cruise app on your mobile phone. Any discrepancies should be discussed with guest services before you disembark. We recommend you do this the day before your cruise ends.

Why it’s important to check in online before your cruise:

1. It allows you to double-check all your details in your cruise booking
2. It speeds up the check-in process at the port.
3. It lets you see the documents you need when you reach the port. We recommend that you take paper copies and digital copies of your documents. You can keep these digital documents in a drop box on your mobile phone.

2. How long does cruise embarkation take?

You’ll receive a designated check-in time on your cruise ticket. Some cruise lines allow you to choose your time slot.

To avoid bottlenecks, passengers board in staggered groups. Large ships, accommodating up to 6,000 guests, rely on time slots to prevent congestion. However, if you arrive earlier than scheduled, you may still be able to check in, provided there are no long lines.

3. What time can we board a cruise ship?

Boarding typically starts around 10:00 AM for a 5:00 PM departure.

✈️ Important tip: Avoid flying into your departure city on the same day as your cruise. Flight delays and cancellations could mean missing your sailing, and cruise lines do not provide refunds for missed departures if flights were booked separately.

4. What is the first thing we should do when we get on board?

Upon boarding:

• Your hand luggage will go through an X-ray machine.
• You’ll be checked in using a cruise card, bracelet, or medallion (varies by cruise line).
• Proceed to your cabin, where you’ll likely meet your cabin attendant.

Once in your cabin, check you are happy with everything:

• Are there enough towels and coat hangers?
• Do you need a different pillow?
• Is the bedding configuration correct?
• Do all electrical outlets work?

After settling in, explore the ship! Visit the buffet for a late lunch, check out the shops, and head to the top deck for live music and the sail-away party.

5. Who takes care of our luggage on embarkation day?

All you want to leave behind as you start your cruise vacation are your worries, not your luggage.

Cruise staff handle your larger suitcases when you check in at the port.

Keep essentials in your hand luggage (see below).

Ensure your luggage is labeled with the cruise line’s tags (including your cabin number).

Consider inserting a smart tag tracker into your suitcase before leaving home if you are worried about your luggage.

Your bags will be delivered to your cabin later in the afternoon.

6. What should we pack in our carry-on luggage?

Once you get to the cruise port, your larger luggage will be handled by cruise personnel and turn up in your cabin for you.

This ensures that cruise guests do not have to haul their suitcases on board and through the ship while looking for their cabins.

Most importantly, elevators and corridors do not become overcrowded with suitcases.

All you need is your handluggage. Much like the cabin baggage you take onboard an aircraft. This should contain all your essentials and a few extras you may be glad of on cruise embarkation day:

✔️ Medication
✔️ Money and valuables (keep with you until you can use the cabin safe)
✔️ Passports and embarkation documents (bring paper and digital copies)
✔️ Mobile phone & charger
✔️ Swimsuit & change of clothes (for a quick poolside change before your suitcase arrives)

7. What are we not allowed to bring on board?

Rules can vary from cruise line to cruise line, but generally, you will not be allowed clothing irons and steam irons in your cabin.

Some cruise lines also limit the amount of alcohol and drinks in your suitcase. Check your particular cruise line’s rules and regulations.

For example, sports equipment may be allowed if you extend your cruise into a land vacation and want to take golf clubs. However, the cruise line will store your golf clubs until disembarkation at the end of the cruise.

Before you travel, you must inform the cruise company if you bring special luggage.

8. What should we pre-book before we start our cruise

It always feels good to know that when cruise embarkation day comes around, you have booked all the optional extras you want during your vacation. That way, there are no hidden surprises of extra costs or disappointments when the excursions you wanted are fully booked.

Shore excursions

Whether you choose ship excursions or tours booked through independent suppliers, plan your days before you start your cruise.

Cruise lines often keep a certain number of places open for each excursion. This allows guests to book last-minute onboard at the shore excursion desk. However, it’s risky as available places sell out quickly. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Beverage or drinks packages

The topic of drink or beverage packages is constantly discussed.

Is it worth the money? When should I book to get the best price? One thing we know for sure is that beverage packages are almost always more expensive if you book onboard the cruise ship.

Not only will you pay the total price, but you will often be subject to a service charge of around 18% when ordering a drink at the bar.

The best scenario is if you can jump on a particular campaign when booking your cruise vacation and have the beverage package included in the price. Then, if you are interested in upgrading, you pay the price difference for the “luxury” drinks packages. Check the cruise line’s information page to see what your package includes.

Specialty dining and restaurants

Food is excellent and plentiful on any cruise ship, and often, the main dining room or the buffet restaurant will happily satisfy you.

However, specialty restaurants offer fantastic menus that are hard to resist. For a small extra charge, you can have a unique culinary experience that you would pay much more for at a 5-star restaurant.

If you want to try a specialty restaurant, book before you leave home to ensure you get the evening you wish.

Alternatively, if you are flexible, once on board, ask if any restaurants offer a special price to dine there for lunch, especially on port days if you stay on the ship.

Internet packages

Wifi packages are often the same price regardless of whether you book in advance or on board the cruise ship. Booking before your cruise is more convenient, and guest services can be busy on embarkation day.

Again, check for unique campaigns when you book your cruise to see if you can get a free package as part of a promotion.

9. What are the most common reasons cruise guests cannot board their ship?

Lateness

Turning up too late on cruise embarkation day when the door has closed, and check-in has finished means that the ship will not allow you to board. You must turn up at the latest time stated on your cruise ticket. This is often earlier than the actual ship’s departure time. The tide waits for no one.

Forgotten travel documents

Most often, passports. Even if you have a departure from a domestic port, your cruise ship may be visiting international ports. Take your passport with you rather than just relying on an ID card or driver’s license. Check your passport is valid for at least six months after the return date of your cruise.

Embarkation day sets the tone for your cruise, so plan ahead, stay flexible, and embrace the excitement! By checking in online, arriving on time, and packing smartly, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your first day at sea.

Ready to set sail?

Embarkation day sets the tone for your cruise, so plan ahead, stay flexible, and embrace the excitement! By checking in online, arriving on time, and packing smartly, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your first day at sea.

Start planning your dream cruise today! Discover the best cruise itineraries with our trusted travel partner, Cruise Direct, or explore our detailed Cruise Port Guides series with expert planning tips to make your cruise unforgettable!