The cruise is booked. You are all packed and ready to go. It’s time to get this vacation started on the right foot with a great embarkation day!
No one wants to be stressed on their first day of a cruise. Here are a few tips to help you get the the Lido deck faster with smooth sailing.
Travel Early
Airline travel has always been unpredictable. It has gotten even worse post-pandemic as schedules frequently change, staff may be short and delays stretch out over multiple hours.
To reduce the chance that you will miss the sail-away party (and the ship), plan to travel into the port area well in advance. Most times the previous day is plenty of time although I have heard of frequent cruisers who go in even earlier and make it a “pre-cruise” vacation.
This also gives you a chance to pick up any last minute items that you couldn’t fly with like sunscreen or bottled water and you can scope out the best way to get to the cruise port without breaking the bank.
If you are driving, coming in earlier also alleviates the stress of traffic delays or inclement weather on embarkation day. It’s no fun driving in the rain on an average day, so just imagine if you are trying to make an 1 pm embarkation window. Don’t forget to factor in time to park and get to the actual port.
Download the app
Most lines now have an app that you can use before your cruise to complete any pre-cruise paperwork such as passport information, security photos and kids club registration which is very convenient. By submitting your information ahead of time, it saves you time and stress on the day of embarkation at check in. You may only have to confirm the information you submitted and some times even bypass the long lines.
Typically you are able to use the app onboard without a wifi package to view entertainment schedules, book spa appointments and and set dining reservations. By downloading the app early, you can also get a leg up in booking and getting the times that are best for you. You will also be able to chat with members of your travel party while on board which is great for keeping up the your kids or spouse.
Lots of people will wait until they reach the cruise terminal to try to download the app however, you don’t want to risk the wifi being slow or non-existent. There is no harm in getting it there early.
Print your documents
Everything is digital these days. Every line has an app and most of your check in paperwork will be done well in-advance. Savvy travelers prepare to have these documents on their devices, however they all print a hard copy, just in case.
You never know. Internet service may be spotty in the port, the line may not be able to find a document that you completed 2 months in advance. By having everything printed in a folder, you will be able to quickly produce the needed documentation so that you can be on your way.
Also, be sure to prepare your luggage tags before arriving at port. Most porters will have a stapler to attach the luggage tag to your bag or you can purchase a reusable luggage tag that is the perfect size for your printed tag. Then you won’t have to worry about your tag being mistakenly ripped off your bag.
Have lunch in the dining room
On embarkation day, there is normally a mad dash for two places, the main bar and the buffet. I mean, why not? There is no better way to kick off a cruise than with a frozen beverage and a plate of food, right?
Well, there may be a better way. Most ships have the dining room open for limited hours during embarkation for lunch. Since most people aren’t aware of this, it is typically quieter and you can order from the bar in the dining room. This takes away the stress of looking for a place to sit or maneuvering through the lines with your small personal items that you may still have with you, if your cabin is not yet ready.
Explore the ship
Once your hunger and thirst are satisfied, take some time to just roam the ship. Get used to your bearings and figure out what is where. This will be invaluable as you set sail and want to get from Point A to Point B quickly as the action begins.
This is also the time you will find the quieter areas of the ship that may not be as obvious to all passengers. Most ships have a small map either in your cabin or you can ask for one at the purser’s desk. While you are there, if you have a drink package, ask for a list of included drinks.
During embarkation day, there are also giveaways and drawings, typically in the spa and the art gallery areas as they would love for you to visit them during the sailing. It doesn’t hurt to drop your name in the hat and maybe you will win a free massage!
Bring small bills for tipping
Your embarkation experience will be aided by lots of different people from the porter that grabs your luggage to the ship staff that delivers your bags to your room. You will want to put a little something in their hands to say thank you and don’t want to get caught with only large bills.
Within the first few hours being on board, your room steward will also most likely will stop by and introduce themselves. Use this time to build a rapport with your steward as you find out where they are from and a bit about their families (if they are open to this conversation). This is the person that you will have the most direct interaction with throughout the week, so it doesn’t hurt to make sure they are well taken care of as well.
Consider giving them a tip on the first day, even it is not all you plan to leave them. This takes away the guesswork on their part if they are doing the work for the customary gratuity or a little extra. We have always found our room stewards to be very appreciative of this pre-cruise tip and they have taken good care of us throughout the sailing.
Read everything
You will notice there are most likely quite a few flyers, cards and brochures either in your mailbox or on your bed on the first day. As tempting as it is to just drop this pile on the desk and run out to the deck party, you may be missing out on valuable information.
Within this stack, you may find kid’s club registration information, free giveaways, coupons for onboard activities and services and most importantly the daily schedule of what is happening around the ship including dining hours, shows and special events.
While this information is also available on the app, it is so effective to just sit down with a highlighter and run through the plan for the day (and the next day). Then you have an idea of what is in store and can plan (or not plan) your schedule.
*Tip: Most walls are metal, so bring magnets to hang the daily schedule on the wall.
Now you are ready to kickstart your vacation! You will find by putting a bit more effort into embarkation day, the rest of your cruise will flow a bit smoother. You won’t be coming off of a mountain of frustration from a long travel day and you know what activities are happening when and how to get there. The only thing left to do is eat, relax and have a blast!
