Embarkation Day on a cruise is an exciting and busy day.  Below are a  the steps to help you get the most from the process.   If an item is highlighted, look for additional links about the topic.

1) Check in.  This process has become simplified over the years.  Often many of the steps have already been completed online.  The procedures vary between cruise lines, but checking in usually involves re-checking paperwork (passports, tickets etc.) Once you are checked in, you are free to come and go off the ship until the “all aboard time”.

2) Just past the check in you will be greeted by the ships photographers. This is your “Welcome Aboard” photo.    Usually there is some prop to commemorate the start of your cruise.  If you do not want a photo, feel free to continue past the photographers.

3) The moment the ship leaves port, your phone will begin roaming.  Unexpected phone calls, background activity and more can incur unexpected fees.   If you have selected a wifi package on the ship, put the phone in airplane mode and then you will be able to connect to the ships wi fi. If you turn on wi fi calling you will still be able to receive calls and texts.

While You Wait For Your Room-It is not uncommon to have to wait an hour or two to get into your room.  Here are a few things you can do while you wait:

4) Make reservations for the sanctuary, spa treatments, ship tours and specialty restaurants as soon as you are on board. These things often fill up and sell out fast.

5) Explore the ship (often you won’t be able to enter your room for an hour or two). Use this waiting time to locate the fun stuff.  Its a great time to take pictures of the venues before they are teaming with passengers.

6) Get something to eat.  There is food almost everywhere on board.  Stop by the buffet, the grill or the pizzaria for a quick bite,  or enjoy a leisurely sit down meal in the dining room.  Food is a large part of your cruise fees, you may as well enjoy your meals.

7) Enjoy a glass of champagne or cocktail. Many times long time cruisers will have a signature drink.   Even if you don’t see it on a menu, many bar tenders will be able to make drinks based on your description, they are masters of their craft!

Want something unique to drink?  On our ship, the Explorer’s Lounge features themed drinks from exotic destinations, specialty liqueurs and spirits  which are offered nowhere else on board.

Once You Can Get in Your Room

8) Make a note of landmarks and orient yourself

Where is the nearest bank of elevators? Which way do you turn as you exit this elevator bank?  Is

your room on the right or left, starboard or port? *It helps to remember there are 4 letters in both

the words left and port).  Is your room forward (front), midship or aft (back)? Are there photos or statues

which can help you remember the correct deck and side which your cabin is on?

Which way is the front of the ship and which way is the back?  Sometimes there are

little clues such as waves curling toward the front, or fish lining the halls which all swim facing

toward the front  *Believe me, when you have had a few drinks you will appreciate having the

landmarks.  Now orient the other major features of your ship.  Are the restaurants forward or aft of your room?  Is

the laundry forward or aft of your room?  Are the elevators forward or aft?  What about the pool?

9) Take a picture of the room (before it gets messed up!)-It will never look like this again!

10) Do a cabin “check”

• Make sure beds are set up correctly.
• Check pillows (you can request feather pillows or additional pillows if needed).
• Check the bed for firmness/softness (mattress toppers or boards can be brought in to adjust)
• Examine the outlet locations-do you have correct adapters?  Are all the outlets working?
• Check the ac-is it noisy?  Is it working correctly?  *If it is set high and not cool in the room, it may not be working.
• Turn the tv on to make sure it is working.
• Check the safe.  Is it working correctly?
• Flush the toilet and run the water in the bathroom-are both flowing correctly?

11) Meet your cabin steward

This is a great time to request any additional items you may need:

• Bed arrangements (beds are pushed together to make a queen or separated to make two twin beds).
• Extra hangers
• Extra towels
• Extra blankets
• Extra pillows
• Do you want your ice bucket filled morning and evening?
• If ac/safe/toilet/outlets/tv are not working, this should also be addressed at this time.

12)  Check Your Mail

A newsletter is usually provided daily.  It will be list all the activities occurring around the ship.

• Decide what you will do for lunch/dinner.
• Decide which activities you will enjoy today.
• Look for special offers.
• See when formal nights are, this may help decide when you will make reservations at other restaurants.

Your mail may also include perks your membership is offering (such as an invitation to meet the Captain or free drinks)

Often excursion tickets will be delivered with your mail.  Be sure to review them and note the cancellation deadline.

13) Complete any requested paperwork.

14) Clean (optional)

• Wipe all “touchable” areas with disinfecting wipe (door handles, phones, light switches, remote control, toilet seat, faucet)

15)   Load the Safe

• Stash your good jewelry, cash, keys, wallet, passport, sensitive documents etc. in your safe.
• Make sure your safe is working properly.  If not, report it to the cabin steward.

 

Once Your Luggage Arrives

15) Unpack completely

• The joy of cruising is that you only have to unpack once.  Do it now so you can start your vacation.
• See our tips for organizing your cabin here.
• Store empty luggage under the bed.

When completely unpacked

16) Complete the safety or muster drill.

17) Go PLAY!!!

18) If you haven’t already done so, make reservations for specialty restaurants and spa.

19) Enjoy Your Sail Away Party!

20) Congratulations, you are now “on vacation”!