Cruise Ship Embarkation Explained
Your cruise has been planned for months, bags are packed, you have arrived in the cruise port city a day ahead of time and are now wondering what happens when you get to the cruise port itself. Read on to find out what takes place on embarkation day.
1. Luggage:
Before arriving at the port, be sure to attach the cruise line luggage tags to your checked bags. Do this before you leave for the port. Think of the thousands of people that will be boarding within a few hours of each other. You only want to carry on a backpack and maybe a personal item. Any other luggage will be handed off to the cruise port baggage crew.
Print these tags at home. You can attach them with a stapler or purchase plastic luggage tags such as these. Be sure to order the correct size since cruise lines differ in tag size. The tags state what ship you will be on, your stateroom, your first initial and last name. It is how your luggage gets to your stateroom.
I recommend taking a picture of your luggage just in case it gets misplaced and you need to identify it. That most likely will not happen, but I suggest taking a photo anyway.
The baggage porters at the cruise port are not employees of the cruise line. They are employed by the cruise port itself and appreciate a tip. For example, I tip $2.00 – 3.00 per bag. They make sure your bags get transferred to the correct ship. Luggage will be delivered to your stateroom, usually by dinnertime.
2. Boarding Documents:
Check with your cruise line to see what specific boarding documents you will need in order to board the ship. These may include passports, government issued id’s, cruise specific documents, copies of travel insurance, proof of excursions and any other extras you have purchased pre-boarding.
Cruise lines usually will have you fill out a medical form stating you are not sick. Sometimes these are available online and you can fill them out at home, bring them with you and hence save a little bit of time in line.
Have these important documents handy. You do not want to be behind someone who knows they packed their documents but can’t remember exactly where. And they will do you no good if they are in the luggage you left checked with the porters;-).
3. Queues, queues and more queues:
The cruise lines do an excellent job of moving people off their ships and getting new passengers on. Think about it, there can easily be thousands coming off and thousands more boarding. For that reason, the key to surviving all these lines is patience and having a good attitude. In other words, you are on vacation so relax!
3 a. Security:
Yes, you will have to go through security. It is not run by TSA and you will not need to take off your shoes or belts. You don’t need to worry about 3.5 oz. liquids rules either. However, know what is and what is not allowed to be brought onboard ahead of time. There will be an
3 b. Check-in:
You are getting closer! Staff will direct you to the proper line. During check-in your photo will be taken (for security), you will receive your ship card or whatever identification your cruise line gives out and yes, you will need to place a credit card on file for any additional costs you may occur.
4. Actual Boarding:
The time has finally come! You actually do walk a gangway onto the ship. There probably will be stairs or a ramp involved. Ship photographers will be available to take your photo. There is no charge for this unless you purchase the picture. Your opportunity to buy photographs will come later on the cruise.
5. Welcome Aboard!
Rather than going directly to your stateroom (it may not be ready for you anyway), this is a great time to walk around the ship and get a feel for your home away from home. After that be sure to head to the Ledo deck, grab a tasty beverage and prepare for the fun sail away!
Cruise Carry-On Essentials:
If you are wondering what to take in your carry-on bag , click here.
Cabin Essentials:
To find out what essentials you need in your cabin, click here.
I’ve enjoyed reading your tips. I turned 50 this year and have never been on a cruise. My husband won’t go, so I got three girlfriends who have cruised before, one last year and one 20 years ago. We four are going on a Caribbean cruise this October and are so excited. I’ve been gathering as much information as I can, so we all have an enjoyable time. One of the ladies going with us has recovered from a brain tumor, so she was concerned about motion sickness. Another lady lost her husband last year. She went on their anniversary cruise to Alaska anyway and had a wonderful time all by herself. Going with friends will be so much fun. Thanks for all your tips! I’ll continue to read your blog.