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Expert Cruise Tips: Embarkation Day Essentials
10 Sep 2024

Expert Cruise Tips: Embarkation Day Essentials

Welcome back to the Byte Size Cruises blog! If this is your first time joining us, we are glad you're here. We are a travel agency out of Philadelphia, PA and we specialize in ALL things cruises. If you enjoy cruise vacations, or if you are looking to learn more about cruising, you're in the right place! Our goal here is to give you the best and most up to date information so you can go on an amazing cruise vacation (and fall in love with cruising, like we did!) Today we are going to dive into Embarkation Day Essentials. We'll get into what to do, what not to do, and everything in between. If you'd like to check this post out on our YouTube channel, click here. Let's get started!

To set the stage, let's start with right before your embarkation day. We have LOTS of different blog posts on what to do on the weeks and days leading up to your cruise, but here's a few highlights:

  • Pack well - make sure you have everything you need. 
  • Check in online (when it's available) - your travel agent can help you with this as the timing is different for each cruise line.
  • Make sure the credit card you will be using on your cruise is good to go.
  • Make sure you call your bank(s) and let them know you're traveling, especially if you're going out of the country. 
  • Arrive at least one day early to your embarkation port to make sure you don't miss your cruise!
  • Plan all your transfers to and from the airport to port, etc. ahead of time. 

Again, we have lots of blog posts and videos on all of those topics, so if you want some additional detail definitely check those out! Let's get into embarkation day.

1. Pack your patience. We recommend that before you leave for your embarkation port that you check in with yourself and take a deep breath. Remember, today will be a lot of waiting and you'll need to bring your patience as the cruise line gets everyone onto the ship. Sometimes embarkation day can become stressful, especially if you're a first time cruiser, simply because there's so many people trying to do the same thing all at once. Keep in mind that it will all work out - you're going on vacation, and after a few hours everything will be settled. Don't let other people bother you and be patient with the staff as they get everyone set up. 

2. When you get to your embarkation port, check your big luggage with the porters and keep your carry on. The porters will be taking your luggage to your room and it will be available to you when your cabin is ready. In your carry on, make sure you have anything you will need for that afternoon such as medications, valuables, cash, and a swimsuit if you want to hit the pool. Remember, when you first get on the ship your room will not be ready yet, so you'll have a few hours to relax before heading to your cabin. We also recommend that you pack a dinner outfit in your carryon bag just in case your cabin isn't ready until later in the evening (and especially if the restaurant you're going to for dinner has a dress code.) The point is  to make sure you have what you need to be comfortable and stress free on your first day of vacation - pack smart. 

3. Don't violate the rules. To get onto the ship, you will go through an x-ray machine and your luggage will be scanned. Make sure to read up on the list of things that you cannot bring on a cruise and follow the rules. Remember, the rules vary from cruise line to cruise line and some of the rules are strange (like, some cruise lines allow you to bring snacks, others don't) so do your research ahead of time. Remember, no marijuana, no CBD, no THC, even if it's legal in your state it's not legal internationally. They do have dogs and they will sniff out vape pens and edibles. Don't bring those things through security. The last thing you want is to get banned from going on your cruise or pulled out of line.

4. While you are waiting in the terminal to board the ship, watch the safety instruction they have and then as soon as you get on the ship, go to the Muster Station and get your drill done. This safety drill is required of all passengers and it's way better to just get it out of the way so you can enjoy the rest of your vacation. It will only take a few minutes.

5. Don't Rush to the Buffet. If you get on the ship before lunch, your room most likely will not be ready and you'll be hanging out and waiting. We highly recommend you avoid the buffet at this point. Why? Because it will be packed. Instead, head over to the dining room and have a nice quiet lunch. YES, it's included in your cruise fare and you can avoid the crowds of people carrying around luggage as they wait for rooms to be ready. You also could opt for a specialty dining restaurant at this time if the cruise line you're on has them open. It's a nice way to kick off your cruise vacation without adding any frustration or stress to the boarding process.

6. Make Your Reservations! When you board the ship, if you haven't already, be sure to use the cruise line app and make all your reservations for dining and/or entertainment. Also take a look at the itinerary for the cruise and make a note of any extra events you might want to attend, like bingo or trivia. 

7. Meet Your Room Steward. Once you have access to your room, be sure to meet your room steward for your vacation. You can share with them anything extra you would like for your room while you are on vacation. Also take this time to unpack, unwind, and get your room settled for your time at sea. 

8. Let the FUN begin!! Once you are settled in your room, it's time for vacation to truly begin. Go grab a fun cocktail, get in the pool, hit the sunshine, or whatever it is that will start your cruise off right. Explore the ship, sign your kids up for kids club (if that applies to you) and get a general idea of the layout of the ship. 

9. Book your spa treatments! If you're interested in getting any kind of spa treatment while you are away at sea, definitely book it on your first day. The spa will fill up and you don't want to miss out your opportunity for a massage or facial if that's a "must do!" on your vacation. 

 10. Do the FUN things! There is no need to wait on a cruise ship. Love mini golf? Want to hit the water slides? DO IT! Often on the first day the fun amenities of the ship are not nearly as crowded as they will be on the second day, so live it up and avoid the lines. Also, keep in mind that you don't have to do everything on day one. Pace yourself and enjoy each moment. 

11. Find a spot to take in sail away! You'll want to enjoy the view as you depart from port, so find a spot to take it all in, sit back, and enjoy! At this point definitely make sure to put your cell phone in airplane mode and get your vacation started. 

12. Avoid Guest Services. This is the last and final tip of this post! Unless it's a 911, avoid Guest Services on the first day at all costs. Remember, Guest Services is open 24/7, but it's the first 12 hours of the cruise when EVERYONE goes there. Avoid it - avoid the crowds - and if your question or issue can wait, wait.

Those are our ESSENTIAL TIPS for Embarkation Day! Are you a seasoned cruise vacationer? Would you add anything to our list? Comment below!

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