You’re packed and ready to go – it’s embarkation day. But if you’ve never been on a cruise before, the process of boarding a ship may seem a little foreign to you. Here are our top tips for making embarkation a smooth process.

Info below from an article on cruise about.com.au

ARRIVE THE DAY BEFORE

Our number one tip to all customers is to arrive in your departure city the day before embarkation, especially if you don’t live near the port. While you may not need to board until midday or later, you could potentially land up missing embarkation if you experience any delays in your travels, whether it’s from delayed or cancelled flights or even just traffic on the motorway. Unfortunately, the ship won’t wait for you if you’re running late. So the easiest way to avoid that stress is by ensuring you’re there well before embarkation day. Plus, this way, you’ve got the opportunity to explore the city from where your cruise sets sail.

EXPECT A LITTLE CHAOS

Before you can board the ship, you will need to go through the ship’s pier-side check-in process, which – much like taking a flight – can take time. You will be (potentially) one of thousands of people entering a floating city, pretty much at the same time, so set your expectations early on. You may have to wait in some queues, and there may be a little bit of organised chaos along the way. There will be passport or ID check points, security to go through, paperwork to have checked, and luggage to tag for the porters to take to your stateroom. The process is all just a necessary part of travelling, but if you’ve got all of your documentation and personal belongings ready to go, it should be smooth sailing.

PRO TIP: Get there early on the day and be ready to board before the crowds build.

GET HELP WITH YOUR LUGGAGE

When you arrive at the pier, porters will be available to take your large suitcases, which will then be delivered later to your stateroom. This is an ultra-convenient service that we definitely recommend taking advantage of, as it will leave you with your hands free for the rest of the embarkation process. Just make sure that your luggage is tagged with your number, cabin number, ship name and sailing date. Your luggage should arrive in your stateroom before dinner time, but if it is delayed (or some of your bags arrive before others), we recommend packing a carry-on with anything you’ll need for the first day aboard, including a change of clothes for dinner, layers in case the weather changes, any medications you may need, any electronics and valuables you don’t feel comfortable checking in, and your swimmers so you can hit the pool straight away.

ACCESSING YOUR STATEROOM

All staterooms are cleaned and prepped on embarkation day, so when you can access your stateroom will depend on when it is ready (similar to a hotel on check in day). The cruise director will usually make an announcement over the PA system when staterooms are ready, which is usually in the afternoon. In some cases, you may be able to pop in early if your stateroom has already been cleaned, but if not, you can ask the guest relations’ desk to hold on to any bags you don’t want to carry around with you. Once your stateroom is ready your can drop off your carry-on bags and explore your home away from home. Your cabin steward will likely drop by and this is a good time to ask them any questions you may have.

SAFETY FIRST

In the past, every passenger on a cruise ship had to gather at their assigned muster station on embarkation day, listen to a safety briefing, and be checked off a list as informed. However, since COVID-19 the process has changed somewhat, and most cruise lines have now transitioned to e-muster drills. Instead of a physical meeting, now you simply need to watch a safety video on your cabin TV or cruise line app. This video will guide you on what to do in case of a fire or any other shipboard emergency. Rest assured, your smart TV or app will keep a record indicating that you’ve watched the video. Additionally, you might have to check in with a crew member at your assigned muster station. If you skip the video or check in, crew will follow up with you, so it’s best to get it ticked off the list first thing.

Your assigned muster station in case of a shipboard emergency will be clearly mentioned on the back of your cabin door. Furthermore, inside your closet or another designated spot in the cabin, you’ll find life jackets. If you’re travelling with children, this is a good time to ensure there’s an appropriate infant or child life jacket along with one for each adult. If there isn’t, just let your cabin steward know so the issue can be promptly addressed. We know that kids might find the safety videos a bit eye-roll-inducing, but it’s essential to talk to them about the dangers of climbing on railings, what a muster point is, and how to put on their life jacket. It is also a good idea to remind them to exercise the same caution they would at home and to treat other people on the ship as strangers.

RELATED: Tips and tricks to make your first cruise go smoother

GET OUT AND EXPLORE THE SHIP

Some cruise ships are not just ships, they are floating metropolises that are packed with exciting attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. You’ve probably done all of your homework as to what onboard facilities, entertainment options, and dining choices can be found on your ship, but once you’re onboard, it’s time to familiarise yourself with where everything is, and book in any must-try activities so that you don’t miss out.

We recommend getting acquainted with the layout of the ship first. Locate a ship deck plan in your stateroom or at the purser’s desk and try to locate the main areas as well as hidden gems like secluded pools and cosy hot tubs. Upon boarding, you’ll also likely receive a handy newsletter outlining the embarkation day activities and restaurant hours. You can use this to plan your day 1 activities while you enjoy a leisurely lunch or a cocktail by the pool.

SETTING SAIL

As your ship departs the port, there is usually a big sailaway party on the top deck. Think live music, celebratory drinks, being surrounded by other cruisers who are just as excited as you are that it’s holiday time, and of course, epic views as your ship leaves port. It’s a great way to mark the start of your cruise adventure. Be there and get your cruise on!

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