Embarkation Day Tips For Your Cruise

What to Do on Embarkation Day: A Step by Step Guide to Starting Your Cruise Smoothly.

Embarkation day can easily feel busy and slightly overwhelming, particularly if it is your first sailing. A little preparation and a clear plan will help you begin your holiday feeling relaxed rather than rushed.

After 20 years of cruise holidays, as a couple, with kids, as a solo and as a multigenerational group, I’ve formulated a helpful plan to help me make the most of the day, from leaving home to settling in for the evening. So I thought I’d share it with you.

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Embarkation Day Tips: Before You Head to The Cruise Terminal

Complete online check in

Most cruise lines now offer online check in before departure. You can even download their app to make reservations on board for things like speciality dining and spa treatments. This can usually be done as soon as you book your cruise or at a minimum of 2 weeks before departure.

Completing this in advance saves significant time at the port and on embarkation day and often allows you to select an arrival window at port which can help structure your day even further. Always check what the embarkation arrangements are for your specific cruise line and them will vary depending on the cruise line and cruise terminal you are departing from.


Check your documents carefully

Ensure you have your passport, boarding documents, luggage tags, travel insurance details and any required visas. Keep these in a small carry-on bag or case that stays with you at all times.


Stay in port the night before your cruise

I always recommend staying in port the night before your cruise, so you eliminate as much travel stress on embarkation day. This is especially important if you are flying into your cruise embarkation port. Aim for at least 24 hours before your cruise if this is the case.

In advance of embarkation day, whether you are embarking from Southampton, Barcelona, Rotterdam, Athens, or Miami, plan when you’re going to arrive at port, organise suitable accommodation and pre-book any transfers from your hotel to the cruise port


Pack a sensible carry-on bag

Your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin for several hours. Additionally, you might now have access to your cabin for the first ours as your room is being prepared. So you don’t want to have to carry around cumbersome pieces of luggage. This wheeled carry-on case is what we use for the whole family – this means we don’t have multiple items of luggage to move around until we can drop things off in our cabin.

Your carry-on luggage should always include the following essentials: medication, travel documents, swimwear, a change of clothes, valuables and chargers.

I also advise splitting your luggage between multiple suitcases if you are travelling as a group – if one piece of luggage doesn’t turn up, you know you still have most of your luggage spread between other items which have turned up.


Attach Luggage Tags

Your cruise line will send you’re your luggage tags to print off in advance of your cruise one your have checked in online. If you haven’t received your luggage tag then there are some available at the port on embarkation day.

If you are flying in to your embarkation port don’t attach your luggage labels until you have completed your flight – this can confuse thigs and it will usually have personal information on the label which you might not want others to see. Just remember to print anything out before you leave home and keep these labels with your other documents.

I usually use these luggage label holders – they come in a variety of sizes depending on your cruise line. I also pop an AirTag in each piece of luggage before I travel so that I can keep tabs on everything and monitor luggage arrival at port.


Arrive at your designated time

Aim to arrive within your allocated time slot. Arriving too early can mean waiting outside the terminal, while arriving late adds unnecessary stress. Aim for an ideal time so that you can park your car (if opting for valet parking) drop your luggage off and clear security and complete the check in process.

Embarkation Day Tips: At the Cruise Terminal

Drop off your luggage

Porters will take your larger suitcases. It’s important that you ensure luggage tags are securely attached because when they drop off, it can take longer to locate them when on board and they usually end up luggage limbo near reception waiting to be claimed.

Keep anything valuable with you in your carry-on case and if you are choosing valet parking, make sure you have not left anything valuable or necessary in your car – like your passports – as this is a common mistake people make in the rush and stress of getting on board.


Go through check in and security

Depending on your cruise line, you usually present your documents at the check in desk, have your photograph taken and receive your cruise card (This card acts as your cabin key and onboard payment method among other things). Once cleared, you will step onboard and officially begin your holiday. Staff are usually on hand to direct you.

Some cruise lines give you an ‘ok to board’ slip and you collect your cruise card in your cabin. Some cruise lines (such as MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages) operate a wearable ‘cruise card’ such as the medallion or bracelet/band

Embarkation Day Tips: Once You’re On Board the ship

Download the App

Most cruise line now have an app where you can make reservations for the spa or dining venues and also see your daily programme, and venue information and deck plans. While most cruise lines allow you to do this in advance of boarding, some cruise lines require you to be onboard to access app-like information. If this applies to your cruise line or if you have not already done so, then as soon as you get on board download the app (instructions are usually provided to you at check in or reception can assist).


Plan where to have lunch

You will usually be on board anywhere between 12 noon and 3pm depending on your cruise line and embarkation slot. If you are on board for lunch, many people go straight to the buffet, which quickly becomes crowded. Consider alternative dining venues if available, such as a main dining room or café. In advance of embarkation day, a little time studying the deck plan can help you pick out an alternative venue that is not the main buffet and reduce a bit of unnecessary stress as a result.

If you have a later embarkation slot then panning to grab some lunch before you board can be useful as some venues may not be open when you step on board or the only option left might be the buffet.


Explore the ship

Once I have access to my cabin, I like to drop my bags off and go on a bit of an explore. Take this time to familiarise yourself with key areas. Locate your dining rooms, theatre, spa, gym and guest services desk. It is much easier to do this before sail away. You’ll find that while the ship is quieter (people unpacking in their cabins or in the buffet) there is more opportunity to get your bearings without crowds. It can also help you to not to get lost or disoriented on your first few days on board.


Make reservations

If your cruise offers speciality dining, spa treatments or entertainment bookings, secure these early if you’ve not already been able to do so online or on the app. Popular time slots fill up quickly.


Confirm dining arrangements

Likewise, if you have set dining times, check your table number. You might want to visit the Maître d’ in the main dining room to check on your seating arrangements. Some people like to have a private table for two and not share with others – if this is the case then this is the best time to checking (or change) your table reservations.

Embarkation Day Tips: When Cabins Are Ready

Cabins are typically available early to mid afternoon. If you have a later embarkation slot you might find you cabin is already available and you can head straight there. When you head to your cabin there are a few things which are important to do.


Check If you have all your luggage

Your bags may arrive gradually. Let your cabin steward know if any are missing and they will monitor for you. If something still hasn’t arrived, then they will direct you to the location for ‘lost luggage’ – which is usually luggage where the tags have fallen off. See luggage limbo above. I usually put AirTags in all my luggage (even my carry-on) and it’s helped us locate an items which got sent to luggage limbo on a recent Princess Cruise (luggage tag fell off).

Unpack once everything has been delivered so you can properly settle in. I’ve found over my many years of cruise holidays that packing smart and using packing cubes greatly assist with this process.


Review the daily programme

You will receive a schedule outlining activities, dining times and entertainment either a paper copy in your cabin or online in the app – or both. Highlight anything that interests you and agree with anyone you are travelling with a central location and time to meet up that evening if you want to go off and do/see different things.

I find the best way of doing this is to with a cocktail or coffee at a quieter bar or the promenade deck is also great place with fewer crowds.


Set up onboard accounts and internet packages if needed

If you have not already done so, confirm payment methods and purchase any internet packages or beverage plans if this is something you want to purchase or need to purchase on board.

Embarkation Day Tips: Safety Drill

Complete the muster drill

I’ve put this in a section all of its own because attendance is mandatory. Some cruise lines now use digital check in followed by a short in person briefing at your muster station. Some cruise lines allow you to do this straight away when you board if you have your cruise card or wearable tech.

My advice is as soon as you can do this, do it straight away – this way you can relax afterwards.

Embarkation Day Tips: Late Afternoon and Sail Away

Enjoy sail away

Head to an open deck to watch departure. It is one of the most memorable moments of the cruise and marks the true beginning of your journey. If you prefer something more private or chilled, then head to your balcony (if you have one) or the promenade deck is a lovely, chilled place to watch the ship leave port.


Take it easy

Resist the urge to do everything at once. Embarkation day can be tiring, particularly if you have travelled far. Use this time to pause and take a breath and look forward the rest of your holiday.

Embarkation Day Tips: You First Evening Onboard

Check the dress code

Embarkation night is usually casual on most cruise lines, but it is worth confirming in the daily programme. This helps you feel comfortable and appropriately dressed and organise when unpacking.


Head to Dinner

If you have traditional set dining, you can head straight to your venue as you’ve already confirmed the dining arrangements earlier in the afternoon. If you have flexible dining, you can choose when to eat, often either in the main dining room or in alternative venues. My advice is to arrive slightly earlier or later than peak times to help you avoid queues.

For a more relaxed start to your first dinner on board, the buffet or room service is perfectly acceptable on the first night, especially if you are tired from travelling. It allows you to eat at your own pace without the formality of a full-service dinner.

Alternatively booking a speciality restaurant venue on the first night provides a special start to your holiday, it allows you to try something different on board, avoids the queues and you can also take advantage of any embarkation day offers. We did this on-board Celebrity Cruises on our first night on board.


Attend welcome events

Many ships host a welcome event or captain’s reception this can depend on your loyalty status or cabin grade, or it can be an invitation only welcome on-board event – such as those for solo travellers. Sometimes this might happen on the first day or evening of your cruise. It is a great way to meet fellow guests.


Get an early night if needed

Most itineraries will have the first full day on board (Day 2 of your cruise) as a sea day. This is a great way to ease yourself into life on board. While it can be tempting to stay up late – embarkation day can be physically and emotionally draining – evening if you have done everything possible to reduce stress. So get an early evening so that you can maintain your energy levels to wake up refreshed for your first full day at sea.

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How to Make Embarkation Day as Stress Free as Possible

Embarkation day is about balance. Be organised, prioritise the essentials and allow yourself time to absorb your surroundings. Once the essentials and formalities are complete and the ship pulls away from the dock, cruise life takes over. With a calm start, you’ll be more than ready to enjoy every moment ahead.