Before Arriving at the Port
There are many ways to arrive at the cruise port – taxi,
lyft/uber, shuttle or even driving yourself and parking at a nearby garage.
Regardless of how you arrive at the cruise port, make sure you have your
boarding documents and passport/ID handy as you may need to show it to security
as you enter the port area.
If you are driving yourself to the port, there is often ample
secure parking on site, but you may be able to find less expensive parking
nearby. It is best to do some research before you arrive to see all of the
options and read reviews.
Arriving at the Port and Luggage Drop Off
There may be many cruise terminals at the port, so don’t
just follow the crowds. Be sure to read the signs to go to the correct
terminal.
When you arrive at your ship’s terminal, it will be well
organized chaos, but rest assured, these folks know what they are doing. You
will be guided to drop your luggage with the porters before entering the
building for check in. Make sure your bags have the luggage tags attached to
them (that you printed from online check in). The porters will load your
luggage directly onto the ship and your luggage will magically appear outside
of your stateroom a few hours later. It’s a good idea to have a few small bills
to tip the porters.
There are often several hours between when you board the
ship and when your bags arrive at your stateroom. It is a good idea to pack a
small bag or backpack with valuables, a change of clothes, toiletries and any
medications you may need. If you pack your swimsuit you can jump in the pool or
go on the waterslides as soon as you board the ship! You will also need your
cruise documentation (that you printed from your online check in) and passports/ID
with you!
You are not required to check your bags with the
porters. If you carry all of your bags
on with you, will need to keep them with you until your stateroom is ready
which can be as late as 2pm. Also, elevators are often very full on embarkation
day and you may need to use the stairs.
Pro tip: Take a picture of your luggage with your phone
before you hand it off to the porters. While it is completely safe and I’ve
never heard of lost or stolen luggage, the paper luggage tags can rip off and
the cruise ship staff may not know whose bag is whose. If you have a photo of your luggage, it will
be much easier for the cruise ship staff to identify which bag is yours and get
it to you quickly. We prefer to use these reusable
plastic luggage tag holders. They are made to fit the printed cruise
luggage tags but take note that due to size, they are not universal, so make
sure you order the correct size for your cruise line.
Security & Screening
The bags that you checked with the porter will be screened.
Your suitcase may be opened to identify unknown or prohibited items inside, so
be sure not to lock them. Prohibited items will be confiscated.
As you enter the cruise ship terminal, you will also be
required to pass through security. Your carry-on bags will be screened, and you
will pass through a metal detector. Any prohibited items will be confiscated.
Some cruise lines allow you to bring on water, soda and wine/beer on board, but
it must be carried on. Check your cruise line for specifics on what and how
much you can bring onboard.
There are obvious items that are prohibited like weapons and
illegal drugs, but there are many other items that cruise ships do not allow on
board. Check your cruise lines website for specifics, but the biggest no-no’s
that get confiscated are irons, steamers and power strips that are not cruise
approved.
Cruise ships do not have a weight limit on luggage nor do
they limit the number of bags you bring. Just remember, your stateroom is tiny
and you will need to store that luggage somewhere. Unlike the TSA, there is no
limit on the number of liquids and sizes you can bring onboard.
Check-In
Depending on the time you arrive, the cruise ship terminal could be busy with several long lines at the check-in stations. There will be port staff everywhere to guide you to your check-in location and answer any questions you may have.
Once at the check-in desk, you’ll need to show your cruise
documents (that you printed from online check in) and passports/ID, as well as a
credit card for your onboard account for any expenses. Your cruise card photo
may also be taken at this time.
It is at this point you will receive your cruise cards. This
is your stateroom key, onboard charge card and ID. Ships are cashless and this is
the card that you will use to charge items to your onboard account. You will
also use this card to exit and board the ship at ports of call.
Pro tip: Bring lanyards to carry your cruise cards if you
don’t want to carry a wallet or purse.
Boarding the Ship
After check-in, you will have your cruise cards and you are almost ready to board the ship. If your boarding group hasn’t been called, you will need to have a seat until it is.
When it is called, it is time to start your cruise! You will
head towards the gangway and often pass the ships photographer who will
encourage you to take a boarding photo. While we generally don’t purchase
cruise photos, this is the exception! It is a fun souvenir of the trip. You can
opt out of the photo or just have them take it and decide once onboard if you’d
like to purchase it.
Security will scan your cruise card as you board the ship
and they may take your photo at this time if they didn’t take it at check-in.
You are Finally Onboard
Your cabin most likely will not be ready until after 1pm
(but could be later). You are free to start exploring the ship. Most people are
going to head to the buffet to get something to eat. The lines will be long and
it is difficult to find a seat. Add to that, a lot of people will have luggage
with them and you can see how this could not be much fun! Instead, do some
research or ask a crew member what else is open. There are generally 1-2
restaurants that are open and will be less crowded!
This is also a great time to put on your swimsuit and jump
in the pool. This is when you will find it least crowded. Somewhere near the
pool will be a towel station. This is where you will check out, exchange and
return towels. Keep track of your towels! If you don’t return them, you will be
paying for them. Last I heard it was $25 per towel!
Keep in mind that if your ship has a casino, it will be
closed any time you are in port. The casinos can only operate in international
waters.
Muster Drill
Before the ship ever leaves port everyone on board must
attend the safety drill, known as the muster drill. This generally happens
right before you set sail around 4pm or so. Your muster station area will be
listed on your cruise card. There will also be instructions on your where your muster
station is located on the back of your stateroom door. Cruise ship staff will
be located throughout the ship during the drill to instruct you on where your
muster station is located.
The muster drill is mandatory and they will take attendance
with your cruise card. If you do not show up, you will be paged and the entire
ship will need to wait for you to check in at your muster station.
The muster drill will give you instructions on what to do
and where to go in the very unlikely event something happens at sea, so it is
very important!
Every cruise line is a little different, but children under a certain age will be given a wristband when they board with their muster station area on it. These will be distributed as you board the ship, at the kids club or at the guest services desk. You can ask when you check in, on where to get them. Children are required to wear them during the entire cruise.
As you can see, the first few hours of your cruise vacation can be hectic, but hopefully by understanding what to expect on embarkation day, the process can go smoother!
To start planning your next cruise vacation, contact here!
