Courtney GThe first day of your cruise is finally on the horizon! Embarkation day is the day you embark on your cruise which is an exciting day. A lot could be going on so make sure to follow these tips to make your embarkation day easier.
- Do the cruise app “check-in” ASAP to choose an early check-in time.
The check-in option in your app will be available for you to fill out 45 days or earlier before your cruise (depending on the cruise line). Doing all of what they prompt you to do, including choosing the time you check-in on embarkation day is helpful.
I suggest choosing the earliest time so you can see the ship or fix any issues with guest services before everyone else comes on board.
- Know where your departing cruise terminal is.
Some people have gone to the wrong city or terminal for their cruise before.
For my most recent cruise, I choose a hotel that I thought was close to the terminal. However, the city had two terminals so of course with my luck, the ship was at the other one which was a few more minutes away. So, make sure you know where you’re going so there’s nothing delaying your cruise vacation.
- Fly in the day before (if you can)
Flying in the day before gives you a chance to start your vacation early and explore the city you’re departing from (especially if you’ve never been there before). However, keep in mind that means you’d need money for a hotel and food.
If you do decide to fly in the day of, fly in as early as possible or do a red-eye to give yourself enough time to get to the port in case of any delays.
- Have a carry-on bag with essentials.
If you’re checking your larger bags with a porter, make sure to have a carry-on bag with your travel documents like your passport or birth certificate, any medications, a bathing suit if you want to go ahead and get in the pool, and drinks (12-pack soda/water and/or two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin). Having all of these items with you for easy access while you wait for your bags to be delivered will save you a headache (literally and figuratively) as you’re getting on the ship.
Also, remember to tip your porter.
- Do your safety check early.
Specifically for Royal Caribbean, you can do the safety check in the app either while waiting to check-in, at the airport, or at the hotel so you can go straight to your muster station when you get on board the ship to have it marked complete (this avoids muster drills for certain cruise lines).
- Go to the main dining room to confirm reservations for dinner (if not done before hand).
If you are eating in the main dining room or have reservations at other restaurants, double-check your app first and if something doesn’t look right, go to the dining room or restaurant to confirm your reservations as soon as you’re on the ship.
Both times on Royal Caribbean I’d chosen early seating for dinner and by the time I got on the ship, they changed it to “My Time Dining” which is when you go and get on the wait list for dinner (even though I was told it wouldn’t do that when I called them). If you go directly to the dining room, they should be able to resolve your issue or make reservations. That’s why it’s best to get on early because the later you get on, the less chance there will be wiggle room for reservations.
While you’re at the main dining room, make sure the head waiter knows of any allergies or dietary restrictions in your party (however, they’ll more than likely ask at dinner).
- Make show reservations in the app or via guest services.
Since we’re on the topic of reservations, make sure any shows or other classes that need reservations are made as soon as you get on the ship (if you’re not able to do it before hand). Some cruise lines have entertainment with limited spots. You don’t have to pay for it but do you do still have to book it to get a spot. This also applies to workout classes.
I was so focused on the night entertainment, I completely forgot to try and sign up for the bungee workout class or 80s style workout class that Virgin Voyages offers and they were booked up for the rest of the cruise by the time I remembered.
- Put your phone on airplane mode!!!
I probably should’ve said this first but make sure to put your phone on airplane made before you set sail. If you don’t, you’ll be in for a rude awakening on your cellphone bill when you get back. While at sea you’d get charged for roaming for any calls or texts that come through if airplane mode isn’t on. If you need to make calls or texts to friends or family before you set sail, do it quickly and after, put it in airplane mode.
If your cruise offers premium Wi-Fi or if you purchase the Wi-Fi package you can still make Wi-Fi calls or texts or use apps like WhatsApp while on the ship.
With an international plan for your phone, you can use it for calls or texts in port/on land but not while at sea.
- Look for onboard deals, raffles, and giveaways.
In my Tips for First Time Cruisers video, I mentioned to try and pre-pay for as much as you can because it’s discounted. Well, once on board, things like the spa are discounted on the first day for most cruise lines. There’s also raffles you can enter to win more discounts. Not all cruise lines do this but if you see it and you’re interested, take advantage!
- Have fun!
Embarkation Day can get busy sometimes so it’s important to enjoy the fact that you’re on vacation! If you follow these tips you should have smooth sailing (pun not intended, haha). So remember to have fun and enjoy your cruise!
For more first time cruisers posts, check out 14 Tips for First Time Cruisers.
