 That first day you step on the cruise ship is always exciting no matter how many times you have sailed. But if this is your first cruise, here are a few things you need to know about that day along with tips and tricks. Arrival and Luggage When you arrive at the terminal—whether you’re driving or taking a shuttle—you’ll pull up to the porters. Hand them the luggage you want delivered to your stateroom (make sure your cruise luggage tags are attached). Keep a small carry-on with anything you’ll need for the next few hours, such as:
Check-In Once you enter the terminal, you’ll show your boarding pass and proceed through security. Some terminals complete part of the check-in process before security, so follow the posted signs and staff directions. After security, a staff member will verify your documents and take your photo. From there, follow directions to the waiting area and, when your group is called, board the ship. Once On Board On most sailings, staterooms aren’t ready until around 1:30 p.m. (you’ll hear an announcement). Instead of waiting outside your cabin, use that time to explore the ship, grab lunch, or relax in a lounge. Some cruise lines (for example, Celebrity) may let you drop off your carry-on in your room, but you’ll still need to leave so the crew can finish preparations. After you board, complete your muster drill as soon as you can. Your muster station is listed in the cruise line app and/or on your boarding pass, usually as a letter and number. Follow the signs or ask a crew member for directions. This step is mandatory, and completing it early keeps you from being delayed later. It usually takes only a few minutes. Grab some food Embarkation day has plenty of options for included food, plus specialty dining (for an extra cost). Every ship has a buffet, and many also have quick-service spots (pizza, burgers, tacos, grab-and-go, and more). If you want to avoid the busiest time, consider eating a little earlier or later than the main lunch rush. Take a Tour Walk the ship and find the places you’ll want to come back to: the main dining room, the buffet, your favorite bar or coffee spot, a quiet lounge, the theater, and the comedy club. If you’re interested in the spa, you can often get a tour on day one—just remember the goal is to sell services, so feel free to say “no, thank you” if you’re not ready to book. As the ship prepares to depart, put your phone in airplane mode to avoid roaming charges at sea. Then it’s time for the sail-away party—head to the deck, enjoy the views, and kick off vacation. A few final notes about embarkation day It can feel chaotic and crowded—and you’re not imagining it. Thousands of guests are boarding at the same time. The good news is that once the ship sails and staterooms open, crowds usually spread out and things settle down quickly. Lastly, have a fantastic trip. For more information and to plan your next cruise vacation, email me [email protected] 
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