Editor’s note: This article offers general travel guidance.
As you step into the ship’s busy, buzzing, crowded main atrium with your boarding pass, a deep breath signals that you’re officially on your cruise.
It’s easy to overlook smaller tasks on boarding day as you’re so excited for your cruise, especially if it’s your first. These are a few tips to make boarding day go smoothly.
27. Forgetting How You Are Getting to the Terminal
The last few hours between hotel and cruise terminal can be stressful. You might find hotel shuttles are full, rideshares are expensive, cabs are going slowly around the block, and the parking lot is an eternity away.
Have a solid plan to get to the cruise terminal before you leave the house or hotel in the morning. Have an alternate plan too. You don’t want to argue about transportation while carrying bags.
26. Not Having Small Cash Ready
If you haven’t cruised before, you’ll be shocked to find out how much tipping and paying is involved curbside.
Have some small bills on hand and tucked into a convenient spot in case you’re reaching into a bunch of pockets while balancing bags. You might tip the porter or shuttle driver, or pay for parking…and have cash handy in case the credit card machine malfunctions.
25. Skipping One Last Bathroom Stop
This may seem silly but boarding lines can be stop-and-go. Leaving the line to use the restroom can lead to losing your place.
Save everyone’s peace of mind by going to the restroom before heading down the boarding line. Older folks and kids won’t make a fuss and coffee drinkers can relax.
24. Getting Pulled Into the Boarding Photo Line
It might be cute to pose in front of the ship’s logo with your boarding pass, but it’s hot, you’re tired and sweaty, you’re hauling bags…embarkation photos aren’t worth the trouble.
Relax and leave them be; you’ll be taking tons of photos once you’re out on deck anyway.
23. Not Printing a Backup
Cell service might be sketchy once you’re closer to the port and your phone could die before boarding is over. Having a slim folder with paper copies of everything is always handy. Cruise apps can malfunction too.
The thick steel/concrete construction of cruise terminals makes it difficult to receive a strong cell signal. Have paper copies of your luggage tags, boarding pass, shore transport confirmation, etc. Just in case.
22. Leaving the Hotel Too Late
The distance might not be that far on a map, but traffic, checkout lines, elevators, etc. add up when you’re heading to a busy port.
Plan to leave early enough to deal with any hiccups and arrive relaxed.
21. Wearing Complicated Security Shoes
Boarding day entails more walking than you realize. Dressy strappy shoes and new stiff break-in shoes will be tested during the stop-and-go boarding line, shiny floors, and the ramps.
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and save the glitzy sandals for dinner.
20. Forgetting the Kids’ Boarding Pieces
Traveling with little ones? Have a mini-kid kit easily accessible with diapers, snacks, phone charger, a swim shirt for after, etc.
Don’t risk searching through your bags while standing in the boarding line. Trust me, you’ll be glad you packed one.
19. Ignoring Last-Minute Cruise Messages
Cruise lines send last minute info about boarding procedures, changes to terminals, weather, health forms, etc.
Check your email the night before and morning of your cruise for any last minute updates.
18. Not Charging Everything Overnight
Phones will be working overtime during embarkation: looking up information, using maps, idle scrolling during boarding lines, and the battery will thank you for charging it the night before.
Have a charger easily accessible too; you’ll be surprised how fast your battery drains while standing in line with nothing to do.
17. Flying In the Same Morning
If you’re flying in, make sure you’ve planned for any international airport processes that apply.
Arrive the day before if possible; otherwise, take the earliest practical flight into port, but don’t assume it guarantees you’ll make boarding. Don’t count on the ship waiting if your flight is delayed.
16. Treating the Arrival Window Like a Suggestion
Your assigned arrival time is there for a reason: thousands of bags and thousands of people have to be processed curbside and then into the terminal. If everyone showed up at the same time it’d be a disaster.
Respect the assigned arrival time and arrive right around it. Arriving too early may mean extra waiting outside the terminal.
15. Packing Documents in the Wrong Bag
Seems like a no-brainer but people are surprised when they can’t find their passport/boarding pass because it’s inside the bag they’ve just handed to a porter.
Once the group is together, assign one person to carry around any necessary documents in one location. Whether that’s a zip-up pouch or purse, make sure passports or other forms of identification, cruise documents, credit/debit cards are all together. Otherwise, you’ll be digging through bags at the check-in counter for your cruise papers while the line’s creeping closer. Keep medication accessible to the person who needs it, or their caregiver.
14. Forgetting the Luggage Tags
Similar to carrying all of the aforementioned documents in one location, it’s a good idea to bring along backup luggage tags in case of a rip or loss. There are thousands of bags being processed by porters, so any issue with tags can lead to delayed delivery to your stateroom.
To circumvent any issues with porters curbside, print out more tags ahead of time and/or bring a clear holder for those that were sent in the mail.
13. Arriving Hungry and Impatient
Getting hungry is never fun. Especially when dealing with cranky children or tired, older travel companions.
Though you might be dying to eat as soon as you’re onboard, it’s helpful to eat a meal or have a snack before arriving at the cruise terminal. Especially since the buffet’s bound to be crowded while staterooms are nowhere near ready.
12. Dressing for the Ship Instead of the Day
Embarkation days are hectic. Rather than wearing poolside clothes, wear comfy, practical clothes.
Meaning, bring along layers and wear comfy shoes for walking. Since there’s tons of walking involved at the terminal, it’s best to be prepared for crazy cold A/C, security checks, gangways, etc. For those flying first, see carry-on mistakes before an international flight.
11. Letting the Swimsuit Go With Checked Bags
So, make sure to pack essentials like swimsuits, cell phone chargers, medications, valuables, sunscreen, etc. in your carry-on.
If traveling with children, pack dinner essentials as well. Refer to the wider pre-cruise checks travelers forget for details.
10. Waiting Until the Terminal to Open the App
You can download your cruise line’s app ahead of time. Log into the app and try its features at home, ahead of any service or battery issues at the terminal.
Take screenshots of necessary documents as well. Though terminals are steel-and-concrete constructions, signal strength isn’t always guaranteed. Plus, paper backups of boarding passes are helpful.
9. Trying to Fix Every Reservation Immediately
While you’re going to want to see what else there is to do and reserve, don’t overload your schedule.
Choose two must-do reservations and explore the rest of the ship at your leisure. Especially since it’s helpful to tour the ship at your own pace. Read more: cruise extras that look better than they feel.
8. Ignoring the Muster Instructions
Depending on your cruise line, the muster/safety drill has gone through some modernization.
Regardless, complete the requirement as soon as you’re able so that repeated announcements don’t interfere with your vacation.
7. Buying Packages Before Seeing the Ship
Boarding day is exciting enough. Though you’ll be tempted to sign up for a drink package, spa treatments, photos, Wi-Fi, and more, resist temptation as much as possible.
Since there are tons of free cruise activities passengers skip, it’s helpful to hold off on additional purchases until you’re certain. Especially since the majority of the aforementioned add-ons aren’t necessary.
6. Forgetting Medication in the Cabin Search
Especially if traveling with a group, everyone may be going their own way once onboard.
Though you might not anticipate needing medication, it’s always best to have it with you. Keep it accessible to the person who needs it, or their caregiver. Refer to big-trip checks older travelers should make early for more.
5. Joining the Elevator Crowd Too Soon
Elevators are always busy. Though taking the elevator might seem like the right move, it’s helpful to avoid lines caused by large numbers of passengers, bags, and strollers.
If stairs are manageable for you, it’s always nice to get some extra steps in during vacation. Otherwise, allow extra time for the elevator.
4. Expecting the Cabin to Be Ready
Once checked bags are dropped off curbside, they’re out of your hands until delivery to your stateroom, which may take several hours.
Accessing your stateroom may take a while too. Keep your carry-on essentials with you until then.
3. Not Checking the Onboard Account
Though you can wait for any folio reconciliation until the cruise is over, it’s helpful to go over your account to make sure everything looks okay.
It might be helpful to review packages you signed up for at home, gratuities, purchases that might not belong to you, etc. Especially since it’s hard to dispute erroneous charges once you return.
2. Overplanning the First Night
Whether you’ve been traveling all morning, flown, driven, or taken the train, embarkation days are exhausting.
Instead of planning on unpacking, heading to a sit-down dinner, or making it to a late-night show, take it easy. Read more: cruise excursion plan.
1. Forgetting the Trip Has Already Started
Instead of making embarkation feel like a to-do list, make boarding day feel like it’s a part of the cruise. Especially since relaxation is the name of the game.
Relax, take a breath and enjoy yourself. Save energy for fun activities afloat.
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