Your cruise vacation is packed with fun and value, and it’s a great way to visit multiple ports while unpacking once and using your cruise ship and a “floating hotel.” Beginning your cruise can be a mix of excitement and stress, but if you have some possible travel traps on your radar, you can ease the hassles of embarkation day. Here are the mistakes you should be aware of making on embarkation day.
1. Boarding the ship late
To prevent the risk of missing your ship, cruise experts always recommend flying in at least one day before a cruise. This strategy will remove the chance you could miss your cruise on a same-day flight if your flight is late or canceled. When you fly into your port city early, you can enjoy and explore that city and leisurely board the ship without the worry of flight disruptions. Beyond the flight, read your cruise documents carefully and determine what time your ship will leave the port. If you arrive late, you won’t be allowed to board.
2. Not embarking early enough
Many experienced cruisers know that it’s better to arrive at the port early than be a late-comer. Once you’re onboard, you can eat, explore and swim—if the pools are open. Another advantage of being an early bird is that you can avoid lines that serpentine in the terminal.
Generally, it takes less than an hour to go from check-in to being permitted to board your ship. Once you are on the ship, you can start your vacation by having a hearty lunch, grabbing a beer or cocktail, and leisurely learning about your ship by walking the decks.
3. Not packing a day bag
When you arrive at the terminal, it’s customary to leave your luggage with porters who will whisk your bags to your room once the ship leaves port. Always remember to keep your medication, keys, valuables, electronics, jewelry, and travel documents, including passports, with you. In addition, a smart game plan is to pack a day bag with a swimsuit, sunscreen, sandals or flip-flops, and a change of clothes so you can enjoy the ship’s amenities like the pool, sun deck, or outdoor venues. Although the luggage process is efficient, it could be several hours until your bags are delivered to your stateroom and if you want to swim or change, don’t make the mistake of not packing a day bag on embarkation day.
4. Not meeting with your cabin steward
The first day of your cruise is busy, but be sure to take about five minutes and find your cabin attendant so you can meet with them to share any of your requests. If you want more towels, an extra blanket, additional hangers or ice brought daily, here’s when to share what you want. Don’t be shy either; their role on board is to make your stateroom feel comfortable for the duration of your cruise. It’s important, however, to keep in mind that embarkation day is quite busy for your cabin attendants, so allow them a bit of time to take care of any of your requests.
5. Forgetting to download your cruise line’s app
A cruise line’s app is a treasure trove of information about your ship, from restaurants to bar venues to entertainment offerings. Download the app a day or two before your board so you have quick access to your ship's daily activities, including dining venue hours, shore excursions, show information, and much more. You can connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi and the app should activate for you. If you are having trouble connecting, find the Internet desk or guest relations for help.
6. Forgetting to put your cell phone in airplane mode when you board
Speaking of the ship’s Wi-Fi, most likely, you will be purchasing an Internet plan while at sea. The most important step to take is to put your phone in airplane mode so that your cellphone provider doesn’t charge you roaming fees. These are very expensive and mount quickly. Cruise lines continue to upgrade Internet services, and once you pick a plan and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi, you can enjoy reliable Internet connections.
7. Bolting to the buffet as soon as you board
After waiting patiently to board your ship, most cruisers build up an appetite and rush to the buffet for lunch. Predictably, the buffet will be busy, crowded and buzzing. So, before you rush to the main buffet, you may want to find out what the other lunch options your ship offers on embarkation day. Options could include the main dining room, which is a sit-down service, and casual dining venues, while some lines will have specialty dining experiences on day one for a reduced price. A better way to start your cruise could be sitting at a table relaxing and having waiter service instead of waiting in lines at the buffet and trying to locate a table.
8. Skipping the sail-away party
When your ship leaves the port to start the cruise, it’s generally a pretty big deal. So, pick another time to unpack your clothes in your cabin, and be sure to join your fellow cruisers to set sail with great festivities. The cruise ship’s event staff is leading lots of fun with music, and the scene on the outdoor decks is fun and lively. There are often drink specials to mark the sail away, and it’s a fabulous time to start your trip with a party vibe. Bon Voyage.