Remember These Tips for a SUPER SMOOTH Embarkation Day!
It’s finally here, the day you have been waiting for and dreaming about. Your cruise is leaving today! If you have not cruised before, or even it has been awhile, you may be stressed about boarding the ship. Don’t worry one bit - we have you covered. We have put together a quick list of the most essential tips to help you have a fantastic embarkation day. Scroll on down below and check them out so you can breeze right through your next visit to the terminal and get on your next cruise!
Virgin Voyages' new Terminal V in Port Miami
Before You Board the Ship!
1. Travel Documents: This is the most important step you need to have down pat before you board the ship, ideally before you even arrive at the terminal! Make sure that you keep your passport (OR Birth Certificate and Driver’s License) on your person or in your carry on luggage. Do not leave it in your checked baggage, because you will be out of luck when it comes time to board. You will speed up the process if you have them ready to go when moving through the terminal.
2. Download Cruise Line App: Most cruise lines have an app nowadays. You want to go ahead and download this to your phone before you arrive. You can often use the app to house your boarding documents and most cruise lines have done away with paper activities schedules so your app will be crucial in planning what you want to do once you board.
3. Luggage Tags: Make sure that you have any checked bags tagged. You can usually print these off ahead of time (depending on the cruise line) and go ahead and affix them to your bags before you even travel to the terminal. If you do happen to forget your luggage tags - the porters at the terminal will often be able to tag your bags, but this will slow you down.
4. Check In Time: Make sure that you pay close attention to your assigned check in time. This is often assigned when you do your check in 30-45 days before you set sail. It is important to adhere to this time so that the port is not overwhelmed with people/traffic early on embarkation day. This will slow everyone down. If you want an early port arrival time, make sure that you check in as early as possible when your check in window opens!
An Early Embarkation Morning at Port Canaveral
After You Board the Ship!
5. Dining Preferences: If you have purchased and specialty dining packages, right after you board the ship is a great time to go ahead and head to the desk and make your reservations. Be sure that you review the activities guide to see if any of the shows you have booked or really want to see do not interfere with your dining reservations. If you are just planning to eat in the main dining room, go ahead and confirm that your preferences in table, seating, dinner mates, etc have been set up correctly. The head waiter is usually nearby if you need help.
6. Explore the Ship: Embarkation day is a fantastic opportunity to explore the ship. Find out where all the hot spots are. Check out your room (these usually open around 1pm). Make sure that you familiarize yourself with hot to get to your room. A lot of folks like to decorate their door so that it is easy to find. Those hallways can definitely blend together. Especially on the first day (or after a couple beverages).
7. Muster Drill: Every cruise line is required to complete a safety demo with all passengers before they can set sail. You typically have to complete this step at least one hour before the scheduled departure time. Some cruise lines allow to watch the safety information on your stateroom TV or App. Some you will have to go in person. This is a great time to make sure you are familiar with your muster station, how to get there, and that you know how to put on a life vest just in case.
8. Relax and Enjoy: That time has finally come! Kick up your feet, grab lunch, get a cold drink and get ready to enjoy your vacation. This a great chance to meet your cabin steward and explain any needs you have for the cabin. Be sure to check the schedule for any sail away or cruise kick off parties. Don’t forget to put your phone in airplane mode!
The View of Port Miami and the Cruise Ship Terminals from our Room at the Elser Hotel Miami
Thanks so much for reading about our embarkation day tips! Follow along for more cruising tips and tricks. If you are ready to book an amazing cruise vacation, we have a travel agent on staff who is ready and willing to handle all of the details for you, reach out here for a quote!
