Menu
At Our Age Travel
  • About Us
  • Our Views on Travel
  • Our Top 5
  • Port of Call
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Solo Travel
  • Visit us on Facebook
At Our Age Travel

Tips for a Smooth Embarkation

Posted on April 3, 2023April 3, 2023

Whether you are a new or experienced cruiser embarkation day can be stressful.  Add to that the  time and tension spent getting to the port and it’s understandable why some folks are a little short tempered and impatient.  Luckily this is usually offset by the excitement of their pending adventure.

To make this process as stress free as possible here are our tips for a smooth embarkation.

  1. Be sure to complete your check-in process online in advance and have all your cruise documents printed.

2. If possible arrive the day before you depart or at the very least as early in the morning of the day of as you can. This allow you to get on the ship earlier and start your vacation.  With the uncertainty of air travel these days it is also important to leave lot of time for delays and other hiccups.

3. Since the pandemic most cruise lines have you schedule your arrival time at the port.  This helps to reduce congestion and gets people boarded in a more timely and orderly fashion.

  1. Be aware of any health and safety protocols still in place with your cruise line and in any country you will be visiting on your itinerary.  There will be a health questionnaire to answer as you board, and be prepared to wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer while on the ship.  This is not only a result of the pandemic but also to protect against any illnesses that can be transmitted onboard.  Masks and proof of vaccinations no longer seem to be an issue but that could change at anytime.

5.  Once on board you will need to continue to be patient.  Rooms are not usually released until they are all cleaned and prepped.  If you stored your luggage upon arrival there may  be a time delay until it is delivered to your state room.   Remember as well that the crew is also taking on new supplies so everyone is busy.  Find a sunny table on deck and enjoy some lunch and a beverage or two.

6. Do not miss the muster safety drill.   Many cruise ships are now providing most of the safety information in advance either during your online check in or on the television in your stateroom.  All you have to do is stop by the muster station indicated on your key card. If your cruise line is still doing in person drills be sure to listen to the announcements to know when and where to go.  If you miss the drill the crew will hunt you down until it is done.

7. As soon as you do get into your stateroom take the time to fully unpack and organize the space.  Most staterooms are small so stowing your luggage away, usually under the bed,  is a good idea.  After that you can be as messy as you want.

8. Take some time to tour the ship.  Find those quiet public spaces to be laid back or those fun filled spaces where you can socialize.  Find the best route to your soon to be favourite restaurants and bars, the pool deck and other public spaces.  See if the cruise line offers a first day tour of the ship with a crew to escort you and answer your questions.

  1. Check out the ship’s daily newsletter for onboard activities planned for embarkation day, such as the popular sail away party, restaurant hours, planned meet and greets, shows and music. Not only is this information great for your first day but it will continue to provide important information about your ports and other planned activities onboard throughout your itinerary.

Start your cruise the way you want to continue; relaxed and open to fun.  Meet new people, enjoy good food and take advantage of all your cruise has to offer.

 

Recent Posts

  • A Day In Lisbon
  • What Is A Status Match Program?
  • What Not To Do In Singapore
  • The Fascinating Culture of Lombok
  • The Reality of Shore Excursions

Recent Comments

  • Judy Pineau on Tuscan Wine Tours
  • Jude and Bill on The Culture of Greenland
  • Helen on Our Top 5 Archaeological Sites in Greece
  • Renee Borg on The Grand Tour
  • Renee on Historical Israel

Archives

  • June 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018

Categories

  • Our Top 5
  • Our Views on Travel
  • Port of Call
  • Solo Travel
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

Random Quote

“Something happened to us. We no longer felt like struggling explorers. We could discard our useless charts and wander freely in the blank spaces beyond the known world.”

— Lawrence Blair, Ring of Fire

I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted a paycheck to buy plane tickets.

©2025 At Our Age Travel | WordPress Theme by Superb WordPress Themes