Embarkation

Actually getting on the ship is probably one of the most overwhelming experiences for a new cruiser. In reality, it's not that bad, but it sure seems like a lot the first time you go through the process.

Every cruise line manages their embarkation a little differently but the process is generally the same. If you've checked in before your cruise (discussed in Pre-planning your Cruise) you will probably have read some information about when to arrive. It's best if you can already be in the embarkation city on the morning of your cruise since that takes a lot of the risk our traveling to the port out of the equation.

In all cases, never arrive later than one hour prior to the scheduled sailing time. Cruise lines have to submit manifests of the passengers aboard prior to sailing, so if you miss this deadline, it's possible that you'll be denied boarding.

Of course, you'll be wanting to get on the ship as soon as you can, so in most cases, pushing the deadline to get aboard isn't an issue. So when should you arrive? Some cruise lines, such as Carnival, assign you an arrival time window. If you've been assigned or chosen one, it's best to follow it. This is done to stagger the arrival of people and avoid massive lines first thing in the morning. If you're given the option of choosing your scheduled arrival time, between 11:00 a.m. and noon is usually a good time. Ships are usually close to being ready to start welcoming guests aboard in this time frame, so it should get you on relatively early without waiting around for too long. If you don't have an assigned time, such as with Royal Caribbean, then you're free to arrive at your leisure. Again though, ships usually don't start boarding until around noon so don't set yourself up for a rushed morning, only to sit waiting while the ship gets ready.

Once you've arrived at port, make sure you have your boarding pass and proof of identity (passport, or other required documentation), and a bit of cash at hand, preferably in your carry-on. Also make sure you have your luggage tags attached to any bags that you won't be carrying on with you. If you've forgotten your luggage tags, fear not! Porters will be able to create a tag for you and help attach it. You will hand off your large luggage to the porters who will make sure that your luggage makes it onto the ship. These folks are employed (in most cases) by the port, not the cruise line. There is typically an expectation that you'll provide a tip for their service. One or two dollars per bag is fair, though if you'd like to tip more, feel free.

With only your carry-on, you'll proceed to the check-in area. This is where lines will start to vary but the basic steps remain the same. Your cruise documentation will be checked to ensure that you are in the right place. In some cases, your check-in will actually be completed at this point. In others, there will be another step later on. Either way, you'll then be sent through a security check. It is similar to security at an airport, but a little more relaxed. You'll have to walk through a metal detector and your bags will be sent through an x-ray.

Once clear of security, you'll proceed to the check-in area. There will be staff to guide you to where you should be, which is usually a roped-off area with a line of people waiting to check-in. If you already checked-in prior to security, you'll skip this step. Check-in does vary among cruise lines, but it's likely that you'll have your picture taken or travel documents scanned, you'll be given an opportunity to setup or change your onboard account details, and you may receive the key to your room, which also acts as a payment method on the ship.

Once clear of both security and check-in, you'll end up in an open seating area where you can make yourself comfortable and wait to be called to board. If you are arriving later in the day, you may be able to board immediately. If that's the case, people will direct you to do so.

Note that if you don't have your room key when boarding, it's no reason to panic. Some cruise lines have started placing keys outside your stateroom doors for pick-up when you arrive at. your room. During check-in, the cruise line agents will probably have explained this detail. If you're still worried, don't hesitate to ask someone.

When it's your time to board, you'll be directed to the passage from the waiting room toward the ship. Employees will likely ask if you want a picture somewhere along the way (feel free to say yes or no, as you prefer) and they will scan either your boarding pass or your room key prior to getting on the ship. You'll pass through a bridge that connects the port building and the ship itself... and there you are! You're on the ship! Most often, you'll be in an atrium area that acts as the hub of the ship. Take it in. That first time entering a ship is a moment that almost every cruiser remembers fondly.

Your cruise experience has officially begun!