How to Have the Best Cruise Embarkation Day

Embarkation day is such a fun day when you’re going on a cruise.

Well, every day is usually super fun, but embarkation day is your first day on the boat where you set sail and the start of a really fun vacation!

I’ve been on many cruises throughout my life and cruising is definitely one of my favorite ways to take a vacation!

In this post, I’m going to share with you exactly how you can have smooth sailing on your cruise embarkation day!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you choose to purchase an item I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Get on the Ship Later in the Day

Pretty much everyone is excited about their cruise vacation and ready to get the party started.

This means most people are going to go to the port and get on the ship as early as possible. So, wait until lunchtime to get on the cruise.

Usually, you don’t sail away until around 4ish, so you will still have plenty of time to get some food, check out your room, etc. before the sail away party – and you won’t have to stand in the long lines and heat before boarding!

2. Bring a Carry-On

When getting on the boat you will have to drop your bags off before getting on the ship. The cruise line will then take your bags and deliver them to your stateroom on the ship in the evening.

I always bring a carry-on bag with my swimsuit, some makeup, toiletries, and a dress for dinner that night just in case my bag doesn’t arrive on time.

Doing this will ensure you have everything you need for the rest of the day until your bag arrives!

I love this carry-on! Click here to check it out!

3. Check out Your Room

When you get on the boat, the first place you probably want to find is your stateroom. It’s nice to find your room, freshen up, drop off your carry-on bag, and lock up any important documents in the safe they provide you!

4. Go to the Muster Drill

Do not stay in your room for the muster drill. They will announce that they are doing the drill and give you directions. It’s super simple and it is required for every passenger on the ship.

If you think you can get out of it by not going, you’re wrong. They usually scan your room key at your muster station (where you have to go in case of an emergency) and they know who didn’t show.

Typically the next day they have a makeup muster drill for anyone that didn’t show up. It’s usually during some fun activities going on on the ship. You have to do it either way, so might as well go with everyone else and get it over with!

5. Explore the Ship

This is always one of the most fun parts of boarding the cruise ships! All the ships have their own quirks and amenities and it’s super fun to explore the ship and see what it has to offer.

Also, you get to find where everything is! You can get an idea of what restaurants you want to try, the different activities you want to do, and you can locate the various bars around the ship.

6. Avoid the Buffet

You will probably be a bit hungry and since you already explored the ship you know which restaurants are open! Avoid the buffet and go to a sit-down restaurant for lunch.

Most of these restaurants are free plus the buffets are always mobbed on embarkation day. You can get much faster service, fewer people, and some really yummy food at the sit-down places!

7. Make Reservations for Shows

Embarkation day is an awesome time to check out what shows are playing and make reservations! Not all shows require a reservation, but it can be a pain later in the week trying to get a reservation if the shows are already full.

This is also a great time to ensure you will be able to see the show at the time you want and plan out your week a little bit!

8. Celebrate at the Sail Away Party

The sail away party is exactly what it sounds like. Often times it’s at the pool and there’s live music, drinks, dancing, and a ton of fun. It’s time to relax, have fun, and get into vacation mode! You’re about to head out on a very fun trip!

I hope these tips will help you have a smooth and fun embarkation day on your next cruise! Happy travels!

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