The beginning of each vacation can set the precedence for the whole journey. This is could not be truer for a cruise vacation, and there are a few things you probably shouldn’t do on embarkation day to ensure smooth sailing.

1. Don’t Miss the Boat – I suppose that seems pretty obvious, but it happens more than you may realize.

• Make sure you have completed your cruise line’s online pre-registration; this will save you from having to fill out the information once at the pier (meaning you by the pool, refreshing drink in hand much faster!).
• You must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail. I would plan to arrive at the pier and be checked in no later than two hours prior to departure – always good to have a little buffer.
• If flying, the rule of thumb is to fly in the day before (if possible). If flying in on embarkation day the latest you should arrive is typically 12 noon (depending on your scheduled departure time and pier location, you might leave later on a Mediterranean cruise for example – adjust accordingly). This allows time for delays, baggage claim and transfers.
• If driving and you’ve never been to the departure port, you can find and print cruise port directions here.

2. Don’t Wait – If you’re experiencing delays or unexpected emergencies en route to the departure port, don’t wait – call your travel agent or the cruise line immediately. They will be able to offer you support, advice or guidance on your next steps. The day of travel emergency number should be listed on your cruise documents if your travel agent is unavailable.

3. Don’t Pack – Certain things that is. Your bags will be screened by security at the cruise terminal, in order to save yourself time and hassle there are certain things that you just can’t bring with you. Oh, and don’t accidentally pack your passport in your checked luggage – you will need it to get into the terminal to check in!

Some examples of items you shouldn’t pack: clothes iron, liquor or beer, candles, and floaties for pool. 

4. Don’t forget – I know you’re so excited to go on vacation. Who wouldn’t be? Cruising is pretty great. But, isn’t that ‘I just know I forgot something’ feeling not so great? Print out our really helpful packing list here, it includes everything from air tickets and flashlights to extra contacts and bodywash.

When you check in, there are some things you will need on the day of embarkation and shouldn’t forget:

Travel Documents – This is a biggie. You will end up missing the boat, something you probably shouldn’t do (reference #1).

• Make sure you have the proper documents to travel internationally including visas, passports, birth certificates, photo ID and vaccination certificates. 
• You will also need your cruise line boarding pass, airline e-tickets and transfer vouchers or numbers for a taxi/shuttle companies. Printing multiple copies is always a good idea.
• If you booked a special cruise rate you will need to bring any applicable identification – military ID, proof of residence, etc. Your travel agent should have advised you of any necessary documentation you would need to provide, you can always call if unsure.
• If pregnant you do need to bring a note from your doctor. 
• Credit card or cash to set up your onboard spending account
• Luggage Tags

Carry On Bag – Your luggage will be sent to your room, but it can take time. You might not receive your bags until later in the evening. That is why you need to be prepared and not forget anything you might need within that time frame including:

• Medications (including your chill pills – go with the flow, you’re on vacation on a super ship and heading to an amazing destination – even when things go wrong you can have fun!)
• Swimsuit, Sunscreen, Book
• Change of Clothes
• Toiletries

Other items you don’t want to forget on the day you check-in for your cruise are dollar bills to tip the luggage handlers at the pier, cash for the casino, credit or cash to setup your onboard account, and if applicable, a car seat for young children on excursions and a collapsible wheelchair (they will not be provided onboard). 

5. Don’t Expect to Get Into Your Stateroom Immediately – Once you have checked in and boarded the ship (hooray, vacation!) your stateroom will more than likely not be ready, especially if you checked in early. Your cabin stewards and cruise staff are working hard to make sure everything is cleaned and properly prepared for your arrival. You can usually expect to have access to your cabin by 2pm. This is why it is very important you don’t forget that carry on for anything you may need before you get to your room and subsequently your luggage.

6. Don’t Keep Your Phone On – I know. This is a doozy. It may even be physically painful. But so will the bill if you forget to turn it off. It’s hard to imagine not posting your epic cruise adventures immediately, but that is kind of one of the charms of a cruise vacation. It forces you to disconnect physically, mentally and yes, even technologically, once you sail away from the mainland into the sunset (queue cheesy inspirational music). Okay I guess not that forcefully, most ships today do offer Wi-Fi but it is expensive and slow. If you’d still like to log on, bring a tablet or laptop. You could incur roaming charges from your carrier if your phone is on or not in airplane mode.

As long as you are aware of the 6 things you shouldn’t do when you check-in on embarkation day, there are plenty of things you should do once you hop onboard. Like eat too much or take a Zumba class, have too much fun, get too little sleep or more than usual, spend more time with your kids or have a romantic dinner with your significant other. You can do it all or nothing at all. Your cruise – your choice.

Is there anything else you think other cruisers should know about boarding a cruise ship?

About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer

Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!