Before Embarkation Day

Before you cruise you will need to fill out information such as emergency contact, passport number, credit card number, etc.  You will need to bring them with you for check-in.

We always fly in at least a day before the cruise starts.  If our flight is delayed or cancelled we won’t be too worried because there will be later ones we can take and still not miss the cruise.

Arrival Time Differences at the Port

You need to remember that the day you are boarding the ship is Day 1.  It is part of the cruise fare already paid for.

We usually arrive around 10:30.  We are able to go through security and check-in rather quickly.  We may; however, need to wait in a room while the passengers from the previous week’s cruise leave the ship.  No big deal.  There are typically chairs and restrooms.  Some also include vending machines.  In Barcelona there are even little stores to buy things.  The wait isn’t long – we are typically on the ship before Noon. 

If you arrive in the afternoon, you may encounter larger crowds and lines.  You will have much less time on the ship that first day.  This might not seem like that big of a problem, but you will need to remember that the muster drill is mandatory and many times they are at 4:00 or 5:00pm.  Everything shuts down temporarily about 30 minutes before the drill.  It might not be until after the drill that you can start to enjoy yourself.

At the Port and Day One

When you arrive at the port you will see people offering to take your luggage.  This is just like checking your bags when you fly.  If you choose to do this, make sure you keep all medications and valuables with you.  Also make sure the luggage tags you received are securely attached.  They should say the ship name, your cabin, and what part of the ship the cabin is in.

If you want to enjoy the pools and hot tubs as soon as you board you will want to pack your bathing suit in some type of small carry-on or wear it underneath your clothes. I say this because, although the bags will be dropped off at your cabin, there is no guarantee of when that may be.  It could be 1:00pm or it could be 6:00pm.

Now, if you choose to carry-on all of your luggage you will need to keep it with you until the cabins are available (typically around 1pm).

When you walk in the terminal you will need to go through a security line, which is much more lenient than United States airports’ security lines. Shoes do not need to be taken off and watches can sometimes stay on.  I have even gotten away with keeping my belt on.

Next you will see lines of people waiting to check-in.  This is usually broken out by past cruisers with high statuses, those who booked suites, and general boarding.

At the check-in desk they will ask you to complete a form confirming that you have not been sick recently.  I have never understood the reason for this.  I don’t know anyone who, after spending a couple thousand (non-refundable) dollars on a cruise, will basically say “Yes, I have been sick.  Please don’t let me board.”

To confirm you are who you claim to be, you will be asked for the documents you completed for the cruise and your passport.  Like hotels, you can change your credit card information (this is the one that will be charged at the end of the cruise).

Your picture will be taken and tagged to your sea pass card.

They may give you a quick summary of the cruise – what restaurants are opened on day one, time of the muster drill, and a highlight of activities during the week.

They will try and take a picture of your party before you walk up the gangway.  You will have the option to buy it once it is in the ship’s photo gallery.  We always skip this and head straight to the ship.

Differences Between Day One on Our First Cruise and Day One of Cruises Today

We didn’t know a lot of this the first time we took a cruise.  We were the irritated ones waiting in long lines while others sat on the pool deck holding a fruity alcoholic drink with an umbrella. It seemed like we wasted a day.

Now…after sailing on many, we have the process down pat.  All there is is excitement and anticipation the morning we board.  We can’t wait until we head to the terminal and hear the “ding” of our card being swiped in a machine so the crew knows we have boarded.