Maximizing your cruise starts at embarkation!

I love a good cruise hack, and most of my best tips start with day one! The day you arrive can set you up for cruise paradise, but a lack of planning for this day can also lead to disappointment. Be sure to follow these tips on your next embarkation day and you’ll have smooth sailing!

Arrive Early

One of the best ways to enjoy your embarkation day is to arrive at the port early. This will allow you to avoid long lines, have more time to explore the ship, and potentially enjoy the pool or other amenities before the ship sets sail. If your cruise line offers a choice of embarkation times, choose the earliest one you can manage.

Pack a Carry-On Bag

It’s always a good idea to pack a carry-on bag with essentials like a swimsuit, sandals, and a change of clothes. This way, if the weather is nice, you can head straight to the pool or deck to soak up some sun. You may not have access to your suitcases for a few hours once on board, so if you need something before dinner, pack it in your carry on!

Enjoy a Sit-Down Lunch

Many cruise ships offer a sit-down lunch in the main dining room on embarkation day. This is a great opportunity to experience the ship’s cuisine and get a taste of what’s to come. While many staff members will try to direct you to the lido deck for the buffet, you can also ask them if there’s lunch in the dining room, or simply check the activity guide you were given when you got on board. A sit-down lunch is a very relaxing start to a great cruise, and avoids the crowds in the buffet.

Take a Ship Tour

A ship tour is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship and discover all the amenities it has to offer. This can also help you plan your activities for the rest of the cruise. I like to start on the very top deck and work my way down; this allows me to figure out where all the public spaces are in relation to one another and makes it easier to navigate throughout the cruise.

Unpack Fully

While it might seem tempting to leave your belongings in your suitcase and run out to an evening show, you will be so glad you spent a few minutes unpacking into the drawers and closets. After all, your cabin is moving from place to place so that you don’t have to unpack and repack each day, so you might as well unpack once. I like to use the suitcase under the bed as a laundry hamper. Since cruise cabins are small, having everything in its place is especially welcome after a few days.

Explore Entertainment Options

Once you’ve settled into your cabin, take some time to explore the ship’s entertainment options. Check out the evening schedule to see what live music, shows, or other events are happening. This will help you plan your activities for the rest of the cruise and ensure you don’t miss anything. Now, go out and explore! Check out every musical act for a few minutes to see what you like; if there’s a welcome-aboard show in the theatre, go see it. Your cruise director will likely give an overview of what big entertainment will be happening on what nights.

By following these embarkation day tips, you can make the most of your embarkation day and set the tone for a memorable cruise experience.

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