Are you getting ready to go on your cruise? Embarkation day is the first step in your vacation, but simple mistakes can lead to unnecessary stress, frustration, and delays. From forgotten documents to last-minute packing mistakes, here are common embarkation day mistakes that can easily ruin the start of your cruise.
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Expired Passport
One common mistake when cruising is not checking your passport’s expiration date. If your passport has expired or is within six months of expiration, the cruise line will deny you boarding. Most cruise lines require passports to be valid for at least six months after the cruise.
To avoid complications, always check that your passport is up to date. You should also check other travel documents, like your green card and visas to make sure nothing is expired.
Not Eating Breakfast on Embarkation Day
Many cruisers make the mistake of skipping breakfast on embarkation day. It’s important to have a solid breakfast before boarding the ship. While the cruise ship typically serves lunch once you board, it can be hours before you actually board the ship because the line might be long when you check in at the cruise terminal.
Missing breakfast can leave you feeling hungry and irritable. To avoid this, plan ahead by having a hearty breakfast before heading to the cruise port. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to pack some snacks so they have something to eat while you wait in line to board the ship.
Missing the Muster Drill
Many first-time cruisers don’t realize that attending the muster drill is mandatory on embarkation day. It’s crucial to complete this safety procedure, as failing to do so can result in delays.
Fortunately, most cruise lines no longer require you to physically assemble at your muster station. Instead, you simply need to watch the muster drill video and check in to confirm you’ve completed it.
Not Printing Luggage Tags in Advance
A common mistake for first-time cruisers is forgetting to print their luggage tags before heading to the port, which can lead to unnecessary stress. Without pre-printed tags, you’ll need to manually fill them out, which can be time consuming and stressful, especially when looking up your stateroom number. Some cruise lines also require additional details, like the Luggage Door/Deck number, adding to the hassle. To avoid this, it’s best to print and attach your luggage tags before leaving home.
Minor Travel Consent
If you’re traveling with a minor who isn’t accompanied by their parents, be sure to complete a minor travel consent form before boarding the ship. This is especially important if you’re taking your grandchild on the cruise without their parents.
Not having the proper forms can cause delays during the boarding process. Check with your cruise line ahead of time to ensure you have the necessary paperwork to avoid complications.
Arriving on the Day of Embarkation
Many cruisers think they can fly in on embarkation day and still have plenty of time, but this can be risky. Flight delays or cancellations, especially with the current travel climate, can lead to missing your cruise ship.
Airports in places like Europe may even shut down due to strikes, adding to the uncertainty. To reduce stress and ensure timely arrival, it’s best to arrive the night before and stay at a nearby hotel.
Not Booking a Car In Advance
A common mistake for first-time cruisers is not booking transportation to the cruise port in advance. Many people assume they can easily get a taxi or Uber, but other hotel guests may be traveling to the same port, causing delays. Pre-booking your ride ensures you won’t waste time competing for a taxi or Uber.
It’s even more important to pre-book your ride if you are a big group and need multiple cars or a van. To avoid last-minute stress, plan ahead and secure your ride in advance.
Online Check-In
Many first-time cruisers forget to complete their online check-in, which can lead to delays during the boarding process. By checking in online, your information will already be in the system, and you’ll be able to print your luggage tags in advance. You’ll also have the option to select a specific check-in time at the cruise port, helping you avoid long lines and reducing the risk of being turned away for arriving outside your designated time slot.
Without online check-in, cruise staff will need to manually enter your information at the port, which significantly slows down the process. To ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your vacation, be sure to complete your online check-in before you arrive.
Taking the Elevator on Embarkation Day
On embarkation day, rookie cruisers often make the mistake of heading straight for the elevators, causing congestion and long waits. Instead, if you can manage your carry-on bag, consider taking the stairs to avoid the elevator chaos.
With so many people trying to use the elevators, especially in groups, taking the stairs can save you time and hassle. It’s a quick and easy way to avoid the crowded elevator lines.
Lunch at the Buffet on Embarkation Day
A common mistake is rushing to the buffet for lunch on embarkation day, where the area quickly becomes crowded with long lines and limited seating. Instead, consider heading to one of the dining rooms or smaller cafes that are open for a more relaxed and enjoyable meal. Asking cruise staff about other dining options can help you avoid the buffet chaos. Save the buffet for later in your trip to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Leaving Your Passport in Your Check-In Luggage
A common mistake among first-time cruisers is packing their passport and other essential travel documents in their checked luggage. What many don’t realize is that once you arrive at the cruise port, porters will take your checked bags right away to begin loading them onto the ship. After that, retrieving anything from those bags can be difficult or even impossible.
To avoid unnecessary delays, always keep your travel documents in your carry-on bag so they’re easily accessible. This simple step will make the check-in process at the cruise port much smoother.
Not Packing a Carry-On Bag
Newbie cruisers often forget that once they check in their luggage, they won’t have access to it until later in the day. To avoid waiting for your checked luggage, pack a carry-on with essentials like toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes.
For cruises to warm destinations, pack your bathing suit, sunscreen, and other poolside items to enjoy right away. A small roller bag is perfect for carrying all your first day necessities. I like this lightweight roller bag that can even fit under airplane seats.
Bringing Prohibited Items on the Cruise
Newbie cruisers sometimes bring prohibited items onboard, causing delays in the boarding process. To avoid this, review your cruise line’s policies on restricted items, such as hair dryers, extension cords, and liquor. Policies can vary between cruise lines, so it’s important to check what’s allowed, like the amount of alcohol you can bring. A little research before your trip can save you from unnecessary complications.
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