Cruise disembarkation is no fun. It is always so stressful and hectic, especially if it’s your first time on a cruise. Knowing exactly how the disembarkation process works will make your day go smoother.
What Time Do You Get Off the Cruise Ship?
The exact time you can get off the cruise ship depends on your luggage tag. The cruise line assigns a departure time for everyone on the cruise to keep the disembarkation process orderly. If you are trying to catch an early flight, let guest services know ahead of time so they can assign you the correct departure time.
Luggage Tag
Your cabin steward will drop off a color-coded numbered luggage tag before the last day of your cruise. Your luggage tag color and number are your departure group. Make sure you are okay with the time assigned for you to get off the cruise ship. If it’s too early or too late, go to guest services immediately and get a new luggage tag.
Check-In Luggage
Your cruise disembarkation process starts on the last night of your cruise. You will need to start packing on your last day because they take the luggage you will be checking in the night before disembarkation day.
Leave Luggage in the Hallway
Typically, you will be asked to leave your check-in luggage in the hallway by 10 pm. Make sure to attach the cruise luggage tag to every piece of check-in luggage.
Carry On Luggage
You can’t check everything in. You will need to set aside a change of clothes for the next day and carry-on luggage that you will walk off the cruise ship with. It’s best to use small roller luggage so you can wheel it out. Your change of clothes, medications, and toiletry bag should fit in it.
What If You Have No Check-In Luggage?
If you packed light and have no check-in luggage, then you don’t have to worry about leaving your luggage in the hallway by 10 pm. You can simply walk off the cruise ship with your carry-on luggage.
But before you decide, just know that the cruise elevator will be almost impossible to get on disembarkation day, so you might want to check in your luggage after all. Don’t expect cruise staff assistance with your carry-on luggage. Check out How to Pack Light for a Cruise You Don’t Have to Check In Luggage (Free Packing List)
Vacate Your Cabin
You will be asked to vacate your cabin very early in the morning of disembarkation day. Typically, they ask you to leave your cabin by 7:30 am.! That’s because your cabin steward needs to clean your room and get it ready for the next group of passengers. Check out: 14 Important Things to Do on Cruise Disembarkation (Free Checklist)
Breakfast
Breakfast will be served on disembarkation day. You can go to the buffet or head to the main dining room. Do know that the buffet will be an absolute zoo that morning. It will be a more relaxing breakfast experience in the main dining room! Check out What to Pack: Caribbean cruise (free packing list)
Waiting Area
You won’t be able to get off the cruise ship until your group number is called. Wait in the buffet or a public area on the cruise ship. Check out Why You Should Never Let the Cruise Line Choose Your Cabin
Cruise Card
Don’t throw away your cruise card just yet. You will need to scan out one last time before leaving the cruise ship. For Princess Cruise, you’ll have to scan your medallion (see photo). Check out 10 Best Things About Going on a Princess Cruise
Where to Find Your Luggage at the Cruise Terminal?
When you get off the cruise ship, you will see all the luggage arranged by group number. Look for your group number. Your check-in luggage should be there. Check out 8 Important Things to Do to Keep Your Luggage Safe on a Cruise
Customs and Immigration
After you retrieve your luggage, you will go through immigration and customs. So, make sure you have your passports out and ready. And if you are traveling with kids, I suggest using the restroom first before getting in line because once you are out of the cruise terminal, there might not be any restrooms. Trust me, I learned this the hard way! Check out I’ve Been on over 25 Cruises, Here are 17 Things I’ll Never Do on a Cruise