Cruise disembarkation is, hand down, the worst part of going on a cruise. Aside from it being the end of your cruise vacation, it is also a stressful and hectic time. You will feel rushed. Here are tips on how to make it less stressful and smoother.
Request Your Disembarkation Time Early
It’s a good idea to request your disembarkation time, especially if you are catching an early flight or need to leave the ship at a certain time. Either go to guest services to make your request or do it in your cruise app. Some cruise lines will allow you to choose your disembarkation time on the app. Do this well before the last day of your cruise so you will be given the correct luggage tag.
Make Sure Your Luggage Tag is Correct
Your cabin steward will drop off a color-coded numbered luggage tag before the last day of your cruise. Your luggage tag color and group number will tell you what time you can leave the ship on disembarkation day. Make sure you are okay with your assigned departure time. If it’s too early or too late, go to guest services immediately and get a new luggage tag.
Pack Early
On the last night of the cruise, you will be asked to leave your check-in luggage outside in the hallway by 10 pm. Trying to pack up and have your luggage out by 10 pm always gets a little hectic. The key is to pack early, especially if you want to watch the evening show. Your goal is to have everything ready and packed by the time you head out for dinner.
Remember Your Carry-On Luggage
Remember to pack a carry-on luggage with which you will walk off the cruise ship with. It’s best to use a small roller luggage so you can wheel it out. Your change of clothes, medications, and toiletry bag should fit in it. It will be a very stressful disembarkation day if you forget to set aside a change of clothes! Check out our free packing list: Caribbean cruise packing list
Don’t Wake Up Too Early
You will be asked to vacate your cabin by 7 am. Don’t make it more stressful on yourself by waking up too early. Yes, some passengers give themselves unnecessary anxiety by waking up at 4:30 am! Give yourself just enough time to have breakfast and then depart the ship. Check out 11 Fun Things to Pack on Your Next Cruise
Main Dining Room Breakfast
If you have time, it’s best to have breakfast in the main dining room because the buffet will be a zoo! It will be a much more leisurely and relaxing breakfast experience in the main dining room. You will avoid the stressful situation of holding a full plate while pushing your carry-on luggage and looking for a vacant buffet table.
Instead, you will enjoy a full-service breakfast with a waiter and assistant waiter catering to your needs. It’s so much more relaxing to have breakfast at the main dining room! Check out 7 Things to Always Pay for in Cash on a Cruise
Use Porters
Most cruise terminals have porters ready to help you with your luggage. If you have a lot of check-in luggage or you are cruising with small children, getting a porter to help you will make it less hectic. Plus, some cruise terminals have a special line for passengers with porters. Sometimes that means you can breeze through customs and immigration! Check out 12 Disembarkation Day Mistakes People Make When They Get Off the Cruise Ship
Pre-Book Your Transportation
Instead of scrambling to get a cab or an Uber, why not make it less stressful for yourself by pre-booking your ride? This is especially true if you are traveling with a big group and need a van. Plan ahead and pre-book your transportation. Check out 14 Important Things to Do on Cruise Disembarkation (Free Checklist)