The big day is approaching, and you're finally getting ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. But how can you ensure you're prepared to start your vacation on the right foot? You need a plan for when to arrive at the port, and you should have some knowledge about the embarkation process.
Cruise lines used to allow passengers to show up at the terminal any time within a half-day window on embarkation day. Now, in an effort to stagger crowds and prevent long waits at the terminal, most cruise lines either assign boarding times or ask passengers to pick their preferred times.
When should you arrive for a cruise? This is actually a two-part question: When should you arrive in your ship's departure port city before your sailing? Or, when should you arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day? The answer to the first question depends on how far of a commute you have to the cruise port. If you live within driving distance of your departure port, it's acceptable to make the drive the same day your ship leaves — unless you're looking at a multihour drive and don't want to cut it too close to boarding time.
If you're catching a plane, when to fly in for your cruise depends on several factors. I always advise flying in at least one day before you're scheduled to embark, just in case you encounter any delays or cancellations. That way, you have time to rebook yourself on a different flight if something goes wrong.
However, adding the cost of a precruise hotel stay onto the overall bill isn't always doable for every traveler, especially those on tight budgets. If that's the case and you can find an early flight that gets you to your port city with some wiggle room, you can fly in on the same day you sail.
Either way, I recommend purchasing cruise travel insurance (through a third party, not through your cruise line) that will protect your investment if something happens and you miss your ship.
The Port Tampa Bay cruise terminal waiting room.
Cruise ships usually begin boarding an hour or two after all passengers from the previous voyage have left the ship. Disembarkation generally wraps up by 10 a.m. at the latest, and some extra time is allowed for the crew to start on tasks like provisioning (restocking of supplies and food), bunkering (refueling) and cleaning the vessel's cabins and public areas for the next round of guests.
Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship's schedule and how long it takes everyone to disembark from the last cruise. Most cruise ships require all passengers to be on board at least two hours before the scheduled departure time, which is almost always in the late afternoon or evening.
Completing check-in online before embarkation day is one of the easiest ways to speed up the boarding process. Most cruise lines open online check-in between 30 and 90 days before sailing, depending on the line and your loyalty status.
Once check-in opens, log into your cruise line's website or app and enter your travel documents, set up your onboard account, upload a security photo (if required) and select your boarding time. The earlier you complete these steps, the more boarding slots you'll get to choose from.
The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are the fewest lines and the shortest waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.
Either way, I recommend purchasing cruise travel insurance (through a third party, not through your cruise line) that will protect your investment if something happens and you miss your ship.
When you arrive at the terminal facility in your port of embarkation, you can expect the scene to be chaotic. Follow signs for the applicable arrival channel, whether that be parking or drop-offs via taxis, Ubers and shuttles.
Before you head inside, leave large bags with the porters, who will make sure they're safely loaded onto the ship. (Although it's not required, it's nice to give a dollar or two per bag as a tip.)
You can't miss the porters and their baggage carts, as they line up on the curb by the terminal.
When you enter the terminal building, you must show your ID and boarding documents and proceed through a security check. Your carry-on bags pass through a scanner, and you'll have to walk through a metal detector.
Although it's similar to the procedure at airport security, you won't have to take your shoes off or remove laptops or liquids from your bags (unless security finds contraband alcohol or something else that looks suspicious).
Then, you'll proceed to the check-in desk, where an agent will help you complete the process. If you've already checked in online, you'll usually be able to board more quickly.
Some cruise lines and ports have streamlined the process even further. If you're a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises passenger and you check-in through the app ahead of time, you can skip the traditional check-in desk; meanwhile, MSC Cruises has introduced biometric check-in at some ports to speed up embarkation.
How long does it take to board a cruise ship? The length of time it will take from curb to gangway will vary based on several considerations, including whether you're traveling light, whether the cruise terminal and cruise line are technologically advanced, and whether you have priority boarding.
Most cruise lines assign boarding times or ask guests to select a time slot during check-in. If you arrive outside your assigned window, you may be asked to wait until your scheduled time.
Is it bad to board early? Not necessarily. Early boarding gives you more time onboard, but can mean longer lines and a higher chance your cabin won't be ready.
When will my cabin be ready? Cabins typically become available in the early afternoon — often between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. — although it can be later on ships with tight turnaround schedules.
Most cruise lines open key venues as soon as boarding begins, so you can grab lunch at the buffet, relax by the pool, order a drink at a bar and start exploring the ship while other passengers filter in.
Before departure, all passengers must complete the mandatory muster drill, which covers basic safety procedures and emergency meeting locations.
Embarkation day is one of the few times that you are separated from your luggage and cabin — sometimes for many hours. Pack a carry-on with the essentials you'll need before your bags arrive, including your travel documents, medications, valuables, phone charger, swimsuit and change of clothes.
As for what to wear, comfort is key. You may spend time walking through the terminal, standing in queues and moving around the ship before your cabin is ready. Comfortable shoes and lightweight layers are usually best, particularly if it's hot or the weather is stormy.
The bottom line is that if you're flying in, it's a good idea to arrive in your embarkation port city the day before your cruise. Ships usually start boarding shortly after the final passenger has disembarked from the previous sailing, usually between 10 and 11 a.m.
Adhering to your assigned embarkation time will help to keep the boarding process running smoothly. (When choosing a time, aim for something in the afternoon, after the morning rush has died down.)
