How to Prepare for Cruise Embarkation Day

If you’re new to cruising, then you probably haven’t given a lot of thought to how to prepare for embarkation day, aka boarding day, aka the first day of your cruise vacation. And, for the most part, it’s not something you should spend too much time stressing over — you are going on vacation after all! But I’ve found that just a little extra preparation can go a long way to making sure that your first hours on board are memorable … for the right reasons.

So, let’s get into it. Here is what you need to know about preparing for cruise embarkation day.

Getting to the Port

Have a plan for how you will get to the port, whether you’re taking a shuttle, hailing a rideshare, or driving yourself. Also, make sure you have the address for the port, which is in your cruise paperwork. Some ports have multiple ships going out, so the addresses can vary (like Port Canaveral, learned that one the hard way).

If you are lucky enough to live close to your port and have a friend who is willing to drive you, that’s probably the easiest option! Buy that friend a drink when you get back.

Taking a shuttle

Some hotels near ports (like the Crowne Plaza in San Pedro) offer a shuttle to the port. It’s worth contacting the hotel ahead of time to find out how much it costs and what you need to do to register. If you are solo or just don’t want to deal with the hassle of figuring out where the port is the day of your cruise, I highly recommend staying at a hotel that will shuttle you there the day of.

Rideshare

It can be harder to get a Lyft or Uber than you think, especially if you are not staying right by the port the night before your cruise. For instance, when we cruised out of Port Canaveral, we ended up getting a Lyft from our Orlando hotel really fast, but I later learned that was not the norm. I have since started reserving a Lyft ahead of time, and that has worked well so far!

Parking

If you are parking at a port, look at how many other ships will be leaving that day. The last time I sailed out of San Pedro, there were two cruises leaving, and people had a hard time finding parking the later it got. So, that’s one reason to think about an earlier boarding time (see below).

What time should you get to the port on embarkation day?

It’s the age-old question. I’m going to offer advice based on the standard sail-away time of 4:00 on most (I think) Royal Caribbean cruises. *I do realize some ships sail later, especially out of Puerto Rico, so this advice may not hold up the same.*

Early embarkation – 10:30-12

The earliest you can usually embark is 10:30, though often that is just for suite and key guests (maybe Pinnacle members too). I’ve done 11:00, and honestly, not worth the hype in my opinion. The lines are super long because everyone wants to get on first, and then you have to hang on to your carryon until cabins are ready at 1:00.

BUT there are some perks to boarding early. If you are driving, getting an early boarding time can mean an easier time parking. Also, it’s true that you can start using your drink package immediately, so if you really want to make the most of your vacation, early boarding gives you a few extra hours.

Midday embarkation 12-1:30

This is my sweet spot. I like to aim to be at the port around 12:30. So far, I have been able to do this and be on board before 1:00, which is when cabins open. I head to the bar for some kind of drink (sometimes a water, others a margarita, depends on the trip), and then get to my cabin a few minutes later.

I’ve found that the crowds are much lower during this timeframe. I will note that I have only done this using a rideshare, so I didn’t have to worry about parking.

Later embarkation 1:30-2:30

I’ve never done this late before, so I can’t speak from experience. I do know that it would stress me out to pick a later boarding time because you have to be all aboard by 2:30. So, my thought is that it is good there is this option so if you’re running late, you can still make the ship. But I would plan on getting to the port earlier.

Other thoughts on boarding time

Sometimes all the boarding times are gone, and the latest option is what’s left. If you pick a later boarding time, like 2:00, and arrive at the port earlier, you might be able to board earlier. I do not want to promise anything, and they have every right to have you wait, but at least you would know that you made it in time. Every port I’ve been in has comfortable areas to sit and wait. Also, I have never once been asked what time my boarding time was, so there is a very reasonable chance you can board earlier than your assigned time. But, again, I am NOT making promises or suggesting that you should feel entitled to get on board whenever you show up.

If you want to play by the rules and secure an earlier boarding time, keep refreshing the boarding times the day of boarding. On one cruise, I checked in late, and the only time left was 2:00. The morning of, I refreshed a few times and ended up with an 11:00 AM boarding time.

Do the Muster Drill First

Your muster station is listed on your SeaPass card in the app. As soon as you get on board, head to your muster station so you know where to go in an emergency. EVERYONE has to do this before they sail, so you might as well get it out of the way.

There was one time when we decided to wait and do this after putting away our luggage in our room. I got a call in the room very sternly telling me I was supposed to do the muster drill first before going to the cabin. So, they do check on you, and they won’t be happy if you skip it.

Back in the old days, you had to get a life vest on and stand in the heat while they told you what to do and how to board a lifeboat. I remember this vividly because, on the first cruise I went on, I was suffering from a condition that made me black out and vomit when I got overheated (growing pains? We never figured it out, and it just went away once I got into high school). One of my first memories of being on a cruise is of the staff sprinting me down the elegant stairs of Sovereign of the Seas, holding a bag under my chin to catch the vomit.

Ah, good times.

These days, all they do is scan your pass. Easy peasy.

Where to eat when you get on board

Ok, this is THE question for me and my family. I like to starve us in the morning so we are ready to indulge in all the free food options onboard. (Yes, I know it’s not “Free” since we already paid for it. But you know what I mean. And no, I don’t actually starve us, but I sure as heck do not pay for a fancy restaurant breakfast on embarkation day.)

Included restaurants

Personally, I like to avoid the Windjammer on embarkation day. It is crowded and hard to find a spot. Even after cabins are open, people often still have their carry-ons with them, which take up space and overcrowd tables.

So, instead, I’ll head to one of the other included restaurants. On Quantum class ships, my favorite spot is Cafe 260, though the Solarium Bistro is another good option. On Oasis ships, Central Park Cafe is a really great spot. Both Cafe 260 and Central Park Cafe have soups, salads, and sandwiches, so they’re good for all kinds of eaters. They also have plenty of spread-out seating, so you don’t feel like you are on top of everybody.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has some version of a Promenade Cafe, which is another good casual place but with fewer options — my kids like to head here for the desserts. I skip Sorrentos Pizza at this point because I know I will be there for my midnight pizza later, but that’s also another option.

Look in your cruise app when you get on board to see what’s open, and then go somewhere that is not the Windjammer; that is basically my advice here. If you do go to Windjammer and are with a few people, I recommend sending one person to secure a table while everyone else gets their food. Otherwise you’ll likely all end up eating cold food.

Paid dining

Another option is to pay for the embarkation lunch. I have not done this, but I have heard from others who like to do this so they can have a nice, leisurely sit-down meal. You’ll need to book this ahead of time on the app. Options will vary.

The Key dining

A final option is for people who purchase The Key ahead of time in the app. This gives you some additional perks, including being able to eat in the Main Dining Room on embarkation day. People say they like having a sit-down meal and a place to store their luggage. Again, I have not done this option, but I can certainly see the appeal!

What to Pack

You can only bring carry-on sized luggage with you. If it doesn’t fit in their security scanner, they will want you to give it to a porter. So, if you really want to bring your luggage with you, make sure it is in carry-on size. Keep in mind that the rooms are not ready until around 1, and your luggage is typically delivered to your room by 3.

I know that some people have concerns over losing their luggage, so I won’t tell you what to do. But just know that if you want to bring it all with you, it should be in carry-on size bags and you probably want to do a 1:00 or later boarding time so you can put it all right in your room.

Otherwise, leave your big stuff with a porter (make sure to tip a few bucks; I usually give $5 for two of us). Then, pack a carry-on, either a backpack or a small suitcase, that you are OK carrying with you until the cabins are ready. I bring an extra set of clothes, my bathing suit, and any chargers and medication I will definitely want with me in case I don’t get my luggage until later. Only once has it taken longer than a few hours for the luggage to arrive, but it can happen.

Relax and Enjoy Yourself! You’re on Vacation!

I like to go to the Sailaway party, but some people prefer to spend their time on their balcony, in the bar, or anywhere else on the ship. By this point it is YOUR vacation, so do whatever makes you happy! Have fun, be safe, and check your cruise app for the latest on activities and entertainment for the evening.

Are you ready for your next embarkation day? Let’s get you booked! See what’s available here, or send an email to theseasuitelife@gmail.com for help finding the perfect cruise for your next sailaway.