Ahhh, embarkation day! There’s nothing quite like that sensation as you step onto the gangway of a cruise ship, suitcase in hand, ready to sail.
I still remember my first cruise as a kid, I was so excited to see for the first time the giant ship that many people had told me about.
But let me tell you, there are some rookie mistakes you’ll want to avoid on day one.
It’s extremely important to start your cruise off on the right foot, so read these carefully and avoid these common mistakes on embarkation day.
Don’t Arrive Way Too Early
I know that most of us can’t wait to get on the ship. That’s why some people head to the port very early, but in most cases, this is not a good choice.
The check-in counter is usually closed if you arrive too early, and you will have to wait anyway, meaning you got up early for nothing.
In addition, nowadays, almost all major cruise lines assign you a specific check-in time slot so that you know exactly when to arrive at the port.
For this reason, plan to hit the port close to your designated time. Also, because if you don’t wake up too early, you can fully enjoy the night on the ship!
Don’t Show Up Too Late
On the flip side, don’t gamble with arriving late.
Try to understand what I mean, even if it’s not easy to generalize for all cases.
For example, if you live near the port, leaving an hour before your check-in time is usually sufficient.
But if, for example, you have to catch a flight, the situation changes completely. In this case, I always try to arrive the day before the cruise to avoid any flight delays or cancellations.
Remember that the ship waits for literally no one, so still give yourself breathing room: fly in a day early or book a hotel nearby if you can.
Don’t Be Without a Carry-On Bag
At check-in, they take your big suitcases faster than you can think, which is great, except it usually means you won’t see your stuff for hours.
Pack a small carry-on with your passport, medications, a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and any must-haves (like cameras or chargers).
This way, you can enjoy the pool and activities on board without having to wait for your luggage to be delivered to your room.
Also, don’t forget to take a look at the 20 Must-Haves Everyone Forgets in Their Cruise Carry-On.
Don’t Try to Sneak Any Banned Stuff
Listen, I love my own little comforts, but don’t even think about slipping prohibited items onto the ship.
The scanners are smarter than they look. I know there are many stories of people who have managed to bring prohibited items on board, but I assure you it’s not worth it.
If it’s disallowed (weapons, illegal drugs, irons, excess alcohol, silly stuff like that), just leave it out. Cruise lines are strict because safety and local laws matter.
Some people have been banned for life by cruise lines precisely because they attempted to bring certain prohibited items on board, voluntarily and knowing that they were not allowed.
To avoid mistakes, check the list of items that are always confiscated at boarding.
Don’t Skip the Muster Drill
I know it may seem like a hassle to take part in the safety drill just when you’ve boarded the ship and are about to enjoy your first cocktail.
But guys, please don’t skip the muster drill. There was this one cruise where I saw someone try to sneak out during muster (she thought no one was watching).
The crew actually tapped her on the shoulder three times before gently insisting she participate. It’s serious stuff, they literally know where you are or aren’t, and your cabin number is on record.
And if your ship still does the classic life-jacket drill, just do it and get it over with. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can go and have fun.
In addition, many cruise lines now have digital muster drills. You can check the safety info in the app or on the stateroom TVs, and you just need to do a quick check-in at your assembly station to verify completion.
Don’t Go Overboard with Day-One Cocktails
I love vacation drinks as much as anyone. But here’s a golden rule: don’t party like there’s no tomorrow on your very first day on a cruise.
I know that having unlimited drinks is tempting, and the excitement of finally starting your vacation can be overwhelming, but try to hold back, or you risk ruining it.
There have been cases where passengers, under the influence of too much alcohol, have started causing trouble on board and have been disembarked at the first port of call.
In fact, it is one of the most common reasons why passengers are banned from cruise ships.
Don’t Dash Straight to Your Cabin
Another mistake I often see, even among the most experienced cruisers, is going straight to your cabin as soon as you board the ship.
Most of the time, your room isn’t ready yet! Especially if you had the super-early boarding slot and were among the first to board the ship.
In general, cabins are ready around 1–2 pm. If you go there before that time, all you get is a locked door and an unfriendly “not ready” sign.
It might be better to head straight to the buffet or grab a lounge chair.
After enjoying a delicious meal, you can go to your room, where your luggage will be waiting for you. You can take your time unpacking and putting your things away in the closet.
Oh, and of course, don’t forget to look over the things you should immediately check as soon as you arrive in your cabin.
Don’t Miss the Sail Away Party
Finally, don’t be a homebody on sail-away!
Many cruise lines have a “Sail-Away Party,” and there will probably be music, cold drinks, and maybe even a confetti cannon.
Seriously, it’s one of my favorite moments on any cruise (and it’s so worth the photos).
Once I had the bad idea of taking a nap after unpacking my bags, I completely missed the departure.
So, even if you’re tired from travel, have a nice coffee and try to be there. I promise, the first sunset cruise photo is worth missing a nap!
Of course, then you can enjoy everything the cruise ship has to offer. Have a look at the 10 free perks on cruises most people miss out on.
