Boarding your cruise ship will be the most important step of your cruising holiday! Check out this article below to find out how.
On Arrival At The Cruise Terminal
The arrival and check-in process for a cruise ship can be chaotic, but it’s usually organized. Your cruise line will let you know when to arrive at the port, usually from late morning to mid- afternoon.
It’s possible to show up at any time. Usually the busiest time for boarding is between noon and 2 p.m., so we recommend arriving just before or after that window.
If the passengers from the previous cruise are still disembarking, you’ll have to wait around. You also shouldn’t cut it too close; understand that if you arrive after check-in has ended, even by just a few minutes, you likely will not be allowed to board.
You should be aware that if you arrive after check-in has ended, you won’t be allowed to board the ship.
When you arrive at the cruise terminal, the first thing to do is locate your boarding documents . If you don’t already have them with you, make sure they’re ready ahead of time.
Once you’ve located these items, head over to the embarkation desk where you’ll need to present yourself in person. The staff there will ask you some questions about who you are and what type of cabin you want on the ship. They may also take down information such as your passport number and contact details.
Once all of this paperwork is taken care of, you’ll receive an electronic ticket which allows you access to the ship. This means you no longer need to carry paper tickets.
Security Clearance Before You Board The Cruise Ship
Your final task is to go through security screening. Cruise ships use metal detectors to screen guests entering their premises. These devices look for weapons, explosives, drugs, and other contraband.
They scan each passenger individually, so everyone must pass through the machine. It takes only seconds to complete, but it does mean you might get delayed while waiting for others to clear customs.
After passing through security, you’ll be given instructions regarding where to meet your crew members. Crew members are responsible for helping you settle into your stateroom once onboard.
How Do I Get On The Cruise Ship
Once you have checked in and have your cruise card , you’ll be escorted off the pier onto the boat. Once aboard, you’ll be shown to your room by the onboard crew members, either using the elevators and staircases.
Most cruises offer several different types of cabins: inside, balcony, suite, mini-suite, and ocean view. Each one offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You would have selected the type of cabin when you booked the cruise with your cruise line or Travel Agent.
Inside cabins are typically smaller than suites, but they come equipped with more amenities like televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.
Will I Have To Carry The Suitcases When I Board The Cruise Ship?
When you board the cruise ship you will not have to carry any luggage. Your bags will be delivered directly to your room upon arrival. However, you can choose to bring along personal belongings such as clothing, toiletries, etc., depending on how long you plan to stay onboard.
Will My Cabin Be Ready When I Board The Cruise Ship?
Your cabin may not be ready when you board In fact, most people find that their rooms aren’t fully furnished until around two hours before departure.
Wait For The Announcement For When Cabins Are Ready
Dropping off your stuff and putting valuables in a safe feels great. If you packed your swimsuit or gym clothing, you can go swim for rest of the afternoon. The cabin steward can introduce you to their services and give you a tour of your cabin. After you’ve boarded, your luggage will be on it’s way. You can either place it in your room or outside. It’s a good idea to unpack before the muster drill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Deck Do You Enter A Cruise Ship On?
You enter a cruise ship from the main deck level. Most cruise lines allow passengers to walk up and down stairs between decks during embarkation. Some cruise lines also provide special areas called “stairways” where passengers can wait for boarding without having to climb stairs. Stairs are usually located near the front entrance of the vessel.
The first time you step foot on a cruise ship, you’re going to feel overwhelmed at all the new things you see. Don’t worry! We’ve got some tips to help make sure everything goes smoothly.
Does It Get Crowded When You Embark On A Cruise Ship?
Yes, there is always a crowd waiting to get on board. This is normal and expected. There are many reasons why this happens. First, you need to remember that these ships were built specifically for cruising. They are designed to accommodate large numbers of guests comfortably. Second, most cruise lines require reservations for specific dates and times. Third, if you book early enough, you might even score an upgrade. Fourth, sometimes cruise lines add extra capacity to accommodate last minute cancellations. Fifth, some cruise lines hold back certain sailings so they don’t overcrowd their vessels. Finally, some cruise lines only sell tickets online because they want to avoid crowds.
Due to the recent pandemic, people will now be given dedicated times to board the cruise ship to stagger everyone boarding.
Do I Have To Show Identity When I Board The Cruise Ship?
Children ages 5-17 must present proof of parental consent. Passengers age 17 and older must produce valid photo identification.
Do I Need Travel Insurance To Board A Cruise Ship?
No, travel insurance isn’t required to board a cruise ship. However, we recommend purchasing trip cancellation/interruption coverage while booking your vacation package. Trip interruption coverage protects against unexpected events like illness, injury, natural disasters, terrorism, war, riots, civil unrest, strikes, weather conditions, acts of God, government restrictions, political instability, labor disputes, accidents, fires, theft, loss of property, quarantine, detention by immigration authorities, and other similar occurrences.
Trip cancellation coverage provides compensation for missed itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Edit: Due to the recent pandemic, travel insurance is now required for most cruise lines to cover repatriation costs if needed.
When Is The Best Time To Board A Cruise Ship?
The best time to board a cruise ship depends on what type of cruise line you choose. If you have booked a private cabin or suite with balcony, then it’s probably better to arrive when the ship docks in port rather than before. Otherwise, arriving as close to departure as possible may work out well. For example, if you plan to depart from Miami, Florida, USA, then you should try to arrive around noon to ensure you catch the ship right after lunch.
What Documents Do You Need To Board A Cruise Ship
You’ll need to bring along all documents listed below. These include passports, visa requirements, health certificates, immunization records, etc. Some cruises also ask passengers to provide additional documentation such as birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, court order, adoption papers, medical history, military discharge papers, police record, social security card, driver’s license, passport photos, etc.
Passport – Required for international travelers.
Visa – Required for foreign nationals traveling outside of North America.
Immunizations – Recommended but not mandatory for those who are healthy.
Health Certificate – Must be provided within 72 hours prior to sailing.
Medical History Form – This form can help determine whether someone has any pre-existing conditions that could affect his or her ability to safely participate in activities onboard the vessel. It includes questions about previous illnesses, surgeries, hospital stays, medications taken, allergies, pregnancy status, family members’ medical histories, current vaccinations, blood types, etc.
Marriage License – Only necessary if you’re getting married during the voyage.
Divorce Decree – Only necessary if you’ve been divorced recently.
Court Order – Only necessary if you were convicted of a crime.
Adoption Papers – Only necessary if you adopted a child recently.
Military Discharge Paper – Only necessary if you served in the armed forces.
Police Record – Only necessary if you had an arrest warrant issued against you.
Social Security Card – Only necessary if you don’t already have one.
Driver’s License – Only necessary if there was a reason why you didn’t receive a US Passport.
Birth Certificate – Only necessary if you haven’t received a new passport yet.
Photo ID – Bring photo identification showing name, date of birth, address, and signature.
Photocopy of your passport – Photocopies aren’t accepted by some ports so make sure you get copies made at home.
What Are The Requirements For Boarding A Cruise Ship?
If you want to travel aboard a luxury liner like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line or Holland American Line, then you will likely find yourself having to meet certain criteria. In most cases, these rules apply only to first time guests. However, they might change depending on what type of cruise line you choose. Here is a list of things you must know:
Age Limit
The minimum age requirement varies between different lines. If you’re under 18 years old, then you won’t qualify for many cruises unless you have parental consent. On RCI ships, children ages 5 through 12 require special permission from their parents. Children younger than 4 cannot join HAL ships. NCL requires that kids be 6 years old or older.
Children Under 2 Years Old Can Be Brought Onboard With Their Parents
On all major cruise lines, babies up to two years old can come along with their parents as long as both adults hold tickets. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance coverage for them. They also need to stay below deck until it’s time to disembark. Babysitting services may be available onboard.
Carry Your Own Documents
You should bring your own documents when boarding a cruise ship because you won’t always be able to access the ones you carry. Make sure you keep photocopies of everything important including passports, visas, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, criminal records, health certificates, immunization forms, etc.
Bring Cash And Credit Cards
Cash and credit cards are not allowed onboard any cruise ship. This includes debit cards too. It’s best to use cash instead since you can exchange money at the port where you arrive. Also, you could lose your wallet while traveling.
Can You Board A Cruise Ship With A Cold?
You can board a cruise ship with a cold but you shouldn’t expect much help from crew members. Most people who work on cruise ships are just doing their job. Some staff members might even refuse to serve you food or drinks. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your vacation! Just remember to take care of yourself during your trip. Take plenty of rest days and drink lots of water. Don’t forget to eat healthy meals every day.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you further. Try to avoid crowds whenever possible. Stay away from places where germs spread easily such as public restrooms, elevators, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, casinos, movie theaters, etc. Keep your hands clean and wash frequently. Use hand sanitizer before touching anything.
What Is Security Like When You Board A Cruise Ship?
Security measures vary by company. For example, Royal Caribbean has an extensive security system in place. Passengers enter through one checkpoint and leave through another. The same goes for Carnival Corporation. Other companies like P&O Cruises don’t seem to have any kind of security whatsoever. So if you want peace of mind, make sure you check out each individual cruise line’s website beforehand.
Do I Need A Boarding Pass For A Cruise Ship?
If you’re worried about safety aboard a cruise ship, there is no reason to worry. There are strict rules regarding what passengers can and can’t wear. Crew members will inspect luggage thoroughly before allowing anyone into the cabin. If they find something suspicious, they will confiscate it immediately. In addition, some cruise lines offer free baggage storage facilities so you don’t have to lug around heavy suitcases.