Cruise First Day and Embarkation Questions
Q: What documents and paperwork will I need to check in for my cruise?
A: Ask your cruise line what type of travel documentation you will need or visit a state or country's website to find more information about valid identification. Never assume that something will be accepted. Always research and check in advance to make sure that you have correct documentation. Apply for required photo id or documentation in advance. I recommend that you apply for these items at least sixth months in advance. Give yourself plenty of time to receive these items and time for processing. Not having proper documentation or photo id could cause you to be turned away from your cruise.
In addition to having the required government/legal documents you will probably also need to a boarding pass or booking confirmation. Check with your cruise line to see what they require.
Q: What time does check for a cruise start? What time does boarding for a cruise start?
A: Many cruise lines publish this information on their website or on booking documents. Sometimes this will vary by a cruise line's ship and departure port.
Q: Does my cruise ship offer a tour on the first day?
A: Many cruise lines offer a free ship tour on the first day that will show you around the basic public areas. Tours like this are good for people who have never been on the particular cruise ship. Find out on the first day of your cruise if your ship will be offering a free tour. If not, try to make it a point to tour the ship for yourself!
Q: What if I get lost on my cruise ship?
A: For some people getting lost onboard the cruise ship can be a problem. Some people forget the front and the back, while others can't remember where certain places are. If you cannot figure out which way is front and back, look outside a window while the ship is moving and try to see which way the ship is moving. However, this won't work if the ship is backing up or not moving at all.
Q: Is the casino open on the first day of the cruise?
A: Most likely the casino will not be open until after the ship has departed on the first day. There may be a few exceptions to this, but this is the primary way cruise ships operate on the first day. Your cruise ship should publish when the casino opens on the first day.
Q: What do with my luggage at the cruise terminal?
A: Most cruise terminals have people waiting to take your luggage that you want to check in. This luggage will be taken on the ship for you after it is scanned and searched if needed. If you are taking a carry on bag you will need to hold on to this and bring it with you through the boarding process.
Q: Will my stateroom be ready when I get on?
A: This depends on the cruise line and ship, but most likely not unless you have special privileges.
Q: Are the bars open on the first day of the cruise?
A: Typically bars will be open on the first day of the cruise. In some departure ports cruise ships must serve a limited bar menu because of local or state laws. In those cases the cruise line will switch to a full menu after departure.
Q: Are the youth programs or kid's clubs open on the first day?
A: The youth programs or kid's clubs are usually open on the first day, but do not have full service until the evening after setting sail. Sometimes during the afternoon or early evening of the first day there will be meet & greet or "get to know" activities. The youth programs will almost always publish a schedule of events and activities from the start of the cruise. The first day is usually a day of registering for these clubs too.
Q: Am I required to go to the Muster Station Drill? Is it possible to skip?
A: Yes, you are required by law to go the muster station drill. It is hard to skip as attendance can be taken and cabins are usually searched during the drill. If you try to skip the drill you can be fined or kicked off the ship for failure to comply with safety regulations.
A: Ask your cruise line what type of travel documentation you will need or visit a state or country's website to find more information about valid identification. Never assume that something will be accepted. Always research and check in advance to make sure that you have correct documentation. Apply for required photo id or documentation in advance. I recommend that you apply for these items at least sixth months in advance. Give yourself plenty of time to receive these items and time for processing. Not having proper documentation or photo id could cause you to be turned away from your cruise.
In addition to having the required government/legal documents you will probably also need to a boarding pass or booking confirmation. Check with your cruise line to see what they require.
Q: What time does check for a cruise start? What time does boarding for a cruise start?
A: Many cruise lines publish this information on their website or on booking documents. Sometimes this will vary by a cruise line's ship and departure port.
Q: Does my cruise ship offer a tour on the first day?
A: Many cruise lines offer a free ship tour on the first day that will show you around the basic public areas. Tours like this are good for people who have never been on the particular cruise ship. Find out on the first day of your cruise if your ship will be offering a free tour. If not, try to make it a point to tour the ship for yourself!
Q: What if I get lost on my cruise ship?
A: For some people getting lost onboard the cruise ship can be a problem. Some people forget the front and the back, while others can't remember where certain places are. If you cannot figure out which way is front and back, look outside a window while the ship is moving and try to see which way the ship is moving. However, this won't work if the ship is backing up or not moving at all.
Q: Is the casino open on the first day of the cruise?
A: Most likely the casino will not be open until after the ship has departed on the first day. There may be a few exceptions to this, but this is the primary way cruise ships operate on the first day. Your cruise ship should publish when the casino opens on the first day.
Q: What do with my luggage at the cruise terminal?
A: Most cruise terminals have people waiting to take your luggage that you want to check in. This luggage will be taken on the ship for you after it is scanned and searched if needed. If you are taking a carry on bag you will need to hold on to this and bring it with you through the boarding process.
Q: Will my stateroom be ready when I get on?
A: This depends on the cruise line and ship, but most likely not unless you have special privileges.
Q: Are the bars open on the first day of the cruise?
A: Typically bars will be open on the first day of the cruise. In some departure ports cruise ships must serve a limited bar menu because of local or state laws. In those cases the cruise line will switch to a full menu after departure.
Q: Are the youth programs or kid's clubs open on the first day?
A: The youth programs or kid's clubs are usually open on the first day, but do not have full service until the evening after setting sail. Sometimes during the afternoon or early evening of the first day there will be meet & greet or "get to know" activities. The youth programs will almost always publish a schedule of events and activities from the start of the cruise. The first day is usually a day of registering for these clubs too.
Q: Am I required to go to the Muster Station Drill? Is it possible to skip?
A: Yes, you are required by law to go the muster station drill. It is hard to skip as attendance can be taken and cabins are usually searched during the drill. If you try to skip the drill you can be fined or kicked off the ship for failure to comply with safety regulations.