7 Ways to Have A Smooth Embarkation

Boarding a cruise ship can feel like an overwhelming experience, especially with kids in tow. But there are several things you can do to make the embarkation experience feel like smooth sailing (pun intended).

 

 

 

Plan Ahead

I try to do as much online or over the phone as soon as possible. Our first cruise was with Carnival, I called and asked a lot of questions and they were great about helping me set everything up online.

Passengers can complete the online check-in process on their cruise line’s website or they can call and complete their check-in over the phone. You can even get your luggage tags on-line. All you have to do is print them out, attach them to your luggage, and tape the ends of the tags together.

Shore excursions, specialty restaurant reservations, Kid’s Clubs, and reservations for the spa can be made online. Some ships like Disney and Royal Caribbean have special character breakfasts and you can also make these arrangements online as. This way, you don’t have to worry about running around all over the ship on your first day trying to make reservations. You and the kiddos can hit up the buffet and relax by the pool because all of the arrangements have been made online ahead of time.

It’s also a good idea to plan flights, hotel room stays, and transfers in advance so that you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.

 

 

 

 

Bring Activities for the Kids

Honestly, we have never had to wait very long to get on our cruise ship. By the time we go through security, take a few pre-cruise photos, take all the kids to the restroom, it’s time to get in line to check in. But I also like to bring a few little things to entertain them in case there is a wait.

We bring digital games on tablets or our phones. Or we bring those little pack n go coloring sets (usually found at the dollar store or Wal-Mart). Those few things aren’t to heavy or bulky and they are perfect for entertaining them for a little while.

 

 

 

 

 

Pack a Carry On Bag

Cruise cabins at not always ready until later in the afternoon.  If you check in early, you will have to wait a while until your room is ready for you and your luggage is delivered.

We always pack a bag or backpack to carry onboard. We bring our swimsuits, a change of clothes, sunscreen, medications, and all of our identification and important documents. That way, we can enjoy the pool and water slides while waiting to check out our cabin.

I also make sure that I bring our camera in our carry-on bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feed the Kids Before Heading to the Terminal

My kids tend to be excited on the day of the cruise and don’t want to eat, but then they are cranky later. Dealing with cranky kids makes waiting in lines and checking in more difficult.

I make them eat a decent breakfast and have snacks for them before we head into the terminal. We try to avoid things that are super sugary so that they aren’t extremely hyper or cranky at the terminal. There will be plenty time for unlimited ice cream and lava cakes once we are onboard.

Every terminal is different, but some have snack machines and drink machines. Some cruise lines offer complimentary water.

There is food available as soon as you board the ship (usually around noon), and most people head straight to the buffet.

 

 

 

 

 

Organize (and BRING!) All of Your Paperwork

We like to put our boarding passes and passports together in a Manilla envelope. Then, we place them in the front zipper pocket of my backpack or carry-on bag. I also make a photo copy of everything and give to my hubby for his carry-on, just in case something gets lost or misplaced.

 

 

 

 

 

Plan to Be At Your Departure Port Early

On our first cruise, we drove to the city of our departure port the day before our cruise. We got a good night sleep, ate a nice breakfast, and got to the cruise terminal early.

On our next cruise, we were only 6 hours away from the departure port, so we got up early and drove. I was really stressed out the whole drive. I worried about having a flat tire or other car issue and missing the boat.

We made it to the boat without any problem, but we had left so early ( 3 a.m.), we were exhausted. After the muster drill, we ate dinner and went to bed early (the kiddos were very tired and even fell asleep during the muster drill). We missed the sail away party and having fun on that first night.

I don’t think my nerves could handle flying in on the same day as the departure day of the cruise. We like getting into town early, seeing the sights, and enjoying the whole experience. I think I would rather pick a less expensive cruise in order to have enough money in the budget for a hotel and meals the night before the cruise.

Most cruise ships leave their departure port at 4 p.m., but check-in usually begins around 11 a.m. and embarkation begins around noon. Choosing an early arrival time (if the cruise offers this option) or arriving to the terminal early means you can start your vacation several hours before the ship sets sail and really get your money’s worth.

 

 

 

Bring Money for Tipping (Small Bills)

It’s a good idea to make sure you have some cash, especially small bills, before you get to the terminal. A lot of people use credit cards or their cruise key card for purchases on board the cruise ship, but you will need cash for tipping.

When you get to the port (before entering the terminal), you’ll hand off your luggage to the porters. It’s customary to tip $1 to $2 per bag.

You can also give your cabin attendant and waiter additional cash tips if you would like (most tipping on cruises is paid by credit card in one lump sum – usually around $12-15 per person, per day).

 

 

 

 

Time to Set Sail…

Now that you survived your embarkation with the kiddos,  it’s time to party enjoy your cruise!

Do you and your family have any tips for getting through embarkation day with kiddos? What works for you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

 

 

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