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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These are great info specially for people like me who are planning to have a cruise in the future. Thank you for sharing these awesome tips…
Thank you for all of this advice. We are going on our first cruise this summer with our 5 and 7 year old and I admit I am a little nervous about it.
Laurie Emerson
You will have a great time Laura!
Great tips for cruising!
Thank you Ellen!
I do a lot of planning before the cruise, like researching the ports and activities, info about th boat, etc. You can also book your shore excursions directly, rather than through the ship, and get a significant discount!
Yes, planning ahead helps a lot!
I’ve never been on a cruise with kids but it sounds like a lot of extra planning is necessary!
There is a lot of planning Rivka, but we always have so much fun on cruises!
I am going to remember this for the next time we travel. I hope we have an easier trip.
I learned a lot of lessons the hard way during our first cruise. Now is so much easier since I do most of the work before we board the boat. I hope this post helps. Thanks for visiting Susan!
We’ve been looking into booking our first cruise and I’m very nervous!! There so much to see and do and planning things out is going to be very important. Thanks for all the very helpful tips!!
– Amber Y
There is a lot of planning but it is so worth it! Cruises are a lot of FUN! I hope ya’ll have a great time!
Awesome tips! especially the small bills I always forget to get cash
Yes! I learned this the hard way! You can get cash from the ATM but the fees are crazy high. Thanks for visiting Sarah!
I’m glad you mentioned the tipping! Great idea that most often forget.
I learned that the hard way Kimberley! The baggage handlers work so hard – they definitely deserve a nice tip.
Great tips! I do so much research online before I cruise for ideas of what to do onboard or in port. I don’t know if it is ok to mention a website, so if not, please delete, but I find Cruise Critic to be a wonderful source for info. Especially the message boards (if you can ignore the inevitable snarky comments that seem to pop up on any social site).
OOOOooooohhh! I love Cruise Critic too Clair! I do take the meanie comments with a grain of salt. Most of the recommendations are very helpful.
Snacks and activities are key! One fun thing to bring is a yo-yo. We used to take them to play with while standing in line at Disneyland, they are great conversation starters (and fairly cheap to boot)
Great idea Tina! I would just have to figure out a way to prevent my kids from turning the yo-yo into a weapon…
Great tips! We are going on a cruise in July, so this was extremely helpful!
Thank you Stephanie! I hope you all have a great cruise!
Love the tips! I can’t wait for vacation!
Thanks Laura! I can’t wait either!
A very good list and thorough.
Thank you Lisa! I appreciate it!
It is important to make copies of important documents. I haven’t done this yet, but I will!
You are so right Kelly! You never know when you might need a back up of an important document.
Great tips
I find traveling so expensive !!! I don’t know how most are affording it to be quite honest !
It can be expensive Dawn! We have to save and find lots of free and cheap activities so we can travel.
We have been on a couple of cruises with our children but they are teenagers so they can occupy themselves while waiting to embark. We all bring backpacks with us not only to have clothes with us because it can take a while for the luggage to get to the room but the night before you get into port they take your luggage so you need to have a bag to pack clothes and whatever you use in the morning.
Great tip Susan!
Great tips and advice!
Thanks Elizabeth and thanks for visiting!