Your cruise vacation dreams are now a reality. You've packed your bags, filled out your cruise documentation, and you're about to start your adventure. But are you really ready to go? Here are some tips about the embarkation process that you'd be wise to take care of before you head out for your cruise vacation:
Travel Documents and a Change of Clothes
Keep all of your travel documents on your person, including tickets for the cruise, travelers vouchers, your passport, and the immigration forms that the cruise line sent you in advance. By travelers vouchers, I mean bus vouchers that your cruise line sent you to get you from the ship from the airport. Also pack a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case it gets delayed.
Standing in Lines is Expected
When you get to the ship, keep a cool head because the embarkation process can be a little chaotic. There are going to be lines, especially at the beginning of the check in process. There will be lots of stressed out people in line so take some deep breaths, relax, and take things in stride. Many of the major cruise lines have loyalty or reward programs and may even have preferred check in areas. Check on this with your travel agent because it can save you lots of time.
Credit Card Required
When checking in, you'll be required to give the cruise line a credit card for incidentals and on board charges. Keep your room card with you because it serves as your on board credit card and also identifies you for getting on and off the cruise ship at ports of call. Here's a good tip. If you get to your ship early enough you'll get two benefits - you'll get to have lunch on board and you'll get the best shot at getting the spa and beauty appointments you want.
Smile for the Camera
Just before getting to the gangway you will likely be stopped to pose for a picture that will be taken to commemorate your trip. The picture will be displayed in the cruise ship's photo gallery in case you decide to purchase it. Get past the photographer and you're on your way. Happy Cruising!
Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all."
- Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog
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Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
Thanks for some quality points there. I am kind of new to online , so I printed this off to put in my file, any better way to go about keeping track of it then printing?