Traveling to and from your vacation destination is rarely the highlight of your trip. Between flight delays, traffic jams, and the overall hassle of travel, it is easy to feel drained before stepping onboard a cruise ship.
Similarly, after non-stop fun onboard, from long days spent ashore to indulging in delicious three-course meals each evening and staying awake for lively entertainment, returning home can sometimes feel even more exhausting!
When it comes to cruise ship travel, there are some dos and don'ts that will make your experience more enjoyable, beginning with embarkation. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid at embarkation and disembarkation to help you have a more seamless travel experience.
Embarkation
Flying in the morning of departure
Rather than begin your trip on a frazzled note, fly in the night before your ship departs. Though you may feel like you gave yourself enough buffer time to account for minor hiccups, anything from traffic en route to the airport to baggage delays can derail your travel plans.
In other words, scheduling your flight for the morning of embarkation is risky. Cruise ships operate on strict schedules, and they won't wait for you if your flight is delayed. Even if your ship isn't set to depart until 4:00pm, boarding must commence before that.
Similar to how boarding doors close for a flight's departure time, you cannot expect to arrive at the terminal minutes before your ship sets sail and board. Instead, it's best to err on the side of caution and schedule your flight for the night before. That way, if you run into any unforeseen circumstances, you have time to catch another flight or figure out alternative options.
Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise
Arriving at the terminal too early
When check-in for your sailing opens, you can select an arrival appointment indicating when you can get to the terminal to finish the physical check-in process. The arrival times are meant to help stagger the number of passengers boarding, so there isn't an influx of guests at any given time leading to lengthy delays.
Consider whether you want to be one of the first passengers on the ship or not. If you're driving, you may not plan to get to the terminal until around 1:00pm, meaning there's no point in taking an earlier slot from someone who has to abide by their hotel check-out time.
Whatever you decide, you shouldn't arrive any earlier than your appointed time. While there's a chance that the port employees may let you board earlier, they could also decide to have you wait until your chosen slot. Rather than risk waiting unnecessarily outside of the terminal, stick to your arrival time.
Read more: Cruise boarding times: how early to arrive at the terminal
Forgetting a carry-on bag
Upon arriving at the terminal, you will be greeted by a porter who will assist you with larger pieces of luggage (it's a good idea to keep a few small bills on hand to tip them!). Since it will be hours before you will see those bags again, you will need a small carry-on capable of holding important travel documents, medication, valuables, etc.
You, for instance, need your passport (or birth certificate/government-issued I.D.) to board the ship. If they're in your suitcase when the porter takes them away, it will create unnecessary stress. Similarly, though bags are typically delivered on embarkation day, you do not want to be without essential medications if yours gets misplaced.
Read more: Cruise packing list
Skipping the safety drill
The muster drill must be completed by all passengers before the ship sails away. Thankfully, many cruise lines have converted to a virtual process, allowing guests to watch safety videos on their phones before visiting their assigned assembly station on their own time.
Personally, I like to cross the muster drill off my to-do list as soon as possible. That way, I don't feel responsible for the inevitable messages over the PA system reminding passengers who have yet to complete their drill to do so. Plus, once it's done, I can transition into vacation mode without a looming task hanging over my head.
Not placing your mobile phone in airplane mode
Even if you purchased a Wi-Fi package, you'll want to put your phone in airplane mode before the ship sets sail. Otherwise, you may return home to a large cellular bill.
According to Cruise Radio, Danny Smith racked up $600 in charges after forgetting to disconnect his phone from the ship's cellular network. He had assumed the international plan he purchased from T-Mobile included unlimited talk and text; however, he was mistaken, as the plan didn't cover cruise ship travel.
To avoid a similar situation, don't delay putting your phone in airplane mode. If you have an international plan, you can always reconnect when docked in port; however, you'll rack up hefty roaming charges while at sea.
Read more: 11 Things You Should Never Do on Embarkation Day
Disembarkation
Booking an early flight
Disembarkation day is dreaded by many. Not only do you have to bid farewell to the friendly crew members who made your trip memorable, but many have a long travel day ahead of them, too. Naturally, you may think it's best to book one of the earliest flights, so you can return home at a decent hour. Though cruise ships do run on tight schedules, unforeseen circumstances can delay their return to port, which could cause you to miss your 9:00am flight.
In April 2024, Carnival Elation's return to Jacksonville, Florida was delayed due to an issue that limited its cruising speed. Guests embarking on the ship were advised to delay their arrival appointments by three hours, so those with an 11:30am time slot would be expected to get to the terminal at 2:30pm.
Many cruise lines advise booking a return flight no earlier than 12:00pm in case of delays. Though you'll likely be able to get to the airport earlier, the extra time acts as a buffer to account for unexpected circumstances and potentially long security lines.
Read more: Should I book my flight through my cruise line?
Not checking your final bill until moments before you step off the ship
Halfway through the cruise, you'll want to check your onboard statement to ensure everything looks right. While you can often do so through the mobile app, some prefer to request a printed copy at Guest Services. Taking a proactive approach helps minimize the chances of waiting in a lengthy line on disembarkation morning.
Even so, you'll want to check over your statement before getting off the ship, as once you're off, the cruise line will be unable to modify it, even if you were wrongfully charged for not returning a pool towel, extra cocktail, etc.
Packing your cruise card in your luggage
The night before you get off, you'll have to set your larger bags outside your cabin by a certain time, if opting for regular disembarkation. The luggage tag you receive corresponds to a disembarkation time, so you won't be able to get off the ship until your luggage tag group is called.
When packing your cabin, don't put any important documents in your suitcase, such as passports, boarding passes, car keys, and, most importantly, your cruise card. You'll need the latter to scan off the ship like in any other port of call.
Once off, however, you can safely tuck it away to keep as a souvenir of your time onboard! You will not need the cruise card in the terminal.
Read more: Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory
Skipping breakfast
Though disembarkation day signals the end of your time onboard, a select few amenities will be open before you get off. There's no need to hurry off the ship, whether you want a quick bite to eat in the buffet, specialty coffee, or a leisurely meal in the Main Dining Room.
Breakfast is often called "the most important meal of the day," and you shouldn't skimp on it, even on disembarkation day. You will want to fuel up for your journey back home. Enjoying a meal onboard may also mean you can avoid paying for an overpriced meal in the airport or save time on the road by avoiding stopping for food.
The night before, check the hours of each venue, as they're typically not open as late as throughout the cruise. The buffet, for instance, tends to close by 8:30am or 9:00am. You don't want to accidentally arrive a few minutes too late!
Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered
Not doing a thorough check of your stateroom before leaving
Even if you swear you've packed all your belongings, check every shelf and drawer before leaving your cabin for the last time. You never know when you will find a stray charging cord, misplaced necklace, makeup brush, or shoe!
Though it may seem tedious, especially if you're 99.9% positive you haven't left anything behind, it is worth the extra effort to ensure you won't have any lingering worries once off the ship.
P.S. It's best not to take anything from the cabin that doesn't belong to you. Cruise lines have the right to charge guests for stolen towels, bathrobes, etc., even once they've returned home!
Read more: 15 Things You Should Never Do in Your Cruise Ship Cabin
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
