boarding cruise ship entrance

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

The Cruise Boarding Process: What to Expect When You Arrive at the Port

If you’re a first-time cruiser, wondering what to expect at the port can be nerve-wracking. With so many rules and regulations regarding air travel these days, then it’s easy to think that taking a cruise will be similar.

The truth is, while there are some similarities to air travel, it’s actually much less stressful to board a cruise. And to help you prepare for your trip, we’ve explained what you can expect from when you arrive at the port to when you actually board the ship.

Arriving at the Cruise Terminal

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, it might seem a little crazy at first. Usually the first thing that people notice is just how massive cruise ships actually are when you’re standing right next to them.

The second thing they notice is that the port is busy. In a single day the average cruise ship is letting off about 4,000 passengers and replacing them with another 4,000 people. At the same time they are resupplying for another cruise. In other words, the port is always a hive of activity.

That might sounds like it would be easy to get turned around. Fortunately, the cruise lines and the port always make it simple to find your way. There will be signs posted clearly telling you exactly where to go. As well, employees of the port are always on hand to help lead people in the right direction.

If you are being dropped off at the port from your hotel or with a shuttle, they will know exactly where to go.

Once you arrive, you’ll typically check any bags that you don’t want to carry aboard the ship. Porters will take your bags, which will then be taken aboard and delivered to your cabin later. It’s important that you take anything you might need for the first day (such as boarding documents, prescriptions, a change of clothes, etc.)

Going Through Security

After dropping off your larger luggage, you’ll go through security. Security is similar to what you’ll find at an airport, however, there are some major differences.

Like in an airport, you’ll need to show ID and a boarding pass, as well as place your bags in an x-ray machine to be scanned. You will also pass through a metal detector. If the metal detector goes off, you will likely be wanded to find what the issue is.

Where security is different from an airport is that the security team in place is private security hired out — they are not the blue-shirted TSA agents. As well, there is no “body scanners” that see through your clothes to see anything concealed on your body. Because of this, you don’t have to empty your pockets. You just have to remove any metal objects.

You’ll also be happy to know that the 3-ounce liquid rules don’t apply to cruise ship security. If you want to bring a full bottle of shampoo, it’s allowed.

There are also no intrusive pat-downs like what you might see at an airport and you don’t have to remove belts or shoes in order to clear security.

Bottom line: While cruise security may look similar to what you find at the airport, it’s usually much less intrusive for passengers. You can read more details about going through cruise security here .

After security, the next stage is check-in. This is becoming an area that’s rapidly changing. Some cruise lines are moving toward a system where you complete much of the check-in process online before you arrive, making it faster to board the ship come cruise day.

For most people, however, check-in involves heading to a large room with dozens of check-in agents. Here, you’ll stand in line until it’s your turn to approach the counter.

Once you’re with an agent, the process if relatively straightforward. They will check your travel documents and fill out any needed paperwork, including a credit card to link with your room account and a health questionnaire to make sure passengers with noroviruses are not boarding. The agent will also give you your most important item — your credit-card style room key that is linked to your onboard spending account.

In total, check-in is usually a quick process — just 5-10 minutes until you’re ready to board.

Boarding the Ship

Past check-in, the next step is the most fun — boarding. The walk to the ship can be surprisingly long. Not only do you have to go up several stories to reach the boarding deck, but it also usually involves walking to the mid-point of the ship. Depending on where it docked, this can be a few minutes walk away. Don’t worry if you have trouble getting around there are elevators and wheelchairs to help those with mobility issues.

On your walk to the ship you’ll also be asked to post for an embarkation photo. This is a souvenir picture in front of a backdrop with the ship on it. These photos are free to take and will be available for purchase on the ship if you want to take a copy home. If you don’t want to have your picture taken, you can politely decline.

Once you arrive on the ship, you’ll be asked to scan your card so that the crew knows you are actually onboard. There will be staff on hand to answer any questions you have and to help direct you to your cabin.

Have other questions about boarding your cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, reviewed: carnival cruise wi-fi service (speed, reliability, cost, and more), 57 must-have tips, advice, and info for first-time cruisers, what i wish i knew about my cruise cabin before i sailed, answered: how much cash should you take on a cruise, 44 must-have alaskan cruise tips, tricks, and secrets, cruise anxiety these facts may calm your biggest fears, 11 comments.

First time cruisers/ 25th wedding anniversary, I,m confused about the purchasing process. Do we put/pay cash on our cabin entry card or how does that work? We were told that we pay cash not with credit cards.

Congrats on the 25th! Are you asking about purchasing things on board the ship? You room card is used like a credit card on the ship. You want a drink? Order and hand your room card to the bartender. They will swipe it and it’s charged to your account. At the end of the trip, these charges are paid with a credit card you have on file (either enter your details online ahead of time or you can provide it at registration). You can also use cash if you prefer, but you’ll have to provide at least a couple of hundred bucks when your check-in. Most people use a credit card because it’s much more convenient since you don’t know exactly what you’ll spend.

What’s the process for carrying on our bottle of wine? I know it says to put it in our carry on bags. Is there a designated space for checking it in and/or paying the corkage fee?

There’s no real process. Just bring it on with you. The security staff may want to take a look to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. The corkage fee is something you might see if you bring it with you to a restaurant on the ship. Many people just have the bottle in their room and pour a glass to walk around the ship or enjoy on the balcony.

First time cruiser! 😁 I will be with a friend who’s been on a cruise before so the process should easy for me. By the way, thanks for the helpful info. Looking forward to cruising the beautiful ocean/sea 🛳⚓

I not only have anxiety over escalators, but I get vertigo from tall bridge walkways with only light railings. Is there a picture of the walkway on to the boarding deck so I can be prepared?

Jon, the walkway is usually a fully enclosed bridge with glass windows to see out. Imagine a walkway to an airplane — it’s like that, but with windows instead of just walls.

Hello, I have a fear of escalators and steep stairs. If I don’t have a mobile disability, would I still be able to use the elevator to board the ship?

There are always elevators available for passengers in the terminal to get to the boarding deck. They can be used by anyone.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How Much It Costs to Live on a Cruise Ship For a Year (Updated)

Crew member arrested for stabbing three aboard alaskan cruise, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

• +1 (866) 622-3344

•  All Cruise Destinations
•  All Cruise Departure Port

•  Ocean Cruises
•  River Cruises
•  Cruise Length
•  2 to 3 nights
•  4 to 6 nights
•  7 to 9 nights
•  10 to 13 nights
•  14 and more nights
•  All Cruise Lines
•  All Ships

• Cruise Booking
• Cruise Articles
• Cruise Holidays

What is the Boarding Process on a Cruise Ship?

Get tips on how to prepare for your cruise ship adventure. Learn what to pack, documents needed, and essential must-dos before boarding.

Book Your Cruise

A great journey begins with the exciting and distinctive experience of boarding a cruise ship . You will find yourself entering a world of luxury, exploration, and relaxation as soon as you walk aboard the gangway and set sail on this floating paradise. You'll be greeted by a welcoming ambiance, first-rate service, and a wealth of amenities designed to make your trip exceptional from the moment you step foot on the ship.

The process of boarding a cruise ship

Knowing what to anticipate upon boarding a cruise ship can increase your anticipation and make sure you make the most of your time on the wide seas, whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-time visitor.

Check-in and documentation

You'll go through an airport-style check-in process at the cruise terminal. Prepare your trip documentation, such as your passport, cruise ticket, and any required visas. You will also receive a boarding card and a room key card from the cruise line, which will serve as your travel companions for the voyage.

Security and Screening

You will walk through a metal detector and have an X-ray machine scan your luggage. Being patient and following the staff's directions will speed up the procedure. You will continue to the ship's gangway after clearing security.

Gangway and Welcoming Aboard

Your cruise vacation officially starts when you cross the gangway, so it's a wonderful time. The staff will greet you pleasantly when you board the ship, and you can hear some music or smiles. This is an excellent chance to take some priceless pictures and get excited about your adventure.

Navigating the Ship

The size of certain cruise ships may resemble floating cities. Upon boarding, you typically get a map of the ship to help you navigate. Spend some time looking over the layout, finding your cabin, and identifying key locations like the dining rooms, lounges, and entertainment areas. When transferring between decks, elevators and stairwells are your closest friends.

Also Read:  How to Check-In for a Cruise?

Safety Drill

All passengers must participate in a safety drill, often known as the muster drill before the ship sets sail. This crucial drill ensures that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. The location of your muster station should be noted on your hotel key card, so pay great attention to the crew's instructions and that as well.

Setting Sail

As the ship pulls away from the port, head to an outdoor deck or a viewing area to witness the breathtaking moment of departure. The vast water stretches out in front of you as you watch the city skyline gradually disappear. Your cruise trip officially begins with this magical event.

First-Day Activities

It's time to start the onboard activities once the ship arrives. Many cruise lines provide a range of entertainment alternatives. You might be seen relaxing by the pool, participating in sports and competitions, attending live performances, or checking out the ship's amenities. For a calendar of events, check the ship's daily bulletin.

Dining Options

You will have a wide variety of dining options because food is a significant component of the cruise experience. The majority of ships have a variety of dining options, from informal buffets to formal dining rooms. Even specialist restaurants with distinctive cuisines are available on some cruise companies. If necessary, make reservations in advance and be willing to try different foods while traveling.

Evening Entertainment

The entertainment options on a cruise ship make the evenings lively. There is something for everyone, including live music events and Broadway-style productions. For those who wish to dance the night away or test their luck, some ships also provide themed events, dance clubs, and even casinos.

A magical entrance to a world of wonder and exploration, boarding a cruise ship is much more than just a means of transportation. From the grandeur of the ship's architecture to the breathtaking vistas of the open ocean, every moment of your cruise journey is a testament to the meticulous planning and attention to detail that cruise lines invest to provide an extraordinary experience. Prepare to be pampered, delighted, and mesmerized by the countless activities, excellent dining experiences, and immersive locations that await you as you set off on this journey. Therefore, boarding a cruise ship promises a pleasurable trip that will stay in your recollections for years to come, whether you're setting sail for far-off destinations or simply looking to unwind in opulent surroundings.

How to find the best cabin for my family cruise?

Book A Cruise Now When you want to go on a cruise with your family, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right accommodations. Most cruise lines offer exclusive cabin categories [...]

August 16, 2023

Is Costa a family friendly cruise line?

Book Costa Cruises Costa Cruises is renowned for providing itineraries to several exotic destinations, along with supreme amenities and activities. These are designed to cater to guests from [...]

What types of accommodations are available on Celebrity Cruises?

Book Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises raises the bar for indulging on a luxurious vacation at sea with its variety of excellent rooms created to satisfy various preferences and desires. Every [...]

What types of accommodations are available on Oceania Cruises?

Book Oceania Cruises Regarding luxury cruise experiences, Oceania Cruises stands in a league of its own. With a diverse range of accommodations, each crafted to offer unparalleled comfort and [...]

August 10, 2023

Cruise Inquiry

Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!

* I consent to receive communications by email or phone. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications. Please proceed to the Privacy Policy page or read our Terms & Conditions to understand how your data might be used.

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Privacy Policies

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

17 Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips for First-time Passengers, According to Experts

Here's how to maximize your Royal Caribbean cruise, whether it's your first or fifth time on board.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you’re shopping for a traditional cruise, chances are you’ll consider Royal Caribbean. The household name among big-ship cruise lines is the second-largest carrier on the seas (after Carnival). It has 27 ships in its fleet, including the new Icon of the Seas , the world’s largest cruise ship, with room for 7,600 passengers. Another four mega-ships are under construction. Even Royal Caribbean’s smallest vessels hold more than 2,400 passengers, so by any definition, they’re big.

If you’ve never sailed with Royal Caribbean, it can take a while to learn the ropes — nautical reference intended. And since your vacation time is precious, we asked some cruise line experts how to make the most of your first voyage. Here are their tips and tricks for first-time Royal Caribbean guests.

Don't wait to book.

It’s a piece of advice that goes for most cruise lines. Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean Blog , a fan and information site that's not affiliated with the company, says to book your Royal Caribbean cruise “as early as possible — as in now. It’s not like airfare where you can wait on the chance that prices will go down. Cruise prices stay where they are and only go up, and right now, demand is as high as it’s ever been. Your best bet is to book as early as you can, like 12 to 24 months out, to lock in the lowest price.”

Make show reservations in advance, too.

“Would you show up in New York for a theater weekend and simply cross your fingers and hope you get tickets to the shows you want?” asks Rob Clabbers, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel . The answer is probably not, so use the "Manage My Cruise" feature on the Royal Caribbean website and book the shows you don’t want to miss. “You’re more likely to get the reservations you want and you’ll avoid having to scramble for seats or stand in line on your first day on board,” he adds.

Study the ship layout before your cruise.

If you’re like me, the anticipation of a cruise is half the fun. Use the weeks and months before your sailing to study deck plans and hone in on your favorite amenities. The largest Royal Caribbean ships are like small cities — the Icon and Oasis class ships even have their own neighborhoods. If you already have your bearings before embarking, you’ll waste less time riding the wrong elevator or wandering the wrong deck when trying to get to your destination — or back to your stateroom.

Get a jump on online check-in.

As soon as you book, access the "Manage My Cruise" portal on the Royal Caribbean website (the Royal Caribbean app has some of the same features). Then, as soon as online check-in opens, get right on it so you can secure the earliest possible window. “It makes the cruise terminal experience way faster,” says Hochberg. “About 30 days in advance, they’ll give you a check-in window. Arrive right around that time and you’ll breeze through — you don’t even stop moving.”

Opt for a drinks package.

You won’t go thirsty on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but free drinks are limited to standard coffee and tea, tap water, hot chocolate, milk, and a few other basics. Everything else costs extra — often a lot extra. “Even if you don’t drink alcohol, it may be worth checking out the options in advance, if you’re into premium coffees, sodas, juices, or bottled waters," says Clabbers. “Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions on the ‘Manage My Cruise’ [portal] that may save you money on certain beverage packages.”

Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on.

“Royal Caribbean ships have so many great pools and water features,” says Hochberg. And they get really crowded. Get ahead of the other passengers by packing a swimsuit in your daypack or carry-on. You can enjoy the pools, water parks, or the popular FlowRider surf simulator while you wait — often several hours — to access your cabin. “Embarkation day is one of the best times to go to the pools,” Hochberg adds. If you’re traveling with kids, you'll be glad you stashed those suits in your bag.

Splurge on a suite.

“Royal Caribbean ships can feel large and busy, so maybe you want to upgrade to a suite,” says Clabbers. Most suites start at around 300 square feet and go up from there — both in dimensions and price. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a suite, but the additional space may offer a welcome break from all the hubbub on board. Clabbers adds, “Depending on the category and ship you choose, you may enjoy suite-only restaurants and lounges, VIP treatment and embarkation, and even Royal Genie butler service.”

Asses how much drinking you’ll really do.

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package — the only one that includes alcohol — follows a dynamic pricing model between $56 and $105 per day, per person, with prices varying depending on the ship, itinerary, and other factors. Alcoholic and soft drinks are expensive on board, but you still have to indulge a lot to make the package worth the investment. If you’re not sure how much you'll drink (and don’t want to feel obligated to do so simply because you’ve paid for a package), consider going a la carte for the first few days of your cruise. You can always add a drinks package later, as long as you still have at least four days left on your sailing.

Find your place in the sun.

If you want a poolside lounge chair, you'll have to arrive by 10 a.m. at the latest on most Royal Caribbean ships, according to Hochberg. “People who sleep in and roll up at noon are not getting a chair by the pool,” he says. That said, the ships do have plenty of outdoor space, even if it’s not right by a pool. “If you just want to be outside, there are other chairs. Walk to the front or back of the ship. The further away you are from the pool, the more chairs you’ll find,” he adds, noting the promenade deck on any Royal Caribbean ship is always a great spot to read.

Consider a balcony cabin.

Like most cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is adding more balcony cabins and suites on its ships, and that’s, of course, due to customer demand. “Balconies are the most popular option,” says Hochberg. Though they cost more than an interior or non-balcony room, they’re still reasonably priced compared to suites. Hochberg adds, “They offer more space and fresh air, and if you do get seasick, the view and fresh air help.”

Choose an older ship.

If your vacation is more about the destination than the journey, you should consider an older, smaller Royal Caribbean ship, especially given the demand for their newer Oasis and Icon vessels. Radiance and Vision classes are among the oldest and smallest in the fleet, but still offer plenty of big-ship amenities without the “city at sea” feel. Hochberg calls these ships “much more manageable,” to the point that you probably don’t even need to make show or specialty dining reservations in advance — though you might still want to book once you’re on board.

Look for no-kid zones.

Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line — there are a slew of facilities and programs made just for kids. But if you prefer a more adult experience, Royal Caribbean offers options. “Certain areas are adults-only, such as the casino and nightclubs,” says Hochberg. While bars and lounges technically allow children to enter, he says it’s rare to see kids in these areas in the evening. Later dinner seatings also mean fewer young kids. Almost every ship in the fleet offers the Solarium, an adults-only section with a pool and whirlpool, a sundeck, and a bar. On the brand’s private Caribbean island playground, Perfect Day at CocoCay , Hideaway Beach is the adults-only pool and beach, though entrance is for a fee. Hochberg also says that “on longer sailings — those past seven nights — the amount of kids drops precipitously.”

If you can’t snag a show reservation, try walking in.

Because booked passengers scoop up show reservations as soon as they’re offered online, you may not get your first choice when it comes to the many show offerings, which include ice-skating performances, aqua theater, and Broadway-quality productions. But don’t give up, says Hochberg. “Show up at least 30 minutes before the show, even if it's sold out,” he says. “You’ll almost certainly be able to get in, as people blow off their [advance] reservations.”

Cost out The Key program.

Clabbers says Royal Caribbean cruisers should look into The Key program , the paid upgrade that’s akin to the Genie+ service at Disney theme parks. “It provides priority boarding access, a welcome lunch, high-speed internet access, fast lane access to onboard activities, private time at the FlowRider surf simulator, dedicated theater seats at shows, and other niceties.” Prices fluctuate, though, so before you purchase, compare the cost of The Key versus that of Royal Caribbean’s Voom Surf & Stream internet package. If there’s not much difference in cost (remember, it’s per user, per day), The Key benefits are worth springing on. However, if there’s a big price difference — or you want to disconnect during your cruise — you can skip The Key.

Look into third-party excursions.

Shore excursions must also be reserved in advance, and depending on when you book, you might not get your first choice of activity or time slot. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay on board or near the port all day. “Of course, Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions wherever they go,” says Clabbers. “But if you like more options and potentially smaller groups or lower fares, take a look at excursions offered by third-party providers.” Clabbers likes Shore Excursions Group and Project Expedition . “If you prefer private [excursions], Context Travel offers cultural and historical tours and activities in cities around the world.”

BYOB — to a point.

Perhaps you don’t want to buy a beverage package, but you’d like to have a glass of wine or two during your cruise. Royal Caribbean lets you bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine per cabin guest, per cruise, and for many light drinkers, that’s plenty. Don’t try and bring more than this, and don’t put it in your checked luggage — it will be confiscated and returned at the end of your journey, as will any alcohol you buy in ports of call. You can also bring up to 12 containers (bottles, cans, or cartons) with up to 17 ounces each of soft drinks per stateroom. If you bring your bottle of wine to a restaurant or other public area, you’ll be charged a corkage fee.

Skip the transatlantic cruise if you're a first-timer.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises are not ideal for first-time Royal Caribbean passengers, according to Hochberg. “Transatlantic cruises are like a fine wine. Once you’re more acclimated and know you like the shipboard experience, they offer great value priced per night,” he says. But you don’t want to get on board and find that you don’t like the brand, or worse, don’t like cruising. “They are long cruises with lots of sea days, and are very susceptible to the weather.”

Related Articles

11 Cruise Boarding Tips You Need to Know

Sharing is caring!

All You Need to Know About the Cruise Boarding Process

As you prepare for your cruise, you probably have some questions about the cruise ship boarding process. If it’s your first cruise, you may want to know the specifics, like exactly what happens and what you can expect on embarkation day.

I’ve been cruising for awhile, and the truth is, sometimes those of that have cruised a fair amount, forget what its like to do this for the first time.

This occurred to me recently when my clients asked me some cruise questions that I had glossed over.

Things like:

How do I get to the cruise port?

Can my luggage get lost if I leave it with the porters?

Is it better to arrive at the ship early or later?

What can I expect when boarding my cruise ship?

and more…

So, I wrote this to cover the A-Z of the cruise boarding process, and answer every question first time cruisers may have about this. If you still have a question at the end, please leave it in the comments section and I will answer it, and possibly even include it in this post.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full  disclosure policy  for details.

What to expect from the cruise boarding process

1. cruise ship boarding passes.

Before you even arrive at the cruise ship on your cruise embarkation day , there are some steps you need to take.

Make sure to complete your online check in and print out your cruise boarding documents. I recommend getting this done about 2-4 weeks before your cruise. In this way, if you notice any little issue, you still have time to get it fixed.

To do your online check in, simply have your cruise reservation number on hand and go on your cruise line’s website. Then follow the instructions until you can print out your cruise documents. This only takes about 15-30 minutes, so don’t put it off.

2. Cruise ship luggage tags

Once you’ve completed your online check in and have printed out your cruise documents, you’ll be able to print out your luggage tags. Yes, your luggage tags will printed on be a piece of paper, but we’ll get to this in a minute.

On the luggage tag, you will see the cruise ship, sail date and your cabin number. Once your luggage is on the ship, it will be delivered to your stateroom.

If you’re wondering how these printed paper luggage tags will stay on your luggage, you’re not alone. There are instructions on how to fold and staple them so that they hold up and don’t rip. Overall, they’re actually pretty good and surprisingly sturdy.

However, if you would rather not worry about this and travel with a stapler, I recommend buying and using reusable plastic luggage tag holders, which are made to fit the printed cruise luggage tags. Beware that some are only good for specific cruise lines, due to size.

3. Cruise ship luggage restrictions

Cruise lines really don’t restrict how much luggage you can bring, although they do have guidelines. Most cruise lines suggest you limit your luggage to one or two pieces per passenger, with a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs.

That being said, your luggage won’t be weighed so don’t over-stress about it. However, you don’t want your luggage to be too heavy. If you’re flying in, just follow the airline’s guidelines. If you’re driving the port, use some common sense (you or the porters need to carry it).

On a 7 day cruise, 1 suitcase per person will be more than enough. I overpack (really I do) and we can do it! Here’s my easy and simple packing list that may be helpful.

4. Cruise line prohibited items

Obvious items that you are not allowed to pack or bring on your cruise include weapons and illegal drugs. I’ll let you check the cruise line’s website if you need more info on that.

Less obvious items that are not allowed on your cruise include irons, clothes steamers and candles as they are fire hazards. Power bars with surge protectors are also prohibited and will be confiscated.

5. Cruise carry-on luggage

In addition to your checked luggage, you’ll want to bring along a carry on bag of some sort. You’ll want to make sure that you keep your valuables and electronics in your carry on, as well as medications and anything that you may need for the first few hours of the cruise.

I have an entire post that goes into a ton of detail, so if you do want to know more its a good reading suggestion.

Recommended: Cruise Carry on Packing Tips

6. What time should you plan to arrive at the cruise port?

Although cruise lines may give you  recommended boarding time, you can usually board your cruise ship anytime between about 11 am and 2 hours before your ship is due to leave the cruise port. So plan on arriving at the cruise port within those times, possibly a little bit earlier if you need to park at the cruise port.

My personal recommendation is to plan on arriving at the cruise port early, so you can get on board as soon as possible, and fully enjoy the first day of your cruise vacation.

These days the embarkation process is much quicker and better organized than years ago, so don’t worry too much about long lines. Arriving between 12-1 will likely be the busiest so plan accordingly.

7. What to expect when arriving at the cruise port

You may be arriving by taxi, uber, hotel or cruise line shuttle (if you’ve flown in on the day of your cruise). You can also drive to to the cruise port and park on site in secure parking garage.

No matter how you arrive, be sure to have your cruise boarding documents and passports/government issued ID on hand. There may be security as you enter the port area and this will be requested.

If you drive in on your own, you’ll find ample parking on site. Check with your cruise port for parking rates (as they vary) and other specific information.

Luggage drop off

Once you are at the cruise port, you’ll notice that there are several cruise terminals. Your ship’s berth or terminal will be clearly indicated on signs and local drivers will be well aware.

I will let you in on a little secret. It is soooooo exciting when you see your ship for the first time – so look out for it! Heck, take a picture.

As you arrive at your ship’s terminal, it may be well organized chaos, but these folks know what they’re doing. You’ll be guided to drop your luggage with the porters before entering the building for check in. It’s a good idea to have a few small bills on hand as its customary to leave a small tip.

I’ve been asked before if this is secure and yes it is. Plus, your luggage is being put directly onto your ship so don’t worry – you’ll see your luggage again in a few hours when it’s delivered to your cabin.

Important: Remember to keep your cruise documentation, passports and ID and carry on with you. Do not give it to the luggage handlers in the midst of the excitement.

Luggage screening process

There is a screening process and luggage will be scanned and xrayed. In some cases suitcases may be opened so make sure not to lock them. Don’t pack any prohibited items to avoid any issues.

8. Cruise ship boarding security

Yes! Time to board your cruise ship! Almost…

Before you are officially allowed onto your cruise ship, you’ll go through a cruise ship boarding security as you enter the cruise terminal. The security check is similar, but less intrusive then at the airport. Basically they’re scan your carry on bags and any other items you have with you, and you’ll walk through a scanner as well.

9. The cruise check-in process

Checking into a cruise ship is way more fun than boarding a plane! Plus, cruise port staff is so helpful at guiding you to check in quickly, give you directions and answer any questions you may have.

There will be several check-in stations and usually some roped off lines where you’ll wait to check in. We have rarely had a long wait, and usually arrive before 11 am.

Once at the check in desk, you’ll need to show your cruise documents and identification, as well as to secure your credit card on the reservation for any additional expenses.

You’ll receive cruise cards which will be your stateroom key, onboard credit card and personal ID. In this way you can put away your cash and other identification while you’re on the ship.

I LOVE this! It’s so freeing not to have to walk around with cash and a purse or wallet. Cruising is the best!

To note: some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises, are beginning to use a new technology and system rather than a cruise card. However the basic check in process is the same, although you’ll likely find it even faster. If you’re cruising with Princess, you can read about our Ocean Medallion cruise experience .

10. Boarding your cruise ship

With your cruise cards in hand, you’ll be boarding your cruise ship soon! There may be a short wait, but there is lots of seating.

Tip: You’ll often receive a little folded cruise ship map along with your cruise card. That’s super handy to help get around for the first few hours on the ship, or day if you’re like me ;-).

Boarding time

This is always an exciting time for us that just never goes away. When we are finally called to board, we hop up like its our first cruise !

As you head towards the enclosed gangway (in most cruise ports), you’ll pass the ship’s photographer’s who’ll encourage you to take a boarding photo. We often still take a photo, as for us its a great souvenir. However, you can simply pass by and opt not to have a photo take.

As you enter your cruise-ship, you may have a quick photo taken as the security scans your cruise card.

And voila – welcome aboard – you’re on your cruise vacation!

11. What to do when you first get on your cruise ship?

Keep in mind that often the cabins are not ready for passengers, and are off limits until about about 1 pm. However, you are able to go around the rest of the ship and grab some lunch, which is what most people do.

Want a Tip? Research your ship ahead of time and find out what restaurants, other than the buffet, are open for lunch. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds and try out a restaurant while it’s still a well kept secret. We did exactly this on our recent Regal Princess cruise when we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Alfredo’s .

Recap: 11 cruise boarding tips you need to know

We’ve gone through the cruise boarding process; from doing your online check in, to embarking on your cruise ship.

Have you cruised recently? Are you going a cruise soon? Let me know your tips and ask me any questions (I respond to every comment).

Happy Cruising!!

If you enjoyed this, you may want to know more about what happen’s next. Read this post to get some great embarkation day tips.

P.S. If you found this post helpful, I’d really appreciate if you’d share it on social media so others can see it as well. Thanks so much!!

Let’s connect:

Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

20 Comments

Is there an advantage of putting funds on my cruise card or does it just link to my credit card?

Great question. I can’t see any benefit as it will link to your credit card in any case. If you don’t want a large bill at the end of your cruise, you could prepay your gratuities.

You can also purchase onboard credits, or sometimes family members may want to gift you onboard credits, which are used like cash on board. Do check on the terms and conditions if you do this, as I’m not sure if they funds would be refunded if you don’t use it all.

Hope that answered your question.

Enjoy your cruise!

I have gift cards. Do I present these with my credit card?

I’m not sure what the gift cards are, I’m sorry. I haven’t see these before.

If they are OBCs (on board credits), they will appear on your account.

If they are cruise gift cards, please call the cruise line to verify how they can be redeemed.

Have a great cruise!

Can you pay on your bill daily at the end of the night so the bill won’t be big at the end of cruise (cash payment)

Yes absolutely. That’s a great idea to make it more manageable!

I brought the drinks package ans I also paid for wine at the table for fine wines .. I can say that princess was best for this aa I often travel with cunard and just 6 bottles of my fave pouilly fume was 350 dollars plus tax where as princess 788 dollars allowed me ays hassel free unlimited ans my poulliy fume was only 24.14 dollar on board. Per bottle no hassle perfect cruising no stress .chef table was beautiful and wine tasting perfect trips out and the spa was great I used the wonderful deposit system to book asia on new majestic next year. Love cruising

So glad you enjoyed your cruise! Your Asia cruise sounds like a dream!!

I checked in on the Royal Caribbean app. Do I have to print off the pass or can I just show it on my phone?

Hi Jennifer,

While I’m not familiar with the specifics of the RC app, it’s a good idea to print the boarding passes. Most cruise lines do ask you to and it does make boarding go more quickly.

If in doubt, I suggest calling Royal Caribbean (customer service) directly for the answer to your question.

I’m going on my first cruise February 28, 2020 is a credit card required or a must have? I have a bank debit card ( ATM/ Debit) and a Chime card both with VISA logos are these allowed? I’m cruising on Carnival cruise line.

You a use a debit card, however my understanding is the cruise line will put a sort of hold on it. For your specific situation, it’s best to check with the cruise line and perhaps even your bank, as I’ve heard that it can take a few days after the cruise for the hold to be lifted in some cases.

Have a great cruise,

I leave on my dream 14 day cruise for Iceland in about 80 days. I have been watching the NEWS to see if the virus stops all travel. I booked it over a year ago. Now I hope We can go. I do not know, will wait and see. Hope your cruising is good. NCL texted me saying if I want a full refund, would give it to me up until 2 days before we board. If we go will we be on an almost empty ship. Fun is meeting new and interesting people and seeing things new to me. Will let you know what happens. Love your articles. Keep doing them please.

Hi Russell,

That cruise itinerary sounds amazing! Fingers crossed that in 80 days this virus is behind us! I agree a bit of wait and see at this point doesn’t hurt.

Thanks so much for your kind words! I really do appreciate it 🙂

Hi. Thank you so much for all of your articles, videos, and packing list! My arrival time at the terminal is 9AM … on NCL Bliss. What time will we be allowed to board?

Hi Jeanette,

That’s hard to say. Our experience was that boarding started around 11:30 or so on a past NCL cruise, however it may be different on your cruise. Enjoy!!

My sister and I are traveling together and she booked the Carnival Caribbean cruise. Will I have to heck in or just her?

Every guest needs to check in. However please check the requirements on your cruise line website and cruise documentation to be sure

Hi Ilana. My hubby and I are part of a group doing a 10- day Alaskan cruise on NCL this August-Sept. We haven’t cruised since 1990-91 when we got married, so we’re very excited! So much has changed. We have been watching cruising videos online and Life Well Cruised is our absolute favorite! You leave no stone unturned. You mention that the cruise line may need to open luggage during the screening process, so we should leave it unlocked. Our luggage has built-in TSA locks. Do you know if NCL has TSA keys like the airlines do, or should we unlock the bags before we drop them off with the porters? Thank you!!

Very exciting! TSA aproved locks (like those built into luggage) shouldn’t be a problem. To be sure you can check the cruise line wesbite, but I use luggage like this without an issue

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How To Board A Cruise Ship?

Boarding your cruise ship will be the most important step of your cruising holiday! Check out this article below to find out how.

On Arrival At The Cruise Terminal

The arrival and check-in process for a cruise ship can be chaotic, but it’s usually organized. Your cruise line will let you know when to arrive at the port, usually from late morning to mid- afternoon.

It’s possible to show up at any time. Usually the busiest time for boarding is between noon and 2 p.m., so we recommend arriving just before or after that window.

If the passengers from the previous cruise are still disembarking, you’ll have to wait around. You also shouldn’t cut it too close; understand that if you arrive after check-in has ended, even by just a few minutes, you likely will not be allowed to board.

You should be aware that if you arrive after check-in has ended, you won’t be allowed to board the ship.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, the first thing to do is locate your boarding documents . If you don’t already have them with you, make sure they’re ready ahead of time.

Once you’ve located these items, head over to the embarkation desk where you’ll need to present yourself in person. The staff there will ask you some questions about who you are and what type of cabin you want on the ship. They may also take down information such as your passport number and contact details.

Once all of this paperwork is taken care of, you’ll receive an electronic ticket which allows you access to the ship. This means you no longer need to carry paper tickets.

Security Clearance Before You Board The Cruise Ship

Your final task is to go through security screening. Cruise ships use metal detectors to screen guests entering their premises. These devices look for weapons, explosives, drugs, and other contraband.

They scan each passenger individually, so everyone must pass through the machine. It takes only seconds to complete, but it does mean you might get delayed while waiting for others to clear customs.

After passing through security, you’ll be given instructions regarding where to meet your crew members. Crew members are responsible for helping you settle into your stateroom once onboard.

How Do I Get On The Cruise Ship

Once you have checked in and have your cruise card , you’ll be escorted off the pier onto the boat. Once aboard, you’ll be shown to your room by the onboard crew members, either using the elevators and staircases.

Most cruises offer several different types of cabins: inside, balcony, suite, mini-suite, and ocean view. Each one offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You would have selected the type of cabin when you booked the cruise with your cruise line or Travel Agent.

Inside cabins are typically smaller than suites, but they come equipped with more amenities like televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

Will I Have To Carry The Suitcases When I Board The Cruise Ship?

When you board the cruise ship you will not have to carry any luggage. Your bags will be delivered directly to your room upon arrival. However, you can choose to bring along personal belongings such as clothing, toiletries, etc., depending on how long you plan to stay onboard.

Will My Cabin Be Ready When I Board The Cruise Ship?

Your cabin may not be ready when you board In fact, most people find that their rooms aren’t fully furnished until around two hours before departure.

Wait For The Announcement For When Cabins Are Ready

Dropping off your stuff and putting valuables in a safe feels great. If you packed your swimsuit or gym clothing, you can go swim for rest of the afternoon. The cabin steward can introduce you to their services and give you a tour of your cabin. After you’ve boarded, your luggage will be on it’s way. You can either place it in your room or outside. It’s a good idea to unpack before the muster drill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What deck do you enter a cruise ship on.

You enter a cruise ship from the main deck level. Most cruise lines allow passengers to walk up and down stairs between decks during embarkation. Some cruise lines also provide special areas called “stairways” where passengers can wait for boarding without having to climb stairs. Stairs are usually located near the front entrance of the vessel.

The first time you step foot on a cruise ship, you’re going to feel overwhelmed at all the new things you see. Don’t worry! We’ve got some tips to help make sure everything goes smoothly.

Does It Get Crowded When You Embark On A Cruise Ship?

Yes, there is always a crowd waiting to get on board. This is normal and expected. There are many reasons why this happens. First, you need to remember that these ships were built specifically for cruising. They are designed to accommodate large numbers of guests comfortably. Second, most cruise lines require reservations for specific dates and times. Third, if you book early enough, you might even score an upgrade. Fourth, sometimes cruise lines add extra capacity to accommodate last minute cancellations. Fifth, some cruise lines hold back certain sailings so they don’t overcrowd their vessels. Finally, some cruise lines only sell tickets online because they want to avoid crowds.

Due to the recent pandemic, people will now be given dedicated times to board the cruise ship to stagger everyone boarding.

Do I Have To Show Identity When I Board The Cruise Ship?

Children ages 5-17 must present proof of parental consent. Passengers age 17 and older must produce valid photo identification.

Do I Need Travel Insurance To Board A Cruise Ship?

No, travel insurance isn’t required to board a cruise ship. However, we recommend purchasing trip cancellation/interruption coverage while booking your vacation package. Trip interruption coverage protects against unexpected events like illness, injury, natural disasters, terrorism, war, riots, civil unrest, strikes, weather conditions, acts of God, government restrictions, political instability, labor disputes, accidents, fires, theft, loss of property, quarantine, detention by immigration authorities, and other similar occurrences.

Trip cancellation coverage provides compensation for missed itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

Edit: Due to the recent pandemic, travel insurance is now required for most cruise lines to cover repatriation costs if needed.

When Is The Best Time To Board A Cruise Ship?

The best time to board a cruise ship depends on what type of cruise line you choose. If you have booked a private cabin or suite with balcony, then it’s probably better to arrive when the ship docks in port rather than before. Otherwise, arriving as close to departure as possible may work out well. For example, if you plan to depart from Miami, Florida, USA, then you should try to arrive around noon to ensure you catch the ship right after lunch.

What Documents Do You Need To Board A Cruise Ship

You’ll need to bring along all documents listed below. These include passports, visa requirements, health certificates, immunization records, etc. Some cruises also ask passengers to provide additional documentation such as birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, court order, adoption papers, medical history, military discharge papers, police record, social security card, driver’s license, passport photos, etc.

Passport – Required for international travelers.

Visa – Required for foreign nationals traveling outside of North America.

Immunizations – Recommended but not mandatory for those who are healthy.

Health Certificate – Must be provided within 72 hours prior to sailing.

Medical History Form – This form can help determine whether someone has any pre-existing conditions that could affect his or her ability to safely participate in activities onboard the vessel. It includes questions about previous illnesses, surgeries, hospital stays, medications taken, allergies, pregnancy status, family members’ medical histories, current vaccinations, blood types, etc.

Marriage License – Only necessary if you’re getting married during the voyage.

Divorce Decree – Only necessary if you’ve been divorced recently.

Court Order – Only necessary if you were convicted of a crime.

Adoption Papers – Only necessary if you adopted a child recently.

Military Discharge Paper – Only necessary if you served in the armed forces.

Police Record – Only necessary if you had an arrest warrant issued against you.

Social Security Card – Only necessary if you don’t already have one.

Driver’s License – Only necessary if there was a reason why you didn’t receive a US Passport.

Birth Certificate – Only necessary if you haven’t received a new passport yet.

Photo ID – Bring photo identification showing name, date of birth, address, and signature.

Photocopy of your passport – Photocopies aren’t accepted by some ports so make sure you get copies made at home.

What Are The Requirements For Boarding A Cruise Ship?

If you want to travel aboard a luxury liner like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line or Holland American Line, then you will likely find yourself having to meet certain criteria. In most cases, these rules apply only to first time guests. However, they might change depending on what type of cruise line you choose. Here is a list of things you must know:

The minimum age requirement varies between different lines. If you’re under 18 years old, then you won’t qualify for many cruises unless you have parental consent. On RCI ships, children ages 5 through 12 require special permission from their parents. Children younger than 4 cannot join HAL ships. NCL requires that kids be 6 years old or older.

Children Under 2 Years Old Can Be Brought Onboard With Their Parents

On all major cruise lines, babies up to two years old can come along with their parents as long as both adults hold tickets. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance coverage for them. They also need to stay below deck until it’s time to disembark. Babysitting services may be available onboard.

Carry Your Own Documents

You should bring your own documents when boarding a cruise ship because you won’t always be able to access the ones you carry. Make sure you keep photocopies of everything important including passports, visas, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, criminal records, health certificates, immunization forms, etc.

Bring Cash And Credit Cards

Cash and credit cards are not allowed onboard any cruise ship. This includes debit cards too. It’s best to use cash instead since you can exchange money at the port where you arrive. Also, you could lose your wallet while traveling.

Can You Board A Cruise Ship With A Cold?

You can board a cruise ship with a cold but you shouldn’t expect much help from crew members. Most people who work on cruise ships are just doing their job. Some staff members might even refuse to serve you food or drinks. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your vacation! Just remember to take care of yourself during your trip. Take plenty of rest days and drink lots of water. Don’t forget to eat healthy meals every day.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you further. Try to avoid crowds whenever possible. Stay away from places where germs spread easily such as public restrooms, elevators, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, casinos, movie theaters, etc. Keep your hands clean and wash frequently. Use hand sanitizer before touching anything.

What Is Security Like When You Board A Cruise Ship?

Security measures vary by company. For example, Royal Caribbean has an extensive security system in place. Passengers enter through one checkpoint and leave through another. The same goes for Carnival Corporation. Other companies like P&O Cruises don’t seem to have any kind of security whatsoever. So if you want peace of mind, make sure you check out each individual cruise line’s website beforehand.

Do I Need A Boarding Pass For A Cruise Ship?

If you’re worried about safety aboard a cruise ship, there is no reason to worry. There are strict rules regarding what passengers can and can’t wear. Crew members will inspect luggage thoroughly before allowing anyone into the cabin. If they find something suspicious, they will confiscate it immediately. In addition, some cruise lines offer free baggage storage facilities so you don’t have to lug around heavy suitcases.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Cruise the waves designed by Digital Burst Media

I went on the world's largest cruise and found getting onto a giant ship similar to boarding a flight — but way more efficient

• I just spent a week on the world's largest cruise ship : Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean's terminal in Miami is massive, and makes boarding and disembarking a ship a bewilderingly painless process.
• There's a standard security screening, like at an airport.
• But I was surprised to find that I only ever had to show my passport once, even when getting on and off the ship at various ports.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

I just spent a week on the world's largest cruise ship : Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, a ship so big that I regularly walked around 17,000 steps a day. It has room for 5,518 guests, approximately 2,200 crew onboard, and 23 dining venues serving around 30,000 dishes a day.

Obviously, it takes military precision to run a ship this size smoothly.

To me, this efficiency was most obvious while boarding and disembarking, a process that was surprisingly similar to boarding a plane — but better.

Keep scrolling to see what getting on and off the giant ship is like.

Royal Caribbean has a shiny new terminal in Miami from which its ships depart. It's only about 20 minutes from the airport.

The ship fits over 6,000 guests, and another 2,200 crew members. As such, I'm not surprised at the amount of traffic we hit right around the port, which also had several other ships boarding at the time.

It looked so much like an airport terminal that, when we arrived, I thought my friend had accidentally driven me to the airport.

Unlike an airport, however, you can just flag down one of the employees wearing white shirts and hats and simply give them your name and bags.

From here, it seems your stuff somehow magically appears outside of your room on the ship.

Unencumbered by heavy bags, I then made my way up an escalator and past a live band playing music to get guests into vacation mode.

Upon arrival, I got into a very short line where I was asked to show my ID and boarding pass. Guests can check in online or on the Royal Caribbean app until three days before departure, which I did. It's super easy and saved me time at the terminal.

Security lines move quickly: Since boarding starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m., people are spread out. When checking in you also get a suggested boarding time, which aims to disperse crowds.

Check-in is followed by a pretty standard security screening, though I found you don't need to take off your shoes or remove any laptops or liquids. I breezed on through despite a giant carry-on filled with sunscreen.

The terminal is truly massive. According to Royal Caribbean, the goal is to have guests "go from 'car to bar' in mere minutes, without lines or paperwork to fill out." In my experience, they delivered.

Source: Royal Caribbean

The Miami port currently handles around 750,000 Royal Caribbean passengers a year, but may see up to two million thanks to the new terminal, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Source: The Sun Sentinel

I boarded straight into the hubbub: the Boardwalk area, which is filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. Rooms aren't available until 1 p.m., so people tend to start drinking, eating, and hitting the pools right away.

The night before the cruise returned to the port in Miami, I found a luggage tag in my room.

Most guests choose to leave their bags outside of their room the night before, with the tags attached but I held on to my carry-on.

The next morning, guests could disembark anytime between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Our ship docked in Miami around 3 a.m, and I got off at 8.a.m., while many others were still enjoying one last breakfast on the ship.

Much like an airport, there are immigration rules.

Unlike an airport, there's no waiting for your luggage. Bags await you in an orderly manner: You'll find them under the same number as the luggage tag you were given the previous night.

You then get in line for immigration. Despite there being separate lines for passports and birth certificates (!?), no one asked to see mine.

All I had to do was swipe my SeaPass (my room key, which doubled as an ID and credit card), and I literally walked right on through.

Once outside, I ordered an Uber and waited for it to arrive in one of the designated ride-share zones, surprised by just how quick and painless disembarking the world's largest cruise ship was.

• I stayed in a 182-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship, where no space was left unused. Here's what it's like inside.
• The world's largest cruise ship has a bar with robot bartenders. Here's how my margarita compared to one made by a human.
• The world's largest cruise ship has everything from an ice rink to a zip line, but it's the Starbucks that surprised me most
• A cruise ship worker reveals what it's really like to work on a cruise ship

Follow INSIDER on Facebook .

• Main content

Book a Europe cruise this summer with direct flights starting at £1*

• Need help? 0344 493 2043 0344 493 2043
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Stay Packages
• Alaska & Galapagos Packages
• Family Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Overnight Stays Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

Our revolutionary Edge series ship, Celebrity Apex, sails from Southampton, exploring Europe's must-see destinations.

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• At Least 30% Off 1st & 2nd Guest
• Fly to Europe from £1
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail from £129pp
• 20% Off Galapagos Cruises
• Exciting Deals
• Cruise and Stay Packages
• Bluelight & Military Offers
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Get at least 30% off your first and second guests' cruise fare. Plus, book now and get bonus savings of up to £200 on the stateroom you want.

Boarding Requirements & Checking In FAQs

Check-in up to 48 hours before you cruise, check-in for my cruise, boarding requirements.

Boarding Requirements for COVID-19 or other pathogens

Get Onboard

Getting Onboard How do I get to my Port/Terminal?

When can I check-in online or in the app?

Online Check-in is available 45 days before your cruise and remains avaiable up to 3 days before you cruise.

App check-in is available 45 days before your cruise and remains available until the morning of your sailing (not available on Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration or Celebrity Xpedition).

Once you have completed the Check-In process online or in the app, you will receive an Xpress Boarding Pass. This indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for yourself and those guests listed on your Xpress Pass.

Log in to your Guest Account and click "Start check-in" or download the app to begin.

If you've already booked, log in to your Guest Account.

Download the app here

Do I need the Celebrity Cruises app if I've already checked-in online?

Yes, your app allows you to access your digital boarding pass, complete a required health questionaire, and begin the required safety briefing (Muster 2.0). It's also a great resource while you cruise to help you manage your itinerary and experiences like shore excursions, as well as chat with other guests on your reservation. If you have app notifications enabled, you can also receive essential cruise travel updates and emergency messaging.

What is the Health Questionnaire and how do I complete it?

The health questionnaire is part of our online check-in process and can be completed in the app or on our website. Guests will be asked whether or not they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, whether they have received a vaccine booster, whether they have entered or passed their 23rd week of pregnancy, and if they have any specific symptoms in the last 24 hours. These questions help us ensure the safety of our guests, crew, and the communities that we visit.

What is Muster 2.0?

Muster is an important, mandatory safety breifing in which guests are educated to emergency protocols onboard.

If I check in online can I view my Xpress Boarding Pass on the mobile app?

Yes, so there is no need to print one out on sail day. Your mobile Xpress Pass is accessible via your account.

Can I add my boarding pass to Apple Wallet, Samsung Pay, or Google Wallet?

You can add your boarding pass to Apple Wallet. Samsung Pay and Google Wallet are not available yet.

Can more than one guest check in at a time on the Celebrity Cruises app?

For check-in, it’s one guest on the reservation at a time. However, one guest can check in everyone on the same reservation. Be sure to have all passports and travel documents handy.

How do I check in children on another reservation using the Celebrity Cruises app?

You must be at least 21 years old to add children. Link your reservation to the child’s reservation on the app - you'll need the child’s name, reservation number, and stateroom number - and then complete check-in for the child..

Do I have to provide a photo during online check-in?

No, you can choose whether or not to provide a photo during the online check-in process. If you do not provide a photo during online check-in, you will be asked to take a photo at the port before boarding the ship. This photo will be used for your Seapass account and security purposes onboard.

What languages are available for check-in?

Check-in on the app is available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. Spanish, Portuguese, and English are available on Celebrity.com's check-in experience.

How far in advance can I check in on the Celebrity cruises app?

You can check in on the app between 45 days and the morning of your sail day. Once you're outside that window, you can check in at the terminal on your sail day.

*App not available on Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration or Celebrity Xpedition.

Am I required to set up an onboard expense account during check-in?

Yes, all purchases and services must be paid for using an onboard expense account. One account may be used for everyone in the group or individuals can set up their own accounts.

How do I change my onboard expense account payment method?

You are required to add a credit card to complete check-in. For your convenience, you can update the credit card associated with your account in the Celebrity Cruises app. You can also change your payment method online, at the check-in counter on your sail day, or onboard at Guest Relations.

What happens if my battery dies on my mobile device at the pier so I can't access my Xpress Pass?

Our check-in counter staff at the terminal will be happy to look up your reservation.

Do I have an option to upload a photo from my mobile device in addition to taking a photo?

The choice is yours - either take one with your phone during check-in or browse to a photo saved to your device.

Are there any specifications/restrictions/requirements for the type of picture I can take when I check in on the app?

Just follow the guidelines you’ll see when you're checking in: No hats, no angle shots, no closing your eyes, nobody else in the photo, and smile.

What do I have to know about scanning my passport during mobile app check-in?

It’s simple. Just follow the guides you see during the check-in process. You’ll see when your passport has been scanned and accepted.

Can any guest check in on the app, regardless of travel document requirements?

Yes, if you have a reservation, but without travel documents your check-in will not be complete and you'll have to finish at the terminal.

How do I know which fields are mandatory when checking in on the app?

If you skip a field required for check-in, you’ll see a message asking you to provide information for that field when you try to continue to the next screen.

Do you have deck maps on the app?

Yes. Simply tap on the ship icon in the upper left corner, then tap on the Deck Maps button. You can tap on any activity in the Daily Planner to see its location.

Return to Top

Boarding Requirements for COVID-19 or Other Pathogens

Am I required to take a COVID-19 test or be vaccinated prior to embarking on my cruise?

All travelers are welcome to sail regardless of vaccination status and will no longer be required to provide proof of pre-departure testing to board.

As destinations around the globe adapt their health and safety protocols, we continually evaluate and update our own requirements as new information becomes available.   If you’re currently booked on a cruise vacation with us and have provided an email address, you will be advised of the latest requirements leading up to departure. Be sure to register your guest account so that we may reach you.

Are there any innoculation or vaccination needs for my sailing?

As detailed in our brochure, all guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In many cases inoculations are recommended but in some circumstances they are required. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. For certain destinations, additional vaccination for COVID-19 or other pathogens may be required.

Other informational resources can be accessed at the Centers for Disease Control  and Prevention's Traveler's Health website or toll free at 1-877-FYI-TRIP, and the World Health Organization website.

What health screening measures are being taken at the terminal on boarding day?

During check-in, you will be asked to complete a health attestation. If you attest to or show signs of a fever, cough, or fatigue, you will be directed to a secondary screening.

How do I know where the port is?

Yes we do. We have collapsible wheelchairs for our guests to use free of charge onboard each of our ships. They are on a first come, first serve basis and based on availability.

If you've already booked, log in to your Guest Account

How do I know when to get to the terminal?

During check-in, you're required to select an arrival time. One of the benefits of app check-in is that your arrival time is listed on your mobile Xpress Pass. Please arrive during your selected window to avoid delays at the terminal.

Do you offer transportation from the airport to the pier and back?

Most ports will offer for-purchase transportation to and from the pier on the day of sailing and returning. Guests will need to meet the flight parameters for airport transfers on the same day that the cruise leaves and returns to be eligible. Transfers are subject to availability but will be open for purchase up to 5 days prior to sailing.

What happens if I arrive outside of my scheduled check-in time?

Please select the best available check-in time that will work for your party. These are staggered to offer the best possible check-in experience and help us to avoid unnecessary delays in boarding. That being said, if you must arrive outside your scheduled time, please check your Guest Documents to make sure that you complete the process before the "All Aboard Time".

Can Suite Guest Get Onboard Early?

Boarding times (Embarkation) will vary according to port, itinerary, and/or ship, and may even vary by sail date due to operational situations like Coast Guard drills, etc.Guests who have completed the on-line check in, are member of our Loyalty programs, or who are reserved in Suites or Concierge Class (Celebrity) may use priority embarkation lines at the pier terminal, where available.

How do I get my luggage to my stateroom?

If you check your luggage with a porter, your checked baggage should be delivered to your stateroom within a few hours of setting sail if tagged properly.

Does Celebrity Cruises send luggage tags or should I print them?

While we no longer mail bag tags to guests, we do make them available guests electronically via Guest Account (click "View Your Documents"). That way, you can print as many as you would like prior to joining the ship. If you are unable to print your bag tag, we will have luggage tags will be available at the pier for guests who prefer to use this service at the terminal prior to boarding. It takes just a few minutes to acquire the tags and fill out your information with the porter. Please make sure you know your stateroom number and room location, as reflected on the guests XpressPass.

How do I get to my Port/Terminal?

Port Of Miami

"Port of Miami – Dodge Island

1015 N. America Way

Miami, FL 33132

Port of Miami website

Parking Information

To learn more about parking rates, payment methods, or disabled parking permit rates and exemptions, please visit the PortMiami Parking page for the latest information.

Terminal Information

Terminal A is the home terminal for all Oasis Class vessels when sailing out of PortMiami. All other ships, please consult your email communication and directional signage once you arrive to PortMiami.

From Miami International Airport (7 miles):

Via Port Tunnel: Take 836 East through the toll. Continue onto FL836 E/I-395 E, then keep right to merge onto MacArthur Causeway.

Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs to your pier terminal.

Via Port Bridge: Take 836 East through the toll. Exit at US1 N.E. 2nd Avenue/Biscayne Boulevard, proceed straight through one light, and then turn right at the second light onto Biscayne Boulevard (US1).

Stay in your left-hand lane and turn left into the Port of Miami on N.E. 5th Street.

Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal. From Ft. Lauderdale International (26 miles):

Via Port Tunnel: Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach. Merge onto MacArthur Causeway.

Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.

Via Port Bridge: Take I-95 South to Exit 3B, N.W. 8th Street.

Turn left onto 5th Street and continue straight until you reach the Port of Miami entrance.

Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal.

Bus Information

Our Florida Bus Program is provided by Cruise Connection of Florida. For rates, availability and pick up locations, please contact our Reservations center at (800) 327-6700.

* All rates and prices are subject to change.

** Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles."

Port Everglades

1850 Eller Drive

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Fort Lauderdale (Everglades) Cruise Terminal:

From Fort Lauderdale International Airport (5 miles):

Exit the airport and follow signs for I-595 East/Port Everglades. Continue to the last exit on I-595 East and follow the signs to Port Everglades. This will automatically take you to the Port Everglades security entrance. From there, follow the directional signs for your designated ship's pier terminal.

From Miami International Airport (30 miles):

Take 836 East to I-95 North.

Exit I-95 North at 595 East.

Follow 595 to the end; then follow the Port Everglades signs.

After dropping off your checked luggage at the pier terminal with the porters and cruise line representative, proceed to the appropriate parking garage for that terminal. Rates are $15 USD per day for the regular vehicles and $19 for the oversized vehicles (rates subject to change without notice by the Port Authority). For additional information or vehicle size restrictions, please contact USA Parking at (954)468-3680.

Security at the Pier

Please expect delays related to security and immigration procedures when arriving at the pier to board the ship. These procedures have been designed for your safety and all attempts will be made to expedite you through the process as quickly as possible.

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact us at (800) 256-6649 or (305) 539-4107.

Our Florida Bus Program is provided by Cruise Connection of Florida. For rates, availability and pick up locations, please contact their Reservations center at (800) 327-6700.

** Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

Port Canaveral

Port and Terminal Information

Port Canaveral Orlando is located at 445 Challenger Road. There are multiple terminals in Port Canaveral for Celebrity Cruises Ships.

Cruise Terminal #1

9050 Discovery Road

Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920

Cruise Terminal #5

9245 Charles M Rowland Dr

Cruise Terminal #6

9241 Charles M Rowland Dr

Before arriving to the port, check your cruise documents to make sure which is the Terminal your ship will be departing from.

Once you have arrived at Port Canaveral follow the signage throughout the port to your ship's terminal assignment.

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida Cruise Terminal:

From Orlando International Airport (MCO):

Apporximately 45 minutes west of Port Canaveral.

Take the North exit from the airport, staying to the right on SR 528 East.

Take SR 528 East all the way to Port Canaveral.

Upon approaching the port area, follow the signs indicating Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals.

From Melbourne International Airport (MLB):

Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes) south of Port Canaveral.

Exit east (left) out of the airport onto NASA boulevard and follow to U.S. Highway 1.

Turn left (north) onto U.S. Highway 1.

Travel approximately 20 minutes on U.S. Highway 1 passed the intersection of S.R. 520 in Cocoa about one mile to the S.R. 528 exit.

Exit and travel east on SR. 528 for approximately 10 miles, crossing the Indian River, Nerritt Island and the Banana River to reach Port Canaveral.

From Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB):

Approximately 1 hour northwest of Port Canaveral.

Exit the airport south to the Central Florida Greenway (Toll Road 417).

Go south 23 miles to S.R. 528 (the Beach line Expressway) eastbound exit.

Go east (37 miles) to the Port.

From Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX):

Located about 20 minutes from the Port in Titusville FL.

Exit and drive east three blocks

Turn south onto U.S. Highway 1 to the Beach line Expressway (S.R. 528) and follow this east to the Port.

From Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB):

Located about 75 miles north of Port Canaveral.

Take I-95 south to S.R. 528 East and follow to the Port

Port Canaveral no longer offers pre-paid parking. Please pay to park at your cruise terminal's designated parking area and simply take a short walk to your ship; no need for shuttles. RV parking is available at each cruise terminal.

3 Nights/4 Days - $68.00

4 Nights/5 Days - $85.00

5 Nights/6 Days - $102.00

6 Nights/7 Days - $119.00

7 Nights/8 Days - $136.00

8 Nights/9 Days - $153.00

Disabled Parking spaces are available and the fee is waived for vehicles transporting certain persons who have disabilities that:

Have special equipment, such as ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls for use by a disabled person

Display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit as explained in s. 316.1964, Florida Statutes

Display a Florida Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate issued under s. 320.084; s. 320.0842; or s. 320.0845, Florida Statutes

Parking agents will not grant parking waivers for any other reason than the ones listed above.

*Rates May Vary based on seasonality, day fo the week, time of booking, length of stay and availability.

Port of Cape Liberty

4 Port Terminal Boulevard

Bayonne, N.J. 07002-5038

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Cape Liberty, New Jersey Cruise Terminal:

From Newark International Airport (9 miles):

Exit the airport, following signs to the NJ Turnpike.

Take the NJ Turnpike to exit 14A.

Pay toll at exit and continue straight (after traffic light onto bridge) onto Route 440.

Follow signs for Route 440 South.

Continue on Route 440 South to Port Terminal Blvd.

Turn left at Port Terminal Blvd. (there is a traffic light at the intersection).

This is the entrance for the "Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor" or the old "Military Ocean Terminal Bayonne."

Continue straight and approach the guard gate.

Continue past the guard gate and follow the signs to the cruise terminal.

From NJ Turnpike north or south:

From NYC, via the Lincoln Tunnel:

Take the Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey.

Follow I-495 West to the NJ Turnpike/I-95.

Take the NJ Turnpike south to Exit 14A - Bayonne. Follow directions above from Exit 14A.

From NYC, via the Holland Tunnel:

Take the Holland Tunnel to New Jersey.

Take the NJ Turnpike west to exit 14A. Follow directions above from Exit 14 A.

From the West, via I-80:

Take I-80 East to I-95 South

Take the NJ Turnpike south to Exit 14A- Bayonne. Follow directions above from Exit 14A.

From the west, via I-78:

Take I-78 East directly to the NJ Turnpike.

Take the NJ Turnpike east to Exit 14A- Bayonne. Follow directions above from Exit 14A.

From the east/Staten Island/Long Island:

Take the Verrazano Narrows Bridge into Staten Island.

Take I-278 West.

Take Route 440 North to and over the Bayonne Bridge.

Continue on Route 440 North approximately 3 miles.

Make a right into the Bayonne Ocean Terminal.

From the Bronx/Connecticut/New England:

Proceed to and across the George Washington Bridge.

Follow signs for the New Jersey Turnpike/I-95 South.

From Westchester County:

Take I-684 South to I-287 West

Take I-287 West to I-87 South.

Follow signs to and over the George Washington Bridge.

From Rockland County:

Take the Palisades Parkway South to I-80 West.

Follow signs for the New JerseyTurnpike/I-95 South.

Transportation

Take the PATH Rapid Transit System train from Manhattan to Jersey City or Hoboken.

Outside the PATH Station, take the NJ Hudson-Bergen Light Rail train to Bayonne.

Get off at the 34th Street Station in Bayonne.

You are now directly across Route 440 from the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, which includes the Cape Liberty Cruise Port.

Call one of the three Bayonne taxi cab companies to drive you to the cruise port, which is about two miles east of the Light Rail line.

East Coast regional Motorcoach Program (a service provided by Entertainment Tours) - call (800) 310-9900 for reservations or book online. Please contact Entertainment Tours for rates and pick up locations.

From the Port Authority Bus Terminal, take the 119 bus to Bayonne. The 119 bus travels along Kennedy Boulevard into Bayonne and stops on request every three blocks. When you reach 33rd Street and Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, you will be at the closest point on the bus route to the cruise port. Call one of the three Bayonne cab companies to drive you to the cruise port, which is about three miles east of Kennedy Boulevard.

The 99S bus travels along Kennedy Boulevard into Bayonne and stops on request every three blocks.

When you reach 33rd Street and Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, you will be at the closest point on the bus route to the cruise port.

Call one of the three Bayonne taxi cab companies to drive you to the cruise port, which is about three miles east of Kennedy Boulevard.

A safe and secure parking facility is conveniently located adjacent to the cruise terminal. Parking fees are $30 per day including all taxes*. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. No reservations are necessary and parking is guaranteed.

Oversized vehicles, such as campers and RV’s, that occupy more than one space, will be charged double the normal rate.

The height restriction of the garage is 7’ 4”. There is an open lot adjacent to the parking garage to accommodate vehicles with height restrictions.

Port of Tampa Bay

Please verify cruising intinerary for cruise terminal.

Port of Tampa Bay, Terminal 2:

651 Channelside Drive

Tampa, Florida 33602

Port of Tampa Bay, Terminal 3:

815 Channelside Drive

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Tampa, Florida Cruise Terminal:

From Tampa International Airport (10 miles):

Exit the Airport and follow signs to I-275 North.

I-275 merges with I-4 East.

Take I-4 East to Exit #1 (Ybor City).

Go south on 21st Street, turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60).

Turnleft (south) on Channelside Drive.

Cruise Terminal 3 main entrance is approximately 5 blocks South on Channelside Drive.

Entrance is on the left at Cumberland Street.

In the event of a last minute change in pier assignments, signage will indicate the assigned terminal for your particular ship.

A parking garage is located at 810 Channelside Drive, across the street from Terminal 3. The parking fee is approximately $15 per day (subject to change), and is payable upon entry into the parking area in the form of cash or credit card. For additional parking information please call (813) 905-7678.

Port of Vancouver

Canada Place Cruise Terminal

999 Canada Place

British Columbia, Canada V6C 3T4

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Vancouver, British Columbia Cruise Terminal:

From Vancouver International Airport (16 miles, 45-minute drive):

When entering Vancouver via Oak Street, follow North to Park Drive.

Turn left onto Park Drive and then take a right onto Granville Street.

Follow Granville Street over the Granville Street Bridge and take Seymour Street exit.

Proceed North to Cordova Street.

Turn left and follow two blocks to stoplight, turn right on Howe Street.

Follow straight to ramp entering Canada Place Pier.

From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (162 miles, 4-hour drive):

Leaving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, follow the signs marked Freeways after exiting airport arrival terminals.

Enter Eastbound Highway 518 (also marked I-5) moving into the left lane, and exit to I-5 North.

Proceed North on I-5 to the U.S/Canada Border where you will need to stop and pass through Customs.

From Customs continue North, you are now on Highway 99. Cross Oak Street Bridge, turn left on Broadway, turn right on Granville, cross bridge and move to left lane.

Exit to Seymour Street.

Turn left on Cordova and right on Howe to the pier.

For reservations, information and rates please contact Vinci Park Canada Place, Vancouver at (866) 856 - 8080 or visit the Port of Vancouver website for additional information.

Port of Seattle

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91

2001 West Garfield Street

Seattle, WA. 98199

Port of Seattle website

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Seattle, Washington Cruise Terminal:

From I-5 South:

Head north on I-5 and follow signs to the Mercer Street Exit

Take exit 167 (left-side off-ramp) to Mercer Street

Take a right turn on to Fairview Avenue North (400 feet)

Take a left turn on Valley Street (0.18 miles)

Valley Street bends to the left and becomes Broad Street (0.75 miles)

Turn right to Denny Way (0.32 miles)

Bend right to Western Avenue (0.22 miles)

Western joins Elliott Avenue West (1.18 miles)

Follow signs to Magnolia Bridge

Turn right at 14th Ave West (signal light intersection) (0.14 miles)

Stay to the right and follow ramp joining the Magnolia Bridge (West Garfield Street) (0.35 miles)

Exit right. Follow signs to Smith Cove Park (0.55 miles) and Cruise Terminal

Turn right at bottom of ramp and follow signs for cruise terminal parking or cruise terminal

From I-5 North:

Head south on I-5 and follow the signs to the Mercer Street Exit

Take exit 167 to Mercer Street (right-hand off-ramp)

Take a right turn on to Fairview Avenue North ( 400 feet)

Exit right. Follow signs to “Smith Cove Park” (0.55 miles) and Cruise Terminal

Parking is available via a remote lot at the terminal, which is served by shuttle bus. Space for luggage will be available on the Shuttle. Reservations for parking are recommended. For reservations, parking fee information, and parking lot maps, please log onto the Republic Parking website or call (206) 783-4144, ext. 1113.

Port of Boston

Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal

1 Black Falcon Avenue

Boston, MA 02210

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Boston, Massachusetts Cruise Terminal:

From Logan International Airport (4 miles):

Exit Logan Airport to the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90) ($3 toll).

Follow signs for the Ted Williams Tunnel.

From the right lane, take the first exit – Exit 25/South Boston.

At the traffic lights, you will be at Congress Street.

Continue forward onto B Street.

At the next signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard which turns into Northern Ave.

Continue on Northern Avenue for approx ¼ mile then turn right to Tide Street and an immediate left onto Drydock Avenue.

Follow Drydock Avenue as it turns right at the end of the Boston Design Center.

Turn right again onto Black Falcon Avenue, traveling straight to the stop sign, where you will be directed by Port Officers for either passenger drop-off or to the parking garage.

Long-term parking is available. The city parking garage (EDIC) is located across the street from the Ray Flynn Cruisport. It is a space available, covered facility. The daily fee is $16 per day (subject to charge) and is payable with cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard) when you enter the garage.

Prior to parking your vehicle, please proceed first to the cruise terminal for luggage and guest drop off. After parking the vehicle, it's a short walk back to the cruise terminal.

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact our local cruise line representative, Destination New England at (857) 496-1663 or us at (800) 256-6649 or (305) 539-4107.

For additional information on the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal visit the Port of Boston's website.

Port of Honolulu

Port of Honolulu - Pier 2

521 Ala Moana Blvd,

Honolulu, HI 96813

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Honolulu, Hawaii Cruise Terminal:

From Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to pier - 6 miles, approximately 30 minutes:

Go north on Rogers Boulevard toward N Nimitz Highway for 0.1 miles

Turn right onto Highway 92 N Himitz Highway for 5 miles

Nimitz Highway becomes Ala Moana Boulevard

Turn right on Channel Street across from the Restaurant Row area

Once on Channel Street, the cruise terminal is on the right-hand side

From Waikiki to pier:

Travel on Ala Wai Boulevard heading west

Turn left onto Lipeepee Street, then turn right onto Hobron Lane

Turn right onto Ala Moana Boulevard. (Hotels along Ala Moana Boulevard start here)

Turn left on Channel Street (across from Restaurant Row area)

Once on Channel Street the cruise terminal is on the right hand side

Note: If using Google Maps, be sure to search “Pier 2 Cruise Ship Terminal.” Google Maps has mistakenly listed another “Pier 2” that appears 4 miles away from the cruise ship terminal.

No parking information is available.

Port of Seward

Seward Passenger Ship Terminal

Alaska Railroad Dock

Seward, AK 99664

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Seward, Alaska Cruise Terminal:

From Anchorage Airport (130 miles):

Take International Airport Road east until you reach Minnesota Drive.

Take a right on Minnesota Drive and follow the signs to Seward Highway South.

Once on Seward Highway, you’ll travel approximately 130 miles to Seward.

Once in Seward, follow the signs to the Alaska Railroad Dock.

You will also be able to see the ship terminal from the highway on your left as you enter Seward.

For directions to the Hospitality Center in Anchorage please call (907) 278-8070.

Long term parking is not available.

Port of Los Angeles

San Pedro World Cruise Terminal

100 Swinford Street

San Pedro, CA 90731

Celebrity Cruises Directions to the Los Angeles, California Cruise Terminal:

From Los Angeles International Airport

Take the 110 Freeway South towards San Pedro.

Exit at Harbor Boulevard (same exit as the Vincent Thomas Bridge).

Stay to the right - Harbor Boulevard (Do not go over the bridge.)

At the light, cross over the main road, turning right into the "World Cruise Terminal."

Follow the directions to parking and passenger drop-off.

Parking is available for $18 a day. No reservations are required. A shuttle is offered to the cruise ship terminals.

Port of San Juan

Pan American Pier 1 East

Calle Lindbergh

San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Pan American Pier 1 West

Calle Tadeo Rivera

Celebrity Cruises Directions to San Juan, Puerto Rico Cruise Terminal:

From Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (8 miles):

Exit the Airport to San Juan taking the middle lane on Baldorioty Ave.

This avenue will take you to New and Old San Juan.

Once you are at the end of the avenue you will find a traffic light.

On the right you will see the Condado Lagoon and on your left you will see the Yacht Club.

This is a one-way road.

Stay in the left lane and follow the signs directing to San Juan or the Convention Centre.

Keep to your left and make a U-turn whenever possible.

After the turn, remain on the right hand side and continue forward past the Yacht Club, Sizzlers Restaurant.

At the corner make a right, continue to the traffic light.

Make a right hand turn at the next right.

Follow the road to the entrance of the pier.

Parking is not available.

Port of Barcelona

Port of Barcelona D'Adossat Terminal

Moll Adossat

1, 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Barcelona, Spain Cruise Terminal:

From El Prat International Airport (BCN) to pier (10 miles, about 40 minutes):

Exit the airport and take the road to Barcelona City.

Once there, take the Ronda Litoral Highway and take the exit marked PUERTO.

Turn right and then follow the signs indicating PUERTO.

Ships are berthed at Adossat Terminal (Moll Adossat).

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact our local cruise line representative Intercruises at +34.93.301 2244 or us at (800) 256-6649 or (305) 539-4107.

** Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles

Port of Singapore

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS)

61 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore

Please verify cruising intinerary for cruise terminal. See below for detailed information on check in, baggage drop off, driving directions and parking at this terminal.

Celebrity Cruises Directions to the Singapore Cruise Terminal:

Coming from AYE (towards Changi Airport)

Take Exit 2 on MCE/Central Boulevard

Keep right towards Marina Boulevard

Turn right at Marina Boulevard to Marina Coastal Drive

Destination is on your left after Marina South Pier

Coming from MCE (from Changi Airport)

Take Exit 3 on MCE/Marina Coastal Drive

Turn LEFT onto Marina Coastal Drive

Destination is on your LEFT after Marina South Pier

For your comfort and convenience we recommend you arrive at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore for ship check-in formalities beginning at the boarding time stated in your cruise documents but no later than 1.5 hours prior to scheduled sail time.

Baggage Drop Off

Porters will be available to receive baggage to be checked prior to check-in at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore.

Parking (DriveCruise – Enjoy a local convenience)

The DriveCruise service allows you to park your vehicle at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore carpark, at a discounted rate.

Public Transport

Board train along the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris or towards Downtown Station if coming from the Downtown Line

Alight at Tanjong Pagar Station (Exit C) or Downtown Station Station (Exit C)

Board bus 402 at bus stop, near International Plaza (03223) or near Marina Bay Financial Centre (03391)

Alight at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore

Board train along the North South Line towards Marina Bay Station

Alight at Marina South Pier Station

Walk 600m alongside the sheltered linkway to Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore

Port of Ravenna

Porto Corsini, Ravenna, Italy

48123 Ravenna RA, Italy

Pier Terminal

Terminal Crociere - Porto Corsini

Airport to Pier Transit Time

Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE): 3 hours by bus and 2 hours and 30 minutes by car

Bologna Gugliemo Marconi International Airport (BLQ): 1 hour and 30 minutes

From: Venice Airport

Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE): Viale Galileo Galilei, 30, 30173 Venezia VE, Italia

Take Raccordo Marco Polo to Tangenziale di Mestre/A57.

Take Exit towards Milano/Bologna from Raccordo Marco Polo

10 minutes (9.3 km)

Keep on A13 and RA8 until Comacchio and take the exit from RA8

1 hour and 49 minutes (167 km)

Keep on SS309 and take Via Giovanni Spallazzi and Viale Italia towards Molo S.Filippo in Ravenna

28 minutes (25.7 km)

Arrive to Terminal Crociere – Porto Corsini

48123 Ravenna, RA, Italia

From: Bologna Airport

Bologna Gugliemo Marconi International Airport (BLQ): Via del Triumvirato, 84, 40132 Bologna BO, Italia

Take A14/E45 at San Lazzaro di Savena from Tangenziale nord di Bologna

12 minutes (14.5 km)

Keep on A14/E45 towards SS309 Ravenna

36 minutes (63 km)

Take the exit on SS309 to Via delle Valli/SP112 and Viale Italia towards Via Molo S.Filippo

24 minutes (22.2 km)

Pier Long Term Parking

No long-term parking available at the Port

Port of Sydney, Australia

Overseas Passenger Terminal

West 130 Argyle St

The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

White Bay Cruise Terminal

2041 James Craig Road

Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Sydney Cruise Terminal:

Overseas Passenger Terminal:

The distance from Sydney Airport is approximately 16 kms. Travel time approximately 35 minutes.

Passengers can travel to the Overseas Passenger Terminal by train, bus, ferry, light rail, private vehicle, taxi or rideshare.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal is located on the right opposite the Sydney Opera House.

You can also use Google Maps to help you plan your journey to the new cruise terminal.

White Bay Cruise Terminal:

The distance from Sydney Airport is approximately 19 kms. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes.

Passengers must access White Bay Cruise Terminal via James Craig Road via The Crescent.

Passengers can travel to the White Bay Cruise Terminal via coach/bus airport transfers, private vehicle, taxi or rideshare.

There is no long-term parking. The car park is for short-stay pick up and drop off only.

You can also use Google Maps, download a PDF map to help you plan your journey to the new cruise terminal.

A three minute maximum drop off time is permitted and is enforced by Security Staff at the wharf. Parking* is available at the Wilson Car Park.

For further information, please visit the Port Authority of New South Wales website.

* All rates and prices are subject to change. Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

Port of Southampton

101 Berth, City Cruise Terminal

Southampton S015 1HJ

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Southamption, England Cruise Terminal:

From London Heathrow Airport:

Take A3113 from the airport to M25 (M25 is the London Orbital Freeway).

Follow signs for M3 at junction 12 - join M3.

Head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks.

On leaving the M3, take the M27 following signs Southampton Docks.

At junction 3 – join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks.

Dock Gate 10 is the entrance to the terminal area.

From London Gatwick Airport:

Take A23 from airport to junction 9a.

Join the M23 driving to junction 7.

Join the M25 following signs for M3.

Join at junction 12.

Join M3 and head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks.

On leaving the M3 take the M27 following signs for Southampton Docks.

At junction 3 – join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks. Dock Gate 10 is the entrance to the terminal area.

Rail Transportation

From London Waterloo Station:

Direct Train Service is available on South West Railways from London Waterloo to Southampton Central Station.

Approximate journey time is 1 hour 20 minutes.

Timetable information can be obtained on the internet at www.rail.co.uk .

Round trip train fair from London’s Waterloo station is approximately $65.00 (35 British Pounds).

The Pier terminal is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the Southampton train station.

Approximate cost for taxi journey is $18.00 (8 British Pounds).

Parking at the Port of Southampton can be arranged in advance only by calling locally at +44 870-085-6030. There is very limited space available for cars not holding an advance reservation. For directions to the “Long Stay” parking facility, follow the above directions, however enter the Southampton Docks through Dock Gate 8.

Port of Civitavecchia (Rome)

Molo Vespucci, Civitavecchia 00053

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Cruise Terminal:

From Fiumicino International Airport (also known as Leonardo Da Vinci Airport):

Take the Autostada E80/A 12 – Roma-Civitavecchia

Exit at Civitavecchia Sud

Follow the signs to the Sardinia Ferries

Entrance personnel will provide any further details

Once inside the port, signage posted throughout will direct guests to their assigned terminal

Parking facilities are available near the cruise terminals starting at a cost of € 60 EUR for a seven day cruise plus €12 EUR for each additional day (price subject to change without notice) for the duration of your cruise. The parking facility will only accept Euros on arrival and will not accept credit cards or checks. The parking facility is located inside the port area. The parking facility does not offer a shuttle service to the cruise terminal. Based on availability, guests can pay for a taxi to transfer to and from the pier terminal.

Security at the Pier:

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact our local cruise line representative, Aloschi Bros. at +39.06.420.20.498 or us at 1.800.256 6649 or +1.305.539.4107.

Port of Mumbai

Piet Heinkade 27

1019 BR Amsterdam

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Amsterdan, Netherland Cruise Terminal:

From Schiphol International Airport to pier (13 miles):

Exit the airport and take A4 to Amsterdam and then the A10 Amsterdam Ring Road (north).

Leave the A10 Amsterdam Ring Road (north) at the S114 junction (follow the signs Centrum, Zeeburg and Artis).

Turn left at the end of the exit road. Follow the road until you have passed the Piet Hein Tunnel.

At the end of the tunnel turn right, following the signs for "Centrum and Central Station".

You will pass three traffic lights. After the third light, turn right at the second access road. Entrance to the underground parking area is situated in front of the terminal.

Parking is located underneath the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA). Daily rate is approximately 30.00 Euros.

Port of Amsterdam

Port Rashid (Commonly known as Mina Rashid)

Passenger Terminal 2 / 3

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Dubai, United Arab Emirates Cruise Terminal:

From Dubai International Airport

Exit Dubai Airport and drive approximately 100 meters to the traffic light.

Turn left and drive for approximately 200 meters.

Head for the flyover showing direction Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi.

Cross Al Grarhour Bridge and follow the directional signs to Port Rashid.

At the Last round about turn right and reach the main cargo gates of Port Rashid.

Drive through the gates and follow the signs to the 'Passenger Cruise Terminal'.

Continue straight past the round about and turn left at the small traffic signal.

Drive straight ahead and you will see the cruise terminal building.

Port of Dubai

Shinko Pier Exhibition Hall 2-5 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken 231-0001

The Tokyo, Yokohama Port website:

https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/detail/019/index.html

Take Higashi Kanto expressway from Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

Continue driving on Higashi Kanto Expressway to Tokyo Higashi Kanto Expressway is connected to Expressway Wangan (Bay Shore Route) Line. (B-line)

Continue driving on Expressway Wangan Line to Yokohama through Haneda Airport

Then Across Tsurumi Tsubasa Bridge and Yokohama Bay Bridge.

Turn off expressway Wangan line at Shin Yamashita exit.

After exiting, pass underneath the Expressway

turn left at intersection in front of Yamashita park, then turn right at an intersection the name of Yamashitabashi.

Go straight through Yokohama Marine Tower and Yamashita Park to the Kaigandori-yonchome intersection

Then turn right at Kaigandori-yonchome intersection then you will arrive at Shinko Pier Exhibition Hall.

No Parking info Available

Port of Tokyo

Passenger Terminal

Nudo Baron s/n Almacen Simon Bolivar

Recintos Portuarios

Valparaiso Chile

From Arturo Merino International Airport (SCL)

Upon leaving Santiago airport at Pudahuel take a right onto Highway 68 (Ruta 68) which goes for about 75 miles to Valparaiso and Via del Mar.

Once in Valparaiso, follow Argentina Ave until it becomes Espana Ave.

Go under the railway into the port area

*Short term parking only-- $1 USD per hour

*Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

Port of Valpraiso

Wilhelminakade 699

3072 AP Rotterdam

The Rotterdam Port website:

https://www.cruiseportrotterdam.nl

Rotterdam cruise port terminal is built on the Wilhelmina Pier. It is west of Erasmus Bridge, on the south bank of Nieuwe Maas River.

Schiphol Airport Amsterdam is 1 hour from the cruise ship terminal.

The distance to Rotterdam Airport is only 20 min.

The city's Central Station is also located close to the cruise terminal building. You can easily reach the terminal by taxi, tram lines 20/25/30 from the city center, or by Metro. Get off at Wilhelminaplein and walk a short half-block east to the cruise terminal.

*Reserve your parking spot at Q-Park De Rotterdam, a 1 minute walking distance to Cruise Terminal Rotterdam.

For more information, click here.

Port of Rotterdam

Reyjavik Cruise Terminal,

Skarfagarðar, 104 Reykjavik

Main cruise termninal in Reykjavik. 7 minutes drive from city center. 45 minutes from Keflavik airport

*Limited parking available at pier, parking area is located by ferry to videy island.

Port of Reykjavik, Iceland

Av. Rodrigues Alves, 10 Centro

CEP 20081-250 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil

Directions from Rio de Janeiro - INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

Follow southwest 160 m

Take the first right, head toward Rd. Itacolomi 23 m

Turn left onto Rd. Itacolomi 88 m

Sharp right on Rd. Itacolomi 1.9 km

Turn right on Rd. Canary Islands 1.9 km

Continue Rd. Galeo 1.4 km

Slight left at Ln. Red / Av. Pres. Joao Goulart 7.5 km

Slight left at Vd. Prof. Mario Henrique Simonsen 230 m

Continue Ac. p / Av Brazil - High Lane 550 m

Continue to Avenida Brazil - High Lane 1.0 km

Slight left at Ac. p / EVD Perimetral 130 m

Continue Vevd. Perimetral 5.3 km

Take Gen. Justo Av 450 m

Take the exit toward the Avenida Beira Mar 120 m

Turn right on Avenida Beira Mar 85 m

Take the ramp onto Av Gen. Justo 650 m

Continue Vevd. Perimetral 1.8 km

Continue Ac. p / Av Rodrigues Alves 350 m

Continue to Avenida Rodrigues Alves

The destination is on your right 11 m

Pier Maua S / A

Avenida Rodrigues Alves, 10 Sade - Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20081-250

Directions from Rio de Janeiro - DOMESTIC AIRPORT:

Follow the southwest Lrg. of World War II Soldier toward Gen. Justo Avenue 50 m

Sharp right at Av Gen. Justo 130 m

Continue Av Alfred Agache 950 m

Continue Ac. p / Av Pres. Vargas 210 m

Continue Av. Vargas 170 m

Slight left at Av. Vargas - Central Lane 34 m

Turn left on Avenida Rio Branco 1.4 km

Turn left to stay on Avenida Rio Branco 110 m

Slight left at Av Beira Mar 600 m

No parking info is available

Port of Rio De Jeneiro

Akti Xaveriou

185 38 Piraeus, Greece

From the Airport Athens Elefterios Venizelos International Airport (Approximately 1 hour:

Head south-west on Attiki Odos/A62, continue onto Leof. Koropiou Aerodromiou.

Turn left onto Leoforo Eyelpidon.

Use right 2 lanes to turn right onto Leof.

Kon/nou Karamanli.

Continue onto Leof. Posidonos.

Continue onto Leof. Apollonos.

Keep left to stay on Leof. Apollonos.

Continue onto Mirkras Asias.

Continue onto Alipedou.

Turn left onto Eth. Antistaseos.

Turn right to continue on Eth. Antistaseos.

Continue onto Dim. Gounari.

Turn left onto Akti Posidonos.

Turn right onto Akti Miaouli.

Enter roundabout and exit at Cruise Terminal.

*Parking is available:Located at 1-6 Akti Miaouli Street, opposite Agios Nicolas Church. The approximate fee is 14 Euros per day (subject to change without notice). The distance to the Cruise Terminal is approximately 150 meters.

Port of Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon Cruise Port

The Lisbon Port website:

HomePage | Lisbon (lisboncruiseport.pt)

From Lisbon Airport:

Take the 1st exit onto R.C.

Continue at Av. Berlim on the way to Av. Infante D. Henrique

You will arrive to Doca Jardim do Tabaco Terminal de Cruxeiro de Lisboa 1100-651 Lisboa (20 minutes distance)

Long term parking available https://www.lisboncruiseport.pt/

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

More From Forbes

7 things to do as soon as you board a cruise ship.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Making the most of embarkation day can set you up for an enjoyable cruise vacation.

If you’ve never cruised before, embarking a modern vessel for the first time can be truly overwhelming. You don’t know what you don’t know, but by not doing certain things within the first hours, you risk spoiling your dream vacation.

The embarkation day process for a cruise is like a streamlined airport experience. Cruise lines provide a time window, usually from late morning to mid-afternoon, for arrival at the port.

Upon arrival, keep your boarding documents and ID ready. Once you’ve dropped off your luggage, cruise staff guide you to check-in where you'll present your ID, complete a health form, and receive your cruise card or wristband.

This card acts as a boarding pass, room key, and payment card onboard. Some lines offer keyless embarkation, allowing direct access to rooms and cards collected at the cabin. Before boarding, you'll go through a security line, albeit less rigorous than at an airport.

Once onboard, make sure to do these seven things as soon as you can. From checking your accommodations to enjoying the iconic sailaway, these steps ensure you maximize your onboard experience right from the start.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, check your accommodation thoroughly.

As soon as you enter your cabin, inspect everything to ensure it meets your expectations and everything is in working order. Check that all facilities, such as the shower, toilet flush, lights, and electrical outlets, function properly.

If there is anything amiss, this is the time to contact guest services. You should expect a long queue on embarkation day, but the sooner you identify an issue, the higher the chance of a quick resolution, especially if an alternative cabin may be required.

You should check your cruise ship cabin and meet your room steward as soon as you can on embarkation ... [+] day.

This time also gives you an opportunity to stow your valuables in the cabin safe, and freshen up if desired.

Meet Your Cabin Steward

Introduce yourself to your cabin steward . They are key to ensuring your stay is comfortable, and will most likely call on you as soon as they realize you have arrived.

Discuss any specific preferences or needs you might have, such as extra pillows or allergies, or mention if you are late sleepers, for example. If you have any queries about room service or laundry options, now is the time to ask.

Cabin stewards are always professional, but getting to know yours early can enhance your onboard experience significantly.

Book Everything

Modern cruise ships are home to a dazzling range of entertainment and dining options. Early booking is crucial for popular onboard activities, dining reservations, and shore excursions.

In some cases, popular activities may have sold out prior to the cruise. For those that need to be booked on board, visit the relevant information desk or use the onboard app to make all your bookings as soon as possible.

You should also check your allocated dining time, if you are on a ship that operates a fixed dining concept. If you’re unhappy with the allocation, visit the maitre’d to request a change.

Attend Muster

The only absolute must-do on the first day is the muster drill. Prior to the pandemic, many cruise lines still required physical attendance in the theater or other large venue to go through the cruise safety procedures .

Nowadays, almost all cruise lines offer a virtual muster experience. Typically, a safety video is available on the cabin TV (which must be watched before accessing other functions) or even on the cruise line app.

You may still need to attend your designated lifeboat station to have your name taken, but this is straightforward and takes mere minutes.

Take Advantage Of Ship Tours

When you arrive in your cabin, check your daily planner to see if there are any introductory tours or sessions offered by the cruise line.

Embarkation day can be hectic and overwhelming. Join a guided tour to get your bearings.

Ship tours are ideal for first-time cruisers unfamiliar with the ship’s layout and generally how things work on board.

Keep an eye out for embarkation day tours or introductory sessions at the spa, fitness center, or casino. These often include special promotions or offers to kickstart your cruise experience.

Airplane Mode

To avoid hefty roaming charges, switch your phone to airplane mode. While at sea, your device could inadvertently connect to a cellular maritime network , which incurs high costs or data.

Even if you don't actively use your phone, you might accrue a significant bill from background data usage by your apps before you even receive an SMS notification—if you receive one at all.

Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, so consider purchasing one if you need to stay connected. Remember, cruise line apps typically require connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi network, but you can use them without buying an internet package.

Alternatively, use this time to disconnect and enjoy the break from constant connectivity. If so, use the time before sailaway to send some farewell messages.

Enjoy Sailaway

The sailaway party is a cruise tradition not to be missed. On many lines, the top decks will host live music and festivities as the ship departs.

It’s the perfect time to grab a drink, meet other travelers, and take in the stunning views as you set sail on your adventure. If you want to toast the sailaway, be sure to get a drink in good time, as the bars will all be busy.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

Princess Cruise Boarding tips: Early Arrival, Priority Boarding, And More!

Hey there fellow cruisers! Are you planning a Princess cruise and looking for some helpful tips to make your boarding process a breeze? Well, look no further because I have got you covered! As a seasoned Princess cruiser, I have learned a thing or two about boarding and I am excited to share my knowledge with you.

In this article, I will be sharing some insider tips on everything from selecting your arrival time to using the MedallionClass app. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help ensure that your embarkation goes as smoothly as possible.

Plus, who doesn’t love a stress-free start to their vacation? So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about Princess cruise boarding tips, because trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these.

• The earliest boarding time for Princess cruises is typically 11 am for the first boarding group, with priority boarding available for certain guests such as Platinum or Elite Captains Circle Members and Suite Guests.
• Guests with special needs or mobility issues must call Princess cruises 30 days before departure to arrange for early boarding, and arrival times are selected via the MedallionClass app 30-45 days before departure on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All-aboard time is around one hour before the ship’s departure time, and missed all-aboard time means not being allowed to board the ship.
• The MedallionClass app can be used to select arrival time, but standing in line may be necessary without the app, and guests should check the app daily from 45 days before boarding to select the earliest arrival time.

Boarding Time Options

I can choose my arrival time for a Princess cruise via the MedallionClass app 30-45 days before departure. This is a great feature that allows me to select the earliest possible time to board the ship.

However, it’s important to note that priority boarding is available for certain guests like Platinum or Elite Captains Circle Members, Suite Guests, Guests With Special Needs, and Bon Voyage Experience Guests. If I arrive before my designated time, I may end up waiting outside the terminal building until my group is called.

That’s why it’s crucial to check the app daily from 45 days before boarding and select the earliest arrival time possible. Boarding group eligibility is determined on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier I arrive, the better my chances of being in the first group.

The benefits of early boarding include having more time to explore the ship, avoiding long lines at check-in, and securing the best seats at shows and restaurants.

Priority Boarding

Platinum or Elite Captains Circle Members, Suite Guests, and those with special needs can enjoy the benefit of boarding the ship earlier than other guests. This means that they can avoid the long lines and wait times that other guests may experience.

Here are some ways to qualify for priority boarding:

• Become a Platinum or Elite Captains Circle Member: If you’ve sailed with Princess Cruises before, you may qualify for Platinum or Elite status, which comes with a range of benefits, including priority boarding.
• Book a Suite: Guests staying in a suite can also enjoy the benefit of priority boarding, which is just one of the many perks of booking a luxurious suite.
• Have Special Needs: Guests with special needs or mobility issues can call Princess Cruises 30 days before departure to arrange for early boarding. This ensures that they have the time and assistance they need to board the ship comfortably.

The benefits of priority boarding for Princess Cruises are numerous. Not only can you avoid the long lines and wait times, but you can also settle into your room earlier and start enjoying all the amenities the ship has to offer. With more time to explore the ship and get settled, you can start your cruise off on the right foot and make the most of your vacation.

Arrival Time Selection

Using the MedallionClass app, I highly recommend guests to select their preferred time of arrival for their Princess cruise up to 45 days before departure. This is one of the best practices to ensure a smooth and stress-free boarding experience.

The app allows guests to choose from half-hour windows starting from 11 am to around 3 pm. It’s important to note that arrival times are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to select the earliest possible arrival time to avoid waiting outside the terminal building.

Here are some tips and tricks when using the app for arrival time selection: check the app daily from 45 days before boarding to select your preferred time, and keep an eye out for any cancellations that may become available two to three days before the cruise.

Also, arriving before your designated arrival time may result in waiting outside the terminal building until your group is called. By following these best practices, you can make the most out of your Princess cruise and avoid unnecessary stress.

Special Needs Accommodations

Guests with special needs or mobility issues can ensure a comfortable and stress-free boarding experience by arranging for early boarding with Princess cruises 30 days before departure. This allows for extra time to navigate the terminal, settle in the cabin, and explore the ship’s accessible facilities.

Princess Cruises offers a range of accommodations for guests with special needs, including accessible staterooms, wheelchair-friendly gangways, and priority seating in theaters and restaurants.

When requesting accommodations, it’s important to provide detailed information about any specific needs or requirements. Princess Cruises recommends contacting their Accessible Shore Excursion Desk to discuss any accessible shore excursions, and to check with the medical staff on board regarding any special dietary requirements or medical equipment needs.

With early boarding and accommodations in place, guests with special needs can relax and enjoy all the amenities and experiences that Princess Cruises has to offer.

All-Aboard Time

I need to make sure I know the all-aboard time for my Princess Cruise so I don’t miss the ship’s departure. Here are some tips for not missing all aboard time:

Arrive at the terminal at least an hour before the all-aboard time to give yourself enough time to check in and go through security.

Keep track of the time and listen for announcements about the all-aboard time. Set reminders on your phone or watch to ensure you stay on schedule.

If you do happen to miss the all-aboard time, contact the ship’s staff immediately to see if they can make arrangements for you to catch up with the ship at the next port.

During the all-aboard period, there are several ways to spend your time. You can explore the terminal, grab a bite to eat, or relax in a lounge area. Some terminals may even have entertainment or activities to keep you occupied. Just make sure to keep an eye on the time and stay close to the boarding area to avoid missing the ship’s departure.

MedallionClass App

Navigating the MedallionClass app can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like having a personal concierge in your pocket. The app allows you to select your preferred arrival time for boarding the ship, which can save you a lot of time and hassle.

However, there are some pros and cons to using the app.

One of the pros is that you can select your arrival time in advance, which can help you avoid long lines and waiting times at the port. Additionally, the app allows you to access real-time information about the ship, such as dining options, entertainment schedules, and activities.

On the other hand, the user experience may not be as smooth for everyone. Some users have reported difficulty with installing and using the app, and some may prefer to simply stand in line and wait for their turn to board.

Ultimately, whether or not to use the app is a personal preference, but it’s worth exploring if you want to streamline your boarding experience.

Transportation Considerations

When planning my transportation to the port, it’s important to consider the specific cruise I’ve booked and whether or not shuttle or transportation services are available. Some Princess Cruises provide shuttle services to and from certain airports, while others may require guests to arrange their own transportation. It’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line or travel agent to confirm what options are available for my specific cruise.

To help illustrate the different transportation considerations, I’ve created the following table:

Knowing the shuttle availability and airport transportation options can help me plan my arrival time and make any necessary arrangements in advance. Overall, it’s important to do my research and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and stress-free boarding experience.

Founder and Social Media

The Cruise Tips founder, Mike Schimdt, has been a valuable asset to the cruise industry since 2006. With over 20 cruises under her belt, she has a wealth of experience in planning and executing the perfect cruise holiday.

Through her social media platforms, which include Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn, she has helped over 1 million people per month plan their dream vacations. Mike’s social media strategy is like a compass guiding travelers to their ultimate vacation destination.

Her engaging and informative posts cover everything from the best cruise deals to the must-see destinations on each voyage. Her weekly emails, which are read by over 40,000 cruisers, provide valuable insights and tips for making the most out of a cruise holiday. Thanks to her experience and expertise, Mike is a trusted source of information for anyone looking to embark on a Princess cruise.

What happens if I arrive after the designated all-aboard time?

If you arrive after the designated all-aboard time, you will not be allowed to board the ship and will have to make arrangements for lodging and transportation. However, there may be boarding exceptions for certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies or delayed flights.

Is there a limit to the number of early boarding groups?

To secure priority boarding, I recommend Platinum or Elite Captains Circle Membership, or booking a suite or Bon Voyage Experience. For early boarding, choose earliest arrival time and monitor app for cancellations. Benefits include avoiding long lines and enjoying ship amenities sooner.

Can I change my selected arrival time after I have submitted it?

Unfortunately, once you have submitted your selected arrival time via the MedallionClass app, you cannot change it. It’s important to arrive on time as late arrival may result in waiting outside the terminal building and missing the all-aboard time, which means not being allowed to board the ship.

How can I arrange for special accommodations if I have dietary restrictions?

Navigating dietary restrictions on a cruise can be daunting, but Princess Cruises offers special menus for various dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-sugar options. Medical documentation may be required, so be sure to check with the cruise line before departure.

What is the process for disembarking from the ship at the end of the cruise?

Disembarkation process begins after customs clearance and is done in groups based on flight departure times or disembarkation plans. Luggage is collected and taken to designated areas for easy pickup. I suggest packing a carry-on for essentials.

27 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts

You've planned your cruise, and now it's embarkation day. You can't wait to get on board your ship and relax, sip a tropical drink and stare out to sea. You're on vacation – woohoo!

Not so fast. You might be ready to cruise, but the ship's crew still is getting the ship ready, having just disembarked last week's passengers.

You must go through the ship's pier-side check-in process, which can take time. Remember, you are one of thousands of people entering a floating city at basically the same time. As with any other secured structure, you can't walk right onto a ship.

The best way to start your cruise is to arrive at the pier expecting some lines and minor hassles — and perhaps a bit of chaos — and then be thrilled if you don't encounter any of them. Keep a level head and look forward to good times once your sailing gets underway.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are some dos and don'ts to help make embarkation day as hassle-free as possible.

DO check that you have the necessary paperwork and documentation

The cruise line will send pre-cruise reminders explaining what to expect at check-in, including health and safety procedures. It will outline which documents, IDs, QR codes or other electronic receipts you must have ready.

However, it's your responsibility to arrive at the pier with the proper documentation. I like to print out and bring paper copies of documents as a backup to electronic documents.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

DON'T arrive at the pier early

Many cruise lines assign passengers a staggered time to arrive at the pier. Arrive early, and you'll just have to wait — often, outside in the hot sun, without access to water, restrooms or other necessities. Arrive at the pier as close as you can to your scheduled time, but don't freak out if you are a few minutes late. You won't be turned away.

DO hand over your big suitcases

As soon as you arrive at the pier, porters will be available to take your large suitcases, which will be delivered later to your cabin. (Dock workers expect a small tip for the service.) Without your luggage, you'll have your hands free for the rest of the embarkation process. Make sure your suitcase is tagged with your name and cabin number, ship name and sail date.

DON'T relinquish your carry-on bag

In your cruise carry-on , pack your medications, valuables, documents and anything else you will need until your luggage arrives in your cabin. Since you're likely leaving from a sunny destination, you also might want to have a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. If you've come from a cold-weather place, pack shorts, flip-flops and your bathing suit so you don't have to wait for your suitcases to arrive before you hit the pool.

DO be prepared to go through security

Once you prove (through your paperwork or electronically) that you belong on the ship, you will go through security. The setup is similar to an airport. You put your belongings on a screening belt and walk through a metal detector. You won't have to take off your shoes but will have to remove belts and bulky jewelry and clear your pockets.

DON'T try to sneak any banned items onto the ship

Your carry-on items will be inspected via an X-ray machine at the security checkpoint, and your checked bags might be searched before they're delivered to you. While most cruise lines allow passengers to bring a small amount of alcohol, soda and bottled water for consumption in their cabin, make sure you have not gone over the cruise line's allowance for bringing your own beverages on board .

Cruise lines have specific rules for other banned items, which you can find on your line's website. These items will include weapons, fireworks, flammable liquids, candles, clothing irons, incense and anything else that produces a flame. Royal Caribbean also bans martial arts gear, baby monitors and extension cords, among other items. Carnival bans handcuffs.

DO freshen up

After your flight or drive to the port, you will want to freshen up because the fun begins at the embarkation pier. You'll find both official and unofficial photo spots at the terminal. Smile for the shipboard photographers, who will have a backdrop with the ship's name or picture set up, or take your own photos.

DO pause and look up as you enter the ship's atrium

Some ship atriums are impressively high or have cool artwork or chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. You've arrived at your floating home for the week. It's OK to stand in awe.

DON'T expect to be able to go right to your cabin

Depending on when you arrive, cabins might not be ready, as the crew needs to clean and straighten them after the previous guests have left. It's best to stay out of the way of the cabin stewards and instead find a place for you (and your carry-on luggage) to hang out until the ship announces all cabins are ready.

DON'T follow the crowds to the buffet

As the boarding process begins around noon and continues well into the afternoon, many people arrive hungry. Crew members often direct passengers to the buffet — but experienced cruisers know there are other, often less crowded, options.

On Carnival Cruise Line ships, go directly to celebrity chef Guy Fieri's poolside Guy's Burger Joint and indulge in a decadent burger or fries. If you're on one of the newer or recently updated Carnival ships, there's also the embarkation day treat of Fieri's pork butt, chicken and Mac Daddy Mac n Cheese served on the promenade (or Deck 10 on Carnival Sunrise).

Royal Caribbean fans in the know make a beeline to the Park Café for Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwiches, an embarkation day rite of passage. A main dining room with waiter service and specialty for-a-fee restaurants also might be alternatives for an embarkation day lunch.

DO head to your cabin when it's ready

Your big bags might not have arrived at this point, but you can drop your carry-ons and take a look to see that everything is to your satisfaction. Your cabin steward likely will stop by to say hello. This is a good time to ask how the air-conditioning, TV and safe work and to ask for any extras you might need, such as more towels, pillows and hangers, or to have the bed split from a queen into two twins. The steward will also let you know how to keep in touch if you need anything extra throughout your cruise.

DO read the safety instructions and check life jackets

Safety instructions will be posted on the back of your cabin door. Look there for the number of your assigned muster station in the event of a shipboard emergency. You'll find life jackets in your closet or elsewhere in the cabin. If you are traveling with kids, now is the time to make sure there is an appropriate infant or child life jacket in addition to a life jacket for each adult. If there isn't, alert your cabin steward.

DO watch the safety video

It used to be that everyone on a cruise ship was required to gather on embarkation day at their assigned muster station, listen to a safety briefing and be checked off a list as having been briefed. As a result of COVID-19, and a desire to keep crowds at a minimum, many cruise lines have moved to e-muster drills.

You are required to watch a video on your cabin TV or cruise line app that tells you what to do in the event of a fire or other shipboard emergency. Your smart TV or app will record that you have watched the video. You may also be required to check in with a crew member at your assigned muster. Those who skip this step will hear their cabin numbers called out over the PA system, which can be embarrassing.

DO make sure the kids understand the safety procedures

Eyes might roll, but now is the time to talk to the kids about the danger of climbing on any railings or standing on balcony furniture. Remind them that other people on the ship are strangers and that they should use the same caution they would at home. Establish rules for how much freedom children are allowed to have on board, where to leave messages for each other and how to reconnect if you get split up on the ship.

DO go out to explore the ship

You'll have time to see a lot during your cruise, but at this point I like to get the lay of the land. You might find a ship deck plan (map) in your cabin, or one might be available at the purser's desk or in the cruise line's app. It's fun to find not only the main spaces but also the hidden pools, hot tubs and other treasures you'll want to return to throughout your sailing. It's fun to do the exploring as a family.

DO sign the kids up for cruise ship camp

While you're exploring, stop by the kids' centers and sign the kids up for the onboard kids program. Staff will be on hand to welcome your progeny and show them around the play spaces and hangouts available just for them. Your kids might need to get bracelets marked with their muster station in case of emergency.

Related: Best cruise ships for kids

DO stop by the spa and fitness center

If you plan to do spa treatments or have hair and other beauty appointments during your cruise, now is the time to book them (if you haven't booked them in advance). Take the spa tour and sign up for the raffle — you could win a free treatment.

If you like what you see in the soothing thermal suite — which typically has hot and cold treatments — sign up now as spaces often sell out. Put your name on signup sheets for fitness classes, as these also fill up quickly.

DO take time to veg out

You don't need to do everything your first day, so if you spot a perfect spot in the sun or shade, rest your weary bones. Fun times are ahead; a little cat nap might be in order.

DON'T assume drinks are free

As you wander, especially out on deck, smiling crew members will be carrying trays of tempting and colorful icy drinks, maybe even decorated with sweet little umbrellas. Go ahead and grab one if you want — just understand you will be charged for the welcome drink.

DO watch your alcohol consumption

We get it, you bought a drinks package (in which case the above drink is included), and you want to make the most of it. But do you really want your first day on board to result in an unpleasant morning after? Better to pace yourself and drink lots of water between adult beverages.

DO take time to unpack

Once you've got the lay of the land, you probably want to unpack and get ready for your first evening on board. Don't put your luggage directly on your bed's duvet; use the luggage mat provided. Find a spot for everything because cruise cabins can quickly become cluttered. When you're finished, stow your suitcases under your bed.

DO call if your luggage hasn't arrived

It takes time to deliver thousands of suitcases to thousands of cabins. But if it's getting close to the time your ship is set to leave the pier and your suitcases have not arrived, alert your cabin steward. (If you've had a last-minute cabin change, look for your luggage by your original room.)

DO take your seasickness tablets

If you are prone to seasickness , plan to take your first pills a couple of hours before the ship is scheduled to leave the pier. They need time to kick in.

DO turn off your cellphone

To avoid costly roaming charges, you will want to keep your cellphone on airplane mode. To keep in touch with those at home and brag about your trip on social media, consider buying a shipboard Wi-Fi package . Crew members will be on hand on the first day to help you log in and connect.

DON'T forget to figure out dinner

Perhaps you plan to head to the main dining room the first evening or want to go casual at the buffet. Consider the option of specialty dining . These intimate, for-a-fee restaurants can be hard to get into (reservations are required) but are usually not as crowded on the first night of the sailing. Plus, some lines will thank you with a complimentary or discounted bottle of wine.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

DO check out the daily program

You'll find a list of all the daily activities printed out in your cabin, on your cabin TV or on the shipboard app. Take a look and see what's in store for your first evening aboard.

DON'T miss the sailaway party

This is the first big activity of your cruise and not to be missed. These parties are about music, laughter and the opportunity to check out the crowd you'll be with for the week. Plus, watching the land disappear as your ship heads to sea is a dreamy experience. You're off to new horizons. Grab a drink and toast the official start of your cruise vacation.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

This Cruise Life

Virgin voyages boarding process.

What a whirlwind of a week on board our first-ever Virgin Voyages sailing. We just debarked Valiant Lady in Miami on Sunday, and are excited to share our thoughts after 8 days on board this $700M Lady ship. For those getting ready to board Valiant Lady out of Miami for the first time, we put together this quick Virgin Voyages Boarding Process – and give you tips on how you can get onto the ship even faster.

Virgin Voyages Boarding Pass: Don’t Panic!

If you’ve ever cruised before, you know the drill. Check in, print your boarding pass or save it to your phone, and head to the terminal. But, like everything else, Virgin Voyages decided to do things different! There are no bar codes, no boarding docs or luggage tags, and nothing in the app (other than your itinerary). Don’t panic! That’s all normal. As long as you’ve checked in and completed your health-screening, you are good to head to the terminal!

Getting to the Port

Virgin Voyages is located at Terminal V in Miami. Both Uber and Lyft recognized the terminal, so getting to the port should be fairly easy. As always, plan for Miami traffic. We checked in on both apps at least half a dozen times embark morning as we didn’t want to miss our early arrival window!

While general boarding started at 2pm, we arrived at the port area just before 1:30pm local time. Because of Virgin’s later embarkation start time, it was much easier to get around, and less chaotic in the port area. Virgin Voyages Terminal V is at the end of the Miami cruise port closest to downtown and the address is 718 N Cruise Blvd, Miami, FL 33132.

We are ON OUR WAY to the port! Virgin Voyages, you’re about to take away these cruisers’ virginity! ❤️ Get your Born Again VIRGIN shirt in our online store soon! Anchors away! ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/ycncc40WG3 — This Cruise Life (@thiscruiselife) November 18, 2023

Bag Drop – Checking Bags

Due to the smaller size of the ship, and the reduced chaos in the port area, the porters were much easier to spot. Unlike other cruise lines, however, the porter asked for our room number. He then wrote our room number on a bag tag that he stapled to the handles of each of our bags.

Cruise tip: Do not remove the bag tag from your luggage as it’s also used for the debark process! The tag does tell you not to remove it for the duration of your cruise, however, we didn’t read that… Thankfully, they’re like airport bag tags; peel back the sticker and you can reattach it to the bag for debark. But just follow the instructions to make it even easier.

Embarkation

From the time I took the below picture (1:32pm) to the time we arrived on board the ship (1:52pm), a mere 20 minutes had passed. This embark process was SLICK!

Because we leveraged Virgin Voyages Match and Sea More Status Match Program, we were able to skip the queues and jump into the exclusive Sailing Club line. Not only did this allow us to get to the terminal right at 1:30 when check-in began, it allowed us to skip all the queues that were already forming for 1:45, 2:00, etc.

Cruise Tip: the “A Splash of Romance” package also provides you with Priority Boarding, so check this out if you don’t qualify for Sea More Status Match.

We joked that Virgin Voyages is the only cruise line we know that employs a “bouncer” to let you into the club. The crew member confirmed our name was on the list, gave me a Virgin Voyages wristband, and sent us into the terminal.

The terminal was still pretty empty at this point, so we skipped all of the empty queue lines inside and made our way directly up the escalator to check-in for passport review.

Passport Review and Check-In

The queue here took longer, but still, maybe only 10 minutes. Check-in was a breeze; the agent reviewed our passports and gave us The Band. Described by Virgin Voyages as, “a sleek wearable technology made from recycled ocean plastic that will unlock voyage adventures for future Sailors,” The Band did not disappoint. From accessing your stateroom, to paying for purchases on board or even on land at The Beach Club in Bimini, this thing was slick. And there’s a series of sayings on each of the bands (I was “Feelin’ Nauti”).

Once we had our newest fashion accessory attached, we headed to the cruise line’s version of TSA Pre-Check. We placed our items onto the conveyor, walked through the x-ray, and collected our belongings on the other side. All in, this process took less than 3 minutes.

From here, we headed toward the ship. One quick tap of The Band to the handheld devices at the terminal door, and we were cleared to board!

First 24 Hours Onboard YouTube

We talk more about the Boarding Process in our First 24 Hours Onboard review on YouTube and provide additional images of the port area, terminal, security check-in process, etc. Plus, we share our thoughts after 24 hours on board Valiant Lady.

Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Boarding Process

This was probably the easiest embark we’ve had in a long time. The later boarding time allowed the chaos of the Miami cruise port to die down and the benefit of Priority Boarding is HUGE. I highly recommend reviewing the Sea More Status Match or A Splash of Romance packages. If neither of those apply, keep in mind that booking through Rocky also gets you Priority Boarding.

I’m thankful that there were experienced Virgin Voyages sailors there who guided us to the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club line, otherwise, we would have likely gotten into the longer queue. Keep this in mind if you have Priority Boarding. But don’t try to fake it. The “bouncer” has a list and checks it twice to confirm you’re on it. It was odd that there were no boarding passes or indicators in the app; the employee checking names on a paper list seemed dated, but it actually added to the experience creating the bouncer vibe we joked about.

You can tell the terminal is new. It still has that “new cruise terminal” smell! Everything was clean, crisp, and in working order. Even the bathrooms were pretty!

Check-in took about 10 minutes to get through the queue, and passport review was easy. We received The Band for our wrists and headed through security screening before tapping our wrists on the handheld devices.

All in, 20 minutes from getting to the terminal to being on the ship was amazing, especially considering it was all new and we were taking a TON of pictures and videos.

Excited to hear your thoughts and experiences on Virgin Voyages embarkation process in the comments below!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What Is the Entrance to a Cruise Ship Called?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ship passengers have a variety of means to board their vessel, but the entrance to a cruise ship is usually called the gangway. A gangway is an extended walkway that is connected to the cruise ship on one end and a dock on the other.

It is typically made of metal and sometimes has a handrail for extra safety. The gangway may also be covered by a canopy or some type of weather protection.

The length of the gangway and its method of connection vary depending on the size and type of cruise ship. Large vessels can require multiple gangways in order to accommodate all passengers, while smaller ships may be able to use just one gangway. In addition, some ships have their own unique boarding systems such as elevators or ramps.

Passengers must first pass through security before boarding the cruise ship. This usually involves having their luggage inspected as well as undergoing a metal detector scan. Once cleared, passengers will then proceed down the gangway, which sometimes has its own security check-point at the entrance.

Once inside, passengers enter what is known as the boarding lounge. This area contains seating, information desks and vending machines. From here they are directed to their stateroom or any other part of the cruise ship they may wish to visit such as dining areas or entertainment venues.

Conclusion:

The entrance to a cruise ship is called a gangway and it typically connects from one end of the vessel to another at dockside. Depending on its size, it may have additional security checkpoints or even its own canopy for added weather protection. Passengers must pass through security before entering and then proceed into the boarding lounge where they can get directions for any part of the ship they wish to explore.

10 Related Question Answers Found

What is a room on a cruise ship called, what is the walkway to a cruise ship called, what do you call the entry and exit point of a cruise ship, what is a cruise ship room called, what are the rooms on a cruise ship called, what are cruise ship rooms called, what are rooms in a cruise ship called, what are rooms on a cruise ship called, what is the bar on a cruise ship called, what is best room on a cruise ship called, backpacking - budget travel - business travel - cruise ship - vacation - tourism - resort - cruise - road trip - destination wedding - tourist destination - best places, london - madrid - paris - prague - dubai - barcelona - rome.

© 2024 LuxuryTraveldiva

• Images home
• Editorial home
• Editorial video
• Premium collections
• Entertainment
• Premium images
• AI generated images
• Curated collections
• Animals/Wildlife
• Backgrounds/Textures
• Beauty/Fashion
• Buildings/Landmarks
• Business/Finance
• Celebrities
• Food and Drink
• Healthcare/Medical
• Illustrations/Clip-Art
• Miscellaneous
• Parks/Outdoor
• Signs/Symbols
• Sports/Recreation
• Transportation
• All categories
• Shutterstock Select
• Shutterstock Elements
• Health Care
• Sound effects

PremiumBeat

• PixelSquid 3D objects
• Templates Home
• Instagram all
• Highlight covers
• Facebook all
• Carousel ads
• Cover photos
• Event covers
• Youtube all
• Channel Art
• Etsy big banner
• Etsy mini banner
• Etsy shop icon
• Pinterest all
• Pinterest pins
• Twitter All
• Twitter Banner
• Infographics
• Zoom backgrounds
• Announcements
• Certificates
• Gift Certificates
• Real Estate Flyer
• Travel Brochures
• Anniversary
• Baby Shower
• Mother's Day
• Thanksgiving
• All Invitations
• Party invitations
• Wedding invitations
• Book Covers
• About Creative Flow
• Start a design

AI image generator

• Photo editor
• Background remover
• Collage maker
• Resize image
• Color palettes

Color palette generator

• Image converter
• Creative AI
• Design tips
• Custom plans
• Request quote
• Shutterstock Studios
• Data licensing

You currently have 0 credits

See all plans

Image plans

With access to 400M+ photos, vectors, illustrations, and more. Includes AI generated images!

Video plans

A library of 28 million high quality video clips. Choose between packs and subscription.

Music plans

Download tracks one at a time, or get a subscription with unlimited downloads.

Editorial plans

Instant access to over 50 million images and videos for news, sports, and entertainment.

Includes templates, design tools, AI-powered recommendations, and much more.

Cruise Boarding Entrance royalty-free images

451 cruise boarding entrance stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download..

Our company

Press/Media

Investor relations

Shutterstock Blog

Popular searches

Stock Photos and Videos

Stock photos

Stock videos

Stock vectors

Editorial images

Featured photo collections

Sell your content

Affiliate/Reseller

International reseller

Live assignments

Rights and clearance

Website Terms of Use

Terms of Service

Privacy policy

Modern Slavery Statement

Cookie Preferences

Shutterstock.AI

AI style types

Shutterstock mobile app

Android app

© 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc.

10 Things You Should Never Bring on a Cruise

Posted: March 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 8, 2024

Cruise Dos and Don'ts

The last thing that you want to deal with while boarding a cruise ship is to suddenly not be able to enjoy your hard-earned getaway because you failed to find out what's prohibited onboard. Thankfully, we’ve put together a quick and helpful list of the things that you should never bring on a cruise, which includes items that are often prohibited as well as those that are just going to be a waste of space when you pack. You wouldn’t assume that something like a surfboard could bar your entrance from your next cruise, but here we are.

Editor's  Note: This story was updated in March 2024. As rules and regulations vary for different cruise lines, be sure to check in advance before booking or boarding. 

Any book lover out there understands the first thing about how hard it can be to hit the road without bringing at the very least, one book with you. However, those books can end up taking up precious space when you’re traveling, and the good news is that many cruise ships have their own libraries. Or, you can just invest in a Kindle that’ll allow you to take a library’s worth of books with you without any actual hassle.

Perhaps ranked above everything else when it comes to what cruise ships have the most of, it’s snacks. Literally, just about whatever you can think of, a cruise ship will be ready to cater to you. Buffets are common, and you’ll have to sustain admirable levels of willpower to not revisit the buffet numerous times after you’ve already had your initial meal.

Beach Towels

Plenty of cruise ships have their own impressive pools (both indoor and outdoor) for you and other vacationers to get the most enjoyment out of your time at sea. Regardless of if you’re swimming or just want to have a consistent supply of towels for when after you’ve showered cruise ships are ready to provide you all the towels you could possibly need.

Household Appliances

As hard as it might be to leave it at home, you cannot bring your clothes iron with you on your next cruise vacation. We completely sympathize with the desire to enjoy your vacation time in clothing that’s not wrinkled to a state of utter disrepair, but a clothes iron can end up posing quite the safety risk when out at sea. Thankfully though, many cruise ships have onsite self-service launderettes that come equipped with their own ironing boards. Outside of clothing irons, you also can’t bring your coffeemaker or heat-producing electric kettle.

For more cruise and travel tips,   sign up for our free newsletters .

You’ll have to leave the pleasantly aromatic candles at home before heading out for your next cruise vacation. Candles are 100% hazardous when it comes to posing a very heightened fire risk. Imagine if you were to bring a candle and forget about putting it out before you left your room.

Exercise Equipment

You’ll have to put that completely understandable though rule-breaking desire to save money on your next cruise trip by bringing your own alcohol. Personal beer, hard liquor, and spirits are prohibited outright by cruise lines.

Related:   Don’t Sink Your Wallet: 7 Things You Should Never Buy While on a Cruise

Related:   20 Things That You Should Never Do on a Cruise

Expensive Jewelry

Naturally, you want to bring the very best of your formal outfits for when you get fully dressed up before your fancy cruise dinners. However, resist the urge to bring your prized and pricey jewelry with you. It's unfortunate but unavoidable that many cruise ships will have people that are in attendance strictly to try to score big by ransacking the stocked rooms of guests that fail to properly hide their valuables. 

Kayaks And Surfboards

Kayaks and surfboards are outright not allowed on most cruise ships. Cruise line policies across the board are set up such that anything at all that you can launch off a cruise ship is prohibited. However, there are certain cases where you’re able to bring certain items with you that you might be able to use in an actual cruise port. In that case, however, you’ll just have to make sure that you leave your items in your cabin.

Keep in mind that many cruises offer water activities like kayaking as optional excursions, but in those cases, they'll provide the equipment for you.

This article was originally published on Cheapism

More From Cheapism

• The Best Seafood Restaurant in Every State
• 24 Best Places to Travel After Christmas
• From Crab Croquettes To McSpicy Paneers: Here Are 25 Fan Favorites From McDonald's International Menu
• 11 Things to Know About Costco Car Rental
• Is Spirit Airlines Safe, and Why Is It So Cheap?

Like Cheapism's content? Be sure to follow us .

More for You

Miss Teen USA resigns two days after Miss USA: ‘My personal values no longer fully align’

I Was 'Supermom.' When I Suddenly Became Disabled, I Expected Empathy — Not This.

6 Cars That Are Plummeting in Value

Kevin Durant Calls Michael And Deloris Jordan As GOATs After $10 Million Donation To Open Health Clinic

Mike Tyson pleads with Jake Paul ahead of fight

These Bang Bang Potatoes Are Crispy, Creamy, and All-Around “Perfect”

The 55 newest dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club

A Photo of Pedro Pascal and Dakota Johnson Kissing Passionately on the Street Has Gone Viral

'The Waltons' Trivia: 15 Facts You Didn't Know About The Show

These 10 Cars Are Actually Worth More Used Than New

Paul Pierce on where Nikola Jokic ranks among the best centers ever: "I don't got him in the Top 5"

Bad luck, rather than the Chiefs, defeated the 49ers at the Super Bowl, according to former QB Alex Smith

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Put Store-Bought Sugar Cookies To Shame

The Cleanest Dog Breeds

Ukrainian military destroys Russian Su-25

McDonald’s launches a $5 Meal Deal as inflation-weary consumers ditch fast-food

Donald Trump Threatened With New Investigation

New 'Dream Team'? USA basketball unveils 2024 Paris Olympics roster

No disruptions reported after 700 walk off job

When 'You' Means 'Your Company'

Virgin Voyages Help & Support for Port Information

• Help & Support
• / Before You Sail
• / Port Information

Port Information

We understand that not everyone can drop off their luggage at their exact arrival time. So, to make things more convenient for our Sailors, we'll start accepting luggage at Terminal V from 9 AM onwards.  If you decide to drop off your luggage early, please keep in mind that you should return to the terminal no earlier than 15 minutes before your chosen arrival time. We want to avoid overcrowding and ensure a smooth check-in experience for everyone.  Just a friendly reminder, there won't be any seating available outside the terminal, and access to the terminal will be limited to Sailors at their scheduled arrival time, which you selected during the check-in process on the Virgin Voyages App. Arriving early doesn't mean you'll get in early, so please plan accordingly.

Other topics related to "Port Information"

• Pre-Voyage Policies
• Travel Requirements
• Shore Things

Need help getting the As to your Qs?

Hit the big, red button below and reach out to our sailor services crew..

Port Economics, Management and Policy

A comprehensive analysis of the port industry

Chapter 3.6 – Cruise Terminal Design and Equipment

Author: dr. athanasios pallis.

Cruise terminals have a unique set of characteristics and operational considerations since they need to handle a large number of passengers and cruise ship supplies.

1. Cruise Terminals

Cruise terminals are designed to serve the requirements of cruise vessels and their passengers . At the same time, they have to be integrated with transport, tourism, and the urban planning strategies of the port city and nearby destinations. From a maritime viewpoint, cruise terminals need to fulfill minimum requirements for draft, berthing lines, and navigation channels for cruise ships. Inside the cruise terminal, there are provisions for various spaces, including the apron area, terminal building, and ground transportation. Due to the nature of their customers and the nature of cruise operations, connectivity to the city, car parking, and public transport facilities are particularly important.

Operational considerations are a critical factor in implementing the design of a cruise terminal is carried out at a specific port. The cruise port’s function as a home port, a transit port, or a hybrid port, implies different needs and design considerations:

• In a home-port , the cruise vessel that begins or concludes its itinerary commonly arrives early in the day so that passengers proceed to customs and immigration, have their luggage (un)loaded, and make their flight connections (more an issue for arriving passengers). Provisions for the next cruise need to be loaded, baggage from arriving passengers scanned and loaded, passengers processed through ticketing, spare parts, deck supplies, and bunkers (potable water and fuel oil) taken aboard. Minor repairs may also be undertaken. A portion of the crew visits the port city and returns before the ship departs. All these activities need to take place within up to 24 hours and preferably within 12 hours. Handling a large number of passengers in a short amount of time requires a terminal building, parking areas, and good access to the local transport system, particularly airports. The conditions and performance of the cruise port terminal are strongly linked with  homeports selection by cruise lines.
• A  port of call (transit) is visited for only a few hours within a day, or overnight, and requires a fast and efficient system for transporting passengers to points of interest or recreational spots.
• Hybrid cruise ports are used for both home-porting and transit activities. The terminal is designed to handle home-port and visitor flows at the same time.

Once designed and constructed, the operating costs of cruise terminals are generally smaller than in other port terminals , as cruise terminals do not require heavy equipment and do not consume much energy. The main operating cost items are the staff for managing the terminal, security, and luggage handling. These are frequently outsourced owing to the seasonal nature of the industry. On the other hand, security is a fundamental issue as cruise ships and passengers at ports might be vulnerable. A large number of passengers concentrated in a small restricted area might be considered a potential risk. Cruise ships also have high symbolic and economic value. Consequently, cruise port design and operations must comply with several security regulations, while cruise lines and regulatory agencies constantly audit port security.

2. Maritime Infrastructure

The core consideration for cruise terminal design is related to the expected technical characteristics of the cruise ships . Indicators, such as the tonnage, overall length (LOA), beam, and draft of modern cruise ships, along with the passenger capacity, and the number of crew on board, are the most considered. Due to the range of cruise vessel types, sizes related to cruise ships scale of dimensions and capacities , the maritime infrastructure of a cruise terminal depends on several factors:

• The number, size, and class of the cruise vessels that could utilize the terminal. Since the 2000s, the average size of cruise ships has increased in all dimensions (i.e. larger, wider, and higher passenger capacity). The average cruise ship capacity has increased from 1,300 to 3,100 passengers, and the average length from 200 to over 300 meters.
• The characteristics of the vessel types that could call at the port are key aspects. Due to design changes and technology, the mass and dimensions of cruise vessels include a variety of deck designs. These features contribute to the design of shoreside infrastructures like shore-power location, gangway placement, and cruise terminal building dimensions and facilities.
• Operational conditions imposed by weather. Some cruise ports may be exposed to the seasonality of weather risks, such as hurricanes in the Caribbean.
• The operational needs of stevedoring for activities such as mooring, bunkering, and stores.
• The desired potential berthing patterns and the average number of cruise ships expected to be docked.
• For home-ports, the number of crew members is also significant. Depending on the size and market segment of the cruise, the ratio varies from one crew member per passenger in a luxury cruise ship to one crew member per three passengers in a standard ship.

Entrance channels to berths and maneuvering areas provide safe clearance during vessel movements and operational loading conditions. Their minimum depth incorporates the maximum draft and allowances for technical and wave conditions anticipated during vessel approaches. Modern cruise vessels are very maneuverable in most sea conditions. The berth area length required for safe mooring and securing the vessel allows for a minimum clearance of 10% of the vessel’s overall length (LOA). Where turning basins are required, a diameter of two times the LOA plus an allowance for adverse weather conditions is necessary. In home port operations, the port maintains contingency plans in case of extreme weather due to the need for passengers to connect to the various modes of transportation from the terminal. Ports of call do not need such plans, as ships have the option of skipping a port of call in the case of inclement weather.

Mooring of cruise vessels generally uses arrangements where the maximum pier frontage adjacent to the vessel offers loading/unloading efficiencies. In some transit ports, vessels are moored to piers shorter than the vessel, using dolphins to secure the offshore end of the vessel. Cruise vessel facilities are typically provided with fender systems along the full frontage of the berth area to absorb the energy of an impact during vessel berthing and provide a soft buffer between the pier and vessel while moored.

3. Apron Area of the Cruise Terminal

Aprons are fenced secured areas immediately adjacent to the cruise building and vessel service doors. While cruise vessel loading can occur with small widths of apron surface, the wider and less obstructed the surface in the area is, the better. The apron area provides space for any of the following operations:

• Stevedoring services including line-handling, baggage movement, utility connections, and waste processing from the vessel. Luggage is moved by forklift and baggage handling carriages from/to the ground floor of the cruise building to/from the vessel luggage doors.
• Supplies to the vessels to serve the needs of passengers, crew, systems, and equipment. The provisions arrive on trucks soon after the ship arrives at berth. With larger ships served by a total of between 20 and 40 tractor-trailer size trucks, managing this flow and providing proper maneuvering, unloading, and turn-around space is critical to the success of this process. In addition to space, two other factors are important, connectivity with the ground transportation area, and storage areas where certain perishable provisions can be placed before being loaded onto the ship in order to avoid any damage.
• Access for vehicle circulation, parking, unloading, and access for load/unload equipment.
• Emergency vehicle access .
• Provisions for site-specific needs of terminal operations, such as vehicle controls.

All these operations take place in the apron area via the various service doors of cruise vessels . Within the apron, the operational pier service loading area for vehicles servicing cruise vessels, such as containers and tanker trucks, is separated from the cruise terminal passenger areas. Gangways are the single most important passenger processing element of the entire terminal as they are crucial for turning vessels around quickly and efficiently.

The gangway (also known as seaport passenger boarding bridge) is the means of getting on and off a ship. In general shipping terms, it refers to a walkway or bridge connecting the vessel to land. Because access varies widely from one port to another, a cruise ship gangway refers to the place on the ship where passengers enter and exit.

Gangways transfer passengers from the vessel doors to the terminal building through the boarding corridor (boardwalk). For example, on embarkation and debarkation days, the gangway will often consist of an enclosed raised bridge like a jetway in an airport. For larger vessels, the embarking and disembarking processes entail the need for two fully automated mobile gangways per berth to move in excess of 1,000 passengers per hour. Cruise terminal operators might select one of the various types of cruise gangways available to meet these needs and provide safe boarding in all conditions.

For home-ports, the demand for some or all of the following  vessel utilities  might require further infrastructure that might even extend beyond the facility property in order to provide sufficient capacities to allow vessels to be serviced during their limited time at berth:

• Bunkering  for ship refueling.
• Waste reception facilities such as oily wastes, garbage from ships, and sewage.
• Potable water . A 3,500 passenger vessel can use approximately 1.40 million gallons during a seven-day excursion. Most of this water demand is provided through onboard desalination systems. However, it is not uncommon for cruise vessels to take on water while at the pier.
• Ballast water .
• Energy such as shore power (cold ironing and LNG provisioning).

4. Cruise Terminal Building

The presence of a cruise terminal building is part of the evolution of the cruise business. As the market matures, cruise ports have started developing purpose-built terminal buildings to serve cruise passenger movements. Still, for ports where cruising activities are in their initial phase, the terminal is often a temporary structure, or a building primarily having a non-cruise use and is convertible on the days a ship calls. A range of structures is used:

• Temporary cruise terminal buildings exist in cruise ports with few calls and are managed only when a ship is calling. This includes vessel navigation and berthing, provisioning, passenger debarking, ship hoteling, passenger embarking, and vessel deployment. The methods of handling these needs rely primarily on essential services only, and on occasion, there is no building dedicated as a cruise terminal. In these cases, organizing and segregating functions are handled on-site with temporary event-type facilities with movable barriers, traffic control elements such as bollards and cones, and tape lines.
• Convertible cruise terminal buildings focusing on hospitality, civic, commercial, retail, or warehousing as the primary function. As these facilities are not specialized cruise terminals, passengers, baggage, and supplies are managed on a day-of-cruise basis. Before a ship berths, specific cruise use elements such as signage, furniture, equipment, and space-dividing material will be set up for a cruise and then removed after the ship departs. Several processes (including immigration) may be handled on the vessel rather than in the terminal.
• Purpose-built cruise terminal buildings address the entire needs and functionality of cruises on both disembarkation and embarkation. On occasion, some of the building spaces may be designed for dual-use (embarking and debarking). Most often, each space is designed and built for specific functionality. These buildings can also have secondary uses such as event space for shopping areas, cafeterias, and restaurants. Sill, cruising remains the primary design and operational driver. Embarkation and disembarkation spaces, equipment, furniture, signage, and agency requirements are all designed to optimize flow, heighten passenger satisfaction, minimize staffing levels, and maintain security. Often these buildings are part of a larger port community, or combined waterfront context, but they stand alone, not usually offering other uses when no ship is at berth.
• Mixed-use cruise terminal buildings are the most developed response to cruise tourism, along with the need to serve a waterfront community. Recognizing the multi-functionality that a single building can provide, such mixed-use buildings include all the necessary elements of a purpose-built terminal. They also add other uses to their plan and volume, such as shopping areas, commercial areas, theatres, and conventions. As with other mixed-use buildings, the economics of capital investment, operating cost, and revenue stream are combined in order to benefit from multiple uses. This creates a beneficial cycle of increased use, greater revenue, heightened visibility, and a stronger tourism market. Simultaneously, regardless of whether or not cruising is the dominant purpose of the mixed-use building, the cruise market must perceive that the building is successfully serving the core cruise terminal mission.

Cruise terminal buildings are either single-story or multi-story . A single-story terminal has the advantage of fitting on an open site, especially in relation to the length of a cruise vessel and the need for ground transportation, and the absence of vertical core elements such as stairs, escalators, and elevators. On the negative side, the operational distances are longer on one level than in multi-story terminals. Multi-story terminals are becoming the more common form of cruise terminal buildings, especially in the bigger home-porting cruise ports. This format takes advantage of the inherent differences between embarkation and disembarkation processes to segregate them by floor level, a design common in airport facilities. The stacking of spaces on different levels has greater advantages when co-locating other activities, such as parking. Most often, a multi-story terminal will have the majority of disembarkation spaces on the ground floor and most of the embarkation space on the upper level. This has the operational advantage that embarking passengers are brought upstairs to check-in and wait to board while disembarking passengers flow through immigration check, baggage pickup, customs, and ground transportation pickup.

5. Embarkation and Disembarkation Processes

The embarkation process of cruise passengers begins upon arrival at the cruise terminal. In home-ports, a number of different spaces and services are provided to facilitate the process:

• Entrance space is a gathering space for passengers arriving at the terminal, a shelter from the weather, a place to seek information, and a place to queue for the next step in the process.
• Bag drop space where bags are brought for the security check and organizing prior to loading onto the ship.
• Luggage security controls (X-ray scanners ) that allow thorough luggage monitoring, and detecting objects that are not allowed to be taken on board.
• Queuing space that includes multiple lanes for passengers to process through security controls boarding the vessel.
• Passenger security controls (passenger X-ray lanes), with operating schedules adapted to the size of traffic, peak hours, and other local and cruise-ship requirements.
• Ticketing where passengers pick up their tickets before check-in if not available through prior arrangements.
• Ticket area queue where passengers queue before checking in so that people can move quickly from ticketing to boarding.
• Check-in area with counters where cruise-line staff process passengers for the designated cruise trip. The use of new technologies like mobile applications or bar-coded wristbands in the check-in process is already bringing changes in the layout of this area.
• Waiting areas for checked-in ticketed passengers to wait until boarding can begin. This space is large enough to allow for ample seating and circulation area, as well as space for cruise information and other pre-travel material the cruise lines have.
• Boarding corridors where passengers move toward the vessel.
• Staff offices for cruise operator staff, cruise line staff, and port security.
• Other spaces, such as spaces where passengers can have their pictures taken, VIP lounges separated from the general embarkation experience, and even wedding and other special group spaces.

The size and location orientation of each of the above spaces and respective services varies from one cruise terminal to the other. Not all of the spaces listed will be found in every terminal or found in similar arrangements. Security might take place at the entrance of the terminal building or after check-in. Well-developed VIP spaces do not exist in all terminals, as the configuration is determined to meet the needs of all stakeholders (port, cruise lines, operator, customs, and port security). In any case, the terminal needs to offer a positive experience to passengers , as it might provide the first impression to the embarking passengers and it is thus valued significantly by cruise lines. Further, if the terminal is too small for the capacity of the cruise ship, discomfort can result from passengers being forced to stand up in crowded spaces over periods of time.

The disembarkation process in the home port begins before a passenger leaves the vessel to enter the terminal, aiming at reducing the processing time to a minimum and maximizing this final experience for the passenger. The different spaces and services that are provided in home-port terminals include:

• Boarding corridors for disembarking passengers.
• Customs, immigration, quarantine, and police spaces and processes.
• Baggage lay down , which is often the single largest space in the building. Luggage is brought directly from the ship according to deck level and grouped via a “lay-down” process that takes place before passengers enter the space. While in most cases separation refers to baggage waiting in different spaces per group of passengers, more sophisticated processes of managing bags also exist, the most obvious being carousels such as those used in airports.
• Customs areas for passengers to proceed after luggage collections to processing counters, and to conclude applicable procedures.
• Meeting spaces where passengers gather and meet with others and move to ground transportation.

In ports of call, the disembarkation/embarkation processes are less complex, particularly since passengers do not carry luggage. The terminals do not usually have or need a building to host passengers since the (dis)embarkation time is normally short, lasting less than an hour, with access to the local means of transportation or to the walkways and back to the ship having to be as fast and simple as possible. In the absence of a terminal building, the port provides an open space along the quay to enable passengers to gather comfortably. If a terminal building exists, transit terminals do not require spaces for the check-in process or luggage operations.

6. Ground Transportation

The ground transportation area of a cruise terminal is where passengers arrive from all transport modes to embark on the cruise. It is also where they disembark to take any transportation mode to travel inland, usually through public roads and transit systems. Since the passengers of a single cruise generate large numbers of inland trips , ground transportation is an important function of the cruise terminal. As traffic needs to move quickly, safely, and efficiently from and to the terminal and from and to the city, this area must be located close to the terminal building. The ground transportation area includes spaces for:

• Coach parking , such as shuttle buses provided by the port or the cruise lines and tour buses provided by the ship and independent excursion buses.
• Taxi lines with comfortable space around the cars to facilitate loading and unloading.
• Drop-off spaces such as a short-stay car park earmarked for people dropping off or picking up passengers.
• Parking spaces for passengers who drove to the terminal to take a cruise.
• Regional and local connectivity to both the local and regional intermodal system, such as the airport, needs to be connected to the home port by rail or road.

The modal distribution of cruise passenger mobility differs by port. Passengers can decide to take a coach, a taxi, a private car, or go on foot depending on factors such as proximity to major hotels and connectivity to the regional transport system. Space assigned to ground transportation services at a cruise terminal depends on:

• Type of cruise vessel operations at the port of call, with buses and shuttles being the main transport mode. In a home-port taxis and private transport are the most used transport mode, together with transfers and connections with the airport.
• Port-city distance where the cruise terminal is within a metropolitan district, most of the passengers might go into the city by foot, depending on the presence of pedestrian corridors. However, if the city is far off a shuttle system transport is provided.
• Transport systems available as several transport modes and services near the terminal area, such as car parks, train connections, and airport connectivity, are considered.
• Other factors  such as local, regional, and environmental considerations may affect the design criteria. A terminal in an area of recurrent high temperatures may need to provide air conditioning in most ground transportation areas. In contrast, a terminal in an area prone to security risks will need to ensure that these areas are secured.

In addition to infrastructures such as quays construction, dock expansion, dredging of channels and basins, waiting areas, and gangways that improve traffic flows and accessibility, modern cruise terminals also involve shoreside projects . In many cases, land reclamation, retail, restaurants, and hotels are of equal importance. The multi-purpose use of cruise terminals is of a different type. Due to their service and touristic orientation, the terminals are ‘people-friendly’, rather than ‘cargo friendly’. Thus, they might be used with open access to the public for events or other usages. This is especially the case as the seasonality of cruise activities implies that several terminals host cruise ship calls for only a few months each year.

Beyond the change in the usage of existing infrastructure or the development of greenfield projects, recent developments have also revolved around the adaptive reuse of brownfield assets . Such cases can be found in the United States, both at the East (Brooklyn and Galveston) and the West (San Francisco and San Diego) coasts. In all cases, cruise port infrastructure development takes far longer than building new cruise ships, meaning that ports may lag behind in trying to meet vessel capacity developments in the market.

Related Topics

• Chapter 3.1 Terminals and Terminal Operators
• Chapter 3.2 Terminal Concessions and Land Leases
• Chapter 5.4 Port Pricing
• Chapter 8.1 Cruise Ports
• Cheng, Z. Gong L. and Li C. (2020).  Design and Practice of Cruise Ports. Singapore: Springer .
• Pallis, A. A. 2015. “Cruise shipping and urban development state of the art of the industry and cruise ports”.  OECD-ITF Discussion Paper 2015-14 , OECD: Paris.
• PIANC Working Group 152 (2016). Guidelines for Cruise Terminals. Brussels: PIANC.

Share this:

Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska — A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska’s capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney’s office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the “late evening” Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” and “physically attacked” a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a “shipboard jail,” the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney’s office says.

The Associated Press

Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people in B.C. waters

35-year-old worker allegedly stabbed a woman and 2 security guards on board ship bound for alaska.

Social Sharing

A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska's capital city of Juneau, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel in B.C. waters, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney's office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle, Wash., on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital city of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged stabbing happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the "late evening" Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical centre for an evaluation.

• Nanaimo, B.C., anticipates tourism boost as cruise ships return

While there, he "became irrational and attempted to leave," and "physically attacked" a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states.

He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a "shipboard jail," the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney's office says.

Related Stories

• Top stories from British Columbia
• Safety board releases report into 2023 fatal plane crash in B.C.
• West Vancouver Blue Bus workers ratify agreement, avoid strike
• 'Sophisticated' cyberattacks involving B.C. gov't networks found

Norwegian cruise employee arrested for allegedly stabbing multiple people on board

A Norwegian Cruise Line employee was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stabbing multiple people during an Alaska cruise.

Personnel onboard Norwegian Encore saw Ntando Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat late on Sunday evening, according to an affidavit signed by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Matthew B. Judy.

Sogoni, a South African citizen, had joined the ship that day in Seattle.

Ship security officers took him to the medical center for evaluation. When he was taken to an exam room he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” attacking a security guard and a male nurse, the affidavit said.

He then ran to another exam room, grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a 75-year-old woman there for a medical assessment “several times in the arm, hand, and face.” The woman was a U.S. citizen.

“Security guards intervened and Sogoni stabbed two guards with the scissors before they could subdue and detain him,” the affidavit said. He allegedly stabbed one in the head and the other in the back and shoulder. The injuries were not life threatening. 

The attack occurred shortly before 2 a.m. PDT on Monday, according to the document. The ship was west of Vancouver Island and roughly 16.5 miles from land at the time.

Sogoni was held in the ship’s jail until Encore reached Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska said in a news release that he is charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

An attorney for Sogoni was not listed.

A Norwegian spokesperson told USA TODAY that a "newly employed crew member was observed exhibiting unusual and irrational behavior."

"The ship’s security team escorted the crew member to the medical center for evaluation and assessment, where he became violent without provocation, attacking two other crew members and a guest," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "The security team quickly detained him, and the onboard medical staff treated those involved for non-life-threatening injuries."

Relevant law enforcement authorities were "immediately" contacted and took custody of the employee upon the ship's arrival in Juneau. "We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships," the spokesperson added. "We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions."

Senior ship leadership has been monitoring the situation, and senior company executives traveled to Juneau to meet and help the passenger. "We will continue to assist the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation," the spokesperson said.

The news comes after a Carnival Cruise Line guest pleaded guilty in February to assaulting a fellow passenger and smashing a glass in their face.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• The Attorney General
• Organizational Chart
• Budget & Performance
• Privacy Program
• Press Releases
• Photo Galleries
• Guidance Documents
• Publications
• Information for Victims in Large Cases
• Justice Manual
• Business and Contracts
• Why Justice ?
• DOJ Vacancies
• Legal Careers at DOJ
• About USAO-AK

South African man arrested for stabbing on cruise ship

JUNEAU, Alaska – A South African man was arrested by the FBI today on criminal charges after disembarking a cruise ship in Juneau for allegedly stabbing multiple people with medical scissors while aboard the ship.

According to court documents, on May 6, 2024, Ntando Sogoni, 35, was working on the cruise ship when other ship employees observed the defendant attempting to deploy a lifeboat. Sogoni was contacted by ship security and escorted to the ship’s medical center for an assessment.

Upon arrival, Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and a male nurse inside an examination room and proceeded to enter another examination room where a woman, who is a U.S. citizen, was being examined. He grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face. He also stabbed two security guards who intervened—one in the head and one in the back and shoulders. Sogoni was detained and held in the ship’s jail prior to his arrest.

Sogoni is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction in violation of 18 U.S.C. §113(a)(3). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office and FBI Juneau Resident Agency, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Reagan Zimmerman

Public Affairs Officer

[email protected]

Related Content

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a South African national with unlawfully procuring naturalization in the U.S.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage Police Department officer was convicted of 24 criminal counts today for his participation in a scheme to defraud a corporation of millions of dollars.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a Washington man with cyberstalking victims and distributing child sexual abuse materials.

Body found in search for passenger overboard on Pacific Adventure cruise ship due to arrive in Sydney

A body has been found in a large search operation off the coast of Sydney after a man was reported missing off a cruise ship early Monday.

About 10:30am, officers from the Police Marine Area Command retrieved a body from the water. 

The alarm was raised on the P&O vessel Pacific Adventure about 4am when it was about 10 nautical miles, or 18 kilometres, off Sydney Heads.

The ship was due to dock at White Bay Terminal a few hours later but that was delayed as the search was underway.

NSW Police Marine Commander Joseph McNulty earlier said police were hopeful because one of three emergency life rings that had been deployed had not been retrieved, fuelling hope the man may have latched onto it. 

Swells of 4 to 5 metres hindered efforts of rescue teams, which searched a 60-square-nautical-mile area and used infrared technology to search for the man's heat signature. 

A second cruise ship which was in the area has also joined the search. 

Both ships tried to lower life boats in to the water but had to abort due to the rough conditions. 

Family being cared for onboard

At least three police vessels and a number of tug boats were deployed in the search, alongside the Toll rescue helicopter. 

In a statement, P&O said there were more than 2,600 guests still on board the ship, which has now been cleared to return to port in Sydney. 

"Pacific Adventure's next voyage due to depart White Bay this afternoon has been delayed, with the ship expected to leave later tonight on a four-night voyage to Queensland," it said. 

"We thank guests for their care, understanding and patience on what's been a distressing day for guests and crew.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the guest at this difficult time."

Police have launched an investigation into the death and will prepare a report for the coroner. 

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Maritime Accidents and Incidents
• Tourism and Leisure Industry

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for Alaska

• Copy Link copied

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska’s capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney’s office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the ‘late evening” Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” and “physically attacked” a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a “shipboard jail,” the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney’s office says.