Should I arrive the day before a cruise?

Should I arrive the day before a cruise? Any seasoned cruiser will advise you to arrive early to your port city- and they don't mean an hour before boarding. Cruise veterans are famous for arriving a whole day before embarkation to enjoy a stress-free cruise experience from start to finish.

What not to do on embarkation day?

One sure-fire way to muck up your embarkation day is by smuggling illegal substances or going over your allotted amount of carry-on alcohol. Embarkation day will be much more peaceful if you don't get busted by ship's security. Whether it's drugs, alcohol or a clothing iron -- leave it at home.

Can you drink on embarkation day?

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception: At the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage.

Is it good to check-in early for a cruise?

Fewer crowds at the cruise terminal One of the best reasons to get an early check-in time is to avoid crowds at the cruise terminal. The embarkation process is fairly straightforward, but it entails going through several lines before you can board your ship.

When can you go to your room on a cruise?

Typically the cabins will be blocked off to passengers until around 1:30 so they can be cleaned. Once the announcement is made that the cabins are open, you can then proceed to your cabin.

What time is best to board a cruise?

The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

What do you do once you board a cruise ship?

What happens if it rains while on a cruise?

A few passing showers are little cause for concern, and there are plenty of things to do inside until the rain stops. A storm, squall, or hurricane is a different matter. If your ship is in danger of encountering seriously bad weather, here's what you can expect to happen: The captain will change course.

How early do you need to be at a cruise ship?

Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail. If you choose to fly ChoiceAir, Royal Caribbean automatically displays only the airline schedules that will enable you to meet your cruise.

Is it better to board early or late on a cruise?

The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

Can you eat lunch on embarkation day?

We always eat lunch at the MDR on embarkation day, and never once has anyone on the crew encouraged us to do anything different.

What should I wear on the first day of a cruise?

Dress casually, and don't be surprised to see tropical wear on Caribbean cruises or even groups in matching T-shirts.

How long should my first cruise be?

Speer said some newbies opt to get their feet wet by taking a three-day cruise, but she warned that is a terrible idea. The cruise lines usually put their oldest vessels on their shortest routes, so in order to go on the nicer ships, you need to primarily do a seven-day or longer cruise, Speer said.

How to get early boarding a cruise?

What is priority boarding on a cruise?

With priority boarding, you'll have access to a dedicated security and check-in lane, which saves you from waiting in the usual lines. In some cases, this also means your accommodations will be ready before others.

How do you get into your room on a cruise ship?

Rooms on cruise ships -- called cabins or staterooms -- are like hotel rooms in that each features a bed, desk or vanity, closet, drawer space, and en suite bathroom. You access your room with a keycard, put up do not disturb signs and order room service.

Are cruise rooms ready when you board?

It's important to note that if you board very early, your cabin may not be ready yet as they're probably still cleaning from the last cruise. Once settled in, or if your cabin isn't ready, it's time to explore the ship and check out everything there will be to do throughout your trip.

Can you go straight to your room on a cruise?

Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!

Can you bring alcohol on a cruise?

Policy – Guests are allowed to take spirits, wine, and champagne onboard, though most alcohol is included in the price of the cruise. Policy – Two bottles (750ml each or smaller) of wine or champagne per cabin are allowed. No beer or spirits may be taken onboard for consumption.

Do they clean your room daily on a cruise?

Even though twice-daily stateroom cleaning has long been the standard in the cruise industry, how often you like your cruise ship stateroom cleaned by your cabin steward is a matter of personal preference. Some cruisers love the pampered feeling of a stateroom that is always clean -- when done by someone else.

Do you sleep better on a cruise ship?

Many people sleep better on cruise ships than they have in years on land, something to do with the stress-free lifestyle and the gentle rock of the ship in the water. A minority however fall into the category of boat-based insomniacs, the following advice is aimed at you guys.