What is self assist on a cruise?

What is self assist on a cruise? Self-Assist Early Departure is for guests who want to be off the ship early and can manage their luggage themselves. Regular departure is for guests who want to use our luggage service and don't mind an assigned departure time.

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.

What does self disembark mean?

#2 Packing Plans They taught me to plan for self-disembarkation, even if I am not opting to go down that route. Self-disembarkation is where cruise lines let passengers leave the ship as soon as it is cleared, or at any time I choose, if I carry my own bags unaided.

Is there a limit to how much luggage you can take on a cruise?

On cruises of 6 days or longer, no more than two bags, per person. Each checked bag and carry-on bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds and, when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high, by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked.

What is self-assist?

A self-assist solution is one in which a person doesn't directly rely on any other person to resolve their problem. No phone call needs to be placed. No chat window needs to be opened. No email needs to be exchanged. True self-assist (sometimes called self-service) is similar to how gas stations operate now.

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 buy condoms on a cruise ship?

Most modern cruise lines are simply ill-equipped to facilitate these needs, with 70 per cent failing to sell condoms on board and 80 per cent of ships not offering the morning after pill. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and MSC , do allow guests access to condoms, pregnancy kits and lubrication.

What happens if you show up early for a cruise?

It all depends on which cruise line you are sailing with and how busy the terminal is. Boarding will continue up until one to two hours before the scheduled departure time. If you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before the ship's departure, you will not be allowed on.

How early do you have to show up to board a cruise?

However, for most cruise ships, you must embark, at most, an hour or two before departure, with the absolute minimum being one hour. If you're any later than the strict time that your cruise line stated in your policies, you won't be allowed onboard, so it's much better to be too early than too late!

Are there police on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships do not have police. Instead, an onboard Security Director will oversee the ship's own dedicated security department, staffed by former federal, state and military law enforcement personnel from various countries.

Can you sleep with balcony open on cruise?

In order to keep the air conditioning working inside the cabin you do have to keep the balcony door closed on the majority of cruise lines. This is one of the reasons that many people do sleep on the balcony because in theory you can't lay in bed and keep the door balcony open.

What floor is best to sleep on cruise?

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

How do you get early boarding on a cruise?

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!

What time should you get off a cruise ship?

On voyage-conclusion days, also called turnaround days, passengers are asked to vacate their cabins between 8 and 8:30 a.m. so stewards can begin cleaning them for the next round of cruisers. Everyone from the cruise that's ending must be off the ship between 9 and 10 a.m. in most cases.

Can cruise workers sleep with guests?

Cruise ship workers are not supposed to hook up with passengers, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It is rare though – most crew follow the rules because they know they'll lose their job if they're caught. You won't be surprised to hear that cruise lines ban crew from having sex with passengers.

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.