What to expect on embarkation day

For those new to cruising, embarkation day can seem a bit daunting as you won’t be used to the procedure, for some guests it can be a stressful day with maybe long drives/ waiting at the terminal as you are just wanting to get on (depending on your arrival time and the boarding time). But for everyone it is a great day knowing you are boarding your home and sailing to some exciting destinations. I still get excited when driving into the port and seeing my home for the next few days, even if its a ship I have been on before

So if you are sailing from Southampton, then boarding normally commences around 11am (apart from P&O and Cunard who now start at 1pm). Depending on the cruise line it will also depend if you can board straight away when you arrive, or if the cruise line sticks to your boarding time which can be found on your ticket.  Obviously if flying to the port on the same day you sail then you will be met upon arrival and taken to the ship for check-in.

Once on board if the cabins are not ready yet (again depends on the cruise line – some will allow you straight into your cabin, and others might make you wait until 1pm/3pm) then the buffet restaurant will be open for lunch/afternoon tea. Then you can explore the ship and get to know your new surroundings, or find a bar and have your first holiday drink.

On the ships which offer drinks packages, then if you haven’t brought one or need more help then on the first day you will see all the bar staff out trying to sell you or upgrade your drinks packages. This is also similar for the specialty restaurants and on some ships the menus change every 3-4 days so the restaurant staff will have all the days each menu is applicable to (and they will also know the dress code for each night)

In your cabins will be your dining cards – if you should be unhappy with the time allocated then you need to join the queue and speak to the Maitre D’ who will be available normally between 2-4pm to see if changes can be made.

On every ship on embarkation day you will be required to attend a lifeboat drill and this is compulsory even if you have cruised numerous times – some cruise lines will check you into your muster station by scanning your sea pass card (which can be found on your cruise card), and then you sit and listen to the drill when you will hear the emergency signal and the captain make an announcement. Some cruise lines ask you to take your life jackets and then there will be a demonstration of how to put them on.

After lifeboat drill is the sailaway and most people meet up on the upper deck and listen to the band/entertainment team sing/dance as you slowly pull out of port and commence your journey.

Your cases will be delivered to your cabin at some point on the first day (normally up until about 8pm) so if you want to freshen up for dinner then maybe think about packing a change of clothes in your hand luggage. For those travelling with children or anyone who might want to sit in the sun/use the pools then also don’t forget to pack swimwear, change of clothes, sun cream etc in your hand luggage.

Most importantly though its a time to relax and enjoy your floating home for your forthcoming cruise.

Have a good couple of weeks

Kerry

xx