17 Things You MUST Do the Moment You Board Your Cruise Ship
Stepping onto a cruise ship is an exciting moment—your vacation is finally here!
But before you kick back and relax, there are a few important things you should do right away to make sure everything goes smoothly.
From checking your cabin to grabbing your first cocktail, this guide will walk you through the must-dos that will set you up for an amazing trip at sea.
Drop Off Your Carry-On Bags
As soon as you board, you’ll want to get rid of your carry-on bags. Carrying heavy bags around the ship isn’t fun, and you’re probably eager to start exploring.
If your cabin isn’t ready yet, you can store your carry-on in your room, or at least take out the heaviest items so you’re not lugging around unnecessary weight.
This way, you can relax and enjoy your first moments on the ship without the extra hassle.
Check Your Cabin
When you get to your cabin, take a few minutes to check everything. Make sure it’s the right cabin and that everything is clean.
Check that the lights, TV, air conditioning, and bathroom are working properly.
If something’s off or you need extra items like pillows or hangers, let your stateroom attendant know. They’ll be able to help and make sure you’re comfortable for the rest of your stay.
Explore the Ship
Take some time to explore the ship and get the lay of the land as soon as you can. It’s easy to get lost with so many places to see, especially if it’s your first time on that ship.
Check out the maps near the elevators, or ask the staff for directions if you’re unsure where to go.
Getting familiar with the ship early on helps you feel more comfortable as you move around, and you’ll be able to find your favorite spots in no time.
Attend the Muster Drill
The muster drill is a mandatory safety briefing that you must attend as soon as you board.
It’s where the crew explains what to do in case of an emergency, including where the emergency exits are and where to go for your muster station.
You’ll be shown the safest routes and procedures, so pay attention and take it seriously. It’s a quick but important step to make sure you’re ready for anything during your cruise.
Make Reservations
As soon as you board the ship, it’s a good idea to make any reservations for activities or special events.
Popular things like spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and excursions can fill up fast, so booking early will help you get the times you want.
Don’t wait until the last minute, or you might miss out on your preferred options.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Once you’re on board, it’s time to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi. This will help you stay in touch with family and friends, or look up any information about the ship’s schedule and events.
Keep in mind that not all cruises include Wi-Fi, so you might need to purchase an internet package for the duration of your trip.
To connect, go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and select the ship’s network (it might say something like “Royal Wi-Fi” or “Carnival Wi-Fi”).
Follow the instructions to log in, and you’ll be all set to browse or stay connected.
Check Welcome Aboard Events
Now that you’ve settled in, it’s time to dive into the fun! Many cruise ships host Welcome Aboard Events on embarkation day, giving you the chance to meet new people and kick off your vacation in style.
From trivia contests to raffles and even welcome mixers, these events are designed to help you get into vacation mode and mingle with fellow passengers.
Plus, they’re a great way to learn more about the ship and its amenities while having a blast.
Some cruises even host special “Embarkation Day Only” activities, so be sure to keep an eye out for these limited-time events.
To make sure you don’t miss out, check the cruise app or your daily planner as soon as you board.
Grab a Bite to Eat
After settling in, you’ll probably be hungry (or just want a sweet treat.)
Every time I go on a cruise, I have to squeeze in a quick trip to the buffet within the first 30 minutes onboard.
There’s a bit of a debate on whether you should go to the buffet or a sit-down restaurant, but the buffet is a quicker and more convenient option for embarkation day.
With so much going on, you don’t want to waste time waiting for a table. Grab a meal at the buffet so you can fuel up before diving into other activities and exploring the ship.
Change Into Comfortable Clothes
After carrying your luggage and getting familiar with the ship, it’s a good idea to change into something more comfortable. I.e. Whip out that teeny, tiny bikini you’ll be living in for the next week.
You’ll want to be able to relax and move around easily, especially if you plan to explore more of the ship or enjoy sailaway events.
Dress for comfort, but don’t forget to keep an eye on the time, so you’re ready for the sailaway party or any other fun events happening soon after embarkation.
Unpack and Settle In
Once your luggage arrives, it’s a good idea to unpack right away. Unpacking early helps keep your cabin organized and avoids the clutter that can build up if you leave your suitcase lying around.
Taking the time to neatly organize your clothes and belongings from the start will make your cabin feel more like a home away from home.
Use available storage, like under the bed, to store your empty suitcase and keep your space neat. This will help maximize the limited space in your cabin and give you easy access to your items.
Plus, when you return to your room after a busy day of exploring, it’ll be so much more relaxing to have everything in its place. This way, you can fully enjoy your trip without feeling like your cabin is a mess.
Meet Your Stateroom Attendant
It’s not required, but it’s a good idea to meet your stateroom attendant early on.
Introduce yourself and let them know if you need anything extra, like more pillows, towels, or ice for your room.
A small tip can go a long way in building a positive relationship with your attendant, and they’ll be more likely to accommodate any special requests during your stay.
Get Ready for Sailaway
The sailaway party is one of the most exciting parts of embarkation day.
Expect lively music, drinks, and a fun atmosphere as the ship leaves port. It’s a great time to soak in the excitement and snap some memorable photos of the ship departing.
You’ll get a chance to enjoy the energy and anticipation as your vacation officially begins.
Download and Set Up the Cruise App
To make the most of your cruise, be sure to download the cruise line’s app as soon as you board (or preferably, beforehand)
The app offers many benefits, like helping you access daily schedules, book activities, and even stay in touch with other passengers.
Look through the app for the features most useful to you, whether it’s booking a spa appointment or keeping track of daily events happening on the ship.
Check the Daily Planner
The daily planner is your go-to guide for everything happening on the ship. It’s important to check it as soon as you board to stay in the loop with all the events and activities available to you.
From poolside games to themed dinners, the planner will keep you informed on all the exciting things happening each day.
You can find it on the cruise app or in your cabin, and it’s updated regularly with the latest schedule.
To make sure you don’t miss out on anything, mark the activities you’re most interested in, either digitally or with a highlighter on the paper planner.
Take Advantage of Embarkation Day Sales & Freebies
Don’t miss out on the amazing sales and freebies that often come with embarkation day!
Many shops and the spa run one-day-only promotions on the first day of the cruise, offering great discounts on everything from jewelry and apparel to exclusive beauty products and treatments. It’s the perfect time to grab those special souvenirs or treat yourself to something you’ve been eyeing.
If you’re in the mood for a little pampering, be sure to check out the spa’s welcome specials. Some cruises even offer free spa tours or raffle giveaways, where you can win free treatments or discounts on services.
The best part? You can book your spa appointments early, so you’re all set to unwind during your cruise.
Link a Payment Card to Your Onboard Account
Most likely you already did this before going onboard, but just in case, we have to mention it.
To start making purchases, you’ll need to link a payment card to your onboard account. This lets you buy drinks, book excursions, and pay for spa services without needing cash.
Head to guest services or set it up through the cruise app to link your credit or debit card. Once it’s done, you can easily make charges to your account throughout the cruise.
Grab a Cocktail
Now that you’ve taken care of the basics, it’s time to really start your vacation—go grab a cocktail! Head to one of the ship’s bars or lounges and order a refreshing drink to celebrate the start of your cruise.
Whether it’s a fruity frozen drink or the ship’s signature cocktail, it’s the perfect way to toast to your upcoming adventure and get into vacation mode.
