embarkation point for cruise

Ultimate Cruise Embarkation Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Ahoy Cruisers! The wait is nearly over, your cruise embarkation day is right around the corner, marking the thrilling start of your cruise journey. With a little preparation and these fantastic tips, you’ll be setting sail with style and a smile. From organizing important documents to reserving spa treatments and exploring the ship, we’ve got your embarkation day covered from shore to cruise. Let’s break the day up into categories and keep it simple!

Please remember that I may receive a commission when you click on my links to make a purchase . This, however, has no bearing on my content, reviews and comparisons. I will do my best to keep things fair and balanced to assist you in making the best decision for you.

Table of Contents

Boarding Preparation at Home

Let’s begin before you leave for your port city. Having everything ready and organized will help get you onboard as quickly as possible!

ID’s- These are the most important items that you will need to have to board the ship. You will need valid identification for all passenger’s that EXACTLY matches the cruise reservation. Please check with your respective cruise line for exact requirements for your cruise:  Carnival Cruise Line Travel Documentation , Norwegian Cruise Line Travel Documentation , Royal Caribbean Travel Documentation .

Examples of necessary documents are passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses or government issued photo ID’s, student ID’s, or military ID’s. You may also need a marriage certificate if you have a name change and additional documentation for minors who are traveling with you. There are circumstances when a visa may be required as well, you can check with your cruise line for the best information. These documents need to be valid and in near perfect condition.

It is best practice to always travel with a valid passport. Don’t just take my word for it, read about Cruise passenger information from the State Department.

 Before leaving home, make copies of your passport and photo ID’s or take pictures of them on your phone. This is helpful when you go ashore. You can leave your actual identification documents (unless you are doing a tour that requires the actual document – jeep, ATV, crossing a border, etc.) in the safe so you do not need to worry about losing or damaging them, or having them stolen and take the copy of the document with you on shore. Port security and the cruise line use your cabin card for entry and exit onto the ship.

Online Check-In

You will need to complete your passenger information either online or on the cruise line’s app prior to departure. Most cruise lines will send you an email to tell you when to complete your online check-in. This is usually between 30-60 days prior to your sailing date. If you do not receive an email, you can check by logging into your cruise account, contacting your travel agent (if applicable), or calling the cruise line.

In order to complete your online check-in, you will need to have your reservation number, identification information, emergency contact information, credit card information (the card you want to use for onboard purchases), and arrival information (flight number). Be ready for a picture! Many of the cruise line’s now take your security photo while completing online check-in, this is a great time saver at the pier.

Mobile Apps

All of the cruise line’s have a mobile app that you can download onto your phone. Many of them work while you are at home to complete your check-in process. You will go through all of the steps mentioned above but you will do them on your phone. As your cruise gets closer, you may also be able to purchase shore excursions, reserve dining in the specialty restaurants, and reserve seats for the shows. Once you are aboard, these app also serve as your daily planner and give you real-time information while onboard. Take a minute and download the cruise line’s app – it will be your essential companion.

Carnival Hub App

Royal Caribbean App

Norwegian Cruise App

Once you have completed your check-in, you should be able to print out your boarding passes, health forms, and your luggage tags.

Luggage Tags

You will need to print out your luggage tags (in color, if possible) and complete the information- especially your cabin number. Make sure that it is easy to read and attach one to each piece of your luggage. If you are flying to the embarkation port, put your cruise luggage tags on AFTER you land in the port city.

The luggage tags are color coded to make it easier for the crew to sort and deliver the luggage to the correct cabin, so if you can print them in color, it helps to speed up the process.

When you get to the pier, you will give your luggage to the porter and begin the boarding process. You will not see your luggage again until you are onboard the ship later in the day. Don’t be overly concerned if you forget your luggage tags at home, the porter has luggage tags. However, be sure to check the information and make sure that the handwriting is legible.

Selecting Boarding Time

As you are completing the check-in process, you will be assigned a boarding time. This will be earliest time that you are allowed to enter at the pier to complete the boarding process and get onboard the ship. It is important to respect the boarding time you are given. With up to 6000 people from the previous voyage leaving and 6000 people for the current voyage entering the same terminal building, procedures are vital to keep everything running smoothly and avoiding unnecessary delays and overcrowding.

Sometimes you will have an option to choose a boarding time and sometimes it will be assigned without other time options. Usually the earliest time slots are given in the order that you complete your online check-in.

If you are interested in being one of the first guests to board, each cruise line has offerings to help make that happen for you. For example, Carnival offers Faster To The Fun and many cruises offer priority boarding with their loyalty programs or by purchasing a higher cabin category, such as a suite. If you are someone who likes to have shorter lines and avoid the crowds, sometimes a later embarkation time is better.

Always keep in mind what the final boarding time is for your specific cruise! This is usually 2 hours prior to sailing for embarkation. Embarkation final boarding time is different from the other cruise ports that are visited during your cruise, this gives the cruise line time to comply with all government regulations regarding the departure manifest.

Health Forms

Once you have arrived in the port city, you can complete the necessary health forms, these usually need to be completed 24 hours prior to getting onboard the ship. It will ask questions about how you are physically feeling. These forms will need to be completed for all passengers sailing.

Other Contact Information

If you have purchased cruise insurance, which I HIGHLY recommend, now is a great time to be sure you have contact information either in your phone or printed out. If you haven’t already looked over the policy to check coverages, please take a moment to look it over.

If you have booked shore excursions or transfers with independent companies, now is a good time to confirm those confirmation numbers and contact information. Sometimes when you are cruising you do not have the best signal to call, text and email. You may also want to print out this information for reference.

Please check your cell phone plan for cruises. Some companies now offer a specific plan that caters to cruisers and other plans will charge you for roaming. It is good to how your plan works before coming home to a large bill!

Credit Cards

You will want to contact your credit card companies to let them know that you will be traveling internationally. You will also need to check your credit card’s policy for international charges and fees.

Carry-on Bag

I highly recommend packing a carry-on bag of your choice (beach bag, backpack, small suitcase) before leaving for the cruise port that includes all of the essential items you will need for the afternoon.

This will include but not be limited to: all of your travel documents- boarding passes, ID’s, birth certificates, passports, health forms, and any other necessary documentation you will need to show in order to get checked-in and receive your cruise card, credit cards and cash, medications, cell phone and charger. I also like to have a pen with me, just in case there are additional forms that need filled out or if I need to make a note of any information.

If you are embarking on a sunny day, don’t forget to also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bathing suit. It is good to have all of these items with you because it is likely that your cabin will not be ready for you until after 1PM and your suitcases may not arrive to your cabin until 5PM or later.

If your cruise line allows you to bring wine aboard and you have chosen to bring it, you will need to have it with you in your carry-on as well. Other items that you may want to carry-on: door decorations, prepackaged snacks, and any valuables or fragile items.

Now that you have done all of the prep work, it’s time to put on your cruise t-shirt and head to the pier!

If you need inspiration for making your cruise t-shirt, check out 350 Cruise Quotes For Inspiration .

Cruise Embarkation at the terminal

Once you have all of your documentation and arrive at the pier, you will find a porter to give your luggage to (be sure that your luggage tags are attached to each piece of luggage you give the porter), and then find a crew member who will direct you where to go to officially check-in.

Be prepared to show your boarding pass and ID to enter the cruise terminal. Your carry-on luggage will also be screened while you pass through a metal detector. This is a similar process to the airlines’ security.

Scheduled Embarkation Time

The cruise line has established a system to help streamline the embarkation process to help ensure that your first cruise day goes smoothly. You will receive an arrival time slot that shows the earliest time you should arrive at the cruise port. Usually these times begin late morning and end in the late afternoon. This will vary depending upon the cruise’s scheduled departure time. Understand the importance of your arrival appointment. This scheduled time slot helps manage the flow of passengers, reducing wait times and ensuring a well-organized embarkation process.

Be prepared to stand in line to get checked-in and receive your cruise card. Once you reach the crew member who will be checking you in, they will be asking you for all of your documentation and potentially a credit card for onboard purchases and a picture for security purposes (many of the cruise lines have you complete these steps prior to embarking).

Once they have approved all of your documents, you will receive your cruise card, medallion, or bracelet, depending on the cruise line. This card is also your room key and it will be used to make all purchases aboard the ship. All cruise ships are cashless, so you will need to carry your cruise card with you all the time. Many people purchase lanyards so they can conveniently wear their cruise card.

Most likely, you will now be sent to a waiting area inside the building where there is an organized seating according to when you will board the ship. There is usually a restroom and water available while you wait.

Special Needs

Cruise lines understand that there will be passengers who may need assistance. If you have special needs, communicate them in advance so the crew will be better equipped to handle your particular situation.

Boarding the Ship

AHOY Matey!! Let’s get onboard! Once they call your group to board, you will head to the security check point where they will scan your cruise card and you can step onboard! The cruise line will need to scan your cruise card each time you embark and disembark the ship. You will need to remove hats and glasses so they can confirm your identity. They will do this for EVERY passenger, every time, at every port, this is how they keep track of who is onboard.

Plan Your Activities

Maximize your onboard experience by planning activities in advance. Schedule spa appointments, explore your assigned dining room, and secure show reservations.

Now that you are onboard, take a bit of time to organize your journey now so you can be on cruise control for the rest of your vacation.

Once you are onboard, the cruiseline’s app will have features available that it did not prior to being onboard. You will be able to look at the daily schedule of events, restaurant hours of operation, and have the ability to reserve specialty restaurants and shows. Take advantage of this opportunity to plan events to ensure you get the most out of your cruise.

You may want to take some time to check out the spa and gym. They may have special promotions during embarkation.

If you want to use the spa or have treatments done, booking earlier is better, especially if you want an appointment on a sea day because those appointments tend to fill up the fastest. If you are looking for a discount at the spa, many times they run specials on port days. So take a look at your itinerary and if there is a port that you are not planning to go to or if you are going later in the day, that is a great opportunity to book a spa treatment.

Most of the gyms have organized classes that you may want to sign up for, and embarkation day is the best time to get those classes booked before they fill up, or there may be a trainer that you would like to consult with on a sea day. Dropping by gives you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the ship’s gym in case you want to burn off a few buffet calories.

This is also the perfect time to take the kids to the Kids’ Club to sign up for activities and to meet the staff. They will be ready to show you around so the kids will be comfortable and familiar with the area.

Let’s get Acquainted

Your cruise embarkation day is a great time to explore the ship’s layout, public areas, and important facilities. Most cruise cards will say what dining room and time you will be dining for dinner. I recommend finding your dining room and checking it out. If you need to make any changes in your dining time or dining room, this would be the best time to speak with a crew member to see about making those changes.

With the sheer size of the modern cruise ship, it’s a good idea to walk around an d become familiar with the lounges and theaters. This is where most of the shows and entertainment will take place. Most of the live music happens in the more open areas of the ship, like the lido deck, atrium, and sometimes the bars.

Usually on one of the lower decks in the center of the ship is where you will find the bursar’s desk, guest services, shore excursion desk, and the future cruise deck. This is also where you tend to find the ship’s main shopping area. The ship’s stores and casino will not be open while the ship is in port, they will open once the ship has entered international waters.

Depending upon your particular boarding time, you may be ready for some lunch or a snack to get you through until dinner. No worries, the cruise line definitely has all of your food requirements well covered.

While many people get onboard and head directly to the lido deck for the buffet lunch, there are usually other options available and many of them are much less crowded. Check your daily event flyer or the app for additional dining venues open for lunch. Sometimes, the specialty restaurants offer a special tasting menu for embarkation day and the main dining rooms may be open for a sit down lunch experience that is free of charge.

Muster Drill

The other information that is on your cruise card is your muster station. Be in the know about the muster drill – a mandatory safety measure. It is important to know when and where the muster drill will be held. You can find this information on the day’s event schedule either on the app or on the daily sheet that is given to you.

Most likely, the muster drill be be in the late afternoon or early evening before you set sail. They will make announcements and you will go to either your meeting station or muster location. Once you arrive there, you will check-in with a crew member.

Be sure to actually check-in for the muster drill! They will know if you do not attend! It only takes a few minutes and it is mandatory, then you can get back to having all the fun.

Your Cabin Awaits !

Cabin Preparation

Once they have made the announcement that your cabin is ready, grab all of your carry-on items and go check it out!

The very first thing I do when I get to my cabin is put all of my money, valuables, documents (passport, ID, etc.) in the safe. I know it’s not as much fun as enjoying the view from the balcony or jumping on the bed but it is very important to keep these items safeguarded.

Then have some fun capturing the moment by taking photos of your cabin before your luggage arrives, it makes for nicer pictures without clothes and toiletries laying all over.

Your Cabin Steward

Your cabin steward is going to be your new favorite person! They will be coming in to your cabin at least once a day and making your bed, giving you clean towels and refreshing your cabin. Ahhhh, it’s so nice! They are a stealthy bunch and you may never see them unless you look for them! And when you do find them, be sure to introduce yourself and let them know how much you appreciate their hard work.

When you arrive in your cabin, check bed configurations and get ready to make your cabin your home away from home. If you need to change anything or if you have any special requests, reach out to your cabin steward, they want to help make your cruise as comfortable as possible.

Shore Excursions

If you’ve booked shore excursions through the ship, many times the tickets will be in your cabin when you arrive. If so, double-check your tickets for accuracy, meeting times, and locations. This ensures a smooth transition from ship to shore, many times you will meet in a lounge to proceed together to shore for the cruise line’s excursions.

Airplane Mode

Before you get too wrapped up in all of the fun, put your phone in airplane mode. Once you set sail, your phone will be searching for signal. This will drain your battery and, depending on your phone plan, rack up quite a large bill. It’s a good idea to check your phone plan prior to embarkation to get all of the specifics. If you have an internet plan through the ship, you will need to sign on to their wi-fi. Most ships now have a tech desk, so if you run into any complications, they will be able to help you out.

Sail Away Party

Now that you have planned your cruise time, organized your cabin, verified all of your information, and safeguarded all of your valuables, it’s time to relax and enjoy your cruise!

Head to the sail away party, grab an umbrella drink, and mark the beginning of your cruise adventure!

Q: What is priority boarding?

A: Priority boarding allows specific passengers, often those with particular cabins or loyalty status, to board the ship earlier, bypassing lines and ensuring a swift embarkation.

Q: Can I bring wine on board?

A: Policies vary, so check with your cruise line. Some allow guests to bring a limited amount of wine on board.

Q: How important is the online check-in process?

A: Extremely! Completing the online check-in process streamlines your boarding, saving time and ensuring a smoother experience at the terminal.

Q: When is the earliest time to board the ship?

A: You will be assigned a boarding time when you complete your online check-in, that is the best time for you to arrive for boarding.

Q: What is a muster drill?

A: A mandatory safety drill where passengers learn emergency procedures.

Have a Spectacular Cruise!

Embarkation day sets the stage for your cruise adventure, and this guide will get you off on the right foot for smooth sailing! From having your essential documents ready to booking spa treatments and exploring the ship, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your voyage. So, set sail with style to make wonderful memories along the way!

And, Be Shore to Cruise!!

Similar Posts

Awesome Shore Excursion Alert! St. Lucia Food and Rum Tour Review

Ultimate Shore Excursion Guide: Your Questions Answered

2024 MSC Seascape Review: Our Seascape Escape

Ultimate Cruise Disembarkation Guide: What You Need to Know

Leave It At Home! 20 Prohibited Items On A Cruise

Ultimate Guide To Cruise Travel Insurance

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.

25 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips and Secrets You Need to Know

Sharing is caring!

What to Expect on Your Cruise Embarkation Day

If this is your first cruise, or even if you’ve cruised before, you’re probably wondering what to expect on your cruise embarkation day. There have been a few changes as cruises have restarted, and this is especially true for the first day of your cruise.

In this post, you’ll find 25 cruise embarkation day tips, to make your first day as perfect and stress-free as possible.

I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions including how early you can board your cruise ship , what to wear on embarkation day , where to eat lunch and more!

What is an Embarkation Day?

Simply put, embarkation day is the first day of your cruise, when you will embark your cruise ship. Cruise embarkation day is also be referred to as boarding day. While it’s a busy day and there are embarkation procedures to be aware of, it’s also the start of an amazing vacation ahead!

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

25 Tips for a Perfect Cruise Embarkation Day

Excited for the first day of your cruise? Here’s how to make your embarkation day enjoyable and stress-free!

1. Complete Pre-cruise Online Check-in & Health Forms

Before you even get to the cruise terminal to board your cruise ship , remember to complete your online check in on the cruise line website or app. There’s important personal information to enter that needs to be done prior to your cruise.

As well, you’ll want to know the current cruise line health protocols, vaccine requirements and ensure you have all the documentation you need.

2. Print all Your Documents

Print your cruise documents including boarding pass and luggage tags and be ready for your cruise embarkation day! Do this as early as possible to avoid last minute stress.

Related post:   Cruise Luggage Tag Holders (order by cruise line)

3. Pre-purchase Beverage Packages and Shore Excursions

While you can purchase a drink package or shore excursions on the cruise, it’s often easier and even a little bit cheaper to book these things on the cruise line website before you board.

However, if you’re not sure which shore excursions you want to take, don’t stress. There will be a crew member working at the shore excursion desk once you board your cruise ship.

4. Arrive on Time

While in the past I recommended arriving at your cruise port early so you could board your cruise ship as soon as possible, this is no longer the case. As you complete your online check in, you’ll be able to choose an arrival time. By having embarkation day time, there’s less crowding in the cruise terminal and cruise lines can comply with the health and safety measures.

If you’d like more information about the Cruise Boarding Process, I wrote this post that I think you’ll find helpful.

5. Drop Off Your Luggage

Once you’re at the cruise terminal, drop your luggage off with the porters. It will be sent to the cruise ship and delivered to your cabin a few hours after you board.

Don’t forget to keep your documentation and passports on you, and not in your checked luggage!

Cruise tip: Have a few dollars handy should you want to tip the porters .

6. Bring an Embarkation Day Bag

Since your luggage won’t arrive at your cabin until later in the day, bring a cruise carry-on bag for the first day of your cruise. Whether you bring a small piece of luggage as a carry-on, a backpack or a small duffle bag, it’s a must!

Things to pack in your embarkation day include medication , valuables, laptops and tech items , sunscreen and a change of clothes.

Read more: Cruise Carry-on Bag Packing List (all the essentials)

7. Dress Comfortably

One of the most common questions people have when going on a cruise, is what to wear for embarkation day . The first day of a cruise is pretty casual, so dress comfortably. T-shirts and shorts are fine, as are light sundresses or rompers.

If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise you may want to wear a bathing suit under your clothes or pack a change of clothes in your cruise carry on bag .

Related post:  25 Fashionable Cruise Outfits for Ladies (affordable cruise wear)

8. Welcome Aboard Photos

After check in, expect a photo opportunity just before boarding. The ship’s photographers will have a backdrop set up where you can take an official embarkation day photo!

Cruise tip: If you’d rather not take a photo, simply walk past the photo booth. There’s no obligation to purchase a photo.

9. Walk up the Gangway

There’s something special about walking from the cruise terminal after checking in and onto the gangway to board your cruise ship. You’ll pass your cruise card or Medallion (for Princess cruises) , hear a lovely little “bing” and be welcomed onto your cruise ship!

10. Enjoy a Glass of Champagne or a Cocktail

Every cruise line is different, however some cruise lines offer a glass of complimentary champagne as you embark on your cruise ship. This special touch is one of the things we enjoyed onboard Celebrity Cruises .

Alternatively, you might be offered a Pina Colada or other frozen cocktail, however it will likely not be complimentary.

11. Don’t Expect to Go to Your Cabin Right Away

A surprise for many new cruisers , your cruise cabin probably won’t be cleaned and ready as you board your cruise ship. Often this means waiting an hour or a bit longer before you can head to your stateroom and put down your bags. However, you can still eat, drink and explore the ship while you wait.

12. Find the Perfect Place to Eat Lunch

On embarkation day, there’s often more than once place to eat lunch, although it might not be widely promoted. The obvious place to eat is the buffet, however you can expect it to be crowded as most people aren’t aware of the other options.

Often the main dining room will be open for lunch, and you can have a nice sit down lunch while you wait for your stateroom to be ready. There are also casual restaurants open including the pool side grill and cafes.

Cruise tip: Research your cruise ship before your cruise to see what restaurants are most recommended on embarkation day. For example, Central Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships is a “best kept secret” as is Alfredo’s on many of Princess Cruises ‘ Royal Class ships.

13. Safety or EMuster Drill

If you’ve cruised in the past you’ll remember the muster drill, the important safety briefing where we all grouped together at our muster stations at a specific time on embarkation day. While the safety briefing remains, the muster drill has changed.

Most cruise lines now have the safety information or EMuster on their cruise line App, available to view on your phone or mobile device, as well as your stateroom TV. Procedures may vary, however in most cases you can watch your safety briefing on your phone over lunch and then head over to your muster station to check in with a crew member.

Cruise tip: Do your safety briefing as soon as possible after you embark so that you can enjoy your day without interruptions before sailaway.

14. Check out Your Cabin and Drop off Your Bags

By the time you’ve eaten lunch and done your emuster, your stateroom will likely be ready. Check out your cabin, and if you want to take a photo or video, go ahead. It will look as perfect and welcoming as it will ever be, so now’s the time.

While you’ll want to drop off your bags and freshen up, try not to spend too much time in your cabin now, as there’s still so much to do and see on your cruise ship before sailaway.

15. Put Your Valuables in the Cabin Safe

It’s important to take a few minutes to put your valuable items into the cabin safe. This can include your money and wallet, jewelry, passports and even your keys.

Since any cruise purchases will be put on your onboard account, there’s no need to walk around with a wallet or purse. It’s a great feeling and just one of the reasons cruising is an amazing and pretty stress-free vacation !

16. Meet your Cabin Steward

On a cruise you’ll have a cabin steward or attendant who will clean your stateroom daily, as well as ensure you have everything you need to be comfortable in your cabin.

Upon embarkation day, your cabin attendant will introduce themselves. Take a minute or two to chat, however keep in mind that this is a very busy time for them. If you have requests, now is the time to ask.

Here are some suggestions based on things I ask for on every cruise.

1. More hangers please

2. Please empty out the mini-bar fridge items

3. Please keep ice bucket full each day.

4. You may also need a mattress topper or extra towels.

Related post: Cruise Lingo You Need to Know (cruise terminology)

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

17. Check the Daily Planner or Cruise Line App

Cruise ships have a daily planner that’s usually available in a print version and on the cruise line app. On the daily planner, you’ll find a schedule of daily activities that are available, as well as entertainment options, opening hours for the gym, spa, restaurants etc.

However, on your cruise embarkation day, you will receive a planner that is more of a general overview of the big things that you can look forward to during the rest of your cruise.

This will include big productions shows, audience participation game-shows (such as Love and Marriage), and special guest entertainers such as comedians and illusionists. This will help you to plan your time on your cruise week as you look ahead.

Cruise Tip: Bring a highlighter so you can mark things you really want to do and plan for right in the planner. 

18. Use the Cruise Line App

Cruise lines are relying more on the cruise line apps to help you get ready for your cruise. The cruise line app is a great place to find out information, view and book activities and even use to message other cruise passengers.

While it’s not a necessity to have a smart phone on a cruise, it can add more convenience.

Related posts:   21 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Medallion

Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion: Updates & New Features

19. Explore the ship

Cruise Lines will give you a little folding map of your ship and the decks. This is a great time to walk the whole top deck and view the sports deck, walking track, the pools from the very front to the very back.

You may want to take a tour of the spa or fitness centre and even some of the lounges. Some cruise ships will have ship tours and scavenger hunts, which is a great way to explore the ship on the first day of your cruise.

20. Register at the Kids Camp

If you have kids, one of the most important and first things to do after you board your cruise is to visit the kid’s camp.

If you have not registered your children online before your cruise, do this now. However, even if your kids are signed up, it’s a good idea to confirm in person during the opening hours of the kid’s club on embarkation day.

You’ll have a chance to meet the staff and you and your children will feel more comfortable. Plus, since the kid’s club has an open house style welcome during this time, your kids may even meet some new friends. Even teens may meet other kids their age, which will make it easier for them to come back for activities.

21. Make Reservations

Sign up for reservations for specialty restaurants, adult only areas, spa appointments, and shows if you have not done so online before the cruise. Soda and drink packages can be purchased as well.

Don’t forget to check out the fitness centre and sign up for any classes that interest you. Some will be included with your cruise , while others will have an additional charge.

Cruise tip: Save money during your cruise by the embarkation day promotions on spa treatments.

22. Relax by the pool

If you can’t wait to hang out by the pool, this is a great thing to do on embarkation day.

Change into your bathing suit and grab a lounge chair, and take in the fun cruise atmosphere! If the weather is hot and sunny, we love to order a frozen cocktail and relax by the pool before Sailaway.

23. Unpack Your Luggage

It can be easy to have a few drinks and get caught up in the fun of the first day, and put off unpacking your luggage. However, one of the best cruise embarkation day tips I can give you is to take some time in the late afternoon to unpack and get your cabin organized.

By this time your luggage will likely have been delivered to your stateroom. Hang up any cruise outfits that are likely to wrinkle . I like to hang as much as I can, which is why I ask for extra hangers.

Using packing cubes may cut down on how long it takes to unpack your clothes, as you can often unzip them and place the entire cube onto a shelf.

Related post: 30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

23. Put your Phone on Airplane Mode

This is a very practical cruise embarkation day tip – make sure to put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise ship sails away from the embarkation port. Cell phone plans are not usually applicable in International waters and the charges can be enormous.

Related:  15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Information Mistakes to Avoid

25. Enjoy Sailaway!

What happens at Sailaway?

As your cruise ship sails away from the shore, it’s a special moment that’s celebrated on a cruise! Weather permitting, you can expect a Sailaway party on the Lido deck complete with a DJ or live band. The cruise director and entertainment staff will be host a Sailaway party, and guests are encouraged to dance and have fun. Prizes may even be awarded to participants.

Alternatively, you may prefer to have a drink and people watch or even take in the sailaway from your private balcony.

However you choose to enjoy sailaway, make sure to take it all in and know that this is the beginning of a wonderful adventure ahead!

Video: Embarkation Day Cruise Tips – 15 Must-Do’s Between Boarding and Sailaway

Here’s a video about things to do on Embarkation Day, that might be helpful if you’d like to know more. If you enjoy cruise tip videos on YouTube, I’d love it if you’d subscribe to our channel .

READ NEXT – Popular and Related Posts:

• 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• 27 Cruise Travel Hacks Repeat Cruisers Swear By
• 11 Cruise Boarding Tips You Need to Know
• 30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know
• Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers
• Cruise Wear over 50: Flattering Cruise Outfits for Women
• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
• 20 Super Practical Tips for first-time cruisers

Recap: 25 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips and Secrets

Cruise embarkation day is the most highly anticipated days of a cruise vacation. After all, this is the first day of the vacation you’ve probably been planning for months.

However, there are a lot of things to do on embarkation day, and it might feel overwhelming. In this post we’ve gone over 25 cruise embarkation day tips and secrets to having a stress-free and perfect start to an amazing vacation.

What tips do you have to make embarkation day even better? Please let me know your tips and questions in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!!

P.S. If you’ve found this post helpful, don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top). 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

Follow me on Life Well Cruised on YouTube

35 Comments

I have never been on a cruise but your post makes that first experience very simple and manageable. These are tips which every beginner should read and know before embarking. Thanks for the useful write-up, Ilana!

Thanks for your comment. I am glad to know that you found the tips helpful! First cruise planning can be overwhelming for sure – glad you found this useful!

Another thing to consider, in the first couple of days on board, is the shopping as Princess gives a 10% discount in the shops then, Do spend the time doing research before you buy so you know if you are getting a good deal! If you are at the Elite loyalty level, you get 10% all of the time. But they apply one of the 10%’s first, then take the second one from that, so you get only 19% off in total. Neither applies to the spa services or products.

Right now Ilana, I think I hate you!! We are set for our forth Celebrity cruise in January, 2019, from Singapore and you have me reminiscing of the coffee, pastries and fine service and there are still five months to go(o; I’m only kidding, my dear about my feelings towards youy, honest!

You had me worried for a second, lol! I see you’ve come across my Celebrity Reviews – oh yes absolutely so wonderful! What an amazing adventure waiting for you in just a few short months! Thanks for taking the time to leave me such a fun and sweet comment!!

Thanks for these tips. My first Carnival Magic cruise coming up. So excited and some anxiety at the same time. I have my tips list and will enjoy every moment!

I’m glad you found the tips helpful! I’m super excited for you and hope you have a fantastic time!!

Thanks for taking the time to comment and happy cruising!

Ileana, Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? My husband and I are going in May 2019, it will be our first cruise. Melissa

Hi Melissa,

No I haven’t done that yet, but its on my wish list! Since we live in Canada, we are very drawn to hot weather when we cruise. However we are starting to see things differently and will likely cruise to Alaska in the next year or two. I do have a couple of posts on my blog about Alaska, both from Alaska experts, that you might enjoy.

https://lifewellcruised.com/top-5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-to-go-on-a-cruise-to-alaska/ https://lifewellcruised.com/5-practical-alaska-whale-watching-tips-you-need-to-know/

Have fun planning your cruise!

First cruise coming up, good tips, thank you!

That’s so exciting! Glad it could be helpful!

Have a wonderful cruise,

Is there any way you can make these printable? They are really helpful, but I’d like a printed copy.

I’m so glad you found these tips helpful. I don’t have them available as a download right now, but love your idea and will look into doing this in the future. For now, are you able to print it as is?

Wishing you a great cruise!

I agree with you, except! I am not a pool type guy. We always get a suite (Haven) and they are always ready. Plus you have priority boarding and are escorted to your room. Reservations are made for you for lunch. All my cruise packages, shore excursions, and the like are already paid for. Tickets are in room we sort them by date. We grab a glass of wine and ready for a wonderful time. Our next one is in May to Iceland on NCL Star.

Sounds like a great reason to book a Haven suite!! What a pleasure and great way to start the cruise. Hmmmm, you’re giving e some future ideas, lol.

Thanks so much Russell for your great comment and suggestion!

Awesome reminders and tips, thanks for sharing. Do you have any tips on gratuity?

Glad the embarkation day tips could be helpful. In regard to gratuities, personally we tip the suggested amounts by the cruise line. We do sometimes leave an additional amount especially to our cabin steward, as we’ve had some that have gone above and beyond.

That said, gratuities and what to give are a personal decision, and I respect that. Here’s an article I have about tipping both for cruise ship staff as well as off the ship if you decide: https://lifewellcruised.com/cruise-tipping-guidelines/

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

This is great thank you for all the great cruises tips. I will be sharing with my clients.

Glad this could be helpful Jennifer!

The last cruise I went on in September 2019, I foolishly stored my medications (I am diabetic) in the bathroom on an open shelf. When I returned to my cabin after dinner the first night, my meds were gone. I went to the ship’s infirmary to try to get replacements for my meds but only was provided with some of them. Lock up your meds!

Oh my! I hadn’t really thought about medication storage and being cautious of this. Thanks for sharing your story!

We have, unfortunately, had to cancel 2 cruises for 2020, but hope to make our November 2020 cruise, pending a covid-19 vaccine as we are both “high risk”. We have been fortunate to cruise to many world destinations including Europe, North and South, Mediteranean, most of the Orient, Hawaii, Panama, transatlantic and 2 trips to South America with one more to go. I have 1 tip for you. I use 2 fabric type “over the door” organizer (mine are shoe type), one for the inside of the bath door for toiletries, the other for the front of the storage shelving door where you store clothing and where I put all my shoes (I know I pack too many but that’s me) If it is too long it can easily be folded up under and pinned. This keeps the floor of the closet neat and I can find the pair I need quickly. I pack all my toiletries in a zip lock bag (doubled) and lay it between my packed clothes rather than pack the organizer before arrival. I find it lays flat this way and never had a problem with leakage. Hope this helps someone.

This is definitely a tough year in so many ways, and certainly for cruising. I absolutely LOVE your tips, and as an overpacker and shoe lover, I can see how this would work well.

Thanks for sharing that, and all the best as we move forward the next few months and cruise again.

CHERYL is correct. I have always locked my meds especially since I was young when my own family member came over and stole my meds. In my last cruise, I found prints of my stick on bra on the closet doors. I left it out that day. I noticed when my the room got steamy and I saw the imprints on the door. I looked at the bra and noticed it unusually dirty with dust once i removed the paper I stick them to. I always keep my bra clean. I was so mad. Keep your meds locked up even if they seem nice.

Oh gosh. This definitely isn’t something I’d think happens often, but you’re right it’s good to be aware and careful.

Thanks Sandy for your comment,

Rereading many old cruise posts. Hard to believe my last cruise will be a year in September. Have had 2 cruises canceled. Have one booked for May 2021. Rebooked to Iceland, hope it goes. Also put a Cruise Next deposit on a Ocean to Ocean through the Panama Canal at end of October. I won’t put any money on it till I know we are going. Another thing I like to do is go to one of the finer restaurants for late lunch/ early dinner. Followed by getting the perfect spot on deck. So I can start my cruise with pictures of us, ship, and city. As we pull away from the dock and start a great cruise. Thanks for all you do. Keep up the good and fine work you do.

It’s definitely been too long since we’ve all last sailed, Russell. I’m so sorry you had 2 cruises cancelled! The upcoming cruises sound great, but I agree better not to book too much before you know if it’s sailing.

It’s a great idea to have a good meal at one of the sit down restaurants. Thanks for the embarkation day tips!!

Other Cruise lines may do this as well, but if you eat your first night’s dinner in a specialty restaurant on Carnival, they give you a bottle of wine. We had a choice between a red or a white wine and that was as specific as we could choose. We chose the white which was a very nice Chardonnay. We were sailing out of NOLA knowing we would be sailing back to that great city where we had booked a few nights post cruise. Both of us prefer to arrive early to our port city, but the ship’s schedule and our work schedules made that impossible for that trip.

Great tip! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Never gave a thought to putting my medication in the safe. So glad I read about these issues. Thank you for helping to prevent a potential problem by creating a forum so that information can be shared. It can be life threatening for some of us to be without our medicines.

I hadn’t considered it myself, so I’m definitely thankful that other readers mentioned it. It’s true that medication is as valuable (if not more so) as jewelry and passports.

Hi Again Ilana!

you see I am hooked on your posts now 🙂

curious as to why you would request for the mini bar items to be cleared….. hmm. for real. lol! So as to not tempt you? or to make space for something which I can’t figure out yet.

Thanks so much! Lol, sometimes I like them removed so that we don’t take them, by “mistake”, but also so I can put in my own water bottles, items from the buffet (maybe juice or a carton of milk), or even have room for chocolate covered strawberries or another “dessert” that we may have had in our cabin that wasn’t eaten. I may put my wine bottles in too if I have. If you don’t need the room or use the mini-fridge, I would not empty it.

So many great tips helping me navigate my first cruise, I cant wait the 20 weeks I have left.

Very exciting! So glad the information is helpful.

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 .

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• 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
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 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
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• View All Suites
• 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
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings on select dates.

Embarkation Ports

Set sail from the world’s most fascinating destinations

Celebrity Cruises’ Embarkation Ports

Traveling to over 300 destinations around the world, our cruises take you to the most unforgettable destinations, including heavenly beaches in the Caribbean, dazzling cities in Asia, glamorous hot spots in the Mediterranean, and scenic locations in Alaska. Thankfully, our departure ports are also located all over the globe and conveniently close to major airports, making it easier than ever for you to plan a cruise vacation.

Venture to Alaska’s Last Frontier from Seattle or Vancouver. Explore the glittering coast of the Mediterranean after spending a day or two in Venice, Rome, or Barcelona. Set sail towards the Norwegian Fjords from Amsterdam or Southampton. Or embark on a Caribbean getaway from three different Florida ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. 

 Explore our selection of 26 departure ports around the world and start dreaming of your next trip with Celebrity.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Set sail from the exciting Dutch capital of Amsterdam, a dynamic city full of museums, scenic canals, and historic architecture. Discover the best destinations in Europe, including stops in Scandinavia, Russia, Norway, and the Mediterranean. 

Auckland, New Zealand

Cruises that depart from the vibrant city of Auckland sail down the gorgeous New Zealand fjords, explore regional ports like Wellington, Tauranga, and Sydney, and visit remote islands in the South Pacific, such as the Bay of Islands and Fiji.

Baltra Island, Galapagos

Known as the gateway to the Galapagos, Baltra Island is the jumping-off point for cruises sailing around this stunning archipelago of islands off of Ecuador, where you’ll see unique animal species, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes.

Barcelona, Spain

Spend a day in Barcelona admiring the eclectic architecture and savoring Spanish tapas before embarking on one of this departure port’s itineraries that include cruises around Spain and Portugal, across the Western Mediterranean, and to the Italian and French Riviera.

Boston, Massachusetts

Depart from Boston, a city where America’s history is in full display at every turn, and embark on a cruise around New England and Canada, where you’ll stop in picturesque seaside towns like Bar Harbor, Maine, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as cosmopolitan ports like Quebec City.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cruises that depart from the romantic city of Buenos Aires take you on breathtaking journeys that visit ports in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil, as well as unforgettable destinations in Patagonia and Antarctica, including Cape Horn and the Schollaert Channel.

Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Located less than an hour away from New York City, Cape Liberty is the perfect jumping-off point for cruises that head to the pink sands of Bermuda, sailings that visit Newport, Rhode Island, and Charleston, as well as transatlantic itineraries that stop in Greenland and Iceland. 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

As the home to one of the biggest cruise ports in the world, Fort Lauderdale cruises sail to a myriad of Caribbean destinations, including popular ports like Aruba, St. Maarten, and Cozumel, and go on journeys across the incredible Panama Canal while stopping in destinations in South and Central America.

Hong Kong, China

Board a cruise from energetic Hong Kong and set off to Vietnam and Thailand, where you’ll encounter ancient temples in Bangkok, natural wonders in Halong Bay, and fascinating history in Ho Chi Minh.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Explore the best of Hawaii, including Maui, Hilo, and Kailua Kona, during a cruise that departs from the lovely port of Honolulu. Or embark on an unforgettable transpacific journey from Honolulu to Sydney, Australia, which stops in French Polynesia and New Zealand along the way.

Lisbon, Portugal

Cruises that set sail from Lisbon visit some of the most coveted destinations in Spain and Portugal, such as Porto, Seville, and Palma de Mallorca.

Los Angeles, California

Set sail from glitzy Los Angeles and journey down to the Mexican Riviera, where you’ll visit beach towns like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, as well as scenic cities like Ensenada and Mazatlan.

Miami, Florida

As the cruise capital of the world, Miami features a wealth of cruise destinations to choose from including quick trips to the Bahamas, lengthier sailings to Key West and Mexico, and spectacular journeys around either the Western, Eastern, or Southern Caribbean.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Depart from Rome, the Eternal City, and set sail to beautiful destinations across the Mediterranean like Sicily, Provence, and the Greek Isles. Cruises from Rome also stop in ports in Israel, Malta, and the glittering coast of Croatia. 

San Diego, California

Cruises from San Diego, a.k.a, America’s finest city, either sail across the striking Panama Canal and Central and South America, or embark on a jam-packed journey up the Pacific coast that visits cities such as Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s lively capital of San Juan is an ideal departure port for cruises around the Southern Caribbean that stop in St. Thomas, Aruba, Antigua, St. Maarten, and more.

Seattle, Washington

Discover the magic of Alaska on a cruise that departs from Seattle and travels to spectacular destinations in the Last Frontier including cities like Ketchikan and Juneau, and natural wonders such as Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage.

Seward, Alaska

Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is the perfect gateway to a cruise around Alaska, where you’ll visit places like Skagway and Icy Strait Point, as well as Hubbard Glacier, the largest glacier in North America.

Enjoy an overnight stay in dazzling Singapore before embarking on a cruise around hot spots in Asia, including Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, and Tokyo.

Southampton, England

Less than two hours away from London, the convenient port of Southampton is a well-located departure point for cruises around Europe, including sailings to Iceland and Ireland, trips to Spain and Portugal, and journeys to the stunning Norwegian Fjords.

Sydney, Australia

Explore the highlights of Australia and New Zealand on a cruise that departs from Sydney. These itineraries include sailings to the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, the New Zealand fjords, and islands scattered throughout the South Pacific.

Tampa, Florida

Cruises from centrally-located Tampa visit tropical destinations across the Caribbean, including the popular ABC islands, idyllic ports in the Eastern Caribbean, and heavenly stops in the Western Caribbean.

Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Only a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo, Yokohama is a fantastic embarkation point for cruises around Japan and Asia. From here you’ll set sail to historic cities like Kyoto and Hiroshima, exotic ports like Jeju Island and Busan in South Korea, and fascinating destinations such as Mt. Fuji and Taipei.

Valparaiso, Chile

From the seaside city of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the wonders of Patagonia in ports like Puerto Montt in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina, as well as vibrant cities like Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Depart from the welcoming city of Vancouver, an ideal departure port for cruises to Alaska’s majestic attractions, journeys down the Pacific Coast, transpacific sailings to Asia, and vacations around Hawaii. 

Venice, Italy

Start off your cruise around Europe in one of its most magical cities, Venice, a romantic departure port that sails to stunning destinations in the Mediterranean and beyond, including cities and towns in Italy, Malta, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

• Today's Deals
• Sign Up & Save!

• Top Cruise Destinations
• Alaska Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises
• Bermuda Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Europe Cruises
• Mexico Cruises
• 1.800.764.7419

Never Miss a Cruise Deal

• Thank you for signing up! 
• Click here to learn more about our specials.

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
• Outdoor Fun
• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
• Special Occasions
• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
• Sail & Sign Onboard Account
• Forms of Payment
• Cruise Cash/Bar/Photo
• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
• Guest Screening Policy
• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
• General Health Information
• Privacy Notice
• What to Pack
• Cruise Ticket Contract
• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
• Tech Support
• Early Saver Promotion
• Minors / Infants / Pregnancy
• Making changes to your booking
• Carnival EasyPay
• Financing Powered by Uplift
• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
• Post Cruise Inquiries

Embarkation and Departure

Gu ests must select their  Arrival Appointment  and complete their Online Check-in process no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to their sailing date.  

Guests should arrive promptly within their Arrival Appointment to reduce wait time in line. 

At check-in, guests must present their boarding pass, picture ID and citizenship documents (including any necessary visas).  Due to security protocol, last minute bookings made within 24 hours of sailing will require guests to undergo a secondary screening. 

Guests who are scheduled to arrive at the terminal before 1:30pm, usually check their bags with a porter so they can be free to enjoy lunch on Lido Deck before access to their stateroom is granted.

Checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published departure time. Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board. 

Lunch is served on Lido Deck from boarding until the commencement of the safety briefing.

All guests must be on board by the Final Boarding time printed on the boarding pass or they will not be permitted to sail.

Was this answer helpful?

Answers others found helpful.

• Online Check-in and Arrival Appointment
• Online Check-In, Arrival Appointment and Boarding Pass
• How to Get Your Boarding Pass
• How to Access Online Check-In
• Priority Check-In

PLAN A CRUISE

• Search Cruises
• Travel Agent Finder
• Weddings & Occasions

• Carnival Mastercard
• Away We Go Blog

Group Travel

• Group Shore Excursions

Already Booked

• Manage My Cruises
• Shore Excursions
• In-Room Gifts & Shopping
• Spa & Salon Services
• Internet Plans
• Beverage Packages

• Airport Transportation

Customer Service

• Have Fun. Be Safe.
• Early Saver Price Protection Form
• Lowest Price Guarantee Claim Form
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Legal Notices for EU & UK Guests
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

About Carnival

• Passenger Bill Of Rights

• Legal Notices  
• Privacy & Cookies  
• Site Map  

• © Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved.

Cruise Embarkation

Embarkation begins at the check-in time shown on your cruise ticket. Check-in closes 2 hours before the ship is due to depart in all embarkation ports. Before arriving at the port, please ensure that all personal details shown on the embarkation form in your e-ticket are checked and correct. You will be required to show your embarkation form before boarding.

At the terminal

1. Deliver your luggage to the designated staff, who will then have it sent directly to your cabin. All bags must be labelled beforehand with your name and surname, the name of the ship, the cabin number and the date and port of departure.

Luggage will be delivered directly to the cabin. The expected delivery timeframe is from late afternoon through early evening. We recommend keeping any items needed for embarkation day and evening in your carry-on bag including clothes for the evening and any medications.

2. Go to the embarkation area with all personal travel documents required for the cruise, and show staff the embarkation form on your cruise ticket or via the MSC for Me app (if available). Collect your Cruise Card and MSC wrist band (if available). Guests of the MSC Yacht Club will find an exclusive Check-In area and will be assisted with their luggage by the butler team at the terminal, who will escort them to the dedicated line for priority Check-In. On request, the butler will also unpack guests’ suitcases. 3. Proceed to the security control. Please note that staff may search you and/or your luggage and confiscate any articles that could represent a safety risk.

4. Board the ship where staff will take your security picture, if you have not already done so via the MSC for Me app or web check-in  (if available). Then proceed to your cabin.

5. Go to your cabin. Your Cruise card will serve as your cabin key, this magnetic card can also be used to pay for products and services onboard. For MSC Yacht Club Guests, it is also used to access the MSC Yacht Club area. If your cabin is not yet ready, you may begin your onboard purchases in the bars and restaurants by providing crew with your cabin number and full name

6. Activate your Cruise Card for onboard purchases. (See the Onboard Payment  section below for further information on how to do this.)

7. Take part in the obligatory safety drill.

8. Don’t miss the MSC Cruise Guide, an important presentation where we will tell you all you need to know in order to live your cruise to the full. The embarkation process might differ for MSC Seaside and MSC Divina.

Fly & Cruise Embarkation

- departing from genoa, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

• Cruise News
• Cruise Tips
• Save on Shore Excursions
• All Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Videos
• Port Webcams

• Advertiser Disclosure

3 Popular Cruise Ship Ports for Embarkation

One of my favorite cruise embarkation points is the Port of Miami. All major cruise lines come and go from here, and the terminals are easy to get to. Most passengers fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). MIA is a mere 8 miles from port, and FLL is only 24 miles away. The most economical trip from MIA to PortMiami is the Metrorail Orange Line combined with the free Miami Trolley’s Coral Way. At FLL you can ride the cruise shuttle, hire a taxi, or rent a car.

See the best hotels for cruising our of PortMiami.

If you drive your own vehicle, drop off other passengers and everyone’s luggage at your terminal; park ($20/day); and ride the free shuttle back to port. Arrive two hours prior to embarkation time. PortMiami has ample seating, restrooms, eateries, and Wi-Fi if you have to wait prior to boarding.   View Cruise Deals from PortMiami

Port of Galveston

My least favorite cruise embarkation port (at this time) is the Port of Galveston. This opinion is based solely on the amount of time it takes to reach the port after arriving at the airport(s). Cruisers have two commercial options for flying into the Galveston area – George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Houston Hobby (HOU). IAH is located 70 very long miles from port on the opposite side of Houston.

The byword is traffic, and the requirement is patience. It can take hours to reach port. HOU is closer, but still requires an hour or more of travel. If you own your own plane, you can land in Galveston at Scholes International Airport (KGLS) – a noncommercial facility. All cruise lines run shuttles to and from IAH and HOU. Be prepared to wait a while due to the commute times.

RELATED:  See our tips on Port of Galveston Parking

Port of New Orleans

One of the easiest embarkation ports to access if you are driving is the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA). It is literally minutes from Interstate 10, the main highway along the Gulf of Mexico. There are dedicated parking lots for cruise ship passengers; overflow areas; and complimentary shuttles. The airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is approximately 20 miles and 45 minutes away. Port NOLA is within easy walking distance of all the famous sites of the city – which means the French Quarter and beignets for me! The latter makes this embarkation point my favorite for extended vacations after returning to port.

For each of these ports, you can drive (or be dropped off) very close to the place where you board the ship. You may also utilize the services of cruise ship luggage porters at that time. Each cruise line has a procedure for security screening and checking in. It will expedite the embarkation process and decrease your wait-time to have your tickets and IDs in-hand. Also, your luggage and carry-ons will be inspected. For helpful embarkation tips at these busy ports, check out our article HERE .

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

8 Advantages of Older Cruise Ships: Why Regular Cruisers Choose Them Over New Ones

12 reasons to take a cruise to hawaii on norwegian’s pride of america, cruise line adds new vip perks and amenities, carnival memo to passengers: “stop flushing household item down the toilet”, related articles, repositioning cruises unlocked: 10 pro tips i wish i knew sooner, 5 things to know when cruising with a third person in a cabin, travel scams i’ve encountered after taking over 75 cruises, 13 biggest mistakes made by carnival cruise passengers [carnival tips], recent popular posts.

Two brothers started Cruise Fever in 2011 when they decided they couldn't stop cruising so they might as well write about it. Do you have Cruise Fever too? Follow along on this incredible voyage!

© 2011-2024, Cruise Fever ®. All rights reserved

• Privacy Policy
• Cruise Newsletter

Example sentences embarkation point

They were waiting for me in arrivals, from where we'd drive to the embarkation point .

In the 20th century the port became the main embarkation point for cruise ships.

Home-port cruising deals are worth looking out for, particularly if you live near a major embarkation point .

It was not an embarkation point , so he would not have seen departing soldiers.

For decades, the theater thrived as a major national embarkation point for traveling theater and stock companies.

Definition of 'embark' embark

Definition of 'point' point

COBUILD Collocations embarkation point

Browse alphabetically embarkation point

• embark on a career
• embarkation
• embarkation card
• embarkation point
• embarquement
• embarras de choix
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'E'

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools

• Information about your cruise
• Before leaving
• River Ports and Embarkation Locations

Bordeaux cruise docking - embarkation and debarkation

Bordeaux cruise docking

View and download maps to locate where  CroisiEurope ships dock  in major European town and cities on the  Gironde & Garonne rivers . The information about boarding quays is provided here so that you can prepare for your upcoming Croisieurope river cruise. Details about  embarkation and debarkation points  will be sent by post prior to your cruise along with all the boarding documents needed and further details about your river cruise itinerary.

Please note :

The details and documentation provided are non-binding and supplied for information purposes only. They can be updated without notice.

This information will be sent out to you with your boarding ticket(s) for your cruise before the departure date.

Boarding in Bordeaux, quai des Chartrons

Adress: Quai des Chartrons at Bordeaux (zip code: 33000)

P1 Car Park Quai des Marques :

Hangar 15, Quai des Chartrons

05 56 51 20 17

(About 600m de from the boarding dock)

50€ for 7 days, must be paid at the car park office at your arrival.

P2 TOURIST BUS Park :

Allée de Bristol – paid parking (05.56.44.70.53)

17 Embarkation Tips You Need To Know When Cruising With Kids

The cruise is booked and you are all packed and travel day is looming, if you haven’t cruised before you will be wondering about those first initial steps and what to expect on cruise embarkation day. 

Read on for our top Cruise Embarkation Day Tips For couples and families. If you are prepared when Cruising With Kids, embarkation day is exciting for families. It’s all about getting it right, especially with all the new cruise and testing policies.

1. Pre Purchase Drinks Packages and Specialty Dining Plans

AD We have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

It is generally better value to book drink packages in advance. Keep your eye out for deals and special offers; most cruise lines run a drinks package sale for adults and kids throughout the year, which you can add to your booking.

2. Download The Cruise App

If your cruise ship has an app download it, many now have online check in, ordering systems for dining plans and drink packages, rooms service, and booking in for shows which makes life so much easier.

3. Check In Online Before Your Cruise

All cruise lines have apps or online check-in options where you can upload your passport, add your bank details and photos, covid statements and proof of vaccinations. Once completed, you will get a QR code to scan at the port ; this will allow quicker embarkation.

4. Fly The Day Before Cruise Embarkation Day

If there is a delay and you have booked your flights separately, the ship will not wait. This has happened to us before, and it’s stressful, however traveling the day before takes that stress away. And if you get an early flight, it gives you a day and night to explore the port area before boarding your ship.

5. If You Are Driving To The Port Pre Book Parking

Look at maps of the port to get the nearest parking possible, it’s so much easier when trying to negotiate cases and children. And you will be glad of it when you disembark.

6. Tell Your Bank You Are Cruising

Make sure your bank knows you’ll be using your credit/debit card in a different region or country every day. You will have pre registered your card during online check in.

Be Prepared And Get Cash Out Ready For Port Days

It costs more to change money onboard so have so cash ready for port days. Research local currency’s of all the ports of your trip and be prepared.

7. Take A Stroller to the Cruise Terminal

There can be a lot of walking and waiting; cruise terminals will have either a travelator or lift for buggies, wheelchairs and strollers. Make sure your stroller is narrow enough for cabin doors.

8. Drop Luggage Off With The Porters Before You Enter The Terminal Building

Before you enter the terminal building, book your cases with the porters. Have your documentation ready and luggage labels filled out and attached to your suitcases. You will see your cases for only a short time. They usually appear outside your cabin around 6pm, for this reason, cruise lines rarely hold a formal night on the first night of your cruise.

9. Pack A Cruise Embarkation Day Bag

Be prepared and pack an embarkation bag, you may not see your luggage for hours. Items to pack include swimwear, armbands, sunglasses, sun cream any small toys to keep little ones busy.

10. Can I Take Alcohol on a Cruise?

You are permitted to take a bottle of champagne or wine per person onto your cruise on embarkation day. The amount can vary, so check with your line, however, it’s usually one bottle (750 mL) per adult in a cabin, but limited to 2. Keep this in your carry-on luggage to prevent breakages. However, should you have a drinks package this may not be necessary.

11. Find A Spot For Lunch

Embarkation day is manic and it’s so easy to get swept along and forget to eat. Once onboard its natural to want to explore, but this is a great time to find a spot for lunch. The buffet restaurant will be manic, our advice is find a quieter spot, ships have many dining options and take time to enjoy a glass of wine, enjoy a meal and chill.

12. Complete The Muster Drill?

Yes, there is a muster drill, but to avoid big crowds cruise some cruise lines have changed the way the muster drill works and it’s so much better. You now watch a safety video in your stateroom which takes you through where the lifeboats are, your muster station and what to do in an emergency. You must then head to your muster station to register.

This is logged with the bridge so everyone on board must watch it and register with the muster station before sailaway, and as it’s maritime law the ship can not set sail until it’s done.

13. Check Out The Cruise News

Don’t underestimate the cruise news it’s an essential part of cruise life. One will be delivered to your stateroom every night detailing everything that will be happening on-board the next day.

If you are cruising with children they will also receive their own copy. On your first day look out for kids club sign up, any shows you may want to register for and meet and greet times.

14. Visit The Kids Club to Register

The kids club registration on embarkation day is so important. The kids crew are on hand to meet and greet kids and answer any questions. There is also paperwork to fill out to sign your kiddies up so make sure you take your passport and cruise card along with you. Although many cruise lines have now added this as a feature on the app.

15. If You’ve Booked Speciality Dining, Consider if you will Need Babysitting Too.

We love trying out the speciality dining, and as our kids have got older they love it too. However younger kids may not have the patience for long drawn out meals. It’s better to snap up those babysitting slots if you do want a romantic meal. ( This is not the case for drinks packages they are better booked beforehand)

16. Set an Emergency Meeting Point

Cruise ships are HUGE it’s so easy to lose each other. It only takes for an older child to wander off and you nip to the bathroom and you are lost. This has only ever happened to us once, and can happen anywhere you travel. Agreeing an inside meeting point is a great idea so that in the event of this happening you all know exactly where to go.

17. Set Balcony Rules With Older Children

There may be times when older children are in your cabin alone. It may only be for minutes if they run ahead to let themselves in. Ensure you have a safety discussion as soon as you enter your cabin for the first time.

We Cruise In Yacht Club On MSC, Do We Think Its Worth It?

What is included in the price of Yacht Club on MSC? We give you the low down.

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

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

Should I fly in early for my cruise? The pros and cons of arriving ahead of time

Imagine it's embarkation day for your long-awaited cruise vacation, but your same-day flight gets delayed. Your new arrival time means you might not get to your ship before check-in closes. Or, imagine you wake up to a snowstorm and unplowed streets, and you can't get to the airport. Or maybe your car breaks down on the way, and you miss your flight.

In all of these scenarios, you've left yourself mere hours to fly from your home city to your cruise port. An unexpected delay means your voyage hangs in the balance.

As experienced cruisers know, one of the best ways to avoid potential embarkation day travel headaches is to fly in at least a day before your ship's departure.

Flying in early is generally a smart idea, but consider these pros and cons before you decide when to arrive for your cruise if you're traveling by plane.

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

Pros of flying in early for your cruise

You'll have time to rebook if there are delays.

You know how the stereotypical dad arrives at the airport five hours before any flight? Flying to your cruise departure city early is the same concept but on a larger scale.

If you plan to arrive the day before your cruise and your flight is delayed or canceled — or you run into another snag that prevents you from being on the plane as scheduled — you'll be able to make alternative travel plans and arrive in port before your ship sets sail. Knowing you have time to develop a Plan B will allow you to keep some travel stress at bay.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise

You'll have time to explore your port city

One of my least favorite things about cruising is the limited amount of time most ships provide in port. If you fly in a day early for your voyage, you'll have a chance to explore your city of embarkation before your ship departs.

Plan to check out a local restaurant or two, visit a museum or take in the sights. One day is sufficient, but if you have the time, consider a two- or three-day pre-cruise stay to enhance your vacation and really explore the area.

You can rest and start adjusting to any time changes

If running around taking in the local attractions the day before your cruise sounds more exhausting than fun, you can also use the time to do the opposite: relax. Check into your hotel, have a leisurely meal and rest up before boarding the following day.

This is also a great way to jump-start your body's adjustment to any time changes you might encounter if you're flying farther afield to meet your ship.

Related: Should I buy my flights through my cruise line

Cons of flying in early for your cruise

You'll have more logistics to plan.

If you're flying in the day before you embark, you'll need a place to stay. That means more vacation planning. Is it better to stay closer to the port or local attractions? Does the property you've chosen offer perks like free breakfast or Wi-Fi? What is the best way to get from the airport to the hotel? Which attractions are best to visit, and do you need a car to get to them?

You'll also need to find your way to the port on the day your ship leaves. If your hotel doesn't have a shuttle, you'll need to research taxis, ride-hailing services or other public transportation options.

Related: Embarkation day do's and don'ts

A longer trip will cost more

If you're on a strict budget, the extra costs involved with a pre-cruise hotel stay might not be affordable or worth it. Are you giving up a shore excursion in a port of call in order to fund meals and accommodations prior to your sailing?

You'll want to research not only hotel prices but also costs for meals, sightseeing and transfers between the airport, hotel and cruise port. Then, you can decide whether you want to fly in a day early. Look to points and miles that might help you score a pre-cruise hotel room for free or at a discounted rate, or look to redeem award nights for your stay.

Bottom line

Arriving early for a cruise has its pros and cons. However, the reasons to arrive at least a day ahead of time far outweigh reasons not to — especially if a pre-cruise hotel stay is within your budget.

Making your way into town a day or more in advance will provide you with additional peace of mind, a chance to explore and an opportunity to rest up for embarkation day.

If you can't afford a pre-cruise stay or don't have time to fly in the day before you sail, I recommend booking the earliest flight possible on embarkation day. This way, you'll have time to hop on another one if your travel plans go awry.

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
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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

This New Cruise Ship Has an Unprecedented Design, Elegant Suites, and 'Quirky' Cocktails

Here's a closer look at the Silver Nova, one of the newest ships from the luxury line Silversea.

David Swanson is a San Diego-based freelance writer and photographer who has traveled to more than 100 countries. His work has been featured in The Washington Post , USA Today , Los Angeles Times , National Geographic Traveler , Miami Herald , and Travel + Leisure .

The Staterooms

Bars and restaurants, where silver nova sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

On my first trip with Silversea, more than a decade ago, I cooed over risotto flecked with gold leaf. I swooned when my husband and I were serenaded by a jazz duo in an intimate supper club. I loved that the bartenders would remember our favorite drinks — each one presented on linen napkin — and I learned what it was like to have a butler who polished my shoes, seeing that they were sorely in need of a shine.

I also noted things Silversea didn’t have. Those bartenders didn’t hand me a bill to sign, no hands were out for a tip. There were no pushy announcements hawking tours, shopping lectures, or onboard art auctions, nor photographers plaintively begging for a pose so they could sell me a snapshot later. There were, in short, none of the annoyances you sometimes find on ships.

So when I boarded Silver Nova in 2023, I had a feeling the ship would be defined as much by what it didn’t have as by what it did. And, true to that Silversea DNA, I found that this vessel seemed to almost disappear. Instead, the seagoing experience blossomed, as my fellow passengers and I sighted islands and enjoyed the weave of coastlines. Many of today’s most talked-about cruise ships work to focus our attention inwards; Silver Nova , by contrast, reminds us to look out — and to appreciate where we’re going.

This bit of alchemy is all thanks to the remarkable, asymmetrical design of Silver Nova . This aesthetically pleasing choice also allowed designers to eliminate most structures on the upper decks, allowing the sea and landscapes to tell their story. To take just one example, the pool doesn’t sit on the ship’s centerline, as is common. Instead, it unspools along the starboard side, yielding an openness that is unprecedented on a small cruise ship. 

“On the open decks of other ships you see a lot of stuff — attractions, distractions, a lot of things that keep your eyes busy,” explained Andrea Tonet, Silversea’s vice president of product strategy. “We did the opposite, we removed everything that was not necessary, every obstacle, to create this unobstructed view of the sea and the destination.”  As a result, I always felt like I had a clear sense of being somewhere while aboard. I gained a deeper sense of connection to my environment.

That said, Silver Nova is on the larger side, at least among true luxury ships, with space for 728 passengers. But it also has a capacious passenger-to-space ratio that lends the vessel a welcome openness.

A ship of glass and curves, a desire to bring the destinations to the guest, and a chart marked for some of the world’s most appealing places — here is my review of Silversea’s Silver Nova .

• Though larger overall than is typical for a luxury ship, Silver Nova is spacious and uncrowded, offering more elbow room per passenger than almost any other cruise vessel.
• Silversea’s groundbreaking S.A.L.T. program has been elevated for Nova , providing localized culinary immersion both at sea and on land.
• With its ample outdoor deck space, the ship is well-suited for warm-weather voyages and scenic areas, such as Alaska’s Inside Passage and New Zealand’s Milford Sound.
• In a first for Silversea, Nova has aft-facing suites, including eight with wraparound balconies offering remarkable panoramic views.

The all-suite Nova has nine different stateroom layouts, starting with standard veranda categories, which make up more than 75 percent of the ship’s accommodations. These measure 301 square feet inside and feature a subdued palette of grey and cappuccino tones. The 54-square-foot teak veranda is big enough for two to enjoy a meal, and marble bathrooms are equipped with a roomy shower stall (many have both a full tub and separate shower). All suites include a walk-in closet, vanity table, a large TV, and stocked minibar. A butler is available at all hours, and in-room dining is provided by most of the ship’s venues.

Throughout, Silversea’s custom mattresses are sumptuous and sleep-inducing, with combed Egyptian cotton bedding by Milan’s Rivolta Carmignani. There’s a pillow menu, with feather/down blends, memory foam, and two hypoallergenic options, medium and firm.

A variety of larger suites are available, but the star is a pair of Otium Suites, each spanning 1,324 square feet and each featuring a huge wraparound balcony with private hot tub. Thanks to the ship’s asymmetrical design, these balconies protrude in a way that allows for 270-degree views.  

Silversea’s culinary program is a point of pride for the brand. Atlantide is Nova ’s de facto main dining room, a handsome venue that offers a selection of steaks, lobster, and caviar in a plush, comfortable setting. Next door, the ambitious menu at S.A.L.T. Kitchen evolves by day, taking inspiration from the destination in which the ship is sailing.  For example, on trips to Croatia, guests might find Dalmatian sardines marinated in lemon; along Central America you might encounter hearty escabeche.

La Terrazza’s menu features Italian specialties, with pasta made onboard, while Silver Note is a swank supper club, where gourmet tapas are served against a backdrop of live jazz. Located up top, the Marquee is capped by an airy, two-story pergola that dapples the venue with shade; views from every table are almost unimpeded.  Full breakfasts are served at the Marquee, and at lunch you’ll find an al fresco rotisserie with salads, burgers, and Neapolitan-style pizzas; at night grill your own chops.

Although Silversea is a mostly inclusive cruise line, three of the restaurants require a surcharge: La Dame does a selection of French classics ($160 including wine pairings), and Kaiseki has a full-on Asian menu ($80). S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table has seating for up to 24 diners, with 11-course tasting menus embellished with anecdotes about the history of each dish or signature ingredient ($180 including wine and cocktail pairings).  

The ship has several bars, including Panorama Lounge, a retreat found aboard all Silversea vessels. On Nova, the bar’s outdoor terrace includes a small fireplace, a feature I don’t recall seeing on any other cruise ship.  Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits. (I found it to be a great spot for sunset selfies.) The S.A.L.T. Bar was probably my favorite spot, with graceful outdoor seating and a menu of unusual cocktails featuring quirky ingredients cued to the ship’s regional itinerary. 

Through early 2026, Silver Nova will summer in Alaska and spend northern hemisphere winters in Australia and New Zealand, places where top deck views should prove ceaselessly rewarding.  In the spring and fall, as the ship transits between the two hemispheres, watch for voyages along the coasts of Asia, including some circumnavigations of Japan.

On Nova , a selection of both included and added-cost shore excursions are offered. In places like Alaska, the included tours cover a variety of activities, from coach rides to scenic areas, whale watching, e-bike trips, hiking, and kayaking. In Australia and New Zealand, options include kayaking in the Whitsunday Islands, a vintage steam train ride near Melbourne, and a Maori cultural experience. 

In Alaska, helicopter trips to a glacier where a dog-sled camp is based, or a private fishing and crabbing tour are among the added-cost tours. In Australia and New Zealand, add-on tours include a private car and guide in most ports, Hunter Valley wineries by helicopter, and a tour of the Lord of the Rings filming locations and Weta Studios. Other tours are built around the S.A.L.T. program and focused on regional culinary angles, available at extra cost.

Silver Nova ’s asymmetrical design allows for a chic, expansive pool deck — a grand total of more than 42,000 square feet across two decks. With that kind of elbow room, there's hardly a need to wake up early to claim a deck chair. The swimming pool sits close to the starboard side, and the seating and elevated walkways around it create an amphitheater-like effect, with a backdrop that can go on for miles. To me, it felt like being at a supercool rooftop bar or cliff's-edge resort — with a panorama that's ever changing.

Silversea’s S.A.L.T. ecosystem, which is on several of the line's ships, deserves special mention as an amenity, too. The acronym stands for Sea and Land Taste, and describes numerous food-focused experiences on and off the ship. Some of the core moments are available at the previously mentioned S.A.L.T. Bar, Kitchen, and Chef's Table; there's also a gorgeous S.A.L.T. Lab, a space that allows for hands-on culinary lessons. The culinary programming extends to talks and demos held in the ship's Venetian Lounge, as well as on shore excursions branded as part of S.A.L.T. Bottom line, if deep-diving into the cuisine of a specific destination is your goal, look for the S.A.L.T. "stamp."

Elsewhere, the Otium Spa has among its features a steam room and indoor thermal pool with floor-to-ceiling sea views. There’s a fitness center, and personal trainers are available for individual or group sessions.  The spacious Venetian Lounge spans two decks — a rarity on a smaller ship — with cabaret seating and tiered banquettes for music performances, movie screenings, and other group programs. A few more intimate spaces include the Connoisseur’s Corner, a cigar lounge and bar, and the small yet delightful library, tucked behind the Observation Lounge.  

Without dedicated kids areas, Silver Nova was not designed for children. But families who don’t need high-powered diversions to keep children engaged will find a welcoming environment at sea and, during holiday periods, possibly other children to socialize with. Silversea allows children over the age of six months, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult over the age of 21; babysitting services are not available.

Public areas of Silver Nova , including all restaurants, bars, and the spa, are wheelchair accessible. Embarkation and disembarkation are also typically accessible, with a gangway that's flat enough to accommodate mobility devices; in ports where stairs are involved, crew members can provide assistance. The vessel also keeps some wheelchairs for guest use.

Nova has braille/tactile public room signage, elevator buttons, staircase handrails, and stateroom numbers.  

The ship has six ADA accessible suites, on various decks, in the Premium Veranda and Silver Suite categories. Each is equipped with wider entrance doors and appropriate paths of travel for wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility equipment, and each includes an accessible bathroom and shower. All areas within these suites are reachable without the need for additional ramps, and features an accessible bathroom with vanity and separate shower.

Related Articles