Planning to set sail on your first cruise ship vacation? In addition to researching top cruise ship destinations, it’s also important to know what to expect when you’re on cruise ships, especially on embarkation day.

Here’s a quick beginner’s guide on what to expect and prepare for at the start of your cruise adventure.

10 Things to Expect on Embarkation Day

1- You’ll be expected to show up on time

Cruise ships embark on a fixed schedule – the boat won’t wait for you. To ensure you don’t miss it, plan to arrive in the city where the ship is docked the day before it sails. On the embarkation day, show up at the port with your luggage during the time window the cruise line provides (usually late morning or mid-afternoon) to board.

2- Have your ID and travel documents ready

Just like at an airport, you’ll need to have your ID (passport) and boarding documents ready when boarding cruise ships. As soon as you drop off your luggage in the designated zone with cruise staff, you’ll be guided to check-in. During the check-in process, you’ll show your ID, fill out a health form, and be given your cruise wristband or card. Next, you’ll go through security before finally boarding the boat.

3- Your cruise card is more than a boarding pass.

The card you’re given at check-in is your boarding pass and functions as your room key and payment card on the ship. Keep this card and any other cruise ID (physical and/or digital) on you at all times.

4- You’ll be assigned a cabin (fully inspect it as soon as you arrive)

As soon as you board, head to your cabin/stateroom and fully inspect everything inside to make sure everything works, and nothing is missing. For instance, check that the lights and all other electronics work, that the shower and sink work, and the toilet flushes. Spotting any issues early on means they can be resolved faster.

5- You’ll have a cabin steward

This individual is responsible for making sure your stay is comfortable. Your cabin steward is likely to greet you when they know you’ve arrived. If there is anything amiss with your room or you have certain preferences (e.g., you sleep late, require extra pillows) or allergies, this is the time to make requests. It’s also a great time to inquire about any amenities such as laundry, exercise rooms, room service, etc. Getting to know your cabin steward early on can result in a better onboard experience.

6 – Wi-Fi isn’t free

Except for using official cruise line apps on board (which require connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi network) Wi-Fi isn’t free. Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages you can purchase if you need it. If you don’t, put your mobile devices in airplane mode to avoid high roaming charges when you’re at sea. The last thing you want is to unknowingly connect to a cellular maritime network (the fees aren’t cheap!).

7 – Make a priority of booking activities

While you should book most of your activities, experiences, restaurants, and off-shore excursions before the cruise, sometimes certain activities need to be booked onboard. Use the cruise line’s onboard app or visit the information desk as soon as you’re settled to make all the necessary bookings before they’re gone.

8- You may have an allocated dining time

Although many people wonder what to expect on a cruise ship experience, one important aspect that’s often overlooked is there are usually set dining times to accommodate the hundreds/thousands of passengers aboard. Check the dining time you’ve been assigned (and where your table is if there’s fixed seating). If you need it to be changed, visit the Matre’d to make the request as soon as possible.

9 – You’ll be required to attend the muster drill

The muster drill is the cruise ships safety procedures and is a first day requirement of all passengers. On most cruise lines these days (post COVID-19) it’s a safety video you can watch on your cabin TV or through the cruise line app. That said, you may be expected to go to your designated lifeboat station to have your name taken.

10 – There are ship tours

During embarkation day, many cruise ships offer introductory tours that guide you through the ship’s layout and explain how things work on board. There may also be tours focused on where to find and access the different amenities on the ship (e.g., fitness center, spa, casino, etc.) These tours can be very helpful if you’re a first-timer.

Once you’re all settled in, all that’s left to do is grab a drink, set sail, join the sail away party, and enjoy your vacation. Bon voyage!