Your First Cruise
You have looked forward to your first cruise with much anticipation. You spent many hours looking through brochures about Alaskan cruises, Caribbean cruises, Mediterrenian cruises before you carefully chose your destination. You compared amenities, read reviews, and shopped for cruise bargains before you selected the cruise line. You set your departure date, sent in your deposit, made sure your passport was up to date, and grabbed your best luggage out of storage.
On departure day you have your important documents - tickets, passport, and ID, in a folder. You arrive at the terminal. Your vacation has begun.
What can you expect?
You will find baggage handlers waiting as you exit your vehicle. Even though you already tagged your luggage with the tags provided by the cruise line, and checked on your arrival to be sure those tags are still firmly attached, baggage handlers may ask you to produce your cruise ticket and picture ID for verification and security purposes. It is customary to tip baggage handlers a few dollars per suitcase.
The Terminal
Inside the terminal you will need your documentation and identification out and ready to be viewed - and viewed it will be, several times - as you wind your way through the terminal check ins, up to the registration counter. Cruise line staff are easily recognizable in official looking attire with nametags and, often, a clipboard. At some point along the way you, and whatever carry on luggage and packages you have with you, will have to pass through a security screening similar to that at airports. At the registration counter you will be asked to produce your documents and any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, plus proof of citizenship (passport is preferred and will soon be mandatory), and a credit card (to pay for your on board charges). You will be issued a boarding card that may double as your stateroom "key" and shipboard charge card.
If you have checked in early, while the ship is still being prepared for your arrival, you will be asked to wait in a holding area within the terminal. Be patient. The cruise lines want your experience to be top rate. In an amazingly well choreographed feat, they meticulously clean, prepare, and stock the ship in those few hours between scheduled cruises. While your crew is hard at work, be sure to bring a book, magazine, ipod or handheld game with you until it is time to embark.
Once cleared to go on the ship, there is an embarkation photo op.
There will be many photo ops on your cruise. Relax and get into the spirit. Professional photos are a wonderful souvenier but you are under no obligation to purchase any photos taken during the cruise. While roaming photographers and formal portrait opportunities abound onboard, there is no cost to have your picture taken and no obligation to buy the prints. Photos are available for viewing in the photo gallery on board. If you like any or all of your photos, they are available at a very reasonable price. Take what you like, or none at all, and walk up to the cashier.
So SMILE for your first picture. More people are satisfied with their cruise vacation than any other form of vacation experience. Most people return to cruise, and cruise again. Show those pearly whites, you are about to have the best vacation of your life!
Boarding
Now, your cruise has officially begun. Depending on the cruise line and even the specific ship, boarding procedures will vary. In general, you will meet one last security check before being greeted by staff members as you step onboard the ship, and directed to your cabin. If you are traveling in luxury, stewards may take your carry ons from you and accompany you to your cabin, and even hand you a glass of champagne to welcome you aboard.
Your Cabin
You will be shown to your cabin, where your luggage may or may not be waiting outside your door. If you have preceeded the arrival of your luggage, don't worry, it will be delivered soon. You may be introduced to your cabin steward. Cabin stewards are extremely busy during the ship's turn around when literally thousands of people leave and board the ship, and all the rooms under their watch must be cleaned and prepared for your arrival. You cabin steward will introduce themselves at the first available opportunity. Note his or her name. They will go out of their way to make sure all of your needs are met on your cruise.
First thing upon arriving at your cabin, check it to make sure everything is in order. Are you in the correct cabin? Is this the correct grade of cabin? Are the beds and berths correct? If there are problems inform the steward immediately.
The steward will show you the location of your life jackets, which you will need for the muster drill. The muster drill is the first activity on your cruise. All passengers must report to their muster station, wearing their lifejackets. Your steward will instruct you as to the location of your muster station and the time of the drill. A placard on the back of your cabin door will also provide directions to your emergency station.
If you plan on booking shore excursions and spa treatments, time is of the essence, as popular spots and times book out quickly. Be sure to visit the Shore Excursion Desk, usually located in or near the Main Lobby, and the Spa, to make appointments before doing anything else on your cruise.
After booking shore excursions and making spa appointments, don't miss the welcome aboard buffet. This is your first taste of the ship's cuisine, and an excellent place to leisurely review the ship's schedule and newsletter for information, meal times, and schedules for activities and entertainment. Sit back, enjoy your meal, and relax while other passengers get settled for the cruise.
When you arrive back in your cabin later that afternoon, any Bon Voyage gifts and your luggage will have been delivered, and rented tuxedoes will be hanging in the closet. Be patient if you are expecting deliveries, particularly on larger ships, but if they have not arrived within 24 hours call your steward to let them know.
