If you’re going on a cruise, you’re probably pretty excited about embarkation day. However, you may be wondering what you must do as soon as you board the cruise ship.
Although embarkation day can be exciting, it can also be chaotic. So, you’ll want to do certain things as soon as you board to ensure that your cruise starts on the right foot and to avoid any potential issues later on.
5 Things You Must Do Within the First Hour of Your Cruise
1. Muster Drill Check-In
On embarkation day, every passenger must complete a safety briefing at their assigned muster station. This process takes 15 minutes and is very straightforward.
To complete the muster drill, cruise guests must check in at their muster station. At each station, they will receive a brief explanation of what to do in an emergency, learn how the lifejacket works, and scan their cruise card.
Once that step is complete, cruisers must go to their cabin and watch the safety video (certain cruise lines allow passengers to watch the video through the cruise line app).
It’s a good idea to complete the muster drill process as soon as you board the cruise ship. Once it’s complete, you can fully enjoy embarkation day.
2. Check Out Your Cabin
Once you have completed the muster drill, visit your cruise stateroom if it’s available. This is a great opportunity to drop off your bags, freshen up, and check out the daily planner.
Your stateroom may not be ready when you board the cruise ship. However, many cruise lines allow passengers to drop off carry-on bags at their cabins. Otherwise, you’ll keep your carry-on luggage with you until after lunch.
Once you arrive at your stateroom, consider taking some photos. After all, your cabin will never look as good as it does on embarkation day!
While you’re in your cruise cabin, check the bed arrangement, confirm the plumbing works, and put valuables in the safe. I even like to turn on lights and lamps, as well as the TV. If light bulbs or batteries need to be replaced, at least you can let your cabin attendant know.
Once you’ve settled into your stateroom, proceed with the embarkation day festivities!
Related: 17 Surprising Things Your Cabin Steward Can Bring You on a Cruise
3. Explore the Cruise Ship
One of the first things you’ll want to do on cruise embarkation day is explore the ship’s popular areas, activities, attractions, and dining venues.
It’s a good idea to start at the atrium, which serves as the heart of the ship. This is typically where activities, events, and theme parties will take place.
From there, check out the main dining room, where you’ll enjoy delicious meals throughout your cruise vacation. While you’re there, familiarize yourself with the different bars and casual dining venues.
Once you’ve explored the inside of the cruise ship, make your way to the Lido deck. This is the go-to spot for swimming poolside activities, lounging, and some of the best views at sea!
Don’t forget to explore the activities and onboard attractions. Whether it’s the sports court, mini-golf, or, in some cases, the waterpark, you’ll want to see everything that your ship offers.
If you’re cruising with children or teens, be sure to sign them up for the kids’ club on embarkation day. This way, they can attend the activities on the first day.
4. Eat Lunch
Once you’ve explored the cruise ship, it’s time to settle down for lunch. For a casual experience, head to the buffet, where you can sample various foods and enjoy the flexibility of choosing exactly what dishes you want.
If you prefer a sit-down meal, the main dining room provides a calmer atmosphere. In the main dining room, you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal served by waiters.
If you want a quick bite, check out the casual dining options. The casual dining restaurants can range from pizza restaurants to taco stands and poolside grills.
On embarkation day, many cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, offer specialty dining options such as The Key, which allows you to enjoy exclusive culinary experiences right from the start of your cruise vacation.
Once you’ve finished eating, be sure to confirm your dining time in the main dining room, and let the maitre d’ know about any allergies or special requests.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to make reservations for specialty dining on embarkation day, as the popular dining times will fill up quickly.
Related: Is The Key Worth It On Royal Caribbean? My Experience
5. Sailaway Party
As the ship glides away from the port, take a moment to breathe in the salty sea air and relish the fact that your cruise experience has officially begun, setting the stage for unforgettable memories to come.
Once you’ve completed the first four steps, it’s time to check out the sailaway party!
The sailaway party is one of the highlights on embarkation day and your whole cruise vacation. As the ship sets sail, head to the upper decks to dance, listen to music, and watch the ship leave port.
Enjoy a refreshing embarkation day drink and celebrate with the perfect backdrop because your cruise vacation has officially begun.
If you’re not into partying, there are other ways to enjoy sailaway. Many cruisers will head down to their cabins and enjoy a quiet moment on their balcony.
Whether you prefer to go to the sailaway party or experience sailaway from your balcony, there is no bad way to celebrate the cruise ship leaving port.
Before the cruise ship officially leaves port, be sure to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid any extra charges from your phone provider!
Related & Popular Posts:
- 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
- 17 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
- 60 Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks All Cruisers Need to Know
- 40+ Must-Have Dollar Store Cruise Items & Hacks
- 30 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
- Are Balcony Cabins Worth it on a Cruise? 10 Pros & 4 Cons
- 15 Best Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks & Tips
- 12 Smart Ways to Escape the Crowds on a Cruise Ship
- 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
Final Thoughts Things You Must Do Within the First Hour of Your Cruise
Starting your trip on the right foot is essential for having a great cruise vacation. By completing these five steps on embarkation day, you’re setting yourself up to have a memorable cruise vacation.
Do you have any embarkation day traditions? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!