What to Expect on a Cruise: Boarding a Cruise Ship (2023)

FAQs

What do you expect in cruise ship? ›

Virtually every cruise ship, large or small, will have bars as well as a theater or lounge with live music, dancing, and magic or comedy shows. Most offer spas and exercise rooms, even some small ships. Bigger and newer ships generally offer much more onboard in terms of venues than their smaller counterparts.

Cruise line staff will be on hand to direct you to the correct line; suite passengers and high-status past-passengers will typically go into a shorter line or separate waiting area, while regular passengers join a main line. At check-in, you will present your ID and documents for the representative to check you in.

What Is The Average Amount of Cash to Bring on a Cruise? On a cruise, most guests bring between $100-$120 in cash per day to be spent on transportation, tips, gifts, food, and shopping. In a survey of 850 cruisers, 71% stated that they took over $100 per person per day when cruising.

Depending on the cruise line, size of the ship/number of passengers, and how efficient the boarding process is, embarkation can range from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.

Do they scan your luggage on a cruise? ›

Will my bags be searched on a cruise ship? All baggage brought on board the ship will be X-rayed. When you go through security you will set your bags on the x-ray machine like you'd find at an airport. Checked luggage is also X-rayed behind the scenes.

Arriving about an hour before the end of the boarding window leads to fewer lines, allowing you to arrive and usually get right on the ship. Note: One thing you should never do is arrive late to the boarding window.

Avoid arriving at peak boarding time

We recommend getting to the terminal either early, before the rush, or late (after 2 p.m.), when most people are already onboard. You might still have a little wait, but it won't be anything compared to peak boarding time.

Guests who miss their cruise due to travel delays can contact the Emergency Travel Team (ETT) to discuss their options going forward. In specific situations, when the guest has the proper documentation, it is possible to join the cruise at the next port of call, but all options must be discussed with ETT.

A simple tote bags is our all round pick for best bag for cruise excursions. A tote bag is perfect for the beach, shopping and sightseeing tours. You can stuff a lot into a tote bag and they're lightweight and easy to pack. Tote bags are also very useful on travel and embarkation days.

Women can wear casual dresses, skirts and blouses, nice slacks and tops; men wear polo or button-down shirts with slacks. Some cruise lines do allow jeans in the evening; pair them with cute tops and nice shoes. Elegant or formal nights bring out the cocktail dresses, suits, ties and jackets.

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

No Pat-downs

Don't worry. We've never seen anyone being patted down for a cruise. They are looking for metal objects. If someone sets off the metal detector, then a wand will be used to find the object.

Do they check your bags before a cruise? ›

Just like the security screening at an airport, we also screen all luggage our guests bring onboard to ensure everyone's safety.

Bring a small purse to hold your cruise card and camera when walking around the ship. I always like to have my camera with me so carrying a small purse means I don't have to always have it in hand.

We highly recommend paying for anything OFF of the ship in cash. Ports in tourist areas are typically safe from violent crime, but petty crime like theft — or credit card fraud — can happen. So if you plan to pay for meals and entertainment with a card, there is always the risk of being overcharged, charged twice, etc.

Cruise lines aren't very strict about how much luggage you can bring, however they do have some suggestions and guidelines. A good rule of thumb is to pack 1-2 pieces of luggage per person, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs or 22.5 kg. A carry-on bag for embarkation day is recommended.

The rules around medication on board a cruise ship tend to be more lenient than those for air travel, since your journey takes place over a longer period. All gels, liquids, tablets and aerosols are permitted, and you are generally advised to bring as much as you need for the duration of your time aboard.

Food Items must be pre-packaged and unopened; homemade items or pre-cooked foods will not be permitted on board. Limitations on permitted food items are directly related to concerns for food safety and contamination prevention.

As a general rule, plan to have $50 to $100 each day in the local currency. Also, you may want to bring an extra $20 a day for tipping crew members. Make sure to include smaller bills for tips. Fifty to a hundred dollars a day should be enough to cover small purchases, tips and snacks at each port.

Depending on the length of your cruise, you'll need about 4 tops. This includes one tank top, a tee, a blouse, and a long-sleeve to keep you warm at night (one of these can double as a pajama top). If your cruise is closer to 3 days, perhaps bring 2 tops and a casual dress so as not to overpack.

How much should I tip? Most cruise lines suggest tipping $10 to $12 per day per passenger (not per couple), regardless of age. For a seven-day cruise, this means each cruiser should budget at least $70 for gratuities, or $140 per cabin for two people.

Yes, you can make calls, text, and even video chat from a cruise ship. In port, you can connect to local roaming networks. At sea, you can either make calls via a satellite connection or pay for the ship's Wi-Fi (also via satellite) and make Wi-Fi calls, text or video chat via the internet.

Can I use my phone on a cruise without Wi-Fi? ›

To use your cell phone on your cruise, you have two options — either connect to the ship's cellular service or connect to the ship's wi-fi. Both will cost you extra. For traditional cell service, today's modern cruise ships use providers such as “Cellular at Sea” or “Wireless Maritime Services”.

To mitigate this risk, it is a good idea to put your phone on airplane mode and enable wi-fi when embarking on a cruise ship. In fact, cruise lines often suggest this to cruisers to avoid unnecessary charges.

Generally, the earlier you select your boarding time or the earlier you arrive (if you're taking a cruise on a line that doesn't require pre-selected boarding times), the better.

In most cases you'll find that it is completed in 30-45 minutes of arrival. So just because the ship is tied up at the pier doesn't mean passengers can immediately get off. Once passengers are free to go ashore, there is a bit of a rush of people at the beginning, but the lines usually goes quickly.

Disembarking all passengers from a cruise ship takes a few hours, depending on the cruise ship's size. From the time your color-coded departure group is called, you can be off the ship in 15 minutes.

Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned. Prohibited items: Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas. Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors.

Yes, but be sure to know whether the water in your cabin is complimentary or will be charged to your stateroom account. Mainstream lines often place bottles of water on the vanity or in a mini bar. Look for tags explaining their cost if they are on the vanity. Mini-bar water is a charged item.

And while water, juice, and tea are usually free on a cruise, you often have to go to the ship's restaurants to get them. Non-alcoholic drinks like sodas cost extra (usually around $2-3 per serving), so bringing those on with you when allowed can save you a decent amount.

Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.

Can I Bring CBD on a Cruise? Since cannabis is still illegal at a Federal level, many cruise lines have prohibited CBD on board their ships. Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruise Lines are both examples of lines where CBD is not tolerated.

Can you bring full size shampoo on a cruise? ›

Yes you can bring full sized toiletries on a cruise such as shampoo and conditioner. Cruise lines don't have limits on the sizes of liquid/gel toiletries like the airlines do for carry on. Keep in mind though that if you are flying to board your cruise ship, you will have to follow the stricter airline rules.

Upon entering the terminal, you'll need to show your cruise documents and go through a security line. You will need to pass through an x-ray machine and have your carry-ons scanned, but the process is not as rigorous as at the airport. (You likely won't need to remove your shoes, for example.)

Bottom line: It's a great idea to find a cruise hotel to stay the night before your ship departs. That said, there are some definite things you want to consider before you pick the right place to stay for you.

The truth, though, is this: There's no “better” side of the ship. It doesn't matter where you're going, or what river you're sailing on, or even what ship you're sailing aboard. Both sides of the ship are created equal. The trouble with trying to pick a side of the ship based on something you'd like to see is this.

The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.

A cruise ship can leave without you – and if you get left behind, it will cost you a bundle. Here are ways to avoid that happening, plus what to do if it does. For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

Bottom Line: As a rough guide, for a 7-night cruise you will need to bring enough clothing for at least 4 formal or semi-formal nights, a couple of casual evenings, pool and loungewear, and practical clothing for excursions on dry land.

With few exceptions, you need to pack only 4-5 pairs of shoes for your cruise.

Can you bring water bottles into cruise? ›

Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.

Beach and Pool Towels

You'll be dry in no time! You can use the towels on the ship and even while in port. Each evening, leave your blue towel out for your stateroom steward and you'll have a fresh towel waiting for you upon your return.

For longer cruises most travelers prefer a larger bag – a 25” rolling checked-through bag is a good size for a 2 week cruise and fully packed is usually under 50 lbs.

Acceptable attire includes sportswear, collared shirts, pants and jackets (if desired, but not required) for men and sportswear, casual dresses, or skirts and pants with blouses or knit tops for women. Regular, but not torn or distressed jeans, are fine.

What should I wear on embarkation day? Since you most likely will be doing a lot of walking and standing in line, comfortable shoes are key. Dress casually, and don't be surprised to see tropical wear on Caribbean cruises or even groups in matching T-shirts. Also make sure you check the weather beforehand.

Suites: If you're looking for luxury on your cruise, suites offer the most space and best room locations, often with separate living and sleeping areas. They generally feature large balconies, and extra amenities and perks. In other words, a suite can be considered the best cabin on any cruise ship.

The best cruise ship deck for many people is a lower deck because less movement will be felt here. However, for the best views, you should choose a higher deck. If you want to avoid taking the elevator, a mid-level deck would be best.

Cruise lines perform security checks on all passengers, checked baggage and carried on items. Unlike airlines where only 10-20% of checked luggage is x-rayed, cruise ships have the ability to examine and x-ray each bag that enters the cruise ship. All shipments of supplies are examined.

One of the main reasons people choose to work on cruise ships is the chance to travel to many places they might not otherwise have the opportunity to see. Since they live on the ship, they receive room and board as part of their compensation. They travel the world without paying for expensive hotels and food.

Among the most common reasons people give for not taking a cruise vacation is seasickness. While it's true that you're on a moving ship, it's nothing like going on your friend's fishing boat: the movements are slow and much less pronounced. On newer ships you often don't even feel like they're moving.

Why do people choose cruise ships? ›

On a cruise, you can see the world, unwind completely, experience diverse cultures, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn new skills, make new friends and bond with your family. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are plentiful…

Romance, variety, reunions, new experiences, and simplicity also rank high on the list of reasons for choosing a cruise vacation. No matter the reason for choosing one, a cruise is a great value, offering relaxation and fun in a family-friendly atmosphere with good food and entertainment all in one unique location.

A simple formula for answering “Tell me about yourself”

Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment. Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that's relevant to the job and company you're applying for.

As a general rule, plan to have $50 to $100 each day in the local currency. Also, you may want to bring an extra $20 a day for tipping crew members. Make sure to include smaller bills for tips. Fifty to a hundred dollars a day should be enough to cover small purchases, tips and snacks at each port.

starboard side of the ship is best to stay on. Your decision will depend on a variety of factors, from your stateroom type to your cruise itinerary. Here are helpful tips for choosing which side of the ship will suit you best.

The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.

They want to eat better than they do at home, receive better service than they typically do in their day to day life, and want to be comfortable. Dining, cabins and service are the three pillars of the cruise experience, and if they're not done right, the rest doesn't matter.

Every year, millions of people across the world look for travel options, and some turn to cruises. But are cruises safe? The odds of dying on a cruise ship are slim to none — well, roughly 1 out of 6.25 million. So in that aspect they are considered “safe”.

Do cruises ever leave people behind? ›

A cruise ship will leave passengers behind on shore if they arrive back at the ship too late. But ship staff have procedures in place to help you out.

Fear of the Ocean

Different from aquaphobia, which is the fear of any type or amount of water, thalassophobia is an irrational fear of deep, dark bodies of water and what may lurk beneath the vast surface. This fear can cause someone to become scared of sea travel and being far away from land.

Have you ever wondered if people can get kicked off a cruise ship? The answer is yes! Although it's not very common, there are some things that can get cruise passengers booted off the ship. We all agree to a cruise contract when we embark on a cruise, which includes a guest conduct policy.