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7 Essential Tips for Easy Embarkation

19 May 2015

Getting on the ship

Updated August 2019

The excitement surrounding the lead up to a holiday is almost as good as the actual thing, but in order to make the embarkation process as smooth as possible there are some key tips to keep in mind. There are a number of easy things you can do to prepare for the big day – read on to find out more!

Waiting for embarkation
Travel Essentials

1. Declare any disability or accessibility requirements in advance

Making your travel advisor aware of any accessibility requirements you have allows the team to ensure everything is in place for your arrival. Arranging necessary equipment or assistance for embarkation can take some preparation.

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2. Avoid peak queuing times

Depending on the size of your cruise ship, the crowd of holidaymakers waiting to embark can be quite substantial! To avoid peak queuing times we recommend arriving at port way ahead of time or towards the end of embarkation when queues have quietened down.

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3. Keep your essential documents at hand

Confirming the documentation you’ll need for your holiday ahead of time with your cruise advisor will make this much easier. Keep your passports, tickets, luggage tags and visas in a travel wallet or an easy-to-access folder in your hand luggage.

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4. Carry some cash, and some snacks

Embarkation can take some time and you may get hungry during the wait. Bring some cash in the currency of your boarding destination to purchase snacks at the bar or shop in port, or pack some snacks and drinks before you leave home.

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5. Make the most of your cruise loyalty benefits

Many cruise lines reward frequent cruisers through loyalty club schemes. Generally, the more you cruise with a particular cruise line, the more points you earn which can be used to redeem numerous fantastic benefits. Opt for priority embarkation with cruise lines such as P&O Cruises or Celebrity Cruises, and you’ll simply breeze through check-in in no time!

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6. Pack the essentials in your hand luggage

Your hand luggage should have everything you need to get you through the first day of your cruise. As well as the necessary documentation required at check-in, it’s a good idea to pack a book or some cards for entertainment, and a change of clothes including swimwear (so there’s no need to wait before diving straight into the pool!).

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7. Enjoy the experience!

This is where your holiday begins! Many cruise lines will offer entertainment and refreshments in port so you can truly begin to relax the moment you arrive. Mingle with your fellow cruisers, enjoy the complimentary drinks and get ready for the cruise holiday of a lifetime.

Waiting for embarkation
Lady waiting in Port

As you can see, the embarkation process will be a breeze as long as you prepare ahead of time. Keep a check list of the things you’ll need to have at hand, pack a good book to tide you over in case of any delays and allow the staff to make you feel right at home. If you’re unsure about anything you might need before you go, check our FAQs for more details.

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