You’ve reached your cabin, and the holiday has officially begun. But before you dash off to the buffet or find a spot on the pool deck for the first drink of the holiday, there are a few things to tick off. To ensure your cruise is plain sailing, we’ve rounded up the 10 essential things to do the moment you step inside your cabin.
Contents:
- Safety first
- Locate your lifejackets
- The quick cabin wipe-down
- Check your bed configuration
- Review the daily programme and embarkation deals
- Meet your cabin steward
- Get the safe sorted
- Snap the perfect picture
- Unpack and store your suitcases
- Tune into the 'bridge cam' and CDTV
1. Safety first
It’s the least relaxing part of the trip, but it is the most important. Check the back of your cabin door for the safety map and locate your designated muster station. Some cruise lines now use an 'e-muster' process where you watch a short safety video on the ship’s app or your cabin TV, then complete a quick physical check-in at your station.
If it’s a traditional full muster drill, pay attention to the specific time when the general emergency signal will be sounded. The ship cannot leave port until all passengers are accounted for and until the muster drill exercise has been completed, so you don’t want to be the one delaying the sailaway party.
2. Locate your lifejackets
While you’re familiarising yourself with the cabin, make sure you know exactly where your lifejackets are stored. Usually, they’re tucked away on the top shelf of the wardrobe or occasionally under the bed. Count them to ensure there’s one for every person in your cabin. It’s also worth taking a moment to familiarise yourself with how they fasten, as demonstrated in the safety video. On some newer vessels, the lifejackets may not be in the cabins at all; they are stored at the muster stations for quicker access in an emergency. If the wardrobe is empty, check your cabin's information pack to confirm.
3. The quick cabin wipe-down
The cabin stewards do a brilliant job cleaning the cabins, but it’s always worth spending five minutes giving the high-touch areas a quick once-over with an antibacterial wipe, such as door handles, light switches, the safe keypad, and the television remote. Not only does this keep the bugs at bay, but it also helps you mentally 'claim' the space as your own before you start unpacking.
4. Check your bed configuration
Most cruise cabins are designed to be versatile, with twin beds that can be joined into a king-size or separated. You can usually request a certain bed configuration on booking, however, wires can sometimes get crossed in the booking process. Have a quick look as soon as you step inside to ensure the layout meets your needs, and let your cabin steward know if it needs to be changed or visit the reception desk onboard if there are any concerns, although sometimes it may not be possible to alter beds as some are fixed.
5. Review the daily programme and embarkation deals
You’ll usually find a welcome pack containing the ship’s newsletter, while many cruise lines have moved towards apps, having the paper copy is still a popular way to get a bird's-eye view of the daily schedule. Grab a highlighter and mark the shows, quizzes and workshops you don’t want to miss.
Keep an eye out for any embarkation day specials tucked inside. Cruise lines often run one-off discounts on the first day when it’s quieter, such as 20% off spa services, 'buy one get one free' deals in speciality restaurants, or discounted laundry packages. It’s the best time to bag a bargain before the rest of the ship catches on, and the bookings fill up.
6. Meet your cabin steward
At some point during the first few hours, your cabin steward will likely pop by to introduce themselves and check everything is to your liking. Do make an effort to learn their name; they are arguably the most important person on the ship when it comes to your daily comfort.
Think of your steward as your 'go-to' for almost anything. Whether you need an extra pillow, a bucket of ice for a cheeky pre-dinner G&T, they are the ones who make it happen.
7. Get the safe sorted
Before you head out for your first wander around the ship, take a moment to master the cabin safe. It is always a good idea to give it a 'test run' while it’s empty, just to make sure you’ve got the hang of the locking mechanism before you commit your valuables to it.
Pop your passport, spare cash and your jewellery so you aren't lugging them around the deck or worrying about them for the rest of the trip.
8. Snap the perfect picture
Before you let the chaos commence and start draping things all over the cabin, take a minute to snap a few photos or a video of your cabin while it’s still tidy. Most of us love to show off our cabins to friends and family back home, and it’ll never look this good again.
Beyond the social media posts, it’s also a brilliant way to remember the specific cabin number or layout if you’re planning to book the same ship again in the future.
9. Unpack and store your suitcases
Don’t panic if your luggage hasn't arrived at the same time you did; it can take a few hours for the crew to deliver thousands of bags from the quayside to the correct doors. It is also recommended to pack a change of outfit in your carry-on bag so that you can get changed if needed without having to rely on your main luggage to arrive.
Once your cases do turn up, and unpacking commences, bear in mind that cabins are full of 'secret' storage, such as in the footstools, behind the mirrors or inside the wardrobe. Once you've emptied them, slide your suitcases under the bed. Most cruise ship beds are raised specifically to tuck away luggage, which stops your cabin from feeling cluttered.
10. Tune into the 'bridge cam' and CDTV
Finally, switch on the TV and find the Cruise Director’s channel (often called CDTV). It usually features the Cruise Director and their team chatting through the day’s highlights, dress codes and any last-minute schedule changes. It’s a great way to get your bearings while you finish unpacking.
If you’ve booked an inside cabin, keep an eye out if the ship has a 'bridge cam' channel. It provides a live feed from the front of the ship, acting as a 'virtual porthole.' Leaving this on in the background is a brilliant way to check the weather outside and see exactly when you’re pulling into port without having to leave the comfort of your bed.
Bonus tip
If you are travelling with specific dietary requirements, it’s worth having a quick word with the Executive Chef or Restaurant Manager on embarkation day too, to ensure they have your details correctly on file.
Click here to see our top tips on cruising with dietary requirements.
Once you’ve mastered the safe, meet your cabin steward and put away your cases, now it’s time to head up to the top deck. Grab a drink and watch the ship sail into the sunset. Taking care of logistics early lets you spend the rest of your cruise enjoying the experience to the fullest.
Now, to pick your next adventure!
Whether you're drawn to the coastlines of the Mediterranean, the awe-inspiring views of Alaska, or the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, there's an ideal itinerary waiting for you. Be sure to check out our latest cruise deals here.
