There are a few things you can do to make Embarkation Day at bit easier.  

– Be patient – you will most likely encounter some long lines at one point. Personally we have found this is a great time to get to know your fellow travellers.

– Plan to arrive at your designated window (provided by the cruise lines when you book).  While arriving early may get you on the ship earlier, you will only end up waiting longer for your cabin.

– When you check in, you will be given a plastic card that acts as both your room key and a charge card.  On some ships, children are provided with wrist bands and they can charge certain items like game credits, snacks, etc..  Make sure everyone understands what they can and cannot charge to the cabin.

– While waiting for your stateroom, visit as many of the venues as you can, particularly the Kid’s Club areas, so you and the family become familiar with the ship. Some of these mega-ships can be daunting.  And, whatever you do, stay away from the buffet. It’s a zoo. This is a great time to also reserve for speciality dining, excursions and shows.  Some cruise lines have online reservation systems both throughout the ship and in your stateroom. 

– An announcement will be made advising when staterooms are available. When you get to your cabin make a point of getting to know your room steward and let her/him know about any special requirements you may have (extra towels, bed configuration needs, etc).

– Finally, there is the Safety Drill.  Over the years, this process has become far easier.  And cruise lines continually try to make this process as quick and painless as possible. We used to have to bring our life jackets out onto the deck, wait for the safety instruction, and then struggle putting on our own jackets in a crowded area. Few cruise lines do this anymore.  You will be provided with your Muster Station (it’s indicated on your stateroom card and stateroom door).  At the indicated time – usually between 3:30 and 4:30 – all passengers must proceed to their designated station which is usually an area like the main theatre or central atrium.  Tip – grab a soda or drink and proceed to your Muster Station far in advance of the required time.  As elevators cannot be used during this time, you will find it much easier to get there early.  Crew members will explain the procedures followed by a message from the Captain.  Many first time cruisers think that they can just skip this step.  But you can’t.  Each passenger’s card is scanned and if you do not attend the drill, they will require that you participate in a make-up drill the following day.  This is Maritime law and no excuses are accepted.

Gone are the days of placing cash into separate envelopes for your waiter, maitre d’ and cabin stewards.  Almost all cruise lines now add a per diem to your bill (per person, per day). Be sure to verify the per diem before committing to the cruise as it can add up (and children are not exempt). Automated tipping is much fairer system as it ensures that tips are fairly split amongst the entire crew; so previously unrewarded staff share in this bonus. But tipping is still voluntary and if you prefer to tip crew members individually, you can request that the per diem be removed from your bill.  

There are two instances where we would normally go beyond the standard automated tipping amount.  First, we always add a small per diem to our cabin steward.  This is very much appreciated and they will typically go above and beyond.  And if you opt for set dining times, you will definitely get to know your waiter.  He/she can have such an impact on your enjoyment of the cruise; so we will often give them an additional amount at the end of the trip. The other way to reward crew members is to fill out the cruise surveys that you will see regularly.

Special Note –  almost all on-board spa facilities are not managed by the cruise line; but by 3rd party organizations.  As such, they often have different rules around tipping.  They will try often try to automatically add an 18% gratuity to services.  Be sure to read their policies before booking.  If it is adjustable, and depending on the service you receive, you may wish to adjust it up or down.  In addition, some cruise lines offer daily or weekly passes to their thermal suites (relaxation areas with pools, hot tubs, saunas, etc.). Some will charge you a 15-18% gratuity BEFORE you have even accessed the area.  This really adds up when you book a week-long pass.  We always ask that they remove this gratuity and, depending on the experience, we will add a tip at the end of the trip.  Again though – their policy may not carved in stone so be aware.

There are other services which are NOT included in the per diem charge; such as bar staff.  In this case, a gratuity is added to each bill. So be sure to not add additional tip.

Drinking on a cruise can add up quickly. The average drink package can run about about $60 to $70 per day including gratuity. You would have to drink 5-7 cocktails a day, or 8-12 beers, to make the package worthwhile. Many cruise lines offer a wide variety of drink packages – ranging from water/juices/sodas all the way up to upscale wine offerings. 

A few other points to consider

a) drink packages are not refundable.  You can’t cancel on the 3rd day of the trip and expect a rebate for the remaining days.  

b) drink packages do not include all beverages (eg: souvenir drinks, drinks ordered via room service or mini bar, alcohol by the bottle (excluding beer), etc.)

c) drink packages almost always have per price limits.  If your package has a drink limit of $12.00 per glass, don’t order a drink that costs $16.00.  It is often not just a matter of paying an additional $4.00.  Some cruise lines will charge you the full $16.00.  Typically your bar staff will advise you before making your drink that you are exceeding the price limit for your package so that you can change your mind (but not always!).

d) drink packages cannot be shared.  To avoid this problem, most cruise lines will require that if one adult in your cabin has a drink package, then all adults must purchase one.  This is to avoid anyone abusing the system.  Some cruise lines will allow different drink packages between cruisers – eg: one person purchases the soda/juice package while another purchases the alcohol package.  If you are not both drinkers, you can also purchase ticket packages which provide discounts as well – for example – a drink package for 10 drinks.  

e) finally, there are cruise lines that will limit your alcohol intake even if you have purchased the package.  It’s usually a fairly high number such as 15-16 drinks per day.  As your purchases are recorded, you can’t bypass this rule. 

Most cruise lines offer excellent food in the regular dining rooms and buffets.  But speciality dining is becoming more and more popular. Without question, we have had some our most spectacular dining experiences at some of the onboard speciality dining rooms, both the food and service is typically excellent. And the cost for these venues is very reasonable.  The incremental charge averages around $25 to $35 per person plus gratuity.  You can try one without purchasing a package; but the 2 and 3 dinner packages are particularly cost effective.

One tip to consider.  If you are purchasing a package, book the speciality restaurants immediately.  In fact, if possible book them ahead of the cruise.  These specialty restaurants fill up quickly and you don’t want to end up having your dinner too early or too late for your own tastes, or having to book a night that interferes with show reservations.

There is a debate as to whether it makes more sense to book an excursion through the cruise line itself or arrange for your own private tour.  There are pros and cons to both.

Cruise Excursions: With excursions booked directly with the cruise line, you are guaranteed to get your money back if it has to be cancelled for any reason. It is generally an organized disembarkation process; although there are often late stragglers who can hold up your tour.  They are generally more expensive than tours booked privately which much more limited options.  Finally, and in my view, most importantly, if there is an issue on the return trip (eg: flat tire), the cruise line will NOT leave without you.  

Private Excursions: Private excursions can be very cost effective; particularly if you divide the cost amongst a few fellow travellers. You generally can find a much broader choice of tours in a much more intimate setting – 8 people in a van versus 40 in a bus. It can be a bit chaotic disembarking and finding the tour company; but there is generally good signage. The only caution is to be sure to book with a reliable tour company such as VIATOR in case something does go wrong.

Just a few other tips to booking tours: 

1) Do your research so you can be sure you’re making the most of your day

2) Join a Facebook group for your cruise – it’s a great way to meet your fellow travellers who may have experienced this particularly itinerary and have great suggestions.  

3) Whether you book a private tour or decide to explore the port on your own, leave ample time to return to the ship.  We have seen more than one passenger be left behind. It’s heart-breaking. That extra time on shore is just not worth the stress.

Many cruise lines allow you to book your shows in advance. This is a very good idea particularly if there is a specific show or event that you don’t want to miss.  Otherwise, it is still a good idea to reserve as soon as you are on board.

It’s good practice to check your account throughout the cruise to avoid any surprises.  It’s particularly important to check your final invoice the last day on board. If there are any discrepancies, it much easier to work them out with the front desk the day before rather than wait until disembarkation day (when the service desk is very crowded).