The day to leave is finally here. Hopefully you’re already in your port city (or at least close by). What next? Wondering what you should you expect on embarkation day on a Carnival Cruise ship? What are the best things to do on the cruise ship after boarding? What is open on embarkation day?
Below are 14 tips and tricks for getting on board and what to do (and not do) once you’re there.
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1. Choose an early check-in time
This is more of a before you board tip, but probably the most important one. When you choose, book and pay for your cruise, this first day is included in the price of your cruise. If possible, pay attention for when the check-in process opens and select an early check-in time. This allows you to get the most for your money and enjoy your first day on board!
2. To porter or not to porter?
That is the question. This is the cruise ship version of if you should check your bags. This is just my opinion, but if you get to the ship before 2:00 you should check your bags with the curbside porters. Usually the luggage arrives within a few hours if you have an early check in time (see tip #1) and that means you don’t have to carry it around with you before your stateroom is open. If you have large luggage sometimes you have to check it because it won’t go through the scanners. But if your luggage isn’t huge and you are getting on board after 2:00 we usually just carry it on and drop it in the room on the way to the buffet.
3. Eat lunch
I always say I’m heading for a salad first and to Guy’s next for a burger…but I usually skip the first part of that and end up with a burger in my face before I know what happened. But there are plenty of options for lunch. Guy’s Burgers, the buffet, sandwiches, pizza, etc. If you have multiple people, plan a strategy for getting your food and finding seats. The buffet will never look this chaotic again for the rest of your cruise. Get a drink, take a breath, and try to find the fun in the chaos.
4. Wait to go to your stateroom after 2:00
If you try to get in before 1:30 the doors to the hallways are closed and the rooms are still being cleaned, but after 1:30 they should be available. But it is easier to wait until a little later because they are often still putting the finishing touches on the rooms in the one o’clock hour and I don’t like to bug my room steward that early in the trip.
5. Introduce yourself to your cabin steward
Because he or she can make or break your cruise. We have had cabin stewards who were amazing about always showing up with those extras you ask for and some who could never quite make it with them on time. Start your trip off right with a good introduction with your cabin steward.
6. Get a fun ship
Or a Pina Colada. Maybe a mojito. How about a beer? Or…whatever you want. You’re on vacation after all.
7. Tour the ship
There is a ship map on the Hub App (they used to give you an actual ship map, but I haven’t seen those in a long time!). But unless you are looking for something specific, take some time on the first day to just walk around the ship. Tour each deck with venues and see what is where. Find the closest bar, restroom, stairwell, restaurant, etc. to your room. Figure out where guest services and the theater are. Find your dining room. Just spend a half hour wandering around. You will be grateful later that you did.
8. Download the Carnival Hub App
The Carnival Hub App allows you to use ship wi-fi to do certain things while you are onboard. You can use it for the ship map, itinerary, restaurant hours, and you can even pay a small fee to add the chat feature while you are onboard. The app downloads for free and then you can use it on the ship wi-fi for free to look at things like your map and onboard activities. (Remember to keep your phone on airplane mode to avoid pesky roaming charges!)
9. Complete the safety briefing
This isn’t really a choice. You can delay, but you can’t get out of it and they will hassle you until you show up. Safety briefings have changed dramatically since the return to cruising. They used to be a long, painful process of standing outside in the heat and not really listening to the information presented. These days most cruise lines have moved to safety briefings that are on their app and require you to watch some videos and check in at your muster station. This is a much better process!
10. Take in the views as you sail away
As the ship leaves port, there is a sail-away party on the lido deck with music and dancing and great people watching opportunities. Or you can find the hidden decks at the front of the ships to be able to watch in the calm atmosphere with just a few others. You might also want to watch off the back of the ship to get some great photos of Miami or whatever port you’re leaving.
At least stop by the sail-away party though. It’s your decision if you want to join them in the wobble or the electric slide, but you should at least stop by to see the commotion.
11. Go to the main dining room for dinner
You can go in the clothes you go on the ship in. You don’t have to dress up. Just show up to meet your servers for your cruise (if you have a set dining time) and to enjoy the food your ship has to offer. Remember – order at least two appetizers. Because, why not? You’re on vacation.
Read more about food on Carnival here.
12. Unpack your luggage
Put those pesky suitcases in your closet to use as a dirty-clothes basket especially if your trip is more than 4-5 days. Find a home on the counters for anything you will need daily. Remember there are drawers typically both in the vanity table and in the closet.
13. Watch the sunset
This is one of the prettiest moments on board a cruise ship and one of the best times to take photos of the water, so bring along your camera (or phone) and join your shipmates in taking photos in the direction of the sunset.
14. Start having fun
There are always tons of things to do in the evening of embarkation day on a Carnival Cruise. There is usually a welcome aboard show in the main theater. This will give you an idea of what future theater productions will be like and give you some introduction to the important people on your cruise. Most Carnival Cruises have martini tastings in the Alchemy Bar in the evening on embarkation day. This is a fun activity where you can guess which martini is which and try some fun flavors. (Helpful hint: It comes with about 6 mini martinis – you can share if that seems like too much for you.)
Shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues are all open on the first night. Carnival wants to get you into the spirit of fun, so drink that extra cup of coffee with dinner and make the most of your first day aboard!
What to read next:
Best Embarkation Day Shirts For Any Cruise
Ultimate Guide to Food on Carnival Cruise Ship
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What is Included On A Carnival Cruise
