12 Tricks to Board Your Cruise FASTER on Embarkation Day

If you want to get on board your cruise ship faster & start your vacation as soon as possible, this video is for you! These embarkation day cruise tips & tricks will help you speed up the boarding process.
These cruise tips for first timers & experienced cruisers, will ensure you start your vacation off right, from the first day of your cruise!
These cruise hacks & tips are great if you're going on a Carnival Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess Cruises & more!
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CRUISE ESSENTIALS & Items Mentioned in Video
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Carry-on bags
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Level8 Luggage (save 10% with code LIFEWELLCRUISED10): www.tkqlhce.com/click-1007209...
*What I have: Carry-on Textured Luggage 21", 24" Textured Luggage checked bag
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*Business inquiries & media: please contact Ilana at [e-mail]
Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
Some of the b-roll used in this video courtesy of HAL
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Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

[@jdoe836]

I splurged and bought it. This has WAY MORE than any freebies available on line. This has helped me further plan out my cruise for my kids and I.

[@debbief2882]

I put my luggage tag for the ship on the morning of the cruise. I would hate to have the airline lose that tag!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@jdoe836 thanks so much for your feedback & purchase:)

[@bigdaddio1959]

@@debbief2882 I agree with you. I also carry extra copies of the bag tags and a couple of extra tag holders in my backpack or cross body bag that I always keep in my possession just in case.

[@thezeppa1948]

I need transportation from Rome Air Port to the cruise terminal. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would appreciate any information. information

[@chrystalmagers6581]

I put my cabin number on my phone's lock screen. That way I can look at it if I forget, and if I lose my phone, whoever finds it can return it!

[@OkieTLB]

That’s a great tip! Thank you!

[@ilovebonjovi1992]

Ohh I like this idea

[@LifeWellCruised]

Smart 👏👏👏👏

[@martytaveras3960]

I'm definitely doing this, on my upcoming cruise trip in 2- weeks since last time, I lost my phone, and was Lucky after 48hrs, someone turned it to guess services. I thought it was Lost forever🤣

[@robynstein8258]

Great idea

[@mrdonfranklin]

For me personally I always pick as late as possible checkin. Less crowded and the cabins are already open so I can go straight to my cabin and drop my bags.

[@sarahlbeeney1920]

I do this also..usually quicker the later check in…🎉

[@robertbrost7777]

Said that to my friend but, sometimes people get nervous.

[@darkastaroth1]

Same here, Weve always done that so I never even knew the cabins were off limits earlier.

[@YvonneTucker-hc2bg]

Same here...I can get rid of my carry on and enjoy the rest of the day!

[@gatorguy7711]

Excellent content! Boarding today is so much faster than a few years ago due to update technology in the terminals. We normally board around 11:00 a.m. and find this time works best for us. While we focus less on getting on early, than making sure we have with us what we need (shorts, sandals, swim wear, gym gear, etc.) to enjoy the first day on the cruise. After boarding, we on occasion, go to the main dinning room for lunch rather than going to the buffet. I always suggest that you make yourself familiar with the port layout (pier location and parking) so that you know where you are going so you can quickly find your way to the pier (do not rely on taxi drivers to know how to get to the pier). Every port is different and sometimes it takes several minutes to clear the port gates. When we are driving to the port, I drop our bags off with the porters, my wife takes our carryon bags and gets in line for our boarding time, while I park the car. Be sure to take a picture of where you parked so that when returning you can find your car - you will be surprised how many people you see in the garage looking for their vehicles. We always take the parking ticket with us so if someone takes your car it makes it more difficult for them to exit the garage. We place the plastic luggage tags on our bags in the hotel on the morning of the cruise.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great ideas & tips! Thanks for sharing

[@dorothy33]

Great ideas

[@laureneeheman5981]

We are taking a taxi from the hotel to the port. Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to have the GPS address at a minimum.

[@nancynurse4552]

Thank you for the tip regarding the parking ticket. I usually put it in a spot in my car that an "unwelcome driver" would not look for it. I also take a picture of my parking ticket in case I forgot where I put it. I take pictures of my car in the parking space and also of my car in defining "landmarks" such as aisle numbers or doorways/buildings in the background. It has helped the shuttle driver at the airport hlep me find my car.

[@CrazyCanuckFitness]

Great tips

[@MarkHennessey]

I would never fly with my cruise tags on my checked bags. I don't want anything distracting the airline baggage handlers! We have the cruise tags ready to go and put them on the bags the night before. Thanks for this video. I like getting advice from as many sources as possible, and your advice seems to always be especially on point!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s a good point. I think I’ll stick to putting my luggage tags on at my hotel :)

[@jenniferbroyles6282]

Totally agree with this. We also will never attach those cruise tags before we fly out. We always attach them the day before the cruise.

[@Juliannsemail]

The earliest we have boarded is 10 AM. After boarding, we do the safety drill, head to any specialty restaurant and book all specialty restaurants from there. We then book all shows, and relax before the crowd descends!

[@travelwithdebandnick]

10am is the earliest that we have ever boarded a cruise, loved the early check in time :)

[@beatlejeff65]

On our last cruise in July (Mariner of the Seas out of Port Canaveral) we boarded at 10:30 a.m. My main trick for securing an early boarding time is to do on line check-in as soon as the check-in portal opens up, having all the docs I will need at the ready so that I can zip through the process and snag that early boarding pass.

[@sylvaindupuis5595]

Lots of people want to get on the ship as soon as possible. Personally, for me cruising is about the destinations. So for me embarcation day is also a day at one of the destination and I prefer to have more time at the destination. I only done one cruise so far so I can't say it's always the same, but on my cruise I took one of the last time slot to embark, most of the people were already abord and getting in was done in about 20 minutes from entering in the terminal to being on board. I guess it can be different from port to port, I was in Amsterdam.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Makes sense & good points

[@lynnfranklin5098]

When I win the lottery it will be the “Suite” life for me🎉😂

[@loveboatcruising]

San Francisco Pier 27 tips: 1. There’s typically traffic along the EMBARCADERO , so leave early. 2. Arrive as early as 10am. 3. Can board as early as 11am depending on the previous cruise. 4. Use carryon bags if possible. 5. Use one pocket for passport, medallion and travel documents. Use another pocket for phone and wallet. 6. Enjoy lunch in the dining room while waiting for cabins to be ready. 7. Enjoy a swim or jacuzzi. 8. Find your spot for that iconic picture/video going under the Golden Gate Bridge.

[@savannahortega7797]

I saw a video showing you princess luggage tag. Do we have to print it ourselves or will travel agent do it. Also, will the cruise terminal have the plastic luggage tags holder?

[@savannahortega7797]

I’ve never been to the San Francisco cruise terminal. I live in the area. Will you please tell me if we should get dropped off at front of terminal. Once you enter the terminal, is is a long distance to getting on the ship? Do we just take our luggage with us to the room. I have mobility issues, that is why I ask about the distance. Any other info you can give me for this port would be extremely helpful

[@loveboatcruising]

@@savannahortega7797 the luggage porters sometimes meet you as you get dropped off at Pier 27 terminal; then take the elevator to second level after entering building. There should be a security line for people with mobility issues; then checkin. After checking in, there is an area for people needing assistance getting up the ramp and onto the ship. Crew members are awesome taking people up in wheelchairs.

[@loveboatcruising]

@@savannahortega7797 I print luggage tags myself, and don’t use plastic holders. I staple the tags on luggage where the tags say ‘staple here’.

[@veronicashine1812]

Always a pleasure in listening to your tips. I affix the plastic tags with my cruise luggage tags after I arrive in the city of cruise ship's departure. Since we usually stay over night, I place it on the night before the cruise. I was informed by airline personnel not to place anything other than an id tag on luggage. It slows done the ground crew if there are too many items on the luggage and can cause confusion. Because of this, if I am flying home directly after the cruise, I remove the cruise ship tags once I retrieve it before heading to the airport.

[@amandaregis313]

That's what I'm planning on doing, just so the tags have less chance of getting damaged, whether on the train or greyhound bus hubby and I are taking to get to our departure port.

[@AlienFrequency]

I have 2 tips to get on the ship slightly earlier. Consider (ahead of time) if you really NEED to hand luggage over to the porters. My wife & I have a shorter cruise (5 days) coming up in January, & we plan to just do carryon luggage, & not deal with stopping at a porter, unloading, tipping them, etc. Also, show up at the terminal a little earlier than your scheduled time. Our last 2 cruises, we showed up 20 minutes early, & went on through the terminal. No one turned us away.

[@edanzore]

That takes all of 2 minutes

[@AlienFrequency]

@@edanzore incorrect... also it's one less tip you have to shell out. 👍

[@samuellarielle-jones9690]

Online check in is a must in my books. Had my first cruise about three weeks ago and had done all online check-in stuff including uploading of security photo. This gave us priority boarding so all we needed to do was collect our cruise cards, go through the priority boarding lane for security and we were on board within 10minutes of arriving at the terminal. There were so many people that didn't do this and were either stuck in a long line or had to wait for their boarding number to be called. This was a P&O cruise from Sydney, Aus

[@user-fb7wq2zy6k]

While a hotel close to the cruise terminal is good advice, with a little research, you might come up with some other great options. Last cruise I went on, I arrived a day early, stayed at an airport hotel, and took the Vancouver Skytrain almost right to the cruise ship terminal. I had to walk the last couple of blocks. Skytrain was very low cost and got me to the terminal in under 20 minutes.

[@Elle-kr8od]

And in New York you can take the ferry from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn, right near the Brooklyn cruise terminal.

[@NicholasPyers]

I also add luggage tags to my Carry On luggage at the same time I tag my main suitcase(s) - in case I get separated from it for any reason, it will hopefully make its way to my cabin

[@kaydickey9239]

Same here. I threatened to put one on my 9 year old since he kept stopping and looking!😂

[@raisafrancisco7323]

Hahaha, good idea!! @@kaydickey9239

[@jeanettesabo8741]

I'm cruising Royal Caribbean in November 2023 and I snagged an 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. boarding time! YAY! I checked in as well! I'm ready to get on that ship and wave good bye to the shore! Thank you for all the great advice you give!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Awesome!! Coming up soon 🛳️🎉

[@talierbanks2948]

Me too

[@tulipthorn]

Your channel is very valuable. I definitely find your videos helpful and informative. Thank you.

[@bbejmot]

I had the distinct pleasure of being the first passenger on the ship and the last passenger off when I cruised on the Carnival Elation in April of 2023. It was a short 4 day cruise so I wanted to get the most out of it. I was on board shortly after 10am and off the ship about 9:30.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Wow!!!!! 👏👏

[@CrankyBeach]

Goad to hear the Elation is still sailing. I was part of an interest group aboard Elation on a 5-day cruise (San Diego to Cabo and back) and had a great time.

[@gtjgtj8334]

Another great video, thanks so much !

[@clanzil]

I definitely want to get on as soon as possible. I always pick the earliest boarding time and buy the priority boarding if available! Let the vacation begin! 🎉

[@brendasandusky6306]

Love all your videos, seasoned cruiser but there is always new things.

[@margeestes253]

i've always put the luggage tags on before my flight. The plastic holders are awesome!

[@lvettesonai]

Our last cruise in February we were onboard by 10:50a. Suite life is fabulous!🌸

[@fredfolson5355]

Great tips Ilana! Many tips we use too. We do use the luggage tag holders and put them on our luggage on the morning of embarkation because we always fly to the city of embarkation two or three days prior (depending on whether we're leaving from the U.S. or International).

[@kaydickey9239]

We aim for the 11am boarding. We love to get on the ship early. We use the plastic tags that we put on the luggage in the morning at the hotel. Our last cruise was the first time we parked but it was wonderful as we dropped the luggage and those with mobility issues off and parked. It was a great experience.

[@AnnMarie55Tube]

I enjoy all your videos. So much useful information. Thank you

[@migdaliagarcia5166]

Thanks Ilana! Another great and very informative video!

[@katrinamcintosh3565]

All your videos have helped me to organise a cruise with my sister. We’re leaving Sunday for 7 days and feel so relaxed and organised because of you. Thank you so much for all the info! Hello from me in Sydney Australia 💖💖💖🛳️🛳️🛳️

[@williamwarren9448]

We picked the first allowable time 12 noon … but we had super close parking and walked up at 11 and explained we were super early and why … snapped a couple of pics and up the escalator we went .. the gentleman we spoke with said “ I won’t tell and no one will ask🎉and away we went smooth as silk! Glenda

[@LifeWellCruised]

Woohoo!! Shhh (don’t tell anyone) 😉😂

[@edanzore]

The faster they you on, it's better for them

[@maryannvazquez4146]

I love the plastic luggage tag holders,I do put them on the morning of the cruise.I highly recommend them! Happy cruising🚢🚢

[@donnanemier2000]

I bought the plastic luggage tags from Amazon based on your recommendation. I'll be using them for the first time in January. This is also the first time I have flown in the day before the cruise except for a couple cruises from LA and Hawaii. Already I'm more relaxed, especially because I'll be flying from the northeast in January. You never know about old man winter!

[@sharonhinsley5335]

We use the plastic luggage tags. We just bought one and fold each cruise paper luggage tag to fit. BTW, they have been ripped off twice! Even the medal ring was torn off. I now use heavy duty twist ties and thermal ring to keep it in place.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Nice! You’ll actually be able to enjoy your afternoon & evening before your cruise. Let me know how it goes :)

[@SilverDraco]

​@@sharonhinsley5335what's a thermal ring, please? My tags have been ripped off as well.

[@lanagraham4587]

I've purchased multiple items thru Ilana's recommendations including the luggage tags, towel clips, and the beautiful rose colored weekender.

[@kaydickey9239]

We bought the plastic tags from Amazon as well. It came as a suggestion while I was looking for something else. Best suggestion ever.

[@silverfox5732]

Thank you you rock with valued information, we usually try boarding early ,but its been awhile since we've cruised I think you hit all the important points I think for my worries it's making sure the lock on the balcony door is locked if you are sailing with children. ❤

[@wbrown2481]

Just purchased my tags for Nov 18th sailing on NCL Escape. Thank you so much

[@cbradyorganize]

Love the plastic luggage tags and have used them "forever". Highly recommend these.

[@patsigurdson2351]

I also use a zippered document holder great way to keep everything organized and passports safe. We use the plastic luggage tags and put them on the night before to go to the ship. Thanks for your tips I enjoy your videos

[@sonnyc4105]

Excellent practical advice. Good funny note about knowing your room number. You do need it when you book your specialty dining. I've resorted to writing on a piece of paper or on my hand until I remember it. Thank you. Oh, last note about luggage tags. NCL tells you to print it out on paper, which is susceptible to being torn off. I tape over it with clear package tape and it staples well.

[@LifeWellCruised]

So true & great tips 👏

[@danielashley8638]

I have the luggage tags that you featured, and they are great! I am going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in December, and my 11 a.m. embarkation time is the earliest that is offered, although I have "The Key," which I hope will make it even earlier. I find that this varies by port. For new cruisers, don't let your carry-on bag out of your sight, especially if it has your passport.

[@vincentclausen2250]

Since getting to top levels on a few cruise lines we find showing up at about 1pm works best for us. That allows for most of the folks to be heading to their cabins at about 1:30 or so and lunch is so much nicer, this works even if you have early carry on drop off privilege.

[@femalejaysfan]

I bought the plastic luggage tag holders you recommended and I'm so glad I did. It made the whole experience so easy, we were able to apply the tags to our bags at the airport before we even tossed them into the taxi. That meant, as soon as we got out of the taxi at the cruise terminal, we could hand off our bags curbside, and didn't have to mess around with pieces of paper and worrying about a stapler etc. Thanks!

[@nicholeknight1893]

Thank you. I never thought about the traffic. I get on at 11am, eat lunch, then take a nap before the sail away party 🥳

[@vertrenceterrell3777]

Carnival 9:45 AM Long Beach Platinum/Diamond. Love the lounge and it was the fastest check in ever for us. 10 AM was boarding time selected but then they have a separate line for Diamond and Platinum to get on 1st 15 minutes before everyone else.

[@TonyBagadonuts101]

Great job as usual

[@larryaerts4041]

We do have the same plastic luggage tags you use, however I keep them in a pocket of my carryon shoulder bag and attach them the next morning before leaving the hotel. They are handy, always close by and I don't have to worry about them being lost or abused by the airlines.

[@sherryrayford6625]

We always come a day early to Miami, we do our check in at noon, why rush to be first when you can never get into your room until 1 or sometimes after 1pm. We purchased our luggage tags last year and we keep them on our luggage. I love your channel. Thanks for all the info.

[@nancygillard5961]

Great tips. The only problem I've ever had on embarkation was getting a phone signal at the port when hundreds of others are getting their documents off their phone. Since then, I always print everything and hand the paper copies to the port staff. If I can get a signal, no problem I use my phone. FYI Princess, out of Los Angeles, was absolutely the best embarkation ever.

[@JohnnyFast11]

Great tips! I do the online muster before boarding and sometimes the muster station is right where you get on! Git r done 👍

[@LifeWellCruised]

Excellent!! So true best to get it done

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

I place my cruise luggage tags on my bags the day before boarding. Someone on KZbin mentioned that it wasn’t a good idea to fly with cruise boarding tags but since you are doing that and have no problems I’ll do it for my next cruise. It will save time and stress. Thank you so much!

[@donbarron5349]

Love Suites. Booked on Wonder in an owners suite next week for a back to back. I could buy a small car for the same price, but we're getting older and absolutely love the benefits of being in a suite, so I'll keep our current car 😅.

[@todecalvu]

First time cruising this summer - Alaska! Thank you for these tips & links. Have bought some practical items. 😊

[@peggybentley9395]

So are we, my brother and I. Bucket List #1 Cruise Alaska!!!!!

[@LakeCupid]

I have the plastic luggage tags but I live two hours from Miami so I put them on as soon as I can 😊 10:30 is the earliest I have ever boarded and I loved it because I had more time on the ship.

[@cinthiayesitis4822]

We add our cruise tags the morning of the cruise. I like your recommendation to use sturdy luggage tags.

[@raymondpouncy450]

My wife loves your vlogs she does everything you recommend

[@pnetherly]

This video is right on time. Sailing on my first cruise next Thursday!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very exciting!! Have a fantastic cruise 🚢 🎉

[@kenwagschal854]

We bought and used the RC plastic luggage holders for one of our cruises and none of the medal fasteners stayed together even though they were put on tight. The plastic holder is great but now we affix them with plastic electric ties so they don't fall off. Also, we usually take a bus to the cruise port so we choose the earliest boarding time based on the bus arrival time. Always love your videos with current information.

[@whit0011]

I always book Suites, so I always get the best treatment. Thanks

[@georgeweis9040]

Hi Ilana, I always fly the day before my Holland America cruise & stay at a Hampton Inn. Since I started cruising myself 2 years ago I took the earliest shuttle to the cruise ship to be one of the first people on line, which usually gets me onboard around 11-11:30am.

[@richardsimpson3954]

We got on Oasis with a 10:30am check in time and bypassed all the 11am passengers as our we arrived about 10:50 due to our Uber driver taking a 20 minute detour. Tip for an early check in time, check in at Midnight when check in opens! Love the channel! 🚢

[@scottwoods504]

The Princess Medallion changed the boarding process drastically. When we last boarded a Princess ship last month in Rome the only thing that slowed us down was how fast we could walk. Security in less than a minute and under 30 seconds checking in. They scan the medallion look at your passport and we headed for the gangway. It was 5 minutes from arriving the terminal until we boarded the ship. Always download all requested info in the app and order the medallion delivered to your home. Great news for Canadians you can now have the medallion mailed to your home too.

[@brucebreault6328]

We cruised with Princess October 7 we put all our info on our Ocean ready App had our medallion mailed to us and qualified for the green lane it took maybe ten minutes to embark 5 minutes of that was waiting to call our group!!

[@SilverDraco]

I love the Medallion. So helpful and convenient. ❤

[@lap8329]

Meanwhile, they are going to lose a lot of business from the second-class citizens of unimportant countries, like Australia, New Zealand, Uk, Europe, etc.

[@Mom23kitties]

Medallion is fabulous! I basically just walked right on, absolutely love!!!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

what is the "medallion"?

[@janicebrianmozeski2208]

We were gifted luggage tag holders from friends we were cruising with😊I put them in my luggage to fly, in that little outside top pocket. Then I attach them when we arrive at our hotel.

[@monicap5054]

I’m one of those that do like to get to the ship as early as possible on boarding day. The earliest we were onboard was 11:00 am. We dropped off our backpacks and that gave us time to walk around and get to know the ship. I do use the plastic luggage tag holders but, I put them on the night before we leave for the cruise port.

[@rickk6700]

Some great information Ilana. Always get a hotel that is within a mile or so of the terminal. Yes the suite class does make embarkation day MUCH EASIER! Our last cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale we got a noon time to show up. Literally did all the steps to board and were on board byb12:20. Could not have been any easier. The plastic luggage tags were a great tip we used recently. I put them on when we get settled in our hotel. Thanks for that wonderful tip. Happy cruising Ilana!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experience 👏

[@cruisewithsunkat]

I do attach the cruise tags before leaving home. The durable holders have held up super well during travel.

[@candacekemo452]

Love the content. Keep up the great work!❤

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching 😊

[@sonypix01]

Great tips as usual. We bought the plastic luggage tags that you recommended and they are great. You can fit any cruise ship luggage tags into them. We always fly in to the cruise port (from the UK) a few days before the cruise so we don't attach them to the bags until the day of the cruise.

[@heathahlee]

I can’t vouch for the other lines, but I don’t know if we’ll ever cruise with Carnival again without getting a suite. We were SO spoiled on our last cruise! On the ship in 5 minutes after they began boarding (about 10:45), then able to drop our bags off as soon as we got on the ship. Between those two things as well as a bigger room and TUB SHOWER, I just can’t imagine going backwards! 😂

[@alyssasimon3940]

love the idea of carrying an extra luggage tag so you don't forget the room number. used FTTF years ago and go on by 10 am.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great to hear! I’ll have to try an early boarding package once to see… :)

[@ilovebonjovi1992]

I got FTTF by accident last cruise by getting in the wrong line 😂 We were tagged with that the rest of the cruise. 😮

[@richardgotshall2703]

As to luggage tags, in addition to the printed tag from the cruise line, put your cabin number on a piece of masking tape attached to your bags so if the printed tag gets ripped off, porters will be available to deliver it to the right stateroom.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Smart 👏👏

[@vaughnacolaco9407]

I also put a tag inside my suit case as ours lost its outside one and we had to hunt it down

[@staciewells8395]

I bought a simple laminating machine for my luggage tags. This allows me to tag all of our luggage, including carry-on, inside and out. When we return home, one of them goes inside the cruise “memory box”.

[@Lugina21]

Great tips! I got a lot of your recommend items! Thanks for the tip. We cruise in March with two toddlers. Can’t wait! 🚢

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

Thanks for the tips!! I have 6 months to get ready for my cruise. My last cruise I bought on a Saturday for a Monday embarkation and I had no idea what to do. I had to scramble to figure it all out. All sorts of issues with getting a last minute cruise on my end as well as the ships! So I plan on being prepared this time.

[@pcrusier3715]

I fly in early to enjoy the port location so I’m very ready to board the ship first thing in the morning. Boarding first allows you to book entertainment, seat your seat in the MDR or set that up, specialty dining reservations, and take advantage of your drinking package :)

[@freeagent8225]

I'm doing that now arrived 6 weeks early in Europe😅.

[@travelwithdebandnick]

Great tips ilana :)

[@Mandysbigdaddy]

We can only cruise once a year because of time so we always book a suite. Embarkation is great benefit. Keep up the great videos

[@amariestevens6978]

I'm a veteran cruiser but I love your info in this vlog. I also love your strut,.......go super model. So cute.

[@penelopepitstop762]

Regarding boarding later than assigned time… on our Mardi Gras cruise out of Port Canaveral, we were maybe an hour late. It worked out great because they had all the lines separated by boarding times so ours was empty and we just walked right up! It was great!

[@chrisjenson7483]

We are going on HAL to the Mediterranean next week and the earliest we can board is 11AM. I put the luggage tag holders on our bags at home so we don’t forget them.

[@sherryhaines4696]

We were in the 14500 Garden Villa suite on the NCL Dawn so we were a the first ones on the ship. Amazing time

[@briannickerson6858]

This past February on Holland America out of Fort Lauderdale for the Caribbean, the port was using face recognition and didn’t have to use passport as much as previously. Still important to have it ready when needed, though.

[@susanpickett1997]

Great tips! I think I follow all of them. Boarding at 11 am next week in Barcelona!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lucky you!! Enjoy 🛳️👏

[@jdoe836]

AWESOME ADVICE - I checked in early and have the first boarding time slot. FLY THE DAY PRIOR - I've seen an airline cancel a flight and NOT make it up, several on that plane and missed their cruise. HOTEL - In a major port, call the hotel and ask about a free shuttle to the terminal, which is usually one way service.

[@funcatvideos3732]

I put my luggage tags on before my flight. It makes it easy to identify on the luggage carousel.

[@Rose-qr4xn]

Your hair looks great!!!!

[@Next_Cruise_Please]

I think the earliest I have boarded was 11:30. Sometimes the crew needs more to clean or disembarkation of the previous cruise took longer. I definitely think ahead about not carrying too much on board. The cabins seem to be ready shortly after 1:00. You provided good tips for day 1!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds great! Thanks for sharing 👏

[@carine4318]

Princess cruise have the medallion option. It’s very quick .. drop off suit case, go to medallion/ passport check, security then customs..then straight to pool bar for a margarita

[@meddyven]

Ilana, It is getting more and more disturbing, that cruise lines are charging you extra to pick your own cabin. This egregious nickle and diming of customers, is getting wayyy out of hand. It is escalating the costs, to be prohibitive. It used to be you made your reservation, picked your room, etc., all included in the price. Now everything is ala-carte. The cruise industry is pricing out too many. Then there's the free cruises they give to the so called " influencers". They gouge normal bookings extra, but hand out freebies for publicity.

[@cbradyorganize]

We are loyal to one cruise line and will cruise less often to have the extra benefits and amenities of a suite. We are now retired and cruised enough when we were working to have top-tier membership (and associated benefits) and been to most of the "must see" destinations on our wish list. Cruising is pamper and spoil us time.

[@boysrus61]

I use the luggage tags but I put them on after I land at the airport. Usually at the hotel.

[@lindabuchele6093]

We are going on a very port intensive 12 night cruise in the Mediterranean and we are planning on doing some of the ports for only a half day because we are older and need some quiet downtime. We do have 3 sea days, but everyone will be on the ship. It’s all a personal choice.

[@judyamos4085]

We put them on after our flight!!

[@harlanabraham7772]

Howdy Ilana, Subscribed and hit the like button. Used to be able to get on early since my wife was handicapped. I am not so I have to wait on sometimes long lines. Usually take a car service to the port so finding parking won't be a problem. Put luggage tags on at least the day before I go. Have a passport wallet holder. Having a carry on bag is very important. Giving checked luggage to porters is important and leaving tip also. An iron is a fire hazard. One time I thought I remembered my stateroom number, but, my actual stateroom was a little further down the hall.

[@Anyk572]

Thank you for covering Accessibility boarding. More info is always appreciated and hard to find. Invisible mobility disability, requested wheelchair boarding assist as I cannot stand for extended periods. Sailing with RC and NCL in regular cabin.

[@juliatarrel1674]

SAME. I also have an invisible mobility illness, cannot stand for long, and even my walking range is limited. Oh, and I cannot use stairs. Accessibility boarding (and accessibility staterooms, parking spaces, etc) is a godsend. Or a cruise-line or cruise-port send, I guess. SO helpful. So very very valued.

[@jamesmerritt4032]

On our last cruise out of Tampa, we arrived a day early. rented a car at the airport and a hotel room closer to the beach. By renting a car we could go to any store, restaurant or show as well as the beach and both the car and hotel were cheaper than the hotel near the cruise port. upon returning the car we were again at the airport were there are plenty of taxi, uber to get us to the cruise port.

[@clairegicbc]

Always know exactly where the cabin I chose is located. My tags are placed in clear plastic holders while still at home because I drive in. One less thing to forget. Earliest I got in was at 10:30 am with fttf but now it's too expensive and since I've been in 9 cruises , getting on later is fine. Especially when doing b2b . Enjoy your Panama trip!

[@julieb7882]

We put liggage tags on at the hotel the evening before. We also remove flight tags. I guess we could attach them before flying but leave them empty. Any extra info on liggage makes it more likely to be misdirected by an airline. If you know where to look the Royal app. has your room number on it.

[@travelwithdebandnick]

I have bought some of those luggage tag holders through your link and will use them on our next 4 cruises :)

[@sabadidon]

Going on my very first cruise this coming June 1 - 8, with Discovery Princess

[@brunkerj]

I enjoy the perks that come with The Retreat on Celebrity. Among my favorite is boarding first. In Barcelona we were among the first 10. It was a little eerie as we boarded and there was almost no one around. Then, straight to lunch at Luminae. I know you enjoy a mimosa when boarding. Me? I enjoy lunch in that restaurant!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Nice!!

[@CalgaryGuy]

11:30 was the earliest we boarded. With Celebrity you can pre-book your boarding time and that is usually the earliest option. Our room was not ready but we were allowed to drop off our bags and head out to explore the ship.

[@francesgill8621]

I simply staple me luggage tags to my suitcase handles. Had no problems with them getting to my staterooms. I usually borrow the hotel stapler.