Embarkation Day Tips BONUS: Top 15 Tips For Embarkation Day

[@jenniferpratt440]

I get very excited the night before😃

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Oh, definitely !!

[@patriciasiewert4969]

I am a first time cruiser and this has been most helpful.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Glad it was helpful.

[@morganmiller294]

Great tips guys! Something I recommend is taking a picture of your sign and sail card with your smartphone and save it as your "lock" screen. Therefore, if your phone gets lost while on board, someone can easily identify whose phone it is.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Interesting concept!!

[@leerag]

What is a sail card please

[@Tiarali]

@@leerag A card you get given once you board. It is your room key and also acts as your bank card on board, so you don't need to carry cash everywhere.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Here is a video on them !! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5rOin5mm5qsjpI

[@jennyslavis375]

We were very surprised how organized NCL Joy was . The staff was so helpful in/ off the ship . And at restaurants somebody always helped us find a ♿️table . And never a problem finding an elevator. The ♿️ restrooms are large and very clean. Also we got help from our room on the last day . Unbelievable how easy it was . The staff was trained to help the best they could . They made it smooth for us.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That is so great to hear !!!

[@klvr5863]

Good Morning! Thanks so much for these tips, especially the one about knowing your cabin number. I had to write it down and put it in my purse. I would not have remembered it , Being my first cruse and all.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

It's the little things.....

[@klvr5863]

Sure nuff! lol!

[@HUMDUDE]

Awesome tips guys! I love watching the videos just to reminisce about our previous cruises! Embarkation day is one of the best days ever!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We agree!

[@davidjeannieintexas7816]

One thing we like to do with an extra luggage tag.. We always place an unfolded luggage tag inside each piece of luggage in the event the outside tag gets lost. Love watching all your video’s, keep up the great work! Happy Hoildays from Texas!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you David

[@wahnemahardin4417]

That is a really good idea. Thanks for the ip.

[@michellep1965]

wahnema hardin what a smart idea. thank you!

[@pattjer]

Video's by David Thanks Good idea.

[@lmrobinson1209]

I'm so glad I found you guys. Your videos are so informative. Thank you for the great tips. I am booked on the NCL Epic leaving from Barcelona in October 2020. My last cruise was in July 2015 to the Bahamas. A lot of things happened to where I was the very last person to board the ship. My flight was suppose to get in the night before and ended up getting cancelled. Luckily, I have an amazing travel agent who worked with the ship and I got private pick up from the airport terminal and expedited checkin as I was the very last person. It was like a scene from a movie. Completely crazy. For my cruise in October 2020, I plan to get to Barcelona two days before embarkation day to avoid this crazy. Definitely going to use your tips.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Lauren.... a very wise decision !!! Love Barcelona !!

[@lindabell2716]

Just discovered you. Y'all are adorable! Fixin to book my first cruise and am workin my way through your videos. Thank you for the great information

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you Linda !! Make sure you are subscribed to our channel and welcome to the Cruising With Wheels family !!!

[@LaLidoLoca]

Great tips! I like trying to get a couple good night sleeps before the cruise because it seems like the days are long in a good way. - Tony

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Yes...long days and so much to do !

[@pamelagrzelakowski1607]

You are the only blog that I found out what we need for embarking on the ship! I’m subscribed to your videos!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Pamela !! Welcome to the Cruising With Wheels family !!

[@valereehansen1307]

Okay, I've now had my morning chuckle. I'm starting my day with a smile on my face. Frank and Kevin, you guys are great. Thank you very much. Beautiful days, always.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Valeree !!

[@martamartinez5977]

Thank you for being so thorough. I love that you get into the details and don’t miss a step.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're very welcome !!

[@eleanorshaw1915]

Thank you guys this is the most informative information I have found. I haven’t been on a cruise in 15 years and I know there has been a lot of changes and you make this information so easy that I can picture going through the process.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're very welcome Eleanor !! Glad we could help !

[@marthaburich8634]

You two are too fabulous! What great tips. Yes, this video has been very helpful.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome....thanks !!

[@jerrilynnroth2117]

Thank you for all your tips and your videos. About the people who get to the desk and have to dig for their documents. ... They stood in line alllll that time and didn't get ready??! Craziness. It's like at the grocery store you wait till the very last second to get your money out. You KNOW you'll have to pay so why not get it out while waiting in line. Love you two ❣️

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

It is crazy !!

[@maureenlandry5348]

Are a couple of little Nip bottles ok to bring on board. I have two nip bottles and I never drink unless I am on vacation. thought I would bring them with me.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Nice !

[@maureenlandry5348]

@@Cruisingwithwheels Does that mean it is ok to bring them?

[@pamelagrzelakowski1607]

Great information! Thank you so much! My first cruise!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That's great Pamela !!

[@kaysmith7766]

Lots of great information! I just paid off my cruise for next February. I'm so excited!! We're driving down to Miami from St Louis. We're taking three days to get there so that will be fun. I'm like you Frank. I have a binder with all my information and always have my stuff in my hand for check in.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Excellent!!!

[@wahnemahardin4417]

Have fun, Kay!!

[@michelepuuohau1967]

Excellent tips! Not as nervous for my first cruise! Thank you.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Glad we could help !!

[@rickthibodeau9172]

Yes as always guys, this was very helpful! I jotted down notes on my phone, so I'll have those tips with me. 90 days !!🚢😎

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome !!

[@montanagrizlyfan]

Another great video filled with good tips and just the right amount of humor. As for snacks, I always have a couple of protein bars with me in my backpack.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Yes...never travel without snacks.

[@wahnemahardin4417]

good idea.

[@irenesimon7484]

We’re going on our first cruise in September to Bermuda via Celebrity & we’re so excited! Thanks for all your tips. Hoping this will be the start of more cruising in the future.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks !! Have a great cruise !!

[@Jennifer-o4e]

Your so sweet and fumny kev 😊

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you

[@bobbiehofer4924]

You have the BEST, the BEST informative videos!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Bobbie !!!

[@lourdestamayo36]

love your videos!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Lourdes !!

[@Sotweetie]

Great information! Swimsuit in the carry on is vital if you want to spend part of embarkation day in the hot tub. 👌😆

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That's where a lot of people head off to.

[@luciam6098]

I have 4 kids...three under three. We never travel the same day of the cruise, bring lots of snacks and video games/movies, bathing suits and three changes of clothing carry on, meds also never get checked in!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Sounds like a good plan.

[@NauticalNurseNancy]

Really great advice! The embarkation process was a HUGE concern for me on our first cruise, especially because no one is allowed to video the process of going through the security and in the cruise terminal. Of course, we messed it up - my hubby dropped me and the kids off at the terminal to go and park. We proceeded to go through the security line, and then I realized that I had hubby's passport with me! My favorite take-aways from your video: be prepared to WAIT (pack your patience); have your papers & passport READY; take enough cash along. I'm totally going to rewatch this video and take notes in my "cruise notebook!" Thank you so much for your helpful tips!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

So glad we could help Nancy!!!

[@kimberlyharris4445]

Thank You for another GREAT & informational video (I really "needed" to see this one!,(so MANY folks do))...we appreciate all of your hard work💕

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Kimberly !!

[@stephencouitt3831]

Great advice guys. A little preparation and common sense goes a long way . We also leave copies of our passports, health ins, trip ins, credit cards, ect with family. If something goes missing they can be faxed to the cruise line. I know of people who have forgotten their ID at home and many cruise lines will try to work with you even if all you can provide is copies.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Excellent point!!

[@wahnemahardin4417]

That's really great advice. never would have thought to leave info with family!!

[@TheYoyogirl92]

Thank you guys for the tips. Going on my first cruise soon.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Very exciting !!

[@busymom7729]

Just got back from a cruise on RCCL to Cuba. The lines were long due to all the paper work needed. Like they are saying have your paper work ready. I work for an airline and always tell passengers to get there the day before. Spend the money for a hotel.Thats the main reason why people don’t arrive the day before.. It’s sad to miss the cruise or bags don’t arrive with you. Spoke to someone that missed the ship and we were to going to get them to the next port but the cruise line said they wouldn’t let them on the ship at the next port. The line at port went fast for us and the best part was the ship came from Tampa to Ft Lauderdale without passengers so the rooms were ready for everyone. Great advice from these guys!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks !

[@younglady2789]

Thanks for sharing tips for embarkation day.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're welcome June... Thanks for watching !!

[@winniebrazill4019]

As always, you guys are so informative and I love watching you. Hugs to both of you!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks !!

[@minnamoonsammy6716]

Another great episode. Rigby says hi.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Hi Minna !!!! Glad to see ya !! Hugs to Rigby !!

[@wahnemahardin4417]

We are sailing with Princess April 16. We decided to try the Medallion Ocean Ready. We have given them all our info and pictures. We will receive our Medallions before we leave for the cruise. When we get there, hopefully we only have to show the Medallions as it has all our info and they will direct us to another line and we won't have to wait in line. Honestly, I don't know that much about it, but my husband sure does. We'll let you know how it works!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome !! Please let us know ALL about it !!

[@jenniferpratt440]

My mum and i get assist on our cruise

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome...it makes things so much easier.

[@russelllash8044]

thank you so much

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

XOXO

[@truneilson]

First cruise is coming up, how early do you need to show if we embark at 4 pm?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We usually get there at about 10 am. The lines start forming early for check-in. But after that...you'll have to sit and wait till they board the priority guests 1st (higher status guests / wheelchair guests). Then it depends on when the ship is ready to board. We have usually been onboard by 11:30 am...but we have priority boarding. If the ship has to have a deep cleaning because of a small Norovirus outbreak on the previous cruise....that will delay your boarding. For a ship leaving port at 4 pm...means you must be on by 3 pm.

[@truneilson]

@@Cruisingwithwheels Thanks for the response! One more possibly dumb question, is the celing magnetic too? (We are sailing the HAL Oosterdam on a 6th floor Varanda suite if this helps.)

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

@@truneilson We think so. The entire cabin is one big metal cube laid out on the ship one by one....deck by deck.

[@vonniebench]

Great job guys!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks so much Vonnie!!

[@stevebartley8594]

We ate at O’Sheehans. No crowd. Was great

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That's where we eat on embarkation day.

[@colecole4638]

Just found your channel very very helpful tips thank you so much my son and I are goin on our first cruise we are so excited

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

AWESOME!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!!

[@kokorocky1]

Great info. Thanks guys!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks !!

[@dorothywilliams529]

I will avoid the buffet on my embarkation day in July. Thanks for all your tips to help me get first time cruise ready.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Good !! You don't want to be caught up in some Roman Gladiator fight.

[@jptraveladventures]

Good idea to remember the cabin number.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you

[@lorrainej83]

Thanks again for the great tips!! Less than 80 days for our NCL Bliss embarkation day!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Oh boy !! It's gonna come fast !!

[@kimberlyfulghum973]

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome lolololol! We went on our first cruise last month on Carnival Horizon and we ate at Pig and Anchor on Embarkation day. It was an awesome start to our cruise!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We would love that !!

[@jodura3363]

Wonderful information

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you Jo

[@jenniferpratt440]

We go to southampton to get our ship easyer

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Nice !!!

[@timg3504]

I wish Kevin would come pack for me. It’s amazing how much he can pack in a carry on. 🤗

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

LMAO!!! Thanks Tim !!!

[@marirenderos5829]

New sub here! You guys are funny and Thanks for the info! My first cruise ever will be November 2019. I am supper exited!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That's awesome !! You'll have a blast !!

[@ellenkester6703]

How do you print luggage tags ahead? Don't they need to stick on?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

When you do your online computer check-in for your cruise...there is an option to print luggage tags (as many as you want) You fill them out and can staple or tape them on. But, we bought cruise ship luggage tag holders to insert them in instead.

[@starsearchreject]

I'm a new subscriber. Love you two!!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks so much !! Welcome aboard!!

[@marymarin1152]

Thanks so much for the great tips and reminders... have to remember not to go to the buffet after boarding:-) We are on the Bliss in January...and I can only imagine the pushing and shoving in order to get that big plate of food:-)

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

It's just CRAZY !!

[@spoonerpurple]

thank you another enjoyable fun..funny ,,informative video...hope to meet you guys one day on a cruise

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you Jennie

[@amandabegg2248]

Brilliant tips guys. We are going on our first sea cruise (keeping the Blues Alive) in Feb. Flying from London To Tampa staying Clearwater for 9days then on to the cruise. Sorry I’m going on a bit here, will I be able to Get boarding passes printed at hotel?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Amanda! Depending on where you are staying, most hotels will be able to print them out for you. You should check their website to see if the have a business center.

[@amandabegg2248]

I’m right on it. Xxx

[@sylvainforest9325]

Great video as usual, guys. Not only should you know your cabin number before you embark, but you should be able to find it with your eyes closed once you boarded.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Sylvain !!

[@leerag]

Thank you. Im going on my first ever cruise in 6 months and finding your videos great for information. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. Much appreciated. Do you have to check luggage on or can you take it on yourself to avoid the dropped in the sea nightmare.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Like an airport...you can only take onboard the ship yourself...a 21 ' carry-on size case or smaller (backpack / tote bag) . Larger bags will not fit through the port terminal security scanner. Your larger bags must be given to the port terminal outside luggage porters to be placed on their trollies and then taken away.

[@leerag]

@@Cruisingwithwheels thank you

[@debbieserwe2242]

I like #15 and I do :)

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome !

[@librequito]

Hey guys, I'm planning to cruise from Callao Perú to San Diego on the Amsterdam HAL, Do you guys know if they HAL do partial cruise? I would like to embark from Guayaquil Ecuador because I'll be touring Galapagos islands, the airplane arrives there first ... thanks for any tip!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You would have to check directly with HAL on that one.

[@russelllash8044]

Silly question. Any suggestion when your going on an 18 day cruise for how to handle laundry, packing, etc.; in order to have enough clothes for the whole trip? Without having to spend hundreds on ship laundry...lol. Thank you

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Our plan would depend on what cruise line, ship and ports of call we would be visiting. Many of the ships have self service laundry that is more affordable on board. Some of our subscribers have taken a bag of laundry ashore to be cleaned. We suggest selecting clothing within the same color palette so that you can mix and match pieces as well as rewear some articles such as shorts and pants. Be ruthless with your packing list. We find most people (even us sometimes) take far more than they truly need.

[@russelllash8044]

@@Cruisingwithwheels thank you. I will look into the laundry facilities or figure out which port we can go do some laundry in. Thank you so much for the suggestions 🥰 🥰. So agree with you about over packing the things we end up not even using. I always bring way to much dress up clothes and by night 3 I go to dinner in jeans and a polo. (If only we could travel with steamer trunks 😉)

[@Star-Boarder]

Thanks! Great tips as always!📰 How in the world does someone get their luggage dropped in the water?? How would you even know before sailing? Perhaps tip the porter well?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That's why we always tip the porter well, when we arrive.

[@Sotweetie]

I saw a story recently where a bunch of bags fell in during the process of being loaded onto the ship. People took pictures and posted to FB from the gangway. 😱

[@ArielBos]

Wonderful tips! I may need to contact you about a friend of mine that may be cruising with wheels. Thanks so much for your vlogs.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Sounds good. Thanks for watching and commenting Shelia!!

[@lorilonge9248]

I was wondering where in upstate n.y. Do you live.? Because when people say upstate they think Kingston or Hudson or Catskills . To me upstate means Saratoga or Queensbury or the Aderondicks.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Exactly !! We're in western upstate NY....1-1/2 hour from the Canadian border in Rochester, NY.

[@babsharris943]

Do I need special paper to print luggage tags & boarding passes? Or would regular printing paper do?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

No, we use regular printer paper. You can staple it or use special cruise cruise luggage tags.

[@babsharris943]

THANK you so much. We're going on our 1st cruise soon & we need advise on every thing. Mwah

[@lorrainej83]

Does NCL have a "faster to the fun" that we can pay extra like you mentioned for the Carnival?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

I do not believe so.

[@imeldaferrer3999]

Going on a cruise this coming June 1st 2019 and flying from NYC to Fort Lauderdale the same day. Since your tip #1 is fly a day early ,I’m kinda nervous because our arrival to Airport is 11 Am and our specified boarding time is 1-1:30 pm. What we gonna do? We’re 9 people cruising.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You'll be fine ! Those are suggested times, so the cruise line can do a bit of crowd control. Just as if you arrived early.....no one is gonna give you a hard time.

[@vivienneclarknicholson9242]

How do you print stuff out if you don't have a printer

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Cruise lines can send you via mail your documents / luggage tags for a $ fee. Or nowadays...you should be able to find a friend or relative that has a computer and get them to help you.

[@Star-Boarder]

If you use a travel agent, most as a curteousy, will print and send them to you or have them ready to pick up. Mine is going to. I think they do print two copies but double check with your TA.

[@angelabyrd1387]

Another quick option is to maybe go to a Staples or a Office Depot and they will help you print them off.

[@kzimmerman2211]

Or, go to your local library. You may have to pay a few cents per copy, but I think my local library gives the first "X" number of copies free.

[@tiffm3110]

Libraries usually have cheap printers much less than going to a kinkos. I got through college without a printer thanks to libraries!

[@austincard6556]

awesome tips thank you. Question though, our cruise is this mon, with ncl. I just had a email about the debarkation of the cruise before will now take longer as they have to have a complete check through by immigration. Our time to arrive was from 10:30-11, should we go later now?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

I would follow the instruction on the email you received!!

[@seamuspadraigmcgowan3677]

Is a 28inch bag, really giant? Bought my wife and I a set of 30" American Tourister beauties for Chirstmas, still in wrapping!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Yes 28" is really big. Generally 28" or 30" is the largest of a set!!

[@auntjosie756]

So what happen to the customers that their luggage fell in water. Was all there cloths wet and how was that handled?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

The cruise line gave them a $600 allowance to spend on replacing their clothes. Barely covered all the expensive designer clothes / gowns she had brought with her......as well as with her specific body type...a lot of her clothes had been specially made for her and you just can't buy that off the rack.

[@jesi2blue647]

I don't have a color printer does your luggage tags need to be in color or is black and white fine?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You'll be fine.

[@auntjosie756]

Ive had 2 hip surgeries in the last year and i cant stand for extended periods. ARE there chairs to sit down during the waiting process on embarkation day?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

There are chairs in the waiting areas, when you wait to board, after check-in......but depending on when you arrive at the port....there might be long lines to wait in, just to get to the check-in agent counter. Best to request a wheelchair when you arrive at the terminal.

[@spoonerpurple]

yes i agree about the embarkation photos but...you have to do at least one or 2 ...you wont regret it in years to come.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We haven't had a regret yet!! LOL

[@auntjosie756]

Now when you give them your credit card do they type in the info off the card and give it back to you or do they keep the credit card until end of cruise? My husband wont let his card out of his sight.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

No, they just swipe it and hand it back.

[@stevebartley8594]

Our check in line ( NCL Miami 4/2018 )went verrrry slowly

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Ugh....that's crappy.

[@jenniferpratt765]

Me and my mum have special assistance

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome

[@vivienneclarknicholson9242]

Lol port terminal was like big empty warehouse nothing in it except a customs line

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

It's a little nicer now.

[@DGExplorers]

Lmao #excercisingademon begone lol. First time on NCL. We leave out of Miami and boarding begins at 12pm. We want to get on the ship early so what time would you recommend arriving at the port? We were thinking 10am

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Good...that's when we usually arrive.

[@laurelbrennan6295]

#8 official documents...make sure you have all the visas you need for countries that require them or you will not be allowed to board.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Exactly right !!

[@stoehrcov]

Next of kin? My children? Frank noooo. Good job and God bless.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Jimmy !

[@vivienneclarknicholson9242]

Things have changed since I went on first cruise 51 years ago they sent you luggage labels lol

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Yes...the electronic age is here !!! LOL

[@spoonerpurple]

as soon as you know your cabin number for the first time...take a sharpie..draw on a piece of paper the number ..take your phone and tell it to say ,,,,,cheese ..and take its picture..there your cabin number is now in your phone LOL

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

LOL.... Funny but great idea !!

[@midwestkatie4]

I’ve seen so many unorganized people on embarkation day. The worst I’ve seen is a family of 15 scrambling to find enough money on credit cards for their Sail and Sign cards. Did you not know you would have to have a hold on a card!?!? Yikes!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

LOL

[@sandygrogg1203]

💜💜👍

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Sandy !

[@SaggyBaskets]

I'm going on a cruise with 25 friends/relatives in April, several of whom have never cruised before. I'm sending many of your links to them so they can be prepared. Great vids with great info.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That is so awesome !! Thank you !! Make sure they watch all our exciting videos AND subscribe to our channel !!