31 Cruise Embarkation Day Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid!

[@QueenSuperJ]

My fav tip: Go to the bank before leaving and get about $125-150 of $5 dollar bills. We fold them in 1/4’s and have a separate coin purse 👛 to keep them in. Quick and easy access for tip giving (airports, porters, drivers, people at cruise ports).

[@brookwithnoe97]

This is a great tip for any trip!! I have been in too many situations where I had no cash

[@MsRight-sb5ds]

I love this tip!!

[@sjackson5980]

I remember the $1 bill days!

[@Gabriellaella23]

Such a great idea! Also good so you don''t have to pull out all of your cash at once because I have had people ask for more money when they saw I had a wad of cash in my wallet.

[@GunnerHillTX]

@@sjackson5980 It's still perfectly acceptable to give $1 per bag/drink, etc.

[@stevenkukene9970]

I post my vacation pictures to social media the week after my trip, after I get home. There will be no public declarations of an upcoming vacation. Safety first!

[@pascalefortin3101]

Always! I thought the same when he said that... Best way to advertise no one is home...

[@carolehamlin8854]

We do the same.

[@1PrinceJay]

I do that or post 2 weeks after for Throwback Thursday saying new to me old to you. (If Facebook, whatever Twitter wants to call themselves nowadays or Instagram still does that.)

[@nascarmadman]

Yep!

[@janiekcarney5482]

Don’t tell everyone you are going out of town. Thieves love when you give them the exact dates you will be gone. Close friends are fine. But caution them from announcing your plans.

[@richardgotshall2703]

Posting on Facebook can pose a similar risk if you have a large following.

[@janiekcarney5482]

@@richardgotshall2703 I agree.

[@zammymynakersnackstbmoth]

@Richard Gotshall Depending. My socials are private and ppl don't know where I live. I also have a roommate so whenever we travel, one of us is always home.

[@betsyadams9670]

That’s why I am glad we have a house/dog sitter for piece of mind. And it is cheaper in the long run than boarding the dogs.

[@arkansasboy45]

Great point!

[@kathryncashner3294]

While this is a good generic discussion, I'd add "Research YOUR cruise line/ship in advance. There are things in this video that may not apply to YOUR cruise; the line you selected may do things differently. There are lots of reviews devoted to individual cruise lines. Some are well done and some are not so much...but viewing a handful for your line should show you those items which are important for you. Examples--on my next cruise, you do not tag luggage in advance. You tell the porter your stateroom number and he prints your tag on the site. Hint--you might want to look at it to be sure he got it right. Rooms are available at boarding and luggage is typically delivered to rooms within 30 minutes--this might make a difference in what you choose to carry on board vs. checking. One thing I will emphasize is to follow your line's policy for arrival. We are told to not show up more than 30 minutes prior to our scheduled arrival time. You will be more comfortable sitting in your hotel lobby (if they can't give you a late check out) rather than standing around outside a terminal. On our last cruise this was strictly enforced. Fortunately we were in Barcelona where there was a plaza and a coffee shop right next to the terminal.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Yes, some pre-cruise research is also essential.

[@sharonnewton4374]

I have been on almost 50 cruises. Bags are seldom delivered to your cabin proir to sail away. Sometimes it even arrives after dinner.

[@ryukagesama]

Loved being able to drop off our carry-ons on Celebrity. Made our first few hours much easier.

[@traceymarshall5886]

We only travel with carry on luggage. Virgin voyages you can go to your room straight away

[@MissJean63]

I’m so happy you showed the Camel Ride in Cabo. It was a blast.

[@bronzefox9035]

We chose a check in time of 3pm leaving out of Miami. Our plane got there at 130am. We had to be out of the hotel by noon. It was our first cruise so we didn't know how long it would take due to traffic to get to the port. We got there at 1230. We asked the woman checking tickets where we can go to wait for our time. She told to go ahead and get on the ship that it was ok! We sailed on on the Explorer right after its dry dock. It was nice!

[@user-xq3uv9rq1k]

Aloha & mahalo the tips u talked about & the ones left on mesage board, I'm going on my 1st cruise ever in April 6-13 2024 on mardi gra to carabean, cant wait it's my mom's birthday

[@Roseyhawes]

You are so detail. Great tips. ❤

[@Bofum69]

If you wait to get out of the tax free zone that’s the best time to purchase the drink package. A lot cheaper

[@suitelife22]

The details you gave were spot on! Great video.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful.

[@nascarmadman]

Some countries - a LOT of them in the Caribbean - don't allow camouflage patterned clothing. Check ahead of time before packing/wearing camo!

[@kimberlynewton4181]

Great tips!! I have an upcoming cruise for Carnival Venezia in 12 days & totally forgot to check in until I came across your video. So thank you for the reminder!! Also, what was that drink with the Moet?! It looks great 😮

[@MFARAJR1018]

I was very lucky when I did my cruise in June 2022 I did same day I got 1 /1/2 earlier then I was suppose into Miami. I am lucky for my next cruise is out of state I live in NYC in Augs 2023

[@SayKyleNotCow]

15:59 Please don’t do this. Yes, take plenty of pictures, but do not announce to the world that you are not home for an extended period of time. It’s a great way to have your home broken into. Post everything you want once you return home.

[@mikeybdos]

Saw a snippet of Bridgetown Cruise Terminal in this video.....awesome

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We aim to please.

[@drlouiscardinal752]

This video makes cruising look like a really complicated travel experience……..although cruising has become more complicated you should get the important items done at home before your trip and learn later when on board because you have lots of time to relax.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We agree!

[@amandaregis313]

Unless you're crossing a border to get to your cruise starting point, as we are, traveling from Canada and ending up back in Canada. Then, it's necessary to purchase any over the counter meds since you can't bring them over the border.

[@nascarmadman]

Once on board, first thing is the self-guided tour of the ship! Checking everything except a small day pack with ALL valuables, documents, meds etc. Check with the cruise line re wine and corkscrews. Some lines consider corkscrews as a weapon and therefore prohibited. Think screw top. Turn off your data as well as going to airplane mode. Last 2 cruises Muster Drill took maybe 2 mins. Like Nike says, Just Do It!

[@FraserAtSea]

Some brilliant tips in here - I remember how terrified I was on my first ever embarkation day - a video like this would've been so useful to find before my first cruise!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Glad you found the video helpful.

[@CyeOutsider]

Haha, yes, the first cruise we took I organised - I was a mess, lol!

[@RetiredE7USARMY]

Our only tip is arrive late,but not too late, we try to arrive around 2-2:30, lines are shorter everywhere. Rooms are ready,allot less stressful. I also print out all documents,some times Wi-Fi not working or the cruise terminals slow down. We still have fun , hey it’s only a couple of hours .

[@michaellovastik6517]

Arrive early we are always on the ship before 10:45.....and our luggage obviously is one of the first delivered because it is one of the first received...the ship is empty and we are always unpacked by 2pm and enjoying our cruise. Check in at 2:30 and you are lucky to get you luggage by 6 (the last luggage received is the last delivered) You pay for the cruise why lose half a day?

[@chrysvest4746]

Team carry on only!🎉

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Very jealous.

[@remirez2k3]

im a carryon only traveler as well, but i use a fullsize backpack style carryon suitcase, i was homeless for a few years so learned how to pack alot in a small space , a skill that has become very useful now that i travel frequently

[@SassyGrkGrl24]

Our phones go into airplane mode as soon as we lock the front door and get into the car; the official start of our vacay.

[@frankcutronijr]

I like that Celebrity to drop off bags in stateroom. I usually drive 20 minutes to Port Everglades or 40 minutes to Port Miami.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

It is a great benefit of cruising with Celebrity.

[@michaelwalias7710]

Great refresher course and new tips as we embark on Friday on the Celebrity Millennium going on a Panama Canal transit. Thanks

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sct4040]

I already checked in, 56 days to boarding. 🤣 I plan to carry my Covid card along with my passport, just in case.

[@amandaregis313]

We're booked over 150 days away on Holland America, and I checked in last night as well as booking our excursions and fine dining. I only came across this ability while looking at the actual website and found a number of excursions were already filled up. May 8th, they'll be sending email to get boarding passes, and I'm guessing boarding timing (approximately 45 days before the cruise).

[@user-fc9dd6ej9w]

Why would anyone want to purchase things at the shops on he first day, unless you want logoed items that you will wear during the cruise. They always have sales on during the cruise with the last evening being the best. It's then that they know you are leaving and half a loaf is better than none at all.

[@fluffytail6355]

I agree with you. Many first timers don’t know that “sale” information. Some people also like to shop early for best selection though - maybe price isn’t important to them?

[@justinestoehr9039]

Hi, what cruise ship are you on when you’re talking about walking the decks your first day to familiarize yourself with it. I really like it.

[@GunnerHillTX]

It was a compilation of different ones, just like for all the other things he talked about.

[@nnajj01]

I keep telling my people to do the research. They always rely on me.😂

[@fluffytail6355]

Some people are lazy or don’t even know how to research! I know those people.

[@dolorescaldwell6544]

❤ Love your advice

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks for watching.

[@ashleynbjohnson7623]

I take my first cruise in 30 days and this was right on time. Thank you

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Have a great cruise. Let us know how it goes. Thanks for watching.

[@feliciabean8382]

Me too and I'm scared and excited

[@ashleynbjohnson7623]

@@feliciabean8382 enjoy what ship?

[@QueenSuperJ]

Yay for you! Welcome to cruise life!!

[@Cigarlife508]

Hell yea im 45 mins from Boston

[@Petesdrone]

Is wifi calling good on the cheap plan ?

[@cookielocurto7075]

Disney doesn’t allow the over the door shoe organizer. It wasn’t a total waste of a purchase, because it helped me organize an assortment of things to be packed.

[@ashleynbjohnson7623]

Next time use the magnets and put on the wall

[@GunnerHillTX]

For anyone planning to use magnet hooks, buy ones with very strong/powerful/heavy duty magnets because the hooks may well slide down the wall if you don't... Basic physics problem. You can get away with less strong magnets if you can attach them to the metal ceiling (most cruise ship cabins are basically metal boxes).

[@terrigodmother]

Amazingly enough, Oceania Cruise line still doesn't have an app! Actually their web site isn't very user friendly either. Doing a Mediterranean criuse on Oceania Marina in May 2024 and hoping the cruise is better than their use of tech!

[@Star-Boarder]

Im not amazing so I use a checked bag. Im ok with not being a minimalist packer.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Us too. Happy cruising.

[@deniserobinson9731]

You are not alone...

[@fluffytail6355]

On a cruise, I always bring a checked bag. However, when I’m flying for any other type of land vacation, I’m a carry on only girl 😉 😊

[@emguzik1724]

I'm in your camp!

[@tomholley6904]

18:50 Whats with the hammock chair? Have taken several cruises on various lines but have never seen this.

[@GunnerHillTX]

Notice the red color? They're a thing on Virgin ship balconies

[@sct4040]

What happens if I change my mind about an excursion, like if my husband is ill? Can I get a refund?

[@sct4040]

What about solo diners, can we sit alone in the MDR? I prefer NOT to share.

[@francisardi4686]

Why does cruise ship travel have to be so complicated? Wouldn't it be great if you could just board the ship by passing through just one checkpoint, with all your luggage, where you need only show your passport or other ID, maybe a printout of your cruise itinerary, then they would check their computers for your reservation, give you your cabin number, and you're on board! Muster drill comes after.

[@michaels3003]

The luggage must be scanned and inspected. Abysmal airlines security procedures created an "opportunity" that led to a major national tragedy.

[@jblkcns]

This is exactly how our last cruise was. No complications, TSA was a point and scan situation, we walked onto the ship (ohh and ahh'd) at the lobby, went to the empty dining room for lunch and then our room was ready at 1:30pm sharp. No stress at all.

[@davidc5191]

So it sounds like cruise lines will search your luggage that you check in for contraband items. Does that mean you should leave your luggage unlocked?

[@cjd99201]

I can't speak for all lines, but carnival recommended they be left unlocked

[@CyeOutsider]

We arrived very early for our embarkation time our fist cruise and they just let us on. But i think that might have been just luck

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Sometimes you get lucky. Happy cruising.

[@WeSometimesRV]

I have a quick question about your alaska cruise packing guide. What are the ziploc bags for and what size?

[@laraevandeberg350]

Hi! When in Alaska I used Ziplock bags for a lot of things. My gloves got wet or dirty a few times and I was able to pop them in a Ziplock and into my pack without getting everything all yucky. On my kayak trip the guide suggested I put my snacks in a Ziplock and blow air into the bag before sealing it. That way when the snacks were tossed out of the boat they floated and were easily retrieved. The third way I use them is I always put all items into a large Ziplock before I put them into the safe. That way I can grab one thing and know I am getting everything out of the safe. A neighbor gave me this tip after she accidentally overlooked a ring in her safe. Thankfully the cruise line returned it a few weeks later. Hoping that helps! Happy cruising!!

[@kaydickey9239]

I had always hungry kids so we used them for snacks for them (prepackaged).

[@nnajj01]

United caused us to miss the ship. It was to be my birthday trip. Needless to say I contacted the airline and the ignored me.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Sorry to hear that happened on your trip! Happy cruising.

[@lisajaworski509]

My tip is to always go the day before and stay 1 night in a hotel. That way you never miss your cruise.

[@dearmepa1]

⁠​⁠@@Eatsleepcruise1 you wished her “happy cruising” after she explained that she missed her flight causing her to miss her ship.

[@dearmepa1]

@@lisajaworski509 thanks for adding insult to injury! How do you know she DIDNT have a flight the day before and wasn’t able to get another flight? Sheeez!!! Come on people! Be kind!

[@dearmepa1]

So sorry this happened to you. I hope you can plan another cruise soon.

[@tonyrowland9216]

So if you don’t drink soft drinks are limited? C ya!

[@dreawint]

Most cruises include several drinks for free. Water, juice, lemonade, tea, coffee, ice Tea. But yeah soda is not usually covered, But honestly, it seems for the past couple of decades comma the popularity of soda has gone down versus the other stuff

[@emguzik1724]

Instead of an alcohol package they also have a soda/special coffee package. And you can bring canned soda on with your carry on

[@Blu3B0at3r]

What ship is that at 14:30?

[@mopneck]

That's the Carnival Celebration. I had to freeze frame to catch the name. Really beautifull outdoor area, I had no idea the new Carnival ships looked like this.

[@marjoriepetersen4102]

How do you rent a scooter?

[@MJinFlorida]

Your cruise line will list suggested mobility scooter rental companies on the Accessibility or FAQ pages. Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea are the two most common companies for US ports. You reserve the scooter directly with the company. They will deliver to the ship in a scooter pick up area and you can pick up prior to embarking.

[@pamw47798]

What does 'tendering' mean??

[@annikki73]

It's when the cruise ship can't dock at port (generally too shallow) and they use small boats to get passengers from ship to port and back.

[@coziii.1829]

I thought first class cost has all those bonuses in them. Plus doesn’t first class get priority loading like on planes We can load 30 minutes early on planes and have a special lounge We go to before hand .

[@GunnerHillTX]

You would need to research each line to see what it offers big spenders, if anything. Cruise perks depend on a number of variables, including the cruise line (or casino) booking code; if you paid extra for priority boarding, etc; The cabin type; Your status in their loyalty program, and so on.

[@coziii.1829]

Is there pirates we have to worry about ????

[@fluffytail6355]

Depends on your itinerary

[@alexmikityanskiy6605]

🎉🎉🎉

[@dreawint]

65 cruises!?!?! Fricken amazing... But what that do you do for a living? To afford all that, plus also be able to take off so much time from work for the actual vacations, and so often! And you look fairly young too!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Yes, we are very lucky. I work remotely so have been able to travel while still working. Happy cruising.

[@dBsound100]

WHO did you captions? I'm assuming English is their third language? ;)

[@dreawint]

Thats the default for any you tube video

[@michaels3003]

Nobody. They are automatically generated. They can be nearly perfect if the speaker articulates well and doesn't speak too fast.

[@lhsuing7232]

Don’t tell wrong. Not 2 bottles wine princess only one bottle

[@GunnerHillTX]

He misspoke by saying the allowance is two bottles per cabin. He compounded it by saying two bottles later as well. Whether it's one person or five people stuffed into one cabin, it's one standard size bottle per 21+ passenger.

[@MrsDauphinee]

1 bottle per person.

[@sct4040]

NOT EVERYONE HAS A SMARTPHONE!

[@SirenaSpades]

There is no chance I will be using the app on a cruise. My phone will be locked in the safe the WHOLE time. No thanks. I take vacations to get away from that.

[@Blackphoenix422]

The app is good for knowing times of the activities on board.

[@Livetoeat171]

You're telling everyone to skip the buffet, except on off hours but you don't say why!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

It’s very crowded.

[@kaiwildly3938]

Really? 31!? Why not 45 or 73?

[@lovedfriend2020]

They shouldnt really call Embarkation Day day 1 because its not a 12 hour day. Yes you can go early not much to do. I mean the stores are closed and no shows.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Not really sure what you mean, the shops open once the ship sets sail, and there is always an evening show in the main theater on Embarkation Day.

[@lovedfriend2020]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 I meant while in port like port canaveral, I dont know if shows are running while in port. Let me know if I am wrong? I dont board early. You cant even drop off your stuff at your cabin till 1:30.

[@andreamalinowski1365]

❤ getting on early...taste test the restaurants, get in the bathing suit & into the pool - but we have the most fun exploring every inch of the ship!

[@dreawint]

Most things on a cruise, including food, are 24/7, so I say "day 1 " is not so bad. And think about most hotels, where you pay by the day. But you can't typically check in until 4 and have to leave as early as 10 or 11. So you're not getting the full 24 hour day for the day you pay for.

[@eldonnarees1922]

It is still the 1st day

[@elizabethashleyfinsthwait5131]

I liked the first video I saw and then the rest of them really became repetitive with one spark 🔥 of advice hiding behind a whole lot of the content that I’d learned from all the other videos I’d tried to find out more substantial content from. I keep on hearing and learning a lot of things that repeat and I just would like to say please stop this. You have some really good points. Just say your excellent points. Don’t fill in the time with the same stuff. I really don’t have time.

[@mea3665]

It's not Rocket Science pretty simple

[@HALWG51]

A cruise sounds like the worst vacation ever.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Actually, it is quite the opposite.

[@CeremmoniesbyJudith]

"The wife & I"?? Channel change!

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Lol. Yes we cruise together, so sorry, I’m taken.

[@cassiegreene9528]

-the wife and I.....?

[@janiekcarney5482]

Why is your voice so choppy??

[@mjc5852]

Not choppy to me. Maybe your connection.

[@bobk4438]

I didn't know cruising was so hard. I'll skip it.

[@phennymcphee9850]

Nooooo, please try it, you will love it

[@bronzefox9035]

It is not so bad. I watch every KZbin video I could find about the flight, port and ship. It was our first cruise and we flew in from KS. I think I would have been stressed I'd I wasn't prepared.

[@afriqueus1]

I just booked my first cruise and the more I watch videos the more I’m feeling like it’s just too much. Too many things to do and to remember. I hope it’s as fun as people say. Update after my first cruise in August. It was great and better than I thought. Watching videos helped me prepare. I was over-prepared and it was great. No stress

[@lisajaworski509]

It’s not hard at all. This guy makes it sound harder than it is. It’s really a breeze. Honestly.

[@mrscruisequite07phalo42]

No pain no gain 😅

[@michaelkaplan7615]

My money is on Nikki Haley. Sounds just like her.

[@photos9894]

No ...

[@sharon5115]

OMG this is 2024 and you are describing your wife as "The Wife"! How demeaning can you be? Instead why don't you refer to her as MY wife? She isn't something that you own and describe as a possession. Words have impact, keep that in mind!

[@photos9894]

please calm down - I call mine "the hubby" - "the husband" - etc. words only have impact for. you when you enter a relationship and do not know the people.

[@MsRight-sb5ds]

I went on a cruise with someone who put his passport in his checked bag. He didn’t realize until AFTER we gave it to the cruise bellman 🫣