Planning and packing are over. You anticipate embarking on
your first cruise. Is this exhilarating - or intimidating?
What exactly can you expect?
Keep in mind your embarkation day cannot really begin until
the departing cruise guests and their luggage are cleared
from the ship. Their debarkation process can be
drawn-out...like a large traffic jam. While last week's
passengers make their way reluctantly down the gangway,
staff and crew ready the ship for your sailing. By the time
the last straggler departs, trucks are arriving at the dock
with provisions. Much heavy work goes on behind the scenes.
Staterooms and public lounges are thoroughly cleaned and
straightened. A steady stream of supplies and luggage are
brought aboard. There can even be an exchange of crew
members - some leave while others arrive.
This turn-around procedure is carefully choreographed - like
the most intricate ballet.
Arriving from the airport, or your hotel - by bus transfer,
taxi or car - you will first encounter baggage handlers.
These are not cruise line employees and they *do* expect a
tip - a couple of dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Show
them your cruise ticket and picture ID for verification and
security purposes. Be sure your ship's luggage tags are
securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them
over.
Cruise line shoreside staff mill about and point you in the
right direction - easily recognizable wearing official
looking uniforms with name tags. Often, they carry a
clipboard. Once inside the terminal, you might encounter a
check-in line. Actual boarding time is usually scheduled for
noon but some cruise lines begin processing early
arrivals...and then direct them to a "holding" area. During
check-in, you are asked to produce your cruise documents,
any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, proof of
citizenship, and a credit card (to pay for your on board
charges). Then you are issued a boarding card which often
doubles as your stateroom "key" and shipboard charge card.
At some point - either before you enter the check-in area or
before proceeding to the ship - you and your hand luggage
will pass through a security procedure, similar to airports.
You are anxious to get on board and begin your vacation.
This is not the time and place to get cranky if you have to
wait. Keep in mind, you cannot board until the ship is ready
for you.
Once boarding begins, you will probably have your first
experience with the ship's photographer. You will be asked
to pose for an embarkation picture. It only takes a
second...so smile. You are under no obligation to purchase
any photos taken during the cruise - but they are a nice
souvenir.
Congratulations! You are On Board! Your cruise has begun.
Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by the staff
lined up just inside the ship's hull. Once again you have to
produce your picture ID and boarding card for the security
officer. Depending on your cruise line, you may be directed
to your cabin - or a steward will take your carry on luggage
and accompany you. Stewards on deluxe cruise lines not only
show you the way, but hand you a glass of champagne as a
welcome aboard gesture.
Check out your stateroom and make sure everything is in
order. You should find life jackets on the bed (ready for
the muster drill later). There is a copy of the ship's daily
schedule. Take a few moments to look over the schedule -
you'll want to know what time the muster drill takes place.
The placard on the back of your cabin door indicates
directions to your emergency station. You will want to know
the meal hours and schedule for various activities and
entertainment.
Rented tuxedos are either hanging in the closet or will be
delivered sometime during the afternoon. Bon Voyage gifts
sent by your friends or travel agent usually appear as well.
Be patient if you expect deliveries, particularly on large
ships. Stewards participate in the ship's turn-around and
are extremely busy. Yours will no doubt introduce himself at
the first available opportunity. It will be awhile before
your checked luggage arrives. So...go and enjoy the welcome
aboard buffet. Bring along your daily schedule to look at
while you eat.
On your way to the buffet, you may notice bar waiters
offering trays of colorful and exotic "Bon Voyage" drinks -
often in souvenir glasses you can keep. Beware! - they are
not complimentary! If you choose one, you'll be asked to
sign for it. Again, like the photos, you're under no
obligation to purchase. However, the glasses are fun
souvenirs.
Do your plans include going on shore excursions and
indulging in spa treatments? The most popular tours
sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea
days. So your next stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk
to book tours...and the Spa to make appointments - unless of
course you have had the foresight to reserve these in
advance.
Your dining room seating assignment is another matter. Check
the main dining room and see where your table is located. If
it's not to your liking, or if you requested a large table
and find yourself assigned to a small one, you need to see
the Head Waiter. He will be stationed in a lounge with his
charts handy to make changes - the daily schedule will
indicate where and when you can find him.
For the rest of the afternoon into early evening - enjoy
other introductory activities - tours of Spa and Fitness
Center, port and shopping talks...casino gaming lessons are
available. Of course, there is the compulsory Muster Drill -
followed by sailaway festivities on the pool deck.
Late afternoon or early evening, your luggage will arrive.
Now you can unpack, settle into your cabin and prepare for
dinner. A word of advice - just in case your luggage doesn't
arrive before dinner, have your toiletries and appropriate
attire in your carry-on so you can freshen up and change.
The dress code is always casual on your first evening of a
cruise.
A highlight of embarkation day is your first dinner in the
main restaurant where you meet your waitstaff and
tablemates. Order whatever you like from the menu of
appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for
dessert! Other than iced tea, coffee, hot tea, and water,
beverages in the dining room are not complimentary.
After dinner the entire ship becomes alive with action. The
casino, shops, and lounges are all open to greet you. The
Cruise Director introduces his staff at the Welcome Aboard
show in the main theater - shows are scheduled to coordinate
with dining seatings.
Back in your stateroom for the night. Your steward has
straightened things up during your absence. The ice bucket
is filled, there are fresh linens in the bathroom, the bed
is turned down. Your next day's activities schedule is on
the bed. And your steward has placed a chocolate on your
pillow. Sweet dreams...
------------------------------------------------------------
Marilyn King has been a travel professional since 1988. Her
"Flight To Quality" has provided quality travel arrangements
for individuals, corporations and groups: Europe, South
America and the Caribbean. In 2003, Marilyn completed the
Ireland Specialist Programme and is now an official member
of The Shamrock Club/Tourism Ireland. Learn more -
( http://www.FlightToQuality.com ). Subscribe to your "Free
for Life" newsletter - "Psssss.....t!" Receive your Free
eReport - "Taste Wine in a Small Village" -
( http://www.FlightToQuality.com ).
