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How to Enjoy the First Day of Your Cruise

4/30/2016

2 Comments

 
​If you’ve cruised before, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, read and prepare. You plan for months, sometimes years, for your perfect cruise vacation. You can’t wait to get to the ship. But before the ship even sets sail, you may already be stressed out. Now you can know what to do beforehand so that doesn't happen to you.
  • There are long lines during the check-in process. Have everything in one place. Plan what you’ll need for check-in before the day arrives: luggage tags, boarding documents, passports (double check for expiration dates), credit cards, health insurance cards, and another photo ID. For extra piece of mind, I also like to print out (or save to PDF) reservation information and pre-purchased excursions or amenity receipts. You'll need to complete a verification of health so have your pen handy.  Then, before you even leave the line, make sure to relax and smile because that's when they'll snap your welcome aboard picture! 
Welcome aboard celebrity reflection
  • You are hungry, but it’s jam-packed. Research ahead of time and find what specialty restaurants might be open. They are often more subdued. Maybe head to the pool and grab a burger and a lounge chair. Or if you love starting your cruise at the buffet (it’s always our family’s tradition) fill your plates and find a quiet table outside on the deck. Take in the last views of your embarkation port and the beautiful water. After all, that’s what cruising is all about!
  • You will not be able to get to your cabin right away. Keep in mind, you probably won't be able to get into your cabin until at about 1:00 or 2:00 PM. Everyone is in the public areas so it can get a bit busy. DON'T bring on board all of your suitcases. (Exhausting and stressful.) DO carry a small bag or backpack. Have an extra pair of flip flops or swimsuit to put on and then head up to the pool. Typically, it’s already in full swing with fresh air, lots of towels, food and drinks being served, and dance music playing.  Definitely the best way to forget about the crowds.
oceanview cafe celebrity first day
  • You still have to watch the clock. Be prepared…right before sailing, you will have a mandatory muster drill. Everyone will be out and about searching for their designated muster station. Now you know it, so embrace it. About a ½ hour before the drill, find your way to your muster station (always located on your cabin card.) Typically they are in a public area, such as a restaurant, lounge or theater on the main decks. If you get there early, it’s much easier to find a seat. Take this extra few minutes to look over the deck plan of the ship and don't forget to bring the schedule for the day that was given to you when you checked-in or found on your bed in your cabin. This is a great time to see what activities you don't want to miss for the rest of the day! On our last cruise our muster station was in a specialty restaurant so I was even able to get a sneak peek of the menu. Then, keep in mind after the drill it’s always chaotic leaving your muster station. The hallways, stairs, and elevators are jammed. Use this time to head over to Shore Excursions and see if there are any activities you forgot to book. Or head outside to see the port view before the ship sails. Then stop in the dining room and check out your assigned table.  
  • There is work to be done. This is the most dreaded part. The luggage finally arrives to your cabin in the late afternoon and you have a tremendous amount of clothes to find a place to put away. For me, if I don't do this chore the first day, my family will leave the suitcases in the middle of the floor and rummage out of them for the next week. Storage space in a cabin is a premium; however, there are many nooks you may not realize right away. Look up for storage over the beds. Open cabinets for drawers. Then slide those bulky suitcases right under the bed. Also, keep in mind your luggage may arrive late. It may not all arrive at the same time. But rest assured, it will be there. And if the ship knows that the luggage is running a bit late, they may even change the dress requirements for dinner to allow shorts in the dining rooms. (There were cheers from my boys when this happened!)
unpacking first day of cruise
Once the sun sets on your first day, the ship's energy becomes quieter and more relaxed. But until then, from the moment you enter the port, enjoy every minute of your new surroundings and know that your cruise vacation has already started.  
sail away miami
2 Comments
Julie Wolfe
9/18/2016 01:07:02 pm

This is very helpful. I'm sure I'll reread it a few times before I embark. :)

Reply
Alyson (My Virtual Vacations)
9/19/2016 08:01:56 am

Glad you found it helpful, Julie. Whether you are a first time cruiser or experienced, it's always good to know what to expect. Have a wonderful cruise!

Reply



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    ​Thanks for cruising by! ​ Along with creating this website and blog, I work in an office full-time and as a mom to two energetic young men. With our family's busy work and school schedule, we look forward to traveling during holidays. Although it seems that our family can never agree on anything, we do when it comes to vacations. We typically travel on cruises or stay at luxury hotels while enjoying upscale dining, beautiful decor, excellent service, and spacious accommodations. However, we still need family friendly and comfortable! When we are not traveling, I enjoy dining out locally, as well as cooking and baking in my own kitchen.
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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Alaska Inside Passage
    • Arizona: Scottsdale and Sedona
    • Mid-Atlantic Region >
      • Baltimore, MD
      • National Harbor, MD
      • Philadelphia, PA
      • Richmond, VA
      • Washington D.C.
    • Bay Area, California
    • Florida >
      • Boca Raton
      • Fort Lauderdale
      • Key West >
        • Key West Excursions
      • Miami
      • Orlando
    • Bermuda
    • Eastern Caribbean
    • Western Caribbean
    • Bahamas
  • Ships
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      • Celebrity Cruises Fleet
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      • Celebrity Reflection
      • Celebrity Silhouette
      • Celebrity Solstice
      • Celebrity Summit
      • Celebrity Constellation
    • Crystal Cruises >
      • Crystal Cruises Fleet
    • Princess Cruises Fleet
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
    • River Cruises >
      • American Cruise Lines
      • Victory Cruise Lines
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Cabins
    • Celebrity Cabins >
      • Deluxe Staterooms
      • Sky Suite
      • Celebrity Suite
      • Royal Suite
      • Michael's Club
      • Celebrity Cruises Stateroom List
    • Crystal Cabins
    • Princess Cruises
    • Royal Caribbean Cabins
    • Holland America Cabins
  • Dining
    • Hotels and Restaurants
    • Celebrity Dining >
      • Celebrity Specialty Dining >
        • Luminae >
          • Luminae for Alaska on Celebrity Solstice
        • La Petite Chef
        • Ocean Liners/Murano
        • The Porch
        • Sushi on Five
        • Tuscan Grille
        • Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria
        • Lawn Club Grill
        • Blu
        • Edge Class Dining
      • Menus
      • Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
      • Celebrity Cruises Room Service
    • Crystal Dining
    • MSC Menus
    • Oceania Menus
    • Princess Dining
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity Entertainment >
      • Celebrity Cruises Canyon Ranch Spa Services
      • The Alcoves
      • Celebrity Today's
      • Celebrity Cruises for Kids
      • Celebrity Cruises Exclusive Perks
    • Crystal Entertainment
    • Princess Entertainment
    • Royal Caribbean Entertainment
    • Holland America Entertainment
  • Quick Tips
    • FAQs
    • What to Pack for a Cruise
    • Which Cabin is Best for Me?
    • Favorite Travel Products
    • Excursions
    • Cruising with Groups
    • Celebrations
    • Tipping
    • Beauty Tips
    • Quiz
    • Celebrity Cruises Luggage Valet Service
    • Budgeting for Vacation
    • Travel Tip Tuesdays