It’s not difficult to leave a cruise ship, it’s just hard to say goodbye to the fun. Knowing what to expect will make the final disembarkation a little easier.
You’ll receive a list of charges on your final night aboard the ship. Check that you have everything correct if you did not keep track of it during your cruise. It is rare for mistakes to occur, but they can. Don’t forget that the gratuities you pay to cabin stewards or wait staff are also added to your account. Guest Services should be contacted as soon as you notice a problem. It’s usually a long wait to dispute charges, (rarely an error by the cruise line but it can happen) or make a final payment if you are using a credit card. Be patient.
Cruise 101 Tip #1: Consider your options for final disembarkation
There are two options available for cruisers who have parked at the port during their cruise.
- Take your bags. You can take your bags with you. You can pack your bags as you please, as long as your departure time is within the specified window. Also, you won’t need to look for your luggage at the luggage carrier. The downside is that if you are traveling with children or someone who needs special assistance, it will be more difficult to disembark. OR
- Pack your bags the night before leaving the ship. This is the option most cruisers use. This requires some forethought, especially if your goal is to avoid being “that guy” at disembarkation who must juggle souvenirs, PJs, bathroom bag and other items. This option has the benefit of requiring less effort to organize that final morning.
The best option for you will depend on the amount of luggage you need to carry, if you have children or other members in your group who require assistance and how fast you want to leave the ship. No matter what option you select, planning your final day of the cruise in a strategic way will make it easier to get home.
Cruising 101 Tip 2: Packing For Final Disembarkation
Packing for home is the last day of your cruise. The cruise has to end.
Prepare the day before to make the departure of the ship easier. Here are some tips to help you:
- Dress casually for your last dinner on the sea. Wear pants or skirts that you will wear to the airport the next morning. So you can bring more clothes to the staff.
- Pack a bag for wet clothing. If you swim on the last day of your cruise, wet clothes are going home. We put a garbage bag for our wet clothes in the luggage to prevent everything from getting wet.
- Pack your souvenirs in clothes you don’t use but that are clean. Read this to avoid overpacking .
- If you are going to let the staff handle your luggage, pack as much as possible.
- Don’t forget your luggage tags. Your cabin steward can provide you with luggage tags. Fill out all the necessary information to ensure that your bag can be returned to you if it is lost. (I’ve never heard that happen, but it could.)
- Before you go to sleep, place your luggage outside the cabin door. It may seem strange to a first-time cruiser but it works. Be smart, of course. Do not pack electronic devices, credit cards, money, or IDs in your luggage.
- A customs declaration will be sent to you. Complete one for each member of your family, and place it in your carry-on luggage so that you can easily access it. Also, you’ll need your cruise card, photo ID and passport or another proof of citizenship. These documents should be kept with you at all times.
The last night of your cruise, you will receive your duty-free alcohol in the cabin.
Cruising 101 Tip 3: Final Disembarkation
The main goal of disembarkation is to get you off the boat so that it can be cleaned and ready for the next group. Cruise lines know how to do this! Breakfast will be served in a specific dining room at a certain time. When the queue of the group ahead gets shorter, you’ll be asked to disembark. To be on the safe side, it’s best to fly home at a later time.
You will check out one final time with your cruise card as you depart the ship. You’ll then proceed to baggage claim in order to retrieve your checked luggage. Be sure to count your luggage before you go through customs.
Note: If any items were confiscated when you boarded (irons to wrinkle clothing are not allowed on cruise ships), you can claim them at the baggage claim.
If you don’t have a passport, you will need to show your proof of citizenship at customs. You can also present your declaration form or photo ID.
Proceed to the parking area after clearing customs. It’s done — the final disembarkation has been completed!
Cruising 101 Tip 4: Trouble-Shooting Issues At Final Disembarkation
People who don’t want to leave are usually the ones who have problems with disembarkation.
- When you’re packing, make sure that your souvenirs fit in the luggage.
- Pack the night before. This will allow you to avoid rushing in the morning.
- You’ll find the assigned dining room in your last daily guide. This is the ideal schedule, but if you’re behind on the ship, have another cup of tea!
- You’d be surprised how many people have been rummaging in checked luggage to find documents like cruise ID cards, passports, and ID cards. UGH!
- Make sure you count your bags. If anything goes missing, I show the cruise staff by taking a picture of my bags.
- Have patience. Everyone wants to get home or at least finish the waiting with )….. It all works out!