Your cruise is booked and you’ve packed your bags. Check-in is next at the terminal. Cruise lines are strict about safety regulations, and they can trip up first-timers trying to sneak iron onto the ship. You’ll be able to navigate the cruise terminal with ease if you plan ahead.
Arriving at the Cruise Terminal
Arrive as early as you can if you are driving to the embarkation port. Check-in for most cruises begins around 11:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm. To give the cruise line enough time to submit the manifest, all passengers must be checked in 60 minutes prior to the departure of the ship.
Arrive 15 minutes early if your cruise line has “assigned” a specific check-in time. A bit of extra time allows for any traffic delays or other travel issues. This will reduce your stress level when you arrive.
The parking areas are all clearly marked. Follow directions and be patient while you search for your parking space. Keep your boarding pass and passports ready in case the parking staff needs to inspect them.
You will eventually move your checked bags to the loading area. At this point, I take a picture of my checked luggage. If the luggage is missing, I can show the cruise staff exactly what’s gone — and the photo provides proof that the luggage actually made it to loading area! It is enough to take a quick photo with your phone.
You’ll then move to the terminal once the car has been parked.
Special note on saving money: Many hotels near cruise ports offer specials for park and cruise. Spend the night at the hotel before your cruise, and the hotel will drop you curbside the day of the cruise. You can leave your car at the hotel for “free” while you are on vacation. Search online for participating hotels by entering the following: port name + park and Cruise.
Cruise Terminal Check-in
Airport Security is the Same as At Home!
For security reasons, cruise terminals do NOT allow photographs to be taken inside. See photos to see what you can expect.
No opened drinks are permitted. Before entering the terminal, dispose of all bottled water, sodas and other beverages in the trash cans.
You’ll likely be asked to show your photo ID and boarding pass by the first person who approaches you. My boarding pass and photo ID are stored in the outside pocket of my carry on luggage so that I can easily access them. All documents should be kept together. Let the person in charge of the group hand them out. My husband is the first to go, followed by the children, and then me. Nobody gets lost!
You’ll then go through security just as you would at an airport. Place all bags onto the conveyor belt. Remove shoes if necessary. All pockets should be emptied into a bin before passing through the scanner.
Security considerations:
- To make the process easier, cruise lines designate a special line for passengers with mobility problems and disabilities.
- All beverages within the permitted limits will be checked. Set sodas, bottled waters and other drinks on the conveyor. If further inspection is needed, follow the directions of security staff.
- Items that are prohibited will not be permitted on board. The terminal is not allowed to display photos. I’d love to show you one, but I can’t. Every cruise I have taken has left me amazed at the amount of hot pots and irons confiscated. Cruise ships are floating towns! The restrictions on electronic devices (weapons and alcohol, illegal drugs etc.) are there to protect passengers. The amount of items confiscated is staggering. Don’t bring these items and you will have a more pleasant cruise.
- Take a moment to repack any bags that have been searched before moving on. Check that all of your bags, documents and children are still with you before moving on.
Checking in
It’s almost time! Next up, check in. You’ll be directed to the correct line to sign in and receive your cabin keys. Always keep your papers close at hand. All adults will need to bring a valid passport or other photo ID, as well as boarding passes. Your group members will be photographed and receive a cruise card that they can use to access their cabin and charge items. Kids won’t be able to charge items unless they specifically request it.
- NOTE: For cruise passengers in need of assistance, guests staying at a suite or concierge, and previous cruisers, there may be separate lines. This will speed up the process. You’ll be happy if you can use these lines.
- You will be asked for a form that asks about your coughs, nausea and diarrhea. Tell the staff on board your cruise what you are experiencing. Medical staff will determine if you can travel, for your own safety and the safety of other passengers. That’s it.
- Fill out the forms online if your cruise line offers this service. This will save you time.
After your boarding pass is processed, you will proceed up the gangway towards the ship …. It’s only a few minutes left until your vacation officially begins! Before you board, the photography team will snap a picture of your group. You can have fun and even come up with a funny pose before your trip. You’ll then use your cruise pass as a pass to pass through security and begin your vacation on the sea.
What are some of your favorite stories about the cruise terminal check-in process?
You’ve probably got some stories to share if you’ve ever cruised. Please share.
Please let us know if I missed anything or if you have any great tips!