Sailing day questions
The short answer
Arrive at the check-in time you chose online, carry a day bag with documents, medication and a swimsuit, and expect your cabin to be ready around early afternoon and your bags later. Lunch is served from when boarding begins. The muster drill is required before the ship sails and takes about five minutes on most lines.By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026
The full day, step by step: embarkation day.
First-timer questions
Questions, answered.
The questions people ask most. Tap one to open it, or open them all and read straight down.
4 questions on this page
Can you eat on embarkation day?
Yes. Lunch is included and served from when boarding begins, usually at the buffet and often in other venues too.
How early should I arrive for my cruise?
At the check-in time you chose online. If your line doesn't assign times, arrive a couple of hours before sailing and never close to the all-aboard time.
What should you not do on embarkation day?
Don't fly in that morning, don't pack medication in checked bags, don't forget luggage tags, and don't wait at your cabin door: explore and have lunch.
How long does the muster drill take?
About five minutes on most lines: a safety video in the app or cabin, then a check-in at your muster station.