Embarkation day: what happens when you board

The order things happen

1. Arrive at your check-in time. Earlier than your slot usually means waiting outside.
2. Hand your checked bags to a porter at the curb, with the line's luggage tags already attached. Tip the porter; a few dollars a bag is customary.
3. Go through security, like at an airport.
4. Check in: passports or documents, a photo, your payment card for the onboard account. Much of this is done online now.
5. Board. You get your room key (a card or a wearable) at check-in or in your cabin.
6. Complete the muster drill. On most lines you watch a safety video in the app and then check in at your assigned muster station.
7. Eat and explore while you wait for the cabin to be ready.
8. Find your cabin when it is announced as ready, usually early afternoon.
9. Meet your bags, which arrive through the afternoon and early evening.
10. Sail away, usually late afternoon. Be on deck for it.

What time to arrive

Arrive during the window you chose at online check-in. If a line gives you no window, aim to arrive at least a couple of hours before sailing, and never cut it close to the all-aboard time. Here is how several lines handle arrival:

What to wear and carry

Wear something comfortable you'd be happy to have lunch in by the pool, with shoes you can walk in. Your day bag, which stays with you, should hold everything you'd need if your suitcase took until dinner to arrive:

• Passports or travel documents, and boarding documents
• All medication, in original containers
• Swimsuit and sunscreen
• A change of clothes for dinner
• Phone, charger and power bank
• Anything valuable or fragile

The full list is on your day-one carry-on.

The muster drill

Every guest must do the safety drill before the ship sails. It is the law of the sea, not the cruise line being fussy. Most lines now let you watch the video on the app or in your cabin, then check in at your muster station on a deck. Do it as soon as you board: it takes about five minutes, and leaving it means crew calling your name over the speakers.

What not to do on embarkation day

• Don't book a morning flight for the same day.
• Don't pack medication or documents in a checked bag.
• Don't forget the luggage tags. Untagged bags take far longer to find you.
• Don't wait at your cabin door. Go and explore; they'll announce when cabins are ready.
• Don't spend the afternoon in the busiest buffet. Many ships open a main dining room or quieter venue for lunch on boarding day; check the app.

The first afternoon is the one time the whole ship is new to everyone. Walk it end to end. You'll spend the rest of the week knowing exactly where you're going.