Boarding day, step by step
What to do before you leave home, how the cruise terminal works, and the first things to take care of once you're onboard. Written for Royal Caribbean, and most lines work the same way.
Before you leave home
Getting ready
Boarding goes fastest when the paperwork is done ahead of time. Check these off in the weeks before sail day.
At the terminal
From the curb to the ship
Most guests are through the terminal in under an hour, especially with online check-in done.
- Step 1
Drop your bags with a porter
Porters meet you at the curb and take your tagged suitcases. They'll be delivered to your cabin later in the day. A tip of a few dollars per bag is customary. Keep your carry-on with you.
- Step 2
Clear security
Similar to an airport: bags go through a scanner and you walk through a metal detector. This is where your wine and any drinks you carried on get checked against the allowance.
- Step 3
Check in
Have your SetSail Pass and passport or ID ready. At many terminals, a quick photo match is all it takes. Your SeaPass card, which is your room key and onboard charge card, may be waiting at your cabin instead of handed to you here.
- Step 4
Wait for your boarding group
If you're early, there may be a short wait in the terminal lounge. Use the bathroom and refill water bottles here.
- Step 5
Walk on board
Someone will snap a welcome photo as you board. You're not required to buy it. Then you're onboard and on vacation.
Once you're onboard
Your first afternoon
Cabins usually aren't ready until early afternoon, and checked bags can arrive as late as early evening. Here's how to use that time well.
1. Complete the safety drill
Royal Caribbean's muster drill is mostly digital: watch the short safety video in the app. You can do it the morning you sail, even before you get to the port. Then check in at your assigned muster station once you're onboard. Every guest must finish both before the ship sails.
2. Grab lunch
The Windjammer buffet is the obvious choice, so it's also the most crowded. The Solarium is a great option too, and the app lists other spots open for lunch on boarding day.
3. Lock in reservations
Shows, specialty restaurants, and spa times fill up. Book anything you missed before the cruise in the app, and look for boarding day specials.
4. Check your dinner plan
Confirm your dining time and table, or how My Time Dining works for you. Ask to change tables now if you need to.
5. Explore and drop off your carry-on
Once cabins open, drop your bag, check that everything works, and then walk the ship. You'll find your favorite spots faster.
6. Get ready for sailaway
Turn off cellular data or switch to airplane mode before the ship leaves port, then head up to the top deck to watch the departure.
First-timer mistakes to avoid
- Flying in the morning of the cruise. The ship won't wait for a delayed flight, so arrive the day before.
- Packing medications, documents, or a swimsuit in checked luggage.
- Waiting to do online check-in. The best arrival times are gone within hours of check-in opening.
- Showing up hours before your check-in time and waiting in line outside.
- Leaving your phone on cellular at sea. Roaming charges add up fast.
- Skipping the muster drill check-in. The ship can't sail until everyone is accounted for.
Terminal procedures vary by port and ship. If anything looks different on your sailing, just ask us.
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