What You Should Expect at Check-in on a Cruise

You have been anticipating this day for months. The cruise ship is visible in the harbor beyond the pier. Your heart is racing with the excitement of your first cruise. All that stands between you and a trip to paradise is the process of checking in. It is amazing how many people are here for the exact same purpose. To assist you in this effort, here are the steps that you can expect to face before boarding most cruise ships.

How you get to the port will affect how you begin the check in procedure.

If you get to the port city by mass transportation, more than likely you will arrive at the terminal without having to worry about parking. However, if you drive, the first step of check in is to park your car. Cruise lines work in partnership with nearby lots and garages for passenger parking. The packet of information that you received or downloaded and printed from the cruise line should have specific instructions regarding where to park and how to get to the terminal.

If the terminal offers valet parking for a few dollars, you may want to consider this option for a nearby parking garage. If the lot is some distance from the terminal, go to the lot and park. A shuttle will pick up you and your luggage. Make sure to tip the person who loads your bags. Usually, you have to prepay for parking. So, have cash handy for this. It will be about $15 per day.

Bags that you need to check in will be handled at the curb.

Much in the same way as airport baggage is handled with curb side check, ports will have people to take your bags and direct them to your ship. The standard tip is a dollar or so per bag. If your bags exceed the weight limit, drop off some extra tip to keep them from rejecting your luggage. Make sure that your tags with your cabin number are firmly affixed to each bag that is checked in.

Terrorism has affected all forms of mass transportation.

Before you get very far with the check in process, you will have to pass through a security check. This means metal detectors and X-ray machines. This will also feel like an airport check in. If you set off the alarm, expect to be pulled aside and rechecked with a wand. If you prepare for this ahead of time, you should have no metal big enough to trip the alarm on your person.

Keep all of your travel documents handy until you are inside the ship.

Your ticket and passport may be needed several times before you board the ship. Try to keep them out and available throughout the check in. If your cruise line issues your ship identification card before boarding, you probably will not need the other papers again during the boarding process. If the passes are given out on the ship, plan on keeping those papers within easy reach.

You will need a credit or debit card at some point.

Cruise lines like to open you a tab as you get on the ship. All of your expenditures on the ship will be done by using your ID card that is also your room key. You need a credit or debit card to back up this on board spending. You can make a cash deposit instead, but if you use it up, your card will not let you spend any additional money until you replenish your deposit with the ship. The ship gives you the option up to the last evening of the cruise to pay off the balance so that it is not charged to your card if you prefer.

If you arrive early to the terminal, expect slow moving long lines.

You may have to wait for a while before they start to process anyone for check in. Most cruise lines encourage guests to arrive about 1 or 2 pm. If you go earlier, you risk long waits. Most cruise lines take about forty-five minutes to an hour to process you onto the ship. The staff is generally cordial during the security checks and becomes very friendly after that.

You will board the ship and be directed immediately to a deck where food is waiting for you in a buffet.

The last phase of check in consists of boarding the ship. Many times, cabins are not ready until after 2 pm and sometimes after 3 pm. To help you pass the time, cruise lines have a big buffet set up for you. Sometime, there is also entertainment available on the outside upper decks of the ship. This is usually games and music. Somewhere after 2 pm, the ship will announce that you can go to your stateroom. Your luggage will not arrive until later that evening in most cases, but you are now on the ship and in your room. It is time to cruise.