Embarkation day for your cruise vacation is an exciting day! You get to board the ship and check into your stateroom. Before you board, it's good to know what to expect so you can maximize the first day of your cruise and not miss out on something exciting. Being prepared for embarkation day also means you'll set yourself up for smooth sailing for the rest of your time on board. 

Port Arrival 
Each port is different however, a few things are standard. You'll choose a port arrival time when you complete online check in. If your cruise line offers transportation to the port, that is usually the best option. You can arrange private transportation, Uber, Lyft, or drive yourself and park if you're close enough. Make sure you know when embarkation check-in ends - this is usually at least an hour or more before ship departure. If you arrive after the cut-off time, you won't be able to board, even if the ship is still there. 

Baggage Check
Upon arriving, follow the signs to baggage check. Make sure you've attached the luggage tags the cruise line provided for you. If you didn't get luggage tags or don't have them, the cruise line will have some on hand at the terminal. Have your reservation number and cabin number handy.

Carry-On Bag
Not all of your luggage should go to the baggage check, keep key essentials with you while boarding the ship. Just like an airplane, keep important items, that aren't easily replaceable, with you. This includes passports/IDs,  laptops, prescription glasses, medication, jewelry, etc.  Check out my list of what to pack in your cruise carry-on before heading out on your next trip.

Check In  | Security
Join the line for check-in and security. Sometimes you go through security first and other times you go through check-in first - it all depends on the cruise terminal. Either way, ensure you have your identity and boarding documents handy.

Waiting Room
After check-in, you'll wait in a large waiting room until it's your turn to board. The exception to this is arriving late in the check in process, you may just walk right on. If you have an early port arrival time, you'll probably be waiting for a while. 

Boarding
Finally! They call your boarding group and you head up the long walkway onto the ship.

Muster Station
Thinking about hitting the buffet? Not so fast! The first thing you have to do is check in at your muster station, which is the location you will head in case of an emergency on the ship. Your muster station number will be printed on your key card and ship crew will direct you where to go. Once at the station, they'll scan your card, check your name off a list, or you'll check-in on the cruise app. There is usually a quick presentation before the crew sends you on your merry way. Keep in mind, the ship cannot leave the port until every passenger completes the muster drill. 

Where to Eat
Most people head straight to the buffet (maybe a bar along the way). This isn't a bad choice but, it is usually very busy and might be a little overwhelming. Do a little research ahead of time or ask a crew member what sit down restaurants are available for lunch. The sit down restaurants are usually more relaxing and and I find it a much better way to begin my trip.

Explore the Ship
Alright, you've had food, you found a drink or two, whats next? Explore! Spend some time walking around the ship and learning where the dining rooms are, the entertainment venues, bars, shopping, etc. If you take the time getting to know the ship, you'll have a much smoother voyage. 

Make Restaurant Reservations
The first day is a good time to make reservations for later on in the cruise, if you haven't already done so ahead of time online. You can often find special embarkation day offers for the ship's specialty restaurants. Specialty restaurants do fill up, especially on days at sea or early departure port days, so don't delay and miss out on the dining at the restaurant of your choice. 

Visit the Shore Excursion Desk
If you're not sure what you want to do during your time in ports, head to the Shore Excursion Desk for ideas. You can also ask questions or confirm details on excursions you booked ahead of time. 

Check for Special Embarkation Day Offers in the Spa
You may not know that spa treatments are often discounted on embarkation day. You may get a great offer on a massage, facial, body wrap, and other spa treatments on embarkation day at the onboard spa. It is also a good time to ask for a tour of the spa facilities and ask any questions at the front desk to learn more about your options for pampering during the cruise.

Visit the Kids Clubs
If you're cruising with children, you'll want to explore and register at the kids clubs. Embarkation day typically has an open house for the kids club rooms, so you can stop by to tour the area as a family. This gives your children an opportunity to get comfortable with the sapce and gives you a chance to speak with the caregivers who will be interacting with your child. Be sure to ask questions about the schedule and activities while you complete the registration paperwork. 

When will my cabin be ready?
The crew members have been working hard all day to get the cabins ready for you - the rooms are typically ready just before you leave the port. An announcement will be made over the public address system or cruise line app when you can head to your cabin. 

When will my luggage be delivered?
Your luggage will be delivered outside your stateroom door. The timing varies but usually, the crew has everything delivered before dinner. If you don't receive your luggage, find your cabin steward and ask them to help. You can also call or visit guest services. 

Take Time to Unpack
Once your luggage arrives at your stateroom, it's a great idea to take time to unpack before dinner.  Depending on the cruise line, while you're at dinner, your stateroom attendant will come in to freshen up your room, turn down your sheets, and leave information for the following day of the cruise. 

Introduce Yourself to Your Stateroom Attendant
Your stateroom attendant will likely be the highlight of your cruise. They provide top-notch service and want to make your accommodations as comfortable and as relaxing as possible. You'll see them in the hallways outside your stateroom, which is a good time to introduce yourself and make any requests you may have, such as bed configuration, extra pillows, etc. 

Head to the Sail Away Party
When your ship pulls away from port, it's a fun time to be outside on one of the decks and watching your embarkation port get further and further away. The sail away party is the official start of your cruise, where you can order a glass of champagne to celebrate and mingle with fellow cruisers.