Exactly HOW, What happens at the start..

[SilverSeas]

So we are TOTALLY new to cruising.:confused: We are going on RC ...So let's set the scenario.. the cab drops our luggage off at the cruise ship and us. What happens next? And then what happens? And after that? Just let me know roughly step by step for that first day and next morning.:confused::rolleyes:

[uncleah]

A porter will take your bags and tag them if you haven't already done so. You will go through a security line with airport type scanners. After this you will show your documents to RC personnel that will direct you to the check in line for you. You will check in and be given your Seapass card and given a boarding number. You will be sent to a waiting area where you will remain until your boarding number is called (or if you are in a suite you may be sent to board directly). When you go to board you will enter the ship where they will scan your Seapass card. After that you will be on the ship and can go where ever you want. Depending on the time, you may not be able to go to your cabin as they may not be ready. You can go for lunch or you can just go look around the ship. They will announce when cabins are ready and you can go to your cabin. Your luggage may or may not be there but it will get there eventually. They will make announcements about the safety drill and you will need to go to the area listed on your card at the time they tell you. Sometime after that the ship will sail.

 

You can explore the ship, go for dinner in the evening, see shows, visit the casino or just go to bed. There will be a newsletter in your cabin that tells you all the events going on that day. You will get one in the evening that tells you what is happening the next day. You can order room service for breakfast the next morning or just get up and go for breakfast.

 

You can basically do as much or as little as you want. There are lots of things going on and you can go to them or not. It's your vacation so have a great time.

 

There is nothing you really have to know, just go with the flow.

[tonyweir]

Make sure you to read the daily cruise compass that your cabin attendant will leave for you. Read it twice. There is so much going on that you can't do everything. Pick the things you want to see and do and enjoy yourself. Doing nothing is an option too!

[Desert Cruizers]

When you and your luggage are dropped off at the Cruise terminal, keep your carry on luggage with you and anything you want to have right away, there will be porters to take your luggage to be loaded unto the ship. You should have completed your Online check in 90 days prior to sailing and nor later then 4 days before you sail. Print out your Set Sail Pass and luggage tags when ready to print ( 46 days prior to sailing). Have ready for check in at the terminal, 1. Set Sail Pass, 2.Pass ports if you have them,3. DL and 4.Credit Card you will use for your On board Expenses. Upon check in, you will be each given your Sea Pass Cards ( size of Credit Card) This is your room Key and to be used for any purchases on board.

 

Roughly 1 hour before you sail you will be instructed to attend the Muster drill ( Back of door to your room will tell you your station. ) Relax and begin the enjoy your cruise. :)

[tonyweir]

When you do the online check-in, sign the online activity waivers as well (there's a link on the check-in page). It will save a lot of time onboard and you'll be able to hit the ice rink, rock wall, flowrider and slides without waiting.

[JVilleGal]

Be sure and have tip money for the porters who take your bags! Do NOT pack your passports or Birth Certs & Documents in any bags to be checked on a plane or given to the porters. Keep those documents with you!!!!

 

Final tip Do NOT fly in to port the day your ship sails.... that's a recipe for disaster.

 

 

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[tonyweir]

What ship are you sailing and when? That would help us give you some port and ship specific tips.

[Merly]

Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin, but it can be quite late and you may not have fresh clothes for the first night dining. The dress code is not strict on the first night but if there is anything you definitely need, early evening, medication, make up etc, then put it in your carry on. Don't be afraid to ask staff or fellow passengers, they will be helpful.

[kerryincork]

Also you don't have to wait in your cabin for your luggage. Your room steward will either leave it outside your cabin or inside.

 

You can also get lunch when you board. Buffet will be open on one of the top decks or you can have a sit down lunch in restaurant. The staff at the door where you enter will as always direct you to the buffet, I have even been told that this is the only place to eat, not true.

This is where research comes in. If you go to the forum for your cruise line ask what places are open on embarkation day and where they are located. I'm very good at directions so I have the deck plan memorised before u get on the ship.

You can go anywhere you like except cabins unless they have not been released.

 

Also they will be photographers set up before you board, these are photos to be purchased. You don't have to but the photo if they take your pictures. I get my photo taken then choose at the end if I want to buy them. It's always fun to look anyway. If you don't want to have your photo taken it's OK to walk pass without stopping.

 

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[hannibal54]

You will be allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine with you up to 750ml each per cabin. If you are going to do this, have your wine in your carry on bag not your checked luggage. The last tip, enjoy yourself.

[nelblu]

Depending on the ship, for instance, on a Quantum ship, you wont get a sea-pass card until you get to your cabin. However, you can use your sea pass document for anything that you may use on the ship, eg: drinks etc. Also, depending on the ship and hour of arrival, once you finalized check-in, you can board the ship directly and you do not have to wait in a waiting area.

 

Don't worry, there's is always someone to help you with any questions or instructions.

 

By the way, on a recent Anthem cruise out of Bayonne, all check-in, photo & medical questionnaire was done via I-Pad's by RCL's personnel stationed outside & inside the building. Very efficient.

[DISFANS3]

Arrive early, you pay for the first day. We always arrive at port by 10;30 am most of time our on board by 11;30 or 12...

[nelblu]

Arrive early, you pay for the first day. We always arrive at port by 10;30 am most of time our on board by 11;30 or 12...

 

Ditto,

[md13]

Leaving on our first cruise ever (royal carib enchantment out of Miami) in 8 days. Thank you all for the info and especially silverseas for asking!

 

 

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[mollyeilis]

Make sure you to read the daily cruise compass that your cabin attendant will leave for you. Read it twice. There is so much going on that you can't do everything. Pick the things you want to see and do and enjoy yourself. Doing nothing is an option too!

 

 

Make sure you get the first day's compass as you checkin or board! It's invaluable information.

 

 

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[cb at sea]

Checking in is like checking into a hotel. Once you're onboard, consider the ship your resort hotel (albeit, with smaller rooms!)....do what you want, when you want....as much or as little as suits you.

 

You should get a guidebook on your ports, so you will know something about the places you'll visit....many things are easy and cheap to do on your own, so you won't be at the mercy of pricey excursions!

[gagirl7143]

To check in you must have your passport! Do not pack it in your checked luggage. Keep all medications with you and we do a change of clothes ( long pants for men ) to be able to dress for dinner in dining room

 

 

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[cstimmons]

I've only got 5 cruises under my belt but my biggest newbie mistake was not having a change of clothes in my carry on to a Puerto Rico departure. We didn't get our bags till 10 PM that night and I was hot/uncomfortable in the clothes I'd been traveling in since 6 AM that day.

[kerryincork]

I usually wear my swimsuit under clothes when checking in. Nice new easy to lounge by the pool 😀

 

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[nelblu]

Checking in is like checking into a hotel. Once you're onboard, consider the ship your resort hotel (albeit, with smaller rooms!)....do what you want, when you want....as much or as little as suits you.

 

You should get a guidebook on your ports, so you will know something about the places you'll visit....many things are easy and cheap to do on your own, so you won't be at the mercy of pricey excursions!

 

 

Did you have stay in some NYC hotels. LOL

[bilyclub]

Make sure you to read the daily cruise compass that your cabin attendant will leave for you. Read it twice. There is so much going on that you can't do everything. Pick the things you want to see and do and enjoy yourself. Doing nothing is an option too!

 

 

Bring a highlighter to mark events in the compass that have a high priority to do. Compasses from past cruises can be found online to give you a good idea what to expect.

[ellenw]

When you first arrive at the port, make sure you take the time to appreciate the "OMG - that ship is huge!" feeling. No matter how many cruises I have been on, that is the point at which I know I am really on a cruise. Love looking up at the ship.

 

Don't get overwhelmed. Take you time, and do what you want. You can't do everything. Sitting and doing nothing but watching the ocean is the perfect way to pass some time.

[Biker19]

While checking in, try to find a person in the Diamond priority check in line and hang with them for a bit - they'll guide you, they've done it a few times. In all the excitement you'll forget most of what the folks in this thread mentioned.

[CCC3]

Enjoy the excitement of the moment that you're greeted by an employee...and you set foot inside the ship. What a rush!

 

 

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[reedy8]

So we are TOTALLY new to cruising.:confused: We are going on RC ...So let's set the scenario.. the cab drops our luggage off at the cruise ship and us. What happens next? And then what happens? And after that? Just let me know roughly step by step for that first day and next morning.:confused::rolleyes:

 

If you want to research the ports you are going to, there is also a great discussion thread further down the opening page on 'boards' where people who have already been there posts helpful hints and ask questions.