Embarkment Day Advice

[RNelder]

We're doing a cruisetour in Alaska this June. We arrive in Whittier around 1 PM after a short cruise from Valdez to Whittier. We can board after our transfer to the pier altho we don't sail until 9:30 PM. What is involved in boarding for the first time and about how long does it take? Since we don't depart until late evening, we're thinking about boarding upon arrival, getting off to do some walking around and re-boarding later for dinner before we depart? Does this sound reasonable?

[Keith1010]

The precise boarding time will vary by cruise line along with the time it will take to board.

 

Once on board, there is much to do. You will likely want to have lunch on board, you will want to see your cabin and once your luggage arrives you will indoubtedly want to unpack all of it. You may want to walk around the ship to see all that it has to offer and to figure out where everything is located. Then there is the lifeboat drill. You will be asked to go to a particular location based on your cabin assignment where you will be provided information regarding evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency and then you will be taken to the lifeboat area. Not sure what time you have dinner but keep that in mind as well. If you want to make any spa appointments or other related appointments it is good to do that the first day as well.

 

In short, there will be a number of items to keep you fairly busy the first day. You may or may not have time to walk off the ship before you leave depending on the timing of everything else.

 

Keith