How do you get on and off the boat?

[Hellolost]

I understand I go to the pier but then what happens? Is there a plank?

When we go to a port do we have to get on a boat? Do they put the plank out?

 

Never been on a cruise and I know these sound like stupid questions but it is one of those things that I think about at night while getting all happy about my cruise coming up?

 

What happens when you go to originally get on the boat? What do you have to do before boarding? (this is at the pier not paperwork)

 

If my boat leaves at 4pm what time should I arrive to get on the boat? Does it take long?

[cruiserbryce]

not dumb questions by any means...sounds like some of the ones we had before our first cruise. Most terminals are raised and you take the gangway (pier) from inside to board the ship...there are a couple ports we have been to that we have walked up an inclined ramp to get aboard...no boat required. The only time you will need a boat is if you visit a port that has no pier...then you will tender in...either on smaller boats provided by the port or on the ship's larger life boats. Checking in and the process prior to getting on board is similar to checking in at the airport and a hotel combined...if that makes sense. You will wait at a check in counter like a hotel front desk where you will provide a form of payment for your on board account and they will issue you a room key/charge card. Then you go put your carry ons through a metal detector and get on. Once on board the buffet and bars are open and its an excellent time to explore the ship. For a 4pm sailing you will likely be able to board at around noon ish

[cb at sea]

Most times, you won't even KNOW you're boarding a ship---at the home port, the dock is set up so securely, that you feel like you're walking in a hallway.

At ports, the exits vary, depending on the port...again--hallway!!! In "tender" ports, you'll board a large "ferry" boat, to get to the dock. That's got more of a "ship" feeling than any of the other means of boarding!

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

I don't know what ship you are taking or what port, but on RCI, your carry on bags are put through the security check machines before you get in line to receive show your documents and receive your Sea Pass.

 

Sometimes there is a wait after you get your SeaPass if the ship isn't quite ready to board or boarding is slow. Also, RCI has you get in a line to have your photo taken for security purposes. There will also be a set up where photographers take pictures of you as you board. That photo will be available for you to buy later and makes a great souvenier of your trip.

 

At big ports such as Lauderdale, the gangplank up to the ship is usually covered to protect you from the weather. It can be hot, though, until you get on the ship.

 

There are usually greeters at the ship's door to make you feel welcome. Some cruiselines even offer a Mimosa or champagne. One had crew who escorted us to our cabin. Not all ships do that.

 

I know how exciting it is to imagine getting on the ship and dreaming of step-by-step how it will be. That's part of the fun of a cruise.

 

I hope you have a wonderful time and join the ranks of the cruise addicts.

[Cymro1953]

Everyone has covered most everything, but if you can get on the ship as early as you can as it's part of your 1st holiday day. then you can get food and explore the ship even if your cabin is not ready yet. On ours we're arriving about lunchtime and intend to get on her ASAP.

 

Have a great time and you won't need a plank to get off the ship unless you're siling with Captain Jack Sparrow :-) (POC)

[lissaw16]

Here's a picture that might help.

 

I was on Monarch of the Seas (left), but if you look closely, you can see the yellow "bridge" coming from the Norwegian Sky (right). This was at the dock in Nassau.

[silentbob007]

If the ship (it's not a boat because it has boats on it ;)) leaves at 4, you absolutely must be there at least an hour before or they could deny boarding. As others have said, get there early, say 11-11:30ish and enjoy the extra hours onboard.

[Houndmom]

If you board early, then you have a lot of time to explore the ship before it gets really crowded. A real plus for first timers. The buffet will be open for lunch, and you can chill by the pool until your luggage arrives at your stateroom. (If, like us, you do carry-on only, you'll have to shlep your stuff around until your stateroom is ready.) :)

[Arwenmark]

On most ships at least one dining room is also open for lunch on embarkation day though most of the crew will try to direct you to the buffet. Dining room is so much nicer.

[MR tech]

We're just back from our first cruise on Royal Caribbean. We found the process to be very much like an airport. Everyone is very helpful and will point you in the right direction if you have any trouble, but mostly you just need follow the other people. Read the signs carefully as they will often tell you which line to be in. You will go through some security just like in an airport You will need to keep your passport and cruise documents handy. On Royal Caribbean they take a photograph at several points - just do what the others do - and they will present you with your sea pass card. You will just follow the hallways and escalators as in an airport and suddenly before you know it, you are on deck. Once on deck they stopped each family group to take a welcome photograph.

 

As the others said, we were on the boat around noon and the ship didn't leave until 6 p.m. I say, the earlier the better...gives you more time to explore the ship.

 

One thing I wasn't really prepared for was finding my way around the ship for those first few hours. We found it a little intimidating. Try not to get frazzled as it can be a bit confusing to find your way around. Try to prepare yourself for a little uncertainty and go with an attitude of adventure and exploration. If you find yourself feeling confused or intimidated, just find a spot to sit and enjoy the view and people watch for a bit. After the first day it will be old hat.

 

Enjoy...we found all the things that we were nervous about to be no problem at all. It may be your first time but it is not theirs and they have dealt with many types of people. They make everything very user friendly. Never be afraid to ask for help or guidance. The staff are unbelievably friendly and helpful.

 

Have fun!