Day One of Your Cruise What Can You Expect

By: Marilyn King

Planning and packing are over. You anticipate embarking on your first cruise. Is this exhilarating - or intimidating? What exactly can you expect?

Keep in mind your embarkation day cannot really begin until the departing cruise guests and their luggage are cleared from the ship. Their debarkation process can be drawn-out...like a large traffic jam. While last week's passengers make their way reluctantly down the gangway, staff and crew ready the ship for your sailing. By the time the last straggler departs, trucks are arriving at the dock with provisions. Much heavy work goes on behind the scenes. Staterooms and public lounges are thoroughly cleaned and straightened. A steady stream of supplies and luggage are brought aboard. There can even be an exchange of crew members - some leave while others arrive.

This turn-around procedure is carefully choreographed - like the most intricate ballet.

Arriving from the airport, or your hotel - by bus transfer, taxi or car - you will first encounter baggage handlers. These are not cruise line employees and they *do* expect a tip - a couple of dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Show them your cruise ticket and picture ID for verification and security purposes. Be sure your ship's luggage tags are securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them over.

Cruise line shoreside staff mill about and point you in the right direction - easily recognizable wearing official looking uniforms with name tags. Often, they carry a clipboard. Once inside the terminal, you might encounter a check-in line. Actual boarding time is usually scheduled for noon but some cruise lines begin processing early arrivals...and then direct them to a "holding" area. During check-in, you are asked to produce your cruise documents, any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, proof of citizenship, and a credit card (to pay for your on board charges). Then you are issued a boarding card which often doubles as your stateroom "key" and shipboard charge card.

At some point - either before you enter the check-in area or before proceeding to the ship - you and your hand luggage will pass through a security procedure, similar to airports. You are anxious to get on board and begin your vacation. This is not the time and place to get cranky if you have to wait. Keep in mind, you cannot board until the ship is ready for you.

Once boarding begins, you will probably have your first experience with the ship's photographer. You will be asked to pose for an embarkation picture. It only takes a second...so smile. You are under no obligation to purchase any photos taken during the cruise - but they are a nice souvenir.

Congratulations! You are On Board! Your cruise has begun. Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by the staff lined up just inside the ship's hull. Once again you have to produce your picture ID and boarding card for the security officer. Depending on your cruise line, you may be directed to your cabin - or a steward will take your carry on luggage and accompany you. Stewards on deluxe cruise lines not only show you the way, but hand you a glass of champagne as a welcome aboard gesture.

Check out your stateroom and make sure everything is in order. You should find life jackets on the bed (ready for the muster drill later). There is a copy of the ship's daily schedule. Take a few moments to look over the schedule - you'll want to know what time the muster drill takes place. The placard on the back of your cabin door indicates directions to your emergency station. You will want to know the meal hours and schedule for various activities and entertainment.

Rented tuxedos are either hanging in the closet or will be delivered sometime during the afternoon. Bon Voyage gifts sent by your friends or travel agent usually appear as well. Be patient if you expect deliveries, particularly on large ships. Stewards participate in the ship's turn-around and are extremely busy. Yours will no doubt introduce himself at the first available opportunity. It will be awhile before your checked luggage arrives. So...go and enjoy the welcome aboard buffet. Bring along your daily schedule to look at while you eat.

On your way to the buffet, you may notice bar waiters offering trays of colorful and exotic "Bon Voyage" drinks - often in souvenir glasses you can keep. Beware! - they are not complimentary! If you choose one, you'll be asked to sign for it. Again, like the photos, you're under no obligation to purchase. However, the glasses are fun souvenirs.

Do your plans include going on shore excursions and indulging in spa treatments? The most popular tours sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea days. So your next stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk to book tours...and the Spa to make appointments - unless of course you have had the foresight to reserve these in advance.

Your dining room seating assignment is another matter. Check the main dining room and see where your table is located. If it's not to your liking, or if you requested a large table and find yourself assigned to a small one, you need to see the Head Waiter. He will be stationed in a lounge with his charts handy to make changes - the daily schedule will indicate where and when you can find him.

For the rest of the afternoon into early evening - enjoy other introductory activities - tours of Spa and Fitness Center, port and shopping talks...casino gaming lessons are available. Of course, there is the compulsory Muster Drill - followed by sailaway festivities on the pool deck.

Late afternoon or early evening, your luggage will arrive. Now you can unpack, settle into your cabin and prepare for dinner. A word of advice - just in case your luggage doesn't arrive before dinner, have your toiletries and appropriate attire in your carry-on so you can freshen up and change. The dress code is always casual on your first evening of a cruise.

A highlight of embarkation day is your first dinner in the main restaurant where you meet your waitstaff and tablemates. Order whatever you like from the menu of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for dessert! Other than iced tea, coffee, hot tea, and water, beverages in the dining room are not complimentary.

After dinner the entire ship becomes alive with action. The casino, shops, and lounges are all open to greet you. The Cruise Director introduces his staff at the Welcome Aboard show in the main theater - shows are scheduled to coordinate with dining seatings.

Back in your stateroom for the night. Your steward has straightened things up during your absence. The ice bucket is filled, there are fresh linens in the bathroom, the bed is turned down. Your next day's activities schedule is on the bed. And your steward has placed a chocolate on your pillow. Sweet dreams...

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Marilyn King has been a travel professional since 1988. Her "Flight To Quality" has provided quality travel arrangements for individuals, corporations and groups: Europe, South America and the Caribbean. In 2003, Marilyn completed the Ireland Specialist Programme and is now an official member of The Shamrock Club/Tourism Ireland. Learn more - ( http://www.FlightToQuality.com ). Subscribe to your "Free for Life" newsletter - "Psssss.....t!" Receive your Free eReport - "Taste Wine in a Small Village" - ( http://www.flighttoquality.com/ ).

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