Bottleneck busters: how to beat the queues when getting on and off cruise ships
Embarking and disembarking doesn't have to be a headache - here's why.
Cruising can be a relaxing holiday, but the thought of long lines at the start and end of the voyage can take the pep right out of your pre-trip step. The good news is embarking and disembarking doesn't have to be a headache. Frequent cruisers know there are ways to bypass the bottlenecks and go straight to the fun part.
Getting on
Some operators, including NCL and Carnival, offer paid packages that allow guests in regular staterooms to skip to the front of the queue. These perks can also be secured on many lines by booking a suite or holding high-tier loyalty status.
If you don't have priority access, timing is everything. Arrive at the cruise terminal outside of peak check-in times. Pre-register an onboard account, anywhere from 30 to 45 days before sailing, so you can select your preferred embarkation time.
"Many travellers gravitate towards the lunchtime window, so arriving a little earlier or later can make the experience feel even more seamless," says Lisa Pile of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "Having travel documents organised ahead of time also helps ensure check-in is smooth from the moment you arrive."
Complete as much of the registration process as you can on the cruise line's app, before you even get to the terminal, to speed up boarding. That includes uploading a profile photo and registering a credit card.
You can usually spot the experienced cruisers on day one: they'll be the ones already swimming while everyone else waits for their bags to be delivered. Slip straight into relaxation mode once onboard by packing swimwear in your carry-on luggage, along with essentials.
"Checked luggage may take a few hours to be delivered to staterooms, so guests should keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, and a change of clothes in their carry-on luggage," says Megan Koffel of Princess Cruises. "I recommend packing swimwear in the carry-on luggage to start enjoying the pools and hot tubs immediately upon boarding."
Getting off
After an enjoyable cruise, leaving the ship on the morning of disembarkation is nobody's favourite activity, but you can make it easier by planning strategically.
Always settle your bill the night before to save time. Settling any discrepancies could cause a delay if you wait until the morning of departure to check your final statement. There are generally two options for getting your bags off the ship. Crew members can haul them off, if you leave them outside your cabin the night before, or you can carry them off yourself.
The "self-assist" option, if you can manage it, is by far the easiest and fastest. Not only does it mean you can pack up in the morning, it also gives you flexibility to be off the ship early or as late as possible.
Unless you have an early flight to catch, don't be one of the first to rush to get off the ship. Go on, do one more round of the brekky buffet.
Koffel says guests receive detailed disembarkation information in their staterooms during the cruise, including luggage tags, meeting locations and departure times. "On most sailings, the shore excursions team may offer excursions with a drop-off to the airport which could be helpful for those with late flights," Koffel says.
My all-time favourite destination is … impossible to pick just one. Thailand for the wonderful food, massages and kindness of the people. France for the beauty, charm and excellent wines.
Next on my bucket list is … Egypt and Ecuador, both intriguing destinations where I can indulge my love of cruising. Yes, please, to a luxury cruise down the Nile and around the Galapagos Islands.
My top travel tip is … Take it slow. It’s impossible to see everything and go everywhere. You can’t “do” Europe in a week. I prefer to take my time now, to savour the moments and get to know fewer places but on a deeper level.
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