What to Expect on Your First Day on Board

Cruising is one of the best ways to explore the world’s most popular cities and ports, but it’s normal not to know what to expect on your first cruise, especially when it comes to your first day at sea.

At Odysia Cruise, we know you’ll have questions ahead of your first cruise, and that’s why we’re here to cover everything you can expect on your first day at sea, as well as answer some other questions you might have about your first voyage, such as what to wear and how to plan your trip.

Your First Day at Sea: Our Step-by-Step Walkthrough

It’s the first day of your cruise – how exciting! You’ve packed your bags, and now you’re ready to get going, but what can you expect? Here is our step-by-step guide to what to expect on your first day at sea.

1. Making Your Way to Your Terminal

First things first, let’s get you to your port of departure. Depending on the type of cruise you have booked, getting to your cruise terminal can look very different. For a fly cruise, you can expect an early wake-up and a journey to the airport before jetting off to your port. 

If you’re going on a cruise from the UK, you will likely drive, taxi or take the train to your port of departure. Regardless of which cruise type you have chosen, ensure you take your passport, ticket, travel documents, visas (if necessary), travel insurance documents and payment card with you.

2. Handing Over Your Luggage

When you get to your cruise terminal, you’ll be happy to hear that your heavy bags are taken care of right away. Upon arrival, you will see luggage porters located near the departures entrance, ready to take your bags and load them directly onto the ship for you. For fly cruises, a representative from your cruise line will accompany you to the terminal from the airport.

Before handing over your bags, ensure that you have the items listed above with you. You will need these to board the ship, and it may be a few hours before your luggage arrives at your cabin.

3. Embarkation

‘Embarkation’ refers to the simple process of boarding your ship. While an integral part of getting everyone on board in a safe and ordered manner, it is convenient and stress-free.

Along with your fellow passengers, you will undergo a simple check-in process at the boarding point, similar to that of many other types of holiday. You will need to provide your passport and other relevant travel documents, then sign up for your on board account. This may involve taking a photograph or receiving a wearable device. 

Finally, you will undergo a security check as a safety precaution, then board your ship.

4. Safety Notices and Procedures

Once on board, you will be directed to your room. Once there, you and your party will need to watch a muster safety video, which provides important information about what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.

This drill is not cause for concern but a necessary part of cruising that ensures guests know how to safely evacuate the ship, what different horn sounds mean and how to use life jackets. Once this step is complete, guests are free to explore the ship!

Dress to Impress: What to Wear on the First Day of a Cruise

Selecting the perfect outfit for the first day of your cruise is more important than you might first think. Here are a few of our top tips:

• Prioritise Comfort
  On the first day of your cruise, you are likely to be sitting in a car, train or plane for a lengthy period of time, and you might be queuing to board your ship once you arrive at your terminal. Ensure you wear comfortable clothing, such as shorts or light trousers and supportive footwear.
• Essential Layers
  Depending on the time of year and your departure port, it might get a bit chilly at your terminal. As you will be separated from your luggage before check-in, keep hold of a jacket, cardigan, or sweatshirt to stay warm while waiting to board.
• Stay Pool-Ready
  If you are excited to make the most of your cruise ship’s pools as soon as you board, don’t let your luggage return slow you down. Pack a small towel in your carry-on and wear your swimsuit under your clothes to make sure you’re the first person hitting the water!

Reducing Uncertainty: How to Plan a Cruise for the First Time

You’ve made it to your terminal and successfully checked in, and now you’re wondering how to make this cruise holiday the best ever. Planning a cruise for the first time might seem daunting, but here are a few strategies we recommend!

Check Out the Daily Schedule

Whether by print or in-app, many cruise lines publish a day-to-day schedule of events and activities throughout the ship. On the first day of your cruise, have a look through this itinerary and highlight those that you and your party would most enjoy.

Explore the Entire Ship

The best way to know where to have your breakfast or enjoy your evening drink is to explore the ship on the first day of your cruise. This will not only help you familiarise yourself with your new home on the sea but also give you a sense of what spaces and atmospheres most suit your tastes.

Have a Chat With a Representative

Throughout your ship, members of staff from your cruise line will be ready to answer any questions you might have about the destinations you’re due to visit and the excursions available at each. Be sure to discuss your preferences with these staff members to identify the most suitable activities and excursions for you.

Discover Your Dream First Cruise with Odysia Cruise

Make your first cruise a success with Odysia Cruise! If you have more questions about what to expect on your first cruising experience, be sure to contact us. Our team of Cruise Experts will guide you on your way to the cruise of a lifetime!