Disembarking from a cruise is the worst moment of the whole trip. Many passengers wish it would never come but unfortunately, vacations do not last forever.
Everything has a beginning and an end, and even after our beloved cruise, there will come a time to return to our normal life.
The only thing we can do to improve this moment is to follow some steps to have a stress-free disembarkation.
I have created a 10-point guide with the most important things to know before leaving the cruise ship. Read everything carefully.
1. Opt for Self-disembarkation
The first thing I want to recommend is choosing self-disembarkation if you are short on time or need to get off the ship as soon as possible.
Self-disembarkation means that you will carry your own luggage and can get off as soon as the ship is cleared.
Each cruise line has different rules in this case. If you have special needs, I always recommend that you contact customer service at least a few days before the end of your cruise.
2. Monitor your Onboard Account
Before leaving the ship you will have to settle the necessary amount on your shipboard account.
What I do, and what I recommend, is to check the account the night before disembarkation. Pay all that is due so that the next morning you will have no worries of this kind.
It’s a useful thing especially to notice incorrect or unwanted charges that could lead to disputes.
3. Pack Smart the Night Before
Don’t leave all your packing for the morning of disembarkation. Make sure most of your items are packed the night before and place your luggage outside your cabin door if using the ship’s luggage handling service.
Maybe I don’t need to tell you this, but I say it anyway for distracted passengers, leave out of your suitcase the clothes you have to wear the next morning.
In addition, I always bring a change of clothes in my carry-on luggage, it is useful in case of emergency especially if I have to take a flight or train.
Check the other 20 things that are essential in your cruise carry-on bag.
4. Keep Essential Items with You
As we saw in the embarkation tips, even during disembarkation you must keep all the essential items with you.
In particular, you should always keep your cruise card, passport, and ID on hand. You’ll need them as you exit the ship and go through customs.
I also always carry a reusable water bottle and some snacks.
5. Eat Breakfast Early
On disembarkation day, breakfast hours are often limited. You should find the schedule on the daily program the night before disembarkation.
Remember to set your alarm and get up early enough so that you still have enough time to enjoy your last breakfast on the ship.
6. Be Mindful of Timing
Proper time management is essential to avoid stress during the disembarkation day.
Sometimes the whole process can take longer than expected, for example, if there’s bad weather or delays in some operations.
My advice is not to book transportation to get home too early in the day. Especially if you have to take a flight, try to choose one that leaves in the late afternoon or evening.
7. Tip the Luggage Porters
If you use a porter to help with your bags at the terminal, remember to tip them. A few dollars per bag is standard, and they can make the process of handling multiple suitcases much easier.
That’s why you should always have some cash when you go on a cruise. If you are not sure how much to tip you can also check this list.
8. Don’t Forget Last-Minute Purchases
If you bought any duty-free items or photos, ensure you collect them before leaving the ship.
The morning of disembarkation is also the last time to buy some souvenirs or keepsakes of your cruise. Remember to take something home with you.
Just make sure you don’t buy one of the 10 things that are always overpriced on cruise ships.
9. Plan Your Transportation
Planning your post-cruise transportation ahead of time is essential. As I mentioned earlier, it’s important to avoid scheduling flights too close to disembarkation.
Additionally, if you’re taking a shuttle to the airport or a taxi to your hotel, make sure to organize these arrangements in advance. Some cruise lines offer transportation options, but these need to be booked ahead of time.
Booking in advance is also one of the 20 tricks to save money on a cruise.
10. Final Cabin Sweep
Before leaving, check your cabin thoroughly for any forgotten items. If you’re as forgetful as I am, you’ve probably left something behind.
Remember to check the closet, drawers, under the bed, in the bathroom, and even on the balcony (if you had one).
Don’t forget to take your things from the safe as well. You can put a shoe inside the safe so that you don’t forget precious things on the ship.
This advice is part of a series of tips that were given by a crew member, I recommend that you read them, they are very unique.