If you're sailing from Seattle depending on what cruise line you are on and what airline you are flying there is a service called "Port Valet" where you can have your bags tagged and they will go straight to the airport (you will NOT need to pick them up in the cruise terminal) and waiting for you at baggage claim when you land back home.
It amazes me that disembarking can go from seamless to complete chaos even when on the same ship with the same itinerary. I cruise regularly on the Carnival Glory from New Orleans. Some disembarking days have left me wondering whether the logistics have been orchestrated by the three stooges! Today I was able to get off the ship in a timely and organized manner. After many, many cruises ( 80 plus), I believe if the passengers read the directions and follow the instructions given by ship everyone can get off the ship in a timely manner. The ship’s protocol for disembarking is the same, but the passengers make the difference.
We always put our disembarkation clothes, shoes, documents, personal bags, etc. in the bathroom then go through the stateroom and pack up everything. Nothing much in the bathroom needs to be packed and set out the night before!
Brilliant idea. If the shower area is dry, it's convenient for placing all items needed for the final walk-off. We will try this on our upcoming cruise.
Even if you are prepared in advance to follow all these excellent recommendations, you may still be confused in the event. For example, announcements during disembarkation coming constantly over the PA tend often to be spoken too rapidly or in an accent with which you are unfamiliar. Gangways and collection points may be too crowded for easy passage. The weather may turn foul overnight with your rain gear already sent ahead. You may forget to empty your safe of the odd cufflinks. Etc., etc. The solution: Make a checklist and do a walkthrough of your assigned route the evening before, and get breakfast out of the way at the earliest possible time, like 6 a.m. or even an earlier quick Continental bite. Then you are free for almost any quick reaction to changes at the last minute.
For myself, packing choices for a cruise start with considering how I will be disembarking the ship at the end of the cruise. If self-disembarking, I minimize what I bring and use a backpack style luggage that is comfortable for me to walk with fully packed. This may mean bringing fewer items and wearing clothes twice or more on the ship and utilizing laundry service. I try to bring almost empty toiletries and T-shirts that I don't mind tossing in the bin at the end of the cruise to have a little extra room for souvenirs.
Pack some things throughout the cruise such as souvenirs,clothes you won’t need again or dirty clothes makes the packing at the end less stressful. Also consider mini versions of toiletries for the last morning so larger items can go in hold luggage if flying.
Good video - Not a big fan of self debarkation. Elevators are packed and so are the stair wells with people and their bags. We always make sure we are not rushed to get off the ship. Usually flights in Miami or Orlando leave for us are 10:00am or after 3:00PM. We never would get a flight before noon because too many things have to go perfect for you to make your flight. We have done post cruise excursions after the cruise so we don't have to sit in the airport for 5hrs. If we are driving. we take our time having breakfast. Since we are usually high on the loyalty program, our departure time is usually pretty early. By the time we get done breakfast, it is past our debarkation time and we just walk off the ship. When we have done self-debarkation, it seemed many of the people schedule their return flight too early and are very stressed and can be rude.
You usually just stay on the ship for the second cruise. If you're in the same cabin you leave your things there. If you're changing cabins you'll need to check what procedure that ship uses for moving your bags.
Not at all. It looks confusing if you haven't done it before but the cruise line gives you instructions every step of the way. You will be surprised how easy it will be. Cruises are great. Enjoy
We just got home from our first ever cruise yesterday (Explorer of the Seas) and disembarkation was a breeze. So simple, we were delighted with it. We just had a very early start due to our flight, but the Windjammer was open at 6am for breakfast so that was great. Thumbs up for Royal Caribbean!
Question as I get ready for my first ever cruise just 8 days from now: If I self-disembark, must I leave the ship at the earliest first call or may I stay on board, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and get off whenever I like up till the last group?
Make sure on the first day you get to know your cabin attendant. I usually give them a $20 on day one and then either another $20 or $40 cash tip on the final night. Then I ask if I can leave my bags in my room while I enjoy breakfast and come get the bags when I'm ready to leave. They've always said yes. Just make sure your room is not messy and your luggage is neat and in a corner. Then you don't have to rush off or bring all your stuff to breakfast.
When I self-disembark, I have enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and was one of the last passengers to leave the ship. It's a very calm way to end a cruise. Usually, printed information on final departure procedures and final day dining options are delivered to your cabin 2 days prior to the end of the cruise. Take a few moments to read this document to plan your final time onboard.
I have never experienced this but occasionally passengers take another passenger's luggage because it is the exact same type. This results in the cruise staff eventually contacting the passengers who left their luggage in the pick-up area. If it happens to you, look for luggage that is very similar to yours and it will help the cruise staff track yours. Also, take a photo of each piece of luggage separately the final night before putting out for pick-up. The photos will help confirm to the port staff what luggage you need to find.
![25 Things Cruisers MUST Know Before Your First MSC Cruise [MSC Cruise Tips 2024]](/img/n.gif)
If you're sailing from Seattle depending on what cruise line you are on and what airline you are flying there is a service called "Port Valet" where you can have your bags tagged and they will go straight to the airport (you will NOT need to pick them up in the cruise terminal) and waiting for you at baggage claim when you land back home.
It amazes me that disembarking can go from seamless to complete chaos even when on the same ship with the same itinerary. I cruise regularly on the Carnival Glory from New Orleans. Some disembarking days have left me wondering whether the logistics have been orchestrated by the three stooges! Today I was able to get off the ship in a timely and organized
manner. After many, many cruises ( 80 plus), I believe if the passengers read the directions and follow the instructions given by ship everyone can get off the ship in a timely manner. The ship’s protocol for disembarking is the same, but the passengers make the difference.
brilliant! Two things we learned: Don't pack ALL of your shoes the night before and be sure to leave your glasses in your hand luggage. Love you lads.
We always put our disembarkation clothes, shoes, documents, personal bags, etc. in the bathroom then go through the stateroom and pack up everything. Nothing much in the bathroom needs to be packed and set out the night before!
Brilliant idea. If the shower area is dry, it's convenient for placing all items needed for the final walk-off. We will try this on our upcoming cruise.
Even if you are prepared in advance to follow all these excellent recommendations, you may still be confused in the event. For example, announcements during disembarkation coming constantly over the PA tend often to be spoken too rapidly or in an accent with which you are unfamiliar. Gangways and collection points may be too crowded for easy passage. The weather may turn foul overnight with your rain gear already sent ahead. You may forget to empty your safe of the odd cufflinks. Etc., etc. The solution: Make a checklist and do a walkthrough of your assigned route the evening before, and get breakfast out of the way at the earliest possible time, like 6 a.m. or even an earlier quick Continental bite. Then you are free for almost any quick reaction to changes at the last minute.
For myself, packing choices for a cruise start with considering how I will be disembarking the ship at the end of the cruise. If self-disembarking, I minimize what I bring and use a backpack style luggage that is comfortable for me to walk with fully packed. This may mean bringing fewer items and wearing clothes twice or more on the ship and utilizing laundry service. I try to bring almost empty toiletries and T-shirts that I don't mind tossing in the bin at the end of the cruise to have a little extra room for souvenirs.
Ben - your videos are always fun and helpful. Very grateful for you. Stay safe.
Pack some things throughout the cruise such as souvenirs,clothes you won’t need again or dirty clothes makes the packing at the end less stressful. Also consider mini versions of toiletries for the last morning so larger items can go in hold luggage if flying.
OMG the hearts at the end... totally loved it!!
We agree about taking your own luggage off it is much easier. As always great video with helpful info.
Good video - Not a big fan of self debarkation. Elevators are packed and so are the stair wells with people and their bags. We always make sure we are not rushed to get off the ship. Usually flights in Miami or Orlando leave for us are 10:00am or after 3:00PM. We never would get a flight before noon because too many things have to go perfect for you to make your flight. We have done post cruise excursions after the cruise so we don't have to sit in the airport for 5hrs. If we are driving. we take our time having breakfast. Since we are usually high on the loyalty program, our departure time is usually pretty early. By the time we get done breakfast, it is past our debarkation time and we just walk off the ship. When we have done self-debarkation, it seemed many of the people schedule their return flight too early and are very stressed and can be rude.
Great tips Mark, thanks!
Great adv, as always. Thanks Ben!❤
David, what about side by side or back to back cruising procedures?
You usually just stay on the ship for the second cruise. If you're in the same cabin you leave your things there. If you're changing cabins you'll need to check what procedure that ship uses for moving your bags.
Hi bed and David when does your Ariva cruise fro 27/10-11/11 come on your site. Met you in Burger King Gran Canaria.
I am seriously considering a cruise BUT this looks like a lot of hassle 😮
Not at all. It looks confusing if you haven't done it before but the cruise line gives you instructions every step of the way. You will be surprised how easy it will be. Cruises are great. Enjoy
We just got home from our first ever cruise yesterday (Explorer of the Seas) and disembarkation was a breeze. So simple, we were delighted with it. We just had a very early start due to our flight, but the Windjammer was open at 6am for breakfast so that was great. Thumbs up for Royal Caribbean!
Question as I get ready for my first ever cruise just 8 days from now: If I self-disembark, must I leave the ship at the earliest first call or may I stay on board, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and get off whenever I like up till the last group?
Make sure on the first day you get to know your cabin attendant. I usually give them a $20 on day one and then either another $20 or $40 cash tip on the final night. Then I ask if I can leave my bags in my room while I enjoy breakfast and come get the bags when I'm ready to leave. They've always said yes. Just make sure your room is not messy and your luggage is neat and in a corner. Then you don't have to rush off or bring all your stuff to breakfast.
When I self-disembark, I have enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and was one of the last passengers to leave the ship. It's a very calm way to end a cruise. Usually, printed information on final departure procedures and final day dining options are delivered to your cabin 2 days prior to the end of the cruise. Take a few moments to read this document to plan your final time onboard.
@@zenkakuji3776 Thank you! Very helpful.
Whew! Thanks for the heads up!
Self disembarkation....can you be later if you are in no rush. Any penalties for not getting off first?
When you choose to self disembark, you can choose to be one of the last passengers to get off the ship. It's a flexible choice.
For self disembarkation when you need to clear customs are there set times or can you choose your own time to arrive.
Hopefully I am never on a cruise that I WANT to disembark.
Does anyone ever get their luggage stolen at disembarkation?
I have never experienced this but occasionally passengers take another passenger's luggage because it is the exact same type. This results in the cruise staff eventually contacting the passengers who left their luggage in the pick-up area. If it happens to you, look for luggage that is very similar to yours and it will help the cruise staff track yours. Also, take a photo of each piece of luggage separately the final night before putting out for pick-up. The photos will help confirm to the port staff what luggage you need to find.
@@zenkakuji3776genius!!! Thanks!
Immigration…
Sorry.