Embarkation Tips (Getting Onboard)
1. Arrive a Day Early, if possible
- If flying in, arrive the day before to avoid travel delays.
- Book a hotel near the port with a shuttle service.
2. Know Your Port's Layout & Transportation
- Major ports have different terminals, so check your cruise documents
- Uber/Lyft are available at most ports, but some have designated pick-up zones.
3. Follow Your Check-In Time
- Cruise lines now use staggered check-in times to reduce congestion
- Don't show up too early; they won't let you in before your assigned time.
4. Pack a Carry-On Bag
- Your luggage may take hours to be delivered to your cabin
- Essentials: documents, medications, phone charger, a change of clothes and swimwear.
5. Have Documents Ready
- Passport (or birth certificate + government ID, depending on itinerary)
- Printed boarding pass (some ports require physical copies)
6. Be Ready for Security
- Similar to airport security but less strict
- No liquids over cruise line limits (alcohol, soda or water rules vary)
7. Set Up Your Onboard Account Beforehand
- Enter credit card info online to speed up the check-in process
- Some cruise lines allow you to submit a security photo in advance
Disembarkation Tips (Getting Off the Ship)
1. Know the difference: Express vs. Standard Disembarkation
- Express Disembarkation: Carry your own luggage and leave as soon as customs clears.
- Standard Disembarkation: Bags are taken the night before and you leave at an assigned time
2. Settle your Onboard Account
- Check your bill the night before; disputes are harder to handle in the morning.
- If paying cash, settle it before disembarkation day.
3. Have Customs Forms ready, if required
- If bringing back alcohol, souvenirs, or other duty-free items, know your limits.
4. Book an Afternoon Flight if Flying Home
- Disembarkation usually starts around 7-8 AM and can take time.
- Flights before 12 PM are risky; aim for 1 PM or later to be safe.
5. Be Aware of Luggage Porters
- They can speed up the process at some ports but expect to tip them ($5-$10 per bag)
Top U.S. Cruise Ports & Unique Tips
1. Miami, FL (Port Miami)
- Busy! Arrive early to avoid traffic congestion.
- Parking is expensive ($22/day); off-site lots are cheaper with shuttles.
- Public transit is available but not ideal with heavy luggage.
2. Fort Lauderdale, FL (Port Everglades)
- Closest to an airport! Just 10 minutes from FLL Airport.
- Hotels with free shuttles are plentiful.
- Terminal 18 is mainly for Royal Caribbean’s larger ships.
3. Port Canaveral, FL
- Offers Kennedy Space Center & Cocoa Beach for pre/post-cruise fun.
- Parking at the port is $17/day, but off-site lots are cheaper.
- GoPort (Port Canaveral): Offers roundtrip coach service from hotel to cruise terminal for about $39 per person.
- Advance Booking Required: Must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance - no walkups allowed.
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Smooth & Reliable: Seamless experience with no issues; ideal for groups.
4. Galveston, TX
- Many hotels offer free cruise parking if you stay the night before.
- Uber & Lyft pick-ups are a few blocks from the terminals.
- Plan for Houston airports (Hobby Airport = 1 hr away, IAH = 1.5+ hrs).
5. New Orleans, LA
- Walkable from downtown hotels.
- Porters work fast, so tip early and they’ll take care of you.
6. Los Angeles (San Pedro & Long Beach)
- San Pedro Terminal: Princess & Norwegian sail from here.
- Long Beach Terminal: Carnival's private terminal.
- LAX is 30-45 mins away; budget extra time for LA traffic.
7. Seattle, WA (For Alaska Cruises)
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NCL & Holland Transfers: Smooth airport-to-ship service—check your bags at the airport and they appear in your cabin. Ride takes about 45 minutes and cost typically $45 per person -- worth it for the convenience.
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Holland Port Valet (Disembarkation): Luggage taken from the ship and delivered straight to your final destination airport carousel. Cost: $49 per person for 1 bag.
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Other Options: Taxis and shuttles were available; Uber/Lyft may be possible but weren’t clearly visible. If staying overnight, check if your hotel offers port transfers (usually for a small fee).
8. New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Cape Liberty)
- Manhattan Terminal = NCL & Carnival, very tourist friendly.
- Brooklyn Terminal = Princess & Cunard, quieter but less transit options.
- Cape Liberty (NJ) = Royal Caribbean, better for Newark Airport flyers.
Final Pro Tips
✅ Download the CP Mobile App for extras like additional excursions, maps, packing tips and more..
✅ Download the Cruise Line’s App for check-in, deck maps & updates.
✅ Prepare for the Port's Wi-Fi Dead Zone - connect before you arrive.
✅ Use Specific Luggage Tags Provided by the Cruise Planner Travel Advisor to avoid baggage confusion.
✅ Join a Facebook Group for Your Specific Cruise for extra port-specific hacks.
