What should you definitely do and definitely not do on the first day of your cruise? If it is your first time cruising with kids take a look at these mistake to avoid and must haves on the first day of your cruise. The embarkation day of your cruise is important and there are things that you will not want to miss or forget to book once onboard. Read these tips on everything you need to know about your first day onboard a cruise ship.
Take a look at our embarkation day tips for travelling with children
What you must do and not do on the first day of your cruise 15 cruise tips
Have Lunch in the main dining room on the first day of your cruise
Do go and eat lunch when you embark, don’t head to the buffet if you can help it. The buffets are very busy on embarkation day, you are on holiday so are there to relax. The main dining rooms are normally open for lunch on embarkation day and sea days. Our favourite thing to do when we board is to head to the main dining room restaurant and have a delightful three course lunch. Don’t worry about the children they are always well catered for.
Book your speciality restaurants
Embarkation day is a good time to book your speciality restaurants if you have not already pre booked them. Some cruise ship restaurants are more popular than others. To avoid disappointment head to the restaurants to peruse the menu and get in early.
Take a dip! Make sure you have a bag for around by the pool!
Take a dip on your first day on cruise ship as the pools can be less busy. Be sure to pack a small carry on bag with you with swimwear and suncream in as you may not get your luggage until the evening.
Check out where your main dining room table is
You are allocated a table in the main dining room it is a good idea to check where it is before you go to dinner. Doing this can enable you to make any changes if need be. If you have any dietary requirements now is a good time to check these are in place too. Head to the main dining room to do this.
Pick up a daily planner
Plan your day with the daily planner. You can pick up a daily planner at reception or you will have one on your bed if your cabin is open. Plan what you want to do on your first day onboard your ship with its list of daily activities and opening times.
Book your Spa treatment
Spa treatments get booked up it is a good idea to book your treatment on the first day of your cruise. Head to the Spa area to see what spa treatments are available.
Explore the Ship
The First day of your cruise is s good time to explore this ship. Grab a ship guide and explore the whole ship from top to bottom. Cruise ships can be very large so it is a good idea This is also good for if you need to sign up for kids clubs and other activities.
Attend the Muster drill
The muster drill is an obligatory drill you must attend on the first day of your cruise. A muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise for all guests and crew to advise on safety precautions in the unlikely event of an emergency. You will have instructions on how to do this in your state room. If you are in any doubt head to a corridor at the time of the muster drill and you will be escorted to your muster drill point by a state room attendant or crew member.
Sign your children up for the kids club
You will need to sign up your children to the kids club on the first day of your cruise. You can sign up the children so they can attend kids club and join in all of the children activities throughout your cruise. You will also need to make sure your children have a muster station wristband advising which muster station they are meant to attend if they are not in your care at the time.
Sign up at the kids club desk on the first day of embarkation and grab a muster wrist band here also if you do not have one.
Check out the shore excursion desk
Have you booked a shore excursion? If you haven’t now is a good time to book one on first day of your cruise. Peruse the cruise excursion activities booklet and book some days out off of the ship with the kids at the excursion desk.
Join the Sail away party
Most ships enjoy a sail away party on embarkation day. The sail away party is usually up on deck where you can grab a cocktail and dance as your ship pulls out of the port. There is usually music and entertainment at the sail away so it is something you may not want to miss and fun for all the family.
Sort out your drinks package
If you haven’t already purchased your drinks package now is a good time to arrange one. The first day of your cruise is usually the only time other than before you board that you can boo a drinks package at a discounted price. You can normally book a package on the promenade deck, at a bar or reception. Some cruise lines may differ so check your planner.
Grab a welcome cocktail
Often as you first are welcomed onboard cruise lines offer a welcome cocktail. Look out for your welcome cocktail when you first get onboard. They are often at guest relations of in the promenade area.
Download the cruise app if there is one
Many cruise lines have a cruise app. Download the cruise line app for your cruise. You can book many different activities shows and see any cruise credits.
Set up a group meeting point
Set up a group meeting point for once you are onboard. If you lose your relatives or when you are out at sea you make have no phone signal. Set up a meeting point so you can regroup when needed.
Thank you for reading do’s and dont’s of the first day of your cruise
D x
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