Embarkation advice

Getting on the ship can be one of the most frustrating parts of a cruise. Follow our advice for a smooth, savvy experience.

Avoid peak times

According to one of our inside sources (an Embarkation Manager for one of the larger lines) the quickest time to check-in is either right upon opening of check-in which is usually between 10:00 and 10:30am in North American Ports or 2 to 2.5 hours prior to departure (when most guests have already boarded).

Register online

All of the major cruise lines are offering some form of advance online registration. This really does save time at the check-in agent won't need to enter all the required information such as home address, emergency contact details, passport information and onboard charge information.

The Editorial Board at Cruise Savvy has been informed that on average 70% of guests are pre-registering as of 2008.

You can also setup spa appointments, pre-book shore excursions and even make sure your beds are separated or together.

Don't worry if the "expedited" line for those with online check-in seems longer - it will move much faster.

Be flexible

If you arrive at the pier and the place is already packed with eager and anxious guests, why not leave until things settle down? Most lines in most ports will allow you to check your luggage at the pier and come back later to check-in and board.

A walk to the city or a quick taxi ride to the nearest local attraction can be a fun and relaxing way to spend the morning.

The choice is yours: (a) start your vacation off with a frustrating wait in a seemingly never-ending line of salivating guests just jumping to get onboard for that Welcome Aboard Buffet, or (b) grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the sights and culture of the homeport city!

Just don't wait too long -- many lines are now enforcing a 90-minute prior to departure check-in rule that may leave latecomers stuck at the port with no refund.

Be realistic about your luggage

To check or not to check? If you can physically manage your luggage up the gangway and the line, and the local port authorities will allow it, you may consider carrying your own luggage onboard.

Note: if you aren't 100% capable of carrying your luggage up the gangway, please do your fellow cruisers a favor and check-it! It isn't going to make you any friends onboard if your first contact with your fellow cruisers you clogging up the gangway stumbling up the plank with two rollers and a garment bag across your shoulder.

Keep in mind that while you may be allowed to board as early as 10:00am, you may need to tote your bags until 1pm when the cabins are generally ready.

If you do check your luggage, be patient. Typically all luggage is deliver by about 2 or three hours after departure - be patient.

According to a recent survey, each guest brings 1.6 pieces of checked luggage to the ship on the average 7-day cruise - even more on longer voyages. Screening, sorting, and delivering all that luggage can take some time, especially if you are on a super-sized ship. The ship's crew is simultaneously screening, sorting and delivering all luggage and provisions for the cruise - such as the ice cream, steaks, lobster and other essential equipment.

We strongly urge you to keep the following on you at all times (not in your checked luggage):

• Medications, valuables and a change of clothes - just in case!
• Non-perishable snack such as a protein bar. Delays always feels twice as long when you're hungry.
• Passport and tickets. More than one cruiser has mistakenly checked these, causing no end of trouble.

Tip the porter!

In many ports large signs are posted that tipping is not necessary. Ignore those signs and TIP THE PORTER. We have heard more than a few stories about guests stiffing the longshoremen and not seeing their luggage until they arrive back in the homeport. Don't make that mistake.

Service industry standards for tipping luggage handlers is $2 per bag in the U.S. In other places, use your best judgment.

Above all, be patient

Everyone is excited to get aboard, but sometimes things happen. Computers go down, Homeland Security creates a delay ... the reasons are endless.

Do all you can to avoid the rush and be prepared, but if you do encounter a delay, take it in stride. Becoming anxious or agitated won't help. Experienced cruisers often carry a deck of cards or a magazine in their carry-on, and staying calm will help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest.