ARRIVAL / EMBARKING

• Arrival time: Arrive at or slightly before your boarding time. They may make you wait if you arrive too early.
• Luggage: When you arrive at the port, hand off your checked luggage to the porter curbside. Consider tipping, as these porters aren't affiliated with the cruise line.

• Documents: Have your passports, birth certificates and other documentations on you at all times. DO NOT pack in your luggage that you provide to the porter.

• Beverages: If you bring beverages with you on the ship, this needs to be in your carry-on luggage, NOT the larger luggage your provide to the porter.
• Checking in: Checking in and going through security is a very easy process. If you complete pre-check in ahead of time, you will likely receive Express Boarding, which makes boarding even easier and quicker.

ON THE SHIP

• Muster drill: Go to your Assembly Station for the emergency drill procedures. This station will be noted on your SeaPass Card and in the App. If you can't find it, simply ask a staff member and they will guide you. Everyone must go through the muster drill before the cruise can leave port.
• Show/activity reservations: If you are on a ship that requires reservations for various shows and activities, such as ice skating, laser tag and adult comedy show, do this as soon as you are on the ship's Wi-Fi. Reservations do fill up fast so act quickly. Please note, some activities don't show up on the App until you are on the ship's WiFi so you can't preplan. This is different from the shows and dining you can reserve on the App prior to the cruise. If you don't make reservations, oftentimes you can show up, wait in a different line and still be able to partake in the activity/show.

• Sold out activities or excursions: If you weren't able to purchase or register for certain activities prior to the cruise due to being sold out, visit Guest Services or the appropriate desk to inquire about availability. Sometimes they hold a few extra spots for late additions or there are cancellations.

• Beverage packages: If you purchased a beverage package, there will be tables around to collect your tumbler. You can also collect your tumbler at any bar.
• Luggage: Your luggage is often available after 1 p.m.; however, it can potentially be as late as 7 p.m. You will find your luggage in your stateroom or in the hallway. If your luggage is delayed, check nearby hallways or inquire with Guest Services. If the cruise line withholds your luggage, you will be notified and they will guide you through the process of obtaining it.

• Lunch: Lunch is served on the first day, so feel free to enjoy lunch after you board. Just know that it will be very busy as everyone is getting lunch around the same time.

• Pool/activities: The pools and other activities will be very light on the first day while everyone is arriving. You can show up wearing your swimsuit under your clothing or change in a community bathroom prior to your room being ready. Just make sure you pack your swimsuit in your carry on bag that you keep. Sign the FlowRider waiver, if applicable.

• Adventure Ocean Youth Program: One parent can go and register their child for the program while the rest of the family does other activities.

• Room and luggage: Your room will likely be available around 1 p.m. Luggage is often available after 1 p.m.; however, it can potentially be as late as 7 p.m. If delayed, check nearby hallways or inquire with Guest Services. If the cruise line withholds your luggage, you will be notified and they will guide you through the process of obtaining it.

• SeaPass Card: You will receive your SeaPass Card(s) when you arrive in your room. Until then, you can view the virtual card through the App.

• Airplane Mode: Turn your devices on Airplane Mode to avoid any international roaming charges prior to leaving port. Don't turn Airplane Mode off until you get back to your final port and disembark.
• Time: Ship time is accurate on the app so follow ship time for your activities and to make sure you are back on the ship in time on port days. Your phone may automatically adjust to the new time zone you are in, so be extra prepared and aware of the time of your activities and ship time.

Lastly, have fun! It can feel overwhelming at the very beginning because you want to take care of the urgent matters, you don't know the layout of the ship yet and there are tons of people everywhere. Just take a deep breathe, savour the first moments of entering the ship, marvel at its beauty, grab a beverage if you'd like and enjoy your vacation.