The Cruise Terminal
In my most recent trip on the Norwegian Getaway, as part of the check-in process, Norwegian asked that I make a reservation to arrive at the cruise terminal. So, naturally, I chose one of the earlier time slots, about 10:00 a.m.
When I got there, it was a mess of people. The check-in time didn’t matter. Everyone was sent to a waiting area designated by their cabin class or location until their area was called to board the ship.
I learned that, instead of waiting in the terminal with a lot of confused, impatient cruisers, it is better to arrive after everyone has figured out what is what and has boarded the ship. No one should come early to wait in line. I’ve talked to others, and the consensus is to come two hours before you have to for no line.
Some cruise terminals are simple, like in NYC, and you just arrive and go to your cruise because there’s only one ship. It took a little more time when I was in Barcelona because I needed to take a bus to the right ship. It was my first cruise, but per usual, asking random people where to go worked like a charm!
Luggage
You can drop your luggage with the cruise, and they will take it to your room. On my first cruise, I was a little unsure about this, but it works fine. They have a system. Just make sure your luggage is tagged with your name and cabin number.
On my first cruise, I just took it myself, figuring that if my luggage was misplaced, it would throw a wrench in my vacation. Now I just bring my separate airplane carry-on, which holds anything delicate or irreplaceable, like my computer, camera, and whatever else I could fit.
Ship Room Card
When you check into the cruise terminal, you’ll get your cruise card. You’ll need to show your passport and cruise ticket to get this. Your card is linked to your onboard account to make all spending super easy, of course. They will also take your picture.
Your card will also serve as your way to leave and reboard the ship. While I bring my passport with me at all ports, I’ve never once had to show it to anyone after the initial check-in. Crew members scan your room card to check you out of the ship and again to check you in.
Your card will also act as a credit card, letting you buy any items in the ship’s fairly extensive stores. While most items in the ship store are overpriced, over-the-counter medications are reasonably priced, as the ship has a vested interest in keeping everyone as healthy as possible.
International Safety Drill
It’s always exciting to board the ship, look around, and get a drink. You can do some exploring, but in my experience, not much is open until the ship, crew, and captain lead the muster drill. The muster drill is required to be reviewed with all cruise passengers within 24 hours in accordance with the International Convention of Safety of Life at Sea regulations and tells cruisers what to do in an emergency. It’s just like the flight attendants’ presentation before your plane takes off, but louder, as they usually sound the emergency horn as an example. You will have a specific area to check in for the drill, which will be designated on your room card.
The drill takes place about 30 minutes prior to sailing. Some cruise lines won’t even let you enter your room until the drill is complete. Either way, they scan your key card at the drill, and if you miss it, they’ll find you to go over it.
After the muster drill, the rest of the ship and its services will be open.
Go have fun—your cruise has finally started!
