Ultimate Cruise Disembarkation Guide: What You Need to Know

Time to say farewell

Ahoy, fellow cruisers! It's that bittersweet moment – the conclusion of your fantastic cruise vacation. You must now pack up your belongings and prepare for debarkation day. Let's cover your last night onboard and the disembarkation process to help make the assimilation back to the real world hassle free!

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Navigating Your Last Night Onboard

During the last night of your cruise, there are a few things to do to make disembarkation smoother and to be sure that you don't any unwelcome surprises when you return home.

• Account- you will want to take a final peek at your onboard spending account. It's a good idea to verify all of your purchases, dispute any charges at Guest Services, and if you would like to pay your bill in cash, follow the onboard procedures to get that completed.
  • Keep a copy of your account statement- either download, screenshot, or ask for a copy of your statement for comparison to your credit card statement once you are home.
• Towels/robes- If there were pool towels and robes in your cabin when you embarked, be sure that they are there when you leave. Many cruise lines can charge a pretty penny for missing items- upwards of $35 for a pool towel!
• Last Minute Purchases- Don't miss out on grabbing those cruise memories! If you want to buy any pictures, ship souvenirs, purchase your next cruise or vouchers for your next cruise, now is the time to get those purchases made. Once these shops close for the night, your chance could be gone.
• Decide how to disembark- there are 2 ways to leave the ship: self and cruise line guided. You will receive information the last day onboard and we will cover this in more detail below.
• Safe- You will need to clean all of your valuables out of the safe. We do this the night before disembarking for two reasons: 1. If we would happen to oversleep and get in a hurry, we might forget to empty the safe and 2. If the safe doesn't work properly, we have time to get maintenance to my cabin to unlock it.
• Collect any confiscated items, this includes any alcohol you may have purchased. The cruise line will have instructions including whether you need to go to a particular location to pick it up or if they will be delivering it to your cabin.
• Packing Tip- Do it the night before! Take the time to pack everything up and only leave out the essentials for the next morning.
  • If you have chosen to disembark guided by the cruiseline, you will also need to set your luggage outside of your cabin to be picked up. There is a dedicated time to have your luggage in the hall, usually around 9PM, they will begin taking the luggage and you will claim it disembarkation day at the terminal. Do NOT pack anything (medications, travel documents, passports, money, valuables, etc.) that you need in the morning. And remember to leave yourself clothing to wear!!
  • You will then write your information on the provided luggage tags and attach them to each piece of luggage you put in the hallway. Be sure to keep the luggage tag number to help claim your luggage and so you can remember what disembarking group you are.
• Keep your cruise card or seapass card handy! You will need to scan your cruise card one last time to get off the ship. The cruise line needs to be certain that all of the passengers from this voyage are off the ship before they can start to allow passengers for the next voyage onboard.
• Crew Members- If you had great service from any of the crew members, now is the time to take a picture of their name badge and give them a tip! When you receive your survey after the cruise, you can mention them by name. This is very important to them because they receive recognition and promotions.

Disembarkation Methods

On your last day of your cruise, you will receive information regarding disembarking. This information will go over the specific time for each group to disembark and information regarding your luggage, your bill, and where to eat breakfast.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind as you decide how you would like to disembark- how much luggage you have, whether you can handle it yourself, how early or late you would like to disembark (you will still have to be off the ship by late morning), and what your plans are after the cruise.

• Cruise line guided disembarkation- This will mean that you will need to set your luggage out in the hall the last night of the cruise. In the morning, you can get dressed, have breakfast, and go to the dedicated lounge to wait for your disembarkation time and number to be called.
  • You will then claim your luggage in the cruise terminal after leaving the ship and proceed through customs/immigration. If you have a lot of luggage or may have difficulty handling all of your luggage, this is the best option for you.
• Self Disembarkation/Walk Off- This means that you will NOT put your luggage out the night before or have a disembarkation number. You will pack up your luggage and take it all with you as you proceed off the ship.
  • Many times they offer this option as the first group to leave the ship as soon as it is cleared by local authorities. Many times, this is as early as 7:30AM. However, you can walk off whenever you are ready to leave. * Keep in mind, if you choose this option, you will need to be able to handle all of your own luggage and navigate the ship (including the busy, crowded elevators), gangway, etc..
    • You will still need to be out of your cabin early in the morning but it gives you freedom to eat breakfast or make a dash to the airport.
• Special Situations- There will be a particular time for those who have mobility issues, or who require additional assistance when disembarking. They will also have a set time for families and those travelling with little ones under the age of 2.
• Priority Disembarkation- The cruise lines will offer priority disembarkation to those in club level rooms, suites or those who have reached a certain level in their loyalty program.

Disembarkation Process

Cruise disembarkation usually begins as early as 7AM and completes by 11AM. Every cruise can vary, so you will need to check your itinerary for specifics. When it is your time to disembark, the process is really very simple. The crew will direct you through the ship and onto the gangway where your cruise card will be scanned one last time. You will then walk off the ship and claim your luggage if necessary.

The next step will be to clear customs and immigration. It can be as simple as a face scan or the immigration officials may need to see your identification and customs declaration form. As soon as you are cleared, you will exit the cruise terminal and be on your way.

Airport

If you are flying home, most cruise lines will recommend scheduling your return flight for after 1PM on disembarkation day. If you need some help booking flights, here is some great information to get you started- 5 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Flights

Why so late? The ship docks at 6AM. In a perfect world, you could schedule an early flight for 9AM and be just fine. We have done express walk-off and been from our cabin to our Uber in 20 minutes. However, there are many components that go into the recommended time of 1PM.

• Weather- You can't control the weather and a foggy morning or a storm system moving through can delay a cruise ship's arrival time into port. Some ports are known for their fog- Galveston, Mobile, Tampa, New Orleans. Cruise Ships and Fog: What You Need to Know
• Clearance- The ship must be cleared by local port authorities to dock and sometimes this takes longer than anticipated creating a delay in allowing passengers off the ship.
• Medical Issues- If someone onboard has suffered a medical issue, they will allow them to get off the ship as soon as possible to receive medical treatment. This may cause a delay in disembarkation.
• Criminal Issues- If someone has been in “cruise jail” or needs to be removed for committing a crime, this can cause a delay because they will be escorted off the ship separate from the other passengers.
• Technical Issues- Computer systems are great when they are working properly but when they aren't, it can cause a delay until it is fixed or there is a workaround. We were once on a cruise and the system that scans your cruise card was not working properly. They tried for a couple of hours to fix it, then they simply began collecting our cards when we disembarked. This is the only cruise that I was not able to keep my cruise card.
• Travel Time- Please take into consideration the travel time and physical distance from the port to the airport. For some ports (Port Canaveral, Galveston) it can be over an hour's drive. The next consideration is that you will also need to disembark, claim your luggage, go through customs/immigration, secure transportation and navigate the thousands of other people who are also doing this same thing. It takes time, even when everything goes smoothly.
• Local Events- Sometimes there are local events- parades, marathons, festivals, etc., that cause streets to be closed or traffic to back up. This can cause you to be delayed for quite some time, we always try to look at the city's event planner online so we know ahead of time if we may encounter an issue.
• Airport Security- We all know the drill: arrive 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours early for international. So for a 1PM flight, you should be arriving at the airport at 10 or 11AM. This extra time is helpful when there are long lines to check-in for your flight or at airport security points.
• Peace of Mind- There really is something to be said about ending your vacation without stressing about missing your flight home. Take the extra day, pay the baby/dog sitter a little more, and don't drive yourself mad or knock everyone over to get to that 10AM flight-it just isn't worth the aggravation.

Transportation

Airport transfers are plentiful and there are several ways to get from the cruise port to the airport, hotel or wherever you need to go next, it really depends upon the number of passengers in your group, the amount of luggage you have and what time your flight leaves.

Taxis- Every port has taxis that will be ready to take you where you need to go. Always agree on the fare amount and type of payment accepted prior to getting in the taxi.

Shuttles- There will be independent contractors that will have shuttles available. Keep in mind when you use this service that you will be waiting for the bus to be filled up with passengers and loading all of their luggage before leaving for the airport, this could be a few minutes or it could take an hour.

Cruise Line- The cruise line will have shuttle (bus) transportation available to book at the shore excursion desk or on their app prior to disembarking. This will be charged to your onboard account. They also typically have someone outside of the terminal to book with for any last minute transportation needs. However, they will not be able to charge your onboard account.

Ride Share- You will be able to use Uber, Lyft, or other ride share apps to be picked up at most cruise ports. They typically have a designated pick-up area, be sure to look for signage or ask for the correct location before you schedule your ride.

Pre-booked Rides- If you have used an independent company to pre-book your transportation, they will be waiting for you at a predetermined area, many times holding a sign with your name. When traveling with a group larger than 4, we like to have our transportation waiting for us. Always check to be sure the company provides a large enough vehicle for your luggage (especially if you are over packers or are shoppers).

Public transportation-Most ports will have some type of public transportation to connect you to the airport or a hub to provide transportation elsewhere.

Hotel Shuttles- If your next stop is a hotel, check to see if your hotel provides a shuttle service from the port. If you can't find the information online, a quick call will get you the answer. Many hotels that are close to the port and airport offer special packages that offer shuttle service to/from the airport and port or parking combined with shuttle service.

Rental Car- Typically there are rental car providers at the port if your journey doesn't end with the cruise or if you have a late evening flight. You can schedule to pick-up a rental car at the port and return it to the airport later in the day. Some providers are close to the port and others will provide a shuttle to their pick-up area.

Excursions

Cruise line- The cruise line will usually offer tours that end at the airport. Many times they will offer a city tour or activity that lasts 3 or 4 hours. This is really nice if you have a later flight in the day. They will also have space for your luggage, which is always a concern post cruise. Those who have an excursion booked with the cruise line will be one of the first groups to disembark.

Independent- Many of the taxi companies and excursion companies offer post cruise excursions with a drop off at either the airport or hotel. When booking, be certain that the company knows when and when you need to be picked up and dropped off and that they will have enough room for your luggage. Viator is a great place to look for companies who offer these services. You can also enjoy a resort for a few hours instead of waiting at the airport. In many port cities, the resorts are used to storing your luggage while you enjoy their amenities. Sometimes, they will even offer free shuttle services. You can browse through options and book through Resortpass.

Home

When you arrive home, there's always so much to do, and it's usually not too fun. So here are a few tips to help you complete your vacation and look forward to the next one.

Memories- Cruise memories will last a lifetime. Be sure to take a bit of time to organize all of your photos so you can refer back to them. Create a video or collage in Canva to share with friends and family or social media.

Credit Card Bill- You may notice pending charges on your credit card for a few days after your cruise. Don't worry about these charges while they are still pending. When the charges are posted, compare them to your account statement from the last night of the cruise, don't forget to take into account any last minute purchases you made!

Survey- The cruise line will send you a survey that asks about the ship, itinerary, service, and entertainment onboard. Please take the time to fill it out honestly and use those pictures of name badges to recognize those crew members by name who provided great service.

Sea legs- Sometimes after returning home you may still have the sensation of rocking or motion from being on the ship. This usually will subside in a few days. It's good to stay hydrated and go for a walk to help your body readjust to land. We have heard of some people taking some over-the-counter medications for seasickness to help out as well. If it persists, you should see your doctor.

FAQ's

Q: What is debarkation day?

A: Debarkation day, also known as disembarkation day, is the final day of your cruise when passengers leave the ship. It marks the end of your cruise vacation.

Q: What time should I plan to leave the ship on debarkation day?

A: Specific debarkation times can vary, so it's essential to check the information provided by the cruise line. Generally, passengers are assigned specific disembarkation times based on their deck or cabin location.

Q: How does the debarkation process work?

A: The debarkation process typically involves a series of announcements and instructions. Passengers are usually assigned specific meeting points or lounges where they'll wait until their group or deck is called to disembark.

Q: Can I choose my debarkation time?

A: While you may not have complete control over your debarkation time, some cruise lines offer options like self-assist disembarkation, allowing passengers to carry their luggage and disembark as soon as the ship is cleared by authorities.

Q: What should I do with my luggage on debarkation day?

A: Most cruise lines offer a luggage tag system, and passengers are assigned specific tags indicating when they can collect their luggage. Some may also provide options for express disembarkation, allowing you to carry your luggage off the ship without waiting for it to be delivered to a designated area.

Q: Can I extend my stay in the port city after the cruise?

A: Absolutely! Many cruise lines and independent tour operators offer post-cruise packages or you can make your own arrangements to explore the port city further. Just ensure that you will still get to the airport with plenty of time to check-in for your flight.

Q: How can I settle my onboard expenses on debarkation day?

A: Cruise lines often provide a final statement of your onboard expenses that you can review and settle on debarkation day. You can usually pay with a credit card or another preferred method at the designated location onboard.

Q: Is breakfast served on debarkation day?

A: Yes, most cruise lines provide breakfast options on debarkation day. The timing and location may vary, so check the cruiseline's app or daily newsletter for details.

Q: Can I leave the ship early if I have a morning flight?

A: Some cruise lines offer early debarkation for passengers with early flights. Check with guest services to see if this option is available and how to arrange it.

Q: What should I do if I encounter any issues during debarkation?

A: If you face any challenges or have questions during debarkation, don't hesitate to seek assistance from the ship's guest services. They are there to help and ensure a smooth disembarkation process for all passengers.

Next Cruise

If you were a first-time cruiser, you now have some experience in cruising and we are certain you will be checking prices for your next cruise adventure before long!

If you purchased a cruise certificate for your next voyage while onboard, you can begin planning now. We have found that the earlier you book, the better!

When you get your next cruise booked you can check out our Embarkation Day Tips or some Inspirational Quotes to get you excited about your next voyage. And remember, we are with you from Shore to Cruise!