cruise disembarkation day

21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

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What cruise passengers need to know about cruise disembarkation, also known as debarkation day

The process of “checking out” of your cruise ship is very different from checking out of a hotel. If you’re a new cruiser, or even if it’s been a few years since you’ve cruised, it’s good to be aware of the debarkation procedures and what to expect.

In this post, I’ll go through some common questions and things you need to know about cruise disembarkation.

Disembarkation Day: The saddest day of the cruise

Cruise disembarkation (or debarkation) is something we cruisers don’t really want to think about. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather get to the fun stuff like planning excursions and making cruise packing lists , and NOT think about getting off the ship!

What to expect from the cruise disembarkation process

Cruise lines have small differences in their disembarkation procedures, but overall they’re pretty similar. The last morning of your cruise, you’ll have to disembark and leave what had become your very comfortable home away from home.

In this post, I’ll go through all the basics, so that you can know what to expect and plan for on the last day of your cruise.

Regular Disembarkation vs Self-Disembarkation

There are two types of disembarkation, regular disembarkation  and self-disembarkation (unfortunately both require you leaving the ship).

The disembarkation process is almost the same, with the main difference being that with self-disembarkation, you are responsible for taking your own luggage off the ship. I’ll go over the pros and cons of both at the end of this post.

21 things to know when disembarking from your cruise ship

1. what time will you be able to debark the cruise ship at the end of the cruise.

There’s no set time when cruisers can disembark and this will vary by cruise ship itinerary, cruise port and things that are actually beyond anyone’s control the last morning of the cruise.

However, something important to know, is that the scheduled docking time listed on your cruise itinerary will not be the time that you get off the cruise ship. This is because the ship needs to be cleared by customs , and given permission for passengers to debark.

For instance, if your cruise itinerary states that your ship will be back at port at 6:00 am the last morning of your cruise, you won’t be able to disembark until an announcement is made that the ship has been cleared.

This process can be an hour or two, and sometimes longer. The reality is that it’s not something the cruise line can control.

As a general rule most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am, however your cruise line can give you more specific information.

2. Avoid booking an early flight home

Since it’s difficult to predict the exact time you can get off your ship, don’t book an early flight home.

You have to account for time to disembark from your ship, getting your luggage, going through customs and then travel time to the airport.

My best tip is to simply call the cruise line before you book your flight , or ask your travel agent to do so. Cruise lines have recommended flight times for each cruise port. Keep in mind if you’re an International traveler, you may need more time at the airport.

Another reason not to book a very early flight, is that even if you CAN make it, it’s possible for your ship to arrive late in port due to weather or other reasons. For instance, cruise ships in Galveston have been known to be late due to fog.

3. Cruise ship debarkation instructions

While on your cruise, your cabin attendant will give you some printed disembarkation instructions which will include what to do with your luggage as well as some basic custom information.

On the second to last day of your cruise, you’ll also notice that you can find the disembarkation information on one of the TV channels in your cabin. For new cruisers, your ship may offer an assembly to go over information, so you can check for that.

I’ll tell you what usually happens to me. I see this around day 5 on a 7 day cruise, and I don’t like it. The fact is that I don’t want anyone reminding me that this cruise will end, while I’m fully immersed in enjoying my cruise vacation. But, do take a look as there’s information to know. Then, as quickly as possible, get back to enjoying your day!

4. Luggage tags and debarkation times

Along with the printed disembarkation information,  you’ll also receive special luggage tags.

As you can imagine, debarking thousands of passengers almost all at the same time is quite a process. So, cruise lines keep things organized and moving along by assigning color coded luggage tags which correspond to certain disembarkation times.

Red 5 = 8:20 am

Purple 3 = 9:10 am…. and so on.

These assigned times, are really approximate and what the cruise line is hoping for, if all goes as planned.

5. Can I change my luggage tags if I don’t like the assigned time?

You may be wondering, “what can I do if I don’t really want the time the cruise line gave me?” .

Maybe you’re staying an extra day or two in port and you’d rather take things a bit slower in the morning, so you prefer a later time.

Maybe you’re driving straight home from the port and you’ve got 10 hours of road ahead of you, and an earlier time would be better.

For whatever your reason, if you’re given a time doesn’t work well for you, simply bring your luggage tags to guest services and ask if you can get an alternative time. Most of the time they can accommodate you.

If you need extra luggage tags, they can help with that too.

6. What do I do with my luggage*?

*This only applies to those doing regular disembarkation.

On the last night of your cruise, you’ll be asked to place your luggage outside your cabin door by a certain time in the evening (you’ll see the time on the instructions). The ship’s crew will be working hard that night taking the luggage to a holding area, so that it can be move off the ship quickly the next morning.

Just like when you got on the ship on embarkation day , remember it’s better not to pack valuables in your suitcase, but rather to leave them in your cruise carry on bag.

Put your cruise assigned luggage tags on all your suitcases before you put them in the hallway.

Tip: Either keep a luggage tag, or a tab, or even take a photo to remember your color and number.

7. Remember to keep out clothes and toiletries for disembarkation day

I’m sure there are a few people who forget this on every cruise! You don’t want to disembark in a cocktail dress, right?

Remember to keep a carry on bag for the last night and morning of your cruise. Things to think about include night clothes, morning clothes, toiletries, valuables, tech stuff like laptops and phone chargers and personal ID and documentation.

8. Verify your cruise account BEFORE you leave the ship

My husband and I like to keep an eye on our cruise account throughout the cruise, looking at it once every couple of days, just to make sure all is as it should be. It also keeps us a bit more cautious with our spending than we might be otherwise.

You can usually check this on your cruise app (for cruise lines that have one) or you can get a printed copy from a machine or at guest services. We always print one up the last full day of our cruise (not disembarkation morning), and go through it line by line, just to make sure.

Many people have their account linked to their credit card, so no need to settle your account. If you do want to pay off your account in cash, try and do this early in the day as the lines get long as the evening wears on.

If you notice a discrepancy, bring it to the attention of guest services as soon as possible. The fact is that once you leave the cruise ship, you are accepting the statement and it’s extremely difficult to go back and dispute any charges.

9. Fill out cruise staff appreciation cards

As a cruise passenger, simply filling out a comment card highlighting the good work of some favorite crew members, is one of the easiest things you can do. However, it makes a huge difference to those who work so hard so that we all have these incredible cruise vacation experiences.

I’ve been told that these comment cards help to earn crew members privileges and possibly even promotions. I also know the ship’s staff really treasure these positive comment cards, and it truly impacts them.

10. Purchase your favorite cruise photos

The photo studio is like a zoo on the last evening of the cruise, with people deciding now to buy their cruise photos and packages. It really gets hectic, so if you can go earlier in the day, or even earlier during the cruise, it will be better for you.

Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake I read about the other day in a cruise Facebook group. A woman was very upset as she found the packages on the cruise ship to be too expensive. She explained that she thought she would get home and contact the cruise line to complain about this and purchase them at that point.

Of course, she found out that this was not possible, and was very disappointed. Her photos were gone.

You can only purchase your cruise photos on your cruise. To my knowledge, they are not stored.

So, if you want them and they are a great memory – buy the photos. You won’t regret it!

11. Book a future cruise on-board

One way to help with future cruise blues , is to have an upcoming cruise to look forward to. Cruise lines offer several advantages to planning a future cruise onboard. In some cases, you can even buy a Future Cruise Deposit on an open booking, and choose your cruise once you get home.

Tip: Do this as early as possible in your cruise an don’t wait until the last night, as it will be very busy.

12. Disembarkation morning reality

On the morning of the last day of your cruise, you’ll notice that everyone (crew and passengers alike), are a wee bit stressed and that happy go lucky atmosphere you had, is starting to wane. The reality is, that the crew needs to clean and turn over that ship in a few short hours, so that new passengers can board. .

Hopefully, you’ve had a wonderful cruise and will be back to do it all again in the near future!

Recommended Post:  How To Know if You Have Post-Cruise Depression

13. Breakfast on the last day of the cruise

There will be a few options open for breakfast including the buffet, the cafe and in some cases the main dining room. Room service may or may not be available. Once you’re on your cruise ship, you’ll be informed of the options.

Since you’ll be leaving your cabin, this may mean bringing your carry on or other items with you to the buffet. Keep in mind it will likely be quite crowded.

We are often pretty tired the last morning, so the last few cruises we’ve just gone down to the cafe and picked up a coffee and muffin or one last delicious pastry to go. We bring it back to out cabin while we do some final things before we leave the cruise ship.

14. Check your cabin for any “forgotten” items

We actually do 2 checks, just to make sure.

After we pack up, on the last night of our cruise, we gather things together, and this includes all items that were in our cabin safe. I put chargers together and do a quick pack of our toiletry bag. We open all our drawers and check the shelves.

In the morning, do one last check. Make sure you’ve got your sunglasses, reading glasses (this happened to my friend), umbrellas etc. Parents, if you have children, go through their drawers and under their beds to make sure you’re all packed up and nothing is forgotten.

*Keep your cruise card on you – you will need it.

Tip: If you get home and realize that you did forget something, cruise lines have a toll free number that you can call to report lost items. There’s a chance that you may find it, however I haven’t heard of many success stories.

15. Getting off your cruise ship

Once you’re all packed up and ready to go, you’ll be asked to wait in designated public areas until your luggage tag number is called. Keep your cruise card in hand, as you’ll be scanned as you leave the ship.

A couple of the ship’s activities staff or officers may be near the exits to say goodbye and wish you a safe trip home. On a couple of occasions the Captain and/or Cruise Director have been there and it’s been a nice final opportunity for us to say a big thanks!

16. Getting your luggage

Once you get off the gangway, you’ll head into the cruise port and in a great big room (sort of like a hangar), you’ll find rows of luggage, grouped according to color and number.

This procedure is so much better than when we first cruised years ago. It used to be really hectic, but the last few cruises it’s been a fairly easy process.

There will be porters that can help you with your bags, if needed.

Tip: Keep a few small bills handy to tip the porters.

17. Going through customs after your cruise

Whether you’re American, Canadian or from any other country, you’ll be going through customs as a final step of your cruise disembarkation. It’s usually not too long a process – we’ve gone through this in 10-15 minutes.

During your cruise, keep track of your purchases including alcohol, cigarettes, and any large purchases. Be aware of the allowances for each in your home country. We keep our bills together during our trip to make it easier.

Tip: Keep your receipts together during your cruise by placing them in an envelope as you go. Small magnetic clips can also help to keep all your cabin items organized.

18. Heading home after your cruise

You’re all done! Hopefully it’s been a great cruise vacation and you’ve got dreams of future cruises in your head.

Getting to the airport

Most people get to the airport by taking a cab or by purchasing transfers with the cruise line. You can do this before your cruise with the cruise line or with help from your travel agent. You can often also add these on during your cruise at the guest services desk, but do verify.

Getting your car from cruise parking

Usually you’re ship will return to the same pier as when you departed on your cruise, and you’ll be able to get your car, load it up with your luggage and pay as your leave the cruise port.

In the rare case that your ship comes back to a different pier, if it’s not close walking distance, you’ll have a shuttle to bring you over to the original parking lot. This happened to us once a few years ago.

19. What to do if you have a late flight

If you have a late flight, you’ve got options. Consider booking a cruise excursion tour on the last day of your cruise.

You can store your bags in the luggage compartment of the coach bus, and you won’t have to sit around in the airport. Since the excursion included transportation to the airport, this can also be a good value.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Disembarkation

Here’s a quick explanation of the advantages and disadvantages self-embarkation, so you can know if this is the right thing for you and your party, at the end of your cruise.

20. Benefits if Self-Disembarkation

*Earliest to get off the ship

*No need to put luggage out on the last night of your cruise

*Leaving the cruise port as early as possible

21. Disadvantages of Self-Disembarkation

*You will not receive any help with your luggage

*You may need to carry it down several flights of stairs as elevators may be full

*You need to be up very early to vacate your cabin and get off the ship

This is only a good option for your party, if everyone is able bodied and can handle the luggage. If you need assistance, or happen to have a lot of luggage, this isn’t for you.

We’ve done both and there isn’t a right or wrong way to disembark. The choice will be yours, and you can decide what works best once on the cruise ship.

Recap: 21 cruise disembarkation tips you need to know

Cruising is so much fun, that it’s hard to think about the last day of your cruise and debarking from your cruise! I hope these tips have been helpful and in giving you the information you need for when you are getting off of your cruise ship for the last time.

If you’ve cruised before, do you prefer regular or self-disembarkation? What advice do you have for future cruisers? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Recommended posts:

15 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips (for a great start of your cruise)

21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks (to keep your cabin organized)

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12 Comments

I liken the idea of being able to get some help with disembarking the ship. I feel like having someone to help you get through customs, as well as make sure that you get all your luggage there safely would be nice. I’ll have to consider getting someone to help me do that sort of thing if I decide to go on a cruise.

Once on the ship, you can definitely ask someone at guest services to help guide you through this. If you choose standard debarkation, the luggage will be taken off the ship for you, so not to worry.

We were also confused about custom documents on our first cruise, and were assisted with he expectations.

IF YOU ARE HEALTHY AND MOBILE, SELF DISEMBARKATION IS THE BEST WAY. NO ONE IS GONNA HELP YOU SO BE PREPARED TO WAG YOUR OWN BAGS. YOU WILL BE IN THE PARKING LOT, AT YOUR CAR IN NO TIME.WE SKIP B’FAST ON THE SHIP AND GRAB SOMETHING AT MICKEY D”s AS WE LEAVE THE PORT AREA. WORKS GREAT FOR US.

Sounds like our disembarkation mornings too Bob. Thanks for the great tips!

My wife And I started to back to back cruises. Last time we went to guest services. They gave us a new card for the coming week. Had us go to the wine bar. NCL asked us what we wanted to eat and drink. Ordered 6 wings and a Port wine. Few hours later the dozen of us were back in our old new clean rooms. Though you are only delaying getting off. Always been jealous of those who live on cruise ship. Meet a couple from England they were on 136 cruise. Were going to a hotel for three days. Followed by another 10 day cruise. I wish I could do that. Thanks for what you do!!! You are awesome!!!

That sounds amazing! We did one B2B and we definitely enjoyed the feeling of not having to disembark and pack up! I agree, life on a cruise ship almost full time sounds pretty good!

Thanks for taking the time to comment Russell! I hope you can get back on a cruise soon.

Let’s be a little more clear on regular disembarkation:

– You must put your suitcase outside your cabin door the night before by 11:00 or midnight. Your cabin steward will take it away. – You’ll be assigned a time to leave the ship. Let’s pretend you get 10:00 – 10:30 am. – When you leave the ship the next day — you and all the other 10:00 – 10:30 people — you will be ushered into a big room where all your suitcases are lined up — remember that about 95% of suitcases are plain black, so you should tie a bandana or something to yours. – Once you have found your suitcase, you’ll be able to join the line for customs. You will need to be able to haul your suitcase through customs by yourself. – Once you are through customs, if you need help getting your luggage to your car, porters are available. (Have tip money ready.)

In contrast, if you do self-disembarkation: – You do not put your suitcase out the night before. – You leave whenever you want, but you must carry your own suitcases. You might have to carry them up/down stairs, as the elevators will be slam-packed full. – You will bypass the big room full of suitcases and go straight to customs.

Thanks for sharing

My concern: how safe is it to put your luggage outside of your room the night before? Anyone walking by could get into your suitcase? Granted I would not leave valuables in there, but my clothes….🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️⚓️⚓️ Thank you! I will be a First timer in November on WOTS! I have been reading all of your articles and have signed up fo our emails! They are very helpful!

I have never heard of an issue and the luggage is removed by the crew on a fairly regular basis. Truthfully, people are so busy getting their own packing together and it has always seemed safe for me. I would not put your valuables and if this includes your clothing, it’s something for you to decide.

Have a great cruise,

If you self disembark, do you have to leave at a certain time still? Loved your post!

Great quesion. Yes, you usually disembark first before the others with luggage tags are called

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Cruise 101: Your Guide To Safe, Simple Disembarking

Whether it’s express departure or complimentary porter service, here’s how to make disembarking simpler..

BREAKFAST Balcony, European Caucasian Couple, Staterooms and suites, Food and Beverage, fleetwide,

All good things must come to an end and that includes your Royal Caribbean adventure. The good news is that by the last day of your cruise, you’ll be feeling rested and headed home with stories from your adventures abroad ( as well as on board ). But what is that last day like?

Whether you’re headed home or on to the next destination, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for getting off the ship.

The Night Before

There are a few important steps you need to take care of on the last day of your cruise to ensure you have a successful departure. Don’t worry—your last night on board will still have the amenities and experiences you’ve enjoyed on your cruise, like an array of dining options and free, top-quality entertainment .

First, your stateroom attendant will drop off important information in your stateroom. These include luggage tags for your bags – each tag will have a number that will correspond to your departure time the next day. Also, you will receive an “As You Depart” guide that will provide detailed information on timing, where to grab breakfast and other important instructions.

After enjoying your final evening, you’ll need to pack up most of your items, so you can leave your larger luggage pieces in front of your stateroom for pick-up. In general, bags must be out by 11 p.m., but the dedicated team on board your ship will inform you of the exact time. Crew members pick up your bags at night and ensure they are waiting for you on land, freeing you and your family up from the stress of keeping track of your luggage. Another hassle our crew can take care of for you is setting up your airport transfer for just a small fee. Since it’s recommended you book transfers two weeks before sailing, you should discuss this option while making your reservations, if needed.

As with packing for your first day , make sure you keep a small carry-on of essentials like travel documents—especially your passport and SeaPass card—handy so they’re easily accessible when getting off the ship.

Before you hit the hay, make sure you check your onboard account one last time (which will be possible throughout your trip). If you see something that doesn’t look right, visit the Guest Services Desk to resolve it.

Day Of Departure

First things first: breakfast will be available on the ship, so you can fuel up. Next, everyone will have an assigned departure lounge and time that corresponds with your tagged luggage, detailed in your “As You Depart” guide.

Refreshments will be available at the lounges, so this brief waiting period can be a chance to sip coffee, relax and reminisce. There also will be a family zone, so younger guests can enjoy toys and games while waiting.

Once your group is called, our crew will be on hand to show you the way, and will direct you to your luggage, your Royal Caribbean airport transfer, taxi or awaiting family .

Express Departure

Guests looking for the fastest way off the ship should consider Express Departure. If you’re willing to carry your luggage, this option will save you time, since you will be among the first off and on your way. This means that instead of putting your luggage outside your stateroom the night before, you’ll keep it with you—although we still advise packing the night before.

Extending Your Adventure

If you decide to extend your vacation, our cruisetours are an excellent way to further explore your destinations, since they add guided land excursions to the beginning or end of your cruise. You can explore landscapes and native treasures with the help of local Adventure Specialists.

On an Alaska cruisetour, you can add three to six nights onto your vacation to the Last Frontier. All experiences include at least one night in the must-see Denali National Park, where you can glimpse grizzly bears and caribou in low-elevation forests, which give way to alpine tundra and eventually North America’s tallest peak, the 20,310-foot Denali.

Canadian cruisetours can be added to Alaska cruises too, with six-night stays in Alberta and British Columbia, where you can relax in natural hot springs and ride through the Rockies in a vintage railcar. Feeling ambitious? Combine both for an epic 18-night vacation through two countries and several northern mountains.

Cruisetours also are available in many European ports like Madrid, Paris and Rome. If you’d simply like to enjoy a destination for another few days, our special hotel packages make it easy, whether you’re in Stockholm or The Bahamas.

Now that you know what to expect on the last day, get ready for your first day and book your next trip here .

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How long does it take to disembark a cruise ship?

The procedures for getting off a cruise ship, as well as cruise ship disembarkation times, can be confusing to first-time cruisers. How long does it take to disembark a ship, and can you just walk straight onto the pier? Perhaps you're wondering how quickly you'll be able to go ashore during a port call so you can soak up every second of sunshine. Or, maybe you're just trying to figure out what time to book your flight home when your cruise ends.

Either way, I'm here to walk you through the logistics and tell you all you need to know about cruise ship disembarkation.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

How long does cruise disembarkation take?

The length of disembarkation varies, based on several factors, but typically the process takes a few hours to get everyone ashore. The larger the ship, the longer it takes. The timing also depends on whether we're talking about disembarkation in a port of call or disembarkation at the end of a voyage.

In both cases, an officer from the bridge will make an announcement over the ship's public address system to let passengers know when they can begin leaving.

On a port-visit day, there's often no set order for disembarking, meaning that it can be a free-for-all. In those cases, I tend to wait an hour or so to let things calm down before proceeding to the gangway. Not everyone gets off the ship at the same time (or at all), so once the initial rush has passed, it doesn't take long to swipe your cruise card and head ashore.

On some ships, port-day disembarkation is more structured. On larger vessels, passengers might have to report ahead of time to pick up a color-coded ticket that tells them when they can exit. Cruisers who have booked shore excursions through the ship also get priority.

It's worth noting that disembarkation wait times are often longer when tendering is necessary, as tender boats are limited in the number of passengers they can transport from ship to shore at one time.

The specific length of disembarkation depends largely on how long the vessel is due to be in port. It begins when the ship is cleared by local authorities, usually about an hour or so after it docks. The gangway remains open throughout the day; passengers can disembark on a rolling basis, at their leisure. Cruisers don't have to be back on the ship until "all aboard," which is usually about 30 minutes prior to the ship's scheduled departure time.

Disembarkation at the conclusion of a sailing is almost always more organized, though it can feel chaotic. Passengers carrying their own luggage ashore are allowed to leave as early as they wish, once the ship is cleared to begin the disembarkation process.

Anyone who has their bags offloaded by the ship's porters will be called to leave the vessel according to their designated luggage tag color or number; the tags are usually distributed a couple of days before the end of the voyage. In those cases, passengers can disembark any time after their color or number is called but not before. From start to finish, the process usually takes about two to three hours, depending on the size of the ship.

Related: How to disembark from your cruise ship before everyone else

Is there a set cruise ship disembarkation time?

Every ship has scheduled a time that it's due to be in each port it visits. Anything from weather to mechanical issues can affect the actual arrival time. Assuming a ship remains punctual, the time at which passengers can disembark depends on how long it takes for local authorities to clear the vessel.

Most cruise ships are cleared for passengers to debark between 7 and 9 a.m., depending on their arrival time. If a ship arrives later — whether a late arrival is scheduled ahead of time or due to a delay — a general rule of thumb is that it will be cleared about an hour after it docks or anchors, assuming there are no regulatory snags. This tends to apply on both port days and final disembarkation days.

If it's a port day and you've booked a ship-sponsored shore excursion, your meeting time and place will be marked on your ticket. Sometimes you'll meet as a group in a designated public area on board and disembark together shortly thereafter; other times, you'll be asked to disembark on your own at a given time and meet your group on the pier.

On voyage-conclusion days, also called turnaround days, passengers are usually asked to vacate their cabins between 8 and 8:30 a.m. so stewards can begin cleaning them for the next round of cruisers. Everyone from the cruise that's ending must be off the ship between 9 and 10 a.m. in most cases.

Note: Times listed are approximate and will vary by sailing and disembarkation location.

What else should I know about cruise disembarkation?

Here are a few key pieces of advice to help you avoid mistakes when disembarking a cruise ship.

Keep your keycard with you. You will need to scan it any time you exit the ship (and also when you return).

Book a later flight. If you're flying home after your sailing, book a flight that gives you a buffer so you're not rushed in the event disembarkation is delayed. Although I have known people who disembarked their ships at 7 a.m. for a 9 a.m. international flight, I highly discourage risking it. I recommend nothing earlier than 11 a.m. for most sailings — later if you're flying internationally. Another option is to extend your trip by a day or two in your disembarkation port city before flying back.

Score priority disembarkation. If being the first off your ship is important to you, there are several ways to ensure you won't have to wait around for too long. You can carry your own bags off the ship at the end of your voyage, work your way up to elite status in your cruise line's loyalty program , pay for an add-on package (such as Carnival's Faster to the Fun or Norwegian 's Priority Access) that gives you the privilege, or purchase a ship-sponsored shore excursion with an early departure time. (The last one is particularly helpful in ports where tendering is required.)

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• More banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
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• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

13 Smart Tips for a Smooth Cruise Disembarkation Day

Cruise disembarkation day is that inevitable moment when our cruise vacation turns into a pumpkin, and we have to leave our floating castle behind. It’s the day we transition from being pampered at sea to facing the reality of packing our bags and stepping back onto dry land.

We often overlook this phase during our excitement of planning, but it’s the unavoidable conclusion of the cruise vacation. Unlike the buzz of embarkation day , disembarkation is more about logistics—leaving the ship, navigating customs, and organizing onward travel. The goal is a hassle-free departure, ensuring we end on a high note.

Cruise disembarkation day is the day the cruise vacation is over. There is no need to stress; with our tips, you can plan a smooth disembarkation day.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

This article covers smooth disembarkation day tips, including important don’ts before leaving the ship and advice for those with late flights.

Table of Contents

Disembarkation Process on a Cruise Ship Explained

Disembarkation day on a cruise ship marks when passengers bid farewell to their floating home and navigate their way off the ship.

• Group Organization : Disembarkation day on a cruise ship begins with passengers being organized into groups. This is done to streamline the flow of people leaving the ship. You will be assigned a specific time to disembark based on your travel plans or preferences. Color-coded luggage tags are provided to match you with your group and will be left in your cabin 1-2 days before or are available from designated areas like the guest services desk ( NCL ).
• Preparing for Disembarkation : If you’re not opting for self-disembarkation, remember to pack and leave your luggage outside your cabin before midnight (typically, unless said otherwise) on the last night. This guarantees your luggage is taken care of while you prepare to leave the ship.
• Disembarkation Commences : The process typically starts around 7:30 am. Priority is given to guests who have chosen self-disembarkation or those with cruise-arranged airport transfers. Following this, passengers are called to disembark according to their color-coded groups that match the luggage tags.
• Leaving the Ship : As your group is called, you will leave the ship, pass through security checks, and then proceed through immigration. After clearing immigration, you will collect any checked luggage from the baggage claim area.

Waking up early on disembarkation day has its perks. As the cruise ship pulls into its home port, you can witness gorgeous sunrises and city skylines.

Cruise Disembarkation Day Tips

1. plan return flights with buffer time.

Schedule your return flights for noon or later to accommodate potential delays in disembarkation and customs processing. This precaution ensures you’re not hurriedly navigating the airport to catch your flight.

2. Secure Your Luggage Tags

If you are not doing self-disembarkation, ensure you have the correct color-coded luggage tags from the guest services before debarkation day. These tags designate your assigned departure time and group, helping to streamline the process. Some cruise lines will leave these in your cabin 1-2 nights before.

3. Prep the Night Before

Whether you’re walking off your luggage or setting it outside your cabin door at midnight, pack and prepare the day or the night before. A few extra minutes of sleep in the morning or the extra time to have breakfast will be more appreciated than rushing around the cabin tossing things into your bag at the last minute.

Reminder: Luggages must go outside your cabin door before midnight, if you plan to collect it in the cruise terminal when yo disembark.

4. Opt Self-Disembarkation for Flexibility

Sometimes, there are lines for self-disembarkation if you want to be one of the first off the ship. They move fast. You can also take your time with breakfast and self-disembark when ready.

Self-disembarkation is when you decide to keep your luggage and handle your belongings. Choosing self-disembarkation allows you to leave the ship as early as possible with your own luggage in hand. This option is perfect for travelers who want to beat the crowds or have tight schedules post-cruise.

5. Monitor Your Onboard Account Throughout The Cruise

Check your onboard account throughout the cruise to address any discrepancies early. This proactive approach prevents last-minute disputes and delays on disembarkation day. Plus, you want to do everything possible to avoid those long lines on that last morning and even last night.

6. Gift Last Minute Tips and/or Submit Comment Cards

On the last full day of your cruise, take the time to gift your cabin attendant or any other crew member you may think of who deserves an extra tip. Of course, additional gratuities are optional and up to your discretion.

If someone has provided amazing service, the least you can do is submit a commendation or hero card at guest services. These commendations go a long way for the crew to help them promote and receive other incentives. 

7. Conduct a Final Cabin Sweep

Before leaving, double-check every part of your cabin—drawers, closets, under the bed—for any items you might leave behind. It’s easy to overlook personal belongings in the rush of disembarkation.

8. Avoid Making Purchases the Morning Of

Your balance was charged and closed out on the morning of disembarkation. It’s important to be mindful of any additional purchases or charges on the morning of disembarkation. Any extra costs incurred outside your cruise fare or packages before getting off the ship must be settled before disembarkation. Failure to do so may result in delays, as you will be pulled aside to make that final payment.

9. Keep Your Cruise Card Handy

Your cruise card is necessary for exiting the ship and serves as a memento of your journey. Keep it accessible until you disembark.

10. Be Prepared for Customs

Have all necessary identification and completed forms ready for customs to facilitate a smooth transition through the terminal. It all depends on where you’re returning from and the disembarkation port. Sometimes, it’s an easy walk-off without any delays at customs.

11. Priority Disembarkaton

Some cruise lines offer priority embarkation and disembarkation before the cruise at an extra cost – an option you can consider buying before your cruise. Priority disembarkation can also be included with your suite stay or as a loyalty perk. Every cruise line will handle this slightly differently, from providing special priority luggage tags that have you disembark within the first group or they could escort you off the ship.

12. Maximizing Convenience with Cruise Line’s Airport Transfers

After securing your flights, consider booking an airport transfer directly through your cruise line. This approach ensures seamless coordination with the cruise’s disembarkation schedule, offering you a designated meeting time and place onboard for an organized exit. You’ll be among the first groups escorted off, with a transfer ready to take you to the airport.

13. Utilize Luggage Valet Services for Ease

Luggage valet services can streamline your disembarkation by handling your check-in and luggage directly to the airport. This service allows you to enjoy your last day without your luggage burden. Not all ports have this service, but when they do, it is worth looking into. I know Seattle Cruise Port has this service for FREE.

Disembarkation Day Don’ts

• Don’t forget to keep toiletries and a change of clothes you’ll need  for the morning of disembarkation if you’re handing in your luggage the night before, 
• Do NOT pack your cruise card or passport in your luggage . This is super important.
• Avoid sleeping in , or your cabin attendant will knock on your door at 8 a.m. They must prepare the cabin for the next set of passengers embarking later that morning. Unless you’re cruising Virgin Voyages , they let you sleep in.
• Don’t delay. Be packed and ready  to leave your cabin no later than 8 am.
• Don’t miss one last breakfast if you have the time; it is included in your cruise fare. Breakfast  is available on debarkation day in the main dining room, buffet, and sometimes other eateries; check the dailies.

What to Do Post-Cruise With Late Night Departure

What should you do if your flight leaves too late on disembarkation day? Sometimes, we have no option but to book a later flight. Leaving us with several hours between disembarkation and our flight time. Here are some options on how to spend your time as you wait.

Explore Post-Cruise City Tours With The Cruise Line

If your flight departs later in the day, a city tour can provide a delightful bridge between your cruise and flight, offering new experiences and hassle-free luggage handling.

You can book your own tours, but remember that you’ll have to store your luggage beforehand.

Rent a Car for a Partial Day

For those with late flights, rent a car that can be picked up near the port and then dropped off at the airport. This allows you to explore the port city at your own pace, gives your luggage a place to be, and allows you to drive yourself to the airport. Find a car on rentalcars.com .

Pro tip : Get a car with a covered trunk that closes to secure your luggage.

Book a Day Use Hotel

Many hotels allow you to book a room for day use, which includes access to their facilities, such as the pool. We use Dayuse.com .

Book a Resort Pass For the Day

Continue your vacation by booking a resort pass at a nearby hotel and spend the day lounging by the pool in a lounger or cabana.

Take Advantage of Lounges at the Airport

If you cannot access airport lounges through a travel credit card like a Priority Pass , a day pass to an airport lounge may be worth it. These lounges are comfortable places to relax while you wait for your flight, and they can include Wi-Fi, drinks, food, and sometimes even sleep pods and showers.

Secure Your Luggage in a Locker and Go Explore

You can leave your luggage safely in luggage storage and explore independently. Find a luggage locker nearby location via Luggage Hero , Bounce , or do a quick Google search.

What is disembarkation day?

Disembarkation day is the last day of the cruise vacation, and the day we leave the ship.

What is cruise ship disembarkation time?

Cruise ship disembarkation times can vary depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Self-disembarkation can start as early as 7:00 a.m.

Can you eat on disembarkation day?

Yes, you can have breakfast before you disembark the ship if you give yourself enough time.

How long does it take to disembark a cruise ship?

The time it takes to disembark a cruise ship can vary depending on the size of the ship, the number of passengers, and the disembarkation process at the port. Generally, it can take a few hours for all passengers to disembark, as they are typically called in groups or based on their disembarkation arrangements.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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Don’t book a flight at any time on the day of disembarkation. Stay at least overnight and longer if it is an interesting destination. Hugely reduces stress on the day of leaving the ship. If you need a taxi from the ship to your hotel or the train station book it in advance.

Hi David – Staying at the port destination or moving along to explore another destination nearby is a great tip for those that can afford the time. We almost always try to stay longer before or after a cruise, if possible. Why not extend the vacation? Plus it is less stress free trying to get to the airport like you say.

However, sometimes work schedules or other responsibilities don’t allow us to do so. Unfortunately, not everyone can do this for every cruise they take. Hopefully some of these tips can help people plan for disembarkation day, whether they are going to the airport or heading to their next destination.

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for traveling on a budget

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Debarkation Day: Common Mistakes Every First-Timer Makes

Honestly, debarkation morning has to be the saddest day of your cruise. Vacation is basically over and it’s back to reality.

And if it’s your first time on a cruise, debarkation day can be a little overwhelming.

In fact, there are some common mistakes and things to know to make the entire process smoother and more seamless.

We go over some of the most important, must-know tips for the cruise disembarkation process to help you avoid any and all of the possible hiccups along the way..

Table of Contents

Understanding The Debarkation Day Process

Debarkation day is the day when your cruise adventure comes to an end and you leave the ship to return home or continue on your journey.

Disembarking from a cruise can be quite different from checking out of a hotel.

Be aware that the debarkation process often starts a day or two before the actual day you leave the ship.

This is when you will need to start organizing your belongings and reviewing the debarkation instructions provided by the cruise line.

These instructions may be found within the cruise line app, or an information leaflet will be provided to you in your stateroom.

You will want to check the final bill before debarkation morning, as the line at guest services will be incredibly long on the last day.

On the day of debarkation, you will need to decide whether you want to carry your own luggage off the ship or opt for the cruise line’s luggage handling service.

If you choose to have your luggage handled for you, you will need to follow the cruise line’s guidelines, which typically involve placing your luggage outside your stateroom on the evening before debarkation.

The luggage will then be collected by the crew and offloaded at the port for you to reclaim once you have disembarked.

Another important aspect of debarkation day is adhering to the assigned disembarkation times and locations.

Many cruise lines often have a staggered disembarkation process to avoid congestion and ensure a smooth flow of passengers leaving the ship.

Make sure you know your assigned time and location, which can be found in the debarkation instructions.

Additionally, don’t forget to settle any outstanding bills and ensure you have all your necessary travel documents ready before you leave.

Remember that you might need to vacate your stateroom early on debarkation day as the crew needs to prepare the rooms for the next set of passengers.

However, you can usually still enjoy the ship’s facilities and meals until your assigned disembarkation time.

Be prepared for potential queues and waiting times, as these can sometimes occur due to customs checks or large groups of passengers disembarking at once.

Preparations Before Debarkation Day

Packing tips.

You’ll want to pack everything the night before. Separating your essentials and items you’ll need on the last day, such as medications, travel documents, and a change of clothes. All other items can be packed in your main luggage.

If you’re on a Carnival cruise, remember to remove any luggage tags and replace them with new numbered Zone luggage tags, which are available on the day before debarkation.

Place your luggage outside your cabin the night before, following the ship’s scheduled time, so the crew can collect it for the debarkation process.

If you prefer the Carry Off option, be sure to pack your belongings in a manner that allows you to easily carry your own luggage off the ship.

Travel Documents

Make sure all your travel documents are in order and easily accessible. This includes passports, visas, boarding passes, and any other identification required for your next destination or return journey.

Your ship may provide a debarkation flyer with additional instructions for the process, so review this and keep it handy on the day of debarkation.

It’s also helpful to carry photocopies of your important documents in case of loss or damage, stored separately from the originals.

You can also store digital copies on your phone or in a secure cloud storage for easy access.

On the Eve of Debarkation Day

Check-Out Policies

In general, most cruise lines offer two options for debarkation day. The first option is the Carry Off Option, where you carry your own luggage off the ship.

If you choose this option, there’s no need to put your luggage outside of your cabin the night before the last day of your cruise.

The second option involves putting out your luggage the night before, usually with designated tags provided by the cruise line.

This option allows the crew to collect your luggage and have it ready for you to pick up in a designated area once you disembark.

Meal Suggestions

Most cruise ships offer breakfast on debarkation day, and if you have enough time, it’s a good opportunity to enjoy a leisurely meal before disembarking.

However, most other passengers have a similar idea and it can get packed quickly. If you have an early flight or a tight schedule to follow after the cruise, be mindful of the time and plan accordingly.

It might be helpful to pack some snacks or check out other breakfast options like a quick cafe or room service.

I’m not a very early riser and have made some extreme lines at the buffet on the last day that I now try to avoid like the plague.

The Process of Debarkation Day

Procedure at the port.

Typically, the cruise line will have a structured system for guests to leave the ship.

You may be assigned a specific time or group based on your cabin location or chosen debarkation option. Generally, there are the two options previously mentioned:

• Carry-Off Option: This option allows you to carry your own luggage off the ship. In this case, you don’t need to leave your bags outside your cabin on the last evening.
• Luggage Collection Option: If you prefer to have your luggage collected, you need to place it outside your cabin the night before with appropriate luggage tags attached.

Leave your luggage outside the door if you’re opting for the luggage collection option.

Before leaving the ship, have your travel documents, such as your passport and cruise card, accessible for any necessary checks.

Luggage Collection

If you opt for the luggage collection option, you will need to collect your items at the designated area in the port terminal. Look for signs or staff to guide you to the correct location.

Remember to keep track of your luggage tag number, and color, or take a photo of it to make finding your bags easier.

Additionally, ensuring your bags are uniquely identifiable (like a colorful ribbon or luggage strap) can save you time during the collection process.

Once you’ve collected your luggage, you’ll proceed to customs checks and then exit the port.

Keep in mind that there may be lines.

Post Debarkation Day

Transportation options.

You’ll want to check if your cruise line offers any shuttle services. These shuttles can be a hassle-free way to get to nearby airports, train stations, or hotels.

Another popular transportation choice is using ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. These apps offer convenience and are usually less expensive than traditional taxis.

If you’ll be at the destination awhile, you may consider renting a car. You can usually find rental car agencies near the cruise port, but make sure to reserve one in advance to secure a vehicle.

Lastly, look into public transportation options like buses and trains. They can be economical and environmentally friendly choices, particularly for short distances. Don’t forget to research schedules and routes beforehand.

Cruise Debarkation Day Tips From A Pro

I’ve been on more cruise ships than I can count and have made my fair share of mistakes, especially during the cruise disembarkation process.

So to save you some hassles and headaches, here are the best cruise disembarkation day tips to avoid all the pitfalls I have encountered…

Tip 1: Booking An Early Flight Home

You do not want to book an early flight home on debarkation day!

This was one of the biggest mistakes I made on my first cruise vacation. I booked a flight for noon, thinking the boat docked at 7am so of course I had plenty of time, right? WRONG.

Between the process of disembarking, going through customs, collecting my luggage, heading to the airport, and TSA (this was before my TSA pre-check days as well!), I missed that flight.

Learn from my (expensive) mistake and get a late flight, perhaps the after noon (at least after 3PM)

An afternoon flight will give you time to disembark, maybe grab lunch, and have plenty of time to head to the airport.

The last thing you want is all that additional stress running through the cruise terminal.

Tip 2: Have An Early Breakfast

The dining room on the last day gets packed! Everyone wants to get breakfast before leaving.

I highly recommend waking up a little earlier and beating the rush if you want a buffet breakfast.

It’s also a good idea to explore other breakfast options if you do sleep in, like a cafe or room service.

Tip 3: Pack The Night Before

I feel like you’re mother saying this, but you’ll absolutely want to pack the night before.

The morning of debarkation can be hectic/ There is a lot going on and the last thing you’ll want to be doing is packing up last minute.

There are also time slots for when different groups are supposed to leave the ship, and you don’t want to be late because you were still packing.

Packing the night before allows you to take your time and ensure you haven’t forgotten anything. This is especially critical for items that are easily overlooked in a rush, like phone chargers, toiletries, or souvenirs.

It’s also a good time to separate items that you’ll need easy access to, like passports, tickets, or medications, and to put them in your day bag.

Packing the night before makes the actual disembarkation process much smoother. I’m very anti-stress so I avoid hectic mornings.

You can get up, get dressed, and join the breakfast queue or your disembarkation group without having to worry about running back to your room for forgotten items or last-minute packing.

Tip 4: Return Towels And Bathrobes

I haven’t personally made this mistake, but based on forums online it’s quite a common one!

Don’t take cruise line bathrobes or pool towels home with you, as these items are inventoried and you could be charged for them.

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, have a check-out system for pool towels.

Make sure to clear your account of any unreturned towels by visiting the towel attendants on the Lido deck before the last day of your cruise to avoid any additional charges.

Some cruise lines have very strict policies for their amenities. They don’t consider these items souvenirs

So although you may be tempted to just take one of those extra soft robes, your credit card is linked to the account and you’ll likely see a fine pop up on there.

If you really like the bathrobes or towels, many cruise lines actually offer the option to purchase these items as souvenirs, often in the gift shop.

This way, you can take home a memento of your trip without any ethical or financial repercussions.

Tip 5: Know Your Group Number or Color Code

You’d be surprised how many people don’t know their group number or debarkation time slot.

You’ll typically know this time slot one to two days before you disembark. It’s important to be aware of these as they make the whole cruise disembarkation process go smoothly and minimize congestion in customs and immigration.

These time slots and groups are very efficient but so many first-time cruisers don’t even realize they exist or just take them as ‘suggestions.’

Make a note of when your designated time is and have a morning plan so you get off the cruise ship as efficiently as possible.

Tip 6: Leave Early If Self-Disembarking

Self-disembarkation allows cruise passengers to exit the ship early and skip terminal luggage pick-up, but it requires carrying your own luggage without crew assistance.

Elevators are often very busy on the last day, so you may need to handle stairs with your luggage. To avoid crowds, it’s advised to leave your stateroom early if you opt for self-disembarkation.

If you are a chronic over-packer (like me) self-disembarkation is not the best idea.

If you think you’ll have a hard time with your luggage, definitely opt out of this option and disembark with the later groups.

Tip 7: Check The Final Bill BEFORE Disembarkation Morning

It may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook this crucial step.

Your final bill isn’t just a list of expenses; it’s the last opportunity to catch any errors or discrepancies before leaving the ship.

Waiting until disembarkation morning to check your bill can lead to unnecessary stress and delays, as guest services are often swamped with last-minute queries and issues.

The majority of cruise lines require passengers to register a credit card upon check-in for their cruise. All onboard expenses are then charged to this credit card, and the final amount is automatically settled at the end of the cruise.

This includes charges for dining, shopping, excursions, and other additional services that are not included in the initial cruise fare.

This should be done before the morning of disembarkation, as it’s easier to resolve issues while you’re still on the ship.

Tip 8: Prebook Your Transfer

If you are using a shuttle service or transfer to get to the airport, make sure you book this ahead of time.

Or at least, have a game plan of what you’ll do when you get off the ship.

A lot of people assume they’ll just grab an Uber, but depending on your port, the airport or hotel can be so far that a pre-booked shuttle is much more cost-effective.

Not having a transfer or game plan for after the cruise is one of the classic cruise disembarkation mistakes that can cost a pretty penny (or leave you waiting a long time before you get an Uber out of the port.)

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How to get ready for disembarkation day on a cruise?

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Disembarkation on the last day of your cruise can be smooth if you are well prepared. Here’s what to expect and how to get ready for a smooth Disembarkation day.

What type of disembarkation is best for you?

Express disembarkation.

Express disembarkation is available at some ports. To enjoy it, you must carry all your luggage yourself when disembarking, from your cabin to the outside of the ship. You will be the first to leave the ship or will be able to leave whenever you want during disembarkation. You will be the first to cross the border controls. However, you will have no assistance with your luggage. Elevators can be very busy on the morning of disembarkation.

Regular disembarkation

For the regular disembarkation, you will choose an hour at which you want to get off the ship or an hour will be determined based on the deck your stateroom is located.

Excursion on the day of the disembarkation

If your flight is in the late afternoon or evening, you can take an excursion that will end at the airport or in the center of the city for a transfer to the hotel. This is an interesting option that saves you from waiting at the airport and also offers you transportation to the airport. Your suitcases will follow you on the bus to the airport.

Transfer of cruise line to airport or hotel

The majority of cruise lines offer transfers to the airport or hotel to passengers who have booked flights or a hotel with them. These transfers are also offered to all passengers by the excursions team. However, the cost of these transfers can be very high. Often the cost per person is the same as the cost of a taxi. If you are travelling alone, this can be a reassuring and safe option. If you are travelling with other people, the taxi will most likely be more economical. For ports far from the city centre or airport (as in London), the cruise line transfer can be an attractive option to avoid the hassle of looking for another means of transport.

Late disembarkation

Some companies offer you to benefit from the services of the ship for longer for a certain fee. You can dine on the ship and enjoy the pool. However, you will no longer have access to your cabin. This can be an interesting option if your flight is late in the evening.

Cruise disembarkation, step by step

Choose the disembarkation option for the last day of the cruise.

A few days before disembarkation, you may receive a questionnaire about your intentions and needs for disembarkation. You will be asked if you have booked an excursion or transfer with the cruise line, if you are flying and what time your flight is, if you want to take advantage of the Express disembarkation or at what time you wish to leave the ship. This information will help the crew plan the disembarkation and provide you with the appropriate disembarkation tags.

The day before the disembarkation

The day or two before disembarking, you will receive an information sheet and tags for your luggage. The baggage tags are of a different colour or have a number for each group corresponding to the chosen disembarkation option (time). If you don’t get the right labels or have changed your mind and want to get off the ship at a different time, there’s still time to change the labels to the color that matches your desired departure time. Labels are available near the tour counter and customer service. You will also receive the customs form that you can complete before disembarking to facilitate the process.

Purchases of duty-free bottles of alcohol

If you have purchased bottles of alcohol on the ship or in a port, they will be delivered to you the day before disembarking in your cabin where you can pick them up at the place and time indicated in your disembarkation documentation. Make sure you have your purchases back before you disembark.

Check your account status

To avoid the hustle and bustle of the day of disembarkation, it is best to check your account status by using the interactive TV, mobile app or requesting a statement from customer service. This will allow you to correct any errors before disembarking. A final statement of your account will be left at your cabin on the night of disembarkation. If you pay cash or by traveller’s cheque, you will need to go to the customer service counter on the last morning to pay your bill.

Pack your bags

The day before disembarkation, it’s time to pack your bags. First, be sure to remove any old labels that may still be on your suitcase to avoid confusion. Only put the labels received for disembarkation. Don’t forget to keep your passport, clothes for the next day and your beauty kit with your toothbrush and medication. It would be embarrassing to get off the ship in a bathrobe… It is also advisable to keep your valuables or fragile items with you in your carry-on baggage. Once your luggage has been packed and you have put the tags on the handle, you must place your suitcases outside the cabin in the evening before the deadline indicated in the documentation received. The suitcases will be picked up during the night and you will find them outside the ship the next morning.

Reward the work of the crew

If the tips have not been automatically deducted from your account, or if you want to reward the outstanding work of some crew members, it’s time to tip them. Check out the article Tipping on a cruise , for more information.

On the morning of the disembarkation

There you go. This is the last day of your cruise. You will need to get up early to leave your cabin before the time indicated in the documentation in order to let your cabin stewart prepare the room for the next guests. You will be asked to wait in public spaces. Transactions on board the ship are usually made in cash on the last morning.

Can I have breakfast on the last day of the cruise?

The buffet and other breakfast options are available on the last day of the cruise. Refer to the disembarkation documentation for options and hours of service. Room service is not offered by all cruise lines on the last morning. If you go out for breakfast, but want to come back to the room to brush your teeth and pick up your hand luggage, it is advisable to place the “do not disturb” sign before leaving the cabin. You can remove it when you leave your cabin for good.

It’s time to go

Before you leave the cabin for good, go around to check that you haven’t forgotten anything in the drawers, wardrobes, bathroom, under the beds and in the safe. Then go to one of the designated locations to wait for the color of your labels to be announced so that you can disembark. Do not clutter the corridors or clump together near the exit in order not to disturb the smooth running of the disembarkation. If you are a VIP member or have booked a suite, an exclusive lounge will probably be open for you. When the colour of your tags is announced, head to the exit with your ship card in hand. Also keep your passport and customs form handy. Your ship card will be scanned one last time to confirm that you have exited the ship.

Collect luggage during cruise disembarkation

At the exit of the boat, you will be directed to a large room where there will be a sea of suitcases. These suitcases will be grouped by color corresponding to your labels. You will need to locate the banner the color of your labels to then find your suitcase. Once all your luggage is collected, you will pass through border control. Afterwards, you can join the bus for your transfer or excursion or take the taxi. You can now think of all the wonderful memories you will have left and even dream about your next cruise!

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Cruise Tips: What to Expect on Departure Day

Inevitably, all good things must come to an end.  As your cruise vacation comes to a close and you prepare to head back home, debarkation day (or departure day ) is the day you disembark your cruise ship and venture back home refreshed and renewed.  The key to a smooth and easy debarkation day is following direction from the cruise line employees. 

Norwegian is very prepared and understands the importance of making it to the airport for early flights and the importance of getting you back on dry land in a timely manner.  It's important to remember they've done this countless times, so they have an extensive system in place to make sure things flow efficiently and to get you where you need to be as quickly as possible. 

Preparation for debarkation day starts the night before by making final purchases, saying your goodbyes, arranging your luggage, and preparing for customs.

Final Purchases

The night before disembarking is the last chance to make the most of your trip, so have a cocktail, make your final duty free purchases, or win money at the cruise casino .  It’s also the time to purchase your favorite cruise photos before they are gone. 

Saying Goodbye

The night before disembarking, you will want to say your goodbyes to stateroom attendants, dining room staff, and other crew members who have impacted your cruise vacation .  You may not see them on the last day. 

This is a great time to give out any extra tips to anyone who went above and beyond your expectations, although it's not required or even expected.  You will also want to say your goodbyes to any fellow cruise passengers you met while onboard, and exchange contact information with anyone you may want to keep in touch with.

Twinning is winning! Who better to send #NorwegianBLISS off to her next port than Miami's own Norwegian Escape. Inaugural season continues in MIA. A post shared by Norwegian Cruise Line (@norwegiancruiseline) on May 6, 2018 at 4:52pm PDT

You have two options for handling your luggage on debarkation day.  You can self-assist, which means you will carry off your luggage.  If you decide to do this, you will need to be able to carry all of your bags down the gangway and through Customs.  You will want to read these Cruise Packing Tips to minimize the amount of luggage you bring. 

Otherwise, you can pack your luggage and put it outside of your door the night before, and Norwegian Cruise Line employees will pick it up and take it to the holding areas for pick up the next morning.  (Don’t forget to keep identification documents , clothes, and any other necessities with you for debarkation day!)

Make sure you attach the luggage tags that Norwegian will provide with assigned zone numbers, so that you can easily locate your luggage the next day.  Porters are available if you need help with your luggage.  Once you make your way off the ship, you can pick up your luggage and head to Customs.

When you arrive at your debarkation port and after you've gathered your luggage, you will go through Customs.  You will be given a Customs Declaration form the night before in your stateroom.  Fill the form out prior to entering Customs to save time.

You’ll also need your identification documents at this time.  Once you’ve made it through Customs, you can either go to the arranged transportation designated area to get a taxi or shuttle, or you can go directly to your vehicle if you parked at the cruise port.

Departure day doesn’t have to be a sad event.  The fun doesn’t even have to end here! You can always book shore excursions in your debarkation port.  Or if you just want to get home as soon as possible, you can post your vacation photos on your social media and share the stories and memories you made with friends and family.  When you finally get back home, look on the bright side: it’s just time to begin planning your next cruise !

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Everything You Need to Know About Embarkation Day

Last updated: August 6th, 2023

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Embarkation day for your cruise vacation is an exciting day. You get to board the ship and check into your stateroom. You’ll likely have a glass of Champagne or other drink in your hand within moments of boarding, activating vacation mode.

Before you board, it’s good to know what to expect so you can maximize the first day of your cruise and not miss out on anything exciting. Being prepared for embarkation day also means your cruise will start off on the right foot, so it’s smooth sailing (figuratively speaking; we’ll take care of that in the literal sense!) for your entire time on board.

What is embarkation day?

Embarkation day is the first day of your cruise. It’s the day you arrive at the cruise terminal to embark on your vacation.

Disembarkation, similarly, is the last day of your cruise, when you disembark from the ship, whether you’re staying an extra day in port or catching a flight back home.

What time can you board your cruise?

The time you can board your cruise varies depending on what kind of stateroom you have and what time your cruise departs.

You can always check the Celebrity Cruises mobile app to confirm what time your ship sets sail on embarkation day. Be prepared for an initial rush when boarding begins and another rush right after lunch.

To avoid long lines at security and the check-in desk, plan on getting there right when boarding begins. Lines also tend to be much shorter during the last hour of boarding, but then you’ll be missing out on a few hours on board on embarkation day!

If you’re planning to arrive later, make sure you know when embarkation check-in ends, as this is usually before your ship sets sail. For coast guard purposes, the check-in time ends earlier, and if you get there after that cut-off time you won’t be able to board, even if the ship hasn’t pulled away from port yet.

What do you wear on embarkation day?

Comfort is key on embarkation day, and it’s okay to keep it casual on the first day of your cruise.

Many people wear bathing suits underneath their clothes or pack their suit in their carry-on so they can head to the pool right away. Others prefer to dress up so they can have nice photographs taken of the entire family as you board the ship.

Because you may be waiting for your luggage to be returned to you, some people pack an extra outfit in their carry-on to change into for lunch or dinner. It really depends on your preferences. We recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket in case you get chilly in colder climates, or a hat and shorts if you’re cruising to a tropical destination.

Find out more about what to wear on a cruise .

How do you check in for a Celebrity cruise?

One of the best ways to start your vacation and get onto the ship quickly and easily is to use the Celebrity Cruises online check-in before you arrive at your embarkation port .

While checking in online, you can provide all the information needed to expedite your time at the port so you can get on your ship faster. You’ll receive a handy Xpress Pass, which indicates that you’ve completed check-in.

Keep in mind that checking in for cruises isn’t the same as checking in for a flight. While you may be used to checking in for your flight no more than 24 hours before it takes off, with Celebrity Cruises, online check-in time is cut off a few days before embarkation day, so don’t leave checking in until the last minute.

Government regulations require cruise lines to submit their final list of departures at least an hour prior to sailing, so don’t procrastinate on getting to the cruise terminal if you didn’t complete the check-in process online.

Another way to avoid lines on embarkation day is to book The Retreat , which comes with priority check-in and a host of other benefits that will make your vacation unforgettable.

If you’re sailing on Celebrity Edge, you can upload a photo of yourself using the check-in app. Then, when you arrive at the state-of-the-art terminal, your face will be recognized and you’ll be whisked inside in mere minutes.

Make sure you arrive with the proper documents in hand, like a passport (if you need one for your cruise). You’ll also want to have any applicable visas with you if required for international ports you’ll be visiting.

When planning your pre-embarkation day to-do list and schedule, it’s also wise to book a flight that gets to the embarkation port a day before. That way, you have time to spare to account for any flight delays and still get to your ship on time. In fact, Flights by CelebritySM can even help you out with that. Flights by CelebritySM gives you competitive rates for airfare, flexibility so you can personalize flight plans, and 24/7 assistance available with any of our specialists. Leave the details to us for a seamless vacation from start to finish.

What do you do with your luggage on embarkation day?

As soon as you arrive at the port, you’ll be met at the vehicle drop-off area by couriers who will take your luggage and put it onto racks. From that point it will be brought onto the ship and delivered to your stateroom.

To make this process easier, you can print off luggage tags at home from your cruise account at the same time you check in. These luggage tags have your name and stateroom number on them and can be stapled around your luggage handle.

With Celebrity Cruises Open Access, you’ll have access to your stateroom as soon as you board, so be sure to pack your essentials in your carry-on so you can freshen up before exploring the ship.

What should you put in your cruise carry-on bag?

Not all of your luggage should go with the couriers, however. Keeping a carry-on, duffel bag, or even a backpack with some key essentials in it is wise to have with you while boarding the ship.

Just like on an airplane, keep important items with you that aren’t easily replaceable on vacation, such as laptops, prescription eyeglasses, medication, and special jewelry.

In your carry-on luggage, you’ll also want to pack a swimsuit or spa clothes. Your luggage may not be delivered to your room right away, even if you do have access to your stateroom.

If you’re cruising from Miami (or another sun-soaked embarkation port), you don’t want to miss out on pool time because you don’t have your suit with you.

Another cruise embarkation tip if you want to get to your room as quickly as possible is to pack a handheld that you can carry on the stairs. The elevators on embarkation day have a longer wait, since more people are utilizing them to get to their room or first point of interest after boarding.

Don’t worry–wait time for an elevator usually decreases drastically after embarkation day.

What do you do when you first board a cruise ship?

When you arrive, it’s officially the start of your vacation. If you’re hungry, you can head to one of the onboard restaurants for lunch or scope out the bars and lounges. Grab some al-fresco bites by the pool, or head to the buffet for a variety of options. The Retreat guests can dine in Luminae for lunch on embarkation day as well.

Get to know the ship and discover all of the exciting things to do on a cruise . Go beyond your stateroom to worlds unknown, whether it’s your first time watching the skyline fade behind you from a cruise ship or first time exploring a gym at sea.

Watch: What To Do On A Cruise Ship

Post up in a sunny deck chair, or be one of the first to hit the pool. Stop in at the Destination Concierge desk to continue planning the day-to-day details of your trip, or get to know more about the destinations you’re sailing to.

It’s also okay to unwind and do nothing! After all, this is vacation, and you have plenty of time to unpack.

Cruise Embarkation Tips

If you haven’t cruised with Celebrity before, embarkation day can be filled with little unknowns and frequently asked questions. If it’s been a while since your last cruise vacation, you might need a refresher on what you can do on embarkation day that can benefit you for your entire cruise, from special offers at the spa and little known dining tips to ways make vacation even more fun for the kids.

We’ve put together seven tips to help you make the most of Embarkation Day:

Check for Special Embarkation Day Offers in the Spa

Persian Garden

If this is your first time cruising, you might not know this savvy spa secret: spa treatments are often discounted on embarkation day.

You can get a great offer on a massage, facial, body wrap, and other spa treatments on embarkation day at the onboard spa. Sometimes these offers even extend to the next morning.

Embarkation day is also a good time to ask for a tour of the cruise ship’s spa facilities and ask any questions at the front desk to learn more about your options for pampering during the cruise.

In addition, there may be seminars you can attend that are led by spa technicians. At these seminars, you’ll learn wellness tips and more about treatments that will help your body and mind feel rejuvenated.

Make Restaurant Reservations

You can often find special embarkation day offers for the ship’s specialty restaurants. On the first night of the cruise, others are excited to check out their table in the Main Restaurant. However, if you can wait until the next night, you could benefit.

Even if you don’t want to dine in a specialty restaurant your first night, embarkation day is a good time to make reservations for later on in the cruise if you haven’t already done so online.

Specialty restaurants do fill up, especially on days at sea or early departure port days, so don’t delay and miss out on the chance of dining at the restaurant of your choice.

If you think you’ll want to reserve numerous specialty restaurants, embarkation day is also a good time to review available dining packages.

If you have any concerns about seating, dietary concerns, or your scheduled dining time in the Main Restaurant, embarkation day is a good time to talk to the maître d’. They can help make sure your dining experience on board is as easy as possible.

Go to the Fun Factory Open House

If you’re cruising with your family , you’ll want to explore the kids club, Fun Factory, on board. Embarkation day typically has an open house for the kids club rooms, during which you can stop by to tour the facility together as a family.

This gets your children comfortable in the space while having you there. It also gives you a chance to speak with the caregivers who will be interacting with your child and ask any questions you may have about the schedule or activities of the kids club.

During the open house, you can get your kids registered and sign any necessary paperwork so they’re ready to have an exciting and fun-filled cruise—and give you some much-needed adult time!

Take Time to Unpack on Embarkation Day

Once your luggage arrives at your stateroom, it’s a smart idea to take some time to unpack before dinner. While you’re at dinner, your stateroom attendant will come in to freshen up your room, turn down your sheets, and leave information for the following day of the cruise. It’s always nice to come back from dinner to a tidy room.

You can then kick off your shoes and relax on the bed or couch with Celebrity Today, the daily itinerary you’ll receive each evening during your cruise that tells you what to expect on board or in port the following day. It comes with a comprehensive schedule that lists when and where every activity, seminar, and show is taking place, plus the opening hours for restaurants, lounges, the spa, and the Fun Factory.

To enjoy this relaxing ambiance, take some time out from exploring the ship to unpack. Maybe get a glass of wine from the Sunset Bar or one of the other bars and lounges on board to enjoy before you do so to make the unpacking process more fun—after all, it’s embarkation day and you’re officially on vacation!

Don’t want to spend any time unpacking? Consider booking The Retreat experience, which comes with a dedicated team of attendants, concierges, and butlers who will unpack for you, giving you even more time to enjoy your vacation.

Introduce Yourself to Your Stateroom Attendant

Your stateroom attendant will likely end up being a highlight of your cruise. Our stateroom attendants are friendly and provide top-notch service. They want to make your accommodations as comfortable and as relaxing as possible.

You’ll likely see them in the hallways outside your stateroom, and they’ll be quick to say hello. This is a good time to introduce yourself and make any initial requests you may have, such as only stocking the mini fridge with red wine and not white wine, or changing the bed configuration if it’s not already to your preference (you can have the beds pushed together to make a king size bed, or split up to make two separate beds).

Head to the Sail Away Party

When your ship pulls away from port, it’s a fun time to be outside on one of the decks and watching your embarkation port get further and further away as you sail off into the horizon.

A fun way to celebrate this is at a sail away party, where you can order a glass of champagne to celebrate the start of your cruise and mingle with other guests who will be on board with you during the cruise.

Check the schedule in your stateroom for embarkation day to see if your ship has a party on board to celebrate the ship setting sail. These parties are often on the sunset deck or pool deck and have live music.

Visit the Shore Excursion Desk

ShoreX Service

If you’re not sure what you want to do during days in port, stop by the shore excursion desk for help.

The most popular shore excursions fill up quickly—sometimes even in advance of the ship sail date since you can reserve them online. Top excursions that are still available on embarkation day will likely fill up soon after the ship sets sail as cruisers learn more about the different ports of call in informational seminars that are conducted the first couple days of the cruise.

Beat those guests to booking by having your own one-on-one consultation with the shore excursion desk, who will answer any questions you have about different excursions and the best fit for you and your interests in each destination.

Ziplining in Talkeetna, Alaska

Book Your Cruise and Get Ready for Embarkation Day Fun

A cruise is a special type of vacation since you get to start relaxing and having fun the second you get on board. All those other pesky vacation logistics like transportation, figuring out where to eat, and finding entertainment is all done for you. Browse itineraries on our website and get ready to sail on an incredible luxury cruise.

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What to Expect on a Disney Cruise Line Debarkation Day

New cruisers are often aware that they should get prepared for sailing on a Disney cruise ( embarking ), but there is almost as much prep needed to get off a cruise (called disembarking or debarking). Here’s what you need to know.

Tasks to Complete Prior to Debarking

The Disney Cruise Line debarkation process actually starts a day or two before you leave the ship. Here are some things you should consider the day before (or sometimes two days before) your sailing ends.

Read Your Debarkation Instructions The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app includes a section on debarkation. Take a few moments to scan this information a day or two before your cruise ends. Even if you’ve sailed with DCL before, a quick refresher should be on your to-do list – instructions do change periodically. Your stateroom host may also leave supplemental information in your stateroom. Be sure to read this as well.

Check Your Cruise Folio You can view your cruise folio (your bill for onboard charges) on the Navigator app, on your stateroom television, or you may ask for a printout at the Guest Services desk. You should periodically review the folio during your trip so that you may rectify any erroneous charges while you’re on the ship. Lines can be long on the last day of your sailing, so the sooner you can do this, the better.

Buy Your Photo Package If you haven’t already done so, take a minute at the onboard photo kiosks to review your pictures taken during the sailing so you can decide whether to purchase a photo package or individual shots. Once your sailing is over, it’s too late. See our post on Disney Cruise Line photos for more details.

Tip Your Service Crew Disney Cruise Line will automatically charge your account a basic gratuity fee for your stateroom host, dining room servers, assistant server, and head waiter. If you want to add an additional tip, you can do this at Guest Services at any point prior to debarkation, or you’re welcome to give them cash or a gift card before you leave. See our FAQ on DCL tipping for more information.

Check Lost and Found If you’ve mislaid anything during your sailing, stop by Guest Services to inquire about lost & found items. After your cruise, you need to complete an online form via Chargerback .

Return Your Kids’ Club Band The Oceaneer Club/Lab will issue wristbands to young children as means of keeping track of them while they’re in the kids’ clubs. Return this band prior to 11:59 p.m. on the last full day of your cruise or you will be assessed a $12.95 fee per band. (Note: This is not the same as the new DisneyBand+ product.)

Check in for Your Flight If you’re flying home from your disembarkation port, remember to check in for your flight.

Confirm Land Transportation If you’re renting a car at the port, using a limo service, or taking Disney’s bus transportation to the airport or a Disney hotel, confirm your reservations and make sure you understand how your land transportation works. Pro tip: Your Key to the World Card (room key) will have a code on it if you’re using Disney transportation.

Sign Up for a DCL Placeholder If you’re planning to take another Disney Cruise within the next two years, you can save yourself some money on the future cruise by reserving a placeholder before you leave the ship. See the Navigator app onboard for details.

Complete Your Disembarkation Questionnaire DCL asks every party to complete a questionnaire prior to disembarking. See our Questionnaire FAQ for more details.

Check Your Safe Make it a habit to check your room’s safe as you leave on the last day. You don’t want to leave valuables on the ship.

Pack Take a few minutes during the morning of your last full day to do a little pre-packing. Toss any paperwork you won’t be needing later, gather your dirty clothes and put them in your suitcase, pack any shoes you won’t be wearing for the rest of the trip, and corral loose items like children’s toys or wayward hair ties. The last night of your sailing can be hectic with saying goodbye to new friends, watching the last night’s mainstage show, and so on. Putting your luggage out in the evening (see below) will be much less frantic if you’ve done some prep work earlier in the day.

Don’t Take Items from the Ship There are several items in your stateroom that may be enticing to take home with you: the decorative pillow, the cozy throw blanket, and the fabric laundry bag are commonly coveted items. As lovely as they may be, don’t bring them home with you – you will be charged a hefty fee.

Feeding Yourself on Debarkation Day

Even though you’re leaving the ship, you’re still entitled to breakfast onboard. These are your options:

Eat in a Dining Room You’ll be assigned to the same dining room you had dinner in on the last night of your cruise. If you’ve had the early dinner seating, you’ll have the earlier breakfast seating (typically 6:45 a.m.). If you’ve had the later dinner seating, you’ll have the later breakfast seating (typically 8:00 a.m.). The menu is abbreviated, but there are hot and cold meals available. If you’re an early riser, aren’t in a rush to get off the ship, like to have a larger morning meal, or want to say one last goodbye to your serving team, then go ahead an have your assigned breakfast.

Eat at the Buffet The pool deck buffet restaurants (Marceline Market on the Wish, Cabanas on all other ships) will be open for breakfast on debarkation morning, typically beginning at about 6:30 a.m. The offerings will be smaller than on other days, but you will have a choice of basic eggs and bacon, pastries, fruit, cereal, and oatmeal. This is a good option if you’re assigned the early seating and want to sleep for a few minutes more or if you just want to grab something quickly.

Just Grab a Coffee Cove Cafe and one or more of the other onboard coffee bars will be open on disembarkation morning. They won’t have much food, if any, but if you just want a coffee to tide you over for a bit, this can be a good option.

Eat Room Service Breakfast This is a bit of trick advice. Actual room service breakfast is only available to Concierge Level guests on disembarkation morning. However, room service is open to all guests until midnight of your last full day. Some guests opt to order Continental breakfast items to be delivered in the evening – that way your food will be right there when you wake up. Make use of the refrigerator in your room for things like milk or butter. And know that many guests find that the coffee in the room service carafe is still hot many hours after delivery.

Whichever option you choose, remember that you are not allowed to bring fruit off the ship with you. (It’s a Customs rule, not a DCL rule.) You can, however, bring packaged items like a small box of cereal with you off the ship.

Also note that you should bring any hand luggage with you to your breakfast destination. You want to clear everything out of your stateroom as early as possible as a courtesy to your stateroom host who has limited time to turn your room over for the next sailing.

Dealing with Your Luggage

There are two ways to deal with your luggage upon disembarkation: Standard Departure or Express Walk Off. During the last evening of your cruise, all guests will routinely be given a set of disembarkation luggage tags depicting a Disney character on a colorful background. If you’re doing Express Walk Off (see below), you can just throw these away or leave them in your stateroom for your host to repurpose. If you’re doing Standard Departure, you should make note of which character and color tag you’ve been given. It never hurts to take a photo or two as a reminder.

Standard Departure

With Standard Departure, you will complete the name/address information on the luggage tag and affix the tags to any luggage that you don’t want to carry off the ship yourself. Be aware that the ship’s elevators and walkways will be CROWDED on debarkation morning. Multiple bags or anything more substantial than a small roll-aboard bag will be unwieldy. Follow the instructions given by your stateroom host and place your tagged luggage in the hall outside your stateroom in the evening (typically from about 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., but always double check the specifics of your sailing).

BE SURE NOT TO PACK ITEMS YOU WILL NEED IN THE MORNING. Keep aside in hand luggage items like your Key To The World Card, electronics, passport and other identification documents, medications, and – this part is important – clothing you plan to wear off the ship in the morning.

On debarkation morning, guests will be called to depart the ship in groups based on their luggage tag character/color. Your group will be assigned based on your departure needs. For example, guests with earlier flights will be allowed off the ship earlier than guests with later flights home. When you group is called, you’ll collect your bags in the terminal, just before you head to customs (see below). Bags are sorted into areas marked by character/color.

Express Walk Off

Express Walk Off is for guests who want to debark the ship as soon as it is cleared by port authorities, typically around 7:30 a.m. at U.S. ports. You may not use Express Walk Off if you’ve tagged your luggage for transportation into the terminal.

To take advantage of this feature, get to the lobby atrium at your sailing’s earliest debarkation time (this will be noted on the Navigator app) with all your belongings in your possession. Have your Key to the World Card and passport (or other ID) in hand and you’ll proceed directly to Customs and back out into the real world.

If you have an early flight home (say, prior to noon for sailings arriving at Port Canaveral with flights from Orlando), you should plan to use Express Walk Off.

Dealing with Transportation

After you disembark, you’ll obviously need to leave the port terminal. If you’ve driven to the port and parked in a nearby garage, just retrieve your car and be on your way.

Other options include an arranged town car or limo, using Disney’s bus transportation to an airport or hotel, renting a car at the terminal, or calling a cab or ride share. You should arrange the first three of these options prior to embarkation and confirm any details with the service. For example, ask the limo service exactly where at the terminal the driver will meet you.

Ubers and cabs can be a great option if you’re arriving at a port in a major metropolitan area (New York or Vancouver), but they may be scarce or expensive at remote ports like Port Canaveral.

Whichever transportation method you select, be aware that all guests must vacate the ship by about 9:30 a.m.

Clearing Customs

The last step in disembarkation is clearing Customs. The procedure is slightly different depending on your debarkation port and your nationality in regard to that port. In all cases, you’ll need to have all your luggage with you, as well as your passport (or other identification paperwork) before proceeding to Customs. If you’ve made significant purchases while traveling, you’ll need to complete a Traveler Entry Form , but this is no longer required of all guests.

If you’re looking for additional advice and planning assistance with any Disney Cruise Line sailing, be sure to check out the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line .

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
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Preparing for Debarkation Day

DAY PRIOR TO DEBARKATION 

• Sail & Sign Accounts
• Customs Declarations
• An overview of the two debarkation options: Carry Off Luggage (Self-Assist) and Checked Luggage (Zone Numbers) 
• Special groups (Faster to the Fun guests, Platinum and Diamond guests, Suite guests)
• Early flights
• Special Assistance
• Back-to-Back guests
• Liquor collection
• Gangway location and flow
• Guest Satisfaction Survey
• Detailed review of debarkation flyer that highlights key logistical information
• A fun Farewell Parade consisting of crew, staff and officers

• Casino: Cash out any casino chips or slips as the Casino Cashier Desk is closed on debarkation morning. 
• If you registered your Sail & Sign account with a credit/debit card, your account will still be active on the morning of debarkation. For credit card accounts, billing is submitted to the your credit card company. Your bank places a hold on all onboard purchases. Even though your account will be settled with us, it is up to your bank to release any holds and it may take 3-5 days or more.
• For cash accounts, if you have exceeded the amount of your cash deposit, you must pay the outstanding balance at Guest Services by the last evening of the cruise so you can disembark the ship without any delay. Any refundable overages greater than $10 USD will be refunded via check mailed within 7 days after the cruise to your home address on file. Overages less than $10 USD will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (excluding Australia ships). If you wish to have the full overage in cash, you may retrieve it from one of the Sail & Sign Kiosks or Guest Services. 
• Liquor Purchases: For cruise durations 6 days and more, liquor purchased from the gift shop or from ashore that was held for safekeeping will be delivered to your stateroom after 7:00pm, the evening prior to debarkation (some exceptions may apply). For cruise durations 5 days and less, liquor will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation. Guests cruising back-to-back will collect all items at the end of the 2nd cruise.

Digital Debark - Debarkation Options Digital Debark is our debarkation procedure using the Carnival Hub app, in order to help streamline the process and minimize crowds while still giving guests plenty of options for how they choose to leave the ship at the end of their cruise vacation.  

• Before 1:00pm on the last day of the cruise, log into the HUB app and navigate to the last day of 'My Planner', accessible via the main menu, and select 'Schedule Debarkation'. 
• You will be guided to select your preferred debarkation option: 'Express Debarkation' or 'Checked Luggage'. Then select all members of your party and select a suitable time for you and your party to debark the ship. 
• If you choose 'Checked Luggage', select the number of tags you require (one tag per bag). Luggage tags will be delivered to your stateroom the last day of the cruise.
• Once you have completed 'Schedule Debarkation', the confirmation will remain available in your planner. Upon arrival to the home port, listen to the Cruise Director's announcements and follow the debarkation notifications coming through on your HUB app.

Option 1: Express Debarkation - Carry Off Your Luggage (Self-Assist) If you would like to disembark early and are able to carry your own luggage off the ship, this option is for you. This option is a great for anyone with an early flight back home. 

You do not need to put your luggage outside of your cabin the last evening of your cruise. Keep all your belongings with you and on the last morning of the cruise, you will be among the first to debark the ship, as soon as the vessel has cleared immigration and debarkation can begin. Please know that in addition to carrying off your own bags, there may be escalators, stairs, and lines to contend with.

Option 2: Checked Luggage

• All original Carnival luggage tags need to be removed.
• Each tag needs to be filled out and attached to every piece of luggage.
• The tear-off section needs to be kept as reference.
• Do not pack medicine or other important documents in your luggage. Ensure you keep out your Sail & Sign Card, proof of citizenship and photo ID.
• Make sure you leave out an outfit for the last day. In the morning.
• Your luggage will be collected by our staff and placed into a secure area on board for offloading upon arrival in the morning. 
• You will be called to the gangway by the scheduled time you selected.
• Your luggage will be waiting for you in the baggage claim area of the terminal building, separated by zone number.
• You must personally locate your luggage and either carry it out or seek the assistance of a porter. The customary tip is $1 USD per bag.

Taking Care of Business

• Sail & Sign Cash Account: If not done so alreadly, please settle any outstanding account balances with Guest Services before 8:00am so you can disembark without delay. 
• Debarkation Morning Purchases: You may use your Sail & Sign card or personal credit card for purchases. 
• Liquor Purchases: For cruise durations 5 days and less, liquor will be available for collection in a designated lounge on the morning of debarkation. Guests cruising back-to-back will collect all items at the end of the 2nd cruise.
• The Photo Gallery is open for last minute purchases until 8:30am. 
• Carnival airport transportation tickets are available for purchase on the Carnival HUB App or at the Carnival Adventures or Guest Services desks until arrival.

Waiting for Departure

• We kindly ask that you vacate your stateroom before 8:30am. Please double check and make sure you have removed all valuables from your stateroom safe as well as personal items from closets and drawers.
• The main dining room serves breakfast 6:30am-8:00am (open seating)
• The lido restaurant serves breakfast 6:00am-9:00am
• Promenade Cafe (JavaBlue) is open 6:00am-9:00am
• You will need to select a location on the ship while waiting to be called for departure. Each ship will provide a list of designated areas (lounges and outdoor space) for guests to wait; in the interest of safety, guests should not wait in the stairwells or lobby area.
• Once the ship has cleared Immigrations and debarkation starts, Carry off guests will be among the first to to be alerted via notification through the app that they can leave the ship. Guests will proceed to the gangway with their luggage. 
• Guests who require special assistance will disembark with their luggage when their group is called through the HUB app notifications and will be escorted off the ship into the baggage claim area. Unfortunately, due to port regulation, wheelchair escorts are not allowed to assist with the handling or collection of luggage at the terminal building.
• Guests who have pre-purchased a shore excursion that includes return transfers to the airport will meet in a designated area and guided to the gangway as a group.
• We generally clear the ship of all guests approximately three hours after the published arrival time in the home port.

Debarking the Ship

• Sail & Sign card
• U.S Citizens will need Travel Documentation (passport, birth certificate and photo I.D, etc)
• Non-U.S Citizens will need Travel Documentation (passport) and required forms and documentation required by U.S Immigrations.
• In order to 'check out' of the ship's security system, each guest will need to present their Sail & Sign card as they leave the ship.
• In nine U.S homeports, guests debarking the ship at the end of a closed loop cruise will pause at a kiosk with a camera and take a photo. Within seconds, the image is biometrically compared to their passport or visa photo to verify the guest’s identity. U.S travelers and select foreign nationals who prefer to opt out of the facial biometric process can simply request a manual document check from a CBP Officer. 
• The U.S homeports using this secure, streamlined technology, include Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Baltimore, Mobile, Galveston and Long Beach. 
• Baggage Claim: Guests will proceed to the baggage claim area of the cruise terminal. Please wait for your zone number to be called otherwise you luggage will not be available in the terminal. Luggage will be grouped by zone number for easy location. Guests should double check to ensure they have claimed their own luggage as well as all of their bags.
• All confiscated items will be returned to guests in the terminal by the shoreside security upon debarking the vessel.
• U.S Customs Border and Protection (CPB) Luggage Inspection: Prior to exiting the cruise terminal, guests will proceed to the CBP area - this is a formal but brief check of luggage and an oral declaration of merchandise purchased.
• Guests who have purchased our optional transfers must proceed to the buses outside the cruise terminal with their luggage for transportation to the airport.
• Taxis and other alternative transportation services will be located outside the cruise terminal.
• Guests who purchased shore excursions must ensure their luggage is on the same bus on which they are traveling.

Damaged, Lost Luggage, or Luggage Left on the Ship or Cruise Terminal -  check here

Lost & Found (Missing Items) - check here

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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