Everything You Need to Know About Embarkation and Disembarkation on a Cruise Ship

After booking a cruise for the first time, you’ll likely encounter a range of new terminology. The terms ‘embarkation’ and ‘disembarkation’ may be new to you, and while these processes can be second nature to seasoned cruisers, it’s perfectly normal to be confused if you’re not used to them. 

If you’re uncertain, don’t worry because Bolsover Cruise Club is here to cover all the important information you need to know about embarkation and disembarkation ahead of your cruise, including essential definitions, typical schedule expectations, and common questions.

Embarkation: Your Comprehensive Guide

What Does Embarkation Mean?

Simply put, embarkation is the process of getting on your ship. It’s the cruising equivalent of boarding a plane, and while the embarkation procedure may vary slightly between cruise lines, it generally follows the same fundamental process:

• Upon arriving at the cruise terminal, you will be directed to a designated check-in point to begin your cruise embarkation. 
• Once at the desk, you’ll be asked to present your required documents (see below).
• You will then set up your onboard account and be given a keycard for your stateroom. You’ll likely need to scan this card each time to re-enter the ship following shore excursions.
• Once you have embarked on your ship, you might not be able to get to your cabin straight away. You’ll be told when it is likely to be available, so you can wait in the available bars or lounges until it is ready.

The embarkation process may vary depending on whether your cruise departs from the UK or an overseas port as part of a fly cruise, as well as where exactly it’s visiting once you’re on board.

What Do You Need for Embarkation?

As a general rule, the embarkation procedure will require you to have the following documents to hand:

• Passport
• Tickets and other travel documents
• Visas (if necessary)
• Travel insurance details
• A credit or debit card that can be linked to your onboard account

How Early Do You Need to Arrive for Embarkation?

Arriving early at the cruise terminal can help you steer clear of long lines and large crowds (and help you avoid being late!). However, arriving too early might result in having to wait until the cruise line begins the check-in process. 

To strike the right balance, we advise arriving two to three hours before your ship’s scheduled departure. Many cruise lines provide an allocated arrival time to ensure a stress-free embarkation, and if you do receive an embarkation time, it’s important that you arrive as close to it as possible. Otherwise, you could be left waiting in the terminal until it’s time to board.

What Happens if You Miss Your Cruise Ship Embarkation?

If you miss your embarkation, you are responsible for the costs of reaching your ship at the next available port. In order to make this process as easy as possible, there are a few key steps you can take:

• Contact Your Cruise Line: At your embarkation port, go to your cruise line’s port agent and let them know that you were scheduled to embark with the departed ship. They can advise you on the best course of action.
• Identify the Best Port for Boarding: Consult the ship’s itinerary and locate the next closest port for boarding. You will be required to pay for your own travel to this port.
• Contact Your Travel Insurance Provider: Let your travel insurance provider know that you have missed embarkation and provide them with the relevant context. They may be able to advise on next steps regarding compensation.

Disembarkation: Your Comprehensive Guide

What Does Disembarkation Mean?

Opposite to embarkation, disembarkation is the process of leaving your ship. Again, there can be differences between cruise lines, but the disembarkation process tends to be similar:

• You’ll start to receive details regarding disembarkation a few days before you reach the end of your cruise, including time and location details, so you can be fully prepared for when the time comes.
• In most cases, you’ll need to have your luggage packed and left outside your stateroom the night before you disembark, usually before midnight. We advise against packing essentials that you’ll need overnight. Some cruise lines may also offer self-disembarkation, where you take your own luggage off the ship.
• There will be at least one dining option available to you on the day of disembarkation, depending on what time you need to leave the ship. Whether it’s the buffet or main restaurant, there will be somewhere to get your food fix before you disembark.
• At your provided time, you will leave the ship and collect your luggage at the relevant terminal.

What Time Do Cruise Ships Disembark?

The disembarkation time you are allocated will depend on several factors, including the time your ship will arrive in port and what your onward travel plans are. Guests will receive time slots in groups, at which time they will be required to gather in a specific location on board (such as a lounge, cafe or public area). You will need to wait there until instructed to leave the ship.

It may be possible to alter your disembarkation time, but this will be at the discretion of the staff on board the ship. If this is of interest, please approach guest services to enquire about this possibility.

How Long After a Cruise Ship Docks Can You Disembark?

The process of disembarking can take a long time, meaning guests may be required to remain on the ship for a few hours following docking. As outlined above, guests will be provided with a time slot for disembarkation. However, the length of time spent in port before this process may be subject to ship size, customs authority processes, and local authority permissions.

Can You Disembark a Cruise Early?

Guests are free to disembark their cruise early; however, this may be subject to a range of conditions. If you want to disembark early, you will be required to inform the cruise line and cooperate with all safety procedures and logistical processes. Paperwork may be necessary, and we advise that you be patient with the process, as it can be a challenge to adjust the ship’s itinerary to honour your request.

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.