What Does Embarkation Mean?

What Does Embarkation Mean?

Embarkation is the act of boarding (getting on) the cruise ship. It is the start of your cruise vacation. Embarkation day then refers to the first on the cruise ship.
What Does Embarkation Mean

Embarkation is a word used in the cruise industry and is the process of passengers boarding the cruise ship. However, before the process can begin you must first check in at the cruise terminal.




Upon arrival at the cruise terminal you will be greeted by a porter who will take your luggage. Before dropping the luggage off ensure that the luggage tags are attached. These you will get off the cruise line’s website and will need to print out at home. Don’t forget to tip the porter for their hard work. Your luggage will be loaded onto the cruise ship and placed outside your stateroom before the day is out. Be sure that you carry on any items that you may need right away as well as any medication or personal items you do not want to let out of your possession. You will not have access to your room right away so consider that when deciding what to put in your carry on.

The Check In Process

Once inside the terminal, you will begin the check in process. Here you will need to present your ID, Cruise booking documentation, and then a credit card for your onboard account. Depending upon the cruise line you will be issued either a cruise card or a wristband that will act as your boarding pass, room key, and to charge any purchases to your room.





Some cruise lines, like Carnival cruise line now offer staggered check in times. When checking in online a few weeks before your sail date you will get to choose your desired check in time. Per the cruise line, you will need to arrive only during that time slot window. You will be asked to come back if you arrive before that.





This is important because it makes the embarkation process run smoother, the line is not as full and time waiting is decreased. There will be an announcement over the loudspeaker when the cruise line is ready to accept new passengers and start the embarkation or boarding process.





Just before leaving the cruise terminal, most cruise lines have you take a souvenir embarkation photo. There is no obligation at all to buy the photo. The photos will be displayed later on the cruise ship for your viewing. You have until the end of the cruise to decide if you want to buy it.




Once you are checked in, you can walk up the gangway and onto the ship. Here you will be greeted by a friendly, smiling cruise staff who will scan your cruise card or wristband which was issued at check in. In Carnival Cruise Lines' case, they will scan your boarding pass as you do not get your card until you get to your room as it is in your door.




Once you hear the scanner ding, You have now embarked on your cruise and your vacation can begin. Enjoy!!!

The Opposite Of Embarkation

The opposite of embarkation is debarkation or disembarkation. Otherwise known as the saddest day of the trip and the most dreaded.




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