9 Tips for a Stress-Free Cruise Disembarkation

No one likes when a cruise is about to end. The dreaded last morning of your cruise is probably the worst day of your vacation, but unfortunately, you will need to leave the ship at some point. Don’t let this disembarkation process make matters worse on this already melancholy occasion. Here are our tips for a stress-free cruise disembarkation.

1. Repack your bags over the course of the cruise

A great time saver is to start repacking your bags over the course of the cruise. We repack items after using them, especially dirty clothes, in one of our suitcases. Many cruisers also swear by using packing cubes to help organize clothes during packing and repacking. Take some time each evening to put away items that you no longer need.

Waiting until the last night of the cruise is a recipe for headaches, arguments, and a bigger chance leaving something behind in the cabin. Be sure to re-check the cabin on the final morning to ensure you didn’t forget anything.

2. Use the self-checkout option

Most cruise lines offer capable cruisers the ability to walk off the ship first. This “self-checkout” option means you have to be able to carry your luggage off the ship. We always do self-checkout, and it is usually a huge time saver. On many occasions, we have literally walked right off the ship and been on our way to the airport in less than 30 minutes.

If you do elect for self-checkout, we suggest leaving as early as possible. This time varies from one cruise line to the next and from one port to the next, but it will be announced once you are allowed to start disembarking. Leaving early will ensure the shortest lines. If you are unable to do self-checkout, you will need to put your luggage outside on the previous evening and wait until the number on your luggage tag is called. You will not be able to leave until that designated time.

3. Don’t pack everything in your big suitcase.

If you’re going to set out your bags the night prior to disembarkation for staff to transfer to the cruise terminal, make sure you leave out some essential items. The usual things like prescription medication, electronics, your wallet, and your passport should stay with you in your carry-on. But you’ll want to keep some other things behind too, like a change of clothes for disembarkation day and the toiletries you’ll need to get ready in the morning.

4. Settle your account before leaving the ship

If you have linked your onboard charges to a credit card, you should check the bill before leaving the ship to ensure accuracy. This can usually be done on your stateroom TV or the smartphone app if applicable. Many cruise lines will also leave a printed copy of the bill outside your stateroom door the evening before disembarkation. If not, you will want to go to Guest Services to obtain a copy to make sure all the charges are accurate, as it will be almost impossible to dispute them once you are home.

If you have decided to pay for your purchases in cash, you will also want to ensure your account is settled before you head to the gangway or you will be flagged and not allowed to leave until you have paid in full.

5. Have all required documentation on hand

For most ports, cruisers do not have to complete the U.S. Customs declaration form unless they are returning with more than $800 of merchandise. However if you do have this (or other) paperwork, make sure to complete all of it the night before disembarkation.

Also, be sure to have your cruise card and passport in hand when exiting the ship. You will need to use your cruise card to scan off the ship for one final time. You will then need your passport to go through customs. So, keep the disembarkation process flowing smoothly by have all documentation in hand instead of digging through your belongings to find them.

6. Don’t sleep in

We know, we know. Who wants to end a vacation by waking up early?! Unfortunately, getting up a bit earlier than you might desire is just the way it is aboard most cruise ships. The crew needs to turn around the entire ship quickly to be ready for guests boarding for the next sailing. Even if you’ve opted for traditional disembarkation where they assign you a specific time slot to get off the ship, you’ll need to leave your cabin before that. In fact, crew aboard most ships will start knocking on your door around 8 am, hurrying you along to leave since they need to get in to clean it.

To avoid the anxiety of having a cabin steward rushing you along, get up with plenty of time for getting ready and doing the last of your packing. If you wake up early enough, you might even have time to eat breakfast before vacating your cabin, meaning you won’t have to deal with your luggage in the buffet or dining room.

7. Avoid the buffet for breakfast

Most cruise ships offer room service continental breakfast for free and have cafe-type options for some quick grab-and-go breakfast items like pastries or pre-made sandwiches. Either way, save yourself some time and aggravation on the morning of disembarkation and skip the buffet. Inevitably, there will be long lines and little to no seating at the buffet as everyone on the ship is trying to have one last meal before heading home. Stay ahead of the crowds by grabbing a quick bite and making your way to the gangway to disembark.

8. Opt for private transportation

Avoid the buses and shared vans on the morning of disembarkation. Instead, arrange for private car transportation. You do not need to pay an arm and leg for this service. In fact, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are “private” options for a very affordable price. This ensures that we are not waiting on other passengers to fill up a bus or van.

9. Schedule your departing flight at a reasonable time

Delays can happen during disembarkation, so be smart when planning your return travel home. There is nothing worse than waiting in line on the ship and hearing the people next to you say that they have a flight to catch in an hour. We don’t like waiting at the airport either, but we most certainly would prefer waiting in the airport than having the headache of trying to reschedule a missed flight. We recommend avoiding booking a flight that leaves prior to noon on disembarkation day.

No one wants vacation to end, but do not add undue headaches and stress to your disembarkation by not planning ahead. With our 7 helpful tips, your cruise disembarkation will be efficient and carefree. This will give you more time to begin planning your next cruise vacation!

Comments

Do you agree with our tips for a stress free cruise disembarkation? How do you make this inevitable process more efficient? Drop us an anchor below to share your helpful hints.