Have lunch but do not necessarily head straight to the buffet. The buffet can be one of the most crowded spaces on embarkation day because everyone comes hungry for lunch. Check out your other lunch options. Sometimes other venues are open for a first-day lunch, and they aren't as crowded. For example the Pasta Bar on the second buffet level of some Carnival Ships or the Park Café and Sorrento’s Pizza on Royal ships.
Tour the ship, get your bearings, and identify which bars, eateries, and venues you want to visit first. We recommend starting at the top and working your way down.
Take lots of photos. Get the “I'm on vacation" photo of your family by the ship's rail; get a picture of your stateroom in pristine condition before it's wrecked with daily schedules, towel animals and your assorted laundry; capture interesting spots onboard before they're crowded with passengers. Post them on Facebook and Instagram.
Make your spa and salon appointments, as the most popular treatment times book up quickly. You can also take a tour of the spa to see what is offered and what specials they might be promoting.
Take a swim in the pool or hot tub. They're often uncrowded on the first day because many people haven't packed a change of clothes in their carry-on and need to wait for their luggage to arrive. If your ship has waterslides give those a try on your first day – you are on vacation!
Make specialty dining reservations if you haven't done so online before your trip. Choice dining times can sell out.
Check in at the kids club and sign up your kids for the onboard camp activities. There's often an introductory session for kids and parents to meet the counselors and get acquainted with the facilities.
Check out the dining room. The maitre d' is typically available to take questions and make changes, if possible, on embarkation day. If you wanted early dining but got a late seating, want to switch from set-seating to flexible dining or just want to find out if you're at a two-top or 10-top, make a visit to the dining room. It's also good to check in with the maitre d' if you have dietary restrictions to make sure you'll be taken care of onboard.
Unpack your suitcases, and get that task (and your luggage) out of the way early. While you unpack - meet your cabin steward and make any requests you have.
Participate in the sailaway party on deck. It's festive, with live music and flowing drinks, and it's a fun way to kick off your cruise.
Embarkation day can be a great night to dine out in the specialty restaurants, as they're often less crowded and, on some lines, carry a reduced cover charge.
Watch the sun set over the ocean, go to the welcome show, hit the casino, sing karaoke and dance to the live bands -- your cruise starts tonight!
Happy Cruising!
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