Embarkation day is exciting, but anyone who has stood in a long terminal line with luggage in hand knows it can also be a test of patience. Creator @cruiseactually shares three steps she says can help you skip the check in line on a Royal Caribbean cruise through a feature called Express Boarding.
An important disclaimer from the creator herself: Express Boarding is not available on every ship or at every port. She recommends checking the Royal Caribbean app to see whether it applies to your sailing.
The Three Steps
- Check in on the app or website. According to the creator, this is where you enter your traveler information and select an arrival time.
- Complete the Health and Safety Questionnaire in the app. She says the questionnaire is released about 24 hours before departure, and her caption says to complete it the day before you depart.
- Do your safety training in the app before you board. She explains that this involves watching the safety videos, which cover things such as how to put on a life jacket and what the emergency signal means.
Once all three are done, she says, you get Express Boarding, and embarkation day is a breeze.
Why It Could Save You Time
Boarding a cruise typically involves several steps: showing documents, getting your room key and security screening. Completing some of that work from your phone ahead of time may shorten your time in line at the terminal. Exactly how much it helps depends on the ship, the port and how busy the day is, so think of it as a way to improve your odds of a smoother start rather than a promise.
Embarkation Day Tips for Every Traveler
Whether or not Express Boarding is available on your sailing, these general ideas can make boarding day easier. Always follow the instructions from your own cruise line, since requirements can change.
- Start the app early. Download the cruise line’s app well before your trip and sign in to make sure your booking appears. That way, you are not troubleshooting at the last minute.
- Pick your arrival time with care. The creator says you can choose an arrival time during check in. Choosing a time that fits your travel plans may help avoid crowds, though availability can vary.
- Set a reminder for the questionnaire. Since it opens about a day before departure, a phone alarm can help you remember.
- Watch the safety videos at home. You can go through them on your own couch rather than in a busy terminal, and with better Wi-Fi.
- Keep documents handy. Passports, IDs and travel papers should be in a bag you carry yourself, not packed in the suitcase you drop off.
- Pack a small carry on for the first hours. Your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin right away, so carry swimwear, medications and anything you need immediately.
- Arrive in a relaxed frame of mind. Lines and delays can happen anywhere. A little patience and a snack in your bag can help a lot.
- Ask for help if you need it. Travelers who need mobility assistance or have other special needs should check with the cruise line ahead of time about the best way to board.
Not Tech Savvy? You Still Have Options
Not everyone loves doing everything on a smartphone, and that is okay. Many cruise lines also allow online check in on a computer, as the creator mentions with her website option. If you are unsure, a trusted family member, a travel agent or the cruise line’s customer service team can usually walk you through the steps before you leave home.
The creator’s three steps are simple, and they may be worth a try if you are heading out on a Royal Caribbean sailing soon. Do a quick check in the app to confirm that Express Boarding is offered for your ship and port, then enjoy a more relaxed start to your vacation. After all, the whole point of a cruise is getting to the fun part sooner.
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