Embarkation Day Routine

[teenieleek]

17 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

We have been on 9 westbound TA's and only once were we unable to use the Sanctuary due to weather.  Our last TA was this past November on the Regal and we were in the Sanctuary all 6 sea days back to Ft Lauderdale.

Hmm, ok but we’re sailing to Boston, much further north.  We’ve got a south-facing balcony, port side so maybe that’ll be enough, although the Sanctuary looks appealing. I might see how the weather forecast is, then run up and book a couple of afternoons on embarkation day if it’s looking hopeful.  We should be on early since we’re in a suite.  Thanks again.

[juliet]

On 9/3/2023 at 1:05 PM, J13C85 said:

Embarkation Day is our favorite day of the cruise, so much excitement and the thought of the adventure in front of us is exhilarating. For us, the joys of embarkation day start before we board.

 

First, we stay in embarkation city 1-2 days pre cruise. When we do this, one of the bags we pack is just for the embarkation city and the other 1-2 is for the cruise (this comes into play later). 

 

On embarkation day, we start off with a light room service breakfast, enjoy it on our hotel balcony and take in the sights. After breakfast, it's time to head to the port.  We typically arrive around 10. The last few times we sailed in a suite and this actually impacts our routine. At the port, after check in and security, we are typically directed to a suite, elite waiting area. Usually there are some snacks as well as juices and iced tea. Last time we sailed on Sky (as we are doing this year), and in the waiting area they gave us tickets so we could leave our carry on at "Take 5" lounge where they were held and watched by Princess staff (this was a very nice suite perk). 

 

Once we board, our first stop is "Take 5" to drop the carry on bag and then it is off to find a spot to sit (we will use Vines this year). Once we pick a seat, I walk around the corner to Sabatini's to confirm or make our Embarkation Night dinner (suite perk). We will also sign up or get waitlisted for Chef's table. Once that is done it is back to Vines were I rejoin DW and we enjoy the first of, for me, will be many cocktails (I'll start with Dirty Banana and she will probably go with Milky Way Martini). At this point, we relax, people watch and just bask in the thought that we are on the ship.

 

During this time before lunch we like to explore the ship (but as this year we are returning to Sky that will be brief) get Muster done and we then head to Reserve Class (Club Class) for lunch. We try and get a window seat and take in the sights while we eat. After lunch,  it is back to "Take 5" to collect our carry on and head to our cabin.

 

First thing we do when we get to the cabin is take photos and video while it is pristine (I swear, the cabin never looks as good as it does on Embarkation Day). We will snack on Chocolate Covered Strawberries and cheese tray we bought while we wait for luggage to arrive and take in sights from the cabin/balcony. Once luggage arrives we take everything from the embarkation city bag, put it in a laundry bag and give to steward to get laundered (free laundry is another suite perk). I unpack luggage as soon as possible, load all my stresses and worries into the bags and slide them under the bed where they remain until the end of the cruise. Sometimes as I unpack DW will take a short nap or she will supervise me, lol.

 

For sailaway, we take it in on our balcony (how we love sailaway on the balcony). I like to sit on the balcony until dark for this. Our evening is based around dinner and whatever the spirit (or should I say spirits) direct us to do.

 

I'm glad you mentioned being in a suite.  We've always been in mini-suites, but have a full suite this time.  Where is the Take 5 area to leave our bags?  Didn't know where the embarkation night dinner was, but I assumed there'd be a note in our room about it.  Thanks for the info.

[NavyVeteran]

7 minutes ago, juliet said:

I'm glad you mentioned being in a suite.  We've always been in mini-suites, but have a full suite this time.  Where is the Take 5 area to leave our bags?  Didn't know where the embarkation night dinner was, but I assumed there'd be a note in our room about it.  Thanks for the info.

The embarkation night dinner will be in whatever specialty restaurant you select. Call the DINE line or go by a specialty restaurant as soon as you board to reserve your time. The app doesn't seem to recognize the first night complimentary specialty restaurant dinner for suites, so you will probably need to do it onboard. There shouldn't be a problem, as they hold some spaces back for suites.

[juliet]

15 minutes ago, NavyVeteran said:

The embarkation night dinner will be in whatever specialty restaurant you select. Call the DINE line or go by a specialty restaurant as soon as you board to reserve your time. The app doesn't seem to recognize the first night complimentary specialty restaurant dinner for suites, so you will probably need to do it onboard. There shouldn't be a problem, as they hold some spaces back for suites.

Thank you for your reply.

[J13C85]

6 hours ago, juliet said:

I'm glad you mentioned being in a suite.  We've always been in mini-suites, but have a full suite this time.  Where is the Take 5 area to leave our bags?  Didn't know where the embarkation night dinner was, but I assumed there'd be a note in our room about it.  Thanks for the info.

Take 5 is on Deck 6 (instinct says it should be on 5, LOL). Adjacent to the Casino. When we sailed, on first Gala night they held a reception for Suite Guests (drinks and snacks) where we met the Captain and other senior officers (this event was neat). As you are in a suite, please take full advantage of the Concierge Lounge (Deck 14, right by cabin R610). Lounge is a wonderful perk.

[juliet]

6 hours ago, J13C85 said:

Take 5 is on Deck 6 (instinct says it should be on 5, LOL). Adjacent to the Casino. When we sailed, on first Gala night they held a reception for Suite Guests (drinks and snacks) where we met the Captain and other senior officers (this event was neat). As you are in a suite, please take full advantage of the Concierge Lounge (Deck 14, right by cabin R610). Lounge is a wonderful perk.

Thank you : )