What can I expect at embarkation?

[mcubed]

Hi all - I am taking my first cruise on Princess (and altogether) on October 6th. Embarkation is from 12-3:00 pm. Since I never did this before what can I expect when I embark?

 

1) How much luggage am I allowed to carry on? (no flights involved)

2) will any restaurants or shops be open at that time? What is open at that time?

 

We will be traveling with my 4 year old so I am not sure what we will do about lunch, etc.

 

Thanks and feel free to fill in any blanks about what I need to know for that day. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

[sun&sea]

Once you go to the pier (not sure where you are going???) you will give your large pieces of luggage to a porter. Make sure your cruise luggage tags are on them. You can take a carry-on with you (or a few carry-on size bags) Just make sure they will fit through a scanner, much like the airport.

 

You will proceed to check in, then through security. The staff will tell you where to go. Just have your documents handy for check in.

 

Once on the ship, lunch is served! After that, just walk around the ship and have fun! Your bags will be delivered to your cabin in a few hours.

 

Janet

[custompcsys]

Hi all - I am taking my first cruise on Princess (and altogether) on October 6th. Embarkation is from 12-3:00 pm. Since I never did this before what can I expect when I embark?

 

1) How much luggage am I allowed to carry on? (no flights involved)

2) will any restaurants or shops be open at that time? What is open at that time?

 

We will be traveling with my 4 year old so I am not sure what we will do about lunch, etc.

 

Thanks and feel free to fill in any blanks about what I need to know for that day. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

I would be able to answer a bit more detailed if I knew which port you were leaving from, but in general:

 

1) I've never seen anyone limited in what they were able to carry on...its not like the airlines. That said, don't weigh yourself down too too much, you'll have some walking to do to get to your cabin.

 

2) Once you board, the Horizon Court buffet will be open for lunch. We always drop our carry-ons in the cabin and head there, then explore the ship after we grab a bite. The shops aren't allowed to open in port, so you will have to wait to go shopping - same with the casino. As long as your 4 year old isn't super fussy about food then I'm sure he/she will have something they like at the buffet.

 

I would also add to make sure you have all the documentation that Princess lists as "required" for boarding with you and handy. Most ports have this process pretty much down pat, so it should be smooth. In most embarkation ports, either get there by 11:00 a.m. or wait until after 2:00 p.m. to avoid the biggest crowds.

 

I'm sure others will add to this! :)

[mwlillie]

When you board, you can carryon as much as you can handle.

 

But, I would recommend just small stuff, you will hand you luggage over to porters to be put on the ship. We usually get our luggage between 3 and 5, but this varies so I would recommend that you carry on essentials. Plus, if your child is potty trained you probably want to take your suitsuits with you in your carry-on so you could go in the pools.

 

Be sure to tip the porters that handle your bags (I usually tip a dollar a bag), it makes me think I'm ensuring that they are treated well.

 

The Horizon buffet will be open once you board the ship, so you can go have lunch there. Its' location depends on what ship you are taking so I won't give any directions here (post your ship and people can give you some tips).

 

The line for embarkation starts forming about an hour or so before the doors for the processing area are open, so depending upon your schedule you can show up anytime between an hour before and about an hour before the ship sails (earlier is better).

 

Make sure you have all your cruise paperwork filled out ahead of time, and you have all pertinant documents (Passports, etc) very handy. This will speed up the processing. Also, be sure to have a credit card ready to link to your on-board account. If you are unsure of what paperwork to fill out ahead of time (saves you time, and the people in line behind you time as well), contact princess, or ask here.

 

Be sure to put the luggage tags sent to you with your cruise paperwork on those suitcases you will give to the porters.

 

I've always embarded from Fort Lauderdale, so we go to the port around 11:30. Wait outside for about 30 minutes then are processed and onboard within 30 minutes or so.

 

Once you are let inside, you'll be in a big room (on a side note, this is the room you will find your luggage after the cruise, I'm thinking if it is just you and your child, you may want to ensure you have a way to carry said luggage through customers and out of the building). In the building, at embarkatation, you'll see about a dozen stations that are identified usually by deck, so you'll process in at the station with the deck identification your room in on.

 

If you paperwork is filled out, this will only take a few minutes, and then you'll walk on-board.

 

You usually enter the ship (and from Fort Lauderdal this is like walking onto a plane at a normal airport), at the Atrium level, though for one cruise (carnival :-() we entered at pier level. The best thing to do is look online at www.princess.com and find out where your cabin is in relation to the Atrium, and plan from there (you won't be shown to your room, so this is why I would suggest minimal carry-on with consideration to your child).

 

Once you are at your room, check out the ship's newspaper for additonal info, and times of things like the lifeboat drill. You'll more then likely meet the cabin steward that will be taking care of your room at this time, so be sure to ask for a life jacket to fit your child if the ones in your room won't fit them.

 

After unpacking or gathering your thoughts, go ahead and have lunch and enjoy exploring your ship, your luggage will show up late in the afternoon. and we usually unpack after the lifeboat drill. While you are exploring the ship check out the location of the kid's club, so you'll know where to go to register your child for the kid's program (registration occurs the first night and you have to do there with your child). Also, if you are doing formal dining, you can see where the dining room is, etc.

 

I would highly recommend checking out the reviews for your ship on this board, they give a lot of good advice and give you a good feel for activitis.

 

There is so much to see and do, have a great time, and I'd be more then happy to answer any additional questions.

 

For other CC people, please correct or modify if I've said something wrong.

[Trainman52]

Hi all - I am taking my first cruise on Princess (and altogether) on October 6th. Embarkation is from 12-3:00 pm. Since I never did this before what can I expect when I embark?

 

1) How much luggage am I allowed to carry on? (no flights involved)

2) will any restaurants or shops be open at that time? What is open at that time?

 

We will be traveling with my 4 year old so I am not sure what we will do about lunch, etc.

 

Thanks and feel free to fill in any blanks about what I need to know for that day. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

Make sure to have any medications or other musts in your carry-on.

 

The shops do not open until the ship leaves port. There is plenty of exploring to be done.

 

While the dining rooms are not open, the buffets are. The spas are also generally open trying to sell you various and sundry services.

 

The cafe may be open as well.

 

Bon Voyage

[mwlillie]

Quick child tip:

 

If your child like a particular snack, or beverage, I'd pack the snacks (and I'm talking specific brand names here), and check here if thier favorite beverage is available, and if not plan for that as well.

[sultan_sfo]

Shops will not open until a hour or two after sailaway to meet the requirement of duty free and sales tax free prices. So carry essentials for your 4-year old with you. Also carry common OTC medications because they are of different brands and often not available on board.

 

P.S. Simultaneous posting with Trainman52!

[mcubed]

Thanks for all the replies and well wishes! This is so helpful and I am glad we are not limited to one carryon (with a 4 year old there are many "essentials" to worry about)!

 

In answer to some of the info I left out :

 

1) We are embarking in San Pedro (L.A) and cruising to the Mexican Riviera for 7 days

 

2) I will be traveling with myself, DH and our 4 year old

 

I am getting VERY excited!!! I welcome any additional input as well!

[custompcsys]

Ahhh ok, well then that's different. Take as many carry-ons as you want, give them all to DH to carry on :D (Just joking of course, my original comment about limiting yourself still holds..its a long walk!)

 

Can't help with with LA, haven't left from that particular port. I think everyone has pretty much covered things for embarkation. Keep reading the boards here though, you'll be amazed at how much info you can get!

[mcubed]

Oh, I knew I forgot something! The ship is the Golden.

 

Thanks again! :)

[trudle]

Something you might ask about----on our many Cruises----we get morning room service. I don't know about Princess lines but on the ships we travel, they all have this service. There are cards, in the room somewhere----that have breakfast items----coffee--milk----cereal---toast, etc. You check the items that you want delivered to the room and put this card, outside your door, in the evening and what time you would want it delivered. We like our coffee, so while we are getting ready for the day, we have our coffee delivered and then go to the dinning room for breadfast or get the complete breakfast and off we go on tours or whatever. And with the 4yr. old, you might find this good while getting ready. Don't forget to tip---we do a dollar or two.

 

Have a great Cruise:D

[vince_g]

The link below has a lot of great information. Enjoy your cruise!

 

http://cruise.about.vg/

[azbaby8062]

Thanks for all the replies and well wishes! This is so helpful and I am glad we are not limited to one carryon (with a 4 year old there are many "essentials" to worry about)!

 

In answer to some of the info I left out :

 

1) We are embarking in San Pedro (L.A) and cruising to the Mexican Riviera for 7 days

 

2) I will be traveling with myself, DH and our 4 year old

 

I am getting VERY excited!!! I welcome any additional input as well!

 

Good to know there is another person travelling on the Golden with us who has a child. :) I will be traveling with my DS who is 6. I notice you have also posted on the roll call.

[Cruisin' Chick]

As we live an hour's drive from San Pedro, we've used this port more than any other one. If you're driving, you stay in the middle lane as you get off the Harbor Freeway (at least if you're coming from the north, but I think I've heard it's the same if coming from the south). You will go directly across Harbor Blvd. into the World Cruise Center. After going through the guide booth gate, you will see a sign that will tell you which berth your ship will be at. Of course, you'll be able to see the ships already.

 

You drive up to the assigned berth, and unload your passengers and luggage. Then you (or your DH) will park the car (it's $12/day the last time I checked), and then either walk back up to the berth or take the shuttle. Then give the porter your luggage (with the cabin tag filled out and pasted onto your bags) with a tip. Make sure you have all documentation, IDS, meds, extra change of clothing, cameras and other major valuables, extra change of clothing in your carryons. You'll need to be able to handle your carryons (and be able to lift them onto the security machine). I would recommend if you take a stroller for your kid, use the basket. And bring whatever you need for the kid.

 

There may be a line to go into. Often the port staff will direct you (that's why you should have your docs handy because they'll want to direct you to the right line) to the check-in line for your level (meaning non-gold, non-platinum, non-elite).

 

At the check-in desk, you'll have more to fill out (even if you do so online). You'll need to officially register the credit card that will be tied into your account. After that, you'll be sent to the waiting area or sent through security. After clearing security, you'll go outside the terminal and wait in another line for the embarkation photo (you don't have to purchase it...all the photos taken by the staff photographers will be on display in the photo gallery in a day or two and you can decide during the week if you want any of them). Before you step onto the ship, you will be asked to insert the cabin key, that you received upon check in, and a special photo will be taken and embedded onto it.

 

You'll finally step onto the ship. Sometimes a crew member will check which cabin you have and give you directions. The deck levels are arranged alphabetically (eg. Caribe, Dolphin, Emerald, etc) for the most part, but Plaza is usually the lowest deck for cabins. That was a good idea to check out the deck plans for your ship at princess.com. You will get a deckplan map to use, plus there are diagrams by each elevator if you get lost.

 

Don't be concerned about learning the ship right off the bat...you'll know it by the end of the week.

 

Inside your cabin, there should be a Patters (the daily newsletter) that will give you all sorts of info, plus the day's schedule. There will also be a Pelicans packet for your child, with a day-by-day listing of activities, as well as info on mandatory registration that night.

 

Also, check to see if there's a child's life jacket in the cabin. Often you'll have to tell your cabin steward that you need one. Sometimes there's already one in the cabin. Hopefully, your steward will knock on your door and introduce himself or herself and ask what you need. If you prebooked excursions thru Princess, the tickets may already be on the desk or your steward will hand them to you. Check the times as often they change from the originally booking. If you decide not to do the excursion, there will be a place to drop off the tickets,and you won't be charged.

 

Now you can go explore the ship. Slap on the sunscreen and take your little map. The Horizon Court is often the first stop for many, to grab lunch. The regular dining rooms will not be open until dinner.

 

The muster drill will be held around sailaway time. You carry the jackets from your cabin to the assigned area (which will be indoors). At some point, the crew members will instruct you on putting on the jackets. Just make sure no one in your party blows the whistle (they'll get laughed at). After the drill is over, take off the jacket, making sure all the straps are done so you don't trip on them, and return them to your cabin. Then find a place on deck for the sailaway party.

[mcubed]

Hi AZbaby - I recognize your photo from the roll call. I haven't signed up for the "meet and greet" yet because I am strictly playing it by ear for my vacation (a gift to myself) as the last few months have been so hectic! I know I will meet up with you guys at some point and I look forward to meeting you and your son. Do you think your son will like the Kids Club? My daughter is looking forward to it, but we'll see if she will actually do it once we're there! ;)

 

Cruisin' Chick - Thanks so much for all the info. That's fantastic! I can really use those directions. Even though we are natives, as well, I really don't know the port area and I had visions of driving in circles like Chevy Chase in European Vacation trying to figure out where we need to go!

[prarie cruiser]

Another suggestion I have is to put your swim wear in your carry on. I would expect your child will see all the pools and want to go swimming! Be sure to check out the kid's area. The biggest complaint I hear is they check their kids into the kid area and the kid never wants to leave!!! Kids and parents seem to love them.

 

Once you get onboard and go to the Horizon Court to eat, you will be treated like a queen the rest of the week, so enjoy!

[luvcdays]

I would like to suggest that you and your family drive to the port on one of the weekends before your cruise to check it out and have lunch. It is exciting to see ships in port (check the San Pedro cruise calender) and you will be more relaxed on the day of your cruise knowing exactly where you are going.

 

I would also suggest checking out the ships layout (either on Princess's website under deck plans or in one of their brochures) before your cruise so you have a general idea where everything is.

 

Happy Sailing!

[Romy40]

Looks like you now know alot about embarkation. Bless all those on these boards for their input.

Despite some stories about l o n g lines, we have always walked right on the ship; no waiting.

[Pam in CA]

I would like to suggest that you and your family drive to the port on one of the weekends before your cruise to check it out and have lunch. It is exciting to see ships in port (check the San Pedro cruise calender) and you will be more relaxed on the day of your cruise knowing exactly where you are going.

This is a good idea. There is a Grinder's Restaurant just down the street from the entrance to the port. This is a very inexpensive family-style restaurant that has the best chef's salad I've ever had. :)

[mcubed]

Romy - you couldn't be more right! Thanks everyone!

 

Lovecdays (think I will, too) - that is a GREAT idea! I am going to try and work that out if we have a free day between now and then.

 

Prairie - Great tip. I will definitely be bringing her suit in a carryon.

[CruiseLiz]

You may also want to pack a change of clothes for your little one in the carry-on.

We always pack an extra set of clothes in the carryon (for us grownups!) b/c if we're flying or driving a few hours to get to the port we like to change. Something about being in a plane or car for hours just makes me feel gross. A fresh change of clothes is always welcome.

 

Also, with all of the great advice here, try not to over think your embarkation too much :) Be prepared & have what you need for a smooth embarkation, but remember to have fun and you'll start your cruise right.

[azbaby8062]

Hi AZbaby - I recognize your photo from the roll call. I haven't signed up for the "meet and greet" yet because I am strictly playing it by ear for my vacation (a gift to myself) as the last few months have been so hectic! I know I will meet up with you guys at some point and I look forward to meeting you and your son. Do you think your son will like the Kids Club? My daughter is looking forward to it, but we'll see if she will actually do it once we're there! ;)

 

I hope he likes the Kids Club. When we sailed two years ago, we went with family and my nephew was not in the same aged group. My son refused to participate. He wanted nothing to do with it and cried. I figured it was his vacation too, so I did not push it. I think he will enjoy it this time around. He is a lot more willing to go out and play with other kids. Besides, this time around, it is just the two of us not 23 of us, so he might get bored just with poor old mom. :p Either way, I am leaving it up to him. He is excited he has suit for formal night already, hand me down from big cousin from the last cruise.

 

It will be great if you meet up with the roll call group but if not, like you said I am sure we will meet up.

[cruisequeen10]

With regards to carry on luggage, here in Vancouver, they encourage everyone to check their luggage. If you have a small bag, they will let you through, but anyone who has a large wheelie, they are asked for them to be checked. I usually carry all my luggage on board, so I guess now I can't.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Unless things have changed in the past 21 months (has it been that long?:eek: :( ), you won't be pressured to check everything in at San Pedro. I think the staff there understands that people have belongings (medicine, etc.) that you want available just in case. But you need to be able to fit it onto the security table (can't remember what they're called) and you need to be able to carry or roll it onto the ship yourself. Hubby even brings a dolly to strap things on (he also carried on a guitar case this last cruise).

 

If you go down to the port sometime before your cruise (we've done this), the Acapulco's has a sundeck that you can watch the ships while you dine. A group of us who went on a tour of the Summit last year then met up with others there for a party.

[Beachgirl 2]

Just a question about sailing out of LA or San Diego to the Mexican Riviera in the month of March. Are the seas rougher from LA or San Diego than sailing to the Carribean out of NY or out of Florida? How are the summer sailings, in terms of the calmness of the seas? My DS sailed to Hawaii from LA,and she spent the week sea sick, so we don't want to do the same. What is a good hotel to stay at pre-cruise that won't cost a fortune? Up to $150.00 a night is considered minimal here in NY, and that would be OK. We are considering booking a cruise to the Mexican Riviera next since we have sailed the Atlantic ports many times, and just want to see some different ones. Thanks for any info you have!