celebrity cruises debarkation

21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

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What cruise passengers need to know about cruise disembarkation, also known as debarkation day

The process of “checking out” of your cruise ship is very different from checking out of a hotel. If you’re a new cruiser, or even if it’s been a few years since you’ve cruised, it’s good to be aware of the debarkation procedures and what to expect.

In this post, I’ll go through some common questions and things you need to know about cruise disembarkation.

Disembarkation Day: The saddest day of the cruise

Cruise disembarkation (or debarkation) is something we cruisers don’t really want to think about. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather get to the fun stuff like planning excursions and making cruise packing lists , and NOT think about getting off the ship!

What to expect from the cruise disembarkation process

Cruise lines have small differences in their disembarkation procedures, but overall they’re pretty similar. The last morning of your cruise, you’ll have to disembark and leave what had become your very comfortable home away from home.

In this post, I’ll go through all the basics, so that you can know what to expect and plan for on the last day of your cruise.

Regular Disembarkation vs Self-Disembarkation

There are two types of disembarkation, regular disembarkation  and self-disembarkation (unfortunately both require you leaving the ship).

The disembarkation process is almost the same, with the main difference being that with self-disembarkation, you are responsible for taking your own luggage off the ship. I’ll go over the pros and cons of both at the end of this post.

21 things to know when disembarking from your cruise ship

1. what time will you be able to debark the cruise ship at the end of the cruise.

There’s no set time when cruisers can disembark and this will vary by cruise ship itinerary, cruise port and things that are actually beyond anyone’s control the last morning of the cruise.

However, something important to know, is that the scheduled docking time listed on your cruise itinerary will not be the time that you get off the cruise ship. This is because the ship needs to be cleared by customs , and given permission for passengers to debark.

For instance, if your cruise itinerary states that your ship will be back at port at 6:00 am the last morning of your cruise, you won’t be able to disembark until an announcement is made that the ship has been cleared.

This process can be an hour or two, and sometimes longer. The reality is that it’s not something the cruise line can control.

As a general rule most cruise ships will start the disembarkation process around 7:30-8 am, however your cruise line can give you more specific information.

2. Avoid booking an early flight home

Since it’s difficult to predict the exact time you can get off your ship, don’t book an early flight home.

You have to account for time to disembark from your ship, getting your luggage, going through customs and then travel time to the airport.

My best tip is to simply call the cruise line before you book your flight , or ask your travel agent to do so. Cruise lines have recommended flight times for each cruise port. Keep in mind if you’re an International traveler, you may need more time at the airport.

Another reason not to book a very early flight, is that even if you CAN make it, it’s possible for your ship to arrive late in port due to weather or other reasons. For instance, cruise ships in Galveston have been known to be late due to fog.

3. Cruise ship debarkation instructions

While on your cruise, your cabin attendant will give you some printed disembarkation instructions which will include what to do with your luggage as well as some basic custom information.

On the second to last day of your cruise, you’ll also notice that you can find the disembarkation information on one of the TV channels in your cabin. For new cruisers, your ship may offer an assembly to go over information, so you can check for that.

I’ll tell you what usually happens to me. I see this around day 5 on a 7 day cruise, and I don’t like it. The fact is that I don’t want anyone reminding me that this cruise will end, while I’m fully immersed in enjoying my cruise vacation. But, do take a look as there’s information to know. Then, as quickly as possible, get back to enjoying your day!

4. Luggage tags and debarkation times

Along with the printed disembarkation information,  you’ll also receive special luggage tags.

As you can imagine, debarking thousands of passengers almost all at the same time is quite a process. So, cruise lines keep things organized and moving along by assigning color coded luggage tags which correspond to certain disembarkation times.

Red 5 = 8:20 am

Purple 3 = 9:10 am…. and so on.

These assigned times, are really approximate and what the cruise line is hoping for, if all goes as planned.

5. Can I change my luggage tags if I don’t like the assigned time?

You may be wondering, “what can I do if I don’t really want the time the cruise line gave me?” .

Maybe you’re staying an extra day or two in port and you’d rather take things a bit slower in the morning, so you prefer a later time.

Maybe you’re driving straight home from the port and you’ve got 10 hours of road ahead of you, and an earlier time would be better.

For whatever your reason, if you’re given a time doesn’t work well for you, simply bring your luggage tags to guest services and ask if you can get an alternative time. Most of the time they can accommodate you.

If you need extra luggage tags, they can help with that too.

6. What do I do with my luggage*?

*This only applies to those doing regular disembarkation.

On the last night of your cruise, you’ll be asked to place your luggage outside your cabin door by a certain time in the evening (you’ll see the time on the instructions). The ship’s crew will be working hard that night taking the luggage to a holding area, so that it can be move off the ship quickly the next morning.

Just like when you got on the ship on embarkation day , remember it’s better not to pack valuables in your suitcase, but rather to leave them in your cruise carry on bag.

Put your cruise assigned luggage tags on all your suitcases before you put them in the hallway.

Tip: Either keep a luggage tag, or a tab, or even take a photo to remember your color and number.

7. Remember to keep out clothes and toiletries for disembarkation day

I’m sure there are a few people who forget this on every cruise! You don’t want to disembark in a cocktail dress, right?

Remember to keep a carry on bag for the last night and morning of your cruise. Things to think about include night clothes, morning clothes, toiletries, valuables, tech stuff like laptops and phone chargers and personal ID and documentation.

8. Verify your cruise account BEFORE you leave the ship

My husband and I like to keep an eye on our cruise account throughout the cruise, looking at it once every couple of days, just to make sure all is as it should be. It also keeps us a bit more cautious with our spending than we might be otherwise.

You can usually check this on your cruise app (for cruise lines that have one) or you can get a printed copy from a machine or at guest services. We always print one up the last full day of our cruise (not disembarkation morning), and go through it line by line, just to make sure.

Many people have their account linked to their credit card, so no need to settle your account. If you do want to pay off your account in cash, try and do this early in the day as the lines get long as the evening wears on.

If you notice a discrepancy, bring it to the attention of guest services as soon as possible. The fact is that once you leave the cruise ship, you are accepting the statement and it’s extremely difficult to go back and dispute any charges.

9. Fill out cruise staff appreciation cards

As a cruise passenger, simply filling out a comment card highlighting the good work of some favorite crew members, is one of the easiest things you can do. However, it makes a huge difference to those who work so hard so that we all have these incredible cruise vacation experiences.

I’ve been told that these comment cards help to earn crew members privileges and possibly even promotions. I also know the ship’s staff really treasure these positive comment cards, and it truly impacts them.

10. Purchase your favorite cruise photos

The photo studio is like a zoo on the last evening of the cruise, with people deciding now to buy their cruise photos and packages. It really gets hectic, so if you can go earlier in the day, or even earlier during the cruise, it will be better for you.

Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake I read about the other day in a cruise Facebook group. A woman was very upset as she found the packages on the cruise ship to be too expensive. She explained that she thought she would get home and contact the cruise line to complain about this and purchase them at that point.

Of course, she found out that this was not possible, and was very disappointed. Her photos were gone.

You can only purchase your cruise photos on your cruise. To my knowledge, they are not stored.

So, if you want them and they are a great memory – buy the photos. You won’t regret it!

11. Book a future cruise on-board

One way to help with future cruise blues , is to have an upcoming cruise to look forward to. Cruise lines offer several advantages to planning a future cruise onboard. In some cases, you can even buy a Future Cruise Deposit on an open booking, and choose your cruise once you get home.

Tip: Do this as early as possible in your cruise an don’t wait until the last night, as it will be very busy.

12. Disembarkation morning reality

On the morning of the last day of your cruise, you’ll notice that everyone (crew and passengers alike), are a wee bit stressed and that happy go lucky atmosphere you had, is starting to wane. The reality is, that the crew needs to clean and turn over that ship in a few short hours, so that new passengers can board. .

Hopefully, you’ve had a wonderful cruise and will be back to do it all again in the near future!

Recommended Post:  How To Know if You Have Post-Cruise Depression

13. Breakfast on the last day of the cruise

There will be a few options open for breakfast including the buffet, the cafe and in some cases the main dining room. Room service may or may not be available. Once you’re on your cruise ship, you’ll be informed of the options.

Since you’ll be leaving your cabin, this may mean bringing your carry on or other items with you to the buffet. Keep in mind it will likely be quite crowded.

We are often pretty tired the last morning, so the last few cruises we’ve just gone down to the cafe and picked up a coffee and muffin or one last delicious pastry to go. We bring it back to out cabin while we do some final things before we leave the cruise ship.

14. Check your cabin for any “forgotten” items

We actually do 2 checks, just to make sure.

After we pack up, on the last night of our cruise, we gather things together, and this includes all items that were in our cabin safe. I put chargers together and do a quick pack of our toiletry bag. We open all our drawers and check the shelves.

In the morning, do one last check. Make sure you’ve got your sunglasses, reading glasses (this happened to my friend), umbrellas etc. Parents, if you have children, go through their drawers and under their beds to make sure you’re all packed up and nothing is forgotten.

*Keep your cruise card on you – you will need it.

Tip: If you get home and realize that you did forget something, cruise lines have a toll free number that you can call to report lost items. There’s a chance that you may find it, however I haven’t heard of many success stories.

15. Getting off your cruise ship

Once you’re all packed up and ready to go, you’ll be asked to wait in designated public areas until your luggage tag number is called. Keep your cruise card in hand, as you’ll be scanned as you leave the ship.

A couple of the ship’s activities staff or officers may be near the exits to say goodbye and wish you a safe trip home. On a couple of occasions the Captain and/or Cruise Director have been there and it’s been a nice final opportunity for us to say a big thanks!

16. Getting your luggage

Once you get off the gangway, you’ll head into the cruise port and in a great big room (sort of like a hangar), you’ll find rows of luggage, grouped according to color and number.

This procedure is so much better than when we first cruised years ago. It used to be really hectic, but the last few cruises it’s been a fairly easy process.

There will be porters that can help you with your bags, if needed.

Tip: Keep a few small bills handy to tip the porters.

17. Going through customs after your cruise

Whether you’re American, Canadian or from any other country, you’ll be going through customs as a final step of your cruise disembarkation. It’s usually not too long a process – we’ve gone through this in 10-15 minutes.

During your cruise, keep track of your purchases including alcohol, cigarettes, and any large purchases. Be aware of the allowances for each in your home country. We keep our bills together during our trip to make it easier.

Tip: Keep your receipts together during your cruise by placing them in an envelope as you go. Small magnetic clips can also help to keep all your cabin items organized.

18. Heading home after your cruise

You’re all done! Hopefully it’s been a great cruise vacation and you’ve got dreams of future cruises in your head.

Getting to the airport

Most people get to the airport by taking a cab or by purchasing transfers with the cruise line. You can do this before your cruise with the cruise line or with help from your travel agent. You can often also add these on during your cruise at the guest services desk, but do verify.

Getting your car from cruise parking

Usually you’re ship will return to the same pier as when you departed on your cruise, and you’ll be able to get your car, load it up with your luggage and pay as your leave the cruise port.

In the rare case that your ship comes back to a different pier, if it’s not close walking distance, you’ll have a shuttle to bring you over to the original parking lot. This happened to us once a few years ago.

19. What to do if you have a late flight

If you have a late flight, you’ve got options. Consider booking a cruise excursion tour on the last day of your cruise.

You can store your bags in the luggage compartment of the coach bus, and you won’t have to sit around in the airport. Since the excursion included transportation to the airport, this can also be a good value.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Disembarkation

Here’s a quick explanation of the advantages and disadvantages self-embarkation, so you can know if this is the right thing for you and your party, at the end of your cruise.

20. Benefits if Self-Disembarkation

*Earliest to get off the ship

*No need to put luggage out on the last night of your cruise

*Leaving the cruise port as early as possible

21. Disadvantages of Self-Disembarkation

*You will not receive any help with your luggage

*You may need to carry it down several flights of stairs as elevators may be full

*You need to be up very early to vacate your cabin and get off the ship

This is only a good option for your party, if everyone is able bodied and can handle the luggage. If you need assistance, or happen to have a lot of luggage, this isn’t for you.

We’ve done both and there isn’t a right or wrong way to disembark. The choice will be yours, and you can decide what works best once on the cruise ship.

Recap: 21 cruise disembarkation tips you need to know

Cruising is so much fun, that it’s hard to think about the last day of your cruise and debarking from your cruise! I hope these tips have been helpful and in giving you the information you need for when you are getting off of your cruise ship for the last time.

If you’ve cruised before, do you prefer regular or self-disembarkation? What advice do you have for future cruisers? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Recommended posts:

15 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips (for a great start of your cruise)

21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks (to keep your cabin organized)

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12 Comments

I liken the idea of being able to get some help with disembarking the ship. I feel like having someone to help you get through customs, as well as make sure that you get all your luggage there safely would be nice. I’ll have to consider getting someone to help me do that sort of thing if I decide to go on a cruise.

Once on the ship, you can definitely ask someone at guest services to help guide you through this. If you choose standard debarkation, the luggage will be taken off the ship for you, so not to worry.

We were also confused about custom documents on our first cruise, and were assisted with he expectations.

IF YOU ARE HEALTHY AND MOBILE, SELF DISEMBARKATION IS THE BEST WAY. NO ONE IS GONNA HELP YOU SO BE PREPARED TO WAG YOUR OWN BAGS. YOU WILL BE IN THE PARKING LOT, AT YOUR CAR IN NO TIME.WE SKIP B’FAST ON THE SHIP AND GRAB SOMETHING AT MICKEY D”s AS WE LEAVE THE PORT AREA. WORKS GREAT FOR US.

Sounds like our disembarkation mornings too Bob. Thanks for the great tips!

My wife And I started to back to back cruises. Last time we went to guest services. They gave us a new card for the coming week. Had us go to the wine bar. NCL asked us what we wanted to eat and drink. Ordered 6 wings and a Port wine. Few hours later the dozen of us were back in our old new clean rooms. Though you are only delaying getting off. Always been jealous of those who live on cruise ship. Meet a couple from England they were on 136 cruise. Were going to a hotel for three days. Followed by another 10 day cruise. I wish I could do that. Thanks for what you do!!! You are awesome!!!

That sounds amazing! We did one B2B and we definitely enjoyed the feeling of not having to disembark and pack up! I agree, life on a cruise ship almost full time sounds pretty good!

Thanks for taking the time to comment Russell! I hope you can get back on a cruise soon.

Let’s be a little more clear on regular disembarkation:

– You must put your suitcase outside your cabin door the night before by 11:00 or midnight. Your cabin steward will take it away. – You’ll be assigned a time to leave the ship. Let’s pretend you get 10:00 – 10:30 am. – When you leave the ship the next day — you and all the other 10:00 – 10:30 people — you will be ushered into a big room where all your suitcases are lined up — remember that about 95% of suitcases are plain black, so you should tie a bandana or something to yours. – Once you have found your suitcase, you’ll be able to join the line for customs. You will need to be able to haul your suitcase through customs by yourself. – Once you are through customs, if you need help getting your luggage to your car, porters are available. (Have tip money ready.)

In contrast, if you do self-disembarkation: – You do not put your suitcase out the night before. – You leave whenever you want, but you must carry your own suitcases. You might have to carry them up/down stairs, as the elevators will be slam-packed full. – You will bypass the big room full of suitcases and go straight to customs.

Thanks for sharing

My concern: how safe is it to put your luggage outside of your room the night before? Anyone walking by could get into your suitcase? Granted I would not leave valuables in there, but my clothes….🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️⚓️⚓️ Thank you! I will be a First timer in November on WOTS! I have been reading all of your articles and have signed up fo our emails! They are very helpful!

I have never heard of an issue and the luggage is removed by the crew on a fairly regular basis. Truthfully, people are so busy getting their own packing together and it has always seemed safe for me. I would not put your valuables and if this includes your clothing, it’s something for you to decide.

Have a great cruise,

If you self disembark, do you have to leave at a certain time still? Loved your post!

Great quesion. Yes, you usually disembark first before the others with luggage tags are called

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Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips for smooth sailing

by Steve | Mar 23, 2024 | Cruising , Feature Cruising , Feature Tips & Tricks , Tips & Tricks | 37 comments

It’s your Celebrity Cruises embarkation day, and you likely want tips for smooth sailing as you board the ship. After all, you’ve dreamed of this vacation for a long time and want to make the most of it. We’ve cruised with Celebrity 23 times and are happy to share what you can expect on day one. Read on for our Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips so you can make the most of every moment.

Note: Postcard Jar is a reader-supported blog, and this post contains affiliate links. As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What is embarkation day?

People often ask, “What is embarkation day?” It’s only the very most best day ever! It’s the first day of your cruise vacation, the day you board (or embark) the ship.

Our first Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tip: start preparing early

Even before you think about packing, you should start prepping for your cruise. First, download the Celebrity Cruises app . On it you’ll find menus, restaurant and bar opening hours, and your cruise itinerary. As your cruise draws near, a list of activities and showtimes on board will also be available.

You can save events to your personal calendar so you don’t miss dining reservations, or the activities and events you’ve chosen. Using the app also allows you a virtually paperless embarkation day–details below.

You also want to be sure you have everything you need for your cruise–swimsuits, sunblock, sunglasses, and hats. Oh, and magnets, too. Why? Because the walls of your cabin are made from metal so magnets make for a super-convenient way to hang and store things.

You’ll also want to know what NOT to bring. Prohibited items include sharp objects like knives, CBD oil/products, candles, travel steamers, heating pads, and extension cords. For a complete list of prohibited items, check out the prohibited items list on  Celebrity Cruise’s FAQ page.

Check in for your cruise in advance online

Forty-five days before your cruise, the online check-in window opens. You can then login to your Celebrity Cruises account (until three days before your cruise) and complete the simple check-in process. Just click on “Manage Trip” and select “check-in” from the dropdown menu that appears.

This will open a form to complete and voila! You’re all set. You’ll have an “Xpress Pass” (boarding pass) available in your phone app or you can print it and bring with you to the port.

When you check-in, you’ll choose a time to arrive at the pier. To ensure you have the arrival time of your choice, be sure to complete the check-in process early.

Print your luggage tags at home

A couple of weeks before your cruise, luggage tags will be available in your Celebritycruises.com account. Print them at home and then bring them with you. We just put them in a file folder and keep them flat so they’re easy to carry while traveling.

Just before heading to the ship on the morning of the cruise, you’ll want to fold them following the directions on the tag (the folds make the tags strong) and tape/staple them to your bags. Don’t do this any earlier as they aren’t needed and would be in the way. Pro-tip: Use THESE LUGGAGE TAG HOLDERS   (paid link) to securely attach your tags to your bags.

Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips: Fly in at least a day early

Can you imagine anything worse than being all ready for your cruise only to have airline delays prevent you from making it to the ship? If you’re flying to the port, we recommend coming in at least a day early so that you have plenty of time for planes to be late and for connections to be missed. Then, on embarkation day, you can wake up relaxed and ready for your big day!

Fill out the health questionnaire

The day before your cruise, you’ll get a notification from the app that it’s time to fill out a health questionnaire. It’s about four questions long and you basically just confirm you’re currently feeling well (please be honest). Everyone must complete this questionnaire, so doing so as soon as it’s available is one of our main Celebrity Cruises (pre)embarkation day tips.

PIN FOR LATER

Do your homework

As long as you’re in the app the day before the cruise, take some time and scroll through the activities available on embarkation day. Note the things you’d like to try or see and make a plan. Know that raffles, contests, and giveaways all come with a sales pitch – so only go if you’re genuinely interested.

Arrive at your assigned time

During your online check-in, you’ll select a time to arrive at the port. This keeps things running smoothly and helps avoid large crowds in the terminal. Plan ahead so you can arrive at the port during your assigned time slot (or shortly thereafter). Also, be sure to attach your luggage tags right before going to the port. If you’re a little late, that’s okay, just don’t miss the ship.

Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips: use porters for luggage

When you pull up to the curb at the terminal, porters will approach the car and ask to help with luggage. This is expected (and wonderful)! They’ll take your large luggage and make sure it gets onboard the ship. You won’t give them everything, though. You’ll want to personally carry on a small bag with valuables, medications, passports as well as anything else you might need to board the ship or that you’ll want right away (like a swimsuit).

Bags left with porters will be delivered to the corridor outside your room by late afternoon. In 20+ cruises, we’ve never had a problem (or heard of a problem) with bags being lost in this system. If you happened to forget luggage tags, no worries, porters have those, as well. It’s typical to tip the porters a few dollars per bag.

It’s important to note that at some ports (like Seattle) more than one ship may share a terminal. At those ports, it’s very important to make sure you verify with the porter that s/he is collecting bags for your ship and not the other one. In Seattle, Celebrity helps you locate those porters by having a well-marked luggage drop area.

Don’t carry on large bags yourself

Some people like to carry-on their large suitcases but there’s no need. First, they can be tough to get through in-terminal security scanners. Second, (and more importantly) they take up a lot of room on elevators as people are boarding the ship and trying to get to their rooms. Experienced cruisers know that a little patience and a couple dollars to the porters makes the process easier for both you and those around you.

Head inside the terminal

You’ve arrived and dropped your bags, so what’s next? Time to go inside the terminal. At the door, pull up your Xpress Pass on your phone (or have the paper copy ready). You’ll show that to a person at the door along with your passport and they’ll let you in.

Then, you’ll head through security (kinda like at an airport but you can leave your shoes on) before moving along to the check-in counter. Because you checked-in on line, though, the process is simple. Basically they scan your Xpress Pass and your Passport and then point to where you go to board the ship.

If you are in The Retreat (suite class) you will enter through a separate area. You’ll help yourself to refreshments and have a seat. Someone will come to you with an iPad and check you in right there in the lounge.

Step aboard

Walk up the gangway, savoring the moment and anticipation! Your cruise vacation is finally beginning. Sanitize your hands, (someone will be there squirting sanitizer onto them) and then step aboard your fabulous ship. Feel the weight of the world slip off your shoulders. You made it!

Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips: take care of business

Now that you’re on board, you have just a couple small things to do that are required of all passengers. We suggest taking care of them right away and then settling in for fun!

First, we recommend heading directly to your stateroom because your Sea Pass/room key will be at your room and you’ll need that to do about anything else on board. At your room, you can drop your carryons and even change for the pool if you’d like.

Also, while in your stateroom, you’ll find the safety briefing loaded onto the TV. Take a minute or two (literally, that’s all it takes) to watch the safety briefing so you know what to do in an emergency. Then, mark you’ve watched it on the screen using the remote. (You may also watch the safety briefing in the app once prompted the day you board.) You should also take a moment to store your passport, money, and other valuables in the safe in your room. Your Sea Pass is all you need to have with you while on the ship.

Don’t forget to report to your muster station

You have one more stop before the fun begins. On your Sea Pass, you’ll find your muster station number. Everyone in your group must personally check in there with a crew member before the ship can set sail. No worries: this process is simple, as well. Go to your muster station, find the crew member assigned to it (they’re easy to spot as they’ll be wearing a high-visibility vest) and hand them your Sea Pass. They will scan it, confirm you are who your card says you are, and ask if you have any questions. Then, you’re done. Time to enjoy all the fabulous things the ship has to offer.

Let the fun begin

You’re on board, you have your Sea Pass, you’ve finished your safety briefing. What now? Whatever you want. We typically arrive at the port as close to 11am as possible, so by the time we’ve been to our room and then muster station, it’s probably time for lunch. Lunch venues open at noon, and there are a variety of possibilities. Open restaurants include Oceanview Buffet, the Mast Grill, and the AquaSpa Café. Eden Café (Edge-Class ships only) is another great option.

Suite ( Retreat ) guests may go to the suites-only restaurant, Luminae, for a lovely sit-down lunch with full table service. Know that on embarkation day, our experience is that service can be slower than normal.

Folks booked in Concierge Class are also invited to a special embarkation day lunch in the Main Dining Room. (Both Retreat and Concierge Class guests may choose from the other options, as well). Remember the coffee shop and bars are open, as well, so grab a coffee or cocktail if you’d like–after all, you’re on vacation!

Celebrity Cruises embarkation day tips: go explore

The ship is a huge, beautiful place with tons of nooks, crannies, venues, bars, and restaurants and they’re all there for exploring. Take some time to find your way around. On most ships, lower decks like Decks 3-5 as well as the upper two or three tend to house public spaces. The middle decks generally have only staterooms, so you can skip those for the most part. That said, do consult a map of the ship so you don’t miss anything.

We always like to find our primary dining room, as well as the Spa, Fitness Center, Martini Bar and World Class Bar as we know we’ll be coming back to those places. We also check out the pool deck and solarium.

By doing this exploring, we learn our way around the ship which makes life easier throughout the week. Note that shops and the casino will not be open when the ship is in port due to local tax laws. Those venues will open once the ship is at sea.

Unpack your suitcase

Around 3 p.m., they’ll start delivering luggage to the hallway outside of staterooms. We head back to our room around this time, grab our bags, and take a few minutes to unpack and put things away. Cruise staterooms are carefully designed and you’ll find lots of spaces in which you can store things.

Because your room is your home for the duration of the cruise, we recommend you take a few minutes to set it up the way you like it. Once unpacked, you can store your empty suitcase under your bed. We leave ours open and just throw dirty clothes into it throughout the cruise–it works really well.

Savor the sail away

Think ahead about where you want to be for sail away. It’s so exciting when the ship begins to move away from the dock and glide to sea. If you’re a people person, head up to the pool deck, (or the deck above). From there, the view is great and the Cruise Director will be there throwing one heck of a party.

But if you like things a bit quieter, no problem. You can watch from your balcony, the Promenade Deck (usually around Deck 5), the top deck away from the pool, or the Sunset Bar (outside aft, near Oceanview Café).

With the ship now at sea, continue your explorations, take a dip in the pool, hit the shops and casino, sip a cocktail, or listen to some live music. Then, get dressed up and go to dinner. You can do anything you want. You’re on vacation, after all!

One final note: Please pack your patience

Embarkation day is a fun day, and all your fellow passengers are just as excited as you are. It’s a busy day, and elevators can be slow and lines can be long. Have a little patience and know that all of this will fade after everyone is onboard and settled in. Remember, you’re on a beautiful ship at sea and life is pretty darned good.

What do you look forward to most on embarkation day? Let us know in the comments below.

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37 Comments

Hello! Thanks for the awesome information! I will be sailing on celebrity reflection in June from Fort Lauderdale. I will have about 40 people with me and planning to make somewhat of an itinerary beforehand. On the first day I am planning a ‘welcome drink’ but need to put the time and place. Would you say the pool deck is the most fun? And if we set sail at 3:30, what time would you think would be the best to meet? Thanks so much!

The pool deck will definitely be fun–but it will have loud music so conversation could be tough. Also, the view from Deck 14 (the pool deck) is limited as it is surrounded by windows. Deck 15 above the pool will have open views around but will still have the music.

If you’re looking for a quieter venue, I’d suggest the Sunset Bar which is Deck 15 aft (back of the ship). There you’ll find a bar and it will be quieter but will still offer great views of sailaway. We once hosted a sailaway party on the Reflection there for 55 people and it worked well.

If you’re looking for information on the Reflection, we have a blog post with our honest review. You can find it here: https://postcardjar.com/celebrity-reflection-review-cruise-ship/

Does Celebrity have an RFID silicon watch or something similar to replace thenSeaPass card or must we have that SeaPass card on us all the time?

They do not–they just have the sea pass.

We’re leaving tomorrow Dec. 9th from Ft. Lauderdale on the REFLECTION. It’s our 1st cruise … I’m disappointed that our terminal has been changed from 25 to the ( sad ) 29. Any remarks?

The article has been very helpful.

Have a great time on your first cruise! Terminal 25 is nice but you’re only there for a short time, anyway. The cruise ship is the main attraction and you will LOVE the Reflection. It is one of our favorite ships.

It is disappointing that there is no information about what time the concierge lunch is served. I was on the phone with Celebrity but could not get this information.

I think it might depend on the port and what else is taking place on board. That said, I’d assume it’s generally somewhere from 11:30-1:30? We have never been to the Concierge Class lunch.

Strike that question about digital express documents. I just found them

We are sailing on Millenium on 12th October 2023. I’ve checked in online, and entered all the details correctly. Then , I’ve downloaded the app, but nowhere can I see where the digital express document is ?

It should be in one of the buttons at the bottom of the screen on the app. I’m not sure which one as I’m not currently checked in for a cruise…though that will change on Thursday! 🙂

Hi. We are sailing on 9th September. I have downloaded the app and printed everything but I saw someYhere that you had to upload your passport on there but I can’t seem to see it? Any advice. thank you.

You need to complete the on-line check-in form. There, you’ll enter your passport information. You’ll need to bring that with you to the port and they’ll scan it at boarding. This is from the US…we have not completed a check-in for a cruise departing from a foreign port since 2018, so not sure if/how things have changed–though it would likely be similar.

We like to board as early as possible. Our health checkin time is noon. What happens if we show up a couple hours early? Will we still be able to board early?

If our celebrity cruise is overnight on embarkation day do we have to board or cqn we board the next day on dail day?

That’s a great question–we have never done this so don’t know. May we suggest that you contact the cruise line or your travel agent with this question…though we’d love to know the answer.

Can I board at 12:30 instead of 1:00? Also I can’t find the health questionnaire on my app.

If you’re in the Retreat, our experience is that you may board when you’d like. If not, you may certainly try to board early, but go to the port understanding that you might have to wait for your time.

The health questionnaire will appear in your app the day before you board. It should be under the “health” tab at the bottom. You’ll also get a notification that it’s time to fill it out. The morning of the day you’ll embark you’ll also get a notification to complete your safety briefing. It’s a short video on your phone. Then be sure to stop by your muster station once on board.

We have an assigned 12:00 wellness check. That was the earliest time, but we normally board much earlier than that. What happens if we show up at 9:30?

Since the restart, we’ve mostly sailed from Fort Lauderdale–I’m not sure how it is at every port. But if you got there at 9:30, you’d likely have to wait outside the terminal until at least 10:00-10:30. After that, they will start letting people in to begin the check-in process. I have seen people in lines based on check-in times, though I’ve also heard they let people in early. The wellness check is them confirming you have answered the health questions in the app and that you still feel well.

We have sailed in The Retreat, so have used that entrance and Retreat guests may check-in at their convenience after the terminal opens (again, 10 or 10:30).

We have had no access to our home printer since booking. What do we do about luggage tags?

The Celebrity app seems to be just as bad as the Princess and NCL apps which I have also been forced to use. I loathe all of them as thoroughly as possible, both as a user and as a long time IT professional. What do you think?

On the luggage tag front, if you can’t print them at home (or maybe at your hotel if you fly in the night before), the porters curbside have luggage tags they can fill out and attach to your bags.

On the app… I think you’re right. I’d suggest taking a screenshot of your boarding pass in case the internet is flaky at the port. Then you have it handy.

You can go to your local library and use a computer and printer there to print out your luggage tags.

This is a great idea!

Where is the smoking section on Ascent

We have not been on the Ascent yet, but on the other Edge Class ships there’s an outdoor smoking area on Deck 5 port side aft near Eden.

I am going on a cruise 6 April From Sydney what time is the welcoming lunch? We are meant to board between 130 and two? Bit late for lunch

I’m not sure the time on the lunch. Typically lunch is served from 12:00-1:30. On embarkation day, though, it might be earlier. I will say that I’ve heard people say they go to the port early and have had no trouble boarding before their time. That said, those are cruises from the US. I don’t know how it would be in Australia. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

I just read that Concierge Class pax are invited to a ‘get together Lunch’ on boarding. I saw people asked for the time. Someone missed out. Is it at Noon so should we board, say 11.00 BUT what about the ‘Wellness Check’ as times are from 2.30 onwards? Can we board 11.00 in time for Lunch then have the Wellness check but what does that entail, please??? Cruised many times & great memories of Celebrity but for different reasons our last vacation 8 years. Really looking forward even though just a short cruise but on a sad journey too for family illness at destination. Thank you very much.

The wellness check must be completed before you board. You’ll fill out a health questionnaire the day before you board and then will confirm you’re feeling well with someone at the port. It takes about a minute unless you’re not feeling well. We have not sailed in Concierge Class so aren’t sure of the answer to your question. From what we’ve seen in online forums, though, people who arrive early aren’t necessarily turned away from boarding. Concierge Class has, we believe, a dedicated check-in line.

Can we bring an unopened case of water and/or a case of soda onboard?

We’re not sure about that one. Sorry.

Yes to both carry on only

call us at 4029464181 about your next cruise thanks

Are you talking about our Postcard Jar Friends Cruise?

Is there a special line during embarkation for consuair passengers on the celebrity milliam?

I have not sailed in Concierge Class so am not sure about this–I think I read there is. You might check the Celebrity Cruises website for more information.

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Celebrity Cruises Adds Late Cruise Ship Stays on Debarkation Day

Booked on a Celebrity cruise ship and have a late flight home on debarkation day? Celebrity Cruises is now offering a program where you can enjoy a late afternoon stay on the ship for cruises out of Port Everglades. Here is how it works.

The cost of Extend Your Stay starts $79 for adults and $39 for kids and includes the classic beverage package.  You put your luggage out the night before your cruise and it will be offloaded into the customs luggage area in Pier 25.  It will be marked as Extend Your Stay Luggage to keep it separate from other bags.

You can stay in your cabin until 9 am. As per Federal regulation, all guests in Fort Lauderdale need to debark before anyone is allowed to go back on board. Extend Your Stay Guests will be led to the luggage area to collect their Extend Your Stay marked luggage and proceed to clear Customs.

Once Customs is cleared, Extend Your Stay guests will be able to return to the cruise ship and will be guided by Celebrity staff to drop-off their luggage in the designated area. A ticket receipt will be provided so guests can collect their belongings once departing the ship for good.

Guests will have access to all public lounges and the pool deck. For your convenience, personal credit cards will be accepted for onboard purchases throughout the day.

Private and group transportation will be available upon request.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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I agree. The benefit of staying would be to sleep in and relax onboard without having to rush off with everyone else. To have to get off, collect luggage and then get back on seems counterproductive. I would just get off and get a resort for the day or a hotel room for the $79 per adults and $39 for children. Nice idea in theory but not sure how practical it is.

Sorry but to me, a waste of money. When the cruise is over…it’s OVER! To have to get off and on again just to savor the last few hours for that money is not enticing to me at all. It’s like pulling the scab off a cut…

Not sure if this is worth it. Sounds like going through the whole process just to get back on board the ship for a few hours and not have access to a room.

Comments are closed.

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“Extend Your Stay” Disembarkation with Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is offering a flexible option where passengers can stay on the ship longer and cut down on layover times when traveling home.

Celebrity Cruises is offering their guests an excellent option for enjoying their cruise experience for a few extra hours when the majority of passengers have disembarked. The Extend Your Stay disembarkation provides the flexibility many cruisers appreciate, especially those who drove to the port and those who have a late day flight. This exciting option can be purchased onboard and is available only on cruises that sail roundtrip from Port Everglades, and a handful of European ports.

Extend Your Stay Disembarkation

If you would like to enjoy some extra time onboard your Celebrity Cruise to relax, have a meal, or enjoy a drink by the pool, this is the procedure to follow after purchasing the option.

• Guests can put their bags out the night before the same way as other cruisers, but the luggage will have special tags.
• Extend Your Stay cruisers may remain in their cabins until 9:00 a.m., at which time they must leave the ship with all their belongings (U.S. Federal Regulation requirement).
• After picking up their bags in the baggage hall, Extend Your Stay guests need to clear Customs and then follow Celebrity staff to put their bags in a new holding area.
• Once bags are placed in the holding area, guests can return to the ship and enjoy access to the pool deck and all public lounges.
• Extend Your Stay guests must leave the ship by the time of the muster drill.

The price for the program starts at $79 for adults and $39 for children. Drinks in the Classic Beverage package are included for the remainder of the time the guests are on the ship on disembarkation day. Any retail purchases can be paid for by credit cards including drinks not included in the Classic Beverage package.

Don't Overpay for Your Cruise

16 mistakes cruise ship passengers make on disembarkation day

Editor's Note

You've had a great cruise, and you want to end your vacation on a high note. Then comes the reality of disembarkation day.

Getting off a cruise ship is not the same as checking out of a hotel. You can't just leave the ship when you feel like it.

Small and luxury ships can have flexible, even leisurely, disembarkation plans. However, the final day on most big ships is a madhouse.

The crew needs to get everyone out of their cabins and off the ship quickly so they can prepare for the arrival of the next batch of thousands of passengers. It's a busy work day.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Try not to get too sad about the end of your delightful cruise vacation. Just be prepared for a little chaos, and take these steps to avoid any common disembarkation day mistakes.

Check your bill

The night before disembarkation, a statement of everything you spent on the ship for drinks, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, souvenirs and any other splurges will be placed outside your cabin door.

Mistakes happen, and inevitably there will be long lines at guest services on disembarkation day with people arguing about specific charges.

Avoid the crowd by either getting there super early or, better, heading to guest services the last night of your cruise and asking for a printout. Carefully check the statement , and ask for any required adjustments. On some ships, you can even do this electronically on the cruise line's app or smart TV.

Pro tip: Don't assume you can fix issues after you get off the ship. It's nearly impossible to get cruise line land staff to fix onboard billing mistakes.

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts — and what you can do about them

Don't get up at the crack of dawn

Your ship might arrive back in port at 6 a.m., but it then has to be cleared by customs officials, which might take two hours or more. Grab an extra hour or two of sleep — unless you still need to check your bill that morning. (See above.)

Avoid early flights home

There is a reason cruise lines recommend guests not book flights home before noon. It takes several hours to clear a ship of thousands of passengers. You might also have to clear customs.

Then you have to get to the airport, which could involve navigating through heavy traffic and waiting in security lines along with hundreds of other cruise travelers fresh off their ships.

Avoid unnecessary heart palpitations by booking afternoon flights.

Related: Should I buy my flights through my cruise line?

Check your luggage tags

The day before disembarkation, staff will deliver color- and number-coded luggage tags to your cabin, along with an approximate disembarkation time. The idea is that you put these tags on any luggage you would like the crew to handle. (See below.) These tags are important for both timing and finding your suitcase at the pier.

On disembarkation day, groups will be called by the color and number of the tags — such as Red 1 or Yellow 5 — to head to the atrium to disembark. Don't bother getting there early, or you'll find yourself milling around, which can be frustrating. It's better to grab a coffee and wait in a lounge or out by the pool.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

Don't forget your group color

Luggage at the pier will be sorted by group color and number — and there will be thousands of bags waiting. Take a photo, or otherwise make a notation of your tag color so you will know where to look for your bags.

Pack up your liquor purchases

If you picked up a bottle of Kahlua in Mexico, rum in Jamaica or duty-free booze on your ship — which was, no doubt, held by your cruise line until the last night of the sailing — don't forget you must pick it up at the time and place your cruise ship tells you before you disembark. Then, pack the bottles in checked baggage if you are flying home.

Carefully wrap them in your dirty clothes. U.S. Customs allows you to enter the country with one liter of an alcoholic beverage per adult duty-free. You can bring in more, but you'll have to pay the taxes.

Put out your luggage

The system for removing bags from the ship works this way: On the last night of your cruise, you pack your large bags and leave them in the hall for the crew to remove and transfer to the pier.

You also have the option of carrying your own luggage off the ship. However, this is only recommended if you are able-bodied and can haul your bags down flights of stairs on the ship and at the cruise terminal. Elevator banks on both will be extremely crowded.

It's better to pack as much as you can in your luggage and let someone else do the heavy lifting. (An exception is if you only have a light carry-on , in which case, go for it.)

Set aside clothes for the morning

A rookie mistake is packing too much in the luggage that you leave outside the door, then waking up the next day to realize you forgot to leave out shoes, pants or other necessary items. Don't be the one walking to the pier barefoot or in your pajamas.

You'll want to have a carry-on suitcase or tote set aside so you can carry your toothbrush, PJs and other items off the ship. The last night is typically casual, and some cruisers find it easiest to wear the same clothes off the ship the next morning.

Pro tip: If you have any items that can't go on the plane but that you need at night, put them in a separate small bag so you remember to transfer them to your checked luggage before you get to the airport.

Related: What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Scour your cabin

You will typically be asked to vacate your cabin by 9 a.m. or earlier on disembarkation day so that the crew can prepare for the next passengers.

If you leave any items behind, it's difficult to recover them once you're off the ship. Do a careful check of closets, drawers and even under the bed to make sure you have packed everything.

Don't forget the bedside table drawers, the very back of the shelves and the safe. If you are traveling with kids, also look for small stuffed animals or other toys hidden in any linens crumpled on the bed.

Don't take the bathrobe

If you are in a cabin that comes with a bathrobe and slippers, the slippers are typically yours to keep. However, you will be charged if you walk off with the bathrobe. The same rule applies to pool or beach towels stored in your cabin.

Check your safe

Given that safes are tucked away in closets, it's easy to forget about the important items — passports, wallets, jewelry — you've set inside. Check the safe first thing when you get up on disembarkation day, and make sure to reach your hand into every corner to feel for forgotten items.

Don't pack your keycard, ID or passport

You might think you are done with your keycard when you vacate your cabin, but you will need to tap it once more when you get off the ship.

You'll need to show your passport or other official identification to customs officials at the cruise terminal. If you have received a customs form, it's important to fill it out (one per family) before you disembark.

Related: Do I need a passport to cruise?

Go to breakfast

Room service is not always available on disembarkation day. Head to the buffet or main dining room to enjoy a leisurely breakfast — unless you're in a rush to get to your flight.

Check the open hours before you go because breakfast venues will likely serve meals on a different schedule on the last day of the cruise.

Respect cabin vacancy times

You will drive your room stewards crazy if you linger in your cabin beyond the recommended clear-out time. At the same time, leaving a packed carry-on bag in one corner, out of the way, while you go to breakfast might be acceptable. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Related: How long does it take to disembark a cruise ship?

Know what your luggage looks like

When you get to the cruise terminal area where thousands of bags have been placed, it helps if you know exactly what your suitcases look like. Putting a colorful ribbon or string on your bags will help you spot them.

Don't run to the bus

If you've paid your cruise line for an airport transfer, don't get stressed about missing the bus. There will be plenty available.

Staff will be on hand to direct you to a bus going to your specific airline and terminal or that does a circuit to several terminals at the airport. The buses will run again and again until everyone gets a lift.

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Celebrity Cruise Disembarkation Time

Let’s discuss Celebrity Cruise disembarkation time. If you’re eager to start your Celebrity cruise but unsure when you’ll be allowed on board, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Celebrity cruise disembarkation times.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Celebrity cruises generally disembark passengers between 8-10 AM on the ship’s scheduled departure date .

Typical Disembarkation Time

When it comes to Celebrity Cruises , disembarkation time can vary depending on a few factors. However, some typical patterns can help you plan your departure. Let’s take a look at some important aspects of the disembarkation process.

8-10 AM Departure

Most Celebrity Cruises follow an early morning disembarkation schedule, with passengers typically starting to leave the ship between 8-10 AM . This timeframe allows the crew enough time to prepare the ship for the next set of guests and ensures a smooth transition between cruises.

It’s important to note that disembarkation may start earlier for guests who have opted for express disembarkation or have an early flight to catch.

Arriving at Port

Before disembarkation, the ship needs to arrive at the designated port. The arrival time can vary depending on the itinerary and distance traveled. Celebrity cruises often provide updates and announcements regarding the estimated time of arrival, allowing passengers to prepare for disembarkation accordingly.

Embarkation Process

The embarkation process is the reverse of the disembarkation process , and it involves passengers leaving the ship and going through customs and immigration. Celebrity Cruises prioritizes a smooth and efficient disembarkation process, ensuring that guests can safely and swiftly leave the ship.

Crew members are available to assist passengers during this process and answer any questions they may have.

Boarding Groups/Numbers

To manage the disembarkation process effectively, Celebrity Cruises often employ boarding groups or numbers . Passengers are assigned a specific group or number, indicating the order in which they will disembark from the ship.

This system allows for an organized and streamlined process, reducing congestion and ensuring a smooth flow of passengers through the disembarkation area.

It’s worth noting that specific disembarkation procedures and times may vary depending on the cruise line, ship, and itinerary. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult the official website of the cruise line or contact their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding disembarkation times.

What Impacts Disembarkation Time

Disembarkation time for celebrity cruises can be influenced by several factors. These factors include port logistics, government procedures, and the prior cruise’s disembarkation process. Let’s explore each of these factors in more detail:

Port Logistics

The efficiency of port logistics plays a significant role in determining the speed at which passengers can disembark from a Celebrity Cruise. Ports with well-organized facilities and streamlined processes tend to have shorter disembarkation times.

On the other hand, crowded or poorly managed ports can lead to delays and longer wait times for passengers. Cruise lines work closely with port authorities to ensure smooth disembarkation processes, but external factors such as weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances can still impact the overall time it takes to disembark.

Government Procedures

Government procedures, including customs and immigration processes , are another factor that can influence the disembarkation time for celebrity cruises. Each country has its own set of regulations and requirements that must be followed when passengers disembark from a cruise ship.

These procedures can vary in complexity and time required, depending on the destination. Cruise lines work closely with local authorities to expedite these procedures as much as possible, but there may still be instances where passengers have to wait longer due to factors beyond the cruise line’s control.

Prior Cruise Disembarkation

The time it takes for passengers to disembark from a celebrity cruise can also be affected by the efficiency of the prior cruise’s disembarkation process . If the previous group of passengers took longer than expected to complete the disembarkation process, it can lead to delays in the embarkation process for new passengers.

Cruise lines strive to minimize these delays by implementing efficient procedures and ensuring smooth transitions between cruises.

First Day Tips

Pack properly.

When embarking on a Celebrity Cruise, it is important to pack wisely to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Start by checking the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothing for daytime activities and formal attire for evening events.

Remember to pack any necessary medications, toiletries, and important documents such as your passport or ID.

It’s also a good idea to bring a carry-on bag with essential items such as a change of clothes, swimwear, and any medications you may need immediately. This will come in handy in case your luggage gets delayed or misplaced during the embarkation process.

If you’re unsure about what to pack, the Celebrity Cruise website offers packing guides and suggestions to help you prepare for your trip. You can also find helpful tips and advice from experienced cruisers on forums and travel blogs.

Set Sail Time

One of the most important things to remember on your first day of a Celebrity Cruise is to arrive at the port on time. Celebrity Cruise lines typically have a designated set sail time, and it is crucial to be at the port well in advance to ensure a smooth embarkation process.

Arriving early allows you to avoid long lines and gives you ample time to complete the necessary check-in procedures . It also allows you to explore the ship and familiarize yourself with its layout before it gets too crowded.

Keep in mind that the set sail time may vary depending on the itinerary and port of embarkation. It is recommended to check the cruise line’s website or contact their customer service for the exact time you need to be at the port.

Lastly, don’t forget to double-check all the required travel documents such as your passport, visa, or any other identification that may be necessary for your specific cruise. Failure to have the correct documentation could result in being denied boarding.

By following these first-day tips, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to embark on an amazing celebrity cruise vacation!

Celebrity Cruise Disembarkation Time – Conclusion

We hope this outline has given you a helpful overview of what to expect on your Celebrity cruise departure day. With proper preparation and realistic timing expectations, you’ll be ready to embark on your ship hassle-free and excited for your vacation ahead!

Bon voyage!

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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Celebrity Summit May 2024

At a glance.

Learn about the gastrointestinal illness outbreak on Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Summit in May 2024, including outbreak details and actions taken in response.

Outbreak details

Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises

Cruise Ship: Celebrity Summit

Voyage Dates: May 24–May 31, 2024

Voyage number: 58044

Number of passengers who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of passengers onboard: 68 of 2,264 (3%)

Number of crew who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of crew onboard: 5 of 943 (0.53%)

Predominant symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting

Causative agent: norovirus

Actions in response to the outbreak

In response to the outbreak, Celebrity Cruises and the crew aboard the ship reported the following actions:

• Collected stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases for testing.
• Isolated ill passengers and crew.
• Staged disembarkation for active cases to limit the opportunity of illness transmission to well guests.
• Sanitation of terminal and transport infection control procedures.

VSP remotely monitored the situation, including review of the ship's outbreak response and sanitation procedures.

Tips for healthy cruising

Learn how passengers can protect themselves .

More information

Gastrointestinal illness is a commonly used term for acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Cruise ships report cases that meet our case definition for AGE. We define a reportable case of AGE as

• Three or more loose stools within a 24-hour period or what is more than normal for that person OR
• Vomiting along with one of the following symptoms: diarrhea, muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramp, or fever.

Case totals

Cases reported are totals for the entire voyage. It does not mean all people are sick at the same time, such as when they arrive or leave a port or ship.

The Vessel Sanitation Program helps the cruise ship industry prevent and control the introduction and spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships.

For Everyone

Public health.

Nearly 70 Celebrity Cruises guests sick in norovirus outbreak

• Nearly 70 passengers and five crew members got sick in a norovirus outbreak on a Celebrity Cruises ship.
• The ship is currently sailing week-long Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward.
• The illness is frequently associated with cruise ships, but those outbreaks account for just 1% of all outbreaks reported, according to the CDC.

Nearly 70 Celebrity Cruises passengers got sick in a norovirus outbreak during a recent cruise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 68 of Celebrity Summit’s 2,264 guests reported being ill during a cruise that ended on Friday, along with five crew members. Their main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

The ship is currently sailing week-long Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward, according to CruiseMapper . In response to the outbreak, the cruise line isolated sick guests and crew and collected samples for testing, among other steps, the health agency said. 

There were an isolated number of cases on board and the impacted guests are no longer on the ship, according to Nathaniel Derrenbacher, a spokesperson for Celebrity’s parent company Royal Caribbean Group. Summit was also sanitized.

The news follows another norovirus outbreak on Celebrity Constellation in January that left nearly 100 guests sick. The CDC has logged seven outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met its threshold for public notification so far this year. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in all but one.

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

The illness is frequently associated with cruise ships, but those outbreaks account for just 1% of all outbreaks reported, according to the CDC. Dr. Sarah E. Hochman, a hospital epidemiologist and the section chief of infectious diseases at NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital, told USA TODAY in April that those happen in communities on land, too.

“There's not something special or unique about cruise ships,” she said at the time. “It's really any type of congregate setting, but it's also happening out in the community on a much smaller scale among households and household contacts. It just doesn't come to the attention of public health as much as it does for larger congregate settings.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Introduction to The Retreat by Celebrity Cruises

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The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises is made to revolve around you. Celebrity Cruises will take care of everything for you with your own dedicated butler who is a quick message away to help with anything you need to make your stay unforgettable.

All suites in The Retreat come with exclusive access to the private sundeck and lounge making sailors feel like they have the ship to themselves. You will always have a table waiting for you at the Luminae, which is The Retreat’s private restaurant. You will experience more benefits and amenities you have never had before.

The Retreat has a variety of different suites to offer guests. You have the Iconic Suite, Edge Villa, Penthouse Suite, Reflection Suite, Royal Suite, Signature Suite, Celebrity Suite, Aqua Sky Suite, Horizon Suite, Sunset Suite, and Sky Suite. You are spoilt for choice with the range of suites to choose from, whichever one you do select you will be treated with the best service possible!

You will be treated like royalty when you choose any of the Suites on Celebrity Cruises. The services that are accessible for everyone who is part of The Retreat is incredible from a resolute butler to assist with everything you need, including unpacking and packing, dining, and shore excursion reservations, and more! You will also be able to contact your butler around the ship with your personalised device, a suite-to-car escort by your butler on private journey excursions, premium bath and body products crafted exclusively for The Retreat, Priority departure and embarkation at most destinations, reserved theatre seating on evening chic nights, complimentary beach towel service, shoeshine service, use of an umbrella, and binoculars, dedicated spa concierge and personal consult and complimentary fitness classes.

The Royal Suites and Above have more to offer with a complimentary extend-your-stay program, access to SEA Thermal Suite and Persian Garden, daily laundry and unlimited pressing, personalised complimentary minibar, exclusive sleepwear, and complimentary specialty dining, including lunch. When you experience all these luxury amenities you will want to sail like this forever.

Food & Drink

The food and drinks that are included in the retreat is incredible. Guests will have an unlimited Premium Drink package, a complimentary mini-bar stocked with soda and beer, with water restocked daily, full in-suite breakfast, lunch, dinner service, and daily delights, an afternoon tea vent hosted in The Retreat or Michael’s Club, and the Option to dine in Blu Restaurant.

But, if you book a Royal Suite or above then you will have access to an unlimited dining specialty package, two complimentary bottles of premium spirits or wine, and a personalised mini-bar stocked with water, soda, and beer.

Luminae at The Retreat

The Luminae is a private restaurant exclusive to guests part of The Retreat. Sailors will have an exclusive menu with new complementary signature dishes designed by Celebrity Cruises Global Culinary Ambassador, Daniel Boulud.

The Retreat Sundeck

Celebrity Cruises have created a relaxing a restoring place for guests to relax. Why not kick back on a comfortable shaded lounger and let The Retreat Attendants bring you anything you need from drinks, snacks, you name it they will be able to bring it to you. Take a dip in the pool or hot tub or get together with friends for a round of drinks at the bar. The Retreat Sundeck is made for guests to escape and do as little as possible.

The Retreat Lounge

The Retreat Lounge is the place for guests to grab a coffee or a drink on the house, or they can grab a bite to eat and get stuck in a book or catch up with friends.

What’s Included?

When you embark you will receive a welcome bottle of bubbles, a premium Wi-Fi package, premium celebrity king size Cashmere Mattress with exclusive Retreat bedding. premium 100% cotton bath towels and bathrobes and a pillow menu to choose the right pillow for you.

Sailors who are staying in the Royal Suite or above with also have exclusive complimentary sleepwear, access to the Spa’s Sea Thermal Suite or Persian Garden

The Retreat

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Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard: Heavy on the cruise perks but limited everyday rewards

Whether you plan on sailing to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Breakaway or cruising to the Mediterranean on the Norwegian Dawn, using the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® could be a good way to earn extra rewards. You'll earn up to three points per $1 spent on Norwegian cruise bookings, and the card has no annual fee.

However, the card's rewards program offers limited rewards on other purchases. Unless you're a Norwegian Cruise Line devotee, another credit card may be a better choice.

Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard at a glance

Annual fee : $0

Welcome offer : 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening

3x points per $1 spent on Norwegian purchases

2x points per $1 spent on eligible airfare and hotel accommodations

One point per $1 spent on all other purchases

The Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard doesn't have an annual fee. Assuming you pay off your statement balance in full each month, you can use the card and earn valuable rewards at no added cost.

Welcome offer

You can earn 20,000 points if you spend at least $1,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening. Although the value of those points varies based on your redemption method, the bonus could be worth as much as $200.

With some credit cards, the new cardmember welcome offer requires you to spend thousands in a short time, so the $1,000 spending requirement and 90-day timeline is more accessible than most. You can qualify for the bonus by spending a modest amount, or by using the card for routine purchases like gas and groceries.

Intro offer

There is no introductory APR offer for purchases or balance transfers on the Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard; the regular APR applies to all transactions from the time you open the account. If you book a cruise, that means there's no way to spread out the cost over several months without carrying a balance and paying interest.

The best introductory 0% APR credit cards available

Rewards rate

You'll earn the following rewards when you use the Norwegian Mastercard:

3x points per $1 spent on Norwegian Cruise Line, including cruise fare and on-board purchases

2x points per $1 spent on airfare and hotel stays

How to earn rewards

Norwegian is the third-largest cruise line in the world, serving nearly 3 million guests per year. If you have the Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard, you can earn rewards by booking cruises on one of the company's 17 ships.

You can also earn a higher rewards rate on airfare and hotel stays, so using the card whenever you travel will allow you to earn more rewards quickly. For example, here is how much you could earn in rewards by spending $6,000 on a Norwegian cruise vacation:

Depending on how you redeemed those rewards, you could get as much as $140 in value for your points.

How to redeem rewards

You can redeem your Norwegian Mastercard points when you've accrued at least 2,500 points. The card allows you to redeem your points in the following ways:

Norwegian cruise stateroom upgrades

Norwegian cruise onboard credits

Car rentals

Hotel stays

Cash in the form of statement credits

In general, your points are worth one cent each; some redemption methods, such as gift cards, may have a different value. You'll typically get the most value from your points by redeeming them for future Norwegian Cruise Line cruises, stateroom upgrades, and onboard credits.

Additional benefits

Although it is a travel rewards card, the Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard's benefits could be more extensive. However, it does offer the following benefits:

Cell phone protection: Pay your cell phone bill with your card and your phone is automatically covered against damage or theft, up to a maximum of $600 per claim and $1,000 per account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible.

Mastercard Global Service: If you're traveling and lose your card or it's stolen, Mastercard Global Service can ship you a new card, and you may qualify for an expedited cash advance.

Mastercard Airport Concierge: The Airport Concierge is a service that can connect you to chauffeured service to and from the airport, assist you with luggage at baggage claim, or escort you through the airport.

Who is the Norwegian Cruise Line Mastercard best for?

The Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard is suitable for cruising enthusiasts who prefer Norwegian Cruise Line over other cruise lines. It offers a higher rewards rate on Norwegian bookings and no annual fee.

However, the card's value is limited for other travelers. If you aren't an avid cruiser, you may get more value from another travel rewards card with a more general rewards structure.

Norwegian Cruise Line Mastercard card pros

No foreign transaction fees: The Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard doesn't charge foreign transaction fees , so there's no cost to use the card to make purchases in other countries — a useful perk when you're on a cruise with different ports of call in multiple countries.

No annual fee: Unlike many travel rewards cards, the Norwegian Mastercard doesn't have an annual fee.

Cell phone protection: The Norwegian Mastercard includes cell phone protection, protecting you against theft or damages.

Norwegian Cruise Line Mastercard cons

Sparse travel benefits: Unlike many major travel credit cards, the Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard's list of benefits is quite limited. It lacks common travel benefits like trip cancellation or interruption insurance, trip accident insurance or baggage delay reimbursement.

Lower rewards on most purchases: Only Norwegian purchases are eligible for the highest rewards rate. All other purchases give you a lower rate of rewards, making it more difficult to build points.

No promotional APR on purchases or balance transfers: Although many travel cards have special promotional APRs, particularly for new travel bookings, the Norwegian Mastercard doesn't have a promotional APR for purchases or balance transfers.

How to make a Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard payment

The Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard is a co-branded card issued through Bank of America. You can make a payment online, through the Bank of America mobile app or by mailing a check:

Phone: 800.732.9194

Bank of America

PO Box 15019

Wilmington, DE 19886-5019

Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard card customer service info

Bank of America, the issuer behind the Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard, is known for its strong customer service. It was ranked second in the J.D. Power 2023 Credit Card Satisfaction Study , beating 17 other issuers.

Its customer support team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

Phone number: 800.732.9194

Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard login page

Alternative cards to consider

If you aren't a fan of cruises or like more flexibility with your rewards, consider these alternatives:

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Why we like it : With no annual fee, the VentureOne Rewards card allows you to earn unlimited 1.25 miles per $1 spent. And the card has a generous introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, giving you plenty of time to pay off your trip without accruing interest.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why we like it : The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a $95 annual fee, but it could be well worth the investment. Besides a valuable rewards program, it provides robust travel benefits that the Norwegian Cruise Line World Mastercard doesn't. Benefits include trip cancellation or interruption insurance, auto rental damage collision waiver protection, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement and travel and emergency assistance.

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Why we like it : The Hilton Honors Amex has no annual fee, and you can earn 7x points per $1 spent on Hilton hotel stays, 5x points per $1 spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points per $1 spent on all other purchases (see rates and fees ; terms apply). The card also includes added perks like complimentary silver Hilton Honors status and car rental loss and damage insurance*.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Insane moment Celebrity Edge cruise ship gets dangerously close to Hawaii coast

Hawaiian state officials issued a warning to cruise ship operators that they will be "closely monitoring" the coast on Friday after a Celebrity Edge ship appeared to be dangerously close to Kauai's Na Pali a month ago.

Photos and videos show the massive ship in shallow waters near the coast, where divers, kayakers and swimmers roam, according to officials.

Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) chair Dawn Chang sent the companies a letter and announced that authorities were launching an investigation. However, the state probe failed to produce evidence that the ship violated rules to stay 3,000 feet from shore, per HawaiiNewsNow.

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The state Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) launched an investigation last month after social media posts appeared to show the ship coming too close to shore.

"DOCARE determined there is insufficient evidence that supports probable cause or that there is clear and convincing evidence to pursue any criminal or civil action at this time," DLNR said in a news release .

Upon the ships return to the island, officers interviewed the captain who said he had total control of the ship and was "always in waters of not less than 30 meters depth," though he was "unclear" how far the ship was from shore.

Witnesses on Kauai also could not say with certainty that the ship had sailed too close to shore.

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"Some witnesses did not wish to be involved in the investigation and others only had second-or-third-hand information or repeated what they saw on social media," the release said.

"While DOCARE's investigation could not conclude that the cruise ship, carrying more than 50 passengers, was traveling within 3,000 feet of the shoreline, community concerns and photographs appear to show the ship was indeed much closer to shore," DLNR chair Dawn Chang said in a letter addressed to Celebrity and other cruise lines on Friday.

He added: "This incident created a tremendous amount of angst in the community, as this area is highly protected and valued for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

"We are putting the industry on notice that the DLNR and the community will be closely monitoring activity not only along the Napali Coast, but throughout our state ocean waters."

Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity's parent company, told USA Today:"We have robust policies in place to maintain compliance with local regulations around the world."

It added:"We will continue to assess our policies and take necessary steps to ensure we continue to operate in the most responsible manner possible."

The Hawaii Tourism Authority previously confirmed that a second cruise ship was also under investigation, but did not disclose the vessel or line.

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Embarkation Ports

Set sail from the world’s most fascinating destinations

Celebrity Cruises’ Embarkation Ports

Traveling to over 300 destinations around the world, our cruises take you to the most unforgettable destinations, including heavenly beaches in the Caribbean, dazzling cities in Asia, glamorous hot spots in the Mediterranean, and scenic locations in Alaska. Thankfully, our departure ports are also located all over the globe and conveniently close to major airports, making it easier than ever for you to plan a cruise vacation.

Venture to Alaska’s Last Frontier from Seattle or Vancouver. Explore the glittering coast of the Mediterranean after spending a day or two in Venice, Rome, or Barcelona. Set sail towards the Norwegian Fjords from Amsterdam or Southampton. Or embark on a Caribbean getaway from three different Florida ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. 

 Explore our selection of 26 departure ports around the world and start dreaming of your next trip with Celebrity.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Set sail from the exciting Dutch capital of Amsterdam, a dynamic city full of museums, scenic canals, and historic architecture. Discover the best destinations in Europe, including stops in Scandinavia, Russia, Norway, and the Mediterranean. 

Auckland, New Zealand

Cruises that depart from the vibrant city of Auckland sail down the gorgeous New Zealand fjords, explore regional ports like Wellington, Tauranga, and Sydney, and visit remote islands in the South Pacific, such as the Bay of Islands and Fiji.

Baltra Island, Galapagos

Known as the gateway to the Galapagos, Baltra Island is the jumping-off point for cruises sailing around this stunning archipelago of islands off of Ecuador, where you’ll see unique animal species, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes.

Barcelona, Spain

Spend a day in Barcelona admiring the eclectic architecture and savoring Spanish tapas before embarking on one of this departure port’s itineraries that include cruises around Spain and Portugal, across the Western Mediterranean, and to the Italian and French Riviera.

Boston, Massachusetts

Depart from Boston, a city where America’s history is in full display at every turn, and embark on a cruise around New England and Canada, where you’ll stop in picturesque seaside towns like Bar Harbor, Maine, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as cosmopolitan ports like Quebec City.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cruises that depart from the romantic city of Buenos Aires take you on breathtaking journeys that visit ports in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil, as well as unforgettable destinations in Patagonia and Antarctica, including Cape Horn and the Schollaert Channel.

Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Located less than an hour away from New York City, Cape Liberty is the perfect jumping-off point for cruises that head to the pink sands of Bermuda, sailings that visit Newport, Rhode Island, and Charleston, as well as transatlantic itineraries that stop in Greenland and Iceland. 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

As the home to one of the biggest cruise ports in the world, Fort Lauderdale cruises sail to a myriad of Caribbean destinations, including popular ports like Aruba, St. Maarten, and Cozumel, and go on journeys across the incredible Panama Canal while stopping in destinations in South and Central America.

Hong Kong, China

Board a cruise from energetic Hong Kong and set off to Vietnam and Thailand, where you’ll encounter ancient temples in Bangkok, natural wonders in Halong Bay, and fascinating history in Ho Chi Minh.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Explore the best of Hawaii, including Maui, Hilo, and Kailua Kona, during a cruise that departs from the lovely port of Honolulu. Or embark on an unforgettable transpacific journey from Honolulu to Sydney, Australia, which stops in French Polynesia and New Zealand along the way.

Lisbon, Portugal

Cruises that set sail from Lisbon visit some of the most coveted destinations in Spain and Portugal, such as Porto, Seville, and Palma de Mallorca.

Los Angeles, California

Set sail from glitzy Los Angeles and journey down to the Mexican Riviera, where you’ll visit beach towns like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, as well as scenic cities like Ensenada and Mazatlan.

Miami, Florida

As the cruise capital of the world, Miami features a wealth of cruise destinations to choose from including quick trips to the Bahamas, lengthier sailings to Key West and Mexico, and spectacular journeys around either the Western, Eastern, or Southern Caribbean.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Depart from Rome, the Eternal City, and set sail to beautiful destinations across the Mediterranean like Sicily, Provence, and the Greek Isles. Cruises from Rome also stop in ports in Israel, Malta, and the glittering coast of Croatia. 

San Diego, California

Cruises from San Diego, a.k.a, America’s finest city, either sail across the striking Panama Canal and Central and South America, or embark on a jam-packed journey up the Pacific coast that visits cities such as Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s lively capital of San Juan is an ideal departure port for cruises around the Southern Caribbean that stop in St. Thomas, Aruba, Antigua, St. Maarten, and more.

Seattle, Washington

Discover the magic of Alaska on a cruise that departs from Seattle and travels to spectacular destinations in the Last Frontier including cities like Ketchikan and Juneau, and natural wonders such as Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage.

Seward, Alaska

Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is the perfect gateway to a cruise around Alaska, where you’ll visit places like Skagway and Icy Strait Point, as well as Hubbard Glacier, the largest glacier in North America.

Enjoy an overnight stay in dazzling Singapore before embarking on a cruise around hot spots in Asia, including Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, and Tokyo.

Southampton, England

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• Celebrity Cruises

Disembarkation times on last day

By tztz , August 28, 2012 in Celebrity Cruises

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Hi, what is the latest time that you can disembark the ship when it docks on the last morning?

Our cruise ends in Puerto Rico, I think it docks at 8am.

Do you have to leave straight away? Can you eat breakfast first?

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Hi, what is the latest time that you can disembark the ship when it docks on the last morning?   Our cruise ends in Puerto Rico, I think it docks at 8am.   Do you have to leave straight away? Can you eat breakfast first?   Thanks   tztz

They wake you up with a bugle at 5am, line you up on deck, throw your luggage at you and run you off the ship.

Just kidding. You should check and see if there is a late disembarkation program for your cruise. Celebrity offers them on some cruises. Otherwise, if you don't have an early flight, you will probably have to be off by 9:30am or thereabouts. Check with your TA or Celebrity for exact times. They vary by port.

backyardponder

Yes, you can eat breakfast before you leave. Usually the main dining room is open. The cafeteria is always open for breakfast.

Thanks for that, we're staying in San Juan for a couple of nights, so no rush to get off.

Hi,:) if you are staying in San Juan? When you receive your paperwork

from Guest Relations, you will fill it out and you can request being

in the last group off the ship. When you bring your disembarkation form

back to GR, speak with them in person and let them know you want to

be last off. I have done this quite a few times over the years.

Normally, the last group off is in between 9:30-10:00. Actually, 10

Oh, yes you can eat breakfast first. The buffet will be open and

the main dining room as well but the timeframe in there is less

than usual.

On the Solstice, we were arbitrarily given a debarkation time of 6:30 am which would have been wonderful had we a plane to catch but we didn't! So my husband went down to Guest Relations and had it changed to a more civilized 9:30 am. We had a leisurely breakfast that morning. The cafe will stay open til about 9 am if I remember correctly. BTW, when you're told to have your luggage out in the hall the night before at a certain hour, you'd better listen! They mean business when they say it's going to be collected. I never packed so fast in my life! :o

On the Solstice, we were arbitrarily given a debarkation time of 6:30 am which would have been wonderful had we a plane to catch but we didn't! So my husband went down to Guest Relations and had it changed to a more civilized 9:30 am. We had a leisurely breakfast that morning. The cafe will stay open til about 9 am if I remember correctly. BTW, when you're told to have your luggage out in the hall the night before at a certain hour, you'd better listen! They mean business when they say it's going to be collected. I never packed so fast in my life! :o     _________ Deirdre

LOL....I may be in the minority and that is fine:) but I usually pack

most of my stuff that morning or start the day before, but it

is all always finished before I go to dinner on the last evening.:)

I sail solo so there is never anyone else to worry about;)

LOL....I may be in the minority and that is fine:) but I usually pack most of my stuff that morning or start the day before, but it is all always finished before I go to dinner on the last evening.:)   I sail solo so there is never anyone else to worry about;)

We need you to give us lessons. We went to dinner on the last night and to the show after and the first thing the Cruise Director said was "Okay, we're going to separate the mice from the men. How many of you have suitcases by your door already and how many of you haven't even started packing?" That got a big laugh from the audience. Rob and I just squirmed in our seats. Ooops! Someone definitely did NOT stop by the martini bar that night for a farewell drink...;)

______________

Do we have the option of just rolling our suitcases off in the morning?

Yes you do BUT...You are totally responsible for your luggage. The crew, including your cabin steward cannot and will not assist you.

The process sounds simple and is used by many passengers with early flights, and again there is a big BUT...You must be able to manage your luggage through the ship and either tote it down stairs or try to squeese onto crowded elevators. Once you exit the ship you can either try to get onto an elevator or escalator or down ramps or stairs. (If there is an escalator you will not be permitted to use it with luggage unless you have a free hand.)

We have done self disembarkation once and will not attempt it again.

Oh did I mention that on several lines we have used, they gather all of the early self disembarkating passengers in a central location to exit en masse. It's not something I want to go through again. Many of the passengers are already anxious about their far too early flights and would trample their own mother to get to the portal.

Unless you have an exceptionally close flight I don't recommend it.

We need you to give us lessons. We went to dinner on the last night and to the show after and the first thing the Cruise Director said was "Okay, we're going to separate the mice from the men. How many of you have suitcases by your door already and how many of you haven't even started packing?" That got a big laugh from the audience. Rob and I just squirmed in our seats. Ooops! Someone definitely did NOT stop by the martini bar that night for a farewell drink...     ______________ Deirdre

LOL....lessons? too funny.....I take a few minutes and pack;)

no lesson needed really:D....it doesn't take me a lot of time and

I just prefer having it done. As for the show? I can't remember

the last time I went to a show on the last evening.

I too miss the last show which usually show the disc that they made all cruise of everybody but has a lot of scenes about the ship of just the ship. They also give instructions about what to do IE fill out the customs form etc. If you have never been on a ship or it is your first time with this cruiseline I recommend you go for their procedures may be a little different then what you are use to from another line.

I pack while everyone is at the show. or before supper. I set out my cases before I leave for supper then I enjoy the evening. In the morning I pack the rest in my carry on and head for breakfast. I come back to the room pick up my bag and go to the deck to leave from for H/C. I wait my turn which is usually one of the first ones off as I have early flight (12.10).

• 4 years later...

is there any provision made for passengers with late flights ? im aware that staterooms need to be abandoned but im sure i saw somewhere that food drink and use of the pool is still available on some cruises at a cost of course , we have a 18.40 flight from barcelona so dont really need to be at the airport till 16.00 if not anyone got any other ideas ?

The stay late program you mention is only uses on z limited number of european itineraries, if it's even in use at all. I've read of its existence, but not of anyone actually using it. But it definitely not a Caribbean thing.

All off the ship by 10 am latest, as new folks won't board until ALL prior passengers have left.

Provisions for late flights out of san juan are to book an excursion that includes a morning tour, lunch and tour of rum factories, that will then drop you at airport.

I have a question concerning early disembarkation. If the final port of call is an overnight port are we able to disembark very early in the morning for early flights?

The advice from Celebrity is normally to pack and leave luggage outside cabin before you go to bed. Keep hand luggage for what you need I'm the morning. Disembarkation times are staggered and based on cabin positions/class. You cannot really leave earlier but no reason you cannot leave until the last slot as long as you vacate cabin.

cruisestitch

Curt, perhaps you missed this thread about Extend Your Stay -- several people report having experienced it, not all happily

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2387007&highlight=extend+your+stay

We do it all the time! We like to take a 10 a.m. flight out of Fort Lauderdale so we don't leave our luggage out the night before. They will give you a time and location to assemble in the morning. Best advice is ignore that time and go down at least 45 minutes before that. Put your luggage in line and you should be among the first. Sometimes there are a few hundred people self-disembarking. Those who wait and get there about the appointed hour find they are are 150th in line! surprise surprise

We don't pre-arrange for a taxi or car service. We just get out of the terminal, make a left hand turn and get the first cab we see.

It's not hard at all if you're physically mobile. On several occasions we've taken two large suitcases, two smaller carry ons AND a large rolling golf bag, all at once. We're going to be doing this very thing in November because we have a 9:35 flight (it WAS 10:10 but we got notice of change). Unless there are issues with customs, we will be fine because we're usually at the airport by 8:15 and we are TSA-PRE. Granted it's a bit close this time, but we'll go for it. If we miss we have two other flights we could take.

If you want to leave the ship as late as possible please give the cabin staff a fair break by leaving your room as soon as possible to allow them to clean up the cabins after you have left. When we arrive on board we would like access to our room as soon as practicable so your assistance will assist those following on behind. There are plenty of lounges one can wait in until disembarkation. 8.00 am is normally the latest you are required to vacate your cabin

Yes you can eat before leaving.

Yes, we always follow this approach. If you can handle your luggage by yourself, then I don't see any purpose in giving my luggage back to Celebrity and allow someone to lose the luggage or pick it up by mistake. If you can handle your luggage from luggage claim at the airport and get it back to your car, then should be able to take it off the ship without any problems.

we have found self disembarking to be stressful. Last time we went well before the posted time only to find the waiting area over flowing . There was a lot of line butting and grumpy people!!! Some folks approached the waiting area from the front and others just try to squeeze through the crowd ignoring those who are pointing out that the end of the line is ...BACK THERE...

So .. it is what it is and if the doors open on time ..very nice and if not it get tense

We only self disembark in Sydney Australia and that is because we know the area well and generally want to catch the early flight back home to NZ. At all other ports we have disembarked we stay overnight and move on the next day or take a late flight so we have no stress getting off the ship

My wife and I are in the same boat (snicker) as our flight from SJU is around 3:00. Was not a problem last time as we tacked a couple of days at the end of the cruise but this time we need to kill a few hours. Was going to self-tour around Old San Juan and taxi to the airport later (there are a couple places that will hold your bags, according to the San Juan boards) but we most likely will spend OBC for the OSJ tour/airport transfer. It was pretty reasonably priced.

We were hoping to do the same, the OSJ Tour / transfer but will not be able to. International flights need to be at 3:30 or later to take the tour and our flight to Toronto is at 3:15. :(

Guess we'll store our luggage at Barrachina Restaurant and walk around OSJ.

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