Today is the day everyone is ready for: embarkation day! The cruise line has the debarkation and embarkation process down so they are able to get all the current passengers off, and all the new passengers on, in a matter of hours. Boarding can start as early as 11 AM. The last time to board will vary based upon the ship in the port. It’s not uncommon that the cut off time is between 2 and 3 PM. Once on board, lunch is available on the Lido deck. My first stop is at Guys Burger, then I go into the Lido marketplace to get a salad and see what else is offered . The rooms won’t be available until sometime after 1:30. The ship feels the most crowded during this time as everyone is forced into the common area. Once the rooms are available, it never seems to feel as crowded again.
When it’s time to sail away, there’s a sail away party up on the Lido deck. The cruise director introduces themself, as well as their activity team – the fun squad, the youth staff, and the playlist production cast. It’s an exciting time of celebrating the start of the vacation and line dancing is often involved.
The housekeeping staff works extremely hard to get all of the luggage delivered to the state rooms. There isn’t a guarantee time for your luggage to be delivered, but they try to get it delivered by dinner time.
This first day is exciting and exhausting, especially if you had travel challenges getting to the port.
Where is Grandma Now? 
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