Know Before You Go: Navigating Cruise Ports

For a first time cruiser, it's easy to assume that Cruise Travel is a lot like Air Travel… but the reality is that they are two completely different worlds! There are two major differences and knowing them can save you time and trouble the next time you take a cruise.

• The Wait:  At the airport you have to wait on average 1 – 2 hours to board the flight, depending on how early you arrive. Cruise lines usually allow passengers to begin boarding 3 hours prior to the disembarkation time, but if you've taken the only flight and arrive early… you'll be in for a long wait. After an exhausting flight, who wants to sit in a cruise terminal many hours? That's why we recommend that passengers book a flight the day before… or even better make a mini vacation out of your embarkation (or disembarkation) port! Many hotels near cruise ports offer shuttle service to and from both the airport AND the cruise port, and also have special room rates for cruise passengers.
  
  
• The Terminal: If you've booked yourself the earliest flight and arrive at the cruise terminal hours before you can even board the ship… you are going to be in for a BIG shock. Cruise terminals are often used only a couple of days a week and, because of this, do not offer the amenities people have come to expect from the airline terminals. Forget the food courts and bookstores, most cruise terminals have a snack bar and limited amenities.  There is a growing trend of upgrading terminal amenities provided, but it is best to plan for limited facilities - vending machines, restrooms and chairs. It is best to eat before heading over to the cruise port, and bring along some change for the vending machines.  At some ports there are restaurants and shopping nearby and this is an option (if you have been able to check in your luggage early).

Take time to learn about your specific terminal and to be better prepared for embarkation.  Luckily, most of the information you need for about your terminal can be found here… we even have a Print 'n Go summary of each port.  Make sure to know before you go, and you'll have one of the best vacations ever!