27 Boarding Day Tips First Time Cruisers Need to Know (2024)

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Cruise boarding is the most important day of your cruise! In fact, for first time cruisers it can be hard to know what to expect & how the boarding process works. This video is full of cruise embarkation day tips, as well as do's & don'ts for embarkation day in 2024.
Cruise ship boarding has changed in 2024, with new things to do on embarkation day. Whether you're taking your first cruise on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises or any other cruise line, this video is full of helpful cruise tips & tricks.
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
Some B-Roll Footage courtesy of RCCL
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30 апр 2024

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Комментарии : 520

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

@cindyjackson4964 Месяц назад

Use your ultimate cruise planner for every cruise since I got it a couple years ago. Love it! Really helps with the organization!!

@pgijoy5037 Месяц назад

Love the cruise planner. It helps before, during and aftervthe trip. Also hotel cost. We booked a room in Collinsville Ill. The room was 75.00. Taxes were over 100$$. Ugh

@lisawright-minter9247 Месяц назад

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information. I just purchased the planner.

@sewistnotsewer Месяц назад

I unpack immediately, and hide my suitcases under the bed so I don't have to think about going home.

@sunseekermama Месяц назад

We have started going to the nearest bar once on the ship,order a (made it on the ship) drink and watch the muster drill on our phone's while relaxing with our drink. Then we go straight to check in at our muster station. Business before pleasure! Then we know we can completely relax for our vacation.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Haha love that line

@lightwarrior432 Месяц назад

Great Tip 😊👍🏽 Thank you!

@thatswhatisaidCA Месяц назад

OH NO! We found out 4 years ago on our first ever cruise that our "drinks package" we paid for did NOT cover drinks if you hadn't left the port yet, so we unexpectedly got charged extra for them.

@sunseekermama Месяц назад

@@thatswhatisaidCA we just use our obc's

@scotthanlon8412 Месяц назад

@@thatswhatisaidCA Yeah unfortunately that is usually due to local laws and has nothing to do with the cruise line. I know that is the reason here in Texas

@barbaralazier8352 Месяц назад

Air tags are fabulous. Every time you give us these tips I learn something new ❤. My biggest tip- your room steward is your best friend. Treat him/ her as you would like to be treated and you will find your cruise is going to be fabulous.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Yes!! Such good advice. I may share that one 👏😂

@cywoods60 Месяц назад

TFS 🔥💯

@pcasey23 27 дней назад

Please elaborate - how much daily in 2024? And at what point in the day? What if we purchased an upgrade that includes gratuities?

@lcflngn 6 дней назад

⁠⁠@@pcasey23Are you asking about tipping? I have asked this in different ways on various YT channels many times (never cruised before) & rec’d no clear answer. I’ve learned from this that basically there is no good answer. I imagine we will overtip the awesome in person folks, as well as “included” tip somehow ahead of time everyone including the invisible folks. One way or another, we will tip well (both of us having lived on tips for years.) There we are.

@oldergent5266 2 дня назад

@@lcflngn I always purchase a package that includes gratuities. At the end of the cruise, there will usually be an envelope left for an additional tip, tip according to your satisfaction of your room steward. For "as expected" service, I leave $20. Subpar = $0. Above and beyond = $30, 40, 50, depending. Do NOT deduct for anything that is beyond the steward's control, such as water temp, fuzzy TV reception, etc. Daily tipping is not necessary, but like all tipping situations, it's your choice.

@allyb56 Месяц назад

Stop 1: Make dinner reservations. Stop 2: Muster station check-in. Stop 3: Sit down dining room lunch with a cocktail.😊

@davidkolarik-yj8up Месяц назад

Print extra luggage tags. Put one in each checked bag and carry on bag.

@k.s.brixey4469 Месяц назад

I put a tag on all our checked and carry on ... inside purses too... justbin case in all the excitement you walk off without it.

@crazy4dariver Месяц назад

Biggest suggestion I can provide, be on time and dont stress over having to wait. Lady on my last one was entitled or so she thought. Back of the line to the front ahead of me. I pointed out where the line starts. I said outloud "This will be the worst cruise of your life with that attitude." They pretty much made it so. She insulted EVERYONE

@wendysoulliere1305 Месяц назад

Some people never learn

@firecat-dy9go Месяц назад

I would have laughed in her face and said, “Challenge accepted!”

@lukes5533 Месяц назад

Always unpack our bags as soon as we can , a quick sanitising of the surfaces and unpack so when it's done the party can begin. 🎉🎉😁

@bugwar5545 Месяц назад

"... a quick sanitising of the surfaces..." You must be the life of the party. Can't wait till you find out about the common areas. Or are you masking in the shower and wearing a latex body suit once out of your room?

@pamborders4471 27 дней назад

Have you been spying on me again? I paid a lot of money for that latex suit!

@bugwar5545 27 дней назад

@@pamborders4471 So how many gallons of sanitizer did you use? Or did you stay in your room the entire cruise?

@blackphoenix684 17 дней назад

I just laughed so hard reading these comments . You guys are hilarious 😂😂

@arosenweig Месяц назад

I always make it clear to everyone who does not live within a 2 hour drive of the embarkation port to arrive at least a day early to avoid the possibility of missing the ship.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Yes 🙌

@RBXChas Месяц назад

Good call! I am 3 hours by car from Jacksonville, and even then I think I'd stay the night before. Two hours is definitely the limit, and unless hotels were prohibitively expensive, I'd consider it if only to be able to sleep in and have a slow morning on embarkation day.

@heatherscaife-arkley8297 Месяц назад

For ft lauderdale what hotels do you recommend

@arosenweig Месяц назад

I recommend Embassy Suites since they have a location in Fort Lauderdale near the cruise terminal. I haven’t stayed at this particular Embassy Suites. However, I try to stay at one of their locations whenever I can since they offer complimentary cooked to order breakfast each morning.

@heatherscaife-arkley8297 Месяц назад

Thank you. My mother has stage 4 cancer and we are treating her to a cruise rc. We wanted a nice hotel

@johnflack4241 Месяц назад

On our cruise last March, my suitcase arrived at about 4 pm, but by 5, there was no sign of my wife's, nor a message about it being held up. I left to go to Guest services to check, and happened to see it down the hall, delivered to the wrong cabin. Two takeaways - her suitcase has a fairly distinctive design, which made it easy for me to see and identify it. If your bag looks like other bags, tie a ribbon or something else to make it easy to identify. I've heard this this is also a good idea for airport baggage claim. Second, if you notice that bags have started to arrive and yours hasn't, check down the hall, it may be nearby.

@AW-xz2li Месяц назад

We went searching after we saw many were delivered to other cabins & found 2 of ours on a whole other floors with tags clearly visible! Thanks RC! LOL😂

@bugwar5545 Месяц назад

Yep! Happened to me also. I decorated my bag and saw it parked with others just down the hall. Interesting, since I had an Owners suite, I figured the staff would pay more attention.

@faithwilley3171 Месяц назад

A funny thing happened to us on the return from a Caribbean trip. When we pulled into Florida, the temperature was a surprising 36 degrees. Since we gave our luggage away the night before, and only had shorts and tank tops with us, it was a difficult morning. There wasn't even a shop open to buy a sweater or light jacket! So, keep that lightweight cover with you the last night too.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Oh no! Lol that’s a good tip

@k.s.brixey4469 Месяц назад

Oh good idea. That happened to us in Galveston. Luckily we opted to self assist our luggage.

@user-ci4ck8zj6l Месяц назад

One thing I have found on embarkation day on eating is that people usually come hungry they don’t eat because they know that there is free food on the ship that the bigger the ship the bigger the lines are in the buffet so what I usually do and I’m usually with my sisters one of them who is a travel agent and we go out and go into the promenade or whatever and just go to the little café that are free food also And sit and relax and watch the people go by and that way we don’t have to hit the humongous crowds that are in the buffet so if it’s a smaller ship, the buffets are less crowded but if it’s a bigger ship, especially with children, the buffets are going to be super crowded, especially as it gets towards noon

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Good idea

@dalecalabrese3352 Месяц назад

I always avoid the buffet on embarkation day, lots of times the main dining room is wide open.

@richardgotshall2703 Месяц назад

For luggage tags, we also put our cabin number on a piece of masking tape and attach it to the bag front (not the handle) just in case the tag gets torn off - which has happened to us twice.

@cherylosburn8036 Месяц назад

What frustrates me is complainers! You’re on vacation!!! Relax Enjoy

@heatheralisa8658 25 дней назад

lol try living with one 😂

@philfreer1629 3 дня назад

Well, there you go complaining again...😁

@jasonlott4885 Месяц назад

For solo cruiser, check to see if there is solo's meet and greet the first day. Great way to meet your fellow solo cruisers.

@betsy6046 Месяц назад

We always like to get on as early as possible and eat somewhere NOT the buffet. Then we like to walk the whole ship top to bottom so we know where most things are before it gets really crowded. We usually cruise small to mid size ships so this is easier than on the giant ships. We also sign up for spa raffles and the like while wandering. Then we collapse with a drink 🍷

@annemarieburns6601 Месяц назад

Thanks for the tip , first time cruiser here, can I ask why not the buffet?

@betsy6046 Месяц назад

@@annemarieburns6601 it's generally the most crowded place to eat so we go somewhere calmer like the m ain dining room or burger place.

@gparsons320 26 дней назад

@@betsy6046 Thanks for the explanation! I was wondering why not the buffet also!

@gparsons320 26 дней назад

So, how early can you get to the dock and try to get on the ship? We're cruising to Alaska on Holland America in a couple weeks, and our boarding pass says boarding begins at 12 p.m., a chat agent told me check in begins at 11 a.m. I don't want to arrive at the same time everyone else does. Will they let us on if we arrive early?

@blackphoenix684 17 дней назад

@@gparsons320 there are several boarding times however unless you pay for priority check in you will wait in a line regardless.

@daughtersofjesususa6228 Месяц назад

As a travel agent, I always tell my clients to unpack IMMEDIATELY, take a picture/video of your cabin when you first go in, and track your cruise account daily on the app. I also recommend avoiding the buffet on the first day if at all possible. Thanks for another great video!

@keyladavid8299 Месяц назад

Why you don't recommend to eat at the buffet?

@daughtersofjesususa6228 Месяц назад

@@keyladavid8299 Only because it is often very crowded, and that can be a bit overwhelming for my first-time cruisers. That’s it🙂.

@keyladavid8299 Месяц назад

Thanks 😊

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Good advice. Haha seems we have similar embarkation day routines

@abbiem2314 Месяц назад

I'll follow yr step thanks as a first timer cruiser . Too excited ❤

@janetttyminski7295 Месяц назад

Always put sunblock on prior to boarding. Nothing is worse than burning on your first day.

@kathleenjimenez8968 Месяц назад

Regarding phones in airplane mode, don’t forget to put iPad and smartwatches also in airplane mode.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing

@sydwee915 2 дня назад

why do you have to put them in airplane mode. just curious

@Cruise-hair-why-care Месяц назад

Always remember to put your phone in Airplane Mode to avoid large unwanted phone plan charges on your cruise. Ship WiFi works in airplane mode. Thank you Ilana!!

@lightwarrior432 Месяц назад

Great reminder!! Thank you! 😊👍🏽

@bethdavis6863 Месяц назад

Very important for first time cruisers to be aware of!! Also, wear a cheap watch that will not automatically update time so you won’t be late to the ship on port days. Your IPhone may change time to port time, and that can get you into real trouble!

@debbied8525 Месяц назад

Thanks so much for this tip. Was wondering how to use the WiFi on my phone if it was in airplane mode. Read about people having $1,000 cell phone bills!

@francesgill8621 Месяц назад

Don't trust phones. I have all my docs in hand for embarkation

@blackphoenix684 17 дней назад

I agree because now you can't have your ID on the phone it has to be in hand.

@kathyhorstman7909 Месяц назад

On embarkation day, I like to establish friendly relations with my cabin steward--- introduce myself, find out his or her name, maybe pass along a preliminary tip for how nicely he's prepared the room. If I have any special requests (like for a feather pillow), this is a good time to make them. I make sure to let the steward know I don't expect it to appear right away, but only after he's done with his regular room prep. Also, be sure to check the paperwork left on the desk. You might find a card informing you of your assigned dining time, and there may be vouchers for discounts at the specialty restaurants.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Very good ideas

@sharonhinsley5335 Месяц назад

Print out a cruise ship deck plan to put on the wall by your door. I write AFT (back/rear) and FORWARD (front) on it, too.

@eileenammendolea1776 Месяц назад

I love this idea! I can get lost so easily!

@conspiracybeliever1749 Месяц назад

Wow, fabulous idea! I am directionally challenged, so this could help.

@blackphoenix684 17 дней назад

Directionally challenged 😂😂😂 I'm gonna use that and not give you any credit. Lol jk 😊

@scottdobson1276 Месяц назад

One key with luggage tags, NEVER put them on before you fly. I place them in a Pocket on my luggage, and put them on the bags before we go to the terminal.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Good tip

@gatorguy7711 Месяц назад

Another thing that first time cruisers may enjoy is watching sail away for a ship that they may be sailing on in the near future. While we have cruised many times, we still enjoy watch the ships leave port, especially those we will be crusing aboard. Port Canaveral, Port Everglades (Ft Lauderdale) and Port Miami all have great webcams. Just check your ship's cruising schedule or port schedule to determine when your ship will be leaving from your departure port and the departure time. I think it is fun watching people having fun on sail away, especially if you are in a colder climate. This should get you even more excited about a future cruise,

@lightwarrior432 Месяц назад

Great Tip! Thank you!!! 🚢 ON! 😊👍🏽😉

@BillNagle6900 Месяц назад

Great timing! We board for our first cruise in 68 hours! Your cruise planner and videos have been my favorites. Enchanted Princess, here we come.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

One of my favorite ships!! Enjoy every minute & thanks for your feedback & purchase 😊

@lightwarrior432 Месяц назад

How EXCITING!!! 😃👍🏽 ENJOY! I cannot WAIT for my First Cruise 🚢! Doing LOTS of research 😊

@anitaclue9868 Месяц назад

Have an amazing trip!🏝️☀️🍹🛳️🌊🌅

@cindyjackson4964 Месяц назад

We’ve been on many cruises and I still watch every video Illana does! She’s the best!

@abbiem2314 Месяц назад

Same here ❤

@CarboneCat Месяц назад

I remember my first cruise on Celebrity Eclipse back in 2015 (yikes, almost 10 years ago). I was in awe with the size of this ship and its beauty when I first board in. Boarding involves a lot of walking so have confortable and broke in shoes.

@kma9292 Месяц назад

Hi Ilana, As usual, another great video. Thank You.

@joelroach416 Месяц назад

I unpack absolutely as soon as possible. I feel like that is when the vacation truly begins.

@RED-cy7ig Месяц назад

Thanks for the tips.

@mkramer5004 Месяц назад

Very helpful video. We are cruising on the Mardi Gras this Saturday. Thank you. Love your videos.

@eileenammendolea1776 Месяц назад

This was a great video full of really important information. Thanks so much!

@artsywendy Месяц назад

I do as much booking ahead of the cruise as I can. Book a spa treatment, specialty dining and excursions. The excursions are available for booking first followed by the spa and then the dining. First thing on board is I go pick up my key card, look for my room steward and introduce myself and ask for the beds to be separated into twins and ask for an extension cord for my CPAP. I drop off any hand luggage and go do an explore, do the muster room video and visit the location, find some lunch and beverage(s). I return to my room to check for luggage and unpack using packing cubes to keep my items organized on the journey and store my now empty luggage under the bed. I always have a roomie who isn’t family and we sort out beds, drawers and closet spaces. I find staying organized and tidy keeps the relationship purring along nicely.

@jjellii1228 Месяц назад

You can arrange for the bed configuration before you board and request the CPAP extension cord and distilled water when you first make your reservation

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Good routine - especially if the beds were not already configured the way you requested or need

@tnthomas1954 Месяц назад

Getting ready for our first cruise. I’ve seen quite a few videos regarding that, and this is one of the best. Thanks.

@laurenschenck5355 Месяц назад

Loving this new series cruising 101! Great idea! 💙💙💐🩵🛳️🛳️💐💙💛💛💙🩵❤️❤️🌈🌸🌸💖💖🌷🩷🧡🧡❣️🌻💘🌸🌈🛳️🛳️🛳️🩵💖❤️🩵🩵💐💛💙🌸💚🌈🌈💖💖🤎🌷🩷

@jkschnik6952 Месяц назад

I bought those luggage tags and they are great! We used them when we flying several times already and we haven't cruised yet. Thanks for recommending them!

@debbied8525 Месяц назад

This was very helpful! I am going to watch it again and take notes.

@sallyestes7077 Месяц назад

Thanks for your tips! You spoke of taking a jacket for chilly/windy walks on the deck. I take a jacket and wear most of the time indoors because of the Air Conditioning. The AC is set much cooler than I have at home. Getting ready for a relocation cruise in September.

@adoptsalot Месяц назад

Wear comfy shoes. You will spend a lot of time on your feet and walk a lot more than you expect on day one. I like to bring a small gift for my cabin steward with a small card. Something that speaks to where I am from, to kind of introduce myself. So pecan pralines or a jar of peach jam, state tourist attraction playing cards... HOPE that your room is ready early and that your luggage arrives at a favorable hour, but be prepared for Plan B. Always have a Plan B.

@linda319 Месяц назад

California Linda shares excellent vlog. Many who view your videos may be first-time cruisers or cruisers who have not cruised for many years. Outstanding comments.

@DB-zp9un Месяц назад

Love that you talk cruises and how to cruise and stay away from almost all of the drama and other stuff. Thanks! Love your vids!

@janefogel8390 Месяц назад

We haven't been on a cruise for 7 years, so this was a helpful video. We always eat first, then explore the ship. Thanks for the tips!

@carolsava7166 Месяц назад

Great video, as always.

@michelealkins616 Месяц назад

👏 great job on this video, Ilana! We’ve been on 6 cruises on 3 different lines with kids and you covered everything! ❤

@latoyajoslyn8116 Месяц назад

My friend is going on her first cruise next month. Your information detailed and perfect. I'm sharing this video with her so she doesn't get caught off guard. Thank you!!

@rickk6700 Месяц назад

A really well done video Ilana. You covered the steps really well. The luggage tag holders are really easy to use and very helpful. Bought them after seeing one of your videos . We go to the spa on boarding day and book our couples messages. They can fill up quickly we have found . We make unpacking a priority also because once that is done we feel like we are now ready to relax and enjoy departure and first night onboard. For us, i also make sure we have an extension cord because we both have CPAPs. Sadly the power around the bed can be slim or none. Happy cruising Ilana.

@DyanEsoap Месяц назад

Awesome info thanks! I’m going on my very first cruise this year and I’m so excited! 🙋‍♀️🇨🇦

@cindyjackson4964 Месяц назад

I always unpack the first day! Having everything put away reduces my stress level and starts vacation mode!

@DebiWelch Месяц назад

I unpack as soon as I get in my room ! Love your videos ❤

@lemontiki Месяц назад

You posted this at the best time! 2 days before our first cruise 🚢 Thank You! ❤

@JeffEnger Месяц назад

Ilana My Wife and I are on the Island Princess celebrating our 50th anniversary We watched a lot of your videos for tips and tricks and need to thank you so much we are on the eighth day of our trip and having a wonderful time Thank you for making our trip a success Thanks Jeff and Linda

@user-wj5nk8zb6b Месяц назад

Excellent as always 👍👌🇬🇧 thank you

@notinterested6343 Месяц назад

We watch the muster drill while sitting and waiting to get on the ship. We unpack as soon as we get our luggage.

@LindaBuchele Месяц назад

Loving this new series Ilana. Not new to cruising, but things change on the daily.

@gawainfraites7994 Месяц назад

Thanks for the tips. Me and my family going on our first cruise, MSC, in August

@LA-ol9ht Месяц назад

Thank you for this Video! I'm a 1st time cruiser leaving in July! So informative!

@user-gi7gl7rm3r Месяц назад

I watch youtube videos showing tours of our ship and make a list of restaurants and locations on my note app on my phone. This way, we can refer to the list to decide where to eat until we are familiar with our favorite restaurants. We board early and check out the ship before it gets crowded. Unpack as soon as your cabin is ready, so you can then relax. If any of your clothes develope wrinkles, hang them on the back of the bathroom door when you shower, to steam them. I take a small spray bottle of Wrinkle Release, but haven't needed it. Book specialty dining before you board or right after you board, before your favorite time is booked up. Take a free tour of the spa when you board, as they usually offers deals. Most of the smaller ships don't have laundry machines, but they have dry cleaning. Usually half way through the cruise, they offer a reduced set price for a full laundry bag, instead of by the piece.

@deaonnadale5926 Месяц назад

We have done a number of cruises. Always unpacked the 1st day. Love packing cubes.

@freeman_fundamentals Месяц назад

My fiancé & I got engaged on 4/20, we booked a honeymoon 10night RC for $2,400, we booked excursions & packages for $1,200. While this will be my 6th cruise this is the first one I’ve planned out on my own (she is not the best itinerary making person) An hour after booking I’ve spent probably 3hours a day digesting your content:)

@roseannsmith9477 Месяц назад

We have used luggage tag holders for years and love them. We also unpack before dinner on the first day.

@RobertaLanglais 19 дней назад

We have been on many cruises but your tips are extremely helpful . Thank you . We typically will unpack as soon as luggage arrives .

@candethompson4826 Месяц назад

You're amazing. Thank you so much!! My 1st cruise in June and I've been studying your videos for months

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Wonderful! You’re going to have an amazing time I’m sure! 🛳️🎉

@user-ip3hb4gi8f Месяц назад

I always like to take a few minutes to unpack as soon as bags are delivered. This gets it out of the way and I feel a little better organized for the rest of my vacation!

@GayesyJ Месяц назад

These videos are absolutely excellent Ilana! 🤩 Your channel is the one I recommend to people who are new to cruising and feeling anxious about the whole experience because I just know that they will learn everything they need to know from you. 💞 Even after 14 cruises I am still learning more each time I watch your videos. Thanks so much! 🤗

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Awe thanks so much! I appreciate you recommending my videos & I’m glad they’ve been helpful 😊

@LindaKennedy-jt4mj Месяц назад

Thank you Llana for your wonderful cruise videos 😃 Such great information and you present it in a straight forward way without any useless chatter. You really know what you’re doing. We are planning our first Alaska cruise with Holland American and feeling so much more prepared after watching your videos 👍 very excited for our cruise in July 🛳️

@juliamaciel9853 Месяц назад

I just love your videos. ❤

@TheChefSteph Месяц назад

Excellent information 🎉

@lindsayjennings7542 Месяц назад

I think you made this just for me!! Been following you for over a year and we leave on our first cruise next week!!

@AnnWitherspoon День назад

This video has so many helpful tips!

@donbarron5349 Месяц назад

I enjoy sail away from my balcony with a cocktail!

@rhondalyn100 Месяц назад

Leaving for my very first cruise (Virgin Voyages) in 22 days!! Thanks so much for these great tips...I am passing this along to my friend/ship mate. 🙂

@chrysokitsou7611 12 дней назад

That was an excellent video! I am a 1st time cruiser on a big cruise ship and i am really thankful to have watched this video! And i will surely watch many more of yours until the arrival of my cruise day. Congrats! 👌

@leslierosa9102 Месяц назад

I leaving at the end of month FIRST ONE and your videos have been so helpful❤❤ much love

@MiaHessMusic Месяц назад

What a great video! Thanks!

@autumnkurtz Месяц назад

Going on my first cruise soon and your videos have been my absolute favorite, and you've made me feel prepared! I've watched dozens of your videos since we booked this cruise 😂 Thank you! ❤

@anakerose Месяц назад

Thank Illana! I shared this to our roll call page for July 😊

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

So glad this is helpful & I appreciate you sharing it 😊

@cadmando18 Месяц назад

We took our first cruise last year for our 20th anniversary, and we watched so many of your videos. Anyone else reading this comment, Life Well Cruised made a good cruise into an amazing cruise!! I'm completely serious. Anyone thinking of taking their first cruise or even if you have been on a couple, these videos are worth so much!! MY TIP: If you are going to bring watches, or other valuables on the cruise, either keep them with you or make sure they are packed deep within your luggage. I got a watch stolen on my first cruise because I packed it in a carry-on back pack that I gave to the attendants with my luggage. Cheers!

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

So glad my videos helped make your cruise even better. I appreciate you sharing your experiences

@redhatbear1135 Месяц назад

I have mobility issues, so unless there is a shore excursion we need to book onboard, we go to the buffet first. That gives me a better chance at getting a table I can get to! Pre being able to leave luggage in rooms, the buffet was where we could relax with it. However, we know that others need to eat so we don’t just sit there with the luggage, we often move to the loyalty lounge. Of course there is a muster station scavenger hunt to do somewhere in there, it’s a pain with luggage though! No, we can give up the bag with medical equipment, nor at least one personal bag/carry on. We have noticed that the larger ships now, aren’t able to clear the ship by even 11 am. I haven’t been on a cruise lately where we had an assigned table, I’d love to know if my cabin number matters.

@redhatbear1135 Месяц назад

We don’t often have the beds set right, or they so that they are difficult to get around. We always assure the room steward that at/by turn down service if they prefer! Please consider some of get sent to the naughty room because they can’t figure out what actually is in the suitcase. The most reasonable one was the plier type nail clippers they said they thought it was a Ute knife. I would have believed a leatherman more but it just mean we drug the luggage back to the room although I think we could have ask for it to be delivered. For power strips a while back we just had to have them check. Now we have a European plug so they don’t even worry with it.

@amandareiche9083 Месяц назад

Never pack valuables, needed passports and reservation documentation anywhere but in a personal item that stays with you on the plane and embarking and disembarking the ship...

@pjittner8504 26 дней назад

I keep my jewelry, makeup, medications, documentation, emergency stuff with me until I reach my cabin where jewelry, passport, and car keys go in the safe, meds & makeup in the bathroom, and the rest in one of the closets until I get my smaller, over the shoulder bag to carry around my water bottle and anything else I need. I also have a lanyard with me, so as soon as I get to my cabin and use the room key to get in, the card goes into my lanyard. Also nice to meet the cabin steward and let them know of anything I might need. I prepay tips and let them know, but anything extra I need, gets them an extra tip.

@pamelacohen5945 День назад

Great Information ❤❤

@abdulaziz209 20 дней назад

Loved the tips, this made me more excited for the next month cruise 🎉

@amandaregis313 Месяц назад

I've been binging on your channel and others for over 100 days, and we still have 51 more to go. I feel like the MS Volendam will be much easier to get around, too, after all the tour videos. As for boarding passes, I believe we fall into that 15-day range but have long since filled out the check-in and printed the luggage tags. I will definitely print an extra set for inside the luggage now. I'm not usually a dress gal, but hubby's been getting me to try out different styles, so between our first night celebrating our 39th anniversary at the Pinnacle Grill, dressy nights and dining in the MDR, I'll be happy to dress up a bit. It's been ages since I've had a chance to (even the military functions dried up long before his retirement about 8 years ago). He even found a matching Hawaiian shirt and dress combo that would be great fun on Embarkation Day. We've got the Have it All package and Unlimited Laundry. Our travel day will be upon us in no time at all, between having the grandsons over, a yard sale, our younger son up from Toronto, a concert in Huntsville, and all the gardening. Thank you, merci, for all the guidance, we definitely needed it.

@chefcarmencookingchannelan6652 27 дней назад

Just purchased your planner. Thank you for all your content. Now I'm about to watch the WiFi video. 😊

@kimholbrook2544 Месяц назад

Thank you for another great video! Can’t wait for our cruise in august! We haven’t cruised since 2017 and I missed it sooooo much. 😊

@sweetypatnett6123 Месяц назад

Thanks as always, because I haven't been on a cruise in over 10 years. I noticed a lot has changed. ❤❤

@daleniehaus4309 Месяц назад

Great video! I watched it even though we consider ourselves veteran cruisers - always think of something new. As for when we unpack? Our last cruise in January 2024 we splurged on Oceania and booked a Penthouse Suite, which comes with a butler. We found on Cruise Critic many commented that the butler will unpack for you! When he introduced himself to us, I asked about that and he said "of course, I would be happy to do that". Made things very nice on embarkation day!

@BNC926 6 дней назад

Thank you Thank you Thank you... I'm traveling with my friends that are first time cruisers and I forwarded your video to them. I'm super excite for them to enjoy this experience. I appreciate you for doing this. I too am learning some interesting things. This is super helpful and we enjoy watching all of your cruising tips and tricks👍🙏💖

@joanneh4803 20 дней назад

Totally agree with checking in on the app! Recently checked in for our next cruise and needed a photo of all our passports as well as security photos and it was so much easier having everything ready to go on my phone.

@scruff520 Месяц назад

Very informative, i like to unpack asap, get everything hung up and put away in its place, and as you said make the cabin homely, keeps everything tidy, then you're ready for the cruise. Thank you Ilana for sharing these great tips. X

@colby5592 Месяц назад

Great tips some we knew, others we hadn't thought of.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Glad it was helpful!

@deepshotone Месяц назад

Bravo Allana! This is one your best videos! My embarkation day process is first the muster drill. Then to the main dining room to check out my table assignment. Then confirm my specialty dining reservations, then head to my cabin and change clothes, then to the lido deck for some snacks and drinks and enjoy the sail away party. We were on carnival mardi gras 3 weeks ago and had a great time. 17 cruises now complete.....

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

Sounds like a great plan! That ship is on my list btw 😎

@mizsasi 19 дней назад

I will be taking my 1st cruise this aug to Bermuda & it will be on the venezia. Thank so much fir this helpful info!!!

@Honolulu-Blue Месяц назад

Congrats on 300k subscribers! OK, I'm a little early, but I want to beat the rush. 😀BTW, I usually unpack when I get settled in the cabin.

@michellegrunkemeyer Месяц назад

❤❤

@michaelschulteis7770 7 дней назад

Well done video for the first timer or those of us who don’t cruise very often and need a refresher.

@torrieowens2272 3 дня назад

Going on my first cruise in a few months and have enjoyed your videos . I write notes in a journal and have already purchased some of the items you have recommended. Can't wait to go.

@LifeWellCruised 2 дня назад

So glad my videos have been helpful! If you have additional questions please let me know as I may include them in a future video

@CoralEuphoria Месяц назад

I'm going on my first cruise in August to Alaska. Super excited! Your vids have been very helpful!

@deniseduckworth9089 Месяц назад

Me too! So excited!

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

So glad! Very exciting 🛳️🎉

@jillladd2756 Месяц назад

We are so looking forward to "Sail Away" for our upcoming cruise. Last year we cruised ( first time) to Alaska on the Royal Princess, and embarkation was delayed about 4 hours because of a customs issue.... so by the time everyone got on board, and we had a welcome cocktail, it was time for our dinner reservation in Crown Grill. We totally missed sail away. I would not make that mistake going forward though.... no specialty restaurants on the first night. These are excellent tips, as always ! We did everything you talked about on our first trip, and I have to say, without your advice, I honestly don't think our trip would have been as absolutely seamless as it was. We had literally NO CLUE how to do any of this, and I watched every one of your videos and I can't thank you enough for the help you provided. For anyone new.... just watch all of Ilana's videos.... it is a treasure chest of knowledge. We had THE best time because we were very well prepared and knew things to expect and what to do if something went a little wrong.... it turned out to be the most perfect trip. Next up, Sun Princess to the Caribbean, and I'm going through all of Ilana's new videos to prep for that. Thank you so much for all your wonderful advice and tips !!!

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

So exciting! I actually have one more Sun Princess video coming hopefully this weekend. Uggh Alaska can be a tough embarkation sometimes

@marianjeffrey8684 Месяц назад

Flying out tomorrow from Australia to Vancouver for our first cruise. Boarding on Sunday very excited. Brilliant information, thanks.

@monicadepoy5157 Месяц назад

Spoiler alert. The Vancouver boarding is a mess! Be patient and know that another debarkation ports run much smoother.

@LifeWellCruised Месяц назад

So exciting! Have an amazing cruise & enjoy Vancouver. It’s an incredible city! Boarding is a bit challenging as you’ll be going through US customs & security (like an airport). It may take about an hour or a bit more, but eat a good breakfast before you go and “pack your patience” as they say 😉😂

@lightwarrior432 Месяц назад

So excited for you! ENJOY!! 😊🚢🛟⚓️ 🍾🥂🌅

@truthalways8071 26 дней назад

Nice info

@BeefromSC Месяц назад

I don’t eat breakfast or much before getting on the ship 1st day because after locating our Muster Drill station, we head to Guy’s Burger to eat, along with getting a slice of confetti cheese cake as our traditional embarkment meal 😋😋😋😋 I usually unpack by the first night, probably after the welcome show! A great place to store luggage is under the beds too! Thank you for all the updated embarkation day changes 🛳️🛳️

@k.s.brixey4469 Месяц назад

We always eat our first lunch at the Central Park Cafe.

@amyeland6500 Месяц назад

Another great timing post. After a year of planning, finally boarding Enchanted Princess in 10 days.

@lightwarrior432 Месяц назад

So excited for you!! Enjoy!! 🚢🍾🥂🌅😊👍🏽 #newcruiser ☺️

@debbiehenderson4821 Месяц назад

Ilana -a great tip to join a face book group. There will be one for each cruise and you can ask all of your questions before cruising. We are going on Celebrity in 3 weeks & Im packed! I go over my list 3 times to make sure I have everything. I have watched all of your videos & have learned so much even though we have cruised before .I un pack most of case before dinner and then I can enjoy! Anxious to see your Wifi video Keep up the good work . 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦