Cruise Tips TV #8 Embarkation

Embarkation tips for people new to cruising. Hi, I'm Sheri from CruiseTipsTV. Today we've got our top 5 tips to help you get your cruise started off right. Yes, we're going to talk about Embarkation. Embarkation is like the Black Friday of your cruise vacation. Everyone is excited and pumped up for one thing -- getting on the ship. It can get crazy, but we are here with a few tips to bring the calm. Our first tip, Get organized. Check your cruise line's web site, and find out exactly what they require or recommend for embarkation. Most will have a special section dedicated to the subject. Generally speaking you'll need boarding documentation, identification and luggage tags. Get all that stuff together BEFORE you leave for the cruise terminal. Tip 2. Keep track of your cruise documents. Once you've got everything organized, keep it handy and safe. I keep mine in a passport holder I wear around my neck. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at online retailers like Amazon and travel retailers. You may feel like a dork with it dangling around your neck, but it is extremely handy, and easier than digging through a purse or carryon bag every time you need it. Tip 3. Give yourself some time. If it's a new cruise terminal for you, or you simply like to beat the crowd, get there early. You may end up sitting around waiting, but that's probably better than feeling frantic and rushed. Between 12 and 1:30 is typically the busiest time. If you're more of a laid back type of cruiser, you may want to wait until the crowd dies down after 1:30. Tip 4. Plan for security. You WILL be going through a security check. Pack up your phone, watch, keys, loose change and anything else that might set off the metal detector and put it into your carryon bag. In other words, get ready for the security check before you are checked. It will be smoother for you, and other cruisers as well. Tip 5. Be a VIP. Many cruise lines offer priority boarding and other perks for their frequent customers. For example, cruisers that have sailed with the line 10 or more times. So get out there and start cruising. Ah, but there are other ways to be a VIP. Carnival's program "Faster to the Fun" gets you VIP treatment without the loyalty ... for a price. However, it's a relatively small price, and for us -- totally worth it. Lastly, we know embarkation can sometimes be hectic, but if you plan, and keep a positive attitude it can be a great start to an awesome adventure. Oh, and you will get on the ship. That's it for this episode. Be sure to check us out on twitter @CruiseTipsTV. Now get out there and cruise. If you like this video, please like and subscribe. And please, share our videos with fellow cruisers. We have more on the way. Until then, we'll see you on the high seas.