Something I didn’t know on our first cruise….
The last night of your cruise they start the process to kick you out of your cabin!

Debarkation. I kinda hate this word…

Cruise disembarkation, or debarkation, is the process of leaving a cruise ship after the voyage. It’s a structured process, not just a simple “check-out” like a hotel, and follows specific procedures. It usually occurs on the final day of the cruise. Passengers will exit the ship to return home or continue their travels.

Here’s what usually happens during debarkation:

1. Luggage Collection:
   The night before debarkation, you’ll pack your bags and place them outside your cabin. The crew collects them and delivers them to the terminal for you to pick up after you leave the ship.
2. Settling Your Account:
   Any onboard charges (drinks, spa, shopping, etc.) are finalized and charged to your account. You can review your statement on the ship’s app or at guest services.
3. Waiting for Your Group to Be Called:
   Passengers debark in groups. These groups are often assigned based on flight times, travel arrangements, or cabin locations. You’ll wait in designated areas until your group is called.
4. Customs and Immigration:
   In many ports (especially in the U.S.), you’ll go through customs and immigration after leaving the ship.
5. Collecting Your Luggage:
   Once off the ship, you find your luggage in a designated area organized by color-coded tags.
6. Transportation:
   After debarkation, you’ll typically head to the airport, hotel, or home via shuttle, taxi, or other arranged transport.

Tip: Some cruises offer “self-assist” debarkation where you carry your own luggage off the ship and leave earlier. You have a choice of getting off with your suitcases. I have NEVER done this. I take too many! If you do this, you get off the ship before the other groups. If you’ve scheduled an earlier flight, this is a good option for you. It is also suitable if you have a long day of driving ahead.

They typically let everyone off by groups starting around 8:00 in the morning after getting the go ahead from customs. You have to be out of your cabin by around 8:00 for most cruise lines. They need to clean and prepare your cabin for the next guests!

You can go to the lido for the buffet. Alternatively, visit the dining room for breakfast. Do this while waiting for your group to be called. Many cruise lines don’t offer room service on the last morning.

If you don’t carry off your own luggage, you must leave it outside your cabin door. This must be done the last night of your cruise. You need to attach a special luggage tag to it. Usually you have until 11:00 pm to put it out. The staff then takes it. After you get off the ship the next morning, the staff will sort all of the luggage into groups. They will organize it by your luggage tag number in the terminal.

You will be given instructions about getting your tags the day before. With some cruise lines, you have to go to a specific area. You need to pick up a tag for each piece of luggage. The lower the number the earlier you get off. If you want to get off earlier, pick up your tags as soon as they allow it. This typically happens at noon. Priority guests have the lowest numbers and they are usually delivered to the cabin.

There will be a debarkation talk in the theater. It will also be on your cabin television. These will cover all of the cruise line procedures.

You need a small suitcase or backpack for packing essentials for the final morning.
Do not pack important documents like passports or ID’s. They are required for customs.

Let me know if you want tips on making the process smoother!