Don’t Miss This Crucial Step on Disembarkment Day #011

Before You Walk Off That Ship—Read This!

Hey,

You’ve made it to the last morning of your cruise—your bags are packed, you’ve triple-checked your cabin for stray flip-flops, and you’re about to head off the ship for the last time. But before you walk down that gangway and wave goodbye, let’s talk about some things you’ll want to remember on disembarkment day (and one big one people often forget).

First, if you’re new to cruising, disembarkment day can feel… a little chaotic. You’ll probably get an information sheet in your cabin the night before, outlining where to leave your luggage, what time to be out of your cabin, and where to wait until your group is called. Definitely read that sheet—your future self will thank you when you’re not wandering the ship with your carry-on wondering where you’re supposed to be.

The basics to remember:

✔️ Leave a day bag: Keep a small backpack with you for essentials—passports, wallets, medication, phone chargers, snacks, headphones—because you’ll likely be without access to your big suitcase until you’re off the ship and through customs.

✔️ Check your safe: It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many passports and wallets get left behind in that little cabin safe. I once saw someone realize at customs that their passport was locked in their stateroom safe. Not fun. Double-check!

✔️ Settle your account: Most cruise lines settle your onboard account automatically to your credit card, but it’s smart to review your bill the night before. It’s much easier to fix mistakes at the guest services desk than trying to untangle charges once you’re already on the way home.

✔️ Plan transportation: If you didn’t book a transfer through the cruise line, make sure you’ve arranged how you’re getting to the airport or hotel. Cruise ports can be hectic—rideshares, shuttles, and taxis often have long lines. Booking ahead saves you the stress of standing in line with a hundred other tired travelers.

✔️ Tip the crew: Many people like to leave a little extra for their cabin steward or favorite bartenders. If you’ve loved your service (and I hope you have), a small envelope with a thank-you note goes a long way.

Here’s the important thing people forget:

So, here’s the big one—take a quick photo of your luggage before you put it in the hallway the night before.

Why?

Because your bag will be collected with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of others, sorted by color-coded tags, and placed in massive halls or port terminals where everyone is hunting for a black suitcase that looks exactly like yours. Having a photo on your phone makes it so much easier to describe it if it goes missing or ends up in the wrong section. Bonus points if you tie a bright ribbon or tag to your handle too. Future you, juggling customs forms in a sea of bags, will be very grateful.

Last but not least:

Disembarkment day always feels bittersweet. It’s the end of the vacation, the end of the endless buffet and daily sunsets at sea—but it’s also the start of dreaming about your next adventure. So take a deep breath, snap that luggage photo, give your steward a warm thank you, and step off the ship with your head held high (and your passport in your bag, not in the safe).

Here’s to smooth exits and even smoother next voyages!

Bon voyage,
Tara 🚢✨