The hardest part about cruising is leaving the ship… not because it’s difficult, but because it’s hard to leave the fun. But since that final disembarkation is inevitable, knowing what to expect should make it a bit easier.
The final night on board, you’ll get a detailed list of all charges made on the ship during your vacation. If you didn’t keep up with that during the cruise, check that everything is accurate. Mistakes are rare, but they do happen. Remember that gratuities for cabin stewards and wait staff will be added to your account as well. If there’s a problem with your account, go to Guest Services as soon as possible. There’s always a long line to dispute charges (rarely a cruise line error, but it is possible) or to make final settlement if using a debit card. Be patient.
No one likes to think about the end of their cruise vacation, but leaving the ship need not be a stressful situation. The 4 tips presented in this article will help.
Living in Florida we for the most part drive to the cruise terminal, and for this reason we carry our own luggage off of the ship. The main reason is I do not like having to find my luggage in the sea of luggage in the cruise terminal.
Here are a few pointers I have found useful:
- Remember you will need your cruise card one last time to get off the ship. Do not pack it away until you are off the ship.
- Keep your passport/identification handy with the customs declaration form you filled before you left the ship.
- Do not bring any fruits or vegetables off the ship with you. Your cruise line will have information on what you cannot bring off the ship.
- if you plan on one last dip in the pool or Jacuzzi on the last night of the cruise, use a plastic bag or Ziploc bag to keep the bathing suits from getting everything else in your luggage wet.
