I used to avoid cruises because I felt like I was an animal in steerage being herded from place in long lines to get on or off the ship or when it was time to eat. That was until I found a out a few game changing explorer tips - now I love to cruise! With careful planning, you can avoid most cruise ship lines altogether and have more time to explore on much anticipated adventures!
The best way to avoid the steerage problem is to pay more than double and stay in an upper tier cabin. MSC's Yacht Club or Norwegian's Haven suite guests receive priority embarkation and disembarkation as part of their luxury experience, but it comes with a hefty price.
The affordable way to side step this problem is to look for priority access packages. Some cruise lines offer priority boarding to non-suite guests, but usually by purchasing an add-on like Carnival's "Faster to the Fun".
Royal Caribbean offers priority boarding through purchasing the add-on package called "The Key". Those who hold "The Key", have priority boarding and access to the fast lane at onboard activities, and priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore.
The Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer a "Priority Access" package at the time of booking. This paid program that includes priority check-in and boarding, tender priority, complimentary daily breakfast room service, and a spa credit. They are limited and sell out quickly so it is best to book it as soon as you book your cruise. The price is set per cabin and depends on the length of the cruise:
3-5 days is $129 USD per cabin 6-9 days is $199 USD per cabin 10-15 days is $279 USD per cabin 16+ days is $329 USD per cabin.
This benefit is especially helpful for ports of call like Cabo San Lucas that require a tender boat to get ashore. At the end of the day, the nightmare queue can wind for a mile through the crowded port shops. I had to convince the NCL dock employees that I had priority access when it was time to reboard the tender boat when I traveled on the Norwegian Bliss to Cabo San Lucas. None of the employees knew about this perk until I showed them a copy of the purchase on my phone, then they immediately let me on instead of making me stand in the line that other passengers said took an hour and half to board at the end of the day. It was well worth the $199.00 not to have to stand in the long line in the heat after a full day of activities at the beach.
MSC guests who book the Aurea package also receive priority embarkation. Guests are directed to a separate, priority check-in line after passing through security along with other benefits. This line moves faster than the standard queue. You have to look for the signage or ask an employee where to check in because it is not well marked.
Achieving a high status in a cruise line's loyalty program often will give priority boarding, regardless of your stateroom category.
For example, Carnival's VIFP Diamond and Platinum members get priority check-in.
MSC's Diamond Tier and above (MSC Voyagers Club) of the loyalty program also get priority access at check-in.
Princess Cruises offers priority boarding through its Captain's Circle loyalty program for Platinum and Elite members.
Dining time on the Royal Caribbean ships is another time I dreaded because of the massive amount of people waiting to get into the dining room or eating at the buffet. To avoid long dining lines, choose traditional dining for an assigned time and table, make reservations for "My Time Dining" well in advance, or dine during the off peak hours at the buffet or other venues. Other strategies on Royal Caribbean ships include eating at specialty restaurants with reservations or using the ship's app to find less crowded dining spots. Avoid going to eat during the prime time rush, which is typically between 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You can often walk in without a reservation and be seated immediately after 7:30 p.m.
If you have an assigned dining time, there is no need to line up outside the dining room 15-20 minutes before the doors open. A lot of passengers do this, and you’ll just be standing in line until it is your time to be seated. Instead, if your assigned dining time is 6:30 p.m., show up at 6:35 p.m. The doors will already be open and most of the crowd will already be seated in the dining room.
If you don't want to pay for add packages or you haven't achieved a high status on a loyalty program, deliberately choose an arrival time later in the afternoon, you can avoid the bulk of the embarkation crowds all together.
To avoid long lines to get off the ship at ports, take a shore tour booked through the cruise line. This is a great way to ensure shorter lines and a faster way off the ship, as you’ll be among the earliest groups to debark to get to your tour. This does not apply to guests who book with an independent tour, so be aware of possible delays if you have an early start time. Waiting until slightly later in the day to leave is a great option to avoiding lines altogether. You will probably walk right off with no lines or delays.
To make debarkation easier and lessen the wait, consider keeping your luggage and doing the self-disembarkation. This will let you be one of the first guests off the ship. Elevators may be crowded, so consider leaving to one of the waiting areas earlier to avoid the congestion.
Which ever option you choose to use, careful planning can assure that you will not have to stand in endless long lines on any cruise and instead spend your precious time exploring and creating memories on your much anticipated adventures.
Happy Journeys!