Ah, the bittersweet end of a cruise. You’ve had your tropical nights, dined on all the delicious food, and enjoyed countless ocean views. Then comes the final frontier: disembarkation day. I usually mourn the end of a cruise, but as I've gotten older I've gotten more excited about going home. The thing is, not all ports are created equal—let me tell you about my recent experience on the MSC Meraviglia in New York City. Spoiler: NYC isn’t exactly the gold standard. 🚦
NYC vs. Florida: A Port Showdown 🗽🌴
Getting off a ship in NYC is… well, let’s just say it’s not Florida. While the Sunshine State has the process down to a science (seriously, it feels like a theme park line at Disney), NYC is all about patience. Lines, customs, and timing can make or break your day. On the bright side, NYC did surprise me with a futuristic Face ID system—just look into the camera, and voilà! Passport, who? 🪪
Europe, though, takes the cake. On some cruises, you don’t even have passport control. Can you imagine? Just grab your bags and go. It’s a whole vibe. 🇪🇺
Now, let’s dive into the top 5 tips for disembarking, guaranteed to make your last day at sea a breeze!
1. Be Flexible: Handle Your Own Luggage 🧳
Trust me, nothing screams freedom like carrying your own bags off the ship. This lets you skip the early morning luggage claim chaos and gives you full control of when and how you leave. Pack light to make this easier—on my 7-day cruise, I only brought:
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 3 pairs of pants
• 3 nice shirts
• 3 long-sleeve shirts
• A ridiculous amount of socks and undies (you can never have too many, right?).
Shoes? Just three sets: beach shoes 🩴, running shoes 👟, and a versatile smart casual pair. If you’re feeling extra fancy, toss in a backup pair for variety.
For this trip aboard the MSC Meraviglia, I relied on my Level8 suitcases, and let me just say—they were the unsung heroes of my adventure! 🧳 Their sleek design, lightweight build, and durable materials made packing and unpacking a breeze. Plus, the smart organizational compartments helped me stick to my minimalist packing strategy (remember: 3 shorts, 3 pants, 3 shirts 😉). I loved the latch system for locking up my bag rather than fiddling with a zipper. Whether you’re cruising or jet-setting, I highly recommend checking out Level8 luggage to elevate your travel game. Use my discount code TRAVELWITHKABIR10 and grab yours through this affiliate link for 10% off. Trust me, your travel vibes will thank you!
2. Timing is Everything: Wait Out the Rush ⏳
If you’re like me and despise early mornings (who’s waking up at 6 am on vacation?!), opt for a later disembarkation. By waiting until the initial rush subsides, you’ll avoid long lines and can stroll off the ship like the relaxed traveler you are. Pro tip: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out—bonus points for waffles. 🧇
3. Keep Essential Documents Handy 📄
While some ports have ditched traditional passport control (bless you, Face ID 🙌), it’s still smart to keep your passport, customs forms, and IDs close by. Don’t dig through your perfectly packed suitcase at the last second—it’s a recipe for disaster.
4. Know Your Ship: Scout the Gangways 🛳️
Every ship has multiple gangways for disembarkation, and some can be less crowded than others. Bonus points if you take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevators (those lines can feel longer than the buffet queue on lobster night). Plan ahead and get moving!
5. Settle Your Onboard Account Early 💳
Nothing kills the cruise vibes faster than a last-minute billing issue. Check your onboard account the night before disembarkation to ensure all charges are accurate. Nobody wants to argue about minibar snacks when you’re trying to catch a ride home. 🚖
Final Thoughts: Disembarkation Doesn’t Have to Sink Your Mood
Disembarking the MSC Meraviglia in NYC had its challenges, like timing my exit to meet a friend from Queens. But thanks to some smart packing, waiting out the crowds, and a high-tech customs system, the process was surprisingly smooth.
Leaving the ship doesn’t mean leaving the adventure behind—it’s just the start of your next one! 🛥️
What’s your go-to disembarkation tip? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s keep cruising! 🌎✨
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