Embarkation Day: Exactly What Happens and When

At a glance: your embarkation day timeline

Travel to the port

Aim to arrive within your allocated check-in window. With Ambassador’s no-fly convenience and regional UK ports, starting your holiday close to home keeps things simple and low-stress.

Baggage drop & security

Porters take your main luggage, which is delivered to your cabin later. Keep boarding documents, medication, valuables, and chargers in your hand luggage.

Security screening

Similar to an airport, though usually quicker. Any liquids or restricted items guidance will be in your pre-cruise information.

Check-in window (as shown on your ticket):

Document checks

You’ll present passports and health or visa documentation if needed. You’ll receive your cruise card which acts as your room key and onboard charge card.

Boarding call: Step on board

Crew welcome you with big smiles. Expect that “holiday has started” feeling as soon as you enter the atrium. Ambassador is all about affordable quality and the warmest welcome at sea, so let the team guide you from here.

Explore, eat, settle in

• Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the buffet. Explore the ship and start to get your bearings.
• Cabins are typically ready from early afternoon. Your suitcases arrive outside your door soon after.
• Walk your muster route when directed. This is part of the mandatory safety drill.

Late afternoon: Safety drill & Sailaway

You’ll join a straightforward muster drill with clear crew instructions. It’s concise, friendly, and essential.

Head up on deck or find a window seat. Smaller and mid-sized ships mean a calmer, more intimate atmosphere and an easy-to-navigate layout, so you can focus on the view.

Early evening: Unpack, then dinner

Choose your preferred dining venue and enjoy that first night feeling. Ambassador pairs outstanding cuisine with exceptional service without pushing up the price.

What to bring in your hand luggage

• Passports, tickets, insurance
• Medication for at least a few days
• Phone, chargers, and a small adapter if needed
• A light layer for breezy sailaways
• A book or e-reader for those first relaxing moments

Smooth sailing: little things that make a big difference

• Arrive in your check-in window to reduce queuing.
• Keep documents together in a pouch you can access quickly.
• Photograph your cases so they’re easy to describe if separated.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking the muster route and exploring the ship.

Ambassador focuses on clarity, reliability, and that reassuring start to your holiday, which our guests value highly. Many of our sailings are adult-focused, with a relaxed onboard ambience from day one.

Solo on embarkation day? Here’s how we look after you

Travelling on your own should feel easy from the moment you arrive. Ambassador hosts a Welcome Get-Together on sailings of six nights or more, so you can meet like-minded travellers right away.

Solo traveller tips for day one

• Check the Daily Programme as soon as you board. Circle any meet-ups for single guests or low-key social events like quizzes or craft sessions.
• Join the Welcome Get-Together to break the ice early. It’s relaxed, friendly, and many lifelong shipboard friendships start here.
• Choose main dining on night one if you fancy conversation. Crew will happily seat you with other solo guests for your dinner sitting.
• Pick a “home base” lounge. Smaller ships make this natural. You’ll soon recognise familiar faces each evening.
• Book a destination experience you’ll love. Shared interests spark easy chats ashore and back on board. (We call them destination experiences because they’re designed to enrich your time in port.)

Your first evening, step by step

1. Unpack with a cup of tea and set the safe PIN.
2. Glance at tomorrow’s port talk if applicable. Ambassador’s enrichment style fits thoughtful travellers who like culture with comfort.
3. Dress comfortably for dinner. There’s always a relaxed option if you don’t feel like dressing up on night one.
4. Catch a show or live music. Entertainment is varied, friendly, and crafted for grown-up tastes.
5. Wind down with a stroll on deck and breathe in that first-night sea air.

FAQs we hear all the time

Will my phone work on board?
Yes, but roaming at sea can be costly. Switch to airplane mode and use ship Wi-Fi packages if you plan to be online.

How do I pay for things?
Your cruise card links to your onboard account, settled near the end of the voyage in GBP. That means no exchange-rate guesswork.

Do I need to book dining on day one?
Most guests simply choose where to eat each night. Speciality venues, when available, can be booked on board at reception or the chosen restaurant.

What if I’m nervous about meeting people as a solo traveller?
Start with the hosted solo get-together and a small group activity on day one. The atmosphere is open and welcoming, by design.