Because I travel for work, I've learned tips to make each cruise more efficient.
I go on a cruise about once a month and I've learned that embarkation day can be the most overwhelming and stressful part of the cruise.
The hours that follow after you board the cruise ship are some of the most important ones of the sailing, setting the mood for the rest of your vacation.
My top recommendation is something I do every embarkation day, as soon as I finish going through security and boarding the ship.
Following this tip is a great way to set yourself up for a successful cruise—it ensures you'll never get lost onboard.
I explore the ship from bottom to top
Most of the time, the gangway opens up onto a lower-middle deck, such as deck 5 or 6.
As soon as I get onboard, I start by finding my muster station.
As long as I've already completed the lessons on the app, I can quickly check and be finished.
It's important to do this step as soon as possible since the ship cannot leave until every guest has completed the muster drill.
As soon as this is done, I begin touring the ship from bottom to top. Skipping the decks that are just staterooms, I explore each passenger deck, looking inside the venues and taking pictures along the way.
This step is crucial to getting my cruise start on the right foot.
By touring each deck, I remember what the area looks like, so I'll be able to return to it easily.
I'm able to quickly get a feel for the ship's layout, design, and energy.
As an added bonus, all Royal Caribbean ships have beautiful artwork, from sculptures to paintings and photography, that are on display around the ship. Doing a full exploration will allow you to notice each one and connect the dots on the themes of the exhibit.
Exploring the ship doesn't take as long as you'd expect it to, and you'll be surprised by how helpful it is.
Mapping out the ship helps me find events and venues faster
Touring the vessel on embarkation day makes my entire sailing more smooth.
I know where to find activities, events, and venues right away because I've already seen where they're located.
I love knowing my way around already, and blissfully passing those lost souls still studying ship maps.
Read more: 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
This tip helps when it comes to navigating mega-ships with multiple neighborhoods, but don't skip this step on small ships, either!
I made the mistake of not fully touring Radiance of the Seas when I sailed on her, and I couldn't figure out where all the nightlife was happening.
My friend and I wandered the ship for a few days, wondering where all the guests and events were.
For an embarrassingly long time, we concluded that everyone was just going to bed early.
It turns out, we'd missed a key area on Deck 6 of Radiance of the Seas that hosts live music, nightclub events, evening karaoke, and Hyperlink events.
We ended up neglecting several days of fun activities and nightlife, all because we didn't fully explore the ship beforehand.
If it's after 1pm, I can tour my stateroom as well
Once the attendants are done cleaning and preparing, your stateroom will be opened around 1:00 or 2:00 P.M.
If this coincides with your ship tour, it's a great opportunity to peek into your cabin and see how it looks.
By this time, you'll also be feeling tired of lugging your carry-on bags around (unless you purchase The Key, which includes hand delivery of your carry-on luggage).
You'll be able to head into your stateroom, set your bags down, and inspect the area.
When you first get inside, you should make sure everything is functioning properly. Take a look at the lights, air conditioning, TV, and toilet.
Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love
You should also test your cabin's safe—since it will store your valuables it should be operating smoothly.
If you have any additional requests, like separating the beds or needing a crib, now is the time to make them with your stateroom attendant.
If anything is broken, embarkation day is a good time to make maintenance requests, because the ship has extra maintenance crew members onboard.
End the tour with lunch and a drink
My favorite routine involves stopping at the Windjammer to grab something to eat.
Your embarkation day plans should be adjustable and easy-going, but you'll usually be onboard between 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.
I usually find that I'm feeling peckish by the time I finish exploring the ship, no matter what time it is.
The Windjammer is a great option for embarkation day lunch because it's open into the late afternoon, and has such a wide selection of dishes. You can choose exactly what you want to eat and how heavy of a meal it is, from a full lunch to a light snack.
If you don't feel like dining at the Windjammer, other complimentary venues are usually open including Cafe Promenade, AquaMarket, Park Cafe, Cafe Latte-tudes, Sorrento's Pizza, or El Loco Fresh.
Specialty venues like Chops Grille, Johnny Rockets, Giovanni's Table, Jamie's Italian, Sabor, and Playmakers also serve meals during this time.
After eating, I'll head over to the pool deck (which is usually near the Windjammer, or just a deck away).
I stop by a poolside bar to order a Lime and Coconut cocktail or a Mango Lava Flow, and then lounge in the sunshine while the ship begins to pull away from the harbor.
