Embarkation?

Question

I am going on the Navigator of the Seas at Port Everglade. This is my 1st cruise and don't understand anything. Where do I park? How do I get on? HELP!

Answer 1

I have cruised out of there a couple of times.  There is a parking lot and a parking garage, depending upon which cruise line you use.  There will be security at the gate for the port for you to even get onto the port area.  Your cruise documentation should specify which cruise terminal you should go to and you can ask at the gate the directions to the dock that you need.  The web site below also lists directions and so does Royal Caribbean's web site. This from the site:  "The guest parking facilities are located adjacent to the terminals at the Mid-Port garage and the North-Port parking garage. The parking fees are $12 per day for regular sized vehicles and $15 per day for oversized. Complimentary shuttles are offered for Pier 18 guests."

The parking lot or garage will be close enough to the ship that you can drop your luggage and passengers and then park and walk back to the ship across the parking lot, just like at a hotel.

Then you drop your luggeage with the porters who will be at the pier (be sure that you have the luggage tags attached to every piece that you will not be carrying on.)  Walk into the terminal, just like at an airport, and show your SET SAIL pass that you printed online and your passport, credit card, and other documentation.  They will give you a card that looks like a credit card but is your room key, pass to get off and on the ship in ports, and charge card for things you buy on ship.  You will go through a scanner like at the airport that checks you and your carryons, and then you will put your cruise card in a scanner and they will take a photo of you that is imprinted on the card.  Then you walk on ship.

Answer 2

Depending on what port you are leaving from, there are parking areas for long term parking,same as airports and some hotels if you check at the front desk they will allow you to park there at your own risk. To get on the ship you will need to first check your suit cases with the cruise line and they will tell you where to go to check in. Again Depending on which port you will need to have your ID, Birth Cert. or Passport plus your boarding pass out. you will be asked afew questions again depending on which port you are leaving from have your picture taken setup your on board account and issued your key card which you will use as ID, purchases on the ship and to enter your cabin. Then you you go for awalk where they usually take your picture again ( which will be for sale later) and then you board the ship and you are on your own. Within in the first 24 hours you will have a saftey drill take your life jacket from your cabin  ( map on back of cabin door) & go to your station. Then you are free to explore the ship and whatever else you want to do.

Enjoy.