Staterooms are typically ready around 1:30 p.m. on the day of your voyage. Luggage may not arrive for a few hours afterward, so I recommend that you bring a swimsuit and coverup in a carry-on bag if you'd like to enjoy the pools onboard shortly after boarding.

On cruise embarkation day, staterooms are typically ready for guests between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. While you are usually allowed to board the ship as early as 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM, the crew requires several hours after the previous passengers have disembarked to thoroughly clean and sanitize every cabin. During this window, you can explore the ship, enjoy a buffet lunch, and familiarize yourself with the layout. It is highly recommended to carry a small day bag with essentials—such as your swimsuit, medications, and travel documents—as your checked luggage may not be delivered to your stateroom door until later in the evening. Some luxury cruise lines or suite guests (such as NCL's The Haven or Royal Caribbean's Star Class) may have their rooms ready as early as noon. Most cruise lines will make a ship-wide announcement once the cabins are cleared for entry, at which point you can finally drop off your carry-on items and settle in for your voyage.