10 Reasons You’ll Regret Not Checking In Early for Your Cruise

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of embarkation day – that feeling when you know your cruise holiday is finally about to begin. But while most people are still battling queues and crowds at the port, savvy cruisers are already onboard, cocktail in hand, exploring everything the ship has to offer.

Their secret? It’s simple: they secured the earliest check-in time available.

In this article, I’m sharing 11 brilliant reasons why boarding early is one of the best moves you can make.

1. Skip the Crowds

The image shows a stark contrast between two sides of the cruising experience. On the left, a large crowd of people wait in a long queue at what appears to be a cruise terminal, conveying the less glamorous side of travel—long waits and crowded spaces. On the right, a couple smiles while holding drinks, with a cruise ship in the background, symbolising the relaxation and luxury typically associated with being on a cruise.

There’s nothing worse than starting your holiday by standing in endless queues. When you secure one of the earliest check-in times, you’ll breeze through security, check-in, and boarding with far less waiting around.

Instead of feeling frazzled before you even set foot on the ship, you’ll be onboard and soaking up the atmosphere while everyone else is still queuing.

2. Score the Best Parking Spots

If you’re driving to the port, an early check-in time can be a game-changer. Arriving early means you’ll have your pick of the best parking spaces – the ones closest to the terminal.

Not only does it make embarkation easier, but when it’s time to disembark, you’ll be grateful not to be dragging your luggage across a massive car park.

3. Avoid Traffic Jams at the Port

Port traffic can be a nightmare later in the day, with thousands of excited cruisers all arriving at once. By checking in early, you’ll beat the worst of the congestion and sail smoothly through parking and drop-off areas.

It’s a far less stressful start to your cruise – and you’ll be feeling relaxed and ready to board while others are still stuck in gridlock.

4. Start Your Holiday Sooner

Three women enjoy tropical drinks at a cruise ship bar, with two of them clinking glasses and smiling. The atmosphere is leisurely and social, with other passengers visible in the background, suggesting a vibrant vacation scene on deck.

Let’s be honest – you want to start your holiday the second you arrive. With an early check-in time, you can be onboard by late morning, sipping your first cocktail, exploring the ship, or lounging by the pool.

It’s the perfect way to squeeze a few extra glorious hours out of your cruise.

5. Enjoy a Relaxed Buffet Lunch

The buffet is a classic first stop for many cruisers, but it can get overwhelmingly busy later in the day. Board early and you’ll reach the buffet (or another venue) while it’s still calm, giving you a much more relaxed start to your holiday.

You’ll find better seating, fresher food, and a lot less elbow-bumping at the buffet stations!

6. Grab the Best Dining Reservations

If you’ve booked a dining package, you’ll want to lock in your preferred restaurant times as soon as possible. Popular slots between 6 PM and 7:30 PM can disappear fast once passengers start boarding.

Getting on early means you’ll have first pick, whether you’re after a prime-time steak dinner or a special night at Izumi Hibachi.

7. Register at the Kids Club Early

If you’re cruising with children, getting them signed up for the kids’ club is a top priority. Registration opens on embarkation day, and it can get busy fast, especially in the afternoon.

By boarding early, you can get them registered with minimal waiting, leaving you free to relax, knowing they’re all set for days packed with fun activities.

8. Jump on Activities Before the Queues Build

A person enjoys surfing on the Flowrider simulator aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, with the endless ocean and a clear blue sky in the background, capturing the essence of adventure at sea.

Many of the ship’s most popular activities open as soon as boarding begins, such as Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider, rock climbing wall, and waterslides.

Early check-in means you can head straight there and have a go before the crowds catch on. It’s your chance to ride the waves, climb the walls, and zip across the ship with barely any waiting time.

9. Reserve Shows and Limited-Spot Activities

Some of the best entertainment and activities on board, like comedy shows, escape rooms, and the North Star, require reservations, and spots can fill up fast.

Getting onboard early gives you a head start to book the times you want before they’re snapped up. If you’re hoping to try out the complimentary experience, an early reservation could make all the difference.

10. Bag the Best Pool Loungers

The pool deck on the NCL Sun cruise ship features multiple pools, hot tubs, and rows of blue lounge chairs arranged around the deck. The area is open and spacious, with a clear view of the horizon, providing a perfect setting for relaxation under the sun. Large spherical structures and shaded areas add to the deck's amenities, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

If you fancy starting your cruise with a dip and some sunbathing, early boarding is the way to go. Bring your swimwear in your carry-on and head straight for the pool – you’ll have first pick of the best loungers without having to battle the towel brigade.

It’s one of the few times you’ll see the pool deck looking blissfully uncrowded!

Final Thoughts

Getting the earliest check-in time isn’t just about beating the crowds – it’s about starting your holiday the right way: relaxed, stress-free, and already making memories while others are still queuing.

From securing the best dining times to claiming a prime pool lounger, those extra couple of hours onboard make a real difference. If you want to make the absolute most of your cruise from the moment you arrive, early check-in is the way to go.