Depature Day

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Departure Day

Government-issued photo ID and Passport, if applicable

Learn more about the required travel documentation with plenty of time in advance.

eDocs (One copy per stateroom)

You may download your eDocs from your My NCL Account

Luggage labeled with bag tags

Luggage tags can be downloaded and printed from your eDocs

Credit card for onboard expenses

We don’t recommend that you use a debit card while on board. See our paying for onboard expenses section for more information

Small bag with essentials

This bag should contain items you will need on the first and last day of your cruise while your luggage is being delivered to your stateroom

When are E-Docs available?

All E-Docs will be available up to 21 days prior to departure, provided full payment has been received and Online Check-In has been completed. Make sure you bring a printed copy of your eDocs with you to the pier as they will serve as your boarding pass. It is important to download your eDocs ahead of time as they will become unavailable 72 hours prior to sailing. You or your travel professional will be notified via email when your eDocs are ready to be printed. Please reconfirm your flight details.

Transfers & Getting to the Pier

Take the guesswork out of getting to your ship. Get driving directions and arrange for transfers from your airport or hotel ahead of time. And if you are flying in, don’t forget to claim your luggage at the airline’s baggage claim area.

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Boarding Times

Embarkation Time

Embarkation time is when you should arrive at the cruise terminal. We ask that you please do not arrive any earlier than one hour prior to the embarkation time noted in your eDocs, because security regulations might prohibit early entrance.

Departure Time

Departure time is when your ship sets sail. We highly encourage you to board no later than two hours prior to the departure time noted in your eDocs. This will give you enough time to complete your check-in at the cruise terminal before boarding; your online check-in must be completed prior to arrival.

What time do I board the ship on embarkation day and in ports of call?

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal:
For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing.

Final Boarding Time:
In order to facilitate the embarkation process, the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail. Please note that guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at the port two (2) hours prior to sailing.

Joining or debarking the ship at any time outside of the published embark/debark port is not permitted for the following reasons:

Itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), if applicable.

Approval to embark or disembark mid-cruise may be allowed only in cases of emergencies. Please note that embarking or disembarking mid-cruise may result in a violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), resulting in a fine starting at $941 per person.

Boarding Time in Ports of Call:
In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest's responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship.

Freestyle Embarkation

Getting to Know the Ship

Upon check-in at the cruise terminal, you’ll receive your first issue of the Freestyle Daily, which details the day’s activities and special events and is a great way to get a feel for the ship. The Freestyle Daily will be delivered to your stateroom every evening, with info to help you plan the following day.

Learn More About Your Ship

Book your Shore Excursions with Norwegian

Join us for the Freestyle Cruising Presentation, where you’ll hear about the ship, the many dining options and your itinerary as well as take a guided tour.

Register Kids for Activities

Entertainment Jersey Boys aboard Norwegian Cruise Line

As soon as you board, be sure to register your kids and teens in Splash Academy or Entourage. Any Youth Counselor on board the ship can assist you.

Relax!

Best spa experience aboard a cruise ship

Head to the pool deck, then sit back and relax while your luggage is delivered to your stateroom. Sip a cocktail or soft drink poolside as you sail out.

Ship Guides

Our handy ship guides feature detailed deck plans, helping you find your way around the ship. You'll receive one at check-in, but you can also download it here.