If you're sailing from Seattle depending on what cruise line you are on and what airline you are flying there is a service called "Port Valet" where you can have your bags tagged and they will go straight to the airport (you will NOT need to pick them up in the cruise terminal) and waiting for you at baggage claim when you land back home.

brilliant! Two things we learned: Don't pack ALL of your shoes the night before and be sure to leave your glasses in your hand luggage. Love you lads.

It amazes me that disembarking can go from seamless to complete chaos even when on the same ship with the same itinerary. I cruise regularly on the Carnival Glory from New Orleans. Some disembarking days have left me wondering whether the logistics have been orchestrated by the three stooges! Today I was able to get off the ship in a timely and organized manner. After many, many cruises ( 80 plus), I believe if the passengers read the directions and follow the instructions given by ship everyone can get off the ship in a timely manner. The ship’s protocol for disembarking is the same, but the passengers make the difference.

Even if you are prepared in advance to follow all these excellent recommendations, you may still be confused in the event. For example, announcements during disembarkation coming constantly over the PA tend often to be spoken too rapidly or in an accent with which you are unfamiliar. Gangways and collection points may be too crowded for easy passage. The weather may turn foul overnight with your rain gear already sent ahead. You may forget to empty your safe of the odd cufflinks. Etc., etc. The solution: Make a checklist and do a walkthrough of your assigned route the evening before, and get breakfast out of the way at the earliest possible time, like 6 a.m. or even an earlier quick Continental bite. Then you are free for almost any quick reaction to changes at the last minute.

We always put our disembarkation clothes, shoes, documents, personal bags, etc. in the bathroom then go through the stateroom and pack up everything. Nothing much in the bathroom needs to be packed and set out the night before!

For myself, packing choices for a cruise start with considering how I will be disembarking the ship at the end of the cruise. If self-disembarking, I minimize what I bring and use a backpack style luggage that is comfortable for me to walk with fully packed. This may mean bringing fewer items and wearing clothes twice or more on the ship and utilizing laundry service. I try to bring almost empty toiletries and T-shirts that I don't mind tossing in the bin at the end of the cruise to have a little extra room for souvenirs.

OMG the hearts at the end... totally loved it!!

Good video - Not a big fan of self debarkation. Elevators are packed and so are the stair wells with people and their bags. We always make sure we are not rushed to get off the ship. Usually flights in Miami or Orlando leave for us are 10:00am or after 3:00PM. We never would get a flight before noon because too many things have to go perfect for you to make your flight. We have done post cruise excursions after the cruise so we don't have to sit in the airport for 5hrs. If we are driving. we take our time having breakfast. Since we are usually high on the loyalty program, our departure time is usually pretty early. By the time we get done breakfast, it is past our debarkation time and we just walk off the ship. When we have done self-debarkation, it seemed many of the people schedule their return flight too early and are very stressed and can be rude.

Ben - your videos are always fun and helpful. Very grateful for you. Stay safe.

Pack some things throughout the cruise such as souvenirs,clothes you won’t need again or dirty clothes makes the packing at the end less stressful. Also consider mini versions of toiletries for the last morning so larger items can go in hold luggage if flying.

We agree about taking your own luggage off it is much easier. As always great video with helpful info.

Great adv, as always. Thanks Ben!❤

David, what about side by side or back to back cruising procedures?

I am seriously considering a cruise BUT this looks like a lot of hassle 😮

Hopefully I am never on a cruise that I WANT to disembark.

Hi bed and David when does your Ariva cruise fro 27/10-11/11 come on your site. Met you in Burger King Gran Canaria.

The lines should just commission you to make thier debark videos.

Question as I get ready for my first ever cruise just 8 days from now: If I self-disembark, must I leave the ship at the earliest first call or may I stay on board, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and get off whenever I like up till the last group?

Does anyone ever get their luggage stolen at disembarkation?

Self disembarkation....can you be later if you are in no rush. Any penalties for not getting off first?

its easy grab your bag and walk off. i don't understand the PRO part.

Immigration… Sorry.