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When you arrive at the cruise terminal you will need to check in for your cruise. You will have to complete an embarkation card (normally with your cruise ticket) and present your passport, cruise ticket and credit card. You will be issued with your boarding card which will also double as your charge card while you are onboard. On many lines your photograph is taken at the start of the cruise and stored on computer to recognise you each time you board with your boarding card.

The charge card is required for all onboard purchases (drinks etc) - if your credit card has been swiped all charges on your ship charge card will be charged to it at the end of the cruise. If you opt to pay by cash or with travellers cheques they may ask you to give a deposit in advance to cover your onboard spend and to top it up as you go.

If you are cruising outside Europe, you will then have to clear immigration. All passengers will go through the cruise terminal security check but once all theses formalities have been completed you can go onboard - at the gangway the ship's photographer will take the first of many portraits. The gangway may be an aircraft style bridge or a more traditional and steeper walkway - proceed carefully if this is your first time.

After another security check at the entrance to the ship, you will be met in the reception area and shown to your cabin by a member of the ship's crew. Your cabin key (probably electronic) should be in the lock and inside you should find a card with your restaurant table number and sitting as well as the The Daily Programme with the day's activities, entertainment and opening hours for the spa and restaurants. Your luggage will not be there yet but now you can rest, explore the ship or make reservations in the speciality restaurants or spa. The buffet restaurant and bars will be open and there will be organised tours of the facilities onboard.