What can I do on the last day of my cruise?

What can I do on the last day of my cruise?

The last day on a cruise is not the same as a hotel stay.

Normally in a hotel, you can check out at lunchtime and leave your luggage in storage behind reception.

On a cruise, this is totally different. New passengers will start arriving for their cruise from about noon so the ship wants everyone off as soon as possible.

This will mean you get up and vacate your cabin by 8 am, you can enjoy breakfast and then disembark.

If you have an onward flight then you have to carefully work out how far you are from the airport and book a flight accordingly.

When I cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, my flight home was slightly too early so I had to disembark a little earlier and still it was a close call!

Most European destinations you will be fine to allow approx 5 hours after the ship is due to dock.

If in doubt book your flights with the cruise as a package and then you will be protected if there are any delays.

So what happens if your flight home is much later than the 5-hour guidance?

There are a few options for you.

The cruise lines offer excursions on the last day. They will take you on a trip to look at the sights with your cases safely in the coach and then drop you back off at the airport.

Most major airport/ ports provide storage facilities. You can safely leave your luggage at the airport/ port and go off for a wander in the city.

Book an airport lounge – you normally can have up to 3 hours but bare in mind this will be after check-in. Sometimes drinks and snacks are included!

If your flight is really late then you might want to consider a day room in a hotel – If it was me, I would just book the flight for the day after and have 1 night in a hotel after the cruise.

Most airports are amazing! Get yourself into a bar, have a few drinks, have something to eat, go for a shop and the time will pass by very quickly!

Have you had a long wait for your flight home?

What did you do? What would you recommend?

If you need any advice, I am happy to help!

Thank you for reading

Love Rosie xxx