When Can You Disembark?
The following information does not apply if you have a special membership (like a "Faster to the Fun" or a VIP or you booked a shore excursion, etc).
Carnival Cruise Line use a system of Zones numbers. You will be informed ahead of the disembarkation day to pick up a Zone Number at a specific location and time. Be sure to get there early so you can pick the time you want, otherwise (like me) you will have to choose from the leftover times. So you get a Zone Number and then on disembarkation day they will call your number and you will start the disembarkation process of leaving.
Luggage Options:
Self Disembarkation or Carry Luggage Off: If you prefer to carry all your own bags, choose this option. It's faster because you don't have to go searching for your luggage at the terminal especially if you are in a hurry to catch a flight or bus. However, you will be lugging your suitcases around on your own. And I didn't see any luggage carts.
Checked Luggage: The second option is to allow the cruise line to carry your luggage to the terminal and you pick it up there (just like you would at an airport). This is the option that I chose for this cruise because I had several large bags that I didn't want to drag around.
If you also want the cruise line to handle your bags, be sure to pack a small day bag with your valuables, medicines, your disembarkation day clothes, toothbrushes, makeup, etc that you will carry with you. Once they take your luggage, you will not be able to get it back without major hassles. Keep a duffle bag, small rolling bag, or backpack with you with the day essentials. The rest of your luggage you will tag and place outside your door the night before you disembark. Be sure to take pictures of your luggage tags because the numbers/colors will be how you find your bags.
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Can You Eat Breakfast on Disembarkation Day Before You Leave?
Yes! As the picture above shows, there were 3 dining options open for breakfast on our cruise anyway. Check your own Cruise Line for options. The selections will be limited.
Are there Activities while I wait for Disembarkation?
Not really. The pool is closed (it's covered with a net). The casino is closed. It's pretty much a ghost town as many of the staff are "off-duty". The goal now is for the ship personnel to get you off the ship and welcome the next group of guests.
Anything I should do before I leave the ship?
Be sure you turn in all your towels. Pay any outstanding bills. Cash in any casino chips (if it's not digital). Fill out any Customs forms (such as for Alcohol). Pay any tips if you didn't already. You will be required to leave your cabin at a specific time, so be sure to get everything out before you head to breakfast or the exit. Arrange your transportation if you didn't already. Be sure to keep your room card with you (because you need it to get off the ship).
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How Does Disembarkation Work?
Exiting the ship is a lot like embarking but going the opposite direction. For our cruise, there were limited elevators (and they were slow) so we took the stairs (and even those were crowded with people and their luggage). It was a bit chaotic, IMO. Then you will head into the Cruise Ship Terminal via the gangplank/skybridge. They will scan you out and take your card. You will walk through the terminal areas to the luggage area where you will have to search for your bags. Picture #2 above shows how the luggage is just set the side and you will need to search for it. I wrap my bags in colorful luggage straps which made it very easy to find.
These are the luggage straps I used with my black Costco bags and it made it so easy to find in a sea of black, blue and red bags:
What if I need help with my Bags?
There are porters who will move your luggage on their racks for a small fee/tip. Worth it if you have a lot of bags. Unfortunately, they will only go as far as the front area or the front parking lot. If you parked in one of the nearby garages, you will have to drag it there yourself.
