Cruise Disembarkation: Disembarkation Day & PCB (Post Cruise Blues) @julescruisecompanion #cruise

Hi everyone, Jules here – and just as the sun begins to peek over the horizon, I’ve been out on my morning walk thinking about one of the saddest days in a cruiser’s life: disembarkation day. Let’s be honest – disembarkation day is like a vodka hangover. It’s brutal, unavoidable, and all part of the experience. So, let’s get practical. The night before disembarkation, you’ll be asked to pack up and leave your large suitcase outside your cabin for the crew to collect. That’s where a bit of strategy comes in. 💼 My Packing Game Plan: I travel with two bags – a large checked suitcase, and a smaller carry-on. Plus my trusty shoulder bag. Into the carry-on goes: My clothes for the next day Toiletries Duty-free items (which you pick up the night before) Any wooden souvenirs that might need declaring at customs (especially for Australian biosecurity) This way, if I’m stopped, I’ve got everything handy. No digging through dirty laundry to find a carved camel. 🛌 Pro Tip: Don’t Pack Your Pajamas! On one of my early cruises, I made the rookie mistake of packing everything the night before – and had nothing to wear but my PJs the next morning. While I wear a multipurpose t-shirt and shorts combo to sleep, strolling off the ship looking like a crumpled laundry basket isn’t exactly glamorous. 🧳 Luggage Options: Some cruise lines require you to carry off all your bags yourself – and let me tell you, juggling multiple bags in a crowded corridor at 7 AM is a dangerous game. So I always opt to leave the big bag out the night before. It’s safer, saner, and saves your back. 🚿 Morning of Disembarkation: Wake up Quick shower Get dressed Finish packing your carry-on Then, head to breakfast or relax in a public space with your bag Most ships ask you to vacate your stateroom by 8 AM so the stewards can clean and turn it over for the next guests, who’ll be onboard by noon. 🧠 Mentally Prepare for the End And here’s the emotional bit: disembarkation means your cruise is over. You’re heading home. The magic’s done – for now. If you’ve read my book, “The Handy Cruise Companion: Cruise With Confidence”, you’ll know Chapter 12 is all about coping with Post-Cruise Blues (PCB). There’s no cure… but there are strategies. 🛳️ Jules’ Top 3 Strategies for Surviving PCB: Always have your next cruise booked. Nothing lifts your mood faster than knowing another adventure is on the horizon. Sort through your cruise photos. Delete the blurry shots, cherish the great ones, and relive the memories. Keep a suitcase partially packed. You never know when a friend will call with a last-minute offer – “Come cruising with me!” There you have it – my top three tips for easing your return to reality after a cruise. If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more cruise tips, travel stories, and real-life cruising moments. Right now, I’m buzzing around the 12th deck of P&O’s Pacific Aria, somewhere in the Coral Sea heading toward Papua New Guinea. So wherever you are – bon voyage, happy sailing, and welcome to the cruise club! Disembarking what to back in checked luggage and what to keep out for disembarkation. 3 PCB Strategies After the next cruise booked Delete bad photos Keep your suitcase packed My book HANDY CRUISE COMPANION, Cruise with Confidence is available on Amazon http://bit.ly/HandyCruiseCompanioneBook Check out my website http://www.julescruisecompanion.com.au/ Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/julie.burgess.5011 Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julescruisecompanion/?hl=en Copyright JCC