Cruise Ship Elevator Hack for Debarkation Day

Cruises are amazing. The accommodations, food, ports of call and service are a big part of why so many of us keep coming back.

One of the least amazing parts is the end: debarkation day.

Not only is your cruise over, but you may also have a full day of travel ahead of you. And before you can even get off the ship, you have to deal with thousands of other passengers doing exactly the same thing at roughly the same time.

One of the biggest hassles can be simply getting an elevator on debarkation day. Elevators fill quickly with people and luggage, especially as everyone starts heading toward the gangway.

Here are four tips that can make that last trip through the ship much easier.

1. Skip the Elevator If You Can

If you’re comfortable using the stairs and can easily carry your backpack, carry-on or other luggage, consider skipping the elevator.

Going down several decks is usually much easier than going up, and on debarkation morning it can also be much faster than standing around waiting for an elevator with enough room for you and your bags.

Obviously, this isn’t a good option for everyone, but if you can comfortably manage the stairs, it’s probably the simplest solution.

2. Split Up Your Group

If someone in your group needs to use the elevator because of mobility needs or because you’re carrying larger luggage, you don’t necessarily all need to wait for the elevator together.

Consider sending one or more people with the luggage in the elevator while the rest of the group takes the stairs and meets them on the appropriate deck.

This can make it much easier to find enough elevator space without requiring room for your entire group.

3. Take ANY Elevator That Has Room

This is the cruise ship elevator hack that has worked for me time and time again.

On debarkation morning, don’t get hung up on finding an elevator that’s already going in the direction you want to go. Take any elevator that arrives with enough room for you and your luggage.

If you want to go down but an elevator going up arrives first, get on. Ride it until it reaches the top of its route and starts heading back down, then select the deck where you need to go.

The important thing on debarkation morning is to prioritize an elevator with room over one that’s already going the “right” direction.

You may spend an extra minute riding the wrong way, but that can be much faster than standing on your deck watching full elevators pass by.

It’s a simple trick, but I’ve found it can work like magic on a crowded debarkation morning.

One important note: Always follow crew instructions and any ship-specific debarkation procedures. If elevators, decks or passenger traffic are being specifically directed by the crew, follow those directions instead.

4. Try a Less-Busy Elevator Bank

Not every elevator bank on a cruise ship gets the same amount of traffic.

For example, I’ve noticed on Royal Caribbean ships that the aft elevators can sometimes be busier than the forward elevators. That’s not especially surprising since many restaurants and other popular venues are located toward the aft of the ship.

The same idea can apply on debarkation morning.

If the elevators closest to your cabin are packed, it may be worth walking to another elevator bank instead of waiting. A slightly longer walk can sometimes mean a much shorter elevator wait.

Make Debarkation Morning a Little Easier

Debarkation day probably isn’t going to be anyone’s favorite part of a cruise, but a little planning can make it less frustrating.

If you’re able to take the stairs, that’s usually the easiest solution. If you need the elevator, consider splitting up your group, trying a less-busy elevator bank and, most importantly, don’t assume the first elevator you take has to be going down.

That last trick has saved me a lot of waiting.

For lots more about what you should pack for your next cruise check out our complete packing list.

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All information provided is deemed accurate at time of publishing, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 12.13.24 top:elevatorhack tag:tpr