What happens on a Cruise Ship turn around day?

Have you ever wondered what happens on a Cruise Ship turn around day? If yes, then read on because this blog is all about that very topic.

On Saturday 9th November 2024, two of my friends boarded the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship at Station Pier Wharf in Port Melbourne for a nine-night voyage roundtrip to Adelaide, Australia. The ship itself sailed through Melbourne Heads at 2am, and three hours later docked at the Wharf. This was where turn around day began.

So what is 'turn around day?'
According to Cruise Critic; 'turn around day is the day where the passengers from the previous cruise disembarks from the ship, and the guests or Passengers embarks the ship for the next cruise.’  Yes, it sounds simple, but there’s a lot involved.  It’s a fast-paced race day for all the crew. The morning (from arrival to 11:30am) is all about 'disembarking the old,' while the afternoon (from 12pm to departure) is all about 'welcoming the new,' and this is what’s involved:

·  Firstly, the Luggage is collected by the Cabin Crew the night before. However, this depends on the following situation: 'the required paperwork for 'Luggage Disembarkment' now needs to be handed into the onboard Reception by 10am on your final day on board. If not, you'll have to take it off yourself. This happened to me at the end of my 14-Night Queensland Cruise in 2024, and I wasn't happy.

·  On the day itself, ALL passengers, and Staff (whose contract with the ship has ended) must be out of their Staterooms by 10 am so the Cabin Crew can prepare for the next cruise. 

·  Breakfast is officially the final meal you have on board, and it's only available in the ships 'Food Court' on turn around day. All Passengers, and (leaving) Staff must then be off the ship by 11:30 am so the entire crew can get ready for the next voyage. The Passenger Embarkment, and Cruise Departure can sometimes be delayed by up to (or over) an hour if viruses like 'Gastro, or even COVID' was found on board during the previous cruise.

·  During the three-hour gap; the new Cruise Staff Embarks the ship for their Contract, and gives them plenty of time to settle in, and find their way around the ship before the Guests arrive.

·  Once all Passengers have disembarked, the Boarder Security team has done the paper work, and ship is clean, it's time to welcome the new guests on board for their cruise. Providing it hasn’t been delayed; the new Passengers start arriving to go through Customs at the International Cruise Terminal at 1:30 pm, and these days it doesn't take long to board the ship. As well as the Passengers; the crew also has to 'refuel the ship, stock up on supplies (including food), organize all the luggage, and deliver them to the Guest Staterooms for their cruise.

·  The Safety Drill takes place approximately one hour before the Cruise Departs.  These Safety Drills are Compulsory for all new Passengers and Crew under International Law.  Like on board an Airplane before take off; during the drills the Staff shows the new Guests and Staff what to do if there’s an emergency on board, and you can watch the demonstration at your groups Master Station area, or Stateroom Cabin (depending on the Cruise Line).  It only takes a few minutes, and when it ends you will be free to start your cruise. 

·  After a full-on hectic day; it’s now time for the departure to begin.  This takes place from 4 pm on wards (depending on the Cruise Line you’re sailing with).  Attending the ships ‘Sail Away Party’ on the top deck is a must for all guests on board because it’s also a ‘Welcome Aboard Party.’  As well as the entertainment; you also get to meet some of the crew, and your Cruise Director for the Voyage. 

Bon voyage, and happy cruising!