How does the check-in at the port work?

Checking in on a cruise ship is very similar to checking in on an airplane. Before you travel to the cruise ship, you can check in online and you will receive your boarding pass.

Then you arrive at the cruise terminal. Depending on the size of the cruise ship and whether several cruise ships are embarking at the same time, you have one or more check-in desks. You show your boarding pass and often you also leave your luggage here, because they are delivered to the cabin for you. We recommend that you always take your hand luggage with you and that you have the most essential items in your hand luggage. It may take a while before your suitcases arrive at your cabin. 

You then proceed to the security checks. After that, you will go to the ship where they will take a picture of you. This photo is important because every time you disembark or come on board they will check if it is actually you. This is for the safety of everyone on board. 

Finally, you will receive your board pass and you are ready to board.