Our Alaska Adventure Begins – Flying In and Staying Before the Cruise
Published June 13, 2026 · EPStay Travel Journal
After months of planning, our Alaska adventure finally began.
Instead of rushing to board the cruise on embarkation day, we decided to fly in a day early. It gave us peace of mind knowing that an airline delay, missed connection, or unexpected travel problem would not cause us to miss the ship.
Traveling with children requires a little more preparation, especially when the trip begins with a flight and continues with a cruise. We wanted the first day to feel exciting, not stressful.
Arriving one day early gave our family time to slow down, settle in, and make sure everything was ready before boarding MSC Poesia.
Seattle welcomed us with cooler temperatures and cloudy skies—a refreshing change from the Texas heat.
The change in scenery immediately made the trip feel real.
The girls had already watched videos of cruise ships and talked about Alaska for weeks. They wanted to know how large the ship would be, whether they would see whales, whether there would be ice cream, and how soon we would reach the glaciers.
They were counting down the hours until they could finally see the giant cruise ship in person.
That evening, we checked our luggage, reorganized our carry-on bags, reviewed our boarding documents, and made sure the items we needed first were easy to reach.
We kept medications, identification, cruise documents, chargers, and a change of clothing separate from the luggage that would eventually be handed over at the terminal.
We also talked with the girls about what the next day would look like.
There would be transportation to the terminal, luggage drop-off, security, check-in, boarding, finding our room, and exploring an enormous ship.
For them, it sounded like the beginning of a movie.
For us, staying in the hotel the night before created a valuable transition between ordinary life and vacation.
We were no longer rushing through work, errands, packing, and transportation.
We had officially arrived.
Everyone tried to sleep early, but the excitement made that nearly impossible.
The girls continued asking questions long after they were supposed to be asleep.
Would there be a swimming pool? Would the room have a window? Would we see snow? Would the ship feel like it was moving? Would there be other children? Could we eat dessert every day?
We did not have all the answers, but that was part of the excitement.
Tomorrow, we would officially board MSC Poesia and begin our journey toward Alaska.
Short-Term Rental Takeaway
A Comfortable First Night Can Shape the Entire Vacation
Our hotel stay before the cruise reminded us how important the first night of a trip can be.
Travelers may arrive tired, hungry, uncertain, or overwhelmed. They may have spent hours flying, driving, managing luggage, entertaining children, and navigating an unfamiliar city.
That is why the arrival experience matters so much in short-term rentals.
Guests should not have to struggle to find the property, unlock the door, understand parking, connect to Wi-Fi, or locate basic household items.
At EPStay, we believe a successful stay begins before guests enter the home.
Clear directions, simple check-in instructions, a clean property, comfortable beds, useful information, responsive communication, and thoughtful preparation can help guests move from travel stress into vacation mode.
The lodging is not merely where the guest sleeps. It is where the guest takes a breath and realizes the trip has finally begun.
Travel Tips
- Arrive in the cruise departure city at least one day early when possible.
- Keep cruise documents and identification in a carry-on bag.
- Do not place medication or essential items in checked luggage.
- Review boarding instructions before arriving at the terminal.
- Prepare children for the steps involved in embarkation.
- Charge phones and devices the night before.
- Recheck transportation arrangements to the cruise terminal.
- Give the family time to rest before boarding.
Kids Corner
Qalbi & Libby’s Adventure Journal
Dear Journal,
Today we flew on a really big airplane!
We brought our suitcases, our clothes, and all the things we needed for our Alaska trip.
Daddy said we were staying in a hotel because our cruise did not start until tomorrow.
We kept asking when we were going to see the ship. Daddy said, “Tomorrow.” That felt like a very long time.
Libby asked if whales were already waiting for us. Mommy laughed.
We looked outside and everything felt different from home. The air was cooler, the sky was cloudy, and it really felt like we were far away on an adventure.
At the hotel, we talked about the cruise ship. We wanted to know if it would have ice cream, a pool, shows, and a place for kids.
Daddy checked all the papers again. Mommy checked the suitcases.
We tried to go to sleep, but we were too excited.
Tomorrow, we get on the giant boat! I think it is going to be the best day ever.
Traveling with children is easier when the place you stay feels calm, safe, clean, and easy to understand. Family-friendly vacation rentals can help children settle in while giving parents room to relax and prepare for the next part of the adventure.
Planning Your Next Unforgettable Getaway?
Whether you are cruising through Alaska or exploring West Texas, every memorable trip begins with a comfortable place to recharge.
At EPStay, we provide thoughtfully managed vacation homes for families, business travelers, military visitors, groups, and guests who want more space, privacy, and comfort during their time in El Paso.
Our goal is to make arrival simple, provide a welcoming home base, and help guests create memories that continue long after checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why arrive before cruise embarkation day?
Arriving a day early protects the trip from flight delays, missed connections, and travel-day stress. It gives the family time to reach the departure city, rest, and prepare for boarding without racing the clock.
What should remain in a carry-on?
Keep passports, identification, cruise documents, medications, chargers, and a change of clothing in a carry-on. Checked luggage may arrive at the cabin later in the day, so essentials should stay with you.
Is arriving a day early helpful with children?
Yes. Children benefit from a slower start, a real night of sleep, and a calm morning before a big embarkation day. It turns a long travel day into two easier ones.
Why can pre-cruise lodging reduce stress?
A hotel the night before creates a transition between ordinary life and vacation. Parents can reorganize bags, review documents, and rest before the busy boarding process begins.
What should families prepare the night before boarding?
Reconfirm transportation to the terminal, charge devices, separate essentials from checked luggage, review boarding instructions, and walk children through what embarkation day will look like.