Embarkation Day – Our Adventure Begins Aboard MSC Poesia
Published June 14, 2026 · EPStay Travel Journal
After months of planning, countless videos, and plenty of excitement from our daughters, embarkation day had finally arrived.
There is something special about seeing your cruise ship for the first time. No matter how many pictures you have seen online, standing next to a ship the size of MSC Poesia feels entirely different.
From the moment we approached the terminal, the girls could barely contain their excitement.
They wanted to know which windows belonged to our room, where the swimming pool was located, how many restaurants were inside, and how the ship could possibly float.
The terminal was filled with other families, couples, groups of friends, and travelers carrying the same expression of anticipation. Everyone was about to step away from regular life and begin a completely different experience.
The check-in process moved smoothly, and before long, we stepped aboard what would become our home for the next several nights.
The first few minutes were exciting and slightly overwhelming. There were hallways, elevators, lounges, restaurants, staircases, signs, and people moving in every direction.
The girls could not believe how many decks there were. One of them looked around and asked, “Does this boat have a mall?” Honestly, it almost felt like it did.
We spent the afternoon exploring every corner we could find. We discovered the buffet, pools, children’s activity areas, theaters, lounges, observation areas, restaurants, and the beautiful staircase where we took one of our family photographs.
Naturally, the girls were especially interested in locating the ice cream.
The ship was more than transportation. It was a floating hotel, restaurant district, theater, playground, gathering place, and temporary community.
Finding our cabin was another exciting moment. The room would become our family’s home base throughout the cruise. It was where we would rest, change clothes, prepare for each port, talk about our favorite moments, and wake up each morning wondering what Alaska would look like outside.
As departure time approached, we made our way outside to experience sail-away. Standing on the upper deck while Seattle slowly disappeared behind us made the journey feel official.
The cool breeze, the ship’s horn, the water surrounding us, and the excitement on everyone’s faces created one of those moments we knew we would remember.
The girls watched the shoreline and asked how long it would take to reach Alaska. We reminded them that part of the adventure was the journey itself.
Dinner that evening was not only about food. It was about anticipation. We talked about mountains, glaciers, wildlife, ports, and everything we hoped to see.
Tomorrow, we would wake up surrounded by water as MSC Poesia continued toward the Inside Passage.
Short-Term Rental Takeaway
First Impressions Set the Tone
One thing we appreciated immediately was how welcoming and organized the boarding experience felt.
Clear signs, helpful staff members, visible directions, and a defined process allowed thousands of guests to move from the terminal into vacation mode.
That experience reminded us of what we strive to create at EPStay.
Whether guests arrive after a long flight, a road trip across Texas, a military transfer, a family emergency, or a long workday, the first few minutes matter.
Guests should know where to park, how to enter, what to expect, and how to reach the host if they need help.
Easy check-in instructions, a clean home, comfortable temperatures, thoughtful touches, reliable access, and quick communication set the tone for the entire stay.
Hospitality begins long before guests unpack their bags. It begins when they receive their first clear message and realize that someone has thoughtfully prepared for their arrival.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at the cruise terminal with enough time to avoid feeling rushed.
- Keep passports, identification, medications, and cruise documents with you.
- Pack a small carry-on with essentials because checked luggage may arrive later.
- Explore the ship before dinner.
- Locate the children’s areas and meeting points early.
- Take a photograph of your cabin number.
- Learn which elevators and staircases are closest to your room.
- Watch sail-away from an outdoor deck.
- Review the daily schedule before going to sleep.
Kids Corner
Qalbi & Libby’s Adventure Journal
Dear Journal,
Today we finally got on the biggest boat we have ever seen! It was so big that it did not even feel like a boat.
It had elevators, restaurants, swimming pools, shiny staircases, and a place just for kids.
We walked through long hallways and tried to remember where our room was. Daddy kept looking at maps because he did not want us to get lost. Mommy laughed because Daddy still got lost.
We found the buffet. We found pizza. We found the ice cream. That was very important.
We ate ice cream before dinner. Do not tell anyone.
We stood outside when the ship started moving. Seattle got smaller and smaller until it looked far away. The wind was cold, but we did not want to go inside.
Daddy said our Alaska adventure had officially started.
Tomorrow, we are going to wake up in the middle of the ocean!
Children notice whether a new place feels confusing or welcoming. Clear spaces, easy directions, safe sleeping areas, family amenities, and room to play can help a vacation rental feel like a comfortable temporary home.
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
What should families carry during embarkation?
Carry passports, identification, cruise documents, medications, chargers, and a small change of clothes. Checked luggage is delivered to the cabin later, so essentials should stay with you throughout the day.
Why explore the ship on the first day?
Exploring early helps the family learn where the cabin, dining venues, pools, kids’ areas, and outdoor decks are located. It removes stress the rest of the week and lets everyone move around confidently.
When should families locate the Kids Club?
Find the children’s activity area on day one and note its hours and meeting points. Knowing where it is makes drop-offs easier and gives children something familiar to look forward to during the trip.
Why photograph the cabin number?
A quick photo of the cabin door and number keeps the room easy to find in long, similar-looking hallways. It is especially helpful for children who are still learning to navigate the ship.
What makes embarkation easier for children?
Walk them through the steps in advance: transportation, luggage drop-off, security, check-in, boarding, and finding the room. Snacks, patience, and simple explanations turn a long process into part of the adventure.