Let’s be honest—debarkation day is kind of a bummer. Your vacation is over, you’re trying to remember where you put your passport, and everyone around you just wants to get home as quickly as possible. But Carnival is making the end of your cruise a little smoother with a feature in the Carnival HUB app called Digital Debark—and it’s actually super easy to use and now available on all ships sailing from North America.
If you haven’t sailed with Carnival lately, here’s what you need to know about this streamlined way to leave the ship—and how to avoid the common last-day chaos.
What Is Digital Debark?
Digital Debark is Carnival’s new debarkation system built right into the HUB app. Instead of lining up at Guest Services or hoping you grab the right luggage tags before they run out, you can now choose how and when you want to get off the ship—all from your phone.
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping the process smooth and avoiding the dreaded bottlenecks on the gangway. Yes, I’m looking at all of you who clog the stairwells trying to get off the ship at 6am when your luggage tag isn’t scheduled to be called until 8:45am!
Using Digital Debark is as simple as 1, 2, 3… 4
Once the cruise director has announced that you can now select your digital debarkation preferences, you just have to complete four simple steps:
- Open the Carnival HUB App.
- Tap “My Planner.”
- Scroll to the last day of your cruise.
- Tap “Schedule Debarkation.”
From there, you’ll choose between two options:
- Express Debarkation (Self-Assist)
- Checked Luggage Debarkation
Let’s break down what those mean.
Option 1: Express Debarkation (Carry Off Your Own Bags)
If you’re the kind of person, like me, who’s ready to bounce the second the ship docks—and you’re capable of hauling your own suitcase—this is for you. Express Debarkation lets you be one of the first off the ship because you’re not relying on the crew to deliver your bags to the terminal. This is ideal for those with early flights, or if you’re just an early bird ready to get on the road.
It’s important to note that you DO NOT put your luggage out for collection the night before. Express debarkation is meant for you to carry all your luggage yourself as you’re typically off the ship before any luggage has been delivered to the terminal.
Option 2: Checked Luggage Debarkation
Want to enjoy your last breakfast onboard without dragging your suitcase around? Choose “Checked Luggage.” You’ll get luggage tags delivered right to your stateroom on the last day of your cruise (just make sure you select how many you need—one per bag—in the app). This eliminates the need to go searching for a luggage tag display and figuring out which tag number to choose.
Then you’ll pick a time slot to get off the ship, and your bags will be waiting for you in the terminal.
Easy peasy.
What If I Don’t Want to Use the App?
No problem. Carnival’s got you covered. There’s a physical display near Guest Services where you can choose your luggage tags the old-fashioned way. But let’s be real—the app is faster and easier.
What About Priority Debarkation?
If you’re one of the lucky ones with priority perks (hello, Diamond, Platinum, suite guests, or anyone who bought Faster to the Fun), you don’t need to do anything. Your priority luggage tags will magically appear in your stateroom—no app required.
Same goes for Back-to-Back cruisers or guests with Carnival transfers and excursions—you’ll get separate instructions from the crew.
Traveling with Someone Who Needs Assistance?
Carnival hasn’t forgotten about you. If someone in your party needs wheelchair help or isn’t traveling with an able-bodied companion, you can still use Digital Debark. Just choose “Checked Luggage” and tap the option that says “someone in my party requires assistance.”
Digital Debark Works, If…
Digital Debark only works if everyone actually uses it and sticks to their scheduled time. Don’t try to leave early. Don’t show up without your tags. And definitely don’t bring your whole family and bags to the gangway at 6am if you picked a 9:00 slot.
I’ve sailed on several Carnival ships when digital debarkation was first being tested and as usual, many did not follow the instructions and created chaos. However, as time went on, the cruise directors made it a point to talk more and more about the importance of going through the process and actually following it and it made a significant difference.
Simply put, Carnival built this system to keep things organized, safe, and stress-free. If you follow the instructions, you’ll be off the ship and on your way with minimal hassle.
Got your eye on a specific debarkation time for your next Carnival cruise? Don’t wait until the last minute—log into the HUB app before 1:00pm on the last full day of your cruise and get it done. Your future self (and everyone else in line) will thank you.