While debarkation day certainly ranks as the worst day of the cruise, embarkation day is a close second. For many, it starts with an early morning jolt out of bed, continues with a lengthy sojourn to the port, and concludes with lots of thumb-twiddling in a bleak, amenity-free terminal. All this pre-cruise time makes the soon-to-cruise hungry. And once onboard, the mad dash to the buffet begins. Ottawa native Sheila, a cruise vet, offers a solid tip for those looking to avoid the famished throngs during embarkation day: Bypass the buffet or pool grill, where the masses gather, and head to a dining room for some peace. One note: Not every line opens its dining rooms for lunch on embarkation day. #inCruises

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