noun

embarkation

em-bar-KAY-shun/ˌembɑːrˈkeɪʃn/

Boarding a ship or aircraft to begin a journey.

Passengers gather at the pier for embarkation on the cruise ship.

Travelers with small bags walk up a gangway toward a waiting ship, direction clearly boarding.

Etymology

emFrenchin

+barkFrenchsmall ship

+ationFrenchact or process

The pieces describe the act of getting into a ship. Originally used for putting or going aboard a vessel, embarkation now also covers boarding aircraft and other vehicles.

In context

Family Vacation 1010:15

what I do on embarkation day to start the cruise fully prepared. Follow these tips and you’ll hit the ground running and make the most of your first day on board.

18 Things to Do on Celebrity Cruise Embarkation Day | Celebrity Cruise Tips | Embarkation Checklist

More examples

Embarkation begins at noon, so keep your passport handy.
The airline delays embarkation while workers inspect the plane.
Crew members assist passengers during embarkation.

Forms

embarkation · embarkations

embark verb — To board a ship or aircraft.

Similar words

boarding: More broadly covers entering buses, trains, ships, or aircraft.
departure: Focuses on leaving, not the act of getting aboard.