Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship!
Online Check-In - 30 days prior to sailing, you can begin the online check-in. Add your flights, ensure your names and passport details are correct and select a port arrival time.
Port Arrival - Unless you are arriving by DCL transfers, do not arrive early or you will be turned away from the port until your documented port arrival time.
Luggage - If you have received DCL luggage tags, make sure those are attached to your luggage.
* If taking DCL transfers, you will receive your DCL luggage tags at check-in. Your bags will be transported for you from the bus and will be delivered outside your stateroom.
* If you are arriving by private car, be sure your name and contact information is on all your luggage prior to arriving at the port. A porter will take your bags from you and tag them for your stateroom.
Your stateroom won't be ready until later in the afternoon, so be sure that you keep any items with you that you may need prior to getting access to your stateroom, like bathing suits, medications, etc.. If you are bringing bottled water, beer, or wine on board with you (check the restrictions), this must be with you in your carry-on luggage.
Boarding Groups - Once your boarding group is called, your vacation begins! Be sure to stop and have your picture taken! As you step into the atrium of the ship, the crew is there to announce your family name and to welcome you on board!
Lunch - Head straight to lunch! Cabanas, on the pool deck, will be open for a casual buffet lunch. One or two main dining rooms will be open in addition to the buffet upstairs.
Muster Drill - The mandatory muster drill is done within the DCL app and takes about 10 minutes to walk to your station, check in and take a photo of yourself at the designated location. We recommend doing this early.
Ship Tour - If there is time between lunch and going to check out your stateroom, explore the ship and get a feel for what will be your home for the next several days. If you are interested in the spa, they may have a special offer on the first afternoon.
Accessing Your Stateroom - Sometime after lunch, the corridors to the staterooms will be opened up and you are free to go to your stateroom and meet your stateroom host. Your bags will magically appear in the corridor just outside your stateroom before dinner.
Happy sailing!
