Embarkation day for your Disney cruise is quite exciting. If you’re like me, you want to get to the port early even if you have a later check-in time. But where will you go? Is there food available? Will you have to lug your luggage around with you? These were all questions I had the morning we were to set sail from Vancouver to Alaska. I’m happy to tell you that Canada Place is in a great location set up to help keep you comfortable and entertained while you wait to board.

  • Food and a Quick Break: Immediately across the street from Canada Place is the Waterfront Centre Food Court, complete with Tim Horton’s, McDonald’s, and plenty of other offerings where you can grab a bite to eat and relax. Restaurants open early, wi-fi is available, and youcan make a quick stop to the restrooms.
  • Stowing Luggage: Make sure you have secured your luggage tags to all bags you plan to check in. Cross the street to Canada Place and veer down the ramp to the right. You will find guests who have just come off their cruise and are exiting the port. As their luggage is cleared out, Disney Cruise Line will accept your luggage to check-in. You may be able to check your luggage in as early as 10 am depending on how busy the port is. Be sure to keep all your travel documents, id/passport, medication and all other necessities in your day bag that you will carry onto the ship with you.
  • What to Do: The port has great views across the bay if you like to sit and watch boats and sea planes go by.
  • Checking In: Have your documents and passports ready to check-in. You will also be asked to fill out a quick survey regarding recent illnesses or symptoms. This is all part of Disney’s on-going commitment to guests’ health and safety.
  • Waiting to Board: Once you are checked in, you can advance into the general boarding area where you will sit until your group number is called. You can usually find Mickey and a couple of his pals for a quick photograph. There are bathrooms available, but there isn’t much else to do. Bring a book, a game for the kids, or talk to your neighbors.
  • Make New Friends: If meeting other people from all over the world is part of your fun while on vacation, take the time to chat with other guests around you. You will likely see many of them again on board, and you can compare adventures and highlights during your trip.
  • Just Have Fun! Getting all set and settled is just part of the process to getting to your adventure. As soon as you embark on your cruise, you can go straight to the buffet or the restaurant for a good meal before you start exploring the ship and the real fun begins!