Disney Cruise Embarkation Day: Everything You Need to Know!
Embarking on a Disney Cruise is an exciting adventure, and the embarkation day sets the tone for your entire voyage. In the video, Reyes Family Adventures shares essential tips to ensure a smooth and magical start to your cruise.
Arriving at Port Canaveral on the Disney Cruise transportation.
1. Arrive at least ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR CRUISE: Too often I see disappointed cruisers miss their ship because they planned their arrival the same day as their cruise. Do not trust these airlines to get you anywhere on time. You want ample time in case there are delays or cancellations that you need to account for. Arrive a few days early and enjoy the city instead of starting your vacation stressed.
2. Use Disney Cruise Line transportation to make embarkation day a breeze! If you are a new cruiser or lower Castaway Club status this is a great way to try and get an earlier Port Arrival Time (PAT). When taking the Disney Cruise shuttle from a Disney World Resort at Port Canaveral, they pick up your luggage directly from your room and deliver it to your stateroom, no worrying about dropping off at the porters when you arrive to the port!
3. Complete Online Check-In as Soon as Possible: To secure an earlier Port Arrival Time (PAT), complete your online check-in as soon as it becomes available to you. This allows you to board the ship earlier and start enjoying the amenities. Your online check-in date is determined by your Disney Cruise Castaway Club status (based on how many times you’ve sailed with Disney). First time cruisers complete check in 30 days prior to sailing. However, if you are taking the Disney Cruise transportation, there is no need to rush to complete this as you will be assigned a PAT based on your shuttle’s arrival time.
4. Pack a Day Bag: Since your checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the day, pack a carry-on with essentials like swimsuits, medications, important documents, and any items you'll need immediately upon boarding.
5. Arrive at the Port on Time (PAT): Adhere to your selected PAT to ensure a streamlined boarding process. Arriving too early or too late can lead to unnecessary waiting times. As you board the ship, your family or travel party will be announced by name into the atrium! You may want to film this moment to remember how magical those first steps onboard are.
6. Utilize the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App: Download the Navigator App. Before you cruise, this can be used to submit special requests, book port adventures and onboard activities, and see the countdown to your cruise! Once you are onboard, you connect to the ship’s WiFi and it becomes an invaluable tool for accessing daily schedules, restaurant menus, and onboard activities.
7. Enjoy Lunch Upon Boarding: Once on the ship, take advantage of the dining options available. Whether you choose the buffet or a sit-down restaurant, it's a great way to start your vacation. The buffet will be the most packed option, so head to the designated dining room for lunch if you’d like a more relaxed meal. We also enjoy the quick-service options on the pool deck for a bite.
8. Explore the Ship: Use the time before your stateroom is ready to familiarize yourself with the ship's layout. Discover the locations of pools, dining areas, kids' clubs, and other amenities. For kids, you can sign them up at the kids club during the open house and even get a chance to explore inside. During times that are not designated as open house, parents and children that are not in the specified age range cannot go inside.
9. Attend the Muster Drill: Participation in the mandatory safety drill is crucial. Pay attention to the instructions provided, as they are essential for your safety during the cruise. You app will have all the information you need for this so make sure you check it out!
10. Head to your Stateroom: Staterooms are usually ready around 1:30pm. They will make an announcement when you can head to your stateroom and drop the bags you are carrying around. You will find your Key to the World Card hanging outside your room by the room number. Make sure to grab those, then explore your room! The bags you left with the porters may not arrive for a few hours, but you will find them in the hallway once they are delivered.
Bonus: Capture the Moments: Embarkation day is filled with memorable moments. Take photos and videos to document the beginning of your magical journey. We highly recommend the photo package onboard and you get a discount if you purchase before your cruise. If for some reason you change your mind while onboard, maybe you didn’t get enough photos or you didn’t like them, you can request a refund (as long as you haven’t downloaded any photos!)
📌 Additional Resources
Free Printable Guide: We offer a free printable guide to help you prepare for your Disney Cruise!
Subscribe for More Tips: For ongoing advice and insights into Disney Cruises and family travel, consider subscribing to the Reyes Family Adventures YouTube channel.
Plan Your Trip with Us: As full-service travel agents, we help ensure our clients have a memorable, stressfree vacation. From picking the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom - to knowing all the little details, tips and tricks for a magical trip! Our services are free when you book with us, so request your quote here!
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