Embarkation day on a Disney Cruise is awesome! If it is your first Disney Cruise Line vacation, or it’s been a bit since your last one, you may have a few questions about what to expect. It is an exciting day, but it can feel a bit overwhelming for first time cruisers. Don’t fret – this post will help you feel fully prepared for the embarkation process and your first day on the high seas! My guide will help you understand it all – from what to pack in your day bag to the muster drill to the must-do first day activities with DCL!
Preparing for Embarkation Day with Disney Cruise Line
Port Arrival Time and Health Questionnaire
During your online check in process, guests will be given a port arrival time for your embarkation day. The check-in day if this is your first cruise will be 30 days prior. Other Castaway Club member will be allowed to check in earlier. The time for your boarding group is based upon how many prior cruises you have taken with Disney Cruise Line. Concierge guests may board at any time.
All guests must choose a port arrival time during the online check in process. The earliest port arrival time is generally around 11: 00 AM. Your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will show you your boarding group number and time. I also like to keep a printed version of my port arrival time, as it is easier to grab along with our boarding documents (passport, birth certificate, etc). There is a QR code which will be scanned once you arrive at your departure port.
On the first day of your cruise, you will also receive an emailed copy of a mandatory health questionnaire. You can answer the questions for each member of your party. Go ahead and complete it before arriving to the cruise terminal. The email contains a few short questions about your party’s health – just to make sure crew members and other cruise passengers aren’t exposed to sicknesses you are aware of in your family. This is part of the embarkation process, so be sure to complete it before your Disney Cruise Line vacation starts!
Luggage Drop Off
Once you reach the port, you will have to option to be dropped off or park your personal vehicle in the parking garage. If you are taking Disney transportation from a Disney hotel or from Orlando International airport (or another airport), the bus will drop passengers right at the Disney port. If you are driving to Port Canaveral, the garage is usually open around 10:30 AM for arriving guests. Once you reach the port, porters will be at the sidewalk ready to collect your tagged luggage.
Be sure to know your stateroom number, as the porters will ask for it. If you have the Disney Cruise luggage tags provided by DCL, have them attached to your suitcases. If you don’t have them, don’t worry. The porters will simply attach a handwritten tag to your bags. Be sure to pack some cash to tip the porters. They work hard!
What to Pack in Your Day Bag
Wondering what to pack in your carry-on bag? Be sure to pack your driver’s license or forms of identification, passport and/or original birth certificates, port arrival form (you can also save a digital version in phone’s wallet), and any necessary medications. If you want to hit the pools before your luggage arrives to your stateroom, throw in a bathing suit, flip flops, sunglasses and a cover up.
If you have young children and have some extra time in the port, consider packing some snacks, drink cups, and activities for the wait. The ship’s boarding process can take a bit, so encourage them to visit the bathroom while you are waiting.
Guests carrying alcohol onboard (adults passengers only) are allowed 2 bottles of wine or champagne (unopened) or six beers. This must be in your day bag and go through the security checkpoint metal detector.
Boarding the Ship
Finally, it’s time to board this ship! Friendly Disney cast members will welcome your family, announcing your family name to those in the atrium. There are plenty of great photo opportunities with some of your favorite Disney characters throughout the lobby. Take a few minutes to take in the grand atrium and get excited!
Map out your first few activities. Most people head for lunch. You have a couple of options. You can head upstairs to the buffet (either at Cabanas or Marceline Market) on the top deck. There is also always a sit down restaurant available for dining. This tends to be a less crowded experience and the one we enjoy on day 1.
Start exploring the ship! Check out the kids’ clubs open houses, fitness areas, day spa, and adult only sections of the ship. Have any last minute questions, want to grab a last minute Palo reservation, or want to try get a cabana on Castaway Cay? Head to Guest Services. Here you can find more info on dining, booking excursions, stateroom requests, and more. This is also a great time to sign up for spa treatments or book a pass to the Rainforest Room in the spa!
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Once it’s finally time to board the cruise ship, it’s so exciting! Be sure to set your phone to airplane mode and to the ship’s WiFi to prevent any extra roaming chargers. WhatsApp is a good option for keeping in touch with friends and family at home. You can also message iPhone to iPhone, but videos and photos will not go through. The DCL Navigator app is crucial to your trip, so be sure to have the most updated version. Really need to check your email or social media? Consider purchasing the DCL wi-fi package or check in while in port, if your cell plan allows for it.
The DCL Navigator app is important because it houses all the pertinent info you will need during your cruise. Once you reach the port, you can begin to access the ship’s WiFi. You will find info on where to find your assembly station for the mandatory muster drill, your dining rotation, your table number for dinner seating, and daily activities. Consider packing a backup battery to keep your phone going.
Getting Settled Before Sail Away
Register the kids for kids clubs and check out the youth clubs as well. Head to the pool or AquaDuck or AquaMouse for a shorter line if you have packed swimsuits! If you are sailing with just adults, head to the adult only pool areas or grab a specialty coffee.
Staterooms are usually ready by early afternoon. An announcement will be made when the hallways are opened and the ropes will be removed. You can find your Key to the World card which will serve as your room key cards and your ship ID outside of your stateroom door. Be sure to keep it handy, either in a lanyard or a card pocket on your phone.
Be sure to connect with your stateroom host and let them know of any special requests or how you would like the beds to be arranged, if traveling with children.
The Muster Drill
The muster drill is a mandatory safety drill, helping passengers understand what to do in case of an emergency. Your Key to the World card and the DCL Navigator app will list your muster station location. The drill takes place before the sail away celebration, and every passenger must attend.
Be sure to report to your muster drill area on time. A crew member will check you and your party in and then safety announcements will take place, along with instructions on how to don.a life jacket and where they are stored. The muster drill will not be the most fun activity onboard, but it is a necessary one!
Enjoying the Sail Away Celebration
Once the muster drill is over, it’s time to celebrate and set sail! The sail away party with Mickey and friends takes place on the upper decks. Anticipate lots of fun music, dancing and the fantastic DCL horn indicating you are setting sail! Grab a drink from the drink station and get ready to celebrate vacation time.
If you prefer a quieter location, you can grab a view from the upper decks. Grab an ice cream and enjoy the ocean breeze while you pull away from the port.
Tips for Your First Night Onboard
For your first evening, you will get to meet your wait staff at dinner. Your server and assistant server will be with you for the duration of your cruise, rotating with you around the restaurants. If you have early seating, you will head to your main dining room around 5:30 pm. Late dining takes place around 8:15 pm.
The evening shows will take place on the alternating times from your dinner. So, if you have early dining, you can catch the fantastic show after dinner. Have the late dining slot? Catch the earlier show. Check the app for the showtimes, locations, and character meet and greets before and after dinner.
The dress code for night 1 is cruise casual. Remember, Disney Cruise Line room service is always included, so feel free to try that for snacks, salads and sandwiches. Save room for chocolate chip cookies and Mickey Mouse ice cream bar too!
Set Sail!
I hope you love your Disney Cruise Line vacation, as much as our family does. Be sure to contact a travel planner, like me, specializing in Disney vacations! We can help you pick your sail date, itinerary, stateroom, and more – all of our cost is included with the price of your vacation!
Keep reading for great travel advice and sign up for my free travel newsletter!
Best Transportation Options from Disney World to Port Canaveral