Disney Cruise Line Embarkation Day
What to Expect and How to Prepare
Double Check Your Travel Documents
Before you leave for the port, triple check your documentation requirements. Guests without proper passports, visas, or required citizenship documentation will be denied boarding, and Disney is very strict about this.
Make sure every traveler has the correct documents packed and easily accessible.
Confirm Your Reservations
Before embarkation, confirm any adult only dining, spa reservations, or Port Adventures you may have booked. Online changes close three days before sailing, but you can still call Disney Cruise Line or visit Guest Services once onboard if adjustments are needed.
Arrive the Day Before If Possible
If you are traveling from out of town, arriving the day before your cruise is one of the best decisions you can make. Flight delays, traffic, or unexpected issues can easily derail same day travel plans, and the ship will not wait.
Many hotels near cruise ports offer shuttle service or parking packages that include transportation to the terminal. Planning ahead here removes a lot of stress on embarkation morning.
Luggage Tags and Porter Tips
If you are traveling from out of town, arriving the day before your cruise is one of the best decisions you can make. Flight delays, traffic, or unexpected issues can easily derail same day travel plans, and the ship will not wait.
Many hotels near cruise ports offer shuttle service or parking packages that include transportation to the terminal. Planning ahead here removes a lot of stress on embarkation morning.
Pack a Carry On Bag
You will not have access to your checked luggage until later in the afternoon, so plan a carry on carefully. This should include:
Passports, travel documents, Port Arrival Form, wallet
Phone, camera, chargers, external battery
Swimsuits, coverups, flip flops
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
Medications
Snacks for kids
Baby care items if needed
Any alcohol you plan to bring onboard
Disney Cruise Line allows each adult to bring two bottles of wine or champagne or six beers in carry on bags only. Alcohol is not permitted in checked luggage. This policy applies at embarkation and at each port of call.
Complete the Mandatory Health Questionnaire
On embarkation morning, Disney will email a mandatory health questionnaire. This must be completed before you arrive at the port. It is required for boarding and helps keep everyone onboard healthy.
Arriving at the Cruise Terminal
How you arrive depends on your plans. You may be driving and parking at the terminal, using a rideshare, flying in, or using Disney ground transportation from the airport or a Disney resort. No matter how you arrive, make sure everyone in your party understands the plan ahead of time.
Parking is available at most terminals for a daily fee.
Third party lots and shuttles are also available if you prefer not to park at the terminal.
Check In and Security
At the terminal, you will go through security similar to airport screening. Carry on items must fit through the x ray machine. Hard sided coolers are not permitted. Ice packs are only allowed if chilling medication, and medication must be kept separate from beverages.
At check in, you will need your Port Arrival Form, passports or birth certificates, and identification. If children will attend kids clubs, you will confirm pickup permissions at this time.
Children ages three to ten receive an Oceaneer Band to access the kids club. The band is complimentary during the cruise. If not returned before debarkation, a charge is added to your onboard account.
Boarding the Ship
After check in, you will wait in the terminal until your boarding group is called. Just before boarding, Disney photographers will take embarkation photos. These can be viewed later onboard.
Once it is your turn, your family name will be announced as you board the ship. It is a special moment and happens quickly, so have your camera ready if you want to capture it.
Before sailing, it helps to review deck plans so you have a general idea of where things are located once onboard.
Connect to the Navigator App
As soon as you arrive at the port, connect to the ship’s Wi Fi using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This app is essential throughout your cruise. It shows activity schedules, dining rotation, reservations, and allows messaging within your group.
If you plan to purchase internet, you can do so directly in the app.
Lunch and Exploring the Ship
After boarding, lunch options are available right away. The buffet is popular on embarkation day and can be crowded. One of the main dining rooms usually serves lunch as well and is often a quieter option.
Take time to explore the ship, visit the kids clubs during open house hours, stop by Guest Services for dining or excursion changes, ask about any bookings you weren’t able to get and visit the spa for embarkation day specials.
Staterooms and Settling In
Staterooms are typically ready around mid afternoon. Your Key to the World cards will be clipped outside your door. Once inside, unpack, settle in, and decorate your door if you brought magnets or decor.
Mandatory Assembly Drill
Before sailing, all guests must attend the mandatory safety drill. You will be notified through the Navigator app when it is time and where to go. Attendance is required by maritime law, and it is usually brief.
Sailaway Party
Once the ship leaves port, head to the top deck for the sailaway party. Music, characters, and high energy make this one of the most fun moments of the cruise and the perfect start to your vacation.
Evening Plans
Your first evening includes rotational dining and a Broadway style show. Your dining time, restaurant, and table number are listed in the Navigator app. If you have early dining, attend the late show. If you have late dining, attend the early show.
After the ship leaves port, onboard shops will open. Shops remain closed while docked, so if there is a specific item you want, embarkation day is a good time to look.
Embarkation day moves quickly, but with a little preparation, it can be smooth and exciting instead of stressful. Once you are onboard, relax and enjoy. The magic really does start the moment you step on the ship.