What Time Can You Get On Disney Cruise Ship?

Disney Cruise Line ships operate from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. To board your cruise, pack up the night before and finish packing on the morning of disembarkation. Choose an early arrival time, as Disney will ask you to select a port arrival time and allow you to schedule transportation to the pier.

Debarkation process may start a day or two before departure. Boarding begins between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship’s schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark. Most cruise ships require all passengers to depart their staterooms by 8:00 a.m. on debarkation day so that crew members can prepare for the next sailing. If you have time, guests who did not complete their Online Check-In in advance or do not have a Port Arrival Time should plan to arrive after 2:00 PM.

Typically, the earliest port arrival time for a Disney Cruise Line sailing is 11:00 a.m., though this could vary slightly. Guests will select their Port Arrival Time during the Online Check-in process 30 days before sailing. Check-in becomes available at midnight Eastern Time, on staggered dates based on Castaway Club status. If sailing from Port Canaveral, ships typically return to port by 7:30 a.m. ET, and guests are free to go ashore shortly after. Choosing an early arrival time allows you to start your vacation several hours before the ship sets sail, making it more enjoyable for you.

What happens if you arrive early for your cruise?

While the excitement of diving into vacation mode as soon as possible is tempting, resist the urge to arrive early. If you arrive ahead of schedule, you’ll be asked to wait for your designated time before entering the cruise terminal. Patience is the magic wand that ensures a smooth start to your voyage.

Now, Jan, if you’ve opted for Disney Transportation, there’s no need to fret over your Port Arrival Time. Once you’re dropped off, you can waltz right into the terminal without a second thought. On the other hand, if you’re driving like I do, leaving a comfortable cushion of 20 to 30 minutes for luggage drop-off and parking works like a charm. By the time we reach the terminal, it magically aligns with our check-in time.

Before boarding, Disney Cruise Line representatives will check your Port Arrival Form and citizenship documents before guiding you through security and onto the ship. As you step aboard, be sure to have your camera ready to capture the magical welcome by the cheering crew members. You’ll undoubtedly want to capture and cherish this moment for years to come! I hope every part of your vacation is magical from start to finish. Thanks for stopping by!

Can I show up early for a Disney cruise?

If you are driving your own vehicle and plan to park at the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, I recommend arriving about 30 minutes prior to your boarding time. This should give you time to park, transport and drop off your luggage with the porters, and go through the security and check-in process before your boarding group is called. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage or with a large group, you could time your arrival a little earlier. If you are riding a shuttle or using a ride-share app for transportation, you won’t need as much time to make your way to the terminal, so you can arrive closer to your Port Arrival time. Keep in mind that Guests are generally not permitted to board early and Disney Cruise Line asks that Guests not enter the terminal until their boarding time approaches.

I see that you also asked about restaurants near Port Canaveral and I am happy to tell you that there are many options nearby. While I have not eaten at any of them, I’ve literally cruised past several that line the waterway as the ships leave the port and head out to deeper waters. You will find many seafood and comfort food locations along Glen Cheek Drive. Kevin, remember to save room for all of the complimentary food available once you board the ship!

Just a little navigational note, some GPS systems do not recognize “Port Canaveral” as a city, in which case just enter “Cape Canaveral” and you should get the correct driving directions. And speaking of navigating, don’t forget to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. While I try to unplug on vacation, I do appreciate how the app helps me make the most of my time onboard with helpful reminders. When you find an activity you are interested in, just select the heart icon next to it and the app will remind you about 15 minutes before the event begins.

I hope this information helps you plan your embarkation day––which is just days away!! I hope everything is smooth sailing for you!

What time do shows start on Disney Cruise?

What time are the stage shows?. Times vary slightly depending on your specific itinerary, check your Personal Navigator app while you’re onboard for the exact details. But in general there will be two performances of the same show each evening, one at about 5:45 or 6:00 p.m. and one at about 8:15 or 8:30.

These times are the inverse of the main dining room seating times. So if you have a 6:00 dinner time, then you’ll be able to see the 8:30 stage show, and vice versa.

In addition to the evening shows, some sailings may offer a mid-afternoon extra performance of a mainstage show, but this does not happen on many itineraries.

What happens if I want to see one of the stage shows, but I can’t?. There are times when a guest can’t get to a stage show. Some reasons might be:

What’s the earliest check-in for Disney cruise?

When do I check in?. Check-in becomes available at midnight Eastern Time, on staggered dates based on your Castaway Club status. You’re not required to check in at that exact time, but many guests choose to sacrifice sleep to complete their check-in right at midnight.

Is this a recent change on when I can check in?. DCL has tinkered with check-in timing several times during the past few years.

Pre-pandemic, Disney Cruise Line offered staggered check-in dates, based on your DCL Castaway Club status or whether you were sailing in a Concierge level stateroom. From the return to sailing during summer 2021 through April 2023, check-in opened prior to sailing for all guests at 30 days in advance. In May 2023, DCL returned to a staggered date program.

How early can you get on the Disney cruise ship?

Guests for Disney Cruises will select their Port Arrival Time during the Online Check-in process, beginning 30 days before sailing. Please note that the earlier you complete check-in, the more Port Arrival Times will be available. The earliest Port Arrival Time for a Disney Cruise Line sailing is typically 11:00 a.m., subject to change. When selecting your Port Arrival Time, please know that Guests may not arrive before their scheduled Port Arrival Time. Per the cruise website, after port check-in on embarkation day: “Guests will then be called by Boarding Groups to embark the ship. Please note that Boarding Group times may vary from Port Arrival Times.”

Ed, before your cruise, be sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. It’ll be the best place to find activities, your rotational dining location, and entertainment while onboard. And, if you’re traveling in a group, the app has a convenient messaging function that can keep everyone in contact with each other. I also love the app’s countdown that tells me exactly how many days until my next cruise!

I hope this information helps, Ed! Please visit us again, if you have any more questions.

How do you get early boarding on a cruise?

Here’s our list of 15 ways you can board your cruise ship faster.Book a suite. … Earn loyalty status. … Pay for exclusive access. … Fly in the day before. … Stay close to the port. … Leave luggage with porters. … Have luggage tags ready to go. … Book a private transfer.

Do you have an upcoming cruise and you’re looking to board your cruise ship as fast as possible? We can’t blame you – we always eagerly await starting our cruise vacations too!

There’s nothing worse than painstakingly waiting in a crowded cruise terminal. It can be frustrating to see everyone on the pool deck already having fun while you’re stuck in a barely-moving line, which is the opposite of fun.

Once you arrive at your cruise terminal, there are a few basic things you can do to board your cruise efficiently. The more efficient you are, the quicker you can get started vacationing with a fruity cocktail in hand!

What is the earliest cruise check-in time?

Boarding begins roughly between 10 and 11 a.m., depending on the ship’s schedule and how long it takes everyone from the last cruise to debark. Most cruise ships require all passengers to be on board no fewer than two hours before the scheduled departure time, which is almost always in the late afternoon or evening.

The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be.

Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

How early can you get on cruise ship?

The earliest that guests can board a cruise is between 4-5 hours before the ship is scheduled to sail away.

Guests may be able to check in earlier but will usually not be able to embark until this time.

A number of factors affect when you can embark on a cruise ship.

The cruise line can have an impact as some lines have different embarkation procedures from others. With Costa and MSC cruises for example, people embark at every port, rather than the ship having one embarkation day.

With other cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean for example, they may have to board 6000 passengers within a few hours.

What time do Disney cruises begin boarding?

HOW EARLY CAN I BOARD THE SHIP? For Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, check-in registration begins at 11:00 am and embarkation begins at 1:00 pm. All Guests must board the ship no later than 4:00 pm. Please plan your arrival accordingly to avoid the possibility of not being permitted to sail.

Uncovered parking is $70 USD per single, standard car parking space for a 7-night cruise. Larger vehicles (e.g. buses, large campers) will be charged double the rate. Limited covered parking is available for an additional price for 7-night sailings.

Parking is available in facilities located in front of individual cruise terminals. No reservations are required. Long-term parking for a regular vehicle occupying a single space is $22 USD per day. Short term parking is $8 USD if you are going to see someone off but not intending to park overnight.

Disney Cruise Line is using the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. The passenger cruise terminal is located on the West Side of Manhattan, between West 48th and West 52nd streets. Piers 88 and 90 have been thoroughly renovated. A vehicle entrance is located at 55th Street and 12th Avenue.

What time do cruises let you board?

What Time Can You Board a Cruise Ship?. Cruise ships will usually begin boarding approximately four hours before the scheduled departure time, typically around 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you’d like to arrive at that time, go right ahead! You can hop onboard and grab some lunch or start your vacation right in a lounge chair by the pool, fruity drink and all.

What Time Do You Board a Cruise Ship?. No matter the scheduled time, you MUST be onboard and checked-in no later than 90 minutes prior to the departure. To expedite this process, make sure you have completed your cruise line’s pre-registration and printed your boarding pass.

The check-in process is familiar – you will pass through security, so make sure you have travel identification and boarding pass. You will then proceed to the check-in counter where you will need your I.D., proof of citizenship, and cruise documents. The agent will check you in and set up your onboard spending account. And that’s it – you will be handed your key card which is used both for opening your stateroom and making purchases onboard.

How do you get early boarding on a Disney cruise?

You can change your Port Arrival Time in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or the Disney Cruise Line website. Log in to your reservation, find the “My Online Check-In” information, and proceed to the “Port Arrival” section, just like you did when you first selected your arrival time. If the check-in area states “pending review,” click the blue text, and you’ll be brought to the check-in information screen. Once in the “Port Arrival” section, you will see the available times listed. If there is a better time for you, choose that time and save it.

Online check-in has helped speed up check-in at the port. If your arrival time is after 1:30 P.M., you can board and head straight to your stateroom to drop off your carry-on luggage before grabbing lunch. Speaking of food, if you find yourself by Cove Café, stop by for a delightful complimentary pastry as you tour the ship.

I hope your vacation is magical from start to finish. Please sail back to planDisney with any additional questions.

What time is Disney Cruise first seating?

Each night, there are 2 seating times for dinner. These times vary based on itinerary. In general, for sailings out of the domestic US, the Main Seating begins at 5:45 PM, and the Second Seating begins at 8:00 PM. For sailings out of Europe, the Main Seating begins at 6:00 PM, and the Second Seating begins at 8:30 PM.