Welcome back, Karen! If you've already completed your Online Check-In, that means that it's almost time to set sail with Disney Cruise Line!
You mentioned a boarding time, but what you're referring to is actually the
Port Arrival Time that you chose during online check-in. This is the time that Disney will expect you arrive at the port terminal to go through security and check in at the terminal desk to receive your Key To The World Cards. Have your cruise documents ready once you get to the check in desk, along with your passports or other travel documents. You'll be checked in, and given a boarding number at that point. Then, just relax and hang out in the terminal area until boarding begins. Depending on what port you're sailing from, boarding will begin around 11:30 or 12, and starts with Concierge Guests, then numbers are called. During the first hour of boarding, guests will have to wait just a bit until their boarding number is called. However, if you are not arriving at port until later, most likely, you'll be able to walk right onto the ship after you check in. So, expect a bit of waiting if you have an earlier Port Arrival Time, and if you have a later arrival time (after 1:00 or so), you may be lucky enough to walk right onto the ship after checking in!
Once onboard, you'll be greeted by a line of Cast Members who applaud your arrival and will point you toward one of two restaurants that will be open for lunch. So, head straight to lunch, sit down, relax and enjoy the start of your
Disney Cruise Line adventure! Staterooms are ready by 1:30 or 2 that day, so you can then drop off your day bags, get settled and explore the ship some more. Your checked luggage will arrive later that afternoon.
I hope that helps you get a sense of what to expect on embarkation day, Karen! Have fun!
Marcy