Mickey and Minnie on deck in Christmas Sweaters
  • On May 8, 2024
    Liz from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are on a cruise Departing Galveston TX on Dec. 11th, returning Dec. 15th. What time do we board and what time do we depart?

    Ahoy, Liz! Welcome to planDisney and welcome aboard Disney Cruise Line

    A Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Magic in December is the perfect start to the holiday season. It is truly the merriest ship that ever sailed!

    The "All Aboard!" call for Guests on your cruise is 3:30 pm. This is the latest you can board. Depending on your Castaway Club level, 30 to 40 days before your departure dates, you will be eligible to complete your pre-arrival online check-in. For this process, you will upload photos of your required travel documentation; photos of each Guest in your stateroom (alone, head-to-shoulders, and plain background); payment information for onboard charges; and your transportation to and from the port. At the end of this process, you select your Port Arrival Time. Typically, these start around 11:30 a.m. and are available in 15-minute intervals throughout the day.

    On your sail date, you can check in starting as early as your Port Arrival Time. Once on board, you are welcome to enjoy lunch and explore the ship. The kids' clubs and Senses Spa & Salon typically have open houses. Open Houses are the only time adults are allowed in Disney's Oceaneer Club or Disney's Oceaneer Lab. It is fun to see what has kids wanting to spend their entire cruise here. 

    There will be a mandatory assembly around 4 p.m. You will hear a lot of notifications about this as the time approaches. You will want to go to your stateroom, drop your carry-on items, and follow the Crew Members' directions to get to your Assembly Station for this drill. Once the drill is over, the ship is ready to sail! To celebrate the moment you leave the dock and start chasing the horizon, join Mickey and his pals at the Sail-A-Wave Party!… A Bon Voyage Celebration. The exact times for all of these events will be listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.

    The Navigator app is also a great source of information on the Very Merrytime events that are exclusive to these itineraries. In addition to the Tree Lighting and the grand gingerbread house, there will be special events. On one Very Merrytime Cruise, I had the joy of joining Mrs. Claus as she read "The Night Before Christmas." It was so sweet!

    If you have any other questions as you plan your amazing holiday at sea, please come back to planDisney. We are here for you!

    Bon Voyage!
    Jana

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Meet the Panelist: Jana, Georgia

Hi, everyone! I’m Jana, a Disney-loving wife and mom from Atlanta. My boys (my husband and sons) are the greatest joys in my life. We have so many magical memories from our vacations at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. I welcome the chance to share my knowledge and advice in helping you plan your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Learn More About Jana

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