Welcome back, Norma! Have you begun a countdown of days left until you set sail? My family and I start our countdowns from the day we book the cruise and watch how many days are left on the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Then, once onboard, we use the app to view schedules of activities and events onboard, character greeting time and locations, maps of the ship, and the convenient texting feature within the app to keep in touch onboard. If you haven't yet, be sure to download it to your mobile devices!
Once your window to begin
online check-in begins (75 days prior to sailing for first time guests), you can log into your reservation and begin booking fun extras like Port Adventures and more. This is also where you'll complete your cruise check-in and choose from one of the available
Port Arrival Times. Disney will expect you to arrive at the port around that one hour window that you choose and you'll then check in at the terminal and receive a boarding number. Once your number is called, it'll be time to board! Boarding usually begins just before noon, and guests will need to wait until their number is called to board. But, since you may have a later Port Arrival Time, you may find that when you arrive, most guests ahead of you will have already boarded, and you may be able to walk right on. It really depends on what time you arrive at port. Those who arrive earlier may have a longer wait to board, and if you arrive at 1:30 or later, you may not wait at all!
Either way, it won't be long until you walk into the atrium lobby of the ship as the Cast Members announce your family name and applaud your arrival! What a magical way to begin your vacation at sea! Have such fun, Norma!
Marcy