Large cruise ship sailing at dusk, with calm ocean waters and a moonlit sky.
  • On Apr 19, 2026
    Priyanka from Delhi Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    This is first time I have booked cruise and will Be travelling with my husband and kids (2 years and 8 years ) What all I need to ensure I pre book to have smooth trip

    Hi, Priyanka!

    Welcome to Disney Cruise Line! I am excited that this is your first cruise. You are in for such an adventure at sea with Captains Mickey and Minnie at the helm. They are excited to have you onboard for your magical cruise!

    I think you will find that a Disney Cruise is a very easy vacation even if sailing for the first time. Once you board the ship, simply check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to check out all the activities that are scheduled. Even your dinner time will be set so all you need to do is show up at your assigned dining room during your scheduled time and enjoy an amazing dinner. Your servers will follow you each night during your rotational dining so you will get to know your team well. 

    Prior to your cruise, there are a few steps to take care of. First, make sure you have your final payments made at 120 days. You will also want to do your online check-in. Since this is your first cruise, you may complete your check-in 30 days prior to your departure date. During your check-in you will need to provide information such as pre- and post-cruise travel plans, passport information, credit card information, and a photo of each person in your travel party. It is an easy process that take about 10-15 minutes to complete. 

    The most important thing to have prior to your cruise is proper Travel Documentation with proof of citizenship. Please read through the information on Passports, Visas, and Travel Documentation to ensure you have the required documents for your particular cruise. Give a call to Disney Cruise Line if you have any questions. Planning ahead is very important as you do not want any glitches when you arrive at the cruise port. 

    I do not know your ship or itinerary, but if you are stopping at any Ports of Call, you may be interested in booking Port Adventures. These may be booked prior to your cruise or you may choose to stop by the Port Adventures Desk once onboard your ship. 

    I am attaching a podcast that some of my planDisney pals filmed where they talk about First Time Cruising. I think you will find it super helpful! 

    Have fun as you count down to your magical Disney Cruise!

    Cathy
thumbnail image for Cathy

Meet the Panelist: Cathy, Ohio

Hi, I'm Cathy from Cleveland. I love to travel, especially in the winter to escape the cold of Ohio! My husband and 2 kids share my enthusiasm for travel, so we enjoy our adventures together whether it is sailing with Disney Cruise Line, running (or cheering!) at runDisney events, taking hula lessons at Aulani, or vacationing at the Walt Disney World which is our home away from home. I am proud to be a part of the planDisney team and cannot wait to share my tips and advice for a magical vacation
Learn More About Cathy

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Disney Cruise Line First Timer Tips | planDisney Podcast – Season 2 Episode 1

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.