First time taking a cruise on 11/30. We have a port arrival time of 10:45 am - 11 am. What time should we plan on arriving to give us time to enter the parking garage, get parked and walk to the check-in area so we are there at 10:45?

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Answer 1

Welcome Aboard, Vern!

How exciting that your first cruise is so close! You are lucky to get such an early Port Arrival time.

Since you have a vehicle that you will need to park, here is what I will recommend for you. As you pull into the port terminal, plan to pull over and unload your luggage and your family. There will be porters who will happily take your luggage and deliver it to the ship (it is customary to tip them, please). Then, your family can wait there while you pull the car into the garage, park it, and walk back across the street. They will have a fantastic view of the ship while they are waiting for your return.

Once you are all back together, you can then enter the terminal and get checked in for your cruise! Arriving to the port around 10 - 10:15am should be absolutely perfect. I'm sure you will find some lines inside, but they move quickly and everyone is always in such a great mood! Be sure to check out the model of the Disney Magic if you are cruising out of Port Canaveral, it is very neat! Also, you can go outside and see the outside of the cruise ship up close and see all of the activity going on to get it ready for you!

While you are waiting to board inside the cruise terminal, you might catch a glimpse of Captain Mickey. You might even be lucky enough to get a photo with him! You can also visit the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab areas and get your children all checked in. They will receive a special "Mickey band" that grants them access to the clubs onboard.

Once you are able to board the ship, take it all in! The details are great, even outside of the ship! When you enter, the cruise staff will announce your family. It is awesome! I cried the first time we boarded a Disney Cruise Line ship.

I hope this helps with your planning. Please visit us again in the few weeks before you set sail!

Happy Cruising, Tracy V.

First time taking a cruise on 11/30. We have a port arrival time of 10:45 am - 11 am. What time should we plan on arriving to give us time to enter the parking garage, get parked and walk to the check-in area so we are there at 10:45?

Meet the Panelist: Tracy, Illinois

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First time taking a cruise on 11/30. We have a port arrival time of 10:45 am - 11 am. What time should we plan on arriving to give us time to enter the parking garage, get parked and walk to the check-in area so we are there at 10:45?”

Meet the Panelist: Tracy, Illinois

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First time taking a cruise on 11/30. We have a port arrival time of 10:45 am - 11 am. What time should we plan on arriving to give us time to enter the parking garage, get parked and walk to the check-in area so we are there at 10:45?