Welcome back, Marilyn!
When the Disney ships arrive in each different port, they either pull right up to the dock or anchor a bit out in the water and guests take tender boats into the port area. Certainly it's a lot faster and easier at the ports where there is a dock. Once the all clear has been called, guests are welcome to disembark as they please by walking off the ship. Have your Key to the World card and photo ID ready, as you'll show that to Cast Members who will swipe your card as you leave.
For tendering ports, you'll be told where to meet should you want to go off on your own, or if you're meeting onboard with your Port Adventure guide to go on an excursion. Then, guests will board small tender boats and enjoy a relaxing ride into the port.
If you're on a Port Adventure and have time to explore after you return to the port, or if you are simply a guest disembarking on your own to wander the port, you are welcome to return to the ship whenever you'd like, up until the last call for boarding. You will be told the all-aboard time that morning, so be sure to take note so you don't miss the ship.
If you're walking back on the ship, just have your Key To The World card and passport or other picture ID ready to show as you board. The same goes for when you must tender back to the ship. You'll show your Key to the World card at the port dock before you board the tender boat. Back on the ship, you'll go through security, putting your bags through an x-ray machine, as you board.
Disney has taken great care to make this a relatively easy process. Just be sure you leave plenty of time to be back at the ship on time! Check out the FAQ page on Disney's website for more information on
arriving and departing the Ports of Call.
Have fun with your continued plans for your cruise, Marilyn!