Ahoy, Debbie!
Boarding any Disney Cruise Line ship is an exciting endeavor! I always seem to carry too much and don't want to lug it around with me. On my last two cruises, I have focused on NOT carrying too much with me.
As a general rule, the staterooms are not ready until 1:30pm. Sometimes, it is even a little bit later. This means that you might be onboard for nearly two hours before you are able to get into your stateroom. So, the less you are carrying, the better. On our July cruise on the Disney Dream, each of my daughters carried a drawstring backpack with their swimsuits, flip flops, and sunscreen in them. Once we were onboard (Boarding Group 1, since we are Platinum Castaway Club members), we went right to Guest Services to inquire about a couple of things, followed by lunch in
Enchanted Garden at noon. Once we had eaten, the girls went to the bathroom to change and then up to the pool decks they went.
My husband and I had a small rolling suitcase (our adult beverages and our swimwear were inside) and I had a large purse.Even that small amount of stuff seemed like a lot. I want to be the person that boards with only my purse, but I am too much of a planner and over-packer, so it will probably never happen. I will definitely recommend only carrying with you what you will absolutely NEED and sending everything else with the porters outside the cruise terminal. Your bags should arrive to your stateroom before dinner.
I hope this helps with planning for your cruise! Please visit us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel again with any more questions that you have before you set sail.
Happy Cruising, Tracy V.