Ahoy there, Susan! Thank you for bringing your question to planDisney! Your Online Check-in window start date will depend on your
Castaway Club membership status:
- Pearl: 40 days prior to the sail date
- Platinum: 38 days prior to the sail date
- Gold: 35 days prior to the sail date
- Silver: 33 days prior to the sail date
- First-time cruisers: 30 days prior to the sail date
For Online Check-in, you will need the address, contact information, emergency contact information, travel plans before and after the cruise, and simple photos from the shoulders up for each member of your traveling party. The headshots can be taken with a cell phone, but can only include one Guest in the photo at a time. The background must be simple, and make sure it's in focus. I took my picture in front of a blank wall without my glasses on.
You will also need to upload scanned images or photos of your
travel documentation. If you are using a valid US Passport, you will submit the passport's photo page. If you are using an original or copy of your state-issued birth certificate, you will need the image of it and an image of your Government-issued photo ID. If you are traveling with children 15 years and under using the original or copy of their state-issued birth certificate, no Government-issued photo ID is needed. I like to have all these images saved to a folder on my computer to be easily accessible.
You will need payment information for your Onboard Account using a credit or debit card. Once onboard, you can still add cash or a Disney Gift Card to your Onboard Account. You can also designate who has charging privileges to the Onboard Account. If Guests in your traveling party will use their own form of payment, you can also add their card information.
Before it's all said and done, make sure to select a Port Arrival Time for when you plan to arrive at the Port Terminal. You will not be able to check in at the Port early, and you will be asked to wait, so try to book a time that will work best with your travel plans.
When Disney Cruise Line reviews your documentation, you will receive a notification if anything else is needed or if your documentation has been approved. You must print out your Port Arrival Form or download and save it to your cell phone so you can present it at the Port Terminal. You will also need to present in person the same travel documentation you provided during Online Check-in, so make sure to store them in your carry-on bags and not your checked luggage.
Susan, I hope this was helpful as you prepare for online check-in. If you have any other questions, sail back to
planDisney for help.
Adventure is out there!
JoVonn