Ahoy and welcome back to planDisney, Linda! It won't be long before you are dancing at the
Sailing Away Deck Party with Mickey, Minnie, and their fabulous pals!
With your cruise less than 30 days away, pre-arrival check-in is open for all Guests. An adult with access to the reservation for each stateroom must complete the check-in. You can check in either on the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or the
Disney Cruise Line site by going to "Already Booked" and "Online Check-In."
To complete this process, you will need photos of the
required travel documentation; a photo of each guest (head and shoulders against a solid background); and the form of payment (credit card) you would like to use for onboard charges. You will also be asked to provide your ground transportation details (how are you getting to the port and where are you going after debarking). Choosing your Port Arrival Time is one of the last - and most exciting - steps in this process.
I would recommend completing this for both staterooms either together with one adult from each stateroom -or- back-to-back to increase the likelihood of being able to select the same Port Arrival Time. If you do not have the same arrival time, you can still come together at the latter of the two times.
Once this is completed, your check-in status will go to "pending review." It may stay pending until a few days before your cruise, which can feel alarming. Don't worry. These are reviewed by arrival date. And the worst case, Cast Members check you in at the port. Hakuna Matata!
To get ready for the day you board your home-at-sea, there are a few processes for boarding at the port. First, you will receive luggage tags for any bags you do not want to carry on board yourself. Porters will take your checked bags, and your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom later in the day. Heading into the terminal, you will go through security, much like an airport. You will check in at the port, and Cast Members will review your
travel documents and ensure you are set to sail. Make sure your required documents are with you and ready to show Cast Members. Do not put these in your checked luggage.
You will get a boarding group number. Once your number is called, you are welcome to walk through the iconic Mickey Ears and step on board the most magical ship at sea.
With all the business of the cruise arranged, it is time to say "Oh, boy!" and get ready for your time at sea. You can head to Deck 11 to
Cabanas for lunch. Most of the reserved spaces like
Disney's Oceaneer Club,
Oceaneer Lab,
Edge, and
Vibe will have Open Houses, which is a great time to explore these areas.
I am so excited for your upcoming cruise. Please come back to
planDisney with any other questions as you get ready for your magical adventure at sea.
Thinking of happy things,
Jana