Ahoy there, Daniel!
Welcome to planDisney and thank you so much for sailing by with your question. Daniel, I love the Disney Cruise Line cruises. Sailing to dazzling places I never knew while being immersed in Disney magic is the best of both worlds, don't you think?
Daniel, the time you can board your Disney cruise depends on a couple of things. Your
Castaway Club membership level determines when you can complete your Online Check-in. Then, once this is open to you, it depends on when you select your
Port Arrival Time. I recommend confirming your Castaway Club level, making note of the date Online Check-In is open to you, and then completing that step as early as you can. First time cruise Guests can typically check in 30 days before embarkation. Port Arrival Times are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but waiting too long to select a time will limit times available to you. The earliest arrival time is typically around 11:00 a.m., but this can vary. Guests who do not select a Port Arrival Time will be put into the latest time slot, and arriving prior to your Port Arrival time is not typically accommodated. Often Guests will have to wait outside the port until their window opens, but once you are within your arrival time, you will be able to begin the process.
Once you arrive to the port and have completed your checked in, you receive a boarding number and you can wait comfortably in the port waiting area until it is your turn. Once your boarding number is called, you can board the ship.
Here's a tip for you, Daniel. Most Guests head straight to the open restaurant for lunch when they arrive to the ship. I recommend doing this, but I also recommend Guests pack a swimsuit in your carry-on, as it can be a while before your luggage makes its way to your stateroom. This way, you can enjoy the pool areas while waiting for your luggage to arrive.
Also, be sure to download the
Disney Cruise Line navigator app prior to departure. There is a lot of helpful information in the app to help you prior to your trip and it will certainly be your helpful guide during your cruise so you don't miss a minute of the magic. Be sure to check out the countdown calendar and you can even have Mickey and Minnie call your family prior to departure to get them excited for the magic that awaits them!
If you have any further Disney vacation planning questions, surf back here to see me and I'll be so happy to help you.
Have fun flippin' your fins!
Keri