Ahoy Darline,
Thank you so much for coming to planDisney with your
Disney Cruise Line question. I am happy to help you to think about the logistics for your embarkation day!
Typically, the
earliest port arrival time for a Disney Cruise Line sailing is 11:00 a.m., though this could vary slightly. Do note that you will select a port arrival time when you complete your online check in. You can do your online check in 30 days prior to your sailing. Part of this process is to choose your port arrival time. When you have completed online check in, you will print out a port arrival form that includes your arrival time on the form. Typically, the earlier that you can do online check in, that is, the closer to 30 days out from your cruise date, the earlier the port arrival times that will be available. Please note that you should not arrive at the port earlier than your port arrival time.
My family enjoys getting as early a port arrival time as we can. We like to get on the ship and head to lunch once we are onboard. That is how we know that we have truly started our amazing Disney sailing! On the lovely
Disney Wish, this would mean heading to
Marceline Market, which offers extensive and varied fare in a food-hall style dining experience.
On embarkation day, we are also sure to carry on any items that we need for the day. Your luggage will arrive at your stateroom later in the day, so you need to be sure to pack anything that you need for your first afternoon on board in your day bag and carry it on. For us, this often means swimwear as we love to hit the pool on that first day - sometimes before we even pull out of port!
I hope that this information is helpful for you, Darline. Please feel free to sail on back to planDisney if you have any further questions!
~ Mona Leigh