Ahoy and welcome to planDisney, Dominique! It sounds like your time aboard a
Disney Cruise Line ship is on the horizon! Planning for Embarkation Day
(which is as magical as Anna sings about Coronation Day) is an important part of your cruise.
I've cruised out of four different ports and how they are set up may be a bit different, but the basics are the same. When you arrive at the port, you have the option to check luggage that will be delivered to your stateroom later in the day and to carry items on board with you. Disney Cruise Line has a
packing list that is helpful to make sure you have thought of everything. There is also a list of
prohibited items, which is good to review to keep you from being surprised at the port.
There are no limitations on the number of bags or other items you can carry on the ship (prohibited items aside). The main restrictions are physical. After you have tagged your checked bags and left them with the Cast Members and crew, you check in (be sure to have your required
travel documents in hand) and get your Boarding Group number. The next step is security. Much like security at an airport, you go through metal detectors, and your bags are put on a belt and scanned. To fit, your bags can be no larger than 22" high x 14" wide x 9" deep.
When your Boarding Group is called, you are welcome to walk on the ship and hear that oh-so-magical "Welcome Aboard!" You will not have access to your stateroom until the afternoon, usually around 1 p.m. Anything you carry on board will be "
carry-
on-and-around" with you while waiting for your stateroom to open.
Before the mandatory muster drill (usually around 4 p.m.) is time to explore the ship. The youth clubs and
Senses Spa usually host Open House hours, meaning you are all able to take a look (or even play a little) in spaces that are restricted to certain ages and activities later in the cruise. If you have little Mouseketeers, this is practically perfect for them to become familiar with the youth areas with parents still in tow.
If you have any other questions, please cruise back by
planDisney. We're all aboard to help with your planning!
SEA 'Ya Real Soon!
Jana