Embarkation About This Page:

[heidi75]

Can somone please explain to me step by step the process of arriving at the Cruise Ship and loading the ship?
This is making me so nervous, because I don't know what to expect!!
If we stop at the store and bring water and beer with us, do we have to carry that around with us, or do we have to but it in a suitcase?
TIA

[Lumieregirl]

When you arrive at the terminal there will be an area to drop off your luggage. Then, you'll park your car & walk into the terminal. There is a short security stop on the lower level where you'll put your bags thru the security machine. Then, up an escalator into the terminal. A CM will be at the top of the escalator to help you if you have any questions. Then you'll head to the check-in desk. If you arrive prior to the beginning of boarding, you'll receive a card telling you what boarding group you have been assigned to, and you'll hang out until then. There is a neat model of the ship to view, tv areas, some neat history/museum type things to look at, and characters to entertain you during your wait. There is a small cafe with snacks & drinks. You can walk out onto the back deck & take a look at the ship.
When you actually board, you'll enter thru the giant Mickey ears, and hand your card to a CM who'll scan it, then you're down a hallway where you have the option of having an embarkation photo taken (which you can purchase later). Then, walk the gangplank (maybe not the technical term?) and onto the ship!

Yes, you'll need to carry your beverages with you. I think, you can put them inside a bag in order to do so, or on a small rolling cart perhaps. You definitely are not supposed to check them with your regular luggage.

I think rooms become available around 1:30 pm (please someone correct me if I am wrong), and you'll need to have them with you until then. Most folks head straight to lunch, so unless you're going to do a lot of exploring right off, it shouldn't be too much problem.

HTH, and congrats on your cruise! I was very nervous my first time, too.

[Lumieregirl]

you may want to scan thru the DCL trip reports section, as some folks have taken photos of this part of their trip, so you'll be more familiar with it.

[heidi75]

Thank you very much. This has helped alot!!

[colleymouse]

Have fun on your trip! The embarkation process seems more overwhelming until you are there and going through the process. On our first cruise, we discovered that we had left some of our documents in the car at the airport. The staff was quick to fix it and take the worries away. If you have any questions, there is usually a smiling cast member who will help!

[Lisa in Orlando]

The only thing I can add is that now you have your picture taken as well. After you check in, they send you to another line with your key cards that they scan and then take your picture for their system. The photo is not on your key card, it's just for their internal system (such as when you leave and board the ship at ports, etc.)

Have a great trip!!!

[HeatherD]

I have seen, at the luggage portion, the porters putting luggage tags on whole cases of water to take up. Not sure about the beer and can't guarantee it happens everytime, but you do have a chance to have your drinks taken for you. This was our Oct 3 cruise, so it was a recent observation.

[cubfancolleen]

The only other thing I'd mention is that you'll do a lot of waiting around in the terminal, potentially. They board to some degree according to when you arrive at the terminal, but also board those in suites first, those in Gold Castaway club, etc (much like an airline - certain "status" folks get on first). Then they board according to when you arrived. There are characters that are brought out for photo ops in the terminal, and TV's playing Disney cartoons (but after a little while, you'll realize you've seen them all and they're looping back through). There is a great model of the ship to look at, but if you are traveling with kids, bring some things to keep them busy while you wait your turn to board.
If you've done all your documents on line, the actual check-in process is a breeze.
Once you're on board, go grab lunch (we usually go to Parrot Cay rather than the buffet). You can usually get in to your room before your bags will have made it there, so take the advice in all the brochures and pack a day bag with what you'll need until your luggage arrives.
Have fun!!! The Disney Cruise is the best vacation you can imagine! I'm trying to figure out how to use the ship as my retirement home!