Almost there, what to expect at port? About This Page:

[Wolfhunt]

We are now under a week until our cruise.

Being cruise newbies (of any type) we are not really sure what to expect at port. Are there any tips or things we should do to help getting through port a bit easier. For example, dealing with luggage or carryon bags, where do we go on port arrival, is there somewhere we are supposed to go when we board, etc.

We will be arriving on Disney transportation from AKL. Don't know what time yet.

Any info on what to expect would be great. We have our cruise docs and passports ready, just don't know what else to expect.

[unewillow]

So close!!!

When you get off the bus at the port you will go through security. Your carry-ons will be X-rayed and you'll walk through a metal detector. Just like at the airport, being prepared makes things go smoother...you can keep your shoes on here though.
You'll head up the escalator and if you haven't done the cruise check-in at your resort (if you have you'll have your boarding number and KTTWs in hand already) you'll need to get in line to check in. At the desk you'll fill out paperwork saying you haven't been recently sick, get your passports scanned, and you picture taken. They'll give you your KTTW cards and a boarding group number (if you are there early enough).
If you have a boarding number you wait until they call it, if you're there later in the day you'll probably just head right onto the ship. You'll walk through the big ears and up the gangway, getting your KTTW card scanned on your way onto the ship. You'll also get your first professional picture taken (important for the Dream's facial recognition software). They'll announce your entrance onto the ship and everyone will clap for you.
From here, where you go is up to you! You can eat lunch at Cabanas or Enchanted Garden. You can change into swimsuits and jump into the pool. You can explore the ship and wander around until you can get into your stateroom.

[Wolfhunt]

Thanks, if you have to wait for your stateroom is there somewhere you can store carry-ons?

The rest sounds like it will be fairly easy. Also nice to know you can check in at your resort for the cruise, will have to look into that when we get to AKL.

[lauriep]

Originally Posted by Wolfhunt

Thanks, if you have to wait for your stateroom is there somewhere you can store carry-ons?

The rest sounds like it will be fairly easy. Also nice to know you can check in at your resort for the cruise, will have to look into that when we get to AKL.

Keep your carry-on down to the essentials. There is no place to store it. You must carry or wheel it around with you until you get access to your stateroom.

[IdahoDisneyMom]

You've gotten some great advice already! You do have to keep your bag with you, but it's usually not too long before you can get into your room. This past cruise we went straight to lunch at Cabanas, DD changed into her swim suit and swam for a little bit, and then we were able to get into our room. It went by so quickly, and you can always go hang out on deck 4 (quieter there), or up on the deck above the pool if you're looking for someplace quieter to go. Also, don't forget about the adults only area, it's a great place to relax!!

[FitMom]

Was looking to see replies, looks like you got a lot of helpful info... Bon Voyage!

[dmpyron]

Originally Posted by unewillow

So close!!!

You'll also get your first professional picture taken (important for the Dream's facial recognition software)..

When we saw our pictures on the Carnival Magic I was surprised that they had them with a nice background as one of the offerings. Actually some nice pictures. Except they made me take off my glasses, which didn't look anything like me.

This has happened on every cruise we've taken, on every line, since we started in 2003. Why do I have to take off my glasses? It just seems so strange.

We'll see about the Disney Fantasy this June (5 months? Did someone say only 5 months? Have to start packing!!!!)

[Dave Marx]

Flashes and glasses generally don't mix - big white spots where your eyes should be, and potentially unpleasant shadows even if there's no reflection. While this won't occur in every photo, the odds are pretty high. While it's easy to fix red eye, it's next to impossible to create an entire eye (lids, brows, lashes, and all) in a convincing manner (well, with the kind of time the ship's photographers could spend on it).

[Wolfhunt]

Originally Posted by lauriep

Keep your carry-on down to the essentials. There is no place to store it. You must carry or wheel it around with you until you get access to your stateroom.

Thanks, I have a carry-on bag that I'll try to get my laptop and camera bag in to. Those are the only two things I have that I'd rather carry myself than chance something happening to them. I'm not sure what time we are arriving at port (will find that out when we get to AKL Friday I hope) but I'm guessing lunch will be pretty high on the list so a carry-on bag won't be to bad to roll around.

[MelissaL]

Be sure that your passport and anything you may need before (or at) dinner are in your carry-on bag. It is possible that checked luggage won't arrive until 6 or later, though we have always had ours by 5. We always carry on (or wear) dinner-appropriate clothes just in case.

Have a great cruise!

Melissa

[marshmellow86]

The only thing I would add to the previous posts is to ensure you have some cash on hand - you will need to tip the porters that take your luggage.

[PlantJoe]

When we cruised in November we were picked up at the WL around 11:30. It was late enough by the time we got there (less than an hour), that we were able to just walk on, after having our pictures taken and receiving our KTTW cards. Our only lunch option was Cabanas by this time, but we were able to get through the lines and find a table right off. Our luggage met us at the room after lunch.

[katsunderthestars]

Originally Posted by lauriep

Keep your carry-on down to the essentials. There is no place to store it. You must carry or wheel it around with you until you get access to your stateroom.

What time can you get into your stateroom?

[TraD4Disney]

Originally Posted by katsunderthestars

What time can you get into your stateroom?

Generally it's 1:30pm I believe.

[Dave Marx]

Yep, officially 1:30, but they may be available sooner.