Disney Cruise Line Embarkation aka Day 1

As you start to see the Disney Cruise Line ship in the distance and your excitement starts to climb you wonder what do we need for embarkation onto our Disney Cruise Line Ship?

Welcome to the Home-Port Terminal

  • PORTERS

    • Upon arriving at the terminal, porters will greet you and assist with your large bags. It is customary to tip them a few dollars per bag.

  • INITIAL SECURITY CHECKPOINT

    • Upon arrival at most ports, you will go through an initial security checkpoint where you need to present your ID and cruise documents. This is to ensure that only passengers with tickets enter the terminal.

  • FULL SECURITY SCREENING

    • Upon entering the terminal, you will undergo standard security screening procedures similar to those at an airport. This includes passing through a metal detector and having your bags scanned with an x-ray machine.

  • NOW YOU’RE INSIDE THE TERMINAL

    • This is where you will be greeted by DCL staff and a special VIP character like Mickey or Minnie.

  • HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE

    • Before boarding the ship, please note that you will be required to fill out a short health questionnaire. The questionnaire includes questions about whether anyone in your group has had diarrhea, fever, or vomiting in the last three days. If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you might be asked to see the ship's doctor, and you may not be allowed to board the ship. Therefore, it is important to ensure that everyone in your group is in good health before embarking on the journey.

    • I would recommend doing this first thing when you wake up in the morning! The survey will be in your email.

  • TIME TO CHECK-IN

    • All Disney Cruise Line (DCL) guests, regardless of their status or past cruising experience, must check in for the cruise. This process involves standing in line and handing in your signed cruise documents, health questionnaire, and government-issued IDs to the DCL Cast Member at the check-in counter. The Cast Member will also take a photo of each guest individually, which will be attached to their account for identification purposes when they get on and off the ship.

  • BOARDING GROUPS

    • When you check-in, you will receive a boarding group number that will be used to space out the boarding process. Fortunately, DCL is very efficient at getting guests on and off the ship, so the process goes quickly.

Now that you can board the DCL Ship What is Next?

  • When your boarding number is called, you can board the ship. You will find photographers along the way who will take your picture. It's free of cost to have your picture taken. You can also click pictures with your own camera at these spots. It's entirely optional to have your picture taken, so you can skip it if you're not interested. For your information, these photo opportunities are not the best on the trip. One of my favorite moments on the trip is when your family first steps on board the ship. A Cast Member will ask for your family name and then, with a microphone in hand and a group of other cast members there to applaud, will announce the entrance of your family onboard as if you were royalty. It's a must-do on my list of Disney Cruise Travel Video shots to capture.

  • DCLcruisingDAD tip: Hand your iPhone, or video camera to one of the Cast Members standing around and ask them to film when they announce your family’s name and when you step onto the step. The welcoming from the staff is just a magic touch.

  • Fun

    • Did you bring your embarkation day bag? If you wear your swimsuits under your clothes, you can go up to the pool deck and enjoy the water slides or pool with minimal lines.

  • Eat

    • The buffets at Cabanas/Marceline Market, which are located at the top of the boat near the pools, will be open for lunch immediately. Additionally, each ship has another restaurant open for a lunch buffet, which is usually located in the Atrium/Grand Hall.

  • Is there something you still need or want to sign up for?

    • Are there any reservations you need to get on the waitlist or change? It’s best to do this first thing (before eating or swimming) to increase likelihood of your desired options being available.
      Reservations you might want to secure:

      • Adult Tastings

      • Book a spa appointment

      • Palo or Remy/Enchante

      • Food allergy discussions

      • Move dining time

  • Visit Your Stateroom

    • Your stateroom is usually available around between 1:30 – 2:30 pm. You can leave any of your personal belongings there. Typically, later in the day your checked bags will appear around 5 pm or sometimes earlier.

  • Mandatory Muster Drill

    • Around 4pm, each guest is required to attend a mandatory muster drill to discuss what to do in case of an emergency and how to put on your lifejacket. This is a mandatory requirement and where you go is located both in the Navigator App and on the back of your stateroom door. Bring your Key To The World Card with you because a cast member will have to scan them. Hopefully you are not in the sun the whole time, but it does go by quickly when everyone shows up.

  • Sail-Away Celebration

    • Now the party/sailing has begun! Join all the other sailors on the pool deck for a party like no other to countdown until we leave port. The Fab 5 and some special guests kick things off with a special dance party and countdown.