Hooray! You have decided to take Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral and are now wondering how to check-in and what it’s like at the port on embarkation day. I have all that information and more for you below!
Online Check-In
Completing online check-in ahead of time is a must to ensure a speedy check-in at the port. When you complete online check-in, you don’t have to worry about filling out last minute paperwork and slowing down the line because you have already done so ahead of time. You also get to pick out your port arrival time! I personally like one of the first port arrival times because you end up with an earlier boarding group number to get on the ship!
Arriving at Port Canaveral
When you arrive at Port Canaveral at your port arrival time, you will drop off your checked bag with the porters outside. Make sure to tip them as they work hard all morning getting all the luggage on the ship. Make sure that you have everything you need for the day because you will not see your luggage until sometimes 5 PM that day. Have a day bag prepared with bathing suits, sunscreen, medications, change of clothes and wallet plus anything else you need for your family. Once you have everything you need, you will go through security where any baggage you didn’t leave with the porters will be scanned/searched and you will go through a metal detector.
Checking in at Port Canaveral
After your family is through security, you will check-in at the desks according to which cruise this is for you. There are different lines for first-time cruisers, returning cruises and concierge. When you get to the desk they will check your cruise documents, issue your Key to the World cards and you will fill out a health survey. Once you have been checked in, you will receive a small card with your boarding group number and you can hang around in the terminal until your boarding group is called.
Waiting to Board
While waiting to board the ship there are a few things you can do to pass the time. First is to head over to the supervisor’s desk to see if you can get your stateroom upgraded for a cheaper rate. These upgrades depend on ship availability and aren’t guaranteed. If you have kids, you can get them all checked-in for the kids club right in the terminal! The kids will be given their access bands and the cast members can answer any possible questions you may have. A lot of the time in the terminal, there is a character meet that you can check out as well! So far on my times in Port Canaveral, I have met Captain Mickey, Minnie, and Sailor Goofy. Lastly, you can check out the model ship that is in the middle of the terminal.
Boarding
Somewhere around 11:30 AM to Noon, they start the boarding process with the Family of the Day and Concierge/Platinum guests. They will then start calling boarding group numbers in chronological order. Once your group is called, you can head through the Mickey ears and start your fabulous vacation!
Soak up all the fun and sun on your magical vacation because it’ll be over before you know it! That just means you’ll have to start planning the next one!
Are you ready for a pixie perfect vacation? I’m a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations and Universal Orlando! I’m with Chip and Company’s official travel partner, Key to the World Travel! My concierge planning services are completely free when you book your magical vacation through me, so what are you waiting for? Let’s start making memories for your family that will last a lifetime! Email me at shannon.ewing@keytotheworldtravel.com today or message me on Facebook!
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