Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is Embarkation

If someone told you that embarkation means to get on the ship, you might think you do it multiple times per cruise. But no – embarkation is specifically about the process of getting on the ship at the beginning of your journey. If you’re headed for a Disney Cruise Line sailing, here’s what’s involved in embarkation and what you can expect on the day. It’s good to know, so that you can get on board as smoothly as possible!

Your Disney Cruise Line embarkation process involves:

• Online check-in
• Health Questionnaire
• Port Arrival
• Port Check-in
• Security Screening
• Boarding

Prepping for embarkation starts when you complete your online check-in, well in advance of embarkation day. For embarkation purposes, a critical piece of online check-in is submitting the documents you’ll use for citizenship and identity verification. You’ll also select your Port Arrival Time, and provide emergency contact info and some other information. You can still board your Disney cruise if you can’t complete online check-in; Disney asks that you plan to arrive at 2 pm.

Once you’ve completed online check-in, you’ll get a Port Arrival Form. You will need to show this form, or the QR code on it, several times during the embarkation process. Pro tip: A printed copy can make your life easier. If you’re phone-savvy, you can also download it to your phone’s wallet. View the form from the Disney Cruise Line website – not the Navigator app! – on your phone; you’ll find an option to download it to the wallet alongside choices to email or print it. (A printed copy still makes a good backup.)

On embarkation day, you’ll receive a health questionnaire. This is standard for any cruise line, and depending on your answers, you may receive some follow-up questions or an examination at the port.

If you drive to the port, you’ll usually drop off your luggage before you park. You’re welcome to bring it all on board yourself, but most people choose to hand it over since you may not have access to your stateroom right away. If you’re arriving on a Disney Cruise Line Transfer, you might have already handed over your luggage. Although you’ll be able to access your stateroom around 1:30 pm, your luggage might not show up until several hours later. Plan to keep a day bag with you for essentials like a book, swimsuit, or any medication you might need.

Once in the terminal, the first step is the check-in counter. This is pretty similar to checking in for an airline flight. You’ll present a photo ID and your documents, and they’ll be checked against what you submitted online. Pro tip: Have the exact same documents that you used for online check-in. Don’t bring your passport card if you checked in online with your passport, or vice versa.

After check-in, security screening. Sound familiar? The good news is, you can keep your shoes on. The bad news: if anything on the prohibited items list shows up in your luggage on the security scan, it will be confiscated. If you’re returning to the same port, you’ll be able to get it back at the end of the cruise.

After security, you’ll head for the waiting area. If you’re a first-time cruiser, you might still have a bit of paperwork to fill out. Then it’s just waiting until your Boarding Group is called. Unless you’re in the very earliest groups, this wait is usually pretty short! But it’s a good time to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and take stock of any chores you might want to do shortly after getting on board, like:

• Checking in with the dining team about seating time changes or adult dining reservations
• Registering for kids clubs if you didn’t already
• Booking spa services or limited-availability items like length-of-cruise Rainforest Room passes
• Just heading to the buffet to grab a bite is also perfectly valid!

On your way up the gangway, you’ll take an (optional) picture for posterity, and then it will be time to step aboard the ship. Bon voyage!

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is for first-time Disney cruisers looking to learn about the DCL experience. Got a Disney Cruise Line term that you want to see explained? Suggest it in the comments below!