Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is a Port Adventure?

When your cruise is in port, you can head off on your own or book a local expedition. When booked through Disney Cruise Line, a shore excursion is called a Port Adventure. Port Adventures can be a simple $20 bike rental or as pricey as a private glacier tour by helicopter and dogsled. Here’s what to know, including the pros and cons of booking Port Adventures with DCL vs. other options for exploring the port.

First: Port Adventures are optional! If you’re on a budget, have visited the port before, or simply want to remain aboard, you don’t have to get off the ship. You’ll find it’s less crowded on board on a port day – enough that enjoying the empty ship could be a reason on its own. It will be easier to snag a primo pool chair or time in the Rainforest Room. And at Senses Spa, you’ll often find port-day specials and discounts.

If you are getting off in port, you can explore on your own instead of booking a shore excursion. This gives you more freedom to see what you want to see and stop when you want to stop. But you may see more, and more effectively, if you’re on an organized tour. And if you’re nervous about being in an unknown place on your own, an arranged excursion can bring peace of mind.

There are several advantages to booking a Port Adventure through Disney Cruise Line. A big one: it’s easy and convenient. Port Adventures are marked with activity level and any restrictions such as age, height, or weight. Booking is a few simple clicks, and the transaction happens in English. (Or Spanish, if you are using the Spanish version of the DCL website.) There’s no pre-payment needed, and the charge appears on your onboard account in the currency of your choice.

Another big one: security and peace of mind. You can have confidence that Disney has vetted the tour operator. Transportation will be safe, and guides are accountable for your whereabouts. And they will speak English. If your cruise arrives late at the port, Disney will adjust your Port Adventure start times. If something unforeseen happens on your Port Adventure, your tour operator will handle communication with the ship. The ship will wait if your tour is delayed, even if you miss the All Aboard time. And if a port stop is cancelled (it happens), your Port Adventures will be automatically cancelled and refunded.

You can book once aboard, but Port Adventures do sell out, so advance registration is recommended. To book a Port Adventure, your booking window must be open and your cruise must be paid in full. Booking opens first to concierge guests, at 130 days before the sail date. Booking for first-time cruisers opens 75 days before departure. Windows in between depend on your Castaway Club status. When you’re ready to book, head for the Disney Cruise Line site or the DCL Navigator App.

In most ports, you can put in a bit of extra legwork and book excursions directly with tour operators. The most common reasons to book tours on your own instead of booking Port Adventures are price and availability. Port Adventures are often more expensive than comparable independently-booked tours. You may find more options or be able to customize, and you are not limited by your DCL booking window.

Booking excursions independently does have drawbacks. Sometimes the booking process will be as easy as a Port Adventure. But you could need to navigate foreign-language websites, or make large downpayments in foreign currencies. Cancellation policies may be stricter than for Port Adventures, which can be cancelled up to three days before departure. Unlike a Port Adventure, you may not be able to adjust start times or cancel if the ship arrives late or the port is skipped. And the ship does not wait for tours that run late unless they are Port Adventures.

No matter how you book, here are some tips for a successful shore excursion.

1. Be prompt to meet your tour. If you booked a Port Adventure, you’ll find the meeting location and time in your plans in the Navigator App.
2. Bring your Key to the World Card for everyone going ashore. For those over 18, also bring a photo ID.
3. Make sure you have the ship’s agent information available.
4. Dress appropriately and don’t forget sunscreen, bug repellent, etc. if called for.
5. If you separate from the guide who transported you from the ship, make sure you know where and when to meet up for the return. This is true whether you’re leaving for some “time on your own” or being transferred to a museum-run tour with museum guides.

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!