Day of Departure Question?

[andi_bell]

On the day of the cruise, the ship itself leaves at 5:00 p.m. However, when should we plan to arrive to get settled in? I wasn't sure when the ship itself opened? We are travelling with 2 kids, ages 3 and 8. The disney shuttles to the ship start at 10:30 a.m. from the Orlando airport, but I didn't know when it was best to leave. I'm interested in making sure I get reservations at Palo, etc.... Thanks!

Andrea

 

[DVCconvert]

I believe that 'officially' boarding begins at 1 pm, however, it is widely reported that some boarding usually starts about noon.

HTH

 

[tinknsnow]

The terminal opens around 10-10:30 (someone correct me if I'm wrong). We arrived right around 11, checked in and looked around the terminal.

Usual time to board the ship is 1pm, but on our day they were boarding an hour early. They actually starting boarding at about 11:45.

You can register your kids for the kids' club in the terminal while you're waiting, but you'll have to make Palo and/or spa reservations on the ship.

They tell you to wait until 1:45 to enter your staterooms.

We boarded, had lunch, made reservations, then went to our room. After we unpacked, we had a great time discovering the ship! Lots of people were swimming already (if you want to do that bring swimsuits in your carry-on because luggage is not guaranteed to arrive at your room before 5:30 or so).

 

[jrabbit]

They will let you into the Port area around 10 am. Actual boarding usually starts around 12 noon. If you want to make sure of Palo ressies, I would get to the port by 11am. Once you've checked in your kids would probably enjoy watching the Mickey cartoons on the tv's that are scattered around the terminal. One of you can stay with the kids, the other can secure a spot in the boarding line. Then a while before boarding starts, everyone can gather back in line.

Besides the TV's there's a map of the Bahamas in the floor (that'll keep the kids occupied for oh about 30 seconds), theres the model of the ship (which is usually good for 5 to 10 minutes) and the characters come out and that is usually good for quite a while (waiting in line to get a picture with them).

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I just took the 4 day Wonder on Feb 13 and there was a sign that said you could begin boarding at 11am. What is the lastest time to board I don't know but you need to be on the boat in time to do the mandatory boat drill at 4pm. Plus you want to get there early and not feel rushed. If there are any reservations you want to make you will want to get there early.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

Don't miss the buffett on deck 9 after boarding. On our first (we have #5 and 6 booked) we knew nothing of it......we usually get to port around 12:30, check in, head to our room, then to the buffett.

 

[jrabbit]

I just took the 4 day Wonder on Feb 13 and there was a sign that said you could begin boarding at 11am. What is the lastest time to board I don't know but you need to be on the boat in time to do the mandatory boat drill at 4pm. Plus you want to get there early and not feel rushed. If there are any reservations you want to make you will want to get there early.

Wow 11am seems really early for them to be ready for everyone to board, but hey, if they let you on - go for it. You get more *** (Mickey Vacation Time) that way.

The "All Aboard" time is 4pm which seems wierd to me because you couldn't make it to the manditory safety drill if you stroll onboard close to 4pm.