DCL 101-Question about boarding procedure

[Genie-In-Training]

Hello everyone. We're going on our first cruise in about six years. We had one booked two years ago, but had to cancel. I used to do a lot of research for our trips, but a lot of things have changed and I feel like I'm starting all over again. We are on the Magic 4-night Bahamas at the end of February, and check-in is a couple of days away. We're staying at the Hyatt MCO the night before. Last cruise, we checked in at the airport and got our key cards and boarding group number before we got on the bus. Does it still work that way or do I have to do the online check-in? I appreciate your help and your patience for the first, of what I'm sure will be many remedial cruise questions. Thank you.

 

[shelbell77]

You can still book a room at the hyatt and use DCL transfers, but you no longer "check in" at the airport. You just got down to DME when you are ready to get the bus. Its first come first served. You'll actually do check in at the terminal building.

As to the online checkin - it takes a few minutes do that. That is when you give your flight info, passports (if you're using them), credit cards, etc. You can also book any adult dining, excursions, spa treatments, etc. You will also pick your Port Arrival Time which will determine your boarding number.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Hello everyone. We're going on our first cruise in about six years. We had one booked two years ago, but had to cancel. I used to do a lot of research for our trips, but a lot of things have changed and I feel like I'm starting all over again. We are on the Magic 4-night Bahamas at the end of February, and check-in is a couple of days away. We're staying at the Hyatt MCO the night before. Last cruise, we checked in at the airport and got our key cards and boarding group number before we got on the bus. Does it still work that way or do I have to do the online check-in? I appreciate your help and your patience for the first, of what I'm sure will be many remedial cruise questions. Thank you.

You really plan ahead, don't you?

 

[jdb in AZ]

.

 

[Genie-In-Training]

You really plan ahead, don't you?

You need a drum roll my friend.

 

[Genie-In-Training]

You can still book a room at the hyatt and use DCL transfers, but you no longer "check in" at the airport. You just got down to DME when you are ready to get the bus. Its first come first served. You'll actually do check in at the terminal building.

As to the online checkin - it takes a few minutes do that. That is when you give your flight info, passports (if you're using them), credit cards, etc. You can also book any adult dining, excursions, spa treatments, etc. You will also pick your Port Arrival Time which will determine your boarding number.

Thanks for the help.

 

[mmouse37]

I think they meant the last cruise they took was six years ago

MJ

 

[Weedy]

What has changed in the last 6 years is that you no longer check in at the airport and you will need to check in online and you will need to pick a PAT (port arrival time). Your PAT is tied the boarding # you will receive once you get to the port. A early PAt = a lower boarding #. If you have sailed before most of your info should be in the system.
Boarding usually starts 11:15ish. Once it starts they call the next # every 5-10 minutes. They usually have everyone that is waiting in the terminal onboard by 12:30. At this time they will go to "open boarding" meaning you can board once you get checked in.