DCL Arrival Time

[2013Frozen]

Hi, I have read some pros/cons about arrival time using the DCL transportation.
It seems DCL can arrive at port later. If we are looking to book activities upon checking in, will the later arrival have a negative impact? Looking at 7 night Western Caribbean on the Fantasy. Thank you!

 

[truck1]

Hi, I have read some pros/cons about arrival time using the DCL transportation.
It seems DCL can arrive at port later. If we are looking to book activities upon checking in, will the later arrival have a negative impact? Looking at 7 night Western Caribbean on the Fantasy. Thank you!

It's entirely possible that certain activities can be impacted. There are some ticketed events onboard that tend to sell out quick for lack of a better term. Things like certain meet and greet. However, most if not all port excursions are available online to book. So like Sting Ray city snorkel for example, can be booked prior to your cruise, up to 120 days out depending on your CC level. Something like Frozen meet and greet, would have to be done onboard. Those tix you usually get at gs.

 

[Shanti]

Hi, I have read some pros/cons about arrival time using the DCL transportation.
It seems DCL can arrive at port later. If we are looking to book activities upon checking in, will the later arrival have a negative impact? Looking at 7 night Western Caribbean on the Fantasy. Thank you!

DCL transport from where? From the airport, it arrives early. From the WDW resorts, it arrives late.

 

[lanejudy]

Something like Frozen meet and greet, would have to be done onboard.

Frozen meet & greet can be booked in advance, as can the Princess Gathering. Those are the only 2 character greetings requiring tickets. If a character breakfast is offered, that can also be booked in advance now.

OP -- Tastings are about the only thing I can think of at the moment that can only be booked onboard. Oh, and maybe the gingerbread house on the Christmas cruises. Pretty much everything else can be booked in advance.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[eva2015]

Tastings can be booked online pre-cruise.

 

[g_ppetto]

If tastings and Palo brunch are sold out pre-cruise online, will there be any available slots at check in?

 

[Girl of the South]

I called DCL yesterday to order water and mentioned the sold out Palo slots and she said "People will be amazed at home much can be done when you are actually ON the ship." Not everyone is internet savvy and I'm sure there are things that can be done on the ship. Probably less wiggle room with the tastings simply because of space, but if you miss out online, I'd certainly check with the powers that be when you board.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Some tastings can be booked. There are a whole bunch that are onboard only and are not listed pre-cruise.

 

[truck1]

If tastings and Palo brunch are sold out pre-cruise online, will there be any available slots at check in?

It's possible What I would do is be the first person in line at Palos for changes. What sometimes happens is some one will book a spot and cancel last minute. We've gotten Palos dinners before by being the first person in line There may be a few spots held but the closer to the front of the line you are the better off you'll be.

 

[truck1]

Frozen meet & greet can be booked in advance, as can the Princess Gathering. Those are the only 2 character greetings requiring tickets. If a character breakfast is offered, that can also be booked in advance now.

OP -- Tastings are about the only thing I can think of at the moment that can only be booked onboard. Oh, and maybe the gingerbread house on the Christmas cruises. Pretty much everything else can be booked in advance.

Enjoy your cruise!

Ok. I haven't had to do that recently and it was the only thing that came to mind.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

If you're leaving from WDW the buses start around noon (SSR) and the drive time is 1 hr 20 min.

 

[2013Frozen]

Thank you all for your comments and input. We would be leaving from WDW. Is there a good list somewhere of what can be reserved in advance or a general itinerary outline? I don't find much on the DCL website and would like to put together a rough calendar. Thank you!!