First Cruise - Need Logistics Advice

[cchron]

We are going on a 3-day Bahamas cruise out of Port Canaveral, if we fly in the day of our cruise we will arrive at the airport around 11AM. I'm trying to decide if it is worth it to instead fly in the night before and stay at the airport. What time do they start boarding the ship? How much time should I figure from my airport arrival until I'm boarding the ship (we plan to use the Disney transportation from the airport to the port). What time does the ship leave port? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[TestingH2O]

Personally, I would arrive a day ahead. You just never know what might happen in terms of travel delays etc.

Boarding begins at 11ish and continues through the muster drill. Sail away is around 4:30. That time can be adjusted slightly depending on weather and other factors.

My understanding with DCL busses is that the first one leaves between 9 & 9:30. They then leave every 20 minutes or when they are full. Travel time is a bit over an hour. We are trying busses for the first time in May, so I can't comment on an actual experience.

 

[Otimon]

I would highly recommend you arrive the day before your cruise. It will save you a lot of worry from the unexpected.

The ship begins boarding around 11:30AM, give or take a little. The ship leaves port around 5:00PM, often a little earlier
if they're ready.

 

[clten]

As others have said, it's a good safety net against unpredictable travel delays if you can fly in the night before. But there is another reason as well -- enjoying your first night on board. Which is especially important if you are on a 3 night cruise.

You don't say where you are flying in from but I am assuming with the time needed to check into flights and get through airport security that you will have an early morning if you are flying in the day of your cruise and arriving at 11 am. (I hope that's the first flight out from your home airport.) Factor in getting off the plane and getting down to Disney Transport check-in. If all goes well, you may be on a bus and moving at noon. With a one hour trip, you'll be at the port at 1-ish. Having to go through security and check in (if you do everything online in advance, that speeds it up). You'll be on board at the earliest 1:15. You have a few hours for lunch, touring the ship and settling in your stateroom before muster drill at 4 and sailaway shortly thereafter. If you have been up since early morning you may need to factor in a nap or miss part of your first night on board.

We go the night before to keep the stress of traveling to a minimum. If we were going on a 3 night cruise, I would want to make sure I'm well rested to maximize my time on board too.

 

[DISGRL13]

I agree travel the day/night before if possible. It is totally worth it just to not have the stress of worrying if you are going to make it on time or not. A cruise is a big investment and there is no reason to chance it.

 

[cchron]

Thanks so much for all of the great feedback. One followup question, if we stay at the airport the night before, what happens to our luggage? I assume we would pick it up when our flight arrives and bring it with us to whatever airport hotel we are staying in. Do we drop it off when we check in at the Disney transportation desk and it will arrive later in our cabin? Thanks.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Thanks so much for all of the great feedback. One followup question, if we stay at the airport the night before, what happens to our luggage? I assume we would pick it up when our flight arrives and bring it with us to whatever airport hotel we are staying in. Do we drop it off when we check in at the Disney transportation desk and it will arrive later in our cabin? Thanks.

If you stay at the airport Hyatt, they will pick your luggage up from your room and transfer it for you. Any other hotels you'll drop it off when you check in with DCL transfers. For ease and convenience I highly recommend the Hyatt.