Online Check In Questions

[Lynzer4]

Realistically.... what time can I expect to board my cruise.

I know you get a number and time when you check in online. As a new cruiser what time would be realistic. I am trying to figure out some plans and I don't know what time we should leave the hotel (staying at Poly and using a car service). I know it will depend on the time we can board which is why I am asking. I'm asking realistically as a new cruiser on the April 28th cruise what time I can expect.

I am planning to do a breakfast ADR and I don't want it super early if we will just have to wait round the hotel to leave once we are finished (so we don't have to wait in the port... ie see the boat kids... we have to wait 3 hours to board it lol)

Thanks

 

[lanejudy]

The time you actually board may depend on how well DCL moves things along that morning. However, boarding typically begins around 11:15-11:30am in Port Canaveral. You will be given a "boarding number" when you check-in at the port. This number is directly tied to your PAT (Port Arrival Time) that you will select when you do online check-in -- at 75 days out for you. Whether or not an early PAT will be available depends on how many returning cruisers are on your particularly cruise as well as what their plans are for arrival. Guests arriving from WDW resorts by DCL transfers will arrive later, typically around 1pm give or take.

My experience: as first-time cruisers, we were able to select the earliest PAT and I was not online at midnight that day to do so.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[scrappinginontario]

My experience: as first-time cruisers, we were able to select the earliest PAT and I was not online at midnight that day to do so.

Enjoy your cruise!

Friends of mine are first time cruisers and were able to check in this past Sunday at midnight. Similar to what @lanejudy said, they got the second PAT of 10:45am. She was online by about 12:07am.

 

[hcox31]

We are first time cruisers and got 10:45 PAT. Didn't log on until 6am after our check in window opened.

 

[jrabbit]

The ship will make a difference as well. Dream / Fantasy OR Classic (Magic / Wonder)

There's a LOT fewer people on the classic ships and the boarding will generally go quicker.

If you don't want to wait around at the port / in the terminal, I would go for a PAT around noon. You can leave the World around 10:30 and arrive at the port, check in and then with minimal wait board the ship.

There are pros and con's with earlier and later arrival times. What works best for you will depend upon the make up and temperament of your traveling companions.

The ship is not quite like a hotel / resort. You can check in and board the ship and take advantage of the amenities before your room becomes available around 1:30pm. So if you get to the port and board early (try to keep your carry on luggage to a minimum) you can have lunch, hit the pool if you want, do the water rides (depending upon ship), lay in the sun, play on the sports deck, explore the ship, enjoy some drinks (adult and kid friendly), check out the kids clubs etc.

 

[lbus42]

This past April we arrived at the port about 12:15. There were no lines and we pretty much walked onto the ship.

 

[BrerNashville]

This past April we arrived at the port about 12:15. There were no lines and we pretty much walked onto the ship.

As this post implies, there is a "sweet spot" between when everyone who wants to get there first has boarded, and when the busses start to arrive from the parks with Park Transfers (which I think is around 12:30 or so). If you are looking for certainty, rather than as early as possible, just plan to arrive in this window and pick a PAT accordingly. Can't imagine those times would be filled early in the check-in window, even for first timers.