The advantage of getting on the ship early.

[Donna M]

Sorry it's so big; I'm new at this stuff, but I wanted to show what Cabanas looks like when it opens. There was only one other couple sitting out here. The lines were very minimal too. We always like to get on the ship as early as possible.

That's all we carry onto the ship with us too, just one backpack for the two of us.

We'll be sitting here in December, can't wait.

 

[AgentMama]

What a peaceful view!

 

[lorimay]

The best time of the day, just before the crazy starts!

 

[starvenger]

Picture is worth 1000 words.

We always intend to get on a ship before the crush. And we’ve only managed it once.

 

[Rob1872]

I'll still stick with our history of showing up around the time you are allowed to go to your room. You don't have any crowds in the terminal; walk straight on to the ship, and it is still easy to get something to eat because most of the other people have already eaten. Unless you are in one of the first boarding group numbers or concierge, you can't get that empty experience.

 

[CamColt]

On our cruise this past August my DS was proud to say he was the first one at the buffet at Cabanas, LOL! I know I often hear to arrive later, its less crazy, etc...but we take full advantage of our platinum boarding #1. We have time for an uncrowded lunch, a drink at the adult pool bar, to take care of any "business" we need to, all before the rooms are ready.

 

[LeslieG]

What time does platinum usually board at Port Canaveral?

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

Tip: If you sail from Galveston in December and it's a cloudy, chilly day, outside tables at Cabanas are easy to come by!

Inside tables and seats for the formal lunch in Triton's... well, that's another story!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What time does platinum usually board at Port Canaveral?

Once boarding begins (typically around 11:15-11:30) The Family of the Day goes first, followed by Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club members.

Could be as early at 11:20, or as late as 11:45.

You also have to maneuver your way through the "sure, I have boarding # 23, but I'm going to stand right in front of the entrance to the queue anyway" group.

 

[starvenger]

I'll still stick with our history of showing up around the time you are allowed to go to your room. You don't have any crowds in the terminal; walk straight on to the ship, and it is still easy to get something to eat because most of the other people have already eaten. Unless you are in one of the first boarding group numbers or concierge, you can't get that empty experience.

First adult cruise back in 2006 (Princess) we flew in day of to San Juan (yes, I know) and we were at the terminal around 1:30, and there were no lines for anything. So I can relate to this. But I feel like this would be my Plan B.

 

[GiovanniVR46]

Looks serene!

I'm doing my first Disney cruise in 2 weeks. I'm traveling with 2 kids solo - 4 & 7 years old.

What time do you suggest getting there? What time would they let us on?

 

[Rob1872]

Looks serene!

I'm doing my first Disney cruise in 2 weeks. I'm traveling with 2 kids solo - 4 & 7 years old.

What time do you suggest getting there? What time would they let us on?

What time is your assigned Port Arrival Time? I'd suggest getting there at that time.

 

[Donna M]

OP here. Our lunch was not crowded, but I will admit the terminal was packed. We had a number one, and stood right up front; we were the first ones to go through when they started with "the regulars." On our first cruise, we arrived around 12:30 to an empty terminal which was great for a first experience. I would recommend the later time for first timers because the crowds and wait aren't any fun.

 

[bbn1122]

I like to get aboard, as soon as possible. Who doesn’t want to have more time on the ship.

I just got my port arrival time for 10/24/18 cruise, it’s not till 1pm. But I will get to port by noon and hopefully I will be all aboard by 1p.

Happy cruising.

 

[darnheather]

Now you just need a big plate of shrimp. Yummo!