Have you booked a Disney cruise sailing from Southampton and not sure what the embarkation process looks like? I had lots of questions before our first Disney cruise. The embarkation process was however so easy I don’t know what I was worried about.
When Do Disney Cruise Ships Sail From Southampton?
Typically a Disney cruise ship will sail from the UK port of Southampton in the Summer months. You can often expect sailing to start from around the end of July through until September for the Europe sailings.
Check In For Your First Disney Cruise
For your first Disney cruise, check in opens 30 days prior to sailing. The check in time is midnight EST / 5am GMT due to the time difference (Disney ships are American ships).
If you wish to board the ship as soon as possible on embarkation day, I suggest setting an alarm for 5am GMT.
Documents Needed For Disney Cruise Check In
Before starting the check in process, make sure you have
- a passport photo for everyone sailing
- a head shot photo on a plain background for your cruise ID card
- a credit card for your cruise account – Disney cruises are mainly cashless and everything is charged to your room, and charged in dollars.
- No credit card? Don’t panic. A debit card can be used, just be mindful of exchange rate charges.
With your documents ready, log into your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and follow the instructions for checking in. The app will direct you to the online website.
During the check in process, you will also select your Port Arrival Time (PAT). My recommendation is to choose the earliest that is available to make the most of your time on the ship.
You will be directed to print out a copy of the Port Arrival Form. This is important as you will need to show this at the terminal multiple times before boarding the ship.
Arriving At The Port On Embarkation Day
Yay! Embarkation day is here for your Disney Cruise. Don’t forget your passports and PAT form!
You can arrive at the port 30 minutes prior to your port arrival time. For example if you have selected a port arrival time of 12.30 – 12.45pm, then I suggest arriving at the port at around 12pm.
This gives you time to park the car if you’re driving, and then the time to walk towards the port check-in.
There are very clear signs on where to go, and also clear signs with time slots for passengers to queue in.
If you are early, then you may have a little wait, but there is a coffee stand for refreshments if you need them.
Once your line starts moving, a cast member will check your PAT form. Into the terminal you go and the next step is the security line.
Your PAT form will be checked once again before security. Through security, it’s time to head up the escalator to the check in desks.
Your PAT form and passports will be checked here at check in before it’s time to wait in the lounge area for your boarding group to be called.
There are plenty of photo opportunities in the check in area too to start your holiday memories.
Once your boarding group has been called, you can queue to board the ship. Your PAT form is checked again for the last time. One of the most magical moments of the cruise is when you board the ship and your name is called out by a cruise member welcoming you on board the ship.
Things To Do When You Board A Disney Cruise Ship
The most popular thing to do once boarding the Disney cruise ship is to find a place to eat. I suggest the buffet, or the restaurant allocated for lunch. You will find the one restaurant that is open via your Cruise navigator app.
Then it’s time to find your state room and explore the ship…..
