The Terminal: What to Expect When You Check In for Your Cruise
PORTERS
Upon arrival at the terminal, you will be greeted by porters who
will take your large bags from you, be sure you have your tags which were
provided with your booklet prior to sailing (I usually tip a few dollars per
bag.)
INITIAL SECURITY CHECKPOINT
Just like airports, cruise ports have an initial security
stop where you’ll be asked to show your ID and cruise documents. This is how
the cruise lines makes sure only ticketed passengers enter the terminal. As you
enter, you’ll undergo a typical security screening with metal detectors and
luggage scans.
INSIDE THE TERMINAL
Port Canaveral Disney Terminal
You will
then go to the Disney cruise line area and go through “check in” where you will
be required to present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship
like your passport. You will also present a copy of your Online Port Arrival
Form. You can complete your forms online
at the official Disney Cruise Line website. If you have a minor traveling with
you with their legal guardian you will also be required to provide an
“Authorization for Minor To Travel Without
a Parent or Legal Guardian” form, completed and signed by that child's parent
or legal guardian.
While
having your documents verified, you will also get your picture taken for your
card (so you can be verified when getting off and on the ship at ports) and be
required to fill out a brief health questionnaire which asks if anyone in your
party has experienced diarrhea, fever or vomiting in the past three days. If
you answer “yes” to any of the questions, DCL might have you see the ship
doctor and ultimately could keep you from boarding the ship. Take care that
everyone in your party is in good health.
You
will then be presented your “Key To The World” (KTTW) Disney
cards which will function as your id, state room key, and your credit card
aboard the ship (much like a magic band functions at Walt Disney world.) This
key will also tell you the when and where of your dining rotation. This is where I start to
get really excited. Upon boarding, Disney cruise staff will be there to greet
you and they will likely have a special VIP character with them (like Minnie or
Mickey) to say hello.
First picture with the Captain before boarding
Understanding
your Key to the World (KTTW) Card
Your card will include your
legal name and the dates of your cruise. It will either have an “A” for adult
or an “M” for minor. The times on your card will indicate your dining rotation
time (when you’re supposed to go to the restaurant for dinner) and table number.
The letters below that indicate your actual dining rotation. For example, the
card below says you’d dine at 8:15 pm the first night at Triton’s, the second AND
third night at Animator’s
Palate, and the fourth night
at Tiana’s Place.
Key to the World card
The final number on the
bottom corresponds to which check in counter you used at your arrival port. The
large letter on the bottom left tells you which “lifeboat/muster drill station”
you should report to during the drill, which everyone on the ship MUST attend, on
sail away day. Each station will be clearly marked with a letter, just find the
letter that corresponds with the one on your card and you’ll be in the right
place! We will talk more about how to locate the right deck and letter later
on.
As a first time cruiser
with Disney, your card will not have a Castaway number. But after sailing your
first cruise, you will automatically be enrolled into the Castaway Club. You
start off as a Silver member and can sail your way into higher tiers such as
the Gold membership or even the coveted Platinum level!
The
Ship: What Happens When You First Board
Once
your boarding number is called, you are free to board. Your KTTW card will be
scanned when you first enter the ship (and every other time you get on or off).
Photographers
will be stationed along the way to take your picture. It is free to have your
picture taken. You are also welcome to take pictures with your own camera at
these spots. These photographs are completely optional; just pass them by if
you’re not interested.
Boarding the Ship
Exclusive to the Disney Cruises line is the
grand Entrance to your Disney Ship. A Cast Member will ask for your family name
and then, with microphone in hand and a slew of other cast members there to
applaud, will grandly announce the entrance of your family onboard, as if you
were royalty. “And now…please welcome the ________family!”
TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS
Are there any reservations you need to snag
or change before setting sail? It’s best to do this first thing (before eating
or swimming) to increase likelihood of your desired options being available.
Also if you need anything for baby, you will want to request a bottle warmer or
Diaper Genie at the front desk as soon as you board! Lastly, if you didn’t sign
your kids up for one of the included clubs online during your check-in process; use your time waiting to
board to do so in the terminal at the designated kids’ club desk.
The First Afternoon Aboard
The Ship
FUN
If you or your kids are huge swimmers I recommend you wear your
swimsuits under your clothes. This little tip lets head straight to the pool
deck and enjoy the water slides or pool with minimal lines.
Adult only pool on the Disney Dream
FOOD
Beautiful mural inside Cabana's Buffet
The buffets at Cabanas (at the top of the boat, near the pools)
will be open for lunch right away. Also, each ship has another restaurant open
for a lunch buffet (Enchanted Garden on the Fantasy/Dream, Carioca’s on the
Magic, and Tiana’s Place on the Wonder).
VISIT YOUR STATEROOM
Inside Stateroom with animated porthole on the Disney Dream
Your stateroom is usually available around 1:30pm. You can leave
any of your personal belongings there. The room stewards will bring your
checked bags to your room that evening, usually by 5pm, but often much earlier.
While in your stateroom you will want to access the map on the back of your
door and match your letter on your KTTW to find out where your meeting area is
for the lifeboat drill. They will also have the television in your room playing
the safety drill information.
LIFEBOAT/MUSTER DRILL
Assembly Station information
Around 4pm, each guest is required to attend a mandatory
lifeboat drill. This exercise is required by law and everyone must attend. Bring
your KTTW card with you; this is how DCL keeps track of who attended the drill. On Disney Cruise line you don’t need to wear your life jacket to this
drill, so leave it in your stateroom. But do make sure you know where it is…
just in case!
Lifeboat/Muster Drill Demonstration
SAIL-AWAY CELEBRATION
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and their friends kick
things off with a special dance party. It’s a fun little show with some dancing
& music it is a great way to start your trip but it is completely optional.
There are all sorts of things to do and explore now that you are setting sail.
Sail Away Party
That was just the first day; you still have dinner, shows, and
other adventures ahead.
Enjoy the ride and let the fun begin!
By Kris, Kris@traveltimetravel.com
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