Disney Cruise Line — Know Before You Sail

Documents and identification

For most Disney Cruise Line sailings that visit a foreign port (including the Bahamas), every guest — including children — needs a valid passport. A passport card works for closed-loop cruises (those that start and end at the same U.S. port), but a full passport book is strongly recommended in case of emergency medical evacuation or missed port situations.

U.S. citizens on short closed-loop itineraries can use an original birth certificate plus government-issued photo ID in lieu of a passport, but this is a risk we advise against. Your specialist can walk you through the right documentation for your specific itinerary.

Online check-in

Disney Cruise Line's online check-in opens 40 days before sailing for Pearl, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Castaway Club members, and 35 days before sailing for all other guests. Completing online check-in early is important — it's where you select your port arrival appointment (PAT), which determines when you board the ship.

Port arrival appointments are first-come, first-served within your check-in window. The earliest PAT slots (often 10:30 or 11:00 a.m.) are the most desirable and go quickly on popular sailings. Your Mouseways specialist will remind you when your check-in window opens.

Dining and reservations

Disney Cruise Line uses a rotational dining system: your party is assigned to three main dining rooms (on most ships), and you rotate through them on successive nights. Your servers travel with you. This is one of DCL's most beloved features and requires no reservations — it's included.

Specialty restaurants (Palo, Remy, Enchanted Garden, and ship-specific venues like Worlds of Marvel or Frozen) do require reservations and carry a per-person upcharge. Reservations open online 120 days before sailing for Platinum/Pearl members, 105 days for Gold, 90 days for Silver, and 75 days for all others. Palo and Remy are popular on every sailing — if you want them, book as soon as your window opens.

Port arrival and embarkation

Arrive at your terminal during your port arrival appointment window — not earlier. Disney cruise terminals are efficient when guests arrive at their scheduled time; arriving too early means waiting in a holding area outside. Drive-yourself guests should factor in parking; your terminal confirmation email will include the parking garage address and current rates.

Once inside the terminal, you'll complete security and check-in (if not done in advance), then wait in the boarding area. Boarding groups are called in order, and early PAT holders typically board within 30–60 minutes of the terminal opening. The ship's restaurants open for lunch shortly after the first guests board — head there directly, as the buffet area gets crowded quickly.

What to bring aboard

Your carry-on bag for embarkation day should include everything you need until your stateroom is ready (typically 1:30–3:00 p.m.): swimwear, sunscreen, any medications, and your dining reservation information. Checked bags are delivered to your stateroom door throughout the afternoon.

Disney Cruise Line has a limited bring-your-own-alcohol policy: each adult may bring two bottles of wine or six beers aboard at embarkation. Spirits are not permitted. All other alcohol must be purchased onboard.

The Navigator app

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before you leave home. Once aboard, it connects to the ship's Wi-Fi (no internet package needed) and shows your daily schedule, dining times, entertainment, and onboard messaging. It's how you'll communicate with your traveling party, check activity schedules, and make specialty dining reservations if you haven't already.

Castaway Cay

Most Bahamas itineraries include a day at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The island is tender-free — the ship docks directly at the pier. Excursions, bike rentals, and water sports are bookable in advance through the DCL website or Navigator app. Character meet-and-greets happen on the beach, and the lines are generally shorter than in the parks.