It’s embarkation day and the beginning of your vacation! There is so much excitement during this time but there is also so much to do. It’s only natural that you are wondering where to start when you get on your Disney cruise ship. So we are going to cover just what to do as soon as you board your Disney Cruise.
Sort Out your Dining
If your stomach rules your world like mine does head straight to guest relations to find out how to change your dining assignment and how to book Palo or Remy. When we sailed on the Dream, we were sent to the Royal Palace. When we sailed on the Magic we had to head to the bar right outside of Animators palette to make our changes.
We are fans of booking last minute since we live here in Florida we can usually snatch up some insane last minute deals for residents.
Have Some Lunch
If you were able to board early enough it’s about time for some lunch! They have Cabanas open on the first day and it’s included in the price of your cruise. So I highly recommend not skipping out on the free food. This is especially important if you are second seating for dinner because if you are anything like me you are starving by the time dinner rolls around.
Dump Your Junk in your Room
Around 1:30 pm they will allow you to go into the room corridors and put your stuff away. We like to take this time to look at the schedule and figure out what we want to do. It’s also nice to unpack and get settled a little in your cabin.
You will often find this is highlighter and Navigator time where my husband goes back and forth as to what activities we want to hit up on this cruise. It’s also nice to have a general idea of the plan for the rest of the day.
The first day is when they give out tickets for certain character meets like the ever popular Disney Princesses. While you are down at guest relations it is also a good time to get tickets for a character breakfast and or tea if there is one available for your cruise. Plus if you are looking for a little excercise don’t forget to sign up for the Castaway Cay 5K!
Sign the Kids of up for the Oceaneers Club
If you have kids ages 3 to 12 they qualify for the Oceaneers Club. I highly recommend signing them up online so you don’t have to deal with the first-day craziness. However, you will still need to head to this area of the ship to pick up your kids MagicBands. It’s also typically an open house time where you and your kids can explore the entire kids only area. If you have a kid that’s a little nervous this is a great way to go explore the Oceaneers Club with them and help them feel more comfortable. Even for the adults aka big kids, I love popping down for the photo ops because the kids’ area is really stinking cool.
Book Your Spa Appointment
You know you deserve a little rest and relaxation on your Disney Cruise. The Senses Spa is exactly where to head if you are looking for this. If you want to save some cash ask about any promos they may be running they normally have some sort of deal going especially if you take the time to go on a tour of the spa. Take a close look at the schedule to find out when they are going to draw the winners for the spa raffle. They raffle off giftcards on the first day of your cruise you just never know when you may be the lucky winner.
Swim in the Pool
Don’t miss out on some empty pool time. If you head straight to the pools and board early you will find some very short wait times for the water slides that get very backed up on your days at sea.
We hope this gives you a great jumping point for the start of your Disney Cruise. For more tips and tricks to Disney Cruising read 10 Ways to Save on Your Next Disney Cruise and What’s Not Included on a Disney Cruise and What to Wear on Your Next Disney Cruise.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
