Embarking on our Cruise (post 2 in our cruise series)

The day of embarking (aka getting on the ship) we were picked up by Disney transportation via the Magical Express at our resort. This is an extra fee, but sine it was our first cruise and we were already staying on Disney property we felt it would be the best choice for us. I'm all about keeping the Disney magic going as much as possible AND I'm all about easy.
The pick up process was soooo easy. That morning bell services took our luggage. We kept our carry on bags (same as you would if you were flying - important items like medications, identification and cruise documents, and possibly a swimsuit)
We were given a pickup time with our transportation papers and were to wait for the bus at the lobby waiting area. Our pickup time was 11:00am. When we arrived at the lobby we were greeted by a cast member specifically there to escort us (and the other cruisers) onto our bus to the cruise port.

 The ride to the port seemed quick because of the on board entertainment. It is so exciting to see the ships docked at port in the distance.

There's no mistaking the Disney cruise ships.

When you arrive at the terminal it was a quick walk through security, similar to that at the airport. Disney times their transportation port arrivals so that it doesn't get too crowded.
We presented our cruise documents and proof of citizenship, they gave us our key to the world cards and a navigator for the afternoon/evening activities. Then we made a quick stop at the kids club reservation counter (we pre-registered our daughters online) it was just a check in and they received their magic bands for on board tracking.

At Port Canaveral you walk through the Mickey tunnel and on to the ship.
I read as much as I could find ahead of time for what to expect when we first board the ship and still it was so magical, majestic and a little overwhelming.
Our first task was to get lunch at Cabanas. Because we didn't board until after 1:00 pm, we wanted to make sure we got lunch before they stopped serving it. We really weren't cutting it close, but we didn't know that. Everything does shut down at 4:00 pm for the muster drill.

Finding Dory themed walls at the entrance to Cabanas

So many delicious choices

 After lunch we wandered about the ship until it was time to go to our designated station for the mandatory muster drill (the location is printed right on your key to the world card)

After the drill we headed to the upper decks for the Adventures Away celebration.

     

Such a fun, exciting send off! 

click here to read my first post in the cruise series