Later Boarding Time?

[DisneyOtaku]

Hey guys! I will be taking my first Disney cruise a week from Monday, as my now husband and I will be going on our honeymoon!!!!!! (We got married Saturday). Due to me being busy with wedding prep, I am now just finishing my on-line check in, and the earliest we were able to get the port arrival time was 2:15 pm. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of this time? My DH (ahh, I'm so happy to call him that!) and I don't have any children, and we are light packers.

[CanadianWDWFan]

Congratulations!

One positive thing a late check in has, is that your room will be ready as soon as you board. This will save you from waiting around for your room to be ready. Most folks like to get early boarding so they can get on the ship early. Really all this does is make for large groups carrying their carry-on around the ship for a couple of hours.

Honestly though I would show up a bit early.

[BrerGnat]

You can show up anytime really. They will call "open boarding" around 12:30 at which time all groups are free to board. I would plan to show up around noon if I were you. They stop serving lunch around 2:30 so better to be on board earlier. Have a fantastic cruise and congratulations!

[DisneyOtaku]

Thank you! I am looking forward to it. Didn't know they would serve lunch the day we leave, so that's good to know.

[BrerGnat]

Thank you! I am looking forward to it. Didn't know they would serve lunch the day we leave, so that's good to know.

Yes, lunch that day is a HUGE deal. Cabins aren't ready until around 1:30 so lunch becomes the "main event" for most passengers (along with pool time). There will be a buffet lunch at Cabanas as well as one dining room open (but serving a smaller version of the same buffet). I recommend the buffet. The food variety is great and the vibe of all the excited passengers is really fun.

[paragon]

CONGRATULATIONS!
You will have a great time. Boarding day can be hectic, but if you plan well you'll be fine. We love the boarding day lunch, always good. One tip- use the forward or aft elevators! Everyone will be trying to find their cabins and the main elevators are always crowded. I found it much easier to simply use the forward and aft. I'll be on board in 91 days!

[GoldenDreams]

The lunch buffet is great, but if you board later and miss it, don't worry, because they have pizza and sandwiches available on deck all day. Also, the unlimited soft-serve.