Let’s Get the (Cruise) Party Started!
A First-Timer’s Guide to Disney Cruise Line
By: Annette Miller
February 13, 2026
Between booking your cruise and boarding the ship, there are a few important (and fun!) things you can do to build excitement and enhance your Disney Cruise Line experience.
Let’s get started…
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is a complimentary app available through the Apple App Store and Google Play—and it’s an absolute must for your cruise.
One of the most valuable features? Free onboard messaging. You can communicate with other members of your party right through the app without purchasing a Wi-Fi package.
The Navigator App also acts as your personal cruise portal, giving you access to:
Your daily itinerary, including Port Adventures, spa services, nursery reservations, and adult dining
Rotational dining details, such as restaurant location, dining time, and table number
A full deck plan and ship guide, so you can explore everything onboard
Important note: While the app is free to download, standard data charges may apply when downloading it at home. Once onboard, the ship’s DCL-GUEST wireless network supports the app at no additional charge. For that reason, I always recommend downloading the app before leaving home.
Order Your DisneyBand+
DisneyBand+ adds convenience, fun, and extra magic to your cruise experience.
With a DisneyBand+, you can:
Streamline the boarding process on Embarkation Day
Unlock your stateroom
Access Kids Clubs
Capture onboard photos
Tap to pay for merchandise
Scan on and off the ship at ports of call
Discover interactive surprises throughout the ship
These waterproof wristbands are similar to those used in the Disney theme parks. Cruise-themed designs and replacement bands can be ordered in advance through Disney Cruise Line.
Check In Online as Soon as You Can
Online check-in opens once your cruise is paid in full and your check-in window becomes available—typically 30 days before sailing for first-time cruisers.
I highly recommend checking in as soon as your window opens because:
Port arrival times are first-come, first-served
Earlier arrival times mean a smoother boarding experience
You’ll upload travel documents and verify passport expiration dates well before the busy pre-trip week
Taking care of this early gives you peace of mind—and one less thing to worry about while packing.
Book Character Experiences in Advance
One thing that truly sets Disney apart from other cruise lines is access to beloved Disney characters.
While many character meet-and-greets are scheduled onboard (and listed in the Navigator App), some experiences require advance reservations.
Once your cruise is paid in full and your onboard booking window opens—typically 75 days before sailing for first-time cruisers—you may be able to reserve experiences such as:
Royal Gathering (Princess meet-and-greet)
Frozen Meet and Greet
Disney Junior Character Breakfast (select sailings)
Disney VIP Character Breakfast (select sailings)
Royal Court Royal Tea (select sailings)
You can also book spa treatments, adult-only dining, onboard tastings, sports simulators, and nursery time during this window.
Register for Kids Clubs and the Nursery
Another “do this now and avoid the crowds later” tip: pre-register for Kids Clubs and the nursery.
Once your booking window opens, you can:
Complete required paperwork online
Pre-register your child for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab
Make advance nursery reservations for the “it’s a small world” nursery
On Embarkation Day, you’ll simply stop by the Kids Club check-in desk to finalize registration. Children receive a Youth Activities wristband that grants access throughout the cruise.
The ship also hosts Kids Club Open Houses on Embarkation Day, allowing parents to tour the space, meet counselors, and let kids explore. It’s often the moment kids fall in love with the clubs—and can’t wait to go back.
Bonus: Join Your Cruise’s Facebook Group
Using your ship name and sail date, you can usually find a private Facebook group created specifically for your sailing.
While I don’t recommend social media as your primary source for cruise advice (that’s what I’m here for!), these groups can be a fun way to:
Meet other families before sailing
Coordinate dining requests
Join group activities or tastings
Participate in Fish Extender exchanges
Fish Extenders are essentially a cruise version of Secret Santa. Guests exchange small gifts and leave them in hanging pouches outside stateroom doors. They’re fun—especially for kids—but they do require planning and time, so I always recommend first-time cruisers decide carefully whether they want to participate.
Planning a vacation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m here to guide you through the details so you can focus on what truly matters—creating incredible memories with the people you love. Want stress-free planning and the best value for your next vacation? Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
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If this is your first Disney cruise, you may also want to read: