Ever wonder what happens when your Disney cruise vacation comes to an end? We’re sharing everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line debarkation below in this guide.
Although no one who’s set sail on a cruise vacation wants to think about it, every Disney Cruise Line sailing does come to an end –– and that means you’ll have to go through the debarkation process. Debarkation on a Disney cruise is definitely a process, and it’s one that includes multiple steps. You’ll need to be ready (and organized!) to ensure debarkation day goes smoothly.
So, what’s in store during the debarkation process for a Disney cruise? Here’s what you need to know before you set sail to familiarize yourself on what you need to do prior to debarkation and before your last day aboard any Disney ship.
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is Key for Debarkation
Before you set sail, make sure you download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. You’ll rely on the app throughout your cruise, but it’s particularly critical during debarkation. In fact, what many guests don’t realize is the Disney Cruise Line debarkation process actually starts a day or two before you dock in port –– and you’ll need the Navigator app to get started.
New to Disney Cruise Line and using the Navigator app? It’ll be your best friend even before you board! Check out these tips for a smooth first-time experience.
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app includes an entire section on debarkation. We highly recommend reading through this section a few days before your cruise ends so you can prepare any info you might need, plan your final day on the ship, and get your necessities in order beforehand.
Wrap Up Your Final Disney Cruise Purchases and Charges
When debarkation day arrives, there’s a lot to do –– and keep in mind. You can lighten the load a bit by crossing some tasks off your to-do list in advance, like finalizing your purchases, onboard charges, and double-checking all of your financial information before your cruise wraps up.
View Your Cruise Folio
One detail you don’t want to rush through is checking your cruise folio. We suggest doing this prior to debarkation day so you have time to take a full look at your bill for all onboard charges. You’ll find your cruise folio in the Navigator app.
Outstanding purchases will be charged to your credit card on file, but it’s still a good idea to scroll through the folio and ensure all the transactions are correct ahead of debarkation. Lines can be long on the last day prior to debarkation, so the sooner you do this, the better.
Check Out Your Cruise Photos
Photo by Jaysen White
If you haven’t already done so throughout your cruise, we highly recommend utilizing the onboard photo kiosks to look at all the magical memories you captured in photos throughout your vacation.
You can decide whether to purchase a photo package or individual shots, but even if you aren’t sure if you’d like to purchase any photos, it’s important to do this before you debark. Once your cruise is over, this is no longer an option –– so you have limited time to make the decision!
Tipping Cast Members and Your Service Crew
When it comes to gratuities for Cast Members, Disney Cruise Line will automatically charge your account a standard gratuity fee for your stateroom host, dining room servers, assistant server, and head server. You don’t need to worry about these tips if you’re happy to stick with the automated amount.
However, if you found your service crew went above and beyond and wish to add an additional tip, you can do this at Guest Services or by adding cash to the gratuity envelopes that will be left in your stateroom on debarkation day. Remember, lines and wait times are long during debarkation day on a Disney cruise, so this is something you can do in advance to save time!
How to Handle Your Luggage During Disney Cruise Debarkation
Photo by Bill Ryan
There are two ways to deal with your luggage on debarkation day: Standard Departure or Express Walk Off.
On your last night of your cruise, you will receive a set of disembarkation luggage tags depicting a Disney character. If you want to utilize Standard Departure, you’ll fill out the name/address information on each tag and place them on your checked luggage pieces. You will then place your luggage outside your stateroom door prior to 11 PM that evening (times are subject to change, so be sure to check with your stateroom host for an exact time.)
The next morning, guests will be called to depart the ship in groups based on their luggage tag character/color. After you disembark, you will enter a large room which contains hundreds of pieces of luggage. Locate your Disney character/color to find your checked luggage.
If you want to utilize Express Walk Off, throw the character luggage tags away! You’ll debark the ship once you hear the announcement for “express.” You will be responsible for bringing everything with you, including all of your luggage.
