Everything is confirmed and secured — you're all set for an amazing getaway. Keep your booking details handy; you'll reference them at each step below.

Now's the perfect time to get every document in order — so there are zero surprises at the port.

• 1
  Valid PassportMust be valid at least 6 months beyond your return date. If yours is expiring, renew now — processing can take 10–13 weeks.
• 2
  Birth Certificate + Government Photo IDRequired for U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port).
• 3
  Visas (if applicable)Some itineraries and citizenships require a visa for certain ports. I'll flag anything specific to your sailing.
• 4
  Travel Insurance DocumentsKeep a digital and printed copy. Don't have insurance yet? Let me know — I can help.
• 5
  Disney Cruise Line Booking ConfirmationAccess your booking any time at DisneyCruise.com under "My Reservations."

Your balance is typically due about 90 days before sailing (5–14 night sailings are a bit earlier; 1–4 night a bit later). I'll send you your exact due date — here's exactly how to pay.

How to make your payment

• 1
  Have your cruise reservation number readyYou'll need your Disney Cruise Line reservation (booking) number to make a payment. It's on your confirmation email and in your account under "My Cruises."
• 2
  Pay securely on my payments pageAll payments are made through my secure payments page: polkadotsnwishestravel.com/payments. Enter your reservation number and follow the prompts.
• 3
  Questions? Reach out firstNot sure about your balance or due date? Message me before you pay and I'll walk you through it.

Pre-booking saves money and locks in the best tables. Prices are usually at their best 60–90 days out — this is the sweet spot. (For the full dining breakdown, see the deep-dive guide below.)

🍷 Drink packages

• ★
  Free non-alcoholic drinksSoda (including self-serve on the pool deck), coffee, tea, lemonade, and juice are included at no charge — a genuine Disney perk. Bottled water and specialty coffee cost extra.
• ★
  Beer & wine packagesNo unlimited alcohol package exists on Disney. Instead you can buy beer packs (6/12/24) or wine packages to save a little vs. buying individually — and add a cooler to take ashore.
• ★
  Pay-as-you-go cocktailsBars, lounges, and tastings are all à la carte. Adults 21+ may also bring a limited amount of their own wine/beer aboard (see FAQ).

🍽️ Specialty dining

• ★
  Palo (18+)Refined Italian with a dress code and a beloved brunch — the most popular adult splurge. Reserve early.
• ★
  Remy / Enchanté (18+)French fine dining on select ships — a true special-occasion experience.

Exploring each port is one of the best parts of cruising. Plan now, before the most popular tours sell out.

⚓ Your options

• 1
  Book Through Disney Cruise LineThe safest option — these are ship-guaranteed, so if your tour runs late, the ship waits for you. Browse under "Shore Excursions."
• 2
  Independent ToursThird-party operators often offer unique experiences at lower prices. Just leave plenty of buffer to get back before all-aboard.
• 3
  Explore on Your OwnSome ports are very walkable. I'm happy to share recommendations for each of yours.

💡 Kelsey's tips

• ✓Book early — swim-with-dolphins and similar tours sell out weeks ahead.
• ✓Check all-aboard time for each port and keep a 1–2 hour buffer.
• ✓Traveling with kids or seniors? Look for "easy" or "leisure-paced" tours.
• ✓Bring small-denomination local cash for tips and market purchases.

Completing check-in early means faster boarding, your SetSail Pass ready to go, and less time in line at the terminal.

• 1
  Log In to Disney Cruise LineUse RoyalCaribbean.com or the app, signing in with the email tied to your booking.
• 2
  Go to "Check In"Under "My Cruises," find your sailing and click "Online Check-In."
• 3
  Complete Passenger InfoEnter each guest's full legal name (as on their ID/passport), date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID details.
• 4
  Upload a PhotoEach guest needs a clear, recent headshot — no sunglasses or hats — for facial-recognition boarding.
• 5
  Add a Credit Card on FileThis sets up your Key to the World onboard account for any purchases.
• 6
  Select Your Arrival TimeEarlier slots go fast, so check in as soon as possible.
• 7
  Download Your SetSail PassSave it to your phone or print it — this is your boarding document!

Let's connect for a quick check-in so every detail is in place and you feel completely prepared and excited.

📋 What we'll cover

• ✓Document Review — confirm passports, IDs, and required documents are ready.
• ✓Check-In Status — make sure your SetSail Pass is downloaded and arrival window selected.
• ✓Dining & Activities — review any specialty dining or onboard experiences you've booked.
• ✓Excursion Confirmation — go over your plans for each port stop.
• ✓Port Arrival & Logistics — parking, transportation, and terminal arrival tips.
• ✓Last-Minute Questions — your chance to ask anything. No question is too small.

One week to go — time to pack smart. Here's how to handle luggage, tags, dress codes, and what to leave at home.

🏷️ Luggage tags

• 1
  Print your tags after check-inOnce online check-in is done, Disney Cruise Line generates your personalized luggage tags with your name, stateroom, and sailing. Print them at home.
• 2
  Fold and attach securelyFold along the lines and attach to each checked bag. Paper tags can tear off in handling.
• ★
  Pro tip: plastic tag holdersGrab a set of clear plastic cruise luggage tag holders on Amazon (a few dollars for 4–8). They loop through your bag handle and keep tags from ripping off. A tiny purchase that saves a lot of stress.

👗 Dress codes

🚫 What NOT to bring (prohibited)

• ✗Irons & steamers — a fire hazard and not allowed; laundry/pressing is available onboard.
• ✗Surge protectors & extension cords — banned. Bring a non-surge power strip or USB block instead.
• ✗Candles & incense — anything with an open flame is prohibited.
• ✗Beer, liquor & hard seltzer — see the wine allowance in the FAQ below.
• ✗Drones, hoverboards & weapons of any kind.

✅ Don't-forget essentials

Disney does dinner unlike anyone else. With Rotational Dining, you rotate through a different themed restaurant each night — and your servers travel with you, so they learn your family's preferences by night two.

How it works

Adults-only dining (extra, worth it)

Your Key to the World card is your stateroom key, boarding ID, and onboard charge account in one. The ship is cashless — everything posts to your account and settles to your card at the end. Set it up during online check-in.

Disney's two private island destinations

Disney has two private Bahamas destinations, and both let ships dock right up (no tender). Disney Castaway Cay is the beloved original — a family beach with Pelican Plunge, the adults-only Serenity Bay, snorkeling, bikes, and character visits. The BBQ lunch is included.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (opened June 2024 on Eleuthera) is Disney's stunning newer island, built around Bahamian art and culture with beautiful beaches, family water play, an adult-exclusive area, and unique local excursions.

Both are highlights of any Disney Bahamas sailing. Cabanas sell out the instant booking opens, so reserve at your earliest window — and check whether your itinerary stops at one island or both.

Disney's complimentary youth programs are the gold standard at sea, split by age: Oceaneer Club & Lab (ages 3–10, themed to Star Wars, Toy Story, Marvel and more), Edge (tweens 11–14), and Vibe (teens 14–17). Highly trained Disney staff run the activities — good luck pulling the kids out.

It's a Small World Nursery cares for babies and toddlers (6 months–3 years) for an hourly fee. Character meet-and-greets, deck parties, and first-run Disney films round out the magic.

Part of the magic is the themed nights — pack accordingly so you're ready to join in. Which ones you get depends on your itinerary and dates, not just the ship.