If you’ve never been on a Disney Cruise before, you might be wondering: What happens with my luggage once I get to the port? Do you carry it on yourself? Does someone take it to your stateroom? How long does it take to arrive?
Don’t worry — Disney Cruise Line has a smooth, magical process for handling your bags so you can start your vacation stress-free. Here’s a breakdown of how luggage works on embarkation day, disembarkation day, and everything in between.
Embarkation Day: Dropping Off Your Checked Bags
When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you’ll see porters outside ready to take your checked luggage.
- Attach Your Luggage Tags: Disney will send you special luggage tags in the mail before your sailing. Make sure they’re attached securely — this is how your bags find their way to your stateroom. If you have forgotten your tags, have no fear, they have extras at the port.
- Porters Handle the Rest: Hand your checked bags to a porter. They’ll load them onto the ship and deliver them directly to your stateroom later in the day. (Don’t forget to tip them!!)
- Keep a Day Bag With You: Your checked luggage may not arrive until late afternoon or evening, so pack a carry-on with essentials like:
- Travel documents (passport, cruise paperwork, etc.)
- Medications
- Swimwear (if you want to hit the pool right away)
- Sunscreen, electronics, phone chargers
- Anything kids may need right away (snacks, diapers, activities)
Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy the pools or splash areas as soon as you board, pack swimsuits in your day bag. Your luggage won’t be in your stateroom yet!
When Will Your Luggage Arrive?
Once you’re onboard and exploring the ship, crew members will deliver your bags directly to your stateroom. Delivery usually happens between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, though it can sometimes take a little longer depending on your boarding time.
Don’t be surprised if your bags arrive at different times; they’re handled in groups. Just relax, enjoy lunch, and explore the ship; your luggage will find its way to you.
Onboard Luggage Storage
Disney staterooms are designed with smart storage in mind. Your suitcases should fit easily under your bed, freeing up space in the room. There are also closets and drawers for clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Disembarkation Day: Getting Your Bags Off the Ship
On your final night, Disney makes leaving the ship as simple as possible:
- Packing Up: You’ll receive luggage tags in your stateroom. Attach them to your bags and place your checked luggage outside your door by 10:30 pm the night before disembarkation. Crew members will collect them overnight.
- Carry-On Bag: Keep a small carry-on for things you’ll need in the morning — clothes, toiletries, documents, medications, etc.
- At the Terminal: After you leave the ship, you’ll pick up your checked luggage in the cruise terminal (organized by the color/character on your luggage tag).
Pro Tip: If you prefer, you can keep all your luggage with you and carry it off yourself — this is called “express walk-off” and allows you to leave the ship as soon as clearance is given.
Disney Cruise Line’s luggage system is designed to make embarkation and disembarkation easy and stress-free. Just remember to keep your essentials with you on boarding day, and let Disney handle the rest.
Planning your first Disney Cruise? Our travel experts at Academy Travel can walk you through every detail — from what to pack to making the most of your vacation. Click here to book your vacation!
