DCL embarkation issues - what I'm hearing and seeing -- be forewarned...
There have been a lot of reports/discussion/furstration about Disney Cruise Line embarkation issues.
* The short version: It can be clunky right now.
We are hearing that Disney Cruise Line has gone to a new back-end platform -- and we are seeing some issues that didn't happen before.
WHAT I'M SEEING AND HEARING
I am hearing from clients - podcasts - here on Reddit - and on the Disney Cruise Line message boards... (Apparently, group moderators will not let me give credit, unfortunately - they deleted an earlier post.)
ONLINE CHECK-IN ISSUES
* Reservations are listed as PENDING MUCH longer – sometimes even a day before;
* Information will drop off – even after online check-in (flight info – credit card information)
* Port Arrival Times – these are often later than people will expect
* Boarding groups – these are often later than people may expect
* Clunky process – Lines are showing up as longer, and people report that it feels disorganized.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
• ✔ Double-check your online check-in in the days leading up to sailing — don't assume it's saved just because you completed it once.
• ✔ Be prepared for your reservation to be listed as PENDING - maybe right up to departure. IMPORTANT - The pending notification DOES NOT mean that you are not going to be boarding. I know it can seem stressful. There is NO need to panic. Really!
• ✔ We always recommend this anyway, but… have your travel documents with you - we generally recommend that each guest have a passport, but have your citizenship documents with you. (You will need them anyway.)
• ✔ Bring a physical credit card to guest services on board, ready to set up your onboard account manually if needed.
• ✔ Build in extra time at the port. This isn't the sailing to cut it close.
The previous version credited where I am getting information, but moderators deleted it for self-promotion.