I have been on a 3 day Disney cruise Fall 2002, but can't remember how early they let us board the boat on the day we start the cruise. Also on the day we disembark, what time can we get off the boat? What is everyone's past experiences? I am hoping to catch a SW flight at 10:30am back to Phx, but I don't want to book it until I know I can make it. I am having Happy Limo take us to the airport, so no rental cars to return.

I just can't remember from my previous trip. I guess I was not really watching to clock or in any hurry ;)

Boarding officially begins at 1pm, though they frequently begin as early as 12 Noon.

As for getting off, generally, they will let you start disembarking at around 8am. But that can vary, based on customs/immigration enforcement.

A 10:30 flight isn't realistic. Could you make it? Possibly, but not with any certainty. Figure 30 minutes minimum to get your luggage, clear customs, get to the limo, and get to the airport an hour away. With the 2-hour advanced arrival time suggested for the airport, that means you would need to leave the port no later than 7am.

I can't remember what time we got off the ship, but I do know they didn't call colors, everyone just got off when they wanted. :)

My experiences have been that we were off the ship my 9AM at the latest. It makes for an early morning, that is for sure.

Personally, i think you may want to reconsider your flight times. I think DCL recommends departure times no earlier than noon or 1 PM.

Ok, then if I choose a later flight when would be the latest I can get off the boat on Sunday? When do they basically start kicking people off? THX for the replies. We are wanting to get on a SW direct flight back to Az (or one we don't have to change planes since we are traveling as a group of 15 & 8 are kids), so the next flight is at 6:30pm.

You will have to get off the ship early. If I recall correctly, everyone is off the ship by 9 AM. They are pretty firm on this as they need to refresh everything before the next group starts boarding.

If you have not purchased your tickets yet, have you looked into other airlines that may be able to give you better flight time options for the way home? Possibly SWA for going and then another airline going back? Depending on times and the like, it may not be all that more expensive. Otherwise, you may have to do a connecting flight.

Or.. and this may be a stretch (expense wise) with a group as large as yours, but maybe consider going to a park for a day?

You know what, we decided to stay 1 extra night after the cruise and head back on Monday morning to Az on the first n/s flight on SW. We are all flying on SW Rapid Reward vouchers, so really 1 more night hotel and 1 day park pass is not bad to pay for. Considering we are not paying for our airfare at all. 2 of our party may fly out that evening, but after hanging out with us for the day.

Thanks for all the advice & suggestions.....if we check in a WDW Hotel at 11am or so, I am sure they will hold our bags until the room is ready. Right? Then we can go enjoy Epcot or MGM (still did not decide which one yet).

Yep... Bell services will take care of all of that for you. When you get back to your room, just call them and they will bring everything back up.

BTW... After my last cruise, I was off the ship, on the bus, and at the BoardWalk by 10 AM. :) I did have an early breakfast sitting, though.

Thanks for your advice. The Boardwalk is the hotel I am looking at for our post cruise night. Can't wait!!!