First Few Days
“It is easy to get overwhelmed in the beginning because there’s a lot to take in—I spent the first two weeks trying to get used to life on the ship. It definitely helps that everyone is approachable and friendly.”
While the fast-paced rhythm of shipboard culture may take some time to get used to, our Crew Members soon adjust to the sometimes intense work culture. The first days with Disney Cruise Line begin in Orlando, Florida, at a two-day orientation called “Traditions.” The orientation is designed to immerse Crew Members in Disney’s high commitment to service, safety guidelines, work expectations, and how to have a successful experience working and living aboard our ships.
Crew Members will then begin their shipboard training, which consists of several classes including shipboard orientation. This involves actual on-the-job training to help them learn about their new role.
A Crew Member's first few days (below is a sample and is subject to change):
Wednesday: Arrive in Orlando, Florida—settle into hotel
Thursday: Travel to Celebration/DCL Home Office for Day 1 of Traditions
Friday: Return to Celebration for Day 2 of Traditions
Saturday/Sunday: Join ship (depending on which one), tour ship, receive cabin assignment, begin onboard training, take group photo, meet your Leaders, get your costumes
Monday: Continue training—General Crew Drill, meet the Crew Activities Manager, tour the engine control room, begin your On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Tuesday: Continue training—Environmentality & USPH, do medical check, OJT
Wednesday: Continue training—Security, Safety, Crowd Management, OJT
Thursday: Immigration /I94 Card issued (Disney Wonder; US Port), OJT
Friday: Continue training—Life raft, OJT
Saturday: Continue training—Wet drill, tour Castaway Cay, OJT
To get an inside view of a typical day for some of our Crew Members click here.
