Cruising with Disney for the First Time -- Two red funnels atop a Disney Cruise Ship, each with a Mickey Mouse silhouette in white and a blue wave pattern

First Time Disney Cruise Tips: The Complete Guide

If you’re already a fan of the Disney theme parks , you might have wondered what cruising with Disney is like. Maybe you’ve never even cruised before — a whopping 40% of Disney Cruise passengers say they wouldn’t have even considered cruising if Disney Cruise Line didn’t exist.

So what’s it like cruising with Disney? And what do first-time cruisers need to know ? Here, we’ll cover the basics so you can decide if a Disney Cruise is right for you!

In a rush? Check out the 💡 Key Takeaways at the end of each section

Magic Onboard   |  Costs   |  Ports   |   Itineraries   |  Ships Staterooms   |  Dining   |  Requirements   |  How to Book

Prefer to Speak With Someone? Connect with a Vacationeer Who Specializes in First Time Cruisers.

Magic Onboard: What Makes Disney Cruises Special?

Disney Characters and Cruise Passengers dance together on the deck of a Disney Cruise Ship

Image © Disney

Perhaps you’re wondering what’s the big deal about cruising with Disney. Or maybe you have taken another cruise before and aren’t sure if Disney will be that different. Here are a few quick highlights of the things that make a Disney Cruise special, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser.

Disney Characters

It’s no surprise that Disney ships host Disney characters throughout the journey. It starts with a sail-away party and continues with traditional character meet-and-greets each day. You’ll have many opportunities to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, plenty of princesses, and a smattering of other beloved characters.

Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney’s private island in the Bahamas offers a special getaway for passengers on select cruises. Castaway Cay (pronounced “key”) offers dedicated beaches for families and adults, plenty of fun recreation such as snorkeling and water slides, and free meals on-site. You’re sure to have a great day in the sun!

Meanwhile, Disney’s newest private port,  Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , is currently under construction in Eleuthera, Bahamas. It is expected to welcome its first guests in Summer 2024.

Disney introduced the cruise industry’s first-ever fireworks at sea. It won’t quite be the same as what you’d see inside Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, but it’s still quite impressive. Note that not every voyage offers fireworks.

Kids, Tween, and Teen Clubs

Many cruise lines offer a kids club, but Disney’s are (not surprisingly) among the most impressive. Disney doesn’t have casinos on its ships, so they have room to devote nearly an entire deck just to younger cruisers. Children will get a special wristband on the first day and can use it to check themselves into the clubs whenever they like. Clubs are divided into specific age groups so everyone has an ideal experience.

The Oceaneer Club (ages 3-10) features extensively themed play areas and character interactions. This is where most kids spend the majority of their cruise — even eating lunch there! The Kid’s Club on each ship is a little different, but they’re all great fun. There’s even a kid’s club on Castaway Cay! It’s no wonder we consider Disney to be the best cruise line for kids !

For older kids, Edge (ages 11-14) gives tweens a high-tech hangout of their own. Teens can visit Vibe (ages 14-17), a venue that runs the gamut from chill relaxation to energetic dance parties.

Best of all, these spaces (and many more) are already included in the cost of your cruise!

For the tiniest cruisers (up to age 3), the “it’s a small world” nursery! offers babysitter-style daycare for an additional fee.

Not Just for Kids

Worried that you won’t be able to escape the kids on your Disney Cruise? You’ll be happy to learn that each ship contains spaces limited to those ages 18 and up. Relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove pool, or dance the night away at each ship’s entertainment district, featuring several nightclubs and lounges. Many adults enjoy relaxing at Senses Spa and its Rainforest Rooms . There are even adult-exclusive dining options. You don’t need to have kids to take a Disney Cruise — there’s plenty for adults to enjoy onboard !

Unique Dining

Most meals are included in the cost of your cruise and you’re never far from a snack throughout the day. There’s even free room service 24/7!

Disney is unique in that most non-alcoholic drinks are included in your fare — most other cruise lines require you to buy a separate drink package even for sodas. Alcohol and specialty drinks still cost extra on a Disney cruise.

Disney cruise ships feature a unique “ Rotational Dining ” concept in which you dine at a different restaurant each night but your servers travel along with you. You’ll have the same dining staff each night, so they’ll get to know you and your preferences. Some restaurants even feature live entertainment or character dining during your meal!

Themed Nights and Themed Cruises

Disney holds special themed nights on many of its cruises, going far beyond usual cruise line mainstays such as Formal Night.

For example, some Disney cruises have a Pirate Night where everyone dresses up as pirates, enjoys a special meal, and then heads up to the pool deck for a pirate-themed party.

Sometimes an entire Disney Cruise can be themed . One popular offering is the Halloween on the High Seas cruise, which includes a giant pumpkin tree in the ship atrium, costume parties, and trick-or-treating. Very Merrytime cruises bring the holidays onboard, with Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, and visits from Santa.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse smiling, in front of a Christmas Tree

Family-Friendly Staterooms

Extra care was put into the design of your stateroom (your “hotel room” on the ship). You’ll find space-maximizing designs like hideaway bedding, under-bed storage space, and room dividers. Most stateroom bathrooms are in a split configuration that allows two people to get ready at the same time.

Water Rides and Pools

Most Disney ships have unique water coaster style attractions which propel you along on a raft or let you plunge down a steep drop. There are also plenty of pools and splash zones.

Broadway-Style Shows and Live Entertainment

Each night offers live entertainment, including Broadway-style shows featuring Disney characters. Some are stage adaptations of Disney films such as Frozen or Tangled , while others are entirely original. Admission is free — there are no assigned seats, so all you have to do is show up, sit wherever you like, and enjoy the show! Each show is presented twice nightly, so you won’t have to miss dinner.

Free Movies

Cinema buffs will enjoy the unlimited free movies onboard. No ticket needed — just drop in and catch the latest from Disney, Marvel, PIXAR, and LucasFilm! Should you be cruising during the release of a highly-anticipated Disney film, you’ll be treated to a Prem-EAR at Sea !

Navigate with the App

The convenient and free Disney Cruise Line Navigator app lets you count down to your trip and then chart your course onboard with planning tools, deck plans, daily schedules, and even a chat function to reach fellow cruisers.

Download the app before you get onboard and you can use it for free — just follow the on-screen instructions to avoid data charges. Separate Wi-Fi connectivity is sold onboard the ships should you desire to keep up with emails and social media.

A Cashless Experience Onboard

No need to carry your wallet everywhere — all your purchases onboard and at Castaway Cay (except for postage stamps) are conveniently charged right back to your room account. Just settle up at the end of your cruise.

Castaway Club

Cruisers are automatically enrolled in DCL’s loyalty program, the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club . Starting with your second Disney Cruise, you’ll receive gifts in your stateroom, earlier booking windows for onboard activities, and other perks for being a repeat passenger.

💡 Key Takeaways for First Time Cruisers

✔️  The special magic of a Disney Cruise goes far beyond just seeing Disney characters

✔️  Disney offers kids, teens, and adults their own dedicated spaces, so families can have together time and alone time

✔️  Live entertainment is presented every night onboard, with three Broadway-style shows plus additional entertainment

✔️  Innovations like rotational dining and fireworks at sea offer an experience you won’t find on other cruise lines

✔️  Disney cruises include extras that other cruise lines may charge extra for

There’s So Much That Makes a Disney Cruise Special. Ready to Experience It All?

Cost of a Disney Cruise

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Cost is obviously a major consideration for people considering a Disney Cruise. Let’s look into what’s included and how much you’ll pay.

What’s Included in the Cost

Cruises aren’t truly all-inclusive , but they’re close! Your cruise fare includes your stateroom, most meals (including room service), most non-alcoholic drinks, live entertainment, pools & water slides, most onboard activities, and taxes & fees.

You’ll need to pay extra for specialty dining, specialty drinks, off-ship activities, tips, and souvenirs, among other things. Getting to the ship (airfare, ground transport) and optional travel insurance is also extra.

Read More: What is Included on a Disney Cruise – and What Isn’t?

Cost of Disney Versus Other Cruise Lines

There’s no denying that Disney is one of the more expensive cruise lines . A similar cruise on another cruise line will almost always be cheaper than cruising with Disney.

  • On the Disney Wish : $2,880
  • On Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas : $2,370

You’ll have to decide if what you get when cruising with Disney is worth the additional expense . Disney Cruises may cost more when compared to Royal Caribbean , Princess , Norwegian , or Carnival , but many families still wouldn’t cruise with anyone else.

Cost of Disney Cruise Versus Disney World

Comparing the cost of a Disney Cruise to a Disney World vacation is a bit difficult, because there are so many variables and differences between the two. For example, Disney World requires theme park tickets while a Disney Cruise includes all meals.

  • 4-Night Cruise to Nassau and Castaway Cay in Oceanview Stateroom: $4,902, meals included
  • 4 Nights in Disney Moderate Resort Preferred Room, with Tickets: $4,241, meals extra

There are plenty of ways to make both options cheaper, and there are ways to make them both costlier. If you’re trying to decide between the two, reach out to a Disney travel agent who can run some comparisons for your situation.

Read More: Disney Cruise Versus Disney World

Cost Factors

Several factors contribute to the cost of a Disney Cruise:

Departure Port and Itinerary

It’s no surprise that a 4-night cruise will cost more than a 3-night cruise. More nights cost more money.

  • 3-Night Cruise: $1,988+
  • 4-Night Cruise: $2,554+

Destinations matter, too. Some ports are more expensive to visit than others and some itineraries are simply more popular and command higher prices.

  • Western Caribbean Cruise: $3,372+
  • Norwegian Fjords cruise: $5,423+

Stateroom Type and Location

The type of stateroom — and its location on the ship — affects the price paid. A “better” stateroom generally costs more.

  • Inside (no view) stateroom: $2,564+
  • Oceanview (window) stateroom: $2,780+

Who is Traveling

Cruise fares are per-person . The first two people in a stateroom always pay full price for the type of stateroom they’re staying in.

The remaining people pay a reduced rate based on their ages: adult (13+), child (3-12), and infant (2 or younger) . These rates usually don’t change much (if at all), no matter the type of stateroom.

  • First two adults: $1,329 each
  • 15-year-old: $759
  • 7-year-old: $728
  • 2-year-old: $401

Prices are based on double occupancy. Solo travelers should expect to pay almost as much as two adults would have paid.

  • Total for Two Adults: $1,404+
  • Total for One Adult: $1,178+

Time of Year

Cruises are typically more expensive during popular months — such as summer and spring break.

  • In January 2024: $2,128+
  • In April 2024: $4,810+

Other Factors

Like airfare, cruise prices can change as the travel date approaches. You might find last-minute deals , but prices are often cheapest when they are first released. 2023 cruises and 2024 cruises are already bookable, and some 2025 cruises  are also accepting bookings.

Waiting to book may also mean that cheaper types of staterooms are booked, so only more-expensive categories are left. The best sail dates can even sell out, meaning you have to pick another.

And special events onboard the ship, such as Very Merrytime cruises and Halloween on the High Seas cruises may command higher prices.

Read More: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

When calculating the cost of a Disney Cruise, don’t forget gratuities (tips). It is customary on a cruise to pay gratuities to dining room staff and stateroom hosts (housekeeping). These amounts are not included in your cruise fare.

On Disney Cruise Line, the standard gratuity rate is $14.50 per passenger, per night (plus a little more if you’re staying in a Concierge room). This will be automatically charged to your stateroom account at the end of the cruise unless you visit Guest Services to adjust the amount (or pre-pay it).

Tips for other crew, such as bartenders and porters, is at your discretion and separate from the standard gratuities described above.

Read More: How Does Tipping Work on a Disney Cruise

Onboard Credits

One way to make your cruise money go further is using an Onboard Credit , which is somewhat like a rebate.

Onboard Credits don’t directly reduce your cruise fare, but they act as money that can be used while onboard the ship to purchase things that cost extra — souvenirs, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and even gratuities for the crew.

Some travel agencies offer up to $1,000 in onboard credit for Disney Cruises. Most travel agencies don’t charge any planning fees to book cruises through them, so it truly is free money for those already planning a cruise.

Read More: Disney Cruise Onboard Credit

✔️  Basic expenses such as lodging, most food and non-alcoholic drinks, and most activities are included in the cruise fare

✔️  Disney cruises generally cost more than other cruise lines, due to being a premium experience

✔️  Prices are based in part on the type of cruise, type of room, time of year, and who is traveling

✔️  Booking early gives you the best chance at getting the room and sail date you want at the lowest price

✔️  Book through a travel agency to receive an Onboard Credit (money to use while onboard the ship)

Get a Personalized Price Quote and Onboard Credit

Cruise pricing can be confusing and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Fortunately, you can get free help planning your Disney Cruise from the Disney experts at The Vacationeer !

Working with an Earmarked Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner  such as The Vacationeer is the best way for first-timers to plan a cruise .

You’ll have one, dedicated agent from start to finish — no giant call centers and waiting forever on hold! Your Vacationeer will answer your questions , share great advice , and help you find a cruise that fulfills your dreams and respects your budget .

When you’re ready, they’ll book your reservation , set up your payment plan , and help you keep track of important dates along the way.

Best of all, they provide a generous Onboard Credit of up to $1,000 .

Their services are completely free , and there’s absolutely no obligation to book  when you contact them.

Departure Ports: Where to Start Your Disney Cruise

Port Canaveral Terminal

Disney Cruise Line sails from 19 departure ports around the world. If you want to take a Disney Cruise, you’ll need to get to one of these locations to board the ship.

Florida Departure Ports

  • Port Canaveral, FL
  • Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), FL

Other U.S. Departure Ports

  • Galveston, Texas
  • Honolulu, Hawaii
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • New York, New York
  • San Diego, California
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico

International Departure Ports

  • Auckland, New Zealand
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Brisbane (Queensland), Australia
  • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Dover, England
  • Melbourne (Victoria), Australia
  • Sydney (New South Wales), Australia
  • Southampton, England
  • Vancouver, Canada

It’s tempting to just book a Disney Cruise that starts close to home; but you might need to travel to a far-away port to get a certain type of cruise, your preferred time of year, or your preferred Disney Cruise ship.

For example, Disney’s Alaska cruises start only in Vancouver. Galveston hosts Disney ships during winter only, not summer ( Florida is the only state that hosts Disney cruises every month of the year) . And the popular new Disney Wish cruise ship sails only from Port Canaveral.

Port Canaveral — Disney’s Home Port

Port Canaveral, Florida is the Disney cruise departure port that’s closest to Walt Disney World, about 60-90 minutes away. It’s close enough that many people choose to bundle some time at Disney World with a Disney Cruise.

Multiple Disney Cruises sail from Port Canaveral each week, year-round. The port is so busy that Disney has its own private cruise terminal building there.

Port Everglades — Disney’s Second Home Port

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida becomes a second year-round home port for Disney Cruise Line in late 2023. The Disney Dream will be the first Disney cruise ship assigned to there, starting November 2023. At least one more ship is expected to join by 2025, and Disney will likely build its own dedicated terminal there.

Getting to the Departure Port

Most people take flights to reach the city of their departure port. We strongly suggest you fly in a day early and spend the night at a hotel. This helps prevent missing your cruise due to a flight delay. (Your return flight home shouldn’t be too early, either, in case of port delays.)

Disney has agreements with hotels near each departure port; you can stay a night or two before/after your cruise and bundle the hotel reservation in with your cruise reservation. Of course, you can also stay at any hotel you like by booking separately.

Disney also sells ground transfers that will get you from select airports to the departure port, and to/from Disney Cruise Line’s approved hotels. Or, you can take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or a shuttle.

If you’re driving yourself to the port, you’ll have to pay for extended parking onsite. Port parking prices are set by the Port Authority, not by Disney.

✔️  You’ll need to find a balance between a departure port that’s easy to get to — and one that hosts the kind of cruise you want to take

✔️  Some ports host Disney Cruise departures year-round. Others might only host a Disney ship for a short time each year.

✔️  It’s wise to fly in a day early so flight delays don’t cause you to miss the ship

✔️  You can add pre/post cruise hotel stays and ground transportation to your cruise reservation

Get One-on-One Help Planning Your Cruise

Disney Cruise Itineraries: Where the Ship Goes

Where Does the Disney Cruise Go - The Disney Wonder is shown in Alaska

A big part of booking your Disney Cruise is picking your itinerary — which ship you’re on, when/where the cruise begins, where it goes, and how long it lasts.

Picking a Cruise

You can choose short 2-night jaunts or longer cruises lasting up to two weeks. 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries are the most common.

As for where to travel, there are numerous possibilities. The most popular — Bahamas cruises and Caribbean cruises — are offered year-round.

DCL Castaway Cay From Ship

Bahamas cruises are a perennial favorite

Other options are offered only at certain times. Alaska cruises happen in the summer to avoid the worst of the cold weather. And at least one Disney ship spends part of the year cruising in Europe .

Passengers on a Disney Cruise to Alaska observe a distant glacier while sailing through a fjord

It’s not just warm-weather destinations — sail through misty fjords on an Alaska cruise with Disney

Additional options include Hawaii cruises , Mexico, the Pacific Coast, Canada, Bermuda, the South Pacific, and New Zealand / Australia.

There are even a few one-way cruises, which start in one location and end in another. These include Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Panama Canal cruises.

Read More: Best Disney Cruise Line Itineraries

Ports-of-Call

There’s enough to do onboard the ship to keep you busy from breakfast to bedtime, but cruising is also a great way to experience other parts of the world. After all, where else but on a cruise does your hotel move to a different city each day?

Any time your ship visits a port-of-call (a stop during your cruise), you’ll be able to leave the ship for a few hours to go exploring. There’s no charge to leave the ship, but you’ll pay for any activities you do while you’re there.

Just be sure to make note of what time the ship will be leaving — you don’t want to be left behind!

Read More: Where Does the Disney Cruise Go?

Castaway Cay

Disney has its own private island in the Bahamas. Castaway Cay  is included as a stop on many Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises. The island is so popular among Disney Cruise passengers that a few cruises offer two stops at Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay - Disney's Private Island -- A Disney cruise ship is seen across crystal waters from a wood dock with net railing. A bird sits on the post.

Because Castaway Cay is Disney’s own island, you won’t be competing for beach space with passengers from another cruise line — Disney doesn’t even bring two of its own ships there on the same day.

Highlights include a family-friendly beach, an adults-only beach, a kids club, water slides, all-you-can-eat BBQ, and all types of water recreation. There’s lots to do and enjoy on the island!

Read More: Castaway Cay — Disney’s Private Island

Port Adventures

Although it’s free to leave the ship and explore on your own, you might choose to take a Port Adventure . This is a paid activity, usually organized by a tour operator who has an agreement with Disney. Some cruise lines call these shore excursions .

Port Adventures can be as simple as transportation and admission to a nearby tourist attraction, or as complex as a guided tour with special activities and a meal. Popular Bahamas and Caribbean Excursions include everything from dolphin interactions to Jamaica “Bobsled” rides.  Alaska cruise excursions allow you to ride the White Pass Railway through Yukon territory or take a helicopter flight to land on a glacier. Castle tours are popular excursions on European departures. Or explore volcanoes on a Hawaiian cruise excursion.

You can book similar experiences on your own, but there’s a huge benefit to booking Port Adventures through Disney: if your Disney-arranged tour runs late, they’ll hold the ship at the port — or pay for you to catch up to the ship at the next port!

Many itineraries include at least one Day at Sea. The ship won’t stop at any ports that day — you’ll just stay out on the open ocean. It’s a fantastic way to relax without feeling like you’re missing anything! Catch a free movie, watch a show, try a new restaurant, go swimming, or just order room service and stay in bed!

✔️ Your cruise will visit different ports, allowing you to exit the ship and experience a new area and culture.

✔️ Choose to visit the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, or many others.

✔️  You can explore on your own, or pay for prearranged activities called Port Adventures

✔️  Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is a popular stop on many Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises

✔️  A Day at Sea lets you enjoy the ship without missing anything on shore

Need Help Picking an Itinerary? A Vacationeer can help!

Disney Cruise Ships

The Disney Wonder Cruise Ship sails in front of a Hawaiian mountain with an orange sky in the background

Image © Disney / Kent Phillips

Your Disney Cruise ship is almost like a floating city. Onboard, you’ll find hotel-style guest rooms, restaurants, nightclubs & lounges, theaters, shops, pools & water slides, and even a medical center.

Disney has five ships to choose from , with three more under construction. We’ve listed them here alphabetically.

Disney Dream

Exterior view of the Disney Dream in open water

The Disney Dream was the third ship in the fleet, first sailing in 2011. It has 1,250 Guest Staterooms for 4,000 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Fantasy . It is significantly larger than the Disney Magic .

Itineraries: Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Transatlantic

Departure Ports: Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Copenhagen, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, San Juan, Southampton

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace

Adult-Exclusive Dining: Palo, Remy

Broadway-Style Shows: Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s Believe, The Golden Mickeys

Youth Clubs: Edge, “it’s a small world” nursery!, Oceaneer Club, Occeaneer Lab, Vibe

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Disney Infinity Game Room, Pixie Hollow, Star Wars – Millennium Falcon, Disney’s Once Upon a Time, Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, Jedi Training – Experience the Force

Disney Fantasy

Exterior view of the Disney Fantasy, sailing in open water

The Disney Fantasy was the fourth ship in the fleet, first sailing in 2012. It has 1,250 Guest Staterooms for 4,000 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Dream .

Itineraries: Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean

Departure Ports: Port Canaveral

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden, Royal Court

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Disney’s Believe, Frozen – A Musical Spectacular

Youth Clubs: Edge, “it’s a small world” nursery!, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Vibe

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Star Wars – Command Post, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Pixie Hollow, Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, Woody’s Roundup, Doctor Strange – Defy the Dark Dimension

Disney Magic

Aerial image of the Disney Magic Cruise Ship sailing with a partly cloudy sky in the background

The Disney Magic was the first ship in the fleet, first sailing in 1998. It has 877 Guest Staterooms for 2,713 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Wonder .

Itineraries: Bahamas, Mexico, Panama Canal

Departure Ports: Galveston, Miami, New Orleans, San Diego, San Juan

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s, Rapunzel’s Royal Table

Adult-Exclusive Dining: Palo

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney Dreams – an Enchanted Classic, Tangled – The Musical, Twice Charmed – An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Disney Junior, Pixie Hollow, Thor Becoming Worthy, Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Disney Royal Academy, Join the Lion Guard

Disney Wish

Disney Wish at Port Canaveral | Image © Disney

The Disney Wish was the fifth ship in the fleet, first sailing in 2022. It has 1,254 Guest Staterooms for 4,000 passengers.

Itineraries: Bahamas

Rotational Dining: 1923, Arendelle – A Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel

Adult-Exclusive Dining: Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, Palo Steakhouse

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney Seas the Adventure, Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, The Little Mermaid

Youth Clubs: Edge, “it’s a small world” nursery!, Oceaneer Club, The Hideaway, Vibe

Oceaneer Club Features: Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars – Cargo Bay, Fairytale Hall, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck.

Disney Wonder

DCL Disney Wonder at Sunset

The Disney Wonder was the second ship in the fleet, first sailing in 1999. It has 877 Guest Staterooms for 2,713 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Magic .

Itineraries: Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia, Pacific Coast, South Pacific

Departure Ports: Auckland, Brisbane, Honolulu, Melbourne, San Diego, Sydney, Vancouver

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Tiana’s Place, Triton’s

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, Frozen – A Musical Spectacular, The Golden Mickeys

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Disney Junior, Frozen Adventures, Captain America’s Super Hero 101, Mickey’s Roadster Racers, Join the Lion Guard

Future Ships

Disney is building three more cruise ships , which will eventually bring the total fleet size to eight.

The Disney Treasure will become the sixth ship in the fleet in December 2024 and should be similar in size and design to the Disney Wish .

Disney has purchased the partially-constructed Global Dream and will convert it into the new Disney Adventure  by 2025. This ship will be based in Singapore for at least five years.

The Disney Destiny , an additional custom-built ship (similar to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure ), is also expected to join the fleet in 2025.

✔️  There are five Disney Cruise Ships to pick from, with more being built

✔️  Each ship offers different itineraries and leaves from different departure ports

✔️  The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are smaller ships, while the rest of the fleet is significantly larger

✔️  Each ship has unique elements not found anywhere else in the fleet

Ready to Book? Vacationeers are standing by!

Staterooms (Cabins)

DCL Disney Cruise Best Staterooms

Your stateroom is your “hotel room” on the ship. It’s your own private space to sleep and relax onboard. Disney designed its staterooms thoughtfully, with sensible layouts and extra storage space that’s perfect for families. You’ll have a stateroom host who provides daily housekeeping and a nightly turndown service.

What’s in a Stateroom?

Your stateroom includes these amenities and more:

  • A traditional bed, usually queen-sized, designed to sleep two
  • A sleeper sofa (plus a pull-down upper berth and/or Murphy bed in rooms holding 4-5 people)
  • A private bathroom, usually in a split design which lets two people get ready at the same time
  • A mini-fridge
  • A television
  • A desk or table
  • Drawers, closets, and other storage space
  • An in-room safe

Some staterooms even include (locking) internal doors that allow you to reach a neighboring room without going into the hallway — a great option if you’re sailing with extended family or as part of a group cruise .

Four Types of Staterooms

There are four main types of staterooms to pick from, and the price changes based on what you pick.

Inside Staterooms

Inside staterooms do not offer any direct outside view. These are the smallest and least expensive rooms onboard the ship.

DCL Disney Wish Inside Stateroom

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview staterooms have at least one window, called a porthole, that lets you look out from your room. The window does not open.

DCL Disney Dream Oceanview Stateroom

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

Verandah Staterooms

Verandah staterooms have private balconies that let you step outside your room to enjoy the fresh ocean air.

DCL Disney Magic Verandah Stateroom

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

Concierge Staterooms

Concierge staterooms are either oceanview or verandah, but add in additional perks and benefits . They may be a traditional room, a one- or two-bedroom suite, or even an astounding multi-story room. These are the costliest rooms onboard the ship.

DCL Concierge Wish Tower Suite

The stunning Concierge Wish Tower Suite stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

Picking Your Stateroom

To pick a stateroom for your cruise, you first need to select the Type of stateroom.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom type selection

Next, you’ll pick a stateroom Category , which is based on room size, layout, and occupancy.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom category selection

Then, you’ll pick a Subcategory , which is based mainly on location within the ship — forward (toward the front), midship (toward the middle), or aft (toward the back), and whether you want to be on an upper or lower deck.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom subcategory selection

Finally, you’ll pick the exact stateroom you’ll be staying in. This is one of the big ways that reserving a cruise stateroom differs from reserving a hotel room.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom selection

There are lots of things to consider when picking a stateroom. You’ll want to study the ship’s deck plans (or get help from a travel agent) to decide what’s best for you.

Read More: Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

✔️  A Stateroom is your private “hotel room” on the ship

✔️  There are different types of staterooms: Inside (no view), Oceanview (window), Verandah (balcony), and Concierge (window or balcony plus extra service)

✔️  Your choice of stateroom affects the cost of your cruise

✔️  You’re usually able to pick the exact stateroom you’ll stay in

Get Free Stateroom Advice from a Disney Cruise Expert

Because you pick your exact stateroom on a cruise, you’ll want to make sure you’re thinking of everything before choosing.

Get free guidance from The Vacationeer ! They’ll discuss costs , help you choose, and book your stateroom for you at no additional charge !

They’ll even give you a free Onboard Credit of up to $1,000 to use toward purchases on the ship!

You’re never under any obligation to book, so there’s no risk in contacting them!

Dining on Disney Cruises

best first time disney cruise

If you go hungry on a cruise ship, you have only yourself to blame! There’s plenty of food available 24/7, most of which is already included in the cost of your cruise.

Dinner (Rotational Dining)

The nightly dinner service is a highlight for most Disney Cruisers. Each ship has different restaurants — some offer just a meal service while others add in live entertainment.

Oaken, Elsa, and Olaf lead a toast to celebrate Anna and Kristoff's engagement

Oaken, Elsa, and Olaf toast Anna and Kristoff’s engagement at Arendelle – A Frozen Dining Adventure

Dinner when you cruise with Disney includes something called rotational dining . Passengers are pre-scheduled to visit a different restaurant each night of the cruise — no need to make separate reservations. The same servers travel with you to each restaurant; by the end of the cruise they’ll know you well enough to have your favorite drinks ready and remember how you like your steak.

When you make your cruise reservation, you’ll pick your dining time — either Main Dining (around 5:30 PM) or Second/Late Dining (around 8:15 PM). Want Second Dining but are concerned about the kids? Servers will expedite children’s meals if requested, and Oceaneer Club representatives come to the dining room to take the kids while the grownups continue eating.

You may be seated with another group ; if so, it will be the same people for the entire cruise. Some families love this because they can make new friends — but if you want to be seated at a private table with no other guests, ask your travel agent to note that request on your reservation.

Your dinner is already included in the cost of the cruise, so it’s a great way to try something different. Fearlessly order the escargot or pate — if you don’t like it, you can always get something else at no charge.

A plate of Escargot

You’ll never know if you like Escargot unless you try it!

Even “complicated” foods like crab legs and lobster are served in a way that’s easy for novices to eat. Can’t decide between steak or chicken? Get both ! Your crew will happily serve you two entrees or bring three desserts.

There’s usually at least one optional dress-up night / formal night during dinner. If you don’t want to participate, you can always pick an alternate dinner option.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Alternate Dinners

Breakfast and Lunch onboard are less “rigid” than dinner. Each ship features a buffet-style restaurant where you don’t have to show up at a set time and can sit wherever you like.

Marceline Market is the top stop for breakfast onboard the ship

Marceline Market on the Disney Wish

This same location also typically serves an “alternate” dinner if you’re just not that impressed by your assigned restaurant’s menu.

One of the usual dinner restaurants may also offer breakfast or lunch on some days of the cruise. These can be a more-relaxed meal than the often-lively buffet restaurant.

Adult-Exclusive Dining ($)

Each ship has at least one adult-exclusive restaurant which offers elegant meals for an additional fee. Reservations are required, and a dress code applies. Service is mainly at dinner, with an occasional brunch offering.

Lumiere leads the way to Enchanté

Lumiere leads the way to Enchanté, an adult-exclusive restaurant on the Disney Wish

Snacks can always be found on the pool deck — food windows offer up everything from chicken tenders to hot dogs to pizza to BBQ or Tex-Mex (offerings vary by ship). And there are free ice cream cones, too!

You don’t need to purchase a drink package if all you want is soda, milk, juice, or standard coffees/teas. They’re included at no additional charge — just fill up at one of the complimentary drink stations onboard the ship.

Unlimited sodas and juices are included in your cruise cost, no drink package necessary!

Specialty beverages (smoothies, iced coffees, etc.) and alcohol cost extra.

Room Service

Room service operates 24/7 and is included in the price of your cruise (but please tip the crew member who brings it to you).

The menu is relatively simple, but not sparse. You’ll find salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, wings, fruit/cheese trays, cookies, and cake, among other offerings. Canned sodas and packaged candies are also offered, but cost extra.

You can get breakfast through room service, but it’s mainly pastries and cereals — no eggs, bacon, or oatmeal. Room service shuts down on the last night of the cruise, so you will not be able to get room service breakfast before you leave the ship at the end of the cruise.

Lounges and Bars ($)

There are plenty of lounges and bars on each ship. These can be simple places to get a drink, lively dance clubs, or highly themed experiences such as a Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge.

No wretched hive of scum and villainy here! Hyperspace Lounge offers amazing views.

No wretched hive of scum and villainy here! Hyperspace Lounge offers amazing views.

Offerings vary by ship. Most drinks here cost extra, but you can purchase optional drink packages to help ease the cost.

Read More: Food on Disney Cruise Line

✔️  Most meals and non-alcoholic drinks are already included in your cost. Alcohol and specialty treats cost extra.

✔️  Breakfast and Lunch are casual meals with buffet-style service

✔️  You pick a dinner time when you book your cruise. You’re automatically assigned a different restaurant each night.

✔️  You have the same servers at each dinner

✔️  Youth Activities Counselors pick up children from Late Dining so parents can continue eating

✔️  You might be seated with other cruisers at dinner unless you request otherwise

✔️  Snacks, room service, and lounges fill in the gaps between meal times

Questions About Dining? Consult a Specialist

Requirements for Booking & Cruising

A passport being held up for the camera in front of a Disney Cruise Ship

Booking and boarding a cruise is a bit more complex than booking and checking into a hotel.

What’s Needed to Book a Disney Cruise

When you’re ready to book a cruise, you’ll need to have some information handy.

First, you’ll need to know exactly which cruise you want to take .

You’ll also need to know who is traveling . “Guessing” now and modifying later can be complicated and costly.

For each passenger, you’ll need:

  • Legal name (exactly as it appears on government-issued ID)
  • Country of Citizenship
  • Phone Number

Infant/Pregnancy Restrictions

Infants must be at least six months old on the day the cruise begins. For Transatlantic and Panama Canal cruises, the minimum age is 1 year old.

Passengers who enter their 24th week of pregnancy before or during their cruise may not sail.

Neither a doctor’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted.

When do You Pay for Your Cruise?

You’ll usually only need to pay a deposit (typically 20%) when you book; you might even be able to hold a spot for 2 or 3 days before the deposit is due. Either way, once your deposit is paid, you can pay the balance on your own schedule . There is a final payment deadline and you won’t be able to book any onboard activities until you’ve paid in full.

If you need to modify or cancel, do so before cancellation penalties begin. Some last-minute bookings must be paid in full right away and have strict cancellation rules.

Requirements to Board a Disney Cruise

Cruising is a method of international travel. You’ll need to present proof of citizenship and proof of identification  to board.

Accepted Documents

Some cruises allow U.S. citizens to board with only a Government-issued photo ID and an official copy of a birth certificate . There are very specific requirements for this — check the information provided with your cruise booking.

The best option is to have a passport. If you have a mid-cruise emergency or miss the ship at a port-of-call, you will  need a passport to board a plane.

Read More: Do You Need a Passport for a Disney Cruise?

Boarding the Ship for the First Time

Ahead of your cruise, you’ll be able to do Online Check-In to complete and print important documents . By all means do so — it’s no fun doing paperwork at the terminal! You’ll also pick a port arrival time during this step.

You’re allowed to have both checked bags and carry-on bags . You’ll receive airline-style luggage tags in the mail prior to your cruise — put those on any bags you want to check at the port, then give the bags to a Porter at the terminal (don’t forget to tip) . Those bags won’t be delivered to your stateroom until later on the first night, so be sure your carry-on contains any medicines, sunscreen, swimsuits, etc. that you’ll need for the first afternoon and evening. I like to give those items their own section on my Disney Cruise packing list to make sure I don’t accidentally put anything important in the wrong bag.

Passengers and bags undergo security screening at the terminal , so don’t pack or bring any prohibited items . You’ll then head to a check-in counter for a quick security photo, basic health questionnaire, and other necessary info. Then you’ll wait until your boarding group is called.

Once you board the ship, you’ll be able to access most areas right away, but your stateroom may not be ready until mid-afternoon.

Exiting the Ship at the End of Your Cruise

On the last night of the cruise, you’ll have the option to have your checked bags picked up and delivered directly into the terminal.

If you DO let them pick up your luggage, everything must be packed and placed outside your room by a certain time (which might be during your dinner). You won’t see your bag again until you’re off the ship, so be sure not to pack anything you’ll need prior to that — shoes, undies, medicine, etc. You’ll be given new luggage tags to place on each bag. Breakfast on the last morning of your cruise will take place at a set time, at the same restaurant you were assigned to dine at on the night before.

If you DO NOT have them pick up your luggage, you’ll be taking part in Express Walk Off . You will be responsible for getting all of your luggage off the ship with no help. You’ll need to leave the ship as soon as the Express Walk Off announcement is made, as early as 7:00 AM. Those doing Express Walk Off skip their scheduled breakfast on the last morning, though there are usually some pastries and coffee available somewhere on the ship.

Either way , you’ll need to clear Customs at the port after you exit the ship. You’ll receive a declaration form in your stateroom on the last night. Take some time to fill it out then — it’s no fun, but it’s even less fun to have to rush to do it the next morning.

If you’re not doing Express Walk Off, you’ll head to breakfast at the designated time and place. Then, you wait for the announcement that you’re clear to leave the ship, and off you go.

And that’s it! Your first cruise with Disney is sadly over – but it’s already time to start dreaming about the next one!

✔️  Make sure you’ve gathered all of the necessary information before you book your cruise

✔️  You usually only need to pay a deposit to book, with the remaining balance due later

✔️  Be prepared to provide photo ID and proof of citizenship to board

✔️  Consider getting a passport, even if your cruise doesn’t require one

How to Book Your First Disney Cruise

There are many ways to book a Disney Cruise , including directly through Disney Cruise Line’s website or phone number.

But for first time cruisers , you’ll get the best service and guidance by booking through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as The Vacationeer.

Here’s why:

  • Free help planning your Cruise — there’s no charge to book with The Vacationeer and they’ll walk you through every big decision
  • The best prices — they know all the  ways to save , so you’ll never pay more than if you’d booked it yourself
  • The best discounts — they can help with  Military discounts , Florida resident rates , and more
  • One dedicated agent from start to finish — no huge call centers and no waiting on hold ( unlike major wholesalers )
  • Expert advice from frequent cruisers — your agent knows the ships because they sail on them, too
  • They’re First Cruise experts — Vacationeers book thousands of trips each year and specialize in helping first-timers
  • Up to $1,000 to use onboard — get a free Onboard Credit for Port Adventures, gratuities, souvenirs, and more
  • Land and Sea Specialists — Want to spend some time at Disney World, too? Your Vacationeer handles it all!

Related Posts:

img-20180715-192338-01-scaled-789×592-1

Mom's Plan-it Vacation Blog Logo

25 Best Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers

Castaway Cay Water Climbing Equipment

It’s no secret that planning a vacation can be a lot of work! But it can also be totally worth it for an unforgettable family trip.

Disney Cruise Line is the perfect option for families because the ships offer so much to see and do onboard. In addition to this onboard fun, you can visit amazing ports of call in locations all around the world.

This means Disney cruises offer activities and adventures for all guests and are sure to please everyone in your family. Before you leave to embark on your cruise, be sure to check out our Disney cruise tips and tricks below.

From the planning process to debarkation day, these tidbits of advice will help you map out the do’s and don’ts of your Disney cruise vacation. Read all about our favorite hacks for packing, dining, visiting Castaway Cay, and more in our Disney cruise tips for first timers guide!

Planning Tips for Disney Cruise First Timers

If this is your first cruise, the planning process for a Disney Cruise Line vacation may seem a bit overwhelming. However, Disney really does a great job of organizing the information you need. Below are my top tips for getting through the planning process of a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

Download the Disney Cruise Line App

We recommend downloading the app right after you initially book your cruise. In addition to the Disney Cruise Line website, the Disney Cruise Navigator App features a ton of information and features. My family and I especially love the cruise countdown on the app as it really gets the family super excited for the upcoming trip.

Disney Cruise Tips Pinterest pin

The Disney Cruise app also holds important details about your trip, including information about your account, stateroom, port adventures, and more. And once you’re onboard, you will notice it contains everything you need to know about the ship in general. You can use the Navigator App for directions, dinner rotation information, daily schedule of activities, reservations, etc.

It’s also a great way to communicate (at no extra charge) with your family members while on the ship. You and your family can text each other via the Navigator App without having to worry about using up all the data on your phone.

Use Disney Ground Transportation

Disney Cruise Line ground transfers are a super reliable and easy way to arrive and leave the port. I highly recommend adding this shuttle service to your cruise reservation, especially if you are cruising with toddlers or babies.

(Note that your travel agent would need to add this onto your reservation if you booked through an agent.)

Disney Cruise Ground Transportation

My husband and I like that the Disney shuttles take care of our luggage so that we aren’t trying to keep up with two little kids, carryon bags, AND large suitcases. If you have a family of four, these Disney buses are really cost effective as well.

You can find out more information about the pricing and other details on the official website for Disney Cruise Line.

Get an Early Port Arrival Time

We like to arrive at the port and board the ship as early as possible. This allows you to enjoy lunch and the ship’s pools before your room is ready. This early Port Arrival Time is popular, so you will want to be diligent about choosing your time as soon as its available.

This means you will want to login to your Disney account as soon as online check-in becomes available. Then, you can make sure to snag the coveted early times before they book up.

Mickey ear entrance Port Canaveral

There is a trick to getting an early port arrival and boarding time even if they are all taken by the time you check in. Guests who book the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation do not have to choose a port arrival time since you are permitted to enter the terminal when the DCL bus arrives.

Furthermore, it has been my family’s experience that when we choose to use the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation AND we book a pre-cruise hotel through Disney Cruise Line, we are also given a low boarding number for embarkation day.

↓↓ Check Out My Etsy Shop ↓↓

Disney Cruise Planner

Now, if you are staying at a Walt Disney World hotel before your cruise, the DCL shuttles do not pick you up super early. However, if you book one of Disney’s pre-cruise hotels near Port Canaveral, you can board the ground transfers early to be one of the first to arrive at the terminal.

Book Activities ASAP

If you’re a first-time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, you may book certain cruise activities 75 days before cruising as long as you are paid in full. This is especially important if you are wanting to book super popular activities activities like the Princess Gathering and other character meet and greet opportunities. 

Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay

That being said, you’ll find plenty of Disney characters available onboard and on the private island that do not require reservations. If you aren’t able to snag a reservation for something that you really want, keep checking the app for cancelations.

In addition, we highly recommend joining the Facebook group for your specific sailing as other families tend to post when they cancel a reservation, which allows you to pick one up. If all else fails, visit Guest Services once you get on the ship, and a cast member should be able to add you to a list for the activity you are wanting.

Fly in a Day Early

If you live somewhat close to your departure port, you may be tempted to fly in the morning of your cruise, but don’t do it! The weather is so unpredictable, and I’m sure you don’t want to feel stressed about missing the ship. 

Flying in the day before you are scheduled to set sail allows you extra time to ensure you make it to your final destination…the Disney cruise ship! If you would like to read reviews and tips on where to stay the night before your cruise, you can check out these posts:

  • Best Hotel before a Port Canaveral Cruise
  • Where to Stay the Night before a Miami Cruise

Best Tips for Boarding Day

The day that you finally get to board the Disney cruise ship is known as Embarkation Day . This can be a hectic day since you will be juggling your cruise documents, luggage, transportation information, and more.

Our Embarkation Day post provides a packing list for your day bag as well as tips to help the day run smoothly for your family. Below are some additional tips for boarding on embarkation day:

Wear Bathing Suits

I know you are probably wondering what to wear on your cruise. You will see all types of clothing worn on the ship. No matter how formal or casual you choose to be, you won’t be alone.

Disney Magic Pool Deck

Most of the people I see on our cruises look casual and comfortable. This is especially true on embarkation day when a lot of kids are just wearing swimsuits and coverups. As a family, we tend to wear our swim gear under our clothes.

My husband and I also like to board the ship wearing flip flops or sandals that slip off and on easily. My kids like to spend time on the pool deck after our embarkation lunch, and I usually need to take off my shoes for the splash zone and pool area. Embarkation day is a great time to experience the water slides and pools without standing in line or being surrounded by a lot of people.

Ask to Upgrade Your Room

I want to preface this by saying that you should first make sure you book a room that you are completely comfortable with. Then, you can ask the cast member who is checking you in at the port if there are any room upgrades available. 

If Disney Cruise Line has available rooms, you can choose to upgrade for significantly less than what the room regularly costs. My family and I used this trick on our most recent cruise when we upgraded at the port to a concierge-level room.

This was a huge perk as concierge guests receive a lot of additional perks. Again, this is not guaranteed and it’s not even common. So, make sure you have a room you love in case an upgrade isn’t available.

Disney Cruise Stateroom Tips

As mentioned above, even if you are planning to inquire about a room upgrade at the port, you should initially book a stateroom that meets the needs of your family. These are some of my personal guidelines for booking a stateroom. This list also includes some little known facts about your cabin:

Stay Aft or Mid-Ship

If you have never cruised before, I recommend booking a stateroom in the middle or back of the ship. This may just be a personal preference for me, but I feel the motion of the ship much more at the front.

Disney Magic Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

If you are concerned about seasickness , you may want to consider a room in an area other than the forward (front) end of the ship. We typically feel the movement a lot more when we are in a venue at the front of the ship compared to at the back (aft) or middle.

Pack Magnets

You have probably seen photos of decorations on the outside of stateroom doors. These items attach to the door with a magnet. Similarly, the walls and doors INSIDE the cabin are also magnetic. One of my favorite packing hacks is to bring magnetic hooks with us on our cruises. You can stick them to the walls and doors in the stateroom to hold all kinds of things.

We hang our wet swimsuits, hats, towels, etc. on these hooks. I also use the magnetic hooks on the bathroom door in our cabin. This is a great place to hold an over-the-door shoe organizer. You can store all kinds of things in the shoe organizer from hairbrushes to sunscreen to toiletries.

Memorize Your Room Number

You will be asked for your room number often during your cruise vacation. For example, when you are in line to take pictures with characters, the photographer will need your stateroom number. It’s a good idea to memorize the room number early on so that you can quickly recite it when a crew member asks.

Disney Cruise Dining Tips and Tricks

The dining rooms on the Disney cruise ships provide really great food, service, and entertainment. The rotational dining method that DCL uses can seem confusing if you are a first time cruiser. Below are some of our top tips for dining on your Disney Cruise Line vacation.

Get on the Waitlist

Depending on when you book your cruise, the main dinner seating may be full. If you would prefer your family eat at the main dining time (around 5:45) rather than at the second seating (around 8:15), call Disney Cruise Line and ask to be put on the waiting list.

Rapunzel’s Dinner Show on the Disney Magic

Then, check your online Disney Cruise Line account often (like daily). Sometimes the early time opens up, and it will randomly become an option for you to choose in your account. (This happened for me on my last cruise at about 30 days before sailing.)

If you really need the early dining time and it does not open up in the app, just check the appointment spot for dining requests on embarkation day. You will see a time and place to make dining requests onboard.

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

To make changes onboard, you just stand in line until you can meet with the cast member in charge to request early seating. Disney has always been able to meet our request on board; although, we tend to sail during the off-peak season.

If you are okay with eating at the later dining time, many avid cruisers actually prefer it. The dining rooms tend to feel less crowded and rushed during this time.

Request a Private Table

If you would rather eat at a table with only your travel party and not with strangers, you can mark this request in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Disney will not guarantee to grant this request; but, they will do their best to make it happen.

Disney Cruise Line ship, bathroom, water slide, and Mickey Mouse with text Disney Cruise Tips and Hacks

On embarkation day, you will receive a paper newsletter (called a Personal Navigator) that lists a meeting place and time for dining changes. You can go to this location at the specified time to confirm your request for a private table was granted. 

Specialty Drinks include Tips

If you order an adult beverage or a specialty kid’s drink, a gratuity is automatically applied to the price. When you get your receipt, make sure you don’t double tip…unless you just want to.

Best Tips for Castaway Cay

If you are lucky enough to visit Castaway Cay on your cruise, you won’t be disappointed! Disney’s private island in the Bahamas provides stunning beaches and lots of fun activities. You will find some great tips for visiting Castaway Cay below. (Since I have a toddler, some of the tips are baby or toddler specific.)

Borrow a Stroller

If you don’t want to bring a stroller from home for your young children, you can borrow one from Guest Services. They will charge your account $250 for the stroller, but DCL will remove the charge once the stroller is returned.

Strollers wagons and wheelchairs on Castaway Cay

The ship strollers are City Mini Baby Joggers. We had to fold it up before fitting it through the stateroom door on the Disney Magic, but they are super easy to collapse.

The stroller can then be stored in your room, under the bed, or even in the closet. If you are cruising with a little one but don’t want to borrow a stroller on the ship, you can grab any of the available strollers or wagons on Castaway Cay to use for free on the island.

Sit near the Climbing Feature

Castaway Cay has a climbing feature that’s perfect for young kids just off the shore of one of the family beaches. The beach and water in front of this play zone often has far fewer people than other areas on the island.

Castaway Cay Climbing Feature

Even at prime beach time, you should be able to find loads of seats and umbrellas in this area. If your kids enjoy climbing, you can easily monitor them from the beach in this area.

Pack Water Shoes

The sand and water at Castaway Cay is often full of tiny (and sometimes sharp) shells. You can get by without water shoes if you are careful. However, you may want to add them to your beach bag for peace of mind and for your kids’ feet. 

Disney Cruise Packing Tips and Hacks

Below you will find some brief notes on packing tips and hacks for your Disney Cruise Line vacation. For a full guide to packing, we suggest checking out our post that includes a free printable Disney Cruise packing list . In that post, we list all the essentials you need for your trip. Plus, we explain the reasoning behind some of the really unique items be make sure to take with us!

Bring $1 Bills

We often find that we need dollar bills for tipping various people throughout our trip. These are some of the positions we tipped on our last cruise:

  • motor coach driver who drove us to the port
  • porter who handled our bags at the port 
  • $1 per item ordered from room service
  • motor coach driver who drove us to the airport

We also added cash to the gratuity envelopes for our room host and dining servers. Note that you do not need to add additional tips to these envelopes unless you feel you received exemplary service. The regular tip amount is fine to leave. For more information, please check out our post on Disney Cruise gratuities .

Pack an Embarkation Day Bag

Your room probably won’t be ready until 1:30, and your luggage may not arrive until after dinner. So, pack a carryon bag for boarding the ship in case you need certain items before your luggage arrives.

Insider Tips for Shows

The Broadway style shows on Disney Cruise Line provide really great family entertainment that kids of all ages can enjoy. Here are a few tips for visiting the theater and enjoying onboard activities:

Arrive Early

The seats in the theater fill up during the nightly live shows. We try to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show starts to make sure we find seats together as a family. My kids typically don’t mind being seated early as we bring snacks and coloring books to entertain them before the show starts.

Grab a Booster Seat

I have a six year old who is really small for her age. My husband likes to grab a booster seat for her to sit on during the shows. You can get a booster seat at the entrance to the theater each night. This allows little ones to better see the stage from their seats. 

Pack Snacks and Drinks

You can purchase popcorn, candy, and drinks right outside the theater at Preludes . However, you are welcome to bring your own snacks as well. This is a great way to save money and stay on budget for your cruise! Just make sure any food you bring on board is pre-packaged as you are not permitted to carry on opened or homemade items.

Last Minute Tips and Advice for First Time Cruisers

These are some miscellaneous bits of advice for your first time cruising with Disney Cruise Line.

Return the Kids Club Band

If you receive a bracelet for the kids club (similar to a Magic Band at Disney World) for your child, make sure you return it to the club by the last day of your cruise. If you don’t, Disney Cruise Line will charge your account for the bracelet. 

Grab a Paper Navigator

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is a great resource while on the cruise. However, I still prefer to have a paper copy of the daily personal navigator. You can easily pick up your Navigator at Guest Services each day.

Disney Cruise Personal Navigator

You do not have to wait in line to do this. Guest Services should have a stack of Navigators set out for guests to freely grab and go.

If your final cruise day is at a port like Castaway Cay, it may be tempting to leave the packing until later so you can enjoy the beach. However, if you want Disney Cruise Line to handle your luggage on debarkation day , it needs to be packed and in the hallway that last night. 

Give yourself plenty of time to pack your bags and set them in the hallway by the luggage pickup time. This will help the end of the cruise and disembarkation day run much more smoothly. There’s nothing worse than spending your last night on board rushing to pack rather than enjoying the final entertainment options available with your family.

Schedule a Character Call

Disney Cruise Line provides two free calls from characters prior to your cruise. Depending on when you are cruising, you can receive a call from Goofy, Mickey, or Minnie. On a special note, if you are sailing on a holiday themed itinerary, you may be able to receive a unique holiday call from characters!

Don’t Stress about Laundry

If you are sailing on a longer Disney Cruise itinerary, you may feel uncertain about how to handle laundry on the ship. I assure you this process is super simple! You can read our full guide to Disney cruise laundry here , but I will briefly explain the process. We carry a bag of dirty clothes to the launderette onboard.

disney cruise detergent machine in laundry room

You use the digital screen to purchase the use of the washer and/or dryer. (The price is actually super reasonable, which you can read about in the post linked above.) Disney has all the detergents and things you need for an additional small fee. You then receive a message via the Navigator App once your clothes are finished washing.

You can then move them to the dryer where you’ll receive a second message once they are dry. If you prefer not to do your own laundry onboard, Disney Cruise Line offers full service laundry services as well.

Final Thoughts on Disney Cruise Tips and Tricks

I hope you found these tips for your first Disney cruise really helpful! Sailing with Disney Cruise Line is the most fun and relaxing way to travel. Whether you’re looking for pre-cruise advice or tips to use onboard, the information above should come in handy.

We hope your vacation runs smoothly with our planning and packing hacks. Once you are cruising with Disney , you’ll realize just how special a Disney Cruise Line vacation truly is.

Have a magical trip!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

Similar Posts

Disney World vs Disney Cruise: Which is better?

Disney World vs Disney Cruise: Which is better?

Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List with Printable PDF

Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List with Printable PDF

Best Disney Cruise Activities for Kids

Best Disney Cruise Activities for Kids

Disney Cruise Line Gratuities (What to Know about Tipping)

Disney Cruise Line Gratuities (What to Know about Tipping)

Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Vacations

Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line Vacations

Is Disney Cruise Concierge Worth It?

Is Disney Cruise Concierge Worth It?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 10 First-Time Disney Cruise Line Tips

best first time disney cruise

Planning to set sail in 2020 or beyond? These first-time Disney Cruise Line tips will help you with things you might not know about the Magic, Fantasy, Dream, and Wonder DCL ships. Most are mistakes we made–and learned from–on our first DCL vacation, but we’ve also updated and tweaked this list with new info, ideas & changes. ( Updated October 31, 2019 .)

If you’re a Castaway Club member or a seasoned Disney Cruise Line veteran, some of these may seem obvious. However, based on our conversations with our guests aboard the Disney Magic, things aren’t always quite as obvious as they might seem. If you’re planning to set sail aboard Disney Cruise Line, these updated tips should come in handy.

Fortunately, setting sail on the Disney Cruise Line is a far less complicated experience than visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or other theme parks, so there’s not a ton you need to know to “do it right.” These 10 tips should at the very least set you on the right course…

Note that these tips all cover the experiences aboard the Disney Cruise Line ships themselves. If you’re looking for Disney’s Castaway Cay Tips, read this post . If you want something more comprehensive or less aimed at first timers, check out our 101 Great Disney Cruise Line Tips . That’s more of a deep dive and covers a range of things–including stuff you might not know even if you’re a Platinum Castaway Club Member!

Let’s take a look at the tips for having a great time your first time setting sail aboard the Disney Cruise Line…

Every Restaurant is All You Can Eat

lumieres-lamb

One of the selling points of Disney Cruise Line is that soda is all-you-can-drink and there are places to grab food throughout the day without a surcharge. (As a point of clarification since we’ve met many people who call this “free,” it’s not free–it’s built into the cost of Disney Cruise Line, which costs more than other cruise ships in its class.) However, many people don’t know that meals at rotational restaurants are all-you-can-eat, in a way.

At these restaurants, you can order as many appetizers, entrees, and desserts as you want, make substitutions, etc. If you really like a particular appetizer or entree, order another! We did this at every meal, and always found the servers happy to oblige. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

We don’t recommend ordering so much food that you only eat half of what’s on each plate. Ordering a half dozen lobster entrees for yourself might seem like a good idea, but it’s wasteful and probably won’t endear you to your server.

Tipping is Different

best first time disney cruise

We read that tipping was different prior to our trip, and everything we read made it sound super complicated. It’s not. Basically, your onboard stateroom account is automatically charged a set amount towards the end of your cruise for housekeeping, your server, your assistant server, and the dining room manager, with envelopes also provided for the same so you can leave additional cash should you believe they deserve more. You can find out what the exact default amounts will be for your cruise with the Disney Cruise Line Blog Tip Calculator .

Should you want to tip less, you can go to Guest Services to change the amounts. We noticed fairly long lines at Guest Services the last night of our cruise, and assume this was why. We’re not going to get into the controversial area of recommended tips here, but our general advice is “don’t be an ass.” In the cruise industry, these tips are customary, and these positions in the crew depend upon them. If you vehemently disagree with the concept of tipping these positions, maybe you shouldn’t take a cruise.

I know I wouldn’t take a cruise if I hated being on a boat, and this type of tipping is as much a standard of cruising as cruises taking place aboard boats. Personally, I’m not a fan of the social construct of tipping (I feel that what’s now “standard” gratuity should be built into certain wages, as they are in most of the civilized world) for a variety of reasons , but until I can convince the rest of society to agree with me, I uphold my social obligation to tip.

Nightlife is Tame, But Fun

DSC_7944 as Smart Object-1 copy

This one varies widely depending upon the Disney Cruise Line ship you’re sailing, and how full your cruise is, I think. On our cruise, “After Hours” was pretty much a ghost town every night after 11 p.m. This is partly to be understood. Unlike other ships, Disney Cruise Line caters to families, precluding many parents from participating in the night life scene.

Still, we highly recommend checking out the night life. We found that, while sparsely attended, it can be highly entertaining. Perhaps not in the way you’re thinking, though. While it can be fun in itself, what we found more fun was people watching. (Yes, we were those people in the corner, creepin’ on the people in da club!) Some of the guests who have the most fun in the clubs presumably haven’t been on the party scene in a while.

Pour copious amounts of alcohol on that, and you the fuel for an awesome fire. We had a blast just watching the partying, and we are 100% certain the partiers had fun doing the party. Regardless of whether you want to be a party animal or a creepy lurker like us, we bet you’ll have a good time.

Don’t Miss the Fireworks

best first time disney cruise

If you’re comparing them to the fireworks at Walt Disney World, the fireworks on the Disney Cruise Line are going to disappoint you. They are relatively short by comparison, and not as large in scale.

But take a step back for a second. Walt Disney World fireworks are launched from the land. On Disney Cruise Line, you’re floating in the middle of the ocean, with a private fireworks show over the water. That’s pretty impressive, and watching them explode over the water as other ships blast their horns in the distance is a pretty cool experience.

Research Rooms

disney-magic-verandah-stateroom

Frequent cruisers are very particular about their room, and for good reason: not all of the rooms in the same class are the same! At first blush, choosing a room seems pretty easy, since there’s inside, oceanview, and verandah. However, there are actually several “secret” verandah and porthole staterooms, as well as mini-suites and oversized rooms, all of which are priced in a lower tier.

In our case, we didn’t have the ability to pick a room, as we booked a last-minute, restricted fare “verandah or better” (VGT–there are also IGT and OGT restricted) room. The benefit of this was saving money during the off-season (since the ship wasn’t full, last minute deals were offered) and guaranteeing ourselves a verandah view room. As a side note, you also should give serious thought to which class of room to you want, and whether it’s worth the money to splurge and upgrade.

While a verandah is probably nice on longer cruises, we learned that it was an unnecessary luxury on a short cruise. By contrast, we’ve heard that a verandah is pretty much a must-do on an Alaskan cruise, due to the view of whales it might offer.

Palo is a Must Do

palo-dinner-disney-magic-010

Some guests are likely to balk at the cost of Palo, wondering why they should pay extra for a meal when their normal rotational dining is “free.” Well, again, those meals aren’t free, they’re built into the cost of the cruise. Instead of looking at those as free and Palo as $25 per person, look at Palo as costing about 2% the total of your cruise (give or take depending upon the cruise’s actual cost). For a 2% increase in cost, does it not make sense to upgrade to a superb fine dining experience?!

We have a full Palo Dinner Review you can read if you need further convincing, but suffice to say, we fully believe that Palo is well worth the additional cost and highly recommend it for any couple looking for a romantic meal or foodies wanting a fine dining experience. The incredible service, atmosphere, and cuisine are all virtually unparalleled, and we now cannot imagine doing Disney Cruise Line without a meal at Palo.

Don’t Skip the Nightly Shows

golden-mickeys-hong-kong-disneyland

If you look at reviews of the nightly shows, they vary widely. We’ve now seen nearly a dozen different productions aboard Disney Cruise Line, some multiple times. Our enjoyment of these shows has been all over the place–sometimes a show we don’t normally love can be elevated by a stellar cast. Other times, the reverse is true. (About the only show we’ve consistently disliked is Villains Tonight!)

The point is, it seems that no one can agree on which of these shows is awful, good, or great, and the only one who can determine whether you will like the shows is you. That requires you going to see the shows. Besides, if you’re going on a Disney cruise, you really ought to see the Disney entertainment on that cruise. The good news is that, regardless of what you think of the story of the show, production values and acting are top notch in all of the shows.

Use the Personal Navigator

best first time disney cruise

If you’re like me and think your main option for entertainment on a cruise is lying around reading a book (more like falling asleep with a book on your face), boy, are you wrong! There are multiple, simultaneous options pretty much all day long. Granted, not everything is going to appeal to everyone, but you’ll probably never be wanting for anything to do while you’re on the cruise.

You’re provided a Personal Navigator each day with the schedule of events on it, but we recommend downloading the Personal Navigator App and using that. Even though we couldn’t use our phones on the cruise, we still carried them for the clock (who wears watches these days?!) and other apps. Of course, if you’re going to be in the pools a lot, maybe carrying around your phone isn’t such a good idea.

The Ship is Beautiful

best first time disney cruise

If you’re a fan of these styles of architecture or themed design, take some time to explore the ship. Go in the movie theater when it’s not in use, wander around the main lobby, stare at that handmade chandelier. A big draw of Disney is in the parks’ highly immersive environments, and while Disney Cruise Line doesn’t isn’t necessarily thematically transportive (although it is literally transportive), the ship itself does make you feel a bit like you’re aboard a ship during the golden age of cruise ships.

People Sleep In

best first time disney cruise

This is one of those seemingly obvious ones, but it’s clearly not that obvious given that the ship is particularly deserted in the early morning hours. I know I often harp on being up for the sunrise, and I realize people take cruises on vacation, but get up for the sunrise at least one morning!

There are very few people around, and seeing the sunrise on the open water is really a sight to behold. You can see and do a lot without worrying about other people in the early morning, so why not get up early during your day at sea, and go back to your stateroom in the middle of the day to take a nap?

Okay, that covers the first-time lessons for setting sail aboard Disney Cruise Line. As I’ve said before, I didn’t think I was a cruise person before, but the Disney Magic sold me on the Disney Cruise Line . Since that first cruise, we’ve done all of the ships, and eagerly await our next journey. It’s a totally different type of Disney experience than the theme parks, but the change of pace, relaxing, and service-oriented nature of Disney Cruise Line has us hooked!

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! For info on specific ships, see our Disney Dream Ship Guide .

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

Your Thoughts

If you’ve cruised with Disney Cruise Line before, what first time “lessons” would you add so that people avoid common mistakes? Any other tips? Any questions? Do you agree or disagree with our first-time DCL tips? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

' src=

Written by Tom Bricker

' src=

Your blog is excellent. I will be using this as my reference guide for when we go on our cruise. It will be our first cruise ever. Coming from Australia the tipping thing is hard to get my head around. I always tip when I’m in the USA, but I always worry I’ve missed someone. It’s nice for me that Disney just includes that for me to the appropriate people. However, do I still need to tip the person who brings room service, if we have it? And is there anyone else that I need to tip that Disney doesn’t automatically include? I always just ask anyway, as I want to do the right thing, but any advice would be appreciated. thankyou

' src=

I recently went on a Disney cruise for the first time in several years (it was also my first time going as an adult), and I wish I had known about fish extenders/stateroom door decorating in advance!

Because the stateroom doors on the cruise ships are metallic, many people choose to decorate them with magnets, pin trading boards, and other fun things. Additionally, families will put up “fish extenders”– organizers that hang off the fish that displays your stateroom number– for other families to leave small gifts in. In order to participate in an exchange, you often have to join a Facebook group and sign up in advance, but some people are kind and will also hand out items at random.

Although I had seen fish extenders on my previous trips, I never really bothered to consider what they were for, and the system really adds an extra bit of magic to your trip, since preparing for an exchange helps get you excited for the cruise, and receiving gifts seems super fun, especially for those travelling with children. I was unable to sign up in time for an exchange on my last cruise, but I definitely plan on participating next time!

' src=

The kiddos will definitely like this. What a fun trip! I’m will surely take the kids on a cruise this time. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week.

' src=

I’m so glad you enjoyed the cruise. We are going on our first cruise on The Magic out of Barcelona next September. As much as I am looking forward to our port days, I am also looking forward to the 2 days at sea. Thanks for the tips!

' src=

Hi, Awesome tips we are going on our 1st disney cruise on-board the Magic, next Friday! We cannot wait!

' src=

Found this very helpful for my trip in a couple months! Much needed tips!

' src=

Having completed 12 cruises, the Magic sets itself apart because of the Magic’s unique itineraries – Med and Northern Europe. Concierge level rooms go above and beyond the already exceptional service; however, they are quite pricey. But the best cruise has been the B2B (back to back Dream cruise) 3 day followed by a 4 day. I primed the kids and told them that our trip was only a short one – lots of gloomy eyes on debarkation day – day 3. I played along and we intentionally left the ship late that morning. After leaving the ship, I told the kids that i forgot a document in the pre boarding area only to go right back on the ship as they welcomed us back as the first family back on the Dream – Life is too short, enjoy it!!

' src=

Haha. What fun! Yes, enjoy life.

' src=

Seulement alors peut regarder, Timberland bottes timberland teddy fleece wheat http://timberlandshoesuk.wordpress.com

' src=

I was on Disney Magic last year for the first time. It was a DVC cruise and I loved it! Going again 2017 for a 7 night and can’t wait to explore more options on the ship. Entertainment was awesome, staff friendly, made fast friends. Nothing but awesome!

' src=

Hi Lillian! We are going on our first Disney Cruise and it is the DVC member cruise in 2017. What makes the DVC cruise more special than a regular Disney cruise? I am someone who needs to learn everything before our trip. What should we booking in advance? What are the must sees and dos? Thanks! Melissa

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

  • Get the Newsletter
  • Blogger Resources

Polka Dots and Pixie Dust

The Best First Time Disney Cruise Tips

The Best First Time Disney Cruise Tips

Embarking on your first Disney Cruise? Here are our BEST Disney Cruise Tips for Total Beginners. Much like any Disney Vacation, the more you know before you go, the better. This list will help you navigate dining, boarding, activities, money, ports, and more. Here are some Disney Cruise tips to know before you go!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission for purchases made at no cost to you, see our disclosures.

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruises have become some of our favorite types of vacations. Every Disney cruise we’ve taken has been nothing short of magical! But there is a bit of a learning curve for first time Disney cruisers, especially if you’ve never cruised at all before this! We’re sharing some of our favorite tips for beginners on Disney Cruise Line. We have been lucky enough to have sailed on all five Disney Cruise ships. So we hope this post helps you feel more prepared for your next Disney cruise. 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

  • 1 Tips For Planning for a Disney Cruise
  • 2 Tips for Choosing a Stateroom on a Disney Cruise
  • 3 Tips for once you’re onboard a Disney Cruise 
  • 4 Tips to Save Money on a Disney Cruise
  • 5 Tips For Tipping on a Disney Cruise
  • 6 Tips For Internet on a Disney Cruise
  • 7 Tips for Dining on a Disney Cruise
  • 8 Tips for Excursions on a Disney Cruise
  • 9 Tips for Kids Clubs on a Disney Cruise
  • 10 Tips for Adults on a Disney Cruise
  • 11 Tips for Meeting Characters on a Disney Cruise
  • 12 Tips for Packing for a Disney Cruise

Tips For Planning for a Disney Cruise

Here are a few basic Disney Cruise Line tips to help you navigate the waters of being prepared for your cruise!

Book your Disney Cruise through a Travel Planner

Booking through a travel agent is one of the easiest ways to make the trip planning process go smoothly. They can help you choose an itinerary, choose a stateroom, help you prepare for your trip, offer tips and suggestions and best of all, travel agents are free to use! They will also monitor the price of your cruise so that you get the best deal possible. And many travel agents offer extra perks like onboard credit .  There’s really not a lot of reason not to use a travel agent, even if you’re someone who prefers to do most of the planning yourself. You’re paying for a travel agent with your cruise fare whether or not you actually use one. So you might as well take advatage of their services. 

What is the best length of trip for a Disney Cruise?

This will depend a lot on what kind of vacation you’re looking for. But in general, we recommend not planning any less than a 4-night cruise. The reason for this is that generally, a 3-night cruise does not allow for any days at sea. Part of what you’re paying for on a Disney Cruise is to enjoy the ship and on the 3-night cruises, you just don’t get much opportunity to do that.  We love the longer cruises and always opt for those if it’s possible. But for a first timer we think no less than a 4-night cruise is a great place to start. 

Check-in for your Disney Cruise 30 days before 

Check-in for your Disney Cruise starts as early as 40 days before the start of your cruise. This is depend solely on your Castaway Club status . Pearl and Concierge can check in 40 days beforehand. Platinum at 38 days. Gold at 35 days. Silver at 33 days. And first time sailors at 30 days.  If you’re hoping to get an early Port Arrival Time, you’ll want to check in as soon as that window opens, which is 12am EST. You can learn all about the check in process on Disney Cruise Line here .  

Choose the best Port Arrival Time for YOU

When you check-in online you choose a Check-In time. This is not your boarding time, but rather the time you can arrive at the cruise terminal and begin the check-in process.  We like to choose an earlier time if possible, so that we can grab lunch onboard, and explore the ship before it gets too crowded. Many cruisers even go straight to the pool right away! Which why we recommend bringing your swim gear in your Disney Cruise carry on .  However, keep in mind, the best port arrival time is the one you can actually stick to. If you arrive too early, they’ll turn you away and you’ll just cause more congestion at the terminal. If you show up late, you may have to wait until even later to board. 

Choose the best port arrival time for, and your check in at the terminal will go smoothly. 

If you’re taking the Disney Cruise Line bus from a Walt Disney World Resort or airport , you can just choose the earliest time you see available.  When you arrive at port with the Disney Cruise Line bus is when they allow you to start checking in. So you’re not held to the same time restrictions as those arriving by other means. 

The Boarding Process on Disney Cruise Line

The Boarding Process is one of those things that you worry about way too much, and then when the time arrives, you realize it was actually really easy.  Be sure to have your cruise documents ready when you arrive so checking in at the port goes smoothly. The boarding process will vary slightly from port to port, but here is the general idea of how you can expect it to go. 

Updated Boarding Process at Port Canaveral for 2023

Boarding at Port Canaveral is currently slightly a bit different. When you arrive, you’ll be sorted into lines based on your port arrival time. Disney Bus cruisers, this doesn’t apply to you. When it’s time for you to enter the building, you’ll actually check in at the desk first. Be sure to have your cruise documents out. You’ll be given a boarding number at this point. Once you’ve been checked in, you’ll proceed through security, and then up the escalator to the terminal. Here you’ll wait until your boarding group has been called and then you can get on the ship!

You also no longer get your Key to the World card prior to boarding. These are left at your stateroom door and you can pick them up when you get on the ship. 

Boarding Process Steps (Pre-pandemic- will vary slightly to 2023)

  • Arrive at the cruise terminal
  • Leave checked luggage(with the proper luggage tags for your cruise ship attached) with a porter.
  • Then, you’ll be directed to a security checkpoint.
  • After you’ve gone through security, which is very similar to airport-style security, you’ll again be directed to the appropriate line for Check-In!
  • At this point, you will need passports (or whatever type of travel I.D. your cruise destination requires) as well as your cruise documents. P.S. The mysterious cruise documents will be different based on your situation and cruise choice. You will have received your Disney cruise line pamphlet in the mail, and believe it or not, if you open that baby up— it’s got a list of the documents you will need! All we needed was our passports and signed documents from the My Disney Cruise Line site. The documents mostly state we understand the charging privileges and the hazardous materials rules.
  • Then it’s photo time. You don’t have to have your photo taken, but you can if you want. 
  • You’re then given your Key to the World card and a boarding number.
  • Wait for your number to be called

And you’re done!

Know what Cruise Documents You Need

Every Disney cruise will require your check in form as part of your Disney Cruise documents. This can be printed off once you’ve checked in, or you can just show the QR code on your phone at port.  In addition to this, know what forms of identification you’ll need. Most closed loop US cruises (meaning they begin and end at the same port in the US) only require a government issued birth certificate and photo ID. You’ll receive information regarding what types of identification you’ll need from Disney Cruise Line, but this information is also available on the Disney Cruise Line website.

However, it’s extremely important to understand why you might want to bring a passport instead. A Passport is generally going to be safer and make check in easier. But also, in the rare case of an emergency, if you needed to be transported back to the US via air transport, a passport would be required to enter the country. Birth certificates and enhanced driver’s licenses are only accepted at land and sea crossings. We recommend you read all about what documentation you need for a cruise here so you can make the best decision.  We personally always take our passports on our cruises just to be safe!

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

This is a must do and we highly recommend downloading the Disney Cruise app before setting sail. At home, you can manage your reservations, book port adventures, see your itinerary and more.  And there’s a super cute countdown on the app that can help get you in the Disney mood. 

Once you’ve set sail, the Disney Cruise Line app is the only thing that can be used on the ship’s Wi-Fi for free. Well, kind of. iMessage also tends to work on the ship’s Wi-fi but it’s spotty.  Disney Cruise Line has recently gotten rid of paper navigators and now requires the use of the app to access the daily schedule.

The Disney Cruise Line app has tons of useful information. And you’ll likely use it most of your trip. Things like your dining rotation, activities and even the drink of the day are listed here. We recommend taking a look the day before or in the morning to see what your day will look like. You can favorite activities, keep track of planned onboard fun and port adventure times, and find out when characters will be available. 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

Tips for Choosing a Stateroom on a Disney Cruise

Choosing a stateroom on a Disney Cruise can be a tough decision. We always recommend looking online for room reviews, photos, videos or anything you can find. Not all rooms are made alike! We have an entire post about how to choose a stateroom, because there’s a lot that goes into it. If you’re working with a travel agent for your Disney Cruise , they can help you find the best room based on your preferences and budget. 

Other things to consider are which floor you want to be on, which side of the ship you want to be on and what things you want to be near, or away from. 

Is a porthole or verandah room worth the extra cost on a Disney Cruise?

Wondering how to Choose a Stateroom on a Disney Cruise ? There’s a lot that determines which kinds of Disney Cruise stateroom is best. But depending on your itinerary, length of cruise and just personal preference, it definitely could be!

This is actually a pretty highly debated topic in Disney Cruise Line Facebook groups. Should you spend the extra money for that porthole? Or even the verandah? This is a very personal preference and will really depend on how you vacation. We personally love going back to our stateroom to recharge, so for us, having that beautiful ocean view out of a porthole in the comfort of our room was really priceless.

If you don’t plan to spend any time in your room, we would recommend saving the extra money and option for an inside stateroom or porthole. Obviously, some people need a window (me) and others need quick access to fresh air. So both of these things can be a deciding factor in your choice. We’ve stayed in both a verandah room and a porthole and don’t regret the cost of either. That being said, I don’t think I’d personally spend the extra money on a verandah for a shorter cruise, but again, it’s a personal preference!

Disney Cruise Line Tips for beginners, disney cruise tips, disney cruise for beginners, dinsye cruise line, DCL tips

Tips for once you’re onboard a Disney Cruise 

You’re onboard the ship, hooray! Here are a few Disney Cruise tips to help you once onboard.

Attending the Safety Assembly on a Disney Cruise ship

The only thing you HAVE TO DO on a Disney Cruise is attend the safety assembly. If you do nothing else, you must go to the safety assembly on the first day. It will be on your navigator and is usually around 4 p.m. If you don’t go, they will come find you. This is serious business and the only thing you absolutely have to do while onboard. You don’t have to disembark at the port, you don’t have to go to dinner, you don’t have to go to the shows or participate in any of the activities, but you do have to go to the assembly. It is mandatory.

Make sure to see the shows onboard the Disney Cruises

Even if you choose to do nothing all day but lay by the pool and relax, you need to take the hour out of your evening and attend the live shows. They are incredible and so fun. We have been to Broadway and seen shows there, so we can honestly tell you that the talent, costumes, and stage sets are all right up there with the best of them.

We were lucky enough to see Frozen in its inaugural year on the Disney Wonder. And if you think you’ve seen Frozen or heard the song Let it Go too many times, you’re wrong. This show blew my mind! We also had the pleasure of seeing a new Beauty and the Beast show on the Disney Dream and it was one of the most fantastic shows we’ve ever seen. We only met a few other people who chose not to go to the shows, and they regretted not going. If you find after going one night that it’s not for you, that’s fine! But give it a try. You probably won’t regret it. 

And get there early! We recommend about 30 mins early if you want a good seat as seats do fill up quickly, especially on the smaller ships.

Explore the Ship or Take a Ship Tour

If you’ve never sailed on a cruise before, some of the lingo can be difficult to get used to. What the heck is starboard? Where is the Aft? There are maps all over the Disney Cruise ships, learn them. Disney does offer walking tours of the boat on the first day to help you get acquainted with your ship. Or you can do this on your own! We highly recommend this little walkabout. Sure, it may cut in a little to your first day on the boat, but it will keep you from getting lost later.

On our Very Merrytime Cruise long ago , we found out that the Disney Dream has a fun Mid-ship Detective Agency game that helped us orient ourselves to the boat and have a blast at the same time.  This game is only available on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy ; but we highly recommend taking time to play them if you have the chance!

Know when the Onboard Shopping is available

Forget your swimsuit, sandals, or sunscreen and want to buy it on board? Or maybe you saw the cutest sun hat that you’d love to wear at Castaway Cay in the shops on the cruise ship. It’s important to know when the shops are open for business so you can plan accordingly, especially if you’re buying something you need. As a general rule, the shops will be open at sea, and closed when at ports. Specific gift shop hours can be found in the Disney Cruise Line App and at the individual shops.

This is especially important for those taking a 3-night cruise.  The 3-night cruises go FAST, like really fast, and the shops are only open for a short time during the entire itinerary since they’re closed at port. So, if you’re hoping for some souvenirs, we recommend learning when the shops will be open, and plan to wait in line. 

Make time to relax on your Disney Cruise 

Make time to relax! There is so much to see and do on a Disney Cruise ship, but there are also so many opportunities to take a little break from doing anything at all. On our last cruise on the Disney Wish, we spent about 45 minutes at the very front of the ship just enjoying the view. You can only do this on the Disney Wish , and honestly, it’s pretty cool! 

Understand how Rotational Dining Works

Disney Cruise Line uses a unique strategy for dining called rotational dining. Each night you’ll rotate to one of the three main restaurants onboard, and your servers rotate with you. This gives everyone the chance to experience every restaurant, and your servers will get to know you. They’ll get to know what you like and what you don’t like, and they really make the Disney Difference on these ships. You can read all about Rotational Dining Here . 

Start Early to Beat the Crowds

Plan to be early everywhere. Arrive early for the shows. And early for Pool Time. Or early for Trivia. If you guys follow any of our tips regarding beating the crowds at Walt Disney World , you know we ALWAYS recommend getting an early start. There’s good reason we never stop saying this. Because it actually works for just about every situation. Disney Cruises are no different. The main pool area, which is also where you can grab unlimited soft serve, quick-serve meals and watch movies all day, gets very busy especially on Sea Days. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, get there before 11 am. This will ensure that you can grab a seat and enjoy the ambiance. Or just relax for a few moments before the crowds really start arriving. The pool area is busiest from 11 am-3 pm most of the time, and it can get pretty packed. 

Alternatively, if you are traveling sans children or your kids are in the kids clubs, the adult-only area is usually pretty calm and serene. So hopping over to that side is a great way to give yourself a break from the crowds.

The only exception to this is meals. You don’t really need to arrive early unless you want to. The doors don’t open until just a couple minutes before dinner has started, so if you arrive early, you’ll likely just be waiting around with everyone else. This is one scenario when arriving right on time will make you wait the least. 

Decorate your Cruise Ship Door

You can make door decorations to spruce up your door. We always make our door decorations and love coming up with different ideas and themes. Or if you’re not as crafty, or just don’t have time, there are plenty to be found on Etsy.  Many other people bring magnets, garland and other decorations. It’s an easy way to add a little extra magic to your cruise! And helps you find your door too.  The hallways are long and seem never-ending and the door magnets will help you find your way!

Watch the Cruise Ship Morning Show

Every morning, the cruise director and activities director will air a 15 minute-ish show on your cruise TV from 6 am-noon. This little show gives you all the info of everything that is happening onboard that day. Our cruise director was hilarious and we absolutely loved this show as something to watch while we were getting ready. 

Be Prepared for Sea Sickness on a Disney Cruise 

Let me tell you a little story called “I don’t get seasick”. Once upon a time, there were two sisters who thought they didn’t suffer from what some people call seasickness. They happily enjoyed their Disney Cruise for three whole days feeling fantastic. On the fourth night, however, their cruise ship was cruising at 21 knots to get back to Port Canaveral on time the next day and suddenly they began to feel much less than fantastic and had to lie down. They even missed a meal and ordered room service because they just couldn’t walk around the boat anymore feeling queasy. Luckily they had brought Sea Bands and were feeling better after a while. But it was a close call.

We had an itinerary that was pretty tight and had to make it back to port at a certain time. So, we had to go full speed ahead on our last night and it left the ride pretty bumpy. We had brought Sea Bands as a “just in case” and were so glad we did. You can also bring Dramamine or any other motion sickness OTC if you prefer that route. Sea-Bands are even great for kids, so grab some just in case.  Check out what to buy before your Disney Cruise so you can go prepared. 

Attend Pirate Night on your Disney Cruise

If traveling in the Caribbean you will have the chance to take part in Pirate Night. Pirate Night is one of our favorite activities on a Disney Cruise! Dress up as little or as much you want but either way Pirate Night is lots of fun. They have a special Pirates of the Caribbean menu for dinner too. Plus, you can get special Pirate themed treats later at night. Play Pirate games and attend a Pirate dance party. The famous fireworks usually happen at 10:30 pm over the water which are just amazing! Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line that is currently allowed to shoot fireworks at sea, so don’t miss it. It’s a lot of fun. So just trust us and go. 

If you’re sailing on any Disney Cruise ship except the Disney Wish, there is a late-night pirates buffet at Cabanas.  We are hoping that Marceline Market will later have this available on the Disney Wish too!

Get to know your Waitstaff and Room Host

Your waitstaff and room host/hostess will be with you throughout your entire trip. Even though you will not be in the same restaurant the whole time, your servers are scheduled on the same rotation as you are. So basically, you will see them every day. Unless you skip dinner of course. Get to know them; they are invaluable resources for excursion recommendations, newbie questions, best places to see the fireworks from the boat, best things to do at the port, etc. They’re extremely interesting people and love to interact. We learned so much from the friendly staff on board that it really is the equivalent of having your own tour guide. They’ll be excited to share their experiences and thrilled to hear yours. Many of them are from all over the world so take the time to get to know them, you’ll be glad you did.

Donald Duck Coffee Art Cove Cafe on Disney Wonder

Tips to Save Money on a Disney Cruise

Cruising with Disney on a budget ?  Here are a few things to know that can help you avoid sticker shock at the end of your cruise. 

Know What’s Included in your Disney Cruise Line Vacation

A Disney Cruise is generally all inclusive!   But that doesn’t mean that it includes everything. There are some things completely excluded. Knowing this ahead of time will save you a lot of time and heartache later. All of your meals, soft drinks from the drink station, hot cocoa, tea and coffee from the drink station, soft-serve ice cream from Eye Scream, kids clubs, and main evening entertainment are included. 

What’s not included on a Disney Cruise 

Most of your everyday items and services are included on a Disney Cruise vacation. However, there are some things that aren’t. Things like alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee drinks, teas, and smoothies are all available for an extra cost. If you decide to eat at Palo or Remy, fine dining experiences are not included, so if you plan to indulge in either (or both!) of those, plan for an additional cost. Here you can find a full list of everything that’s not included on a Disney Cruise .

  Port Excursions you want to participate in at your port of call or Castaway Cay (like snorkeling) are also extra. Spa services and gratuities are also not included. Room service is included, but the gratuities for it are not.  Most activities are included, however, occasionally there are some that are not. Things like alcohol tastings generally will cost you more and are anywhere from $25 per person to $55 per person. The Royal tea for little ones is also an additional cost.  Movie theater snacks like popcorn cost extra as well, though you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks in.  Wifi is also not free.

The Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish all have sweet shoppes that include items at additional cost. Onboard the Disney Fantasy, you can find specialty items at Sweet on You. And onboard the Disney Dream, Vanellope’s is home to gelato, cupcakes, cookies and more. 

Now, don’t get us wrong, we love to treat ourselves on vacation. But if you’re trying to keep your spending in check onboard your Disney Cruise, you can easily avoid many of these charges by replacing them with the free options instead. 

Bring your own Snacks to the Movie Theater and Stage Shows

If you’re planning to attend the nightly stage shows(which, yes, you are) or if you’re going to the movie theater, don’t feel obligated to purchase snacks at the concession stand. These are not free unless you’re sailing concierge. And you can actually bring your own snacks into the theater! Another fun tip about the concession stand onboard Disney Cruise ships …. you can get many of those coveted popcorn buckets onboard! They’re usually cheaper on a Cruise than inside the Disney Parks. Which is a great bonus and you do get refills for less too! And if you want to save even more on popcorn, you can actually bring your own Disney Parks popcorn bucket to get inexpensive refills as well!

You can bring alcohol on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line actually allow guests 21 years and older to bring their own wine, champagne and beer on board. If you are planning to drink while on your Disney Cruise vacation, but want to stick to a budget, we recommend bringing some of your own alcohol. While the drinks on the cruise ship are delicious, they are expensive and can add up quickly. Alcohol must be brought in carry-on luggage and wine and champagne come with an extra corking fee. There are limits to this of course.  For Disney Cruise Line’s full alcohol policy, click here.

Bring your own bottled water on a Disney Cruise 

You can also bring your own bottled water onboard a Disney Cruise. This can save you a lot of money if you prefer bottled water, because the bottled water onboard is a bit expensive.  You can bring one case of bottled water and it must be sealed and in the original packaging.  You can find more information about bringing bottled water on your Disney Cruise here . Alternatively, you can also just bring a water bottle and refill it at the drink stations for free. 

You can also purchase bottled water onboard.  But know the case of bottled water on board can be expensive so if you choose to go that route, be sure to budget it in. You can also order this for your stateroom ahead of time via the Disney Cruise Line website. 

Bring a Water Bottle

As we mentioned previously, you are allowed to bring your own bottled water onboard. You can also just bring a water bottle. Drink stations are open on the top deck 24/7, so you can fill up your water bottle pretty much any time. 

Book your Next cruise BEFORE you disembark

If you LOVED your Disney Cruise and want to start planning another, the best time to book is while you’re still on the boat! This is one of our best ways to get a Disney Cruise on a Budget. Disney Cruise Line offers a discounted deposit, a percentage off your next cruise and on rare occasions, a stateroom credit on your next booking. This is very easy to do! All you have to do is go into your Disney Cruise line app, and there will be a button that says “save 10% on your next cruise”. Click that, and make your deposit. Once you’ve done this, you’ll receive an email stating that you have booked a placeholder. 

After you’ve received that email, you can either forward the info to your Disney Travel agent , so that they can take care of the reservation for you; or you can call into Disney Cruise Line yourself when you’re ready to choose your specific itinerary for the discounted cruise. 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

Tips For Tipping on a Disney Cruise

Tipping on a Disney Cruise is always a bit elusive! Especially since you have so many people helping you. Your waitstaff alone consists of at least three people. 

How do you tip on a Disney Cruise?

Seriously, this may be the most important tip on this list! Or at least the one that will save your eyes from bleeding when you see your post-cruise final bill. As far as gratuities are concerned, Disney Cruise Line automatically figures a tip amount for your head server, assistant server, server, and room host/hostess.  Typically the gratuities are $14.50 dollars per person, per night. So, if you know how many nights you’re sailing, and how many people you’re bringing, you can do the math and add it to your Disney Cruise Budget .  You can find the current gratuities for Disney Cruise Line here . 

As a courtesy, Disney Cruise Line will charge the default amount to your account at the end of the trip for all these servers. You can choose to change your default tip amount at the concierge desk onboard. You can add more or less, it’s up to you. So if you feel a specific server or host deserved a different tip than the automatic amount, just be sure to settle it with guest services before you disembark.

Gratuities for other services on Disney Cruise Line

For all other gratuities, like for spa services and some of the specialty drink locations, even on Castaway Cay (if you’re going there) the tip will be built in. It will show you on the receipt and is usually calculated at 18%. Again, if you want to tip higher, just add in the amount you want to tip, otherwise, it is already figured for you.  You can add additional gratuity to these charges; but you don’t have to. 

Is cash accepted onboard a Disney Cruise?

Nope! The most accepted form of payment is your Key to the World card. That said, you use your Key to the World card just like you would a magic band at Disney Parks. Your credit card is attached to it. You can choose to settle your account with cash but this is done at Guest Services at the end of your trip. You can also settle your onboard account with Disney Gift cards, but again you just have to do this at guest services. Or they will charge the card on file. Everything charged during your stay will be a part of this bill. Because of this we highly recommend that you have your Key to the World card on you at all times.

Disney Cruise Line Tips for beginners, disney cruise tips, disney cruise for beginners, dinsye cruise line, DCL tips

Tips For Internet on a Disney Cruise

You’re on a Disney Cruise, you don’t need the internet right?! As much as we believe in the power of unplugging, we know it’s not always possible.  Unlike some other cruise lines, Disney WiFi is not free and is not included with your cruise fare. Here are a few tips on using the internet onboard your Disney Cruise. 

The Wi-Fi on a Disney Cruise Can Be Expensive

Wifi has recently changed on Disney Cruise ships, and it’s a little better than it once was. Prices range from $12 per day-$36 per day. We found that anything less than the Basic Plan at $24 per day, was kind of useless.  But that is just our experience!

The Wi-Fi on a Disney Cruise can be pretty bad

We learned this the hard way when we got stuck at sea during hurricane season on the Disney Wish .  We had no intention of purchasing WiFi, but since we do most of our work online, when we saw that we would have an additional 2 days at sea, we realized quickly that we needed Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, everyone else realized this at the same time. And the WiFi was quite difficult to get working properly. 

Get an international data pan for WiFi onboard the Disney Cruise ships

Do you really need Wi-Fi? Maybe check with your phone provider for international packages that could be cheaper. Verizon currently offers Travel Pass, which is an add-on that will allow you to use your phone abroad for $10/day on your current plan. So if you normally have 4 GB/month, you can use Travel Pass just as you would at home and it will just deduct that from your regular monthly data allowance. Another option is renting or buying Skyroam. Skyroam is a hotspot that will tap into another country’s Wi-Fi without racking up those international fees on your phone bill. The biggest issue with Skyroam and other alternative options is that it will not work at sea, only once you are in port, so keep that in mind if you choose to go that route.

Some of the larger cell service carriers offer Cellular at Sea. This allows you to use your cell phone data while at sea. So if you really need internet, it’s a good option to look into. 

Disney Cruise Line Tips, Disney Cruise Line, what to do on a disney cruise

Tips for Dining on a Disney Cruise

Looking forward to eating on your Disney Cruise? Here are a few tips for dining on a Disney Cruise. 

Every Restaurant on a Disney Cruise is all you care to enjoy

It’s not really advertised as all you can eat, but it basically is! Disney Cruises are known for their food.  And they always have a great selection. So maybe you want to try two appetizers? Or maybe all of the desserts? Go ahead! You can order everything on the menu if that’s what your heart desires. And no, it won’t cost you extra. 

How does dining work on a Disney Cruise?

On a Disney Cruise, your dinner rotation is set. It’s called Rotational Dining and will be the dining schedule you have your entire cruise. You can find this information in your Disney Cruise line app.  This lets you know which restaurant you will be in on which nights. On your cruise itinerary online it will show if you have the first seating or second seating. The first seating is at 5:30 and the second at 8:15. You can request to change this if you choose to. They can’t always accommodate requests for changes, but it never hurts to ask. Sometimes there is an option to change this ahead of time. And sometimes, you have to wait to get onboard. As always if you have any questions about your dining rotation, just ask Guest Services.

What is Rotational Dining on Disney Cruise Line?

Rotational dining is a system that is unique to Disney Cruise Line. Each night you are assigned to one of the three main dining rooms. And each night when you switch dining rooms, your waitstaff rotates with you. It gives them an opportunity to get to know you and what you like; and you get to know them! You can read all about rotational dining onboard a Disney Cruise ship here . 

What restaurants serve breakfast and lunch on a Disney Cruise? 

This will vary from ship to ship, and even between itineraries. But every ship that has a Cabanas onboard will serve breakfast and lunch at Cabanas. These meals will be buffet style.  Usually, two other restaurants onboard will serve breakfast and lunch as well so that you have options. However, during the phased reopening of Disney Cruise Line, this is not always the case. On our most recent cruise, they actually only had one restaurant other than Cabanas available for these meals. The ship was sailing at a lower capacity, so it wasn’t really an issue, but good to note. You can find out who’s serving what meals in your Disney Cruise App. 

You May be Sitting With Strangers at Dinner

Eating with strangers may or may not appeal to you. As a first-time cruiser though it totally took us by surprise! There is a chance that if this is your honeymoon cruise or you’re celebrating a special occasion, you may be seated alone. You will need to let Disney Cruise Line know ahead of time though if you want that option. This seating layout is part of the Disney Cruise Rotational Dining Schedule.  

Since we were a party of three traveling together we were paired with another party of three. When just my daughter and I traveled, we were actually seated with two other families. While it’s not a big deal and we’re happy to make new friends, it just took us by surprise. We’ve eaten at Biergarten in Epcot before, so the idea of eating with strangers is not totally new. But we’re giving you this heads up so you don’t have an awkward first meeting. As a side note, if you are paired up with another family for dinner seating, you will be with them for the entire duration of your Disney Cruise. So be nice, get to know them. Hakuna Matata.

If you’d prefer to dine alone, however, you can always request a private table. Disney Cruise Line does not guarantee that they will provide you with a private table, but they will accommodate you if they can.  You can do this by requesting a private table in the Disney Cruise Line app or your account on their website. You can also stop by guest services while on the cruise.

Disney Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise, Christmas cruise, disney christmas cruise, disney christmas, disney dream, disney cruise line

Tips for Excursions on a Disney Cruise

You’ve booked your Disney Cruise Line excursions and are ready for adventure! Here are a few tips for navigating your Disney Cruise Line excursions with ease. 

Disembarking the Ship

Each day that your cruise visits a port of call, you will be given instructions on when and where you can disembark. Whether or not you’ve booked your excursions through Disney or a third party, you’ll need to know how to access the gangway to get off the ship and what time you can do so.  If you booked through Disney Cruise Line, you can find all of the information in your Disney Cruise Line app.  Know what documents you’ll need to get on and off the ship. Usually, your Key to the World Card is required and photo ID for those over 16. But they will make the announcement on both the morning show and over the speaker system to let you know what you should bring. 

Don’t Feel Obligated to leave the Cruise ship at your Port of Call

Honestly, we actually struggled with this concept. Your goal for a cruise is to sail somewhere, right? Not necessarily! It could be that your goal is just to sail. In fact, after getting back on the boat early for our Disney Nassau Cruise, we were amazed to see how many people never actually left the ship! And we’re living it up with the ice cream and movies. It’s your trip and you get to choose how to spend it. 

We love supporting the local economy when we cruise. But we also know that not every port is right for every person. So there may be a location on your itinerary that just doesn’t suit you and that’s ok. 

Disney Wonder Kid's Club Toy Story

Tips for Kids Clubs on a Disney Cruise

One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise Vacation is the kids’ clubs! These clubs are incredible. And even if you think your child may not be interested in the, we highly recommend visiting on the first day for Open House. Even the shyest of children may change their minds when they see how cool these spaces are.

Even if you don’t have kids, you can check out the Open House. The Kids Club Spaces tend to be some of the best on the entire ship. This is especially true for the Disney Wish. 

It’s A Small World Nursery is for ages 6 mos-3 years and reservations are required. It’s also the only kids club that isn’t free, and it’s actually more of a babysitting service. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are for those 3-12, and in my opinion, are the best kids’ clubs of all! Edge is for tweens, ages 11-14. Vibe is for teens 14-17, and The Hideaway, or 1820 Society is for cruisers between 18-20.  You can find the hours and activities for each kids’ club on the Disney Navigator app. 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

Tips for Adults on a Disney Cruise

If you’re an adult without children, you may be wondering if a Disney Cruise is right for you. Of course it is! You’re never too old for something you love. So if you love Disney and want to explore the world of cruising, then a Disney Cruise is for you. They have plenty of adult-only spaces and activities along with the Disney magic you love. 

Disney Cruises Are Great for an Adults Only Trip

We always see many Adult only groups on our Disney Cruises. Whether you’re a childless couple that loves Disney, or want to plan a girls trip, or are just a single person who wants to travel solo, Disney Cruises are for everyone. There are so many things to do for Adults on a Disney Cruise just out to have some fun! You can visit the adult-only pool, bars, clubs, the spa, Serenity Beach if you port at Castaway Cay and of course the famous Palo or Remy adults-only restaurants.

The Disney Cruise Adult Deck

Even if you brought the kids, you still may want to head over to the adult only areas at one point. They’re just a little quieter, and may give you a much-needed escape. If you are traveling with children you can still have some fun too because the kids clubs are amazing and will give you a well-deserved break if needed. The Kids Clubs are separated by age group and staffed by a cast member, usually with crafts and games on hand. So feel free to just drop the kiddies off. 

Disney Cruise Line Tips for beginners, disney cruise tips, disney cruise for beginners, dinsye cruise line, DCL tips

Tips for Meeting Characters on a Disney Cruise

There are so many fun characters to meet on a Disney Cruise! They don’t always announce who will be out, but they do mention when and where characters will be out. Just look at the daily navigator in your Disney Cruise app and it’ll show you what time a character is meeting, and where. Then you can see for yourself if you want to stand in line to meet them! 

There are also a ton of free roaming characters onboard a Disney Cruise, so just keep your eyes peeled! We’ve had some of the most fun character interactions with free roaming characters. 

Disney Cruise line has a pretty cool meet and greet called the Royal Gathering. During the Royal Gathering, you can meet various princesses all at once. We’ve gotten to to meet Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana. Moana, Rapunzel and Belle all in one location.  But you need to make sure you get tickets. These are FREE and can be booked ahead of time through your Disney Cruise Line Itinerary. Booking opens up at 12am EST, and tickets often go fast.  If you decide at the last minute that you want to meet them, you can always check with Guest Services to see if there are any available. There is a cast member in charge of just checking your Disney Cruise Line Navigator, so be ready to show that when entering the Gathering. 

disney cruise line pirate night

Tips for Packing for a Disney Cruise

Packing for a Disney Cruise is a little different than most other vacations. Not only do you need to know what to bring in your Disney Cruise carry-on for the first day ; but you also need to pack several different types of clothing for different occasions. 

Pack Layers for a Disney Cruise in Any Weather

Even on some of your warmest cruises, remember you are on the ocean. It can get very breezy at night, causing you to wish you had brought that extra sweater or jacket. We have found that mostly during the day, we could do tees and shorts but at night needed a little something extra. Check out what to pack for a cold-weather cruise.

What to Pack for a Disney Cruise Vacation

Not sure what to pack for your Disney Cruise Vacation? We have an entire post dedicated to packing for a Disney Cruise , along with a free printable . 

Adult Beach Castaway Cay

We hope these Disney Cruise tips have been helpful. And have helped you get excited about your next adventure with Disney Cruise Line. Have a magical cruise and Bon Voyage!

25+ Disney Cruise tips for Beginners on Disney Cruise Line

Melanie Renee

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .

  • Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ Meridian Lounge on Disney Cruise Line
  • Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ Disney Yacht Club vs Beach Club - what's the difference?
  • Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ Dahlia Lounge at Coronado Springs
  • Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ Best Pools at Disney World at Where to Find Them

Share this:

Related posts.

Delicious New Snacks at Disney World 2024

Delicious New Snacks at Disney World 2024

Walt Disney World welcomes new snacks all year long! So we are here to help you see what’s new and where you can find it. Here are all the Best Snacks at Walt Disney World you can find in the parks for 2024. From Snacks […]

Sailing Out of New York City with Disney Cruise Line

Sailing Out of New York City with Disney Cruise Line

If you’re a Disney Cruise Line fan, no doubt you’ve seen pictures of the boarding process for their most common port, Port Canaveral.  The big Mickey that you walk through to get on board, the character ops while you’re waiting, and everything looking magical in […]

Walt Disney World Free Ebook and Park Checklists Plus 10% off polkadotpixieshop.com

Serious Stuff

Affiliate Links are sometimes used in many of our posts. As an Amazon Associate, and affiliate publisher for several companies we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the links. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosures page for more information. Unless otherwise noted, all photos, designs and graphics are original to Polka Dots & Pixie Dust.

Disney Vacation Shirts Polka Dot Pixie shop disney apparel and accessories

This site is not affiliated in any way with the Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. This site and the information contained therein represent the opinion of the webmaster. For official information on Walt Disney World, Click Here

  • Built using Kale Pro by LyraThemes .

Two Sisters Abroad

Two sisters exploring the world while trying to get college degrees

15 Essential First Time Disney Cruise Tips – For Stress Free Travel

best first time disney cruise

Hi all! Are you a new Disney cruiser? Wondering what to expect on board? Then you’re in the right place! Welcome to your cruising guide, complete with 15 first time Disney Cruise tips! 

In this post you’ll find everything you need to know to have an amazing first Disney Cruise! 

best first time disney cruise

15 First Time Disney Cruise Tips

1: download the disney cruise app.

This app is definitely a necessity for your cruise. It allows you to message other cruise-goers while on board – which is so helpful. It also has lists of your dinner locations and all of the day’s activities and shows!

Before your cruise departs, you can also use the app to browse menus, port excursions, and reserve activities. 

2: Pack first-day essentials in a shoulder bag

When you first arrive at the cruise terminal, your suitcases will be taken from you. This is great, so you don’t have to carry them on board yourself. 

However, although you will board the ship in the early afternoon, and probably get access to your stateroom around 1:00/1:30, your luggage may not be delivered to your room until the early evening (sometimes as late as 6:00/6:30.) 

Because of this, it is necessary to pack important items in a shoulder bag to carry onto the ship with you. Be sure to have your bathing suits, camera, medicine, electronics and a change of clothes for dinner (if you’re going to the early seating.) Often your bags will arrive earlier than expected, but don’t rely on it.

3: Go to the late dinner seating

If you aren’t traveling with young kids then I highly recommend the 8:00 seating. If you’re cruising in Europe, the late seating is at 8:30. The early seating, 5:00/5:30, is packed with young children (of course). Therefore may be less enjoyable for families with older/no children. You’ll also be so busy on the cruise that 5:30pm will feel like the middle of the afternoon and way too early for dinner.

4: Arrive to dinner 5 minutes late

People will start lining up for dinner outside of the dining room about 15 minutes before the doors open. There is no reason to do this. Instead, go to dinner five minutes late to avoid the rush! Your waiter will still meet you at the door and it will be a much more relaxed process. One of my favorite parts of a Disney Cruise is the rotational dining. There are three main restaurants on board, and throughout the cruise you’ll dine at each one. The best part is, your waiters come with you! You get the same waiters every night, and they are always so kind and accommodating.

5: Alert cruise staff in advance if you don’t want to dine with other families

Sometimes on a Disney Cruise you’ll be assigned a dining table with another group of travelers. This happens most often if your group is small and there is space to seat another small family with you. Since your waiter moves with you from restaurant to restaurant, this means the other family will move with you as well. While some people really enjoy this, and find that it’s a great way to make friends, it’s definitely not ideal for everyone. Personally, when we travel we prefer to sit with just our own family.

If you do not want to dine with other travelers, be sure to alert customer service in advance! If you forget, and are seated with another family the first night, you can always talk to the concierge or the dining room staff and they can (most often) arrange another table for you.

6: Order room service – it’s free!

Although there is always food available on the ship during the day (in the dining rooms, the pool deck and at the upstairs buffet, Cabanas), room service is another convenient option. It’s especially great at night when all of the restaurants and snack bars are closed. 

Unlike on some other popular cruise lines, on Disney Cruises, room service is free. The menu is pretty extensive and you can get anything from a full meal to dessert to snacks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. This is fantastic for when it’s 2am and you realize you need a pizza and some cookies!

7: Dine at the adult-only restaurants

Cruise guests who are over the age of 18 have the opportunity to make reservations for the ship’s adult-only restaurant. This is either Palo or Remy, depending on the ship. These meals are not included in the cruise fare, but they are delicious and definitely worth the extra cost once (or twice) during the cruise. 

You can dine at Palo and Remy for brunch or dinner, and I highly recommend both. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get dressed up, enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the restaurants, and have dinner with no kids. I recommend dining at Palo or Remy on a day that you are not excited about the dinner menu on your restaurant rotation. Be sure to make your reservations before the cruise begins, or as soon as you arrive on board. These restaurants have limited seating and the reservation slots are often taken quickly.

8: Pack your own alcohol

Disney allows each adult (21+) to bring up to two bottles of wine/champagne or six beers on board on embarkation day and at each port. To note: Alcohol has to be in your carry on . Do not pack alcohol in your checked suitcase or it will be confiscated.  

Being able to bring your own alcohol is extremely helpful as Disney Cruises do not have an all inclusive alcohol package. There are often many ports of call on each cruise itinerary. Therefore, you will be able to restock your alcohol supply regularly.

Be advised that the drinking age on board is 21. This is true no matter what the drinking age is in the country/port you are visiting. On some cruises parents can sign a drinking waiver, if you have kids over 18 but under 21. This waiver will allow 18-20 year olds to drink with their family, but never alone.

Your ‘ Key to the World Card ‘ will not allow you to purchase alcohol, or be served alcohol, on board if you are underage and don’t have the alcohol waiver. Read Disney’s alcohol policy here .

best first time disney cruise

9: Take advantage of the Kids Clubs

Parents, definitely let your kids go to the kids clubs! Bring them on the first day so they’ll meet other kids and make friends for the entire cruise. The kids clubs are great, and they’ll be having so much fun that they’ll be entertained for hours on end. The ships are very safe, so you really have nothing to worry about – even if your kids are out late.

Disney has clubs for all ages, even teens, and it’s a really great way to make sure your kids are having a great vacation. It’s also a great way to ensure that you can have some time to yourself to enjoy the ship and adult-only areas!

10: Go to the 18-21 club!

If you’re between the ages of 18 to 21 (really like 25) then there’s a ‘club’ for you too! Disney organizes meet-ups for young adults so that making friends and having fun on the ship is easy. I’ve been going to these for the past few years and I’ve always made fast friends to hangout with for the rest of the cruise. Definitely go to the first meet-up, because after that a lot of people will break off into groups and not go to the meet-ups on other nights . 

11: You can book your own Port Adventures outside of Disney

On our first cruise we signed up for a port adventure through Disney Cruise Line. Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly what we were looking for. It’s not that it wasn’t fun, it’s more that we’re not huge fans of large group, tour bus activities. Often, the Disney port adventures are crowded. You’ll likely be packed onto a bus with tons of other families while wearing a Disney Cruise tag around your neck. These adventures can also be pretty pricey. However, although they aren’t necessarily for me, they are convenient. Especially if you don’t mind the ‘typical’ cruise tour format. There are also tons of adventure options to choose from, so for many families Disney port adventures are preferred.

Besides the one Disney Cruise Line port adventure, we’ve always booked our own private tours/excursions at each port. So far, they have all been fantastic! 

12: Use Tours by Locals and other sites for port tours + activities

I recommend booking private drivers/tour guides though Tours by Locals (or other websites like AirBnb Experiences). With these tours, a driver will meet you at the port and take you to all of the tourist sites, restaurants, shops, museums, etc. that you want to visit. You won’t be stuck with tons of other families, and you’ll plan your time around exactly what you want to do. These tours are much more flexible. If you’re looking to be able to customize your experience then I highly recommend them. Additionally, I love that these private tours allow you to connect with a local and learn about their favorite parts of their city! We’ve used Tours by Local on tons of Disney Cruises, and they’ve been great every time. 

13: You don’t have to get off at the ports

Of course, on a cruise, most everyone will want to get off and explore the ports, but keep in mind that it’s not required. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with older or younger family members/friends who may prefer not to leave the ship for extended periods of time. We took a cruise with our grandparents and it was wonderful for them to be able to stay on the ship. They enjoyed the quiet, relaxed, and almost empty ship while we went on a day long tour.

14: Book spa treatments onboard

If you want to get a  spa treatment on the ship, and are flexible with the date and time, then book it on board! There are daily spa specials offered at non-peak times that are totally worth taking advantage of. Normally, these treatments will be offered while the ship is docked at a port. Head to the spa on the first day of the cruise to see the daily specials and spa treatment offers.

15: Ask for sea-sick medication

You do not need to bring your own sea-sick medication, especially if you aren’t sure if you’ll get sea-sick. Medicine is available on board, and it is free if you need it. The medicine works great, but it may make you drowsy.

So there you have it! I hope you found these 15 first time Disney Cruise tips to be helpful! Disney Cruises are so much fun, and there are so many different itineraries to choose from! Additionally, depending on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom you choose, they can be very affordable for families. We highly recommend booking a Disney Cruise for your next vacation, it will definitely be unforgettable!

If you enjoyed these first time Disney Cruise tips, please share this post on social media!

Pin this Guide: First Time Disney Cruise Tips

15 First Time Disney Cruise Tips, cruising guide.

You may also like

Guide for essential toiletry items for every traveller! Carry-on bag approved.

Essential Travel Toiletries Guide for Your Trip: Carry-On Approved

best first time disney cruise

The Best Travel Themed Subscription Boxes

best first time disney cruise

Sustainable Travel Products

27 comments.

These tips are so helpful! So glad to have this info. Great post!

This is extremely helpful as I am planning our trip on Disney—Thank You

Thank you so much, I’m so glad you found it helpful! If you have any questions please let know. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Sounds like such a fun family vacay! Thanks for sharing!

These are great cruise tips! I’ve only been on 2 cruises but can relate to all of these as well even though they weren’t disney cruises (especially packing your own alcohol!) I didn’t know that room service was free though that’s something great to keep in mind

This actually sounds really fun. I’ve never done a cruise, even though I’ve done heaps of them. I think I should give it a go one day.

I’ve been waiting to go on a Disney cruise for a while and I love these tips! I think the one about excursions is especially helpful. I like the idea of taking a step back from all the people and taking a tour yourself.

Nice tips. I’ve never been on a cruise so I’ll have to keep these in mind! Bringing your own alcohol is a must 🙂 🙂

I’ve never been on a cruise, but these are some great tips! I’ll keep them in mind in case I ever go on one!

This looks like so much fun! Thank you for the tips!

Fantastic tips! Love the use the Tours by Locals tip, that’s a great one! Definitely saving this for later

These are so helpful! I’d love to do a Disney cruise one day, so I’m definitely pinning this for later. It seems like a lot of fun!

Sounds like a nice trip and you had a lot of fun!

Such a happy adventure! Thanks for the learning! I’m greatly inspired!

I’ve never been on a cruise but you’ve totally sold me on them! These are great tips, thanks for sharing them.

These are great tips! I have only been on Carnival Cruises but I think I’d enjoy a Disney cruise, too! Also, I had never heard of an alcohol waiver. Good to know for future trips.

I was so ill when my family went on a disney cruise – from sea sickness and a cold I’d got beforehand. It’s nice to see that it can actually be fun when you aren’t a rashy disaster!

Thanks for the great guide! I’ve never been on a cruise so I wouldn’t really know what to expect from one. I’m saving this guide because a Disney one sounds fantastic!

Hannah | https://getlost.blog/

Awesome post! I found it to be super informative. I seriously want to get into a cruise ship now!!!

I have been dying to go on a Disney cruise! This looked so fun!!

This is a very comprehensive list. Great for anyone thinking of a Disney cruise!

I’d love to go on a Disney cruise – it’s my ultimate cruise bucket list!

Francesca x // glutenfreehorizons.com

I haven’t been on a cruise for so so long but these are super helpful! The Disney ones especially look insanely fun! Love this.

Great advice! Esp about the free room service- I had no idea! We’re planning for a 2024 Disney cruise 😉

So exciting! If you have any questions please let me know 🙂

Hi! I’m a huge disney frantic, so I really enjoy reading up on your post. I’m planning a disney cruise right now, so I’m super excited and pumped up thanks to your post! (:

That’s fantastic news! I hope you love your Disney Cruise. If you have any questions, please let us know 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments/replies are added to this post.

Wandermust Family

ULTIMATE Disney Cruise Tips for First Time Cruisers

By: Author Wandermust Daddy

ULTIMATE Disney Cruise Tips for First Time Cruisers

Looking for the best first time Disney cruise tips? In this guide we round up our essential Disney cruise tips for first timers whether you plan to sail on the Disney Magic, Disney wish, Disney Wonder, Disney Treasure or Disney Fantasy.

We love a cruise, no matter the cruise line and have been lucky enough to sail on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America , Carnival and more. However the cruise line that is most renowned for being the best for families has to be Disney. 

However, like with any Disney vacation around the world, it requires planning and the Disney element means it is important to plan exactly what you want to get out of your vacation. 

Therefore in this guide we will round up our favorite Disney cruise tips to help you with booking, planning, packing and more! 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Table of Contents

 Disney Cruise Tips for First Time Cruisers

To make these tips easier to navigate we have split our cruise out into those to be down before you board your ship, tips for on board and some destination specific tips. 

Tips for booking and planning your Disney cruise

Book in advance – the earlier the better.

Disney Funnel - Disney Cruise Instagram Captions

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Disney cruises get more expensive the closer to the sail date you book. Therefore if you want to get the best price we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. 

And typically speaking you are unlikely to find special offers and deals, or even Black Friday sales on Disney cruises so I would book as far out as you can. 

Wondering if infants cruise for free on Disney ? Check out our guide to infant cruise costs. 

Consider booking a themed cruise 

A Disney cruise is fun no matter when you visit. However Disney Cruises also run special themed cruises at special times of year. 

The most popular themed cruises are the Halloween ones, known as Halloween on the High Seas and their Very Merrytime Cruises at Christmas. 

But there are also cruises themed around Star Wars, Marvel and Frozen. So if you have someone in your party who loves a particular franchise it is worth keeping your eye out for these themed sailings. 

Book a Starboard room

Pirates Night is the highlight of any cruise sailing and comes with an amazing fireworks display. If you are likely to head back down to your room before the fireworks (i.e. you have little people who won’t stay up), book a starboard side room as this will have better views of the firework display.

Note: Disney does not recommend using your balcony during the fireworks display but you can see from inside your stateroom. 

Purchase travel insurance 

You should never travel without travel insurance, and a cruise is no different. It will cover you should you get ill on your vacation but you will also want to purchase specific cruise insurance to make sure it covers you for cancellations such as if you are traveling during Hurricane  season. 

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

No matter the Disney vacation you are on, it is important to download the Disney app. There is one specially designed for Disney Cruises instead of the parks. 

We recommend doing this before you travel as you can peruse the menus, book shore excursions and more even before you embark. And it will save you having to battle with ship wifi to download or use data roaming. 

And once you are on board the app can be used to find out the daily program, your dinner location and more. 

Things to Book in Advance

There are a lot of things that you can book in advance for a Disney cruise these include: 

  • Speciality Dining,
  • dining seating time,  
  • shore excursions,
  • cabanas on Castaway Cay
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique,
  • some character meet and greets

Book port adventures & specialty dining as soon as you can!

If you are a first time Disney cruiser you will be able to book your port adventures & make specialty dining reservations (for Palo & Remy) 75 days prior to your sailing. 

You also are able to complete your online check in during this time as well. However these things do get booked up very quickly. We recommend getting all of your bookings in place as soon as they are open. 

Decide whether you want to book excursions through Disney

No matter the cruise line you are on, you will need to decide whether you want to book shore excursions directly with the cruise line or third party operators. 

Booking directly through your cruise line, in this case Disney’s Port Adventures, you have a guarantee that the ship will wait for the tours return should it run late. However you will pay a premium for booking direct. 

It really depends on how comfortable you feel booking separately and also on the tour and timing as to whether it is worth booking directly or not.

Book your character breakfasts

Unlike at Disney World and Disneyland, character breakfasts are included in the cost of your sailing. However these are extremely popular and require advance bookings. 

Be sure to book your slots as soon as booking opens to avoid disappointment. 

Arrive in town the night before your cruise

first time disney cruise tips

The day you board a cruise is called Embarkation Day . We recommend booking your flights to get you in the day before your cruise embarkation. There would be nothing worse that having a delayed flight that causes you to miss your ship. 

Therefore we recommend booking a hotel close to the port for the night below your leave to make sure you have a stress free morning before embarking.

Join Your Cruise Facebook Groups

Screenshot of Facebook Groups for Disney Wish sailings

First Time Disney cruise tips – join a Facebook group

If you use Facebook you may want to search groups to find a group for your ship and date of sailing. 

These groups are used to share tips as well as for Pixie dusting other guests. On the last cruise we were on we got information quicker on our ships Facebook group than through official ships communication. We had an itinerary change that the group posted about well before the Captain made an official announcement.

What to pack for your Disney Cruise

Ultimate first time disney cruise tips

Ultimate first time disney cruise tips

For me the success of a cruise can be made and broken by my packing list. If you are traveling with toddlers or a baby you may want to check our our full toddler cruise packing list to make sure you don’t forget an essential. 

But you will also want to think about packing motion sickness medication or bands, and costumes for special nights i.e. Pirate night, or costumes your kids might want to wear for meet and greets and character dining. 

Also you will want to pack a separate bag for embarkation. Your luggage is taken from you at the port, and may not get delivered to your stateroom until late that night. Therefore you need to pack a bag to see with you on embarkation day that contains essentials such as medication, nappies, baby supplies and also swimwear so you can use the pool as soon as you get on board. 

Also it is worth noting that you are allowed to bring a limit supply of wine or beer onboard with you which can be a saving if you are cruising on Disney with a budget. 

For a full Disney cruise packing list check out this post. 

Bring some Rubber Ducks and Fish Extender

Outside of your stateroom you will find a “fish” which is where your room steward will place tickets and other information and documentation. 

Some cruisers take a pocket organiser to extend this fish. Other cruisers can then leave gifts (similar to pixie dusting at Disney World). It’s a fun way of connecting with fellow passengers and is something uniquely Disney.

Alternatively you could bring rubber ducks and hide them round the ship for other people to find. 

Use an experienced travel agent.

I am always in favour of booking things myself. However if you don’t feel confident you could use a Disney travel agent. There are a lot of Disney travel agents out there who specialise in booking Disney Cruises and Disney World vacations. 

You can find a Disney travel agent who does not charge you any fees but will do all the booking for you while also offering lots of tips and insider information on how to get the most out of your Disney vacation. 

Tips for first time Disney cruisers on-board

Ultimate first time disney cruise tips

So now you know all the things you need to do for booking and before boarding your first cruise, we will turn our attention to how to make the most of your time while on board whatever ship you are sailing on. 

Arrive Early

View of deck of the Disney Cruise pool deck

Disney Cruise Tips

As with everything Disney shows and meet and greets get long queues. Therefore if you want to watch a show or meet a character in a scheduled Disney character meet and greet you should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time to avoid disappointment. 

Do Character Meet and Greets

One of the highlights of doing a Disney cruise is doing character meet and greets outside of the parks. These meet and greets are extra special too because the character have special cruise wardrobes and even some destination specific ones. 

You may also want to remember to pack autograph books or an autograph book alternative to collect souvenirs from your trip. 

Note: if you want some fun instagram captions for your Disney cruise check out this post! 

Take Advantage of Kids Clubs

If you are traveling with children then you will want to take advantage of the kids club. There are clubs for all age children and they will be split into appropriate age groups. 

Disney is renowned for having the best kids club at sea and is a great way for kids to make friends on their cruise but also gives grown ups a chance to get some adult only time and explore the adults only area of the ships. 

Let people know if you want your own table

Traditionally, cruises will seat different parties together on the same table. However this isn’t something everyone enjoys, and I know we for one like to have a table on our own. If you want your own table speak to the concierge on embarkation. 

Use Room Service

Room service was traditionally included in the cost of your cruise however a lot of lines now have a surcharge for this. However Disney is one of the lines where room service is still free. 

We love the room service on Disney cruises as it isn’t just main meals but amazing Disney snacks such as Mickey Ice Cream bars. 

Head to the Pool Early

Ultimate first time disney cruise tips

The pool gets busy, especially on sea days. Therefore if you want to snag a seat get to the pool deck early. Also if you want to use the slides at the pool, we recommend trying to do these early in the day as the queues get long in the afternoon especially. 

Budget for your  Gratuities

Gratuities are part of all cruises and are added to your bill. at the end of your trip. Remember to check the amount of gratuities you are required to pay (it varies based on the cruise cabin you are in) and put aside the correct amount for the end of your vacation. 

Destination Specific Disney Cruise tips

So now you know your generic Disney cruise tips we will look at specific destination related ones. This is particular relevant for those going on a Caribbean cruise that stops at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and Alaska . 

  • Castaway Cay Tips

View of slides of Disney's private island Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Castaway Cay Tips

As with everything at Disney getting there early is key. If you want a good spot on the beach, we advise getting off the ship as early as possible. 

The slides on Castaway Cay are another thing that get busier as the day goes on. So if you want to partake in the waterslides do them early in the day. 

first time disney cruise tips

TouringPlans Blog logo

Seven Must-Dos on Your First Disney Cruise

First-time cruises can be overwhelming. It can take a few days to get your bearings around the ship, plus the sheer volume of activities on board means that you simply can’t do everything. In reality, going on a cruise can be the most relaxing of vacations, but you may be concerned that, as you’re spending a large price tag for this vacation, that you might miss out on the best of what a cruise might have to offer. Here’s seven suggestions  about what not to miss during your first Disney Cruise.

1. Sail Away Party

Immediately following the required safety drill (which truly is the only must-do on your cruise, whether it is your first or your fiftieth), there is a Sail Away party on the main deck. Although it is billed as a show, think of this more like a pep rally. Lots of energy, appearances by some of your favorite characters all dressed for their cruise, and most important, the sounding of the ship’s horn. It can be VERY hot depending on what port you sail from and time of year, so make sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen. If you are able to get in an area where you can see both the Funnelvision screen and the dock as you set sail, you get the best of the sailing away experience.

2. Special Deck Party

Depending on the cruise that you are taking, there will be an additional deck party with a Pirate, Star Wars, or Frozen theme. Whether you choose to dress up in costume for the party or just go in your everyday cruise wear, this special deck party is a lot of fun, with music, dancing, characters, and more. If you want the best viewing experience, you’ll want to arrive a couple minutes early, as pretty much the entire ship turns out for this event.

3. Nighttime Theater Shows

Odds are very good that if you’re going on a Disney Cruise you are a fan of many things Disney. The nighttime theater shows combine many of the iconic scenes, music, characters, and general emotional feels that you have come to love from Disney movies. The performances are professionally done and entertaining for the whole family. The theater shows are opposite your dinner time. In other words, if you have early dining, you will be able to get out in time to attend the “late” theater show. If you have late dining, you will attend the show before dinner.

4. All Main Dining Room Meal Rotations

Although Disney ships have some fantastic signature dining experiences (Palo on all ships and Remy on the Dream and Fantasy), if it is your first cruise, and especially if you are going on a short cruise, you may want to pass on Palo and/or Remy to make sure you don’t miss any of the restaurants in your main dining room rotation. There are three restaurants in your dining rotation, and each one is a different experience in terms of décor, type of food served, and overall experience. On cruises of four nights or more, where you will dine in main dining rooms more than one time, if you wish to schedule a meal for Palo or Remy, try scheduling for the fourth night or beyond. That way you will have made all of the main dining rotations on your first three nights. That said, if you return to the same restaurant for a second time, the menu will be different, so there’s truly no repeats on a Disney cruise.

5. Port Adventures with Disney

At the various ports of call that you visit, you have many options. You can simply exit the ship and wander around town on your own. You can book a private excursion on your own. You can even stay on the ship. For a first cruise, I recommend booking excursions (Port Adventures) directly through Disney. With the list of excursions offered, there truly is something for everyone, and generally each island has an excursion that is a “get to see the highlights of the place” type of tour. If you are visiting a place for the first time, this can help acclimate you to being in a different country without having to worry about whether you need to exchange money for the local currency, wondering if the place you are going is safe or family-friendly, or obsessively looking at your watch to make sure that you don’t miss the all aboard time. (If you are on a Disney Port Adventure and it runs late, they will hold the ship for you. If you are on your own, they will give a friendly wave to you as they leave the dock.) If you are familiar with a particular destination, or are an experienced cruiser from other lines, you may feel comfortable making your own arrangements, however.

6. Kids’ Clubs

There is no requirement on a Disney cruise to have children with you. In fact, there are plenty of activities for child-free adults to have a great time. That said, whether you have kids or not, take a few moments to stop by during one of the open house times at the Oceaneer’s Club and Oceaneer’s Lab. During this time, adults can wander around and see what there is for the younger set to do.  (During an open house, parents are welcome to bring children, but they cannot drop off children as it is not a secure location. When it is not open house, parents are limited to coming in, finding their kid, and trying to convince their child that it is time to leave.) Why would a parent want to visit an open house? During my family’s most recent cruise on the Dream, my husband tried his hand drawing characters on the animation light tables, I enjoyed exploring the Star Wars area (and may or may not have tried my hand flying the Millennium Falcon), and more than a few parents sat down for some friendly games in the Disney Infinity room. Yes, these are kids’ clubs, but there’s a bit of a kid in all of us, right?

7. Spending Time with Your Navigator (or the App)

Did I mention that there is a lot to do on a Disney Cruise? On embarkation day, and every night at turn-down, you will receive a paper Personal Navigator that has a schedule of events for the next day. I recommend bringing a highlighter with you, so that you can highlight the activities that you want to do on any given day, just to make sure that you don’t miss something that looks appealing to you or one of your family members. Even better, however, if you have a smartphone, before you leave port, download the Disney Cruise Line app. Although the app is just a glorified countdown clock before you get on board, once on board, you have access to a tremendous amount of information, including times for all of the activities during your cruise. I enjoy sitting down in my room on embarkation day in that “dead time” between lunch and the safety drill, and scrolling through all the activities. When I find something of interest, I “favorite” the activity at all the different times it is offered. Then, when I look at my favorites, I can choose what the best time is for me to make sure I hit all of the things I want to do. The Disney Cruise app will also pop up a notification on your phone 15 minutes before the event, that way you have time to get there.

All in all, there’s no wrong way to do a Disney Cruise. If you decide to skip every activity and become one with a deck chair for the entire cruise, that is just as much of a successful cruise than the “must do everything” type of cruiser. But especially for a first cruise, take time to do both–participate in plenty of fun activities, but also take time to relax and watch the world go by. After all, the whole purpose of a cruise is to relax and have fun.

You May Also Like...

best first time disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line has added several cruises to their previously announced schedule for the Disney Dream. The dates for the new…

best first time disney cruise

Our friend Scott Sanders at the Disney Cruise Line Blog is reporting exciting information about some possible changes to communication systems…

best first time disney cruise

A small bit of DCL news dropped today with dates for sailings in late April and May 2022 for the Disney…

best first time disney cruise

There are lots of activities I love experiencing on Disney Cruise Line: mainstage shows, bingo, entertainers in the piano bars, family…

  • TouringPlansTV – Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa + VIDEO
  • Avoiding A Case of The Grumps

Julia Mascardo

Former writer, editor, and social media manager of TouringPlans. Embarking on new adventures with husband, kid, and cats.

' src=

7 thoughts on “ Seven Must-Dos on Your First Disney Cruise ”

As a word of warning: we booked Palo on our last night of our 5-night cruise, figuring that we would have been to each restaurant by then. That was true, but our first night in Animator’s Palate turned out to be the “special” Frozen menu, so AP didn’t do it’s usual thing. That turned out to happen on our last night, when we had our Palo reservations.

As for booking Disney’s Port Adventures, I agree with Adam Brown. While it might be easier to book with Port Adventures, it is often much cheaper to get the same experience booking directly with the tour provider. And when I say same, I mean EXACT same. I have three excursions booked for an upcoming Alaskan cruise. I dealt with the tour operators directly and found out for two of them they are the operator for the cruise line’s excursions. And the cruise line charges about $50 more per adult for the sames experience. Even if it isn’t the exact same excursion operator, ones that receive strong reviews on the sites that shall not be named here get them for a reason. I have yet to be disappointed in an excursion I booked through a private operator, but I have been disappointed plenty with excursions booked through cruise lines.

D’oh! I hope you’ll be able to experience the full Animator’s Palate meal/show on another cruise. The whole “best laid plans” bit… but I hope you enjoyed Palo.

I’m quite the researcher, and so I would feel comfortable booking outside of Disney or even just finding a hire car and say “take me to X spot”. I’ve run into a large number of people for whom a Disney cruise is the first time out of the U.S., however. If you find a site where you trust the reviews and feel comfortable booking on your own, that is certainly a better way to go for cost and for a more personal experience. If you are really unsure about international travel (i.e., people who are scared about State Department advisories for Nassau, folks who are trying to find what language they speak in X country [hint, almost always English is spoken], or worried about converting money into local currency [hint, not usually required]), then knowing that you can just click and book with no additional concerns may be worth the extra money.

For our family, we haven’t booked port adventures on our last three cruises — and we haven’t missed them at all. We’ve got three more cruises booked, and the only one that we’ll likely see about booking something is our 11-nighter. Needless to say, I’ve started the research now for that one…

Have a blast in Alaska! I got to spend two weeks visiting SE AK in 1992. It is such a beautiful part of the country!

Good points on using Port Excursions versus doing it on your own. For Alaska, booked entirely on my own, and no regrets. Found excursions better than the ones offered by Disney. But yes, if you’re timid about being in a foreign place, then using Disney certainly gives you a safety net. And for Caribbean cruises, where personally I find the experiences to be a bit more generic and interchangeable anyway, I’ll go with the convenience of Disney Port Adventures bookings. Maybe cost a few dollars more for the exact same excursion booked on my own, but I don’t feel I’m getting a lesser experience. In more exotic or adventurous places, like Alaska, I do think you can find better excursions (smaller groups, more personalized) by booking on your own.

Good starting point for discussion but I disagree with a lot of the list. The sail away party is simply an overcrowded time to see characters dancing around. If you’re willing to do your own research, there is no reason to book through Disney Port Adventures other than ease and convenience. And while I like the dining rooms, I wouldn’t consider all of them “must dos”

So my personal list of 7 must-dos, and I do agree with some of the above-list.. 1.. Princess Gathering (on ships offering it). Seeing a bunch of Princesses come down the the stairs in the large atrium is a unique experience that can only be found on a Disney cruise. 2.. Brunch of Palo or Remy. While there is an extra charge, these meals are truly a step above, and a great way to spend a couple hours on a sea day. 3.. Mixology class (for adults).. For a small fee, learn to mix, and to drink, 4 creative cocktails. 4.. The shows.. Yes, I agree with the list on this one. Lots of cruise lines offer great shows, but only DCL can offer Disney shows, and the productions are quite good. Definitely worth seeing at least one time. 5.. Animator’s Palate show. Not every dining room and meal is a must-do. And its the newer ships that have the most advanced Animator’s Palate show. But definitely a unique experience during dinner. I’m sorry that I missed the older classic show on the Disney Wonder, as we skipped the dining room that night. 6.. Kid’s clubs, if you have kids. They are the best kid’s clubs at sea, by far. And they are fun for adults to tour during open house as well. 7…Take in a movie. Over the last few years, it’s amazing how many great movies and mega hits that Disney has produced. On a slow night or sea day, you have a chance to take in a film in a really nice theater. Only on Disney. For my cruise this summer, some offerings should include Captain America:Civil War, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Pete’s Dragon, The BFG, Star Wars, The Jungle Book, Zootopia…. Just be careful you don’t spend the entire cruise in the movie theater.

I’m finishing up an article on items to skip for repeat cruisers, and I agree with skipping the sail away party after you’ve seen it once. When we’ve done it, we’ve gone up to deck 12 (on the Dream and Fantasy) and watch it with much smaller crowds up there–but good grief it is hot! The worst crowds were when we had the sailaway party inside due to weather.

The reason I added the main dining rooms is that, before our first cruise on the Fantasy, we were told by many people “You’ll want to skip Enchanted Garden–the food is meh, and the setting isn’t all that impressive.” In the end, Enchanted Garden was our favorite, both for the food and the flowers that bloom during the meal. On the other hand, if I was going to skip a main dining room meal, I’d skip Animator’s Palate every time. Because everyone’s personal preferences are different, that’s why I suggest doing all of the main dining rooms once. Then, on subsequent cruises, you are able to skip any you didn’t like without missing out on something that might be special for you.

I love Brunch at Palo and I enjoyed the dessert party at Remy. Sadly, we’re usually on 3-night cruises at this point due to school schedules, so neither of those are options. 🙁

I’m not much of a drinker, so mixology hasn’t held any appeal for me–and classes like that are something I could take off the ship just as easily, so I guess that’s why it didn’t make my list. For people who like the types of alcohol/drinks that they feature, it does look like it would be fun (and judging by the people I saw coming out of one the last time, you do get your money’s worth in liquor!!).

Glad you enjoyed the list, and very excited to see what other people find as must-dos!

Good tips – the one thing I would add is to take the offered tour of the ship. We were on our first Disney cruise last year, a tour was offered in the afternoon on embarkation day before the safety drill. It was most helpful to get an orientation and overview of the ship and made it easier for us to find our way around during the cruise,

I’ve thought about the walking tour of the ship every time, and never have been able to do it. Embarkation day is so hectic for my family (lunch, registering at the kids’ club, getting rainforest passes, and then usually unpacking as we’ve had good luggage luck). By the time we are ready to “do something”, we’ve always missed it. One of these days, we’ll make it!

Comments are closed.

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Disney Cruises

Everything to Know for Your First Disney Cruise

best first time disney cruise

Wondering what you need to know before sailing the high seas with Mickey, Minnie and the gang? From familiar entertainment and exciting Marvel experiences to upper deck water slides for kids and plenty of quiet pools for adults to relax, there's so much to do — and also to know.

What and Where

Disney Cruise Line operates four different ships — Magic, Fantasy, Dream and Wonder — that travel on itineraries that include tropical stops in the Caribbean and Bahamas, domestic outings to Alaska and along the coasts, as well as throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. Sailings last anywhere from two nights to two weeks out of ports in a handful of countries, with some departures out of Port Canaveral, located an hour from Walt Disney World.

Family Friendly

Disney Cruise Line’s essence is extremely family-friendly, offering the charm of Disney characters, films and music through every step of the journey. In addition to the plentiful activities for young ones, the ships and activities offer quiet areas and escapes that are exclusive to adults.

Pools, Slides and More

Disney Cruise Line ships have an assortment of pools and themed water play areas, with most offering a large signature waterslide. The AquaDunk on the Disney Magic shoots riders down from three stories up, while the AquaDuck on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy offers a water coaster ride high above the pool deck.

Instead of spending each night in a formal dining room, Disney Cruise Line has rotational dining, wherein guests switch between three different restaurants. The stylized eateries vary between ships — Disney Wonder serves cajun and creole food at “The Princess and the Frog”-inspired Tiana’s Place, while Disney Magic offers a “Beauty and the Beast”-themed Lumiere’s — and all have Animator’s Palate, which highlights the artistry of Disney and Pixar’s most popular films.

Entertainment

There aren’t any true attractions on board, but this is still definitely Disney. Special interactive appearances from Finding Nemo characters at Animator’s Palate restaurant on Dream and Fantasy sailings is on par with Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot and Disney California Adventure, while the Midship Detective Agency unveils an exciting layer of the two ships you’d otherwise never know.

Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line visits destinations across the globe, but a favorite among guests remains Castaway Cay, a private Disney-operated island in the Bahamas.

What's Included

The sit-down restaurants, buffets and room service on all Disney Cruise Line ships is included in the price. Unlimited soft-serve ice cream and treats are also available around the ship, as well as complimentary fountain soda, tea and coffee in restaurants and on the main deck.

Adults Only

Disney ships offer plenty of tranquil adults-only areas. All ships have a set of pools reserved exclusively for adults, as well as a collection of bars and restaurants that are segmented away from the rest of the ship. The Senses Spa Rainforest Room has a selection of steam rooms and whirlpool spas, and Castaway Cay offers Serenity Bay, a beachfront area of the island exclusively for guests 18 and over.

Fine Dining

Disney Cruise Line does offer dining upgrades by way of its upscale on board restaurants, which are exclusively for adults and absolutely worth the splurge. Palo, an Italian restaurant located on all four Disney Cruise Line ships, serves a three-course selection of dishes including pasta, steaks and souffles, well as a brunch on select sailings. Disney Dream and Fantasy additionally offer Remy, a multi-course fine dining French restaurant with a dress code to match.

All Disney Everything

You can watch Disney films on the large-scale “Funnel Vision” screen at the Goofy Pool or Donald Pool during the day or night. Disney ships even play Disney, Star Wars and Marvel films the same day they’re released in theaters, broadcasting the newest films inside the Buena Vista movie theater.

State Rooms

If you’d rather call it an early night, there's a range of films on-demand within state rooms. Cabins have a “split” double bathroom and shower that can be used as a bathtub, as well as pull-down beds and fold-out couches. There’s also a laundry room aboard each ship that’s open 24 hours.

Special Sailings

With new Marvel Day At Sea bookings on the Disney Magic and Star Wars Day At Sea on the Disney Fantasy , the ship turns into a completely themed environment with exclusive deck parties, activities, fireworks and themed food and drinks all day and night long. Star Wars sailings offer photo ops with R2-D2 and C-3PO as well as famous beings on both sides of the force, while Marvel fans will love meeting Iron Man, Black Panther, Loki and Spider-Man among others, as well as a visit from the Guardians of the Galaxy. There are also special sailings over Halloween and Christmas that incorporate the holidays into onboard activities.

Kid's Areas

One oft-praised feature of Disney Cruise Line are Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, both included in all sailings. This set of connected and themed play areas is for kids ages 3 to 12. Guests aboard Disney Fantasy will have an extra-special time learning skills and accomplishing impressive feats with Doctor Strange and Thor in the Marvel Super Hero Academy, while the Star Wars: Command Post brings kids face-to-face with intergalactic activities, as well as special appearances by beloved characters like BB-8. Similar experiences are available at the Marvel’s Avengers Academy on Disney Magic, Marvel Super Hero Academy on Disney Wonder and a Star Wars-themed Millennium Falcon space on the Disney Dream.

If you’re looking for a photo opp with Mickey Mouse, you won’t have to search very far. Disney princesses, popular characters and even some rare favorites offer regular meet-and-greets on Disney Cruise Line sailings. If you miss them, which is nearly impossible to do, there are opportunities within lively character dance parties, spontaneous appearances on the ship’s pool decks and certain interactions — Disney Princess Gathering and Frozen Meet and Greet, specifically — can be pre-booked.

More Entertainment

In addition to nightly Broadway-style shows on all four Disney Cruise Line ships, some of which bring familiar Disney films such as “Aladdin,” “Frozen,” and “Beauty and the Beast” to life, there are plenty of other shows to take in throughout the cruise, especially with outdoor “deck parties”, trivia and solo entertainers.

Pirate Night + Fireworks

An entire night of Disney Cruise Line sailings is dedicated to “Pirates of the Caribbean,” with themed dinner options and complimentary pirate bandanas for each guest, even though plenty pack their own outfits and come in full freebooter regalia. After an adventurous evening performance with Captain Jack Sparrow, the spectacle’s “buccaneer blasts” begin, a true fireworks show at sea set to the energetic film soundtrack.

Small Upcharges

Though most everything is included in Disney Cruise Line sailings, there are a few additional but worthy expenses. Mickey-dusted cappuccinos at Cove Cafe are delightful, Royal Court Royal Tea offers a tableside experience with Disney characters and Vanellope’s & Treats on Disney Dream and Sweet On You on Disney Fantasy are ideal stops for delectable sundaes, scoops of gelato and other themed baked goods. For the little ones, there’s also a “It’s a small world” childcare nursery for children six months to three years old, for an hourly cost.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Disney Cruise Ship

What to Expect on a Disney Cruise: A First-Timer’s Guide

'  data-srcset=

Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

Travel Motto: I'll steal Saint Augustine's: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, always. For the views and also the naps.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

What’s it like to go on a Disney cruise? I’ll tell you. But first I should disclose that I’m not indifferent about Disney. As you might gather from some of my previous pieces ( here , here , and here ), I’m kind of a fangirl nerd about most of what Disney produces.

I grew up in Southern California, so my parents took me to Disneyland often. The night before we’d leave, there was always that delicious, uncontainable feeling that made sleep impossible. I suspect I’m not alone in having felt that as a kid. (I might be more alone in still feeling that way now as an adult.)

So when my husband and I decided to burn vacation days by taking our three-year-old daughter on a Disney cruise for four nights, I was kid-on-Christmas-Eve excited. And I thought I had a sense of what to expect on a Disney cruise. Once onboard, though, I realized I wasn’t quite prepared for the full spectrum of what it’s like to travel via Disney Cruise Line.

Before our cruise, I’d scrolled blogs upon blogs devoted to Disney Cruise tips and hacks. But I found that most of these sites assume that their readers are repeat Disney cruisers looking to refine their travel skills. It wasn’t easy to find a primer on the basics for those uninitiated to cruising with Disney. So here you go.

Disney Cruise Ships and Itineraries

We sailed on the Disney Wonder, but if you book a Disney cruise, you may well end up on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, or Disney Fantasy. (A fifth Disney Cruise Line ship will be added in 2021; a sixth in 2023.)

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, having debuted in 1998 and 1999, respectively—although the Disney Wonder is fresh from an intensive 55-day dry-dock renovation, which transformed many of its spaces and made everything aboard feel brand-new. These 83,000-tonners are Disney Cruise Line’s “classic,” smaller boats, with 10 floors and 875 rooms. Each carries 2,713 passengers, though during our four-nighter in mid-November, there were about 2,600, a third of which were kids. Also onboard: 950 Disney Cruise Line employees seeing to it that everybody gets their money’s worth.

Disney’s newer cruise ships, the Disney Dream (2011) and Disney Fantasy (2012) are 130,000-ton vessels with 1,250 rooms that hold up to 4,000 travelers.

The Disney Cruise fleet’s four ships all offer themed family restaurants, live shows, deck parties, elaborate kids’ spaces, character appearances, at-sea fireworks, and more that feels familiar from Disney cruise ship to Disney cruise ship.

“However,” says Jennifer Haile-Tinn, a Disney spokesperson, “each ship is like a new adventure for our guests. Only on the Disney Wonder can kids train alongside their favorite superheroes in the Marvel Super Hero Academy. There are also special entertainment offerings that can only be found on certain ships, such as Frozen, A Musical Spectacular , which is exclusive to the Disney Wonder. ” Other one-ship Disney Cruise Line exclusives include the Aladdin show on the Disney Fantasy, a villain-themed show on the Disney Dream, and “Tangled: The Musical” on the Disney Magic.

There are also stylistic differences from cruise ship to cruise ship—the Disney Fantasy, for example, incorporates Art Nouveau details throughout, while the Disney Dream is more Art Deco.

When choosing your Disney voyage, though, the port stops will likely be your main variables. As Haile-Tinn points out, “Each ship has unique itineraries that allow guests to explore iconic destinations like Norway and Alaska.” The Disney Wonder traverses the Pacific coast—Mexico, California, and Alaska, as well as the Panama Canal. (Our trip made a single stop in Cozumel).

View this post on Instagram Today @disneycruiseline's Wonder ship is docked in the azure waters of sunny Cozumel, Mexico. A post shared by SmarterTravel (@smartertravel) on Nov 12, 2016 at 1:13pm PST

The Disney Magic makes transatlantic crossings and goes into Canada and Europe, including through fjords to see the northern lights. All four Disney cruise ships buzz around the Caribbean, with some itineraries stopping at Castaway Cay, Disney’s Bahamian private island. The Europe and Alaska itineraries have more adults aboard, while the Caribbean jaunts attract more families with kids. Each port stop comes with a big menu of shore excursions (starting around $50 per person), which should be reserved well in advance.

Disney Cruises: Onboard Activities

There’s enough to do aboard a Disney cruise to keep everyone entertained from early in the morning until late at night. So much to do, in fact, that you’ll have to make choices about what to attend and what to give up.

Laid upon your bed each evening, beside the chocolates, is a TV Guide -style sheet called the “ Personal Navigator ,” which lets you plan the following day in detail. (The same timeline is also available on the Disney Cruise Line official app .)

First up is the “Adventures Away” party—after you check out your stateroom and attend a mandatory assembly drill, you head up to the top deck for a high-energy bon voyage celebration, starring Mickey, Minnie, and friends.  Then, for the remainder of the cruise, you’re constantly choosing from a long list of activities.

There are character greetings around the boat (wait time in line: about 30 minutes). There are free, first-run movie screenings at the theaters. There’s an outdoor splash zone and swimming pool (Disney movies play on the huge screen above), plus a huge waterslide—worth it especially for the exhilarating view from the top—and a top-floor gym, which also affords a wide-ocean view. You can get a spa treatment, play Bingo, or make crafts. You can take your kids to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where they get transformed into princesses and pirates (princess packages start at $65). Or you can send them off to the kids’ clubs while you enjoy the nightlife at After Hours, the stylish and boozy adult district.

You can also, of course, eat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMxEwVIjC0v/

Food on Disney Cruises

All meals are included in your Disney cruise fare, unless you choose to dine at Palo or Remy, adults-only restaurants where a dress code is enforced, reservations are a must, servers are experts, and food is a step up.

At the other Disney cruise restaurants, the attire and cuisine are more casual. There are more than enough menu options for kids, and vegetarians won’t have a hard time either. As is the case throughout this experience, there really is something for everyone on a Disney cruise. You won’t have strangers at your table, just your own party, but you do tend to be seated near the same people each time you dine, so conversation with neighbors becomes inevitable.

Our first restaurant experience on the Disney Wonder was at a new restaurant called Tiana’s Place, based on The Princess and the Frog, a movie in which Tiana dreams of opening a restaurant in Louisiana. “Tiana’s Place transports guests to New Orleans,” says Ozer Balli, the cruise line’s Vice President of Hotel Operations. “We have a grand tradition of transforming our stories into real life.”

Indeed. Princess Tiana herself visits each table to greet her guests as they enjoy Cajun and Creole entrees (for dessert: pillowy beignets) while a talented quartet jazzes up familiar tunes. The rollicking finale is a joyful parade during which kids and staff march through the dining room as they clap, don Mardi Gras beads, play toy instruments, spin umbrellas, and belt out Disney songs.

Another impressive restaurant, called Animator’s Palate, is a tech-driven shrine to Disney’s drawn history. Screens all around the dining room bring to life how pencil sketches turned into movie gold. You’re assigned to draw a character on your placemat, then hand it to your server. Soon thereafter, your drawing, alongside those of your fellow diners, gets animated into a truly magical on-screen mashup.

For breakfast and lunch, there are big buffets available, as well as specialty stands that serve pizza, gyros, ice cream, and whatnot. It’s all you can eat, all day long. And yes, it’s all included.

There are two dinnertime options: 5:45 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.—you pick before you get on the boat. Then it’s the same each night, and you’re expected to be punctual.

If you’d rather skip the dining room, though, or if you get hungry in the middle of the night, room service is included, too, and you can order as much as you want without being charged extra. This was one of my favorite onboard luxuries.

The Rooms on Disney Cruise Ships

Our accommodations were bigger than expected, with an extraordinarily comfortable platform bed. Seriously, I haven’t slept that well in ages. It may have been the ship’s gentle rocking that lulled me to sleep so quickly, or maybe it was the melty-soft bedding, but whatever the trick, man, I want that at home.

The best part of our room, though, was our glassed-in balcony, where we sat with drinks and watched the ocean go by. We saw dolphins, tugboats, oil rigs, rain, birds, Mexico, clouds, and sunsets. Our hours on the balcony were beautiful—by far the most tranquil part of our Disney cruise.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMvMeVwDfHw/

Our room had enough space for all three of us to hang out, sleep, bathe, and store our luggage. Though not huge, we never felt cramped, thanks to the clever layout and a few key features: While you have dinner, your room attendant turns the couch into a comfy kid’s bed and adds a guard rail.

We kind of fell in love with our room attendant, actually. Every night he’d leave little gifts on our bed—Mickey bandannas for the pirate party one night, Ghirardelli squares the next—and every night, he’d fold our towels into amusing figures. But more than the stuff he left and the diligent care he took of our room, he was genuinely kind, sincere, and a very hard worker. My daughter still talks about “Mr. Bhong”—he became as cherished to her as the Disney characters.

(Side note: Bhong is Filipino, and it’s hard not to notice that the onboard staff makes for a real-life version of Disney’s “It’s a Small World” ride. Unless you visit U.N. headquarters, you’ll never meet so many people from so many different countries in one place. All of them wear their country of origin on their name tag, and they’re very likely to talk about where they’re from. When I asked Balli whether it’s intentional that the crew members are so international, he replied, simply: “We have the opportunity to go around the world and find the best talent with the most passion for our product.”)

The onboard Wi-Fi in the room is not free—more on that later—but there is a nice-sized TV that runs a 24-hour Disney movie marathon on nearly every channel.

In the hallway, many of your neighbors will have decorated their doors with their favorite Disney characters. (There are printables online , and a cottage industry that deals in door decorations for Disney cruises.) We didn’t come prepared for this onboard tradition, but it was cute to watch my daughter develop the belief that behind each decorated door lived the characters on it.

Disney Cruise Shows

Twice nightly in the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, performers on the verge of Broadway put on fantastic stage extravaganzas, and there’s a new show to see each night. You don’t need to reserve a ticket or pay anything extra—just show up and grab a seat at any of the Disney cruise shows.

In November, “Frozen, a Musical Spectacular” debuted on the Disney Wonder. It really is a spectacular interpretation of the smash-hit movie, with plenty of wow moments and special effects that inspire the audience to break into applause mid-song. The most notable one is during Elsa’s rendition of “Let It Go,” when she transforms, right onstage, from the reined-in princess to the glittery-blue queen while reclaiming her own power. It’s hard not to get swept up while watching—my little one’s mouth was open the entire time.

We also saw “Disney Dreams,” a heartfelt Disney cruise show that uses special effects—and its singers’ prodigious talents—to whisk us into favorite Disney scenes and songs. At one point, there’s the theater-wide illusion that Tinkerbell has covered the entire boat in pixie dust.

And during “The Golden Mickeys,” the loose plot is that a clumsy stage manager learns to believe in herself to become the star of the show—a positive message packed, again, with Disney friends, plus an on-screen appearance by Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Note that Disney cruise shows aren’t necessarily the same across boats, so if there’s one you have your heart set on seeing, make sure you’re choosing the right ship .

Kids’ Areas on Disney Cruise Ships

Whichever Disney cruise ship you’re on, there will be several places where you can drop your children off to be supervised by attentive camp-counselor types while they (and you) have fun.

Aboard the Disney Wonder, we left our three-year-old at the Oceaneer Club ($9 per hour) while we dined at Palo. I worried about her during our meal but when I picked her up, she was absorbed in an art project and wouldn’t leave until she was finished. After that, she kept asking us to take her back to the kids’ area.

There’s no mystery as to why children love these spaces: Disney Cruise Line’s creative professionals invested many months of thought and work into making each room magical. As Theron Skees, the project’s lead Imagineer, put it, “We created the spaces to immerse kids in stories. The idea that we can add story into everything we do is really exciting.”

This means that popular characters like Elsa, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, and Black Widow interact with the kids in settings inspired by those characters’ films and shows. On the Disney Wonder, there’s the Wandering Oaken trading post from Frozen, Andy’s colorful playroom from Toy Story , a Marvel-themed Super Hero Academy, and a “navigation center” where kids can feel like they’re steering the ship. Basically, kids playing on Disney cruises will feel as though they’ve melted into a movie.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMrJn0wgqB-/

Disney Cruise Costs

So what about the cost? Well, this isn’t a budget vacation—but it won’t necessarily zap your savings, either. Fares on the Disney Wonder start at $978 per adult and $360 per kid for a three-night Bahamian cruise in a room with no balcony. So for a family of four, the minimum price to get onboard is around $2,700, though that number could go way up depending on the type of stateroom you choose, where your itinerary goes, and for how many nights.

While that might sound like a lot for a short vacation, a Disney cruise doesn’t turn out to be as expensive at it seems at first glance. For all its upfront inclusions—all food, shows, and activities—a four-night Disney cruise can actually end up being less expensive than a four-night Disney World vacation, as this handy comparison chart demonstrates. Plus, you can book early to save money.

And if you live close enough to drive, instead of fly, to your embarkation port, taking a home port cruise  will cut your overall cost, which explains why our sailing out of Galveston was packed with Texans. Onboard, the best way to keep your tab small is to forgo add-ons—especially onboard Wi-Fi and alcohol. Keep in mind that you can bring your own alcohol as long as you comply with Disney Cruise Line’s fairly reasonable rules on the matter.

The Overall Disney Cruise Experience

If you’re trying to figure out what type of trip a Disney cruise ends up being, I’ll be honest: There’s so much to do onboard that it can’t really be called a relaxing vacation, unless you’re absolutely determined to make it that way. With all that goes on—all the time—it’s easy to fall prey to some serious FOMO.

But that’s not a bad thing. You come off the Disney cruise with so many new memories that having made the effort to show up to a majority of activities ends up having been worth it.

One strategy to avoid coming home exhausted: Tack on a couple of relaxing beach days after your cruise. We stayed along Galveston’s seawall for a couple of nights afterward, at the beautiful Hilton in the San Luis Resort . This proved to be a good way to unwind, a worthy quiet counterpoint to the exuberance of the Disney cruise experience.

From another perspective, though, taking a Disney cruise is an unexpectedly good option if you’re looking for a vacation that offers a detox from mainstream and social media, and the constant rush of emails and texts—the perfect way to kick off a digital cleanse. This is mostly because it’s very expensive to be connected: $20 buys just a few minutes online.

If you purchase enough megabytes to be as plugged in as you are at home, you’ll spend a small fortune. So, unless money is of no concern, you stay disconnected for the vast majority of the cruise, which is sometimes frustrating but mostly serene. No matter what’s going on in the world, a Disney cruise is basically Disneyland on the boat: unapologetically happy, removed from reality, and with no trace of the morose or glum.

As for that signature excitement that Disney is so expert at generating, it’s vividly a Disney cruise from start to finish. A week before we got on the boat, Mickey and Minnie “called” my daughter to tell her how excited they were to see her onboard. I received a beautiful packet in the mail with my itinerary, luggage tags, and instructions about how to get the most out of our Disney cruise experience.

View this post on Instagram Embarking next week! Follow my coverage over at @smartertravel (Insta, Twitter, and Periscope) as @disneycruiseline debuts its redone Wonder ship. #disneycruise #disneywonder #travel #disney #wanderlust #lovemyjob A post shared by Avital Andrews (@avitalb) on Nov 4, 2016 at 2:38pm PDT

Our last night aboard, at 10:15 p.m., all the main characters gathered in the lobby atrium to give guests a final chance to interact with them, take photos, and give hugs. The cruise director delivered a farewell speech, and each child was handed a battery-run candle and invited onstage to partake in a moving rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” followed by an avalanche of Mickey-shaped confetti. I let my little one stay up late for this, and it was worth it. In true Disney form, it was the perfect ending.

More from SmarterTravel:

  • 6 Cruise Ship Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
  • 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Disney World Vacation
  • Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which Is Cheaper?

Don't Miss a Trip, Tip, or Deal!

Let us do the legwork! Sign up for our free newsletter now.

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter   @avitalb  or on   Facebook .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

best first time disney cruise

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Italy: 8-Night Rome, Florence & Venice...

Infinity Worldwide Vacations

best first time disney cruise

Monte Carlo to Athens: Luxe, 10-Night...

Oceania Cruises

best first time disney cruise

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

best first time disney cruise

Trending on SmarterTravel

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Details here .

What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship? The Ultimate Guide to Itineraries, Dining and Entertainment

Jill Robbins

If you’re considering taking a Disney cruise and wondering what’s the best Disney cruise ship, here’s some good news: You can’t go wrong with picking one of the five – soon to be six – ships that Disney has in service.

The Disney Magic  started it all in 1998. The Disney Wonde r joined the fleet the following year. Disney doubled their fleet size with the addition of the  Disney Dream  (2011) and the Disney Fantasy  (2012}. Then there were five, with the addition of the  Disney Wish on July 14, 2022.

The Disney Treasure  will set sail in 2024, bringing the fleet to six ships, with the potential to bring that number to seven, with the addition of what’s currently the Global Dream , which Disney purchased from Genting Hong Kong at the end of 2022. Information on the remodel/renaming of the 280,000 gross ton ship is being kept under wraps.

Disney Cruise Sister Ships

The Disney Wonder  is the sister ship of the Disney Magic,  and the  Disney Dream  is the sister Ship of the Disney Fantasy . This means the ships are nearly identical in layout, although some of the theming is different.

The new Disney Wish  is unique and has a different layout than the other four ships. It’s expected the Disney Treasure  will mirror the  Disney Wish .

The Wonder  and the Magic  are often referred to as Classic Ships. The Dream  and Fantasy  are often referred to as Dream Class ships, and the new Wish and Treasure are Triton Class ships.

Sailing From Ports Worldwide

Disney Cruises sail from all over the world. Cruises departing from U.S. ports include Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, New Orleans, New York City, and San Diego. Select cruises also depart from Honolulu and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

International ports include Barcelona, Rome, Southampton, Vancouver, and the recently added New Zealand and Australian ports, including Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Since there are only five ships, the routes change each season, and the ships move around and reposition. Look into one of Disney’s repositioning cruises for a unique – and longer – cruise. One ship will move from the Caribbean to Europe for summer cruises from Barcelona and Southampton, which results in a (roughly) two-week transatlantic cruise. When ships move from the port of San Diego back to the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean, repositioning cruises pass through the Panama Canal.

Disney Cruise Line Itineraries

If you want to sail with Disney, you’ll find everything from two-night cruises to 15-night cruises . The two-night cruises are in Australia and New Zealand, and Baja Mexico cruises from San Diego.

If you’re interested in a Caribbean Cruise or a cruise to the Bahamas, you’ll find everything from three-night to seven-night cruises leaving from Galveston, New Orleans, and the Florida Ports.

Alaska cruises are seasonal, leaving during the summer from Vancouver. There’s usually one ship in Europe for the summer, sailing Mediterranean routes from Barcelona and to the Norwegian fjords from Southampton.

Join our Private Disney FB Group for more tips! JOIN HERE

Do You Want to Choose Your Itinerary Based on the Ship or the Itinerary?

You usually can’t do both unless the stars just magically line up for you, which is possible. If you want to cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Wonder , you might have a wait ahead of you since the Wonder is currently going back and forth between Hawaii and Australia. However, if you just want to go to the Bahamas, you have many choices at any time.

If the Wonder is on your bucket list, you might have to wait awhile or travel far to reach the ship. After she’s done with the trans-Pacific cruises, she’s on to Alaska for summer cruises. New routes and schedules are typically released about 18 months in advance, but this isn’t an absolute, so watch the Disney Cruise Line website or ask a travel agent to monitor the releases if you’re set on a particular route, ship, or a combination of both.

Private Island Paradise – Times Two!

Bahamas sailings and select Caribbean sailings go to Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is popular because it’s a gorgeous slice of paradise and a no-cost or low-cost excursion.

The pristine beaches with chairs, umbrellas, and towel service are included in the cost of your cruise. A BBQ lunch buffet complete with sodas and soft-serve ice cream is also included. Additional for-a-fee activities are available, such as paddle boarding, snorkel gear and bike rental, and massages on the beach, but it’s possible to have a spend-free day at Castaway Cay. There’s also an adults-only beach, Serenity Bay, which lives up to its name.

Disney is opening up a second island beach club location near Eleuthera, Lighthouse Point, in the summer of 2024.

Best Main Dining Room Dining Experiences

All Disney Cruise ships have rotational dining, which means passengers will rotate through three different dining rooms during their cruise. The serving staff rotates with the guests, which is a concept unique to Disney Cruise Line.

The main dining rooms on the Classic and Dream Class ships are very similar. The Magic , Wonder , Dream , and Fantasy all have an Animator’s Palate, a whimsical experience where animated characters come to life. All have a fairytale-themed restaurant near the ship’s atrium. The  Magic  has Lumiere’s, the Dream has Royal Palace , the Wonder  has Triton’s, and the Fantasy  has the Royal Court. The menu is the same or very similar at all of these restaurants.

The Magic  and Wonder  both have princess-themed restaurants with entertainment. On the Magic , it’s Rapunzel’s Royal Table; on the  Wonder , it’s Tiana’s Place. Both of these venues have menus that are aligned with the theme. The Dream  and Fantasy  both have Enchanted Garden, a Versailles-inspired dining room.

Dining on the new Disney Wish

Disney’s newest ship has taken the main dining room game up a notch with all-new restaurants. The Wish’s  main dining rooms are World of Marvel, a futuristic Avenger-themed restaurant with a show that’s mostly digital with a live component at the end, Arendelle: a Frozen Dining Adventure, and 1923, which is named for the year Walt Disney Studios was established.

Worlds of Marvel serves a varied menu with the names of the dishes giving nods to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Arendelle has Nordic-inspired food, and 1923 has sophisticated but approachable California cuisine.

Adult Dining on Disney Cruise Line

All ships offer one or two adult dining experiences that aren’t included in the cost of the cruise. The  Magic , Wonder , Dream , and Fantasy  all have Palo. Palo serves brunch and dinner and focuses on Northern Italian-inspired cuisine.

The Dream  and the Fantasy  both have Remy, an upscale French restaurant named for the rat in Ratatouille . Remy serves dinner, brunch, and a dessert experience.

The Disney Wish Switches It Up Again

Things are done differently on the Wish as with the main dining rooms. The Wish has Palo Steakhouse, which, as the name suggests, is more steak-focused but still Northern Italian-inspired. Brunch and dinner are both available.

Instead of Remy, the Wish has  Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement. Instead of Ratatouille theming , Enchanté is Beauty and the Beast themed. I haven’t had the opportunity to eat at Enchanté – yet – but reviews indicate the pricing and experience are very similar to Remy.

Best Disney Cruise Ship Water Slide

Each of the five ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet has some type of waterslide. The  Dream  and the Fantasy  have the AquaDuck, a slide where riders sit in an inflatable raft, whiz around the ship in an acrylic tube, and are treated to ocean views and a bird’s eye view of the pool deck.

The Magic has the AquaDunk, a body slide that shoots riders in a clear tube extending over the ship’s side. The rider gets in position then the floor disappears from under them, making this a fast and thrilling ride.

The slide on board the Wonder might be perceived as a letdown after the thrills described above. There is a slide called the Twist n’ Spout, which is a 250-foot twisty body slide. The height requirement to ride the Twist n’ Spout is 38” whereas the height requirement to ride the AquaDunk and AquaDuck slides is 48”. That alone gives you an idea of how the thrill levels compare.

The New AquaMouse

The AquaMouse is a water coaster type of slide similar to the AquaDuck, but there is a pre-show of sorts where riders travel up an incline conveyor belt while Disney animated cartoons, complete with well-timed squirts of water, play on the walls. The slide is mostly enclosed, including one area where the tube swings out over the side of the ship, giving the rider the sense that they’re careening off into the ocean. The height requirement is 48” to ride alone.

Disney Cruise Ship Kids Clubs

Kids’ activities are included on each of the five ships. All ships the following:

  • Oceaneer Club – Ages 3-12
  • Edge tween club – Ages 11-13
  • Vibe teen club – Ages 14-17

Each ship also has a Small World Nursery for babies six months and older and other tots under age three. The nursery isn’t included in the price of the cruise, and reservations are required.

My kids have been in the Oceaeer Club on the Wonder, Magic , Dream , and Wish , and Edge on the Magic, Dream , and  Wish . The Wish  wins hands-down for best Oceaneer Club. Although the kid’s clubs are pretty cool on all of the ships, the Wish takes it to the next level with interactive Star Wars and Marvel Superhero Academy areas. All Oceaneer Clubs have a play area for art projects and unstructured play, as well as movies and special character meet and greets that are exclusive to the kid’s clubs.

I think Vibe on the Wish  and the Magic  are equally cool and that the coolest Edge is on the Wish . However, I have two 13-year-old sons who insist Edge on the Magi c is the best. It’s small and dark and seems almost like an afterthought, but the experts have spoken.

Best Disney Cruise Staterooms

We’ve sailed on all the ships except the Disney Fantasy  and stayed in everything from inside staterooms to one-bedroom concierge suites. My family has been happy with all of our accommodations and found negligible differences in stateroom quality across the classic ships and the  Dream .

We had a small maintenance issue in a stateroom on the Magic , which is showing signs of wear and tear and is due for some refurbishment. This didn’t interfere with our enjoyment of the ship overall. The Disney Wish  is the newest and shiniest. The staterooms feel larger, there’s a bigger television set, and robes are standard issue, which they aren’t on the other Disney ships. The Wish also has a ton of USB outlets built into the room, unlike the other ships, which were built during an era when USB ports weren’t such a necessity.

If going by the stateroom alone, I’d say the Wish  wins out of all the other Disney Cruise Line ships. However, I don’t recommend choosing a cruise because of the quality of the stateroom because you won’t spend that much time there. Even though the  Wish’s  staterooms are nicer, the others are above average in comfort and amenities.

Best Shows and Entertainment

All of the ships had a Walt Disney Theater where three Broadway quality shows will be shown. Longer cruises have other entertainment, such as comedy acts and illusionists. The four older ships have the Buena Vista Theater, which show first run movies and other Disney movies.

Shows on the Wish

The  Wish  has the Walt Disney Theater but instead of the Buena Vista Theater, they have two small movie theaters, the Wonder Land Cinema and the Never Land Cinema. The shows on the Wish  are a new version of The Little Mermaid , Aladdin , and Seas the Adventure , a Disney Cruise Line exclusive show about first mate Goofy following his dreams.

Other Shows on Disney Cruise Line

The current lineup of shows on the other Disney Ships are as follows:

  • Disney   Magic : Tangled the Musical, Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic, and Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story.  
  • Disney Wonder: The Golden Mickeys, Frozen, and Disney Dreams.
  • Disney Dream :   Beauty and the Beast , Frozen , and Disney’s Believe .
  • Disney Fantasy : Aladdin, Disney’s Believe, and  Frozen.

All shows are about 50 minutes long, and there are two shows each evening.

Best Pirate Night

Select itineraries have pirate night, which includes Disney characters dressed up as pirates, pirate-themed entertainment, and menus and fireworks at sea. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, or Goofy in their pirate garb is really cute, and you won’t see that anywhere else except on a Disney Cruise.

The Wish  wins for best pirate night. A pirate dance party with Mickey and friends early in the evening, around 7:00 pm, lasts about 15 minutes. There’s a second celebration later, around 10:00 pm, called the Pirate Rockin’ Parlay Party, which features 30 minutes of a rowdy pirate band playing 80’s rock music. The Pirate Rockin’ Parlay Party ends with fireworks at sea.

Best Theme Park + Cruise Combination

Sometimes known as a land and sea vacation, the proximity of Port Canaveral to Walt Disney World makes combining two Disney vacations fairly easy. There’s even Disney transport from the Walt Disney World Resorts and Orlando International Airport .

If you’re interested in this type of vacation, you won’t find a shortage of cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, and I recommend you pick the one that aligns with your preferred dates versus trying to choose the best Disney cruise ship. They’re all pretty great, and if you select a cruise that sails to Castaway Cay (most cruises out of Port Canaveral do), it’s a double win.

So, What’s the Best Disney Cruise Ship?

It depends on who you ask. Disney Cruise Line definitely pulled out all the stops with the Disney   Wish . It’s shiny and new with the most bells and whistles, but does that make it the best? My favorite has always been the Disney Wonder . It was my first Disney Cruise, so there’s probably some nostalgia going on there. I like the smaller ships’ layouts the best, and I think Tiana’s Place has the best food.

The best is in the eye of the beholder.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Disney Cruises: The Complete Guide

Carissa Rawson

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

About Disney Cruise Line cruises

Disney cruise line prices, disney cruise line loyalty program: castaway club, what is the best disney cruise line ship.

Disney has a massive global footprint across its theme parks, films and merchandise. And it doesn’t stop there. Among its many offerings is the Disney Cruise Line, whose fleet of five ships sails all over the world.

Family-friendly but with adults-only areas, Disney cruises offer some of the most comprehensive cruise options around. Let’s break down everything there is to know about the Disney Cruise Line, including pricing, destinations and its loyalty program.

You can always expect some magic from Disney, and there is no exception when sailing on Disney Cruise Line. Although its fleet is small, it offers a high-end, family-friendly experience for guests. Here’s a quick overview of Disney Cruise Line’s key features.

Cabin types: Disney Cruise Line offers all the usual cabin types, including inside, oceanview, verandah and concierge-level rooms . Disney Cruise Line’s cabins are larger than average and designed for families, with split bathrooms and privacy curtains. Their largest rooms can accommodate up to seven guests. 

Main U.S. routes: Disney has several departure points from within the United States, including options from San Diego, New York City, Miami, and Galveston, Texas. However, its most frequent departures are from Port Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida, to the Bahamas and the Caribbean or from Vancouver, British Columbia to Alaska.

Loyalty program: Disney Cruise Line offers the Castaway Club to repeat guests. It has four membership levels — Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl. The first level is earned by completing a single cruise. 

» Learn more: Disney Cruise Review — Mickey at Sea Gets an A+

Disney Cruise Line destinations

Although Disney currently operates only five ships, the cruise line still manages to cover most of the world. Here are the locations you can currently sail on a Disney cruise:

New Zealand.

Pacific Coast. 

Panama Canal.

South Pacific. 

Transatlantic. 

Cruises are available in a variety of lengths, from three nights up to 15 nights.

Disney cruises tend to be more expensive than the average cruise. Currently, for example, the cheapest cruise departing from Port Canaveral is a three-night trip to the Bahamas, which costs $1,958 for two guests.

best first time disney cruise

And you’ll pay more to take a "special occasion" Disney cruise. The same three-night Bahamas cruise sailing during Disney's Silver Anniversary at Sea starts at $2,345 for two guests.

best first time disney cruise

When it comes to timing, standard logic applies. The high season will cost more, especially during holidays and the summer break.

The cheapest rate we found — the previously-mentioned $1,958 — is for a cruise in late January, a time when those with school-aged children might have trouble getting away. Meanwhile, the most expensive period for this cruise takes place over the Christmas holiday and rings in at $3,737 for an inside stateroom.

For all destinations, if you’d like to save money, avoid peak periods and search all available dates to find the lowest rates . This is true even on less popular cruises, such as those sailing up to Alaska .

best first time disney cruise

The cheapest cost for two guests to Alaska from Vancouver is $2,983 in mid-September, while the same cruise will cost you $4,607 if you sail over the Fourth of July holiday.

One-way positioning cruises — that is, those that end in a different location from where they started — are often much cheaper per night than standard round-trip cruises.

What’s included

Disney cruises are more inclusive than most cruises. You don’t, for example, need to pay extra for soft drinks on a Disney cruise like you would on Norwegian Cruise Line . You’re also entitled to complimentary room service 24/7, unlike on Virgin Voyages, where you'll be charged a $5 fee for each delivery.

Here are more inclusions you can expect.

Live, high-quality entertainment.

Large staterooms (designed for parties of up to three guests).

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (on most Bahamas and Caribbean cruises).

Upscale restaurants, quick-service dining, poolside snacks and room service.

Adults-only lounges and pool areas.

Waterslides (on some ships).

» Learn more: How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Disney isn’t known for its loyalty programs. For example, there is no frequent traveler program associated with staying at one of its resorts or frequenting its parks. However, Disney Cruise Line rewards repeat customers with various benefits, including a complimentary specialty dinner, free photo downloads and an exclusive terminal check-in area.

Castaway Club levels

The Castaway Club levels are Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl.

How to earn : Sail on one cruise.

Best benefits : Book cruises one day before the general public, online activity planning 90 days before sailing, check in 33 days early, exclusive terminal check-in.

How to earn : Sail on five to nine cruises.

Best benefits : Book cruises two days before the general public, online activity planning 105 days before sailing, check in 35 days early, onboard reception, special discounts. 

How to earn : Sail on 10 to 24 cruises.

Best benefits : Book cruises three days before the general public, online activity planning 120 days before sailing, check in 38 days early, complimentary specialty dinner.

How to earn : Sail on 25+ cruises. 

Best benefits : Book cruises four days before the general public, online activity planning 123 days before sailing, check in 40 days early, complimentary unlimited digital photo package. 

» Learn more: Which is cheaper, Disney World or a Disney cruise?

The Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship and certainly its best. It just launched in the summer of 2022. Among its many amenities, guests can find the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. It’s a 760-foot water slide filled with show scenes, lighting, music and more that touches down into a lazy river.

The Disney Wish also has dedicated areas themed for "Frozen," the Marvel Universe and "Star Wars."

In addition, the Disney Wish has all the regular amenities you’d expect on a Disney cruise, including live entertainment, pools and spacious staterooms.

Disney Cruise Line does not offer free Wi-Fi. Instead, it has three levels of packages from which to choose:

Stay Connected: $10 per day for the entire cruise or $12 per day for a 24-hour period.

Basic Surf: $20 per day for the entire cruise or $24 per day for a 24-hour period.

Premium Surf: $30 per day for the entire cruise or $36 per day for a 24-hour period.

These packages are available on the Disney Wish, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. The Disney Wonder still operates on the old data-usage Wi-Fi packages.

Most of your daily expenses, including your food and non-alcoholic beverages, are included when sailing on a Disney cruise. However, if you’d like specialty drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to pay extra. Gratuities are not included, and Disney Cruise Line's recommended tip is a minimum of $14.50 per guest, per night.

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer the standard drink package other cruise lines offer. Drink packages allow you to pay a flat-rate price and drink as much alcohol as you’d like.

Instead, you’ll either pay per drink or purchase bundled quantities onboard. It’s also possible to purchase a specialty beer mug at the pub onboard, which can then be refilled across the ship. Much like Disney’s popcorn buckets, your beer mugs entitle you to cheaper refills on all your beer.

In the past, Disney Cruise Line required that you be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 before sailing, but this is no longer the case. Guests departing from the United States are not required to do either, though the cruise line highly encourages you to get vaccinated before sailing.

Most of your daily expenses, including your food and non-alcoholic beverages, are included when sailing on a Disney cruise. However, if you’d like specialty drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to pay extra. Gratuities are not included, and

Disney Cruise Line's recommended tip

is a minimum of $14.50 per guest, per night.

(Top photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

1x-3x Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

best first time disney cruise

  • Close 

Mickey and Minnie on deck in Christmas Sweaters

Hello I’m looking to plan a surprise cruise for my family. This is my first time ever planning a cruise, along with my first time ever taking one. Iim looking to take one for there Christmas break from school. They’ll be 9 and turning 12 during the time. ”

  • Useful 1 Useful Please Sign In to mark this question useful.
  • Save Answer Please Sign In to view your saved answers.
  •  Pinterest
  •  Facebook
  •  Email

thumbnail image for JoVonn

Meet the Panelist: JoVonn, Georgia

Related video.

thumbnail image for Disney Cruise Line First Timer Tips | planDisney Podcast – Season 2 Episode 1

Related Links

Visit Disney Cruise Line to view exciting itineraries and onboard amenities.

  • Disney Cruise Line Activities

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please sign in now if you have not already done so., ask plandisney, discover the magic of a disney parks family vacation from one of our knowledgeable online panelists..

256 Characters Remaining

Please do not include personal information such as full names and reservation numbers in your question.

  • Relevant Tags Please select at least one tag related to your question from the choices below.

The menu below has been automatically set to the panelist you were reviewing, however, you can ask anyone on our panel.

  • Close Ask a Question Opens the Ask a Question dialog box.

Thanks for submitting your question!

You'll receive an email if your question is answered., please note.

Email communication is the only way we can notify you when your question has been answered. If you choose to opt-out of receiving emails, you will need to return to the site to check if your question has been answered.

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer .

Or you can continue browsing without updating.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Best Disney cruise ships for everyone — even Disney adults

Ashley Kosciolek

Disney cruises are the stuff of magic, but they're also magically expensive. Before you shell out thousands per day on a vacation, you likely want to know: What's the best Disney ship for fans? What's the best Disney ship for adults? Which ship, if any, will work for me if I'm traveling by myself or with babies, kids or teens?

Disney Cruise Line is a brand that excels at providing both fun and luxurious experiences. With a fleet that has just three classes and five ships, Disney can focus on making sure that each vessel lives up to The Mouse's high standards for many types of cruisers. In other words, whichever vessel you choose, you'll likely have a great time.

However, there are subtle nuances that determine the best Disney ships for certain travelers. I'll help you figure out which Disney cruise ship is best so you can get the most out of a voyage in the happiest place on the high seas.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Disney Fantasy: Best Disney cruise ship for adults

best first time disney cruise

Because the line excels at providing family-friendly and kid-focused amenities, when it comes to a Disney cruise, adults often wonder whether they would enjoy themselves if they were to sail. Fortunately, the answer is almost always yes — Disney cruise ships are great for adults .

Disney Cruise Line does the little things well. Travelers of all ages can enjoy character interactions and appreciate thoughtfully laid-out cabins.

If you're worried you'll be outnumbered by kids or elicit weird looks for sailing as a Disney adult, never fear. Bring your mouse ears, and prepare for some fun. Or, if you want, avoid the kitschy Disney stuff, and enjoy the terrific entertainment and superb food offerings mixed with stellar service.

All Disney ships have adults-only sun decks and pool areas that are closed to kids, as well as bars and clubs that are off-limits to anyone younger than 18.

With that in mind, one vessel stands out for the older set: Disney Fantasy.

The ship boasts a dozen bars, including three exclusive to the vessel. In addition to bars in the atrium, by the pool and sun deck, and in the theater, you'll also find the Europa area, which is only for adults after 9 p.m.

It's got five watering holes; among them are an Irish pub and a lounge that offers views of major European cities via LED screens that change every 15 minutes. But the standouts are French Champagne bar Ooh La La; La Piazza, which is carousel themed and gives off Italian vibes; and The Tube, a club with a London Underground theme that hosts trivia by day.

What's also great about the ship for adults is that it's a mid-sized vessel. It's big enough to offer plenty of activities but smaller than the new behemoth Disney Wish, which features grown-up areas that are spread out instead of conveniently clustered like they are on Disney Fantasy.

Finally, if you're an adult who's hoping to steer as clear of children as possible while still enjoying your own Disney experience, know that Disney Fantasy has a tremendous kids club. It features Andy's room from "Toy Story," as well as a Tinkerbell-themed play area and the Marvel Superhero Academy, where little ones can learn to fight crime. It's so impressive that kids likely won't want to leave, meaning fewer little ones will be running wild around the ship.

Disney Wish: Best Disney cruise ship for families

best first time disney cruise

Disney cruises are, hands down, the best in the industry when it comes to sailings for families with children . From thoughtful cabin design that allows for more privacy and bathroom space to character interactions, free soda, complimentary first-run movie screenings and special menus in the restaurants, the brand understands and delivers on what appeals to the youngest cruisers.

Parents will love the line's infant and toddler babysitting offerings and little — but significant — touches like the availability of kid-size life jackets by the pools.

However, the true standout is the children's programming in the onboard youth centers. Disney's sizeable kids clubs are supervised and designed to include immersive experiences that tie in with Disney's franchises and characters. (Think "Toy Story," Marvel, "Star Wars" and more.)

The best Disney ship for families is Disney Wish ; it earns high marks whether you're traveling with babies, toddlers, school-age kids or teens.

Below, I'll explain why the line's newest, largest vessel is ideal.

Disney Wish: Best Disney cruise ship for kids

best first time disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line's kids club, the Oceaneer Club (for ages 3-12), is cavernous. It has five separate sections on Disney Wish, including Mickey and Minnie's Captain's Deck and Fairytale Hall, which offer climbing structures and princess play for younger children. Kids will also be able to walk into a scene from "Star Wars" in Star Wars Cargo Bay, learn how to save the world at the Marvel Superhero Academy and participate in STEM projects at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab.

The spaces are so fun that you're likely to see very little of your children during a sailing on Disney Wish. You might even be disappointed that you can't spend time there yourself.

The best part? It's all free, and there is dedicated youth staff that oversees each day's activities, as well as nighttime movie-watching and dance parties while parents enjoy some time out and about. Oh, and did I mention there's a slide that takes kids from the ship's stunning atrium down one deck to the entrance?

best first time disney cruise

Outside the Oceaneer Club, kids will love Disney Wish's top-deck activities, which include mini-golf, an obstacle course, pools and waterslides. Don't miss the AquaMouse, a raft-based attraction with digital elements and see-through tubing.

best first time disney cruise

The whole family can also enjoy Pirate Night, offered once per sailing. On the agenda are fireworks and appearances by Captain Jack Sparrow. Passengers are wholeheartedly encouraged to dress up.

Regarding dining, children will enjoy not only special kids' menus but also the themed, interactive atmosphere in two of the ship's three main dining rooms: Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure . The former amuses passengers with Ant-Man's antics after he accidentally shrinks Disney Wish with a Quantum Core. The latter is an engagement celebration for Anna and Kristoff, featuring live characters.

Disney Wish: Best Disney cruise ship for teens and tweens

best first time disney cruise

For teens and tweens, Disney Wish's dedicated lounges are the feature that's likely to be most enticing, offering a more relaxed "come and go" atmosphere that's supervised but less structured. Both clubs have areas for foosball and mocktails, and they offer a general meeting place for kids in the following age groups to find their friends and hang out.

Edge is the vessel's tween club, which offers video and board games and brightly colored decor for the 11- to 14-year-old set.

best first time disney cruise

Vibe is the teen club for 14- to 17-year-olds. It's a slightly more muted space with giant TVs for movie watching and video game play, plus a high-top bar area for teens needing a place to plug in their laptops and tablets. A second room can be sealed off for use by 18- to 20-year-olds on voyages with enough young adults to warrant it.

And for older kids into "Star Wars," the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge is an immersive way to enjoy some themed fun in a more adult setting. The bar — open to all ages until 9 p.m., when it becomes an adults-only venue — takes visitors on a trip through the galaxy. A screen behind the bar changes every few minutes, with the room making noises and jumping to "hyperspace" to reach the next destination.

best first time disney cruise

For anyone younger than the legal drinking age, the venue's menu offers some nonalcoholic options, including the Cloud City (oat milk with blue raspberry and ice cream) and the Temple Twist (apple, mint, pineapple, ginger beer and kiwi).

best first time disney cruise

When they aren't busy lounging, teens might also enjoy Uncharted Adventure, a digital scavenger hunt that will take them around the ship to find interactive clues using their mobile phones. A bit of magic is involved, but it's the kind even a skeptical teenager might find interesting.

For more sporty fun, teens can check out the ship's waterslides or the indoor sports court, where they can play basketball or foosball.

Disney Wish: Best Disney cruise ship for babies and toddlers

best first time disney cruise

Returning on Disney Wish is parent favorite It's a Small World Nursery. The expanded space caters to children from 6 months to 3 years old. It has a nap room with cribs, a changing area and an activity room with floormats, age-appropriate toys and a TV.

Dedicated counselors offer group babysitting in the nursery for the littlest cruisers on a first come, first served basis for $9 per hour for the first child and $8 per hour for any additional children in the same family. Counselors will feed and change, as necessary, any infants or toddlers in their care.

Disney Magic: Best Disney cruise ship for singles

best first time disney cruise

Built in 1998, Disney Magic is the oldest vessel in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. That means it's also one of the least expensive, which is important if you're sailing alone and stuck paying a single supplement. (Disney ships do not have cabins for one.)

Additionally, it's one of the two smallest Disney Cruise Line ships. Its size creates a more intimate experience, particularly in the adult areas, where you can meet other cruisers traveling alone.

Disney Magic retains a nautical feel that's more mature than what you'll find on Disney Wish, which feels more like a mainstream megaship. However, Magic retains the "wow" factor, featuring well-appointed cabins, excellent dining options and jaw-dropping entertainment that rivals what you'd find on Broadway.

Disney Cruise Line also does a great job of seating solo cruisers together during meals so they don't have to dine alone. If you prefer a table by yourself, ask the dining staff. You can also take meals at the buffet, order room service, or check out one of the ship's alternative eateries, including adults-only Italian restaurant Palo , O'Gill's pub or several poolside venues.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney Wonder: Best Disney ship for West Coast cruisers

best first time disney cruise

With Florida serving as the undisputed cruise capital of the world, travelers living on the West Coast are often out of luck. Not so with Disney Cruise Line.

The best Disney ship for people wishing to set sail from California or Vancouver is Disney Wonder. One of the line's two oldest vessels, it runs three- and four-night springtime voyages from San Diego to Baja California with calls on Ensenada, Mexico, and five- to nine-night Alaska sailings departing from Vancouver in the summer and fall.

Don't let the ship's age fool you. The line does a tremendous job of maintaining it, so it looks nearly new. Service, food and entertainment live up to Disney's high standards.

If you're looking for something different than Disney's standard West Coast offerings, you can also snag one-way repositioning voyages when the ship changes locations seasonally. Examples include sailings from San Diego to Vancouver or from Vancouver to Honolulu.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

Disney Dream: Best Disney cruise ship for longer voyages

best first time disney cruise

Most of Disney's sailings are short, whisking passengers away for three to five days. The itineraries are fairly standard, featuring port calls in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including the line's private island, Castaway Cay .

If you're craving something a bit longer or want to visit a far-flung destination, Disney Dream is the ship you'll want to book.

Offering 10-, 11- and 12-night voyages in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, Disney Dream takes passengers to ports like Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence (Livorno), Barcelona, Athens, Santorini, Southampton, Reykjavik and Copenhagen.

Remember that all of Disney Dream's Europe cruises depart from within Europe, so you'll need to factor flights — potentially costly open-jaw ones — into your budget.

Bottom line

Disney has something for every cruiser, regardless of age, whether you're a parent or a Disney adult, and whether you choose to cruise alone or with friends or family.

The sailings can be expensive, so you'll want to book the best ship for you before you make such a sizeable investment. Luckily, Disney Cruise Line's five ships offer a variety of experiences for all sorts of travelers.

Want more information on cruising with Disney? Check out our Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
  • What to pack for your first cruise

best first time disney cruise

Best Tips for First-Time Cruisers to Make Cruising Fun

I recently returned from my first cruise and I’m pretty sure I did more research for this trip than I did for my doctorate degree! I combed numerous websites, subscribed to multiple YouTube channels, talked to several different cruise line employees, and polled almost every friend (and stranger) that I encountered looking for tips for first-time cruisers . 

Embarking on your first cruise is exciting but can be a bit overwhelming.  There’s so much information out there. To ensure you make the most of your cruise, here are some essential tips to help you navigate the seas and create memories that will last a lifetime.

This site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website at no extra cost to you.

How do I prepare for my first cruise?

So, you’ve decided to take a cruise vacation. Now what? Here are my top tips for planning to cruise for the very first time. 

1. Do Your Research

Before booking your cruise, take the time to research different cruise lines, itineraries, and ships. Consider the atmosphere, amenities, and activities offered by each cruise line to find one that aligns with your preferences. Reading reviews from fellow travelers can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

The Points Guy has a comparison of several popular cruise lines.

Here’s a quick comparison of several top cruise lines, each known for its unique offerings and distinct cruise experiences:

Royal Caribbean International:

  • Known For: Innovation and Adventure
  • Highlights: Quantum and Oasis-class ships, rock climbing, Broadway-style entertainment, diverse dining options, and high-energy activities like FlowRider and zip-lining.

Carnival Cruise Line:

  • Known For: Fun and Lively Atmosphere
  • Highlights: “Fun Ships” with vibrant décor, extensive entertainment, WaterWorks water park, casual dining options, and themed cruise events.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL):

  • Known For: Freestyle Cruising
  • Highlights: Freestyle dining with no set dining times, Broadway-caliber entertainment, The Haven luxury suites, and a variety of specialty restaurants.

Disney Cruise Line:

  • Known For: Family-Friendly Magic
  • Highlights: Themed cruises for families, classic Disney characters, Broadway-style shows, rotational dining, and private island Castaway Cay.

MSC Cruises:

  • Known For: European Elegance
  • Highlights: Modern and elegant ships, diverse international cuisine, partnerships with celebrity chefs, and a variety of entertainment options.

Holland America Line:

  • Known For: Classic Cruising Experience
  • Highlights: Premium service, classic décor, extensive art collections onboard, Culinary Council featuring renowned chefs, and in-depth destination experiences.

Princess Cruises:

  • Known For: Relaxation and Romance
  • Highlights: The “Movies Under the Stars” experience, traditional dining, diverse itineraries, and the Royal-class ships with innovative amenities.

Celebrity Cruises:

  • Known For: Modern Luxury
  • Highlights: Modern and stylish ships, gourmet dining, Canyon Ranch Spa, premium accommodations, and diverse entertainment options.

Costa Cruises:

  • Known For: Italian Flair
  • Highlights: Italian-themed cruises, diverse dining options, extensive spa facilities, and themed parties.

Viking Ocean Cruises:

  • Known For: Destination-Focused Cruising
  • Highlights: Small and intimate ships, inclusive excursions, enrichment programs, and a focus on cultural experiences.

Remember, the “best” cruise line depends on individual preferences, interests, and the type of experience you’re seeking. Whether you crave adventure, family fun, luxury, or cultural exploration, there’s a cruise line tailored to your needs.

2. Plan and Book in Advance

Cruises are popular vacation choices, and activities and dining reservations can fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, it’s a good idea to plan and book as much as possible in advance. This includes shore excursions, specialty dining, and spa treatments. Early planning ensures you secure the experiences you desire and allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable cruise.

3. Pack Wisely

Packing for a cruise requires a balance between preparation and simplicity. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing, swimwear, and formal attire for special evenings. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, medications, and travel adapters. Most cruise lines provide detailed packing lists to guide you, so take advantage of these resources.

First-time cruisers, in the excitement of planning their voyage, may occasionally overlook essential items that can enhance their cruise experience. Here’s a sample list of items often forgotten by cruise newcomers:

Power Strip or Extension Cord:

  • Cruise cabins may have limited power outlets, so bringing a power strip or extension cord can be invaluable for charging multiple devices.

Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent:

  • A small amount of laundry detergent can be useful for washing swimwear and other garments in the cabin sink.

Highlighter:

  • Bring a highlighter to mark important activities and events on the daily cruise schedule provided in your cabin.

Reusable Water Bottle:

  • Staying hydrated is crucial. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at water stations on the ship and take with you on excursions.

Sunscreen and Aloe Vera:

  • Protect your skin from the sun’s rays with sunscreen and have a soothing aloe vera gel on hand for any sunburns.

Motion Sickness Medication:

  • Even if you don’t typically experience motion sickness, it’s wise to have medication or remedies just in case the seas get rough.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer:

  • This can be a handy way to keep small items organized in your cabin, as cruise cabins often have limited counter space.

Small First Aid Kit:

  • Include basics like pain relievers, band-aids, seasickness medication, and any prescription medications you may need.

Waterproof Phone Case:

  • Protect your phone during water-based activities and shore excursions with a waterproof case.

Snorkel Gear:

  • If your cruise includes snorkeling destinations and you have your own gear, bringing it along can save you rental fees and ensure a better fit.

Travel Alarm Clock:

  • While most cruise cabins have alarm clocks, having your own can be reassuring, especially if you’re exploring different time zones.

Formal Night Attire:

  • Check the dress code for formal nights and bring appropriate attire if you plan to participate in these special evenings.

Travel Adapters:

  • If your cruise visits different countries, ensure you have the right travel adapters to charge your electronic devices.

Lanyard or Passport Holder:

  • Keep your cruise card, ID, and key documents secure and easily accessible with a lanyard or passport holder.

Backpack or Day Bag:

  • Useful for carrying essentials during shore excursions, such as water, sunscreen, a camera, and any purchased souvenirs.

Phone Charger:

  • Though I highly recommend unplugging while you’re on your cruise, you will need your phone to capture pictures and videos to look back on after the cruise. 

4. Budget for Extras

While cruises often include meals and entertainment, there are additional expenses you should budget for, such as gratuities, room service, excursions and onboard purchases. Plan ahead and allocate funds for these extras to avoid any unexpected financial stress during your cruise. (It’s also recommended to use a credit card rather than a debit card while you’re traveling.)

Here are some common examples of “extras” on a cruise:

Gratuities:

  • While some cruise lines automatically include gratuities in the overall fare, others add them as a daily charge. Be aware of the tipping policy and budget accordingly for tips to service staff.

Alcoholic Beverages:

  • Most cruise lines charge for alcoholic beverages. Some offer a drink package, but these are often separate from the initial cruise fare.

Specialty Dining:

  • Cruise ships typically include dining options in the main dining room and buffet. But many also offer specialty restaurants that come with an additional fee.

Excursions:

  • Shore excursions, while a fantastic way to explore the ports of call, are usually not included in the cruise fare. Budget for guided tours, water activities, and other excursions you may be interested in.

Internet and Communication:

  • Internet access on cruise ships is often an extra cost. While some cruise lines offer packages, the internet speed may be limited, and additional charges can apply for premium plans.

Spa and Fitness Services:

  • Spa treatments, fitness classes, and personal training sessions are often available onboard for an extra fee.

Photography Services:

  • Professional photos taken by the ship’s photographers during formal nights and other events come with a price tag. Be prepared for the cost if you choose to purchase them.

Casino and Gambling:

  • Casinos on cruise ships are popular, but gambling comes at an additional cost. Set a budget if you plan to try your luck in the onboard casino.
  • Onboard shops offer a variety of merchandise, from clothing to souvenirs. Budget for any onboard shopping you may want to do.

Art Auctions:

  • Some cruise lines host art auctions onboard. While attendance is free, purchasing artwork can add up.

Special Events and Shows:

  • While many entertainment options are included, some cruise lines have premium shows or events that come with an extra charge.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning:

  • Laundry services are typically available, but they come with a cost. Consider bringing travel-sized detergent to do some handwashing in your cabin.

Medical Services:

  • Medical services provided by the ship’s medical staff, including medications and consultations, may come with an extra charge.

Arcade and Video Games:

  • If the ship has an arcade or video game area, playing games usually incurs additional fees.

Port Fees and Taxes:

  • While not an onboard expense, it’s essential to be aware of any port fees and taxes that may not be included in the initial cruise fare.

By planning ahead and budgeting for these potential extra expenses, cruisers can ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

5. Stay Healthy and Safe

Cruises are generally safe, but it’s important to prioritize your health and safety. Wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, and follow any health guidelines provided by the cruise line. Familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout and emergency procedures to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

6. Embrace the Ship’s Culture

Each cruise ship has its own unique atmosphere and culture. Whether you’re on a family-friendly cruise, a luxury liner, or an adventure-focused vessel, embrace the ship’s culture and participate in onboard activities. From themed parties to Broadway-style shows, there’s always something exciting happening on a cruise ship.

7. Disconnect and Reconnect

While many modern cruise ships offer Wi-Fi and connectivity, consider taking this opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in the cruise experience. Spend quality time with travel companions, engage in onboard activities, and savor the breathtaking views without the distraction of constant notifications.

Embarking on your first cruise is a journey filled with anticipation and wonder. By doing your research, planning in advance, packing wisely, budgeting for extras, prioritizing health and safety, embracing the ship’s culture, and disconnecting to reconnect, you’ll set the stage for a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience. So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to sail into the adventure of a lifetime!

What are some frequently asked questions for first-time cruisers?

What’s the best way to book my first cruise?

Consider reaching out to a travel agent. They can guide first-time cruisers through the process, helping them select the best cruise liner, cabin type, and itinerary.

What happens on embarkation day?

On embarkation day, arrive at the cruise terminal with your documents, passport, and cruise planner. It’s the first day of your exciting journey!

How much time should I allow for embarkation?

Plan to arrive early to avoid long lines. Most cruise companies have specific check-in times, and being punctual ensures a smooth boarding process.

What’s the muster drill?

The muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise on the first day. Pay attention to crew members’ instructions and know the location of your life jacket.

Can I bring my own drinks onboard?

Check the cruise company’s policy. Some allow limited quantities of soft drinks or wine, while others offer drink packages for purchase.

What’s a good place to explore on the first day?

Start by familiarizing yourself with the ship. The lido deck, buffet restaurant, and gift shops are great places to begin your cruise adventure.

Do I need travel insurance for my first cruise?

Yes, it’s a great thing to have. Travel insurance can cover unforeseen circumstances and provide peace of mind during your journey.

Any tips for port days?

Plan shore excursions in advance, wear comfortable clothing, and carry essentials like your cruise card, ID, and a small backpack.

What’s the last thing I should do before disembarking?

Settle any outstanding service charges, review your final bill, and make sure you haven’t left anything behind in your cabin.

Are there fitness centers on cruise ships?

Yes, most cruise liners have fitness centers. Pack workout gear and take advantage of the facilities during your cruise.

Can I stay connected on the high seas?

Check if your cruise company offers Wi-Fi. Be cautious of roaming charges, and consider disconnecting to fully enjoy the cruise experience.

Are smaller or larger ships better for first-time cruisers?

Smaller ships offer a more intimate experience, while larger ships provide a broader range of amenities. Consider your preferences and choose accordingly.

How do I find the best stateroom for my first trip?

Research deck plans and cabin types. Interior cabins are budget-friendly, while luxury lines offer more spacious and upscale accommodations.

Can I explore the cruise terminal before boarding?

Yes, some cruise terminals have shops, restaurants, and ship tours. It’s a good time to get excited about your upcoming adventure.

What’s the best way to stay informed about the cruise itinerary?

Regularly check the cruise planner, attend port talks, and stay connected with fellow passengers or cruise critic reviews.

How do I prepare for gala evenings?

Pack formal attire for gala evenings. Check the cruise company’s dress code and enjoy the special atmosphere.

Any tips for European cruises?

Research the ports of call, learn basic local phrases, and appreciate the diverse cultures you’ll encounter during your European cruise.

What should I know about wine tastings onboard?

Participate in wine tastings to explore new flavors. Be mindful of additional charges, and enjoy a relaxing experience on the high seas.

Remember, cruising is a unique and delightful way to travel. Be sure to read the fine print, follow these first-time cruise tips, and embark on your voyage with the confidence to make the most of every moment. Bon voyage!

The post Best Tips for First-Time Cruisers to Make Cruising Fun appeared first on WhatCherithInks .

I recently returned from my first cruise and I’m pretty sure I did more research for this trip than I did for my doctorate degree! I combed numerous websites, subscribed to multiple YouTube channels, talked to several different cruise line employees, and polled almost every friend (and stranger) that I encountered looking for tips for

IMAGES

  1. Top 10 First-Time Disney Cruise Line Tips

    best first time disney cruise

  2. Tips for First Time Disney Cruisers

    best first time disney cruise

  3. tips for a first time disney cruise. Heres everything you'll need to

    best first time disney cruise

  4. Top 10 First-Time Disney Cruise Line Tips

    best first time disney cruise

  5. Top 10 First-Time Disney Cruise Line Tips

    best first time disney cruise

  6. Disney Cruise Line Tips for First Time Cruisers

    best first time disney cruise

VIDEO

  1. 13 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Going On My Disney Cruise

  2. 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Disney Cruise

  3. FIRST DISNEY CRUISE!! Boarding Disney Dream

  4. EVERYTHING You Need to Know for Disney Cruise in 2023

  5. COMPLETE Disney Wish Cruise Ship Tour

  6. I See If Disney Cruises Is Great For Adult Cruisers

COMMENTS

  1. First Time Disney Cruise Tips: The Complete Guide (for 2023)

    The remaining people pay a reduced rate based on their ages: adult (13+), child (3-12), and infant (2 or younger). These rates usually don't change much (if at all), no matter the type of stateroom. Example: 3-Night Bahamas Cruise in May 2024, in an oceanview stateroom. First two adults: $1,329 each.

  2. 25 Best Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers

    If you would prefer your family eat at the main dining time (around 5:45) rather than at the second seating (around 8:15), call Disney Cruise Line and ask to be put on the waiting list. Rapunzel's Dinner Show on the Disney Magic. Then, check your online Disney Cruise Line account often (like daily).

  3. Top 10 First-Time Disney Cruise Line Tips

    These first-time Disney Cruise Line tips will help you with things you might not know about the Magic, Fantasy, Dream, and Wonder DCL ships. Most are mistakes we made-and learned from-on our first DCL vacation, but we've also updated and tweaked this list with new info, ideas & changes. ( Updated October 31, 2019 .)

  4. The Best First Time Disney Cruise Tips

    Check-in for your Disney Cruise starts as early as 40 days before the start of your cruise. This is depend solely on your Castaway Club status. Pearl and Concierge can check in 40 days beforehand. Platinum at 38 days. Gold at 35 days. Silver at 33 days. And first time sailors at 30 days.

  5. 15 Essential First Time Disney Cruise Tips

    2: Pack first-day essentials in a shoulder bag. When you first arrive at the cruise terminal, your suitcases will be taken from you. This is great, so you don't have to carry them on board yourself. However, although you will board the ship in the early afternoon, and probably get access to your stateroom around 1:00/1:30, your luggage may ...

  6. ULTIMATE Disney Cruise Tips for First Time Cruisers

    What to pack for your Disney Cruise. Bring some Rubber Ducks and Fish Extender. Use an experienced travel agent. Tips for first time Disney cruisers on-board. Arrive Early. Do Character Meet and Greets. Take Advantage of Kids Clubs. Let people know if you want your own table. Use Room Service.

  7. 45 Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers: Best Tips & Tricks

    When planning your first Disney cruise, it's important to choose the best time for your trip. There are many factors to consider when selecting the ideal time for your first-time Disney cruise, such as seasonal weather, crowds, and school holidays. Considering Seasonal Weather and Crowds. The time of year you choose for your first Disney ...

  8. The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney Cruise: 80+ First Time Disney

    Tiana Room 9558 Disney Wish Pre-Cruise Tips. Excursions and onboard experiences can be booked starting at 75 days out from your cruise (at midnight) for first time cruises. It will be earlier if you have Castaway Cay Club status or are cruising concierge.

  9. Our Top 10 Tips for Your First Disney Cruise

    Top 10 Tips for First-Time Disney Cruisers. 1. Remember the Early Frog Gets the Worm. If your idea of a dream vacation is escaping the cold, snowy weather of wintertime on a balmy four-night journey through the Caribbean during Christmas break — you are not alone!

  10. Seven Must-Dos on Your First Disney Cruise

    1. Sail Away Party. Immediately following the required safety drill (which truly is the only must-do on your cruise, whether it is your first or your fiftieth), there is a Sail Away party on the main deck. Although it is billed as a show, think of this more like a pep rally. Lots of energy, appearances by some of your favorite characters all ...

  11. Best Disney cruise tips, tricks and secrets

    You can book a cabin with a balcony for $1,580 for two people, which is a solid price on Disney Dream. The $3,326 price tag for a concierge-level cabin is very good; those cabins usually start at close to $800 to $1,000 higher on many other three-night sailings. Prices for a one-way cruise, San Juan to Fort Lauderdale.

  12. Everything to Know for Your First Disney Cruise

    What's Included. Courtesy of Disney. The sit-down restaurants, buffets and room service on all Disney Cruise Line ships is included in the price. Unlimited soft-serve ice cream and treats are also ...

  13. These 10 tips for Disney Cruise first timers ensure a magical experience

    First-time Disney cruisers can book activities and special experiences 75 days out. You will want to book these activities at midnight Florida time on the first-day bookings are open for you.

  14. What to Expect on a Disney Cruise: A First-Timer's Guide

    For breakfast and lunch, there are big buffets available, as well as specialty stands that serve pizza, gyros, ice cream, and whatnot. It's all you can eat, all day long. And yes, it's all ...

  15. Essential Disney Cruise Advice for First Time Cruisers

    4. Keeping up with the veteran cruisers. As a newbie cruiser, jump all over the reservations for the booking window for Port Adventures, spa and salon services for adults 18 and older, and select Character Greetings. The advance booking window for first-time cruisers is 75 days prior to sailing, so mark your calendar!

  16. Disney Cruise Line

    Watch our 2022 updated Disney Cruise planning video for the complete A to Z Guide on planning your first Disney Cruise! (https://youtu.be/_tePAjOItFU)Plannin...

  17. How to get ready for your first Disney Cruise

    Here are 10 things you need to know about how to get ready for your first Disney cruise. 1. Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Go to the iTunes or Google Play Store for the free Disney ...

  18. Disney Cruises: The Complete Guide

    The Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship and certainly its best. It just launched in the summer of 2022. Among its many amenities, guests can find the first-ever Disney attraction at sea.

  19. Best first-time cruises for all types of travelers

    Best Disney cruise for first-time cruising families. Short three- or four-night cruises from Port Canaveral are the perfect way for families to give cruising a try. These itineraries combine easily with a visit to the Orlando theme parks. The cruise typically includes a stop at Castaway Cay, ...

  20. The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

    Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that range from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have recently become available as the line is adding new ships for the first time in a decade. Disney Cruise Line destinations include: Alaska; Bahamas; Caribbean; Europe; Hawaii; Mexico; Australia; New Zealand ...

  21. 11 Best First Time Cruise Lines for Every Travel Style

    Below is our guide to the 11 best cruise lines for first-time cruisers of all travel styles. 1. Best Cruise Line Overall for First Timers: Royal Caribbean. Brilliance of the Seas TA Listings Page ...

  22. Hello I'm looking to plan a surprise cruise f...

    The longest itineraries are 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruises and 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruises, both from Port Canaveral on the Disney Fantasy . There are also 4-Night, 5-Night, and 6-Night itineraries either leaving from Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, or Galveston, TX. All of the ships will have Youth Activities for kids.

  23. What's New

    For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

  24. Disney Cruise Line Reveals Name and Theme of Next Ship, The Disney

    The Disney Destiny, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will have a first-of-its-kind design theme, "Heroes and Villains," drawing on the legacies of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions.. The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story when developing this new ship, where ...

  25. Best Disney cruise ships for everyone

    With that in mind, one vessel stands out for the older set: Disney Fantasy. The ship boasts a dozen bars, including three exclusive to the vessel. In addition to bars in the atrium, by the pool and sun deck, and in the theater, you'll also find the Europa area, which is only for adults after 9 p.m.

  26. Disney reveals cruise destinations out of Florida for 2025

    2024 Best Places to Work. ... Disney Cruise Line announced the Disney Magic will sail again out of Port Canaveral in 2025, marking the first time the ship has used it as a homeport since 2016.

  27. The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise

    The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise. Story by Family Travel Magazine. • 8mo • 6 min read. Visit Family Travel Magazine. If your family loves Disney, a Disney cruise may be something that is ...

  28. Best Tips for First-Time Cruisers to Make Cruising Fun

    2. Plan and Book in Advance. Cruises are popular vacation choices, and activities and dining reservations can fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, it's a good idea to plan and book as much ...