You've decided you've had enough travel on land for now and much like Ariel's daughter Melody you long to get unda da sea!
Well fortunately for you, you can book a Disney Cruise and set sail on a magical vacation, it is unlike anything you've ever experienced. With so much to see, do and eat on a Disney Cruise you'll be sure to want to embark on your next journey on the high seas just after you've just disembarked. Here's my guide on how to book a Disney Cruise and some important KNOW BEFORE YOU GO tips and tricks!
1. ITINERARY
First things first, you'll want to be sure that the itinerary you choose works with the dates for your family's vacation. You'll want to make sure of course that the port location is also in line with your travel needs as well. While most Disney Cruises leave Port Canaveral, did you know that some cruises sail a little closer to home? For my Texas readers, you can set sail from Galveston, which depending on where you're at in the Lone Star state is just a short drive away.
While I set sail from Port Canaveral on a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas on Disney's Private Island Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Lines has Transatlantic Cruise Itineraries that can last 13 days, doesn't that sound like fun? It takes you to various European cities and countries to explore with the option to add on activities by Adventures by Disney! This gives you the option to get off the ship and explore the local shops, culture, people, and of course the amazing food. It feels like a vacation on top of a vacation at each port stop.
There's an itinerary suited for every traveler, whether you're wanting to squeeze in a 3-4 day cruise while on your Walt Disney World Vacation to enhance your Disney Vacation experience, or simply want to experience something different with fun for the entire family. There's an itinerary suited for every family vacation!
Did you know that there are even themed cruises? On my cruise, there was a themed Pirate Night that gets everyone in their best "Aye Aye Captain!" spirit! From Marvel to Star Wars nights aboard a Disney Cruise, you can pack your best-themed outfit to get really into the spirit of the festivities and specialty activities aboard your Disney Cruise! Do you know what could be better than just sailing on a themed night? Getting to experience the ship fully immersed in theme! You get this when you book a Very Merrytime cruise or maybe you want a little Not So Spooky Halloween Sailing, the ship is fully decked out in Holiday magic fun for the whole family to experience and enjoy!
2. Window, Porthole, Or Verandah!?
The best part of getting ready to book your Disney Cruise is selecting the kind of stateroom you'll want to stay in, there are so many options to choose from. Specifically, what side of the ship you'd want to stay on? Forward (Front of the ship) Midship (self-explanatory there lol) and Aft (The back of the ship). In addition to selecting what part of the ship you'll stay on.
The second most important part, do you want a view of the ocean? Pick a Stateroom with a verandah or a window. Don't plan on spending that much time in your room? You have the less expensive options of staying in a room with a porthole that gives you a live-streamed view of the ocean view or a room without a window or porthole for easy rest in the evenings and no distractions.
After you've selected your room type, it will ask you to select the deck you'd like to during your visit. Keep in mind that selecting what deck you'll be on should also be taken into consideration. For example on the Disney Wish, we stayed on deck 8 which was just in between where all the fun was above and below us. It was nice being in the middle of the activity vs. high up on on the ship. You'll notice that if you stay just below Deck 11on the Disney Wish you may hear some activity above as the FunnelVision and Poolside activities are all just above you on Deck 11. But this could be a convenient location for families wanting to have easy access to all the activities. There's no wrong side on the ship or wrong deck, it's all a matter of personal preference.
3. Documentation and Visas
So you've booked your cruise and you're waiting to set sail, now you can just patiently wait till you board the ship! Nope, there are additional requirements needed before sailing. You'll need to submit proper documentation that you are eligible to set sail.
- At check-in, all Guests must present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship.
- All travelers are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air.
- In addition to a valid passport, many countries require an entry visa based on your nationality. It is each Guest's responsibility to identify and to obtain all the necessary visas before embarking on the cruise. Because requirements may vary, Guests are advised to contact their local consulate or embassy for more information on required travel documentation for all ports of call during the cruise.
- The Guest who booked the cruise must present a copy of the Online Check-In Port Arrival Form at check-in. You can save time during the boarding process by completing this document ahead of time through My Online Check-in.
- Guests without proper documentation will be denied boarding.
- Travel restrictions for each destination country may vary according to a Guest's citizenship.
- Plan ahead to get your passport(s) early. At Disney Cruise Line, we ask that you provide your passport number at least 75 days prior to the start of your vacation in your Guest Information Form in My Online Check-in. Visit your "Passport and Travel Documentation" page for the information you need to apply for a passport, including how much time is generally required to receive your passport. When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without a parent or legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present an Authorization For Minor To Travel Without a Parent or Legal Guardian Form, completed and signed by that child's parent or legal guardian.
Passport & Travel Documentation Guidelines
- Under My Reservations you'll find important travel guidelines and regulations relevant to your individual itinerary. However, it is your responsibility to check with your travel agent, government agency, embassy or consulate to ensure that you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries on your cruise. U.S. travelers can visit the U.S. State Department's travel website or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at (877) 4USA-PPT [877-487-2778] for more information.
4. Covid-19 Screening
All fully vaccinated adults will no longer be required to test for Covid-19 prior to sailing on a Disney Cruise. This new policy will start on September 23rd, 2022 for sailings on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder. However, if you are sailing on the Disney Magic, this policy does not go into effect until November 7th, 2022.
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated by the time they sail will still have to present a negative COVID-19 test before getting on the boat. The test must be taken one to three days before the sail date. Now, though, guests who are not fully vaccinated will NOT be required to take a second test at the terminal on embarkation day.
Children under the age of 5, will still be required to test negative in order to set sail or show proof of vaccination. For more on updated guidelines, check out my latest blog post about the major updates to a Disney Cruise!
If you're planning on sailing prior to September 23rd, 2022, you'll need to test negative before setting sail if you either vaccinated or unvaccinated. You can check out Disney's know before you go regarding testing here as tests have to be proctored 2 days prior to sailing.
There are additional Covid-19 requirements for both European Sailings and Canadian Sailings. You can read more about those requirements by clicking on the links.
5. Get Ready for Your Trip!
So you've booked your cruise, you've submitted all the necessary documentation and you've scheduled your covid-19 prescreening or are fully vaccinated. You're ready to set sail! It's time to start booking your excursions on and off a Disney cruise. With so many options and activities to choose from you can rest assured that your whole family will absolutely enjoy every minute of their trip aboard a Disney Cruise!
If you've made it this far through this particular blog post and you're thinking you'd much rather skip the work associated with booking a Disney Cruise, I can help you do that! All you need to have is a little bit of faith, trust, and pixie dust so we can get you and your family ready for the best vacation yet!
