You've booked your Disney Cruise and you're not sure what to expect. Here's my complete guide to a magical time at sea with Disney Cruise Lines.
Disney Cruise Line sailings offer something for everyone. From families with kids of all ages to adults enjoying a honeymoon or vacation, a Disney cruise is the perfect trip. But, booking your own cruise can be stressful and time-consuming. Learn more about how a Disney Cruise Line travel planner can help turn your dream vacation into an adventure on the high seas. Get ready to set sail!
Disney Cruise Line prices will vary based on your room category, the number of nights at sea, and your ports of destination, but you can expect to pay $1500 for an inside or ocean-view stateroom during off-season sailings. During the peak summer sailing months, prices may increase to $2,000. It all depends on when you are sailing, where you are going, and how long it takes to get there. Deluxe rooms and Concierge suits will cost more. Stay tuned for more information in a future post!
The pricing below is based on a 3-night Baja Cruise sailing out of San Diego. You'll notice that January and February have the least expensive options when trying to book a Disney Cruise.
I've heard many adults scoff that Disney Cruises are mainly for children. While of course any Disney Vacation is geared towards a family-friendly atmosphere, this can be a magical trip for just couples or adults looking to add on to their Disney vacation. Let's dive into entertainment options for all ages (kids, tweens, teens, and adults) on Disney's newest cruise ship, the Disney Wish. The cruise has clubs with entertainment geared towards each age demographic.
If you want a quiet adult dinner, there are restaurants and experiences that you can book for an additional fee for adults only. Usually, this consists of dining at Remy's or Palo's, fine dining aboard a Disney Cruise line, with a French or Italian flare to their menu offerings. Wanting to stick together during dinner time but prefer quiet moments alone during the day? There are Spa experiences at one of the many luxury spas, wine tastings, and, even mixology classes!
Palo Steakhouse on The Disney Wish and The Rose (Cocktail Bar & Lounge)
Marvel in Broadway-caliber musicals! You'll be delighted to spend an evening with music, dance, and magical entertainment aboard the ship's enchanted theatre! You'll see some familiar stories retold as well as characters you just haven't visited in a while. From the costumes, the theatrics, and the lighting tricks, it's truly something of a wonder how they can jam-pack some of our favorite Disney stories in such a short but phenomenal production! Disney is known for master storytelling!
In addition to the Broadway-style shows, check out the onboard movie theater feel. Grab a bucket of popcorn, beer, or simply a quick service meal and bring it to the theater to enjoy! We enjoyed Thor: Love and Thunder while sailing "home" on the last night of our Disney Cruise aboard The Wish. Other cruise ships may have different showings. It was fun to see a movie while sailing. Enjoy some theater under the stars by checking out the itinerary for nightly and daily movies on the ship's Funnel Vision! This was probably the best way to experience a movie aboard a Disney Cruise! The movie screen is on the ship's forward funnel!
No Disney Karaoke would be complete without wine and beer, oh, and popcorn too!
Everyone knows that going on a cruise means FOOD. Lots and lots of FOOD! All breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included with Rotational Dining options, guests can enjoy all the fun-themed restaurants aboard a Disney Cruise! On the Disney Wish, each night was something different. From Worlds of Marvel to a Sommerhaus Celebration at Arendelle with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff! Our dining experience was something new each night, with more fun entertainment to enjoy during our meal! If you're hungry for more than just dinner, there are plenty of quick service options available for you to enjoy from tacos, and burgers to bbq there's something for everyone, and it's all included in your vacation!
No cruise sailing would be complete without a seafood bar, rest assured the Disney Wish has one ready for you to enjoy, crab claws and all!
I'm sure you're thinking how can one person eat and enjoy such fare all day, it's pretty easy to do when you're walking around, swimming, or shooting down the AquaMouse waterslide! You're bound to build up quite the appetite.
Remember to save room for dessert! I had some of the best desserts while sailing aboard the Disney Wish! Check them out! I loved the desserts in Worlds of Marvel and 1920s-themed restaurant 1923
If you're still feeling hungry, did you know you can enjoy 24-hour complimentary Room Service? YUP! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available for in-room dining! Please note that an additional fee will be added to your stateroom for certain snacks, wines, beverages, and beverage packages.
While all-inclusive food sounds great, a person can get quite parched eating and snacking all day! However, you can always enjoy endless refills on one of the main decks! Unlimited amounts of soda, water, tea, lemonade, and even HOT CHOCOLATE! Alcohol is not included in your cruise price but is available for purchase in numerous bars and restaurants.
Bonus Tip: save some money by bringing your own alcohol aboard. Disney Cruise Lines allow 2 bottles per person. Check out the full policy from Disney here. There is an uncorking fee if you decide to ask your rotational wait staff to open your bottle of alcohol, so be prepared to open your bottle of wine yourself or pay a small fee.
Summer in a Glass (Rosè and a Strawberry Basil Popsicle. Hidden Mickey included!)
If you're sailing a Bahamian itinerary, you get to enjoy Disney's exclusive private island, Castaway Cay. Enjoy relaxing on the beach or book an extra activity while on the island. Snorkeling, swimming with sting rays, parasailing and more are available for additional purchase. Still hungry? The island chefs have prepared a BBQ feast for you and your fellow travelers. It's open-door seating and eating under the sun. Once you're done enjoying your meal, head back over to your spot to enjoy a little more sunshine, or maybe dip your toes in the sandy waters for a quick dip before you get back on the ship to head off to your next port of call.
Don't forget to exit through the gift shop! There are a few shops with local goodies for you to pick out or of course, there's always merch you can purchase with our favorite Mouse!
The spots are imaginative clubs for the kiddos, teens, and tweens to enjoy while setting sail with their families. The cruise ships have many clubs available for kids of all ages to enjoy various activities with their favorite heroes or princesses. From story-time with Belle to Training with an Avenger, your family's younger ones won't be short on entertainment! Each club has youth attendants that ensure the health and safety of all the Oceaneers that enter and exit the youth club level.
Not only are these clubs filled with activities, but they also have their own itinerary that they get to follow and enjoy! Don't be surprised if your children make new friendships that last a lifetime.
Parents can relax and enjoy their own activities while their kiddos enjoy all the fun and friendships they've made aboard a Disney Cruise.
Get ready to bask in the sunshine or tube down one of Mickey or Donald's Aquatic Slides! These are fun for all ages, and really get everyone in the cruising spirit!
If you're not into rough and wild, relax in an adults-only section on each cruise. Here you'll be able to relax in a pool or enjoy a fabulous hot tub. There are also waterworks for the little ones with splash pads geared just for those under 5! All water areas have lifeguards to ensure the safety of all guests aboard a Disney cruise. Don't forget to bring your SUNSCREEN!
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me! Depending on your itinerary there's usually a Pirate Night aboard a Disney Cruise, there are also more themed nights depending on your voyage! This can include a Marvel Themed night where you can cheer on your favorite Avengers and Marvel Universe Characters! You can also enjoy a little bit of your Dark Side with Star Wars-themed nights aboard a Disney Cruise. And of course, no sailing would be complete without fireworks! It's something so cool to witness in person.
Feeling a little run down from too much good food and not enough activity. Did you know that you can enjoy the onsite fitness centers aboard a Disney Cruise? Even some of the spas aboard the ship offer personalized fitness training and recommendations from many of their onsite staff. If you want more of a group workout session, you can pop open the Disney Navigator App to check out the daily Fitness Schedule. Depending on your itinerary, you'll find sunrise yoga on the main deck in addition to group cycle classes.
Disney Cruise Line sailings offer something for everyone. From families with kids of all ages to adults enjoying a honeymoon or vacation, a Disney cruise is the perfect trip. But booking your own cruise can be stressful and time-consuming. Learn more about how a Disney Cruise Line travel planner can help turn your dream vacation into an adventure on the high seas. Get ready to set sail!