The Ultimate Guide to Disney Cruise Line
Welcome to MadameDis,
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this blog and I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases. For the MadameDis full disclosure policy click Here
The Ships
Disney Cruise Line features a fleet of enchanting ships, each with its unique charm and offerings:
Disney Magic - The first ship in the fleet, offering classic Disney charm with modern amenities. Don’t miss the Tangled: The Musical show!
Disney Wonder - Similar to the Magic, but with its unique touches like the Frozen, A Musical Spectacular show.
Disney Dream - Larger than the Magic and Wonder, featuring the AquaDuck water coaster and the Beauty and the Beast show.
Disney Fantasy - Sister ship to the Dream, with unique experiences like the AquaLab water play area and the Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular show.
Disney Wish - The newest ship, boasting cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences, including the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, the AquaMouse.
Disney Treasure - Sister Ship to the Wish, this ship is scheduled to set sail on December 2024.
Disney Adventure - Still under construction it is said it will be based in Singapore. Sail date TBA.
Disney Destiny - Still under construction. it is said to a a Heros and Villains theme inspaired by Disney’s Pixar. Scheduled to be delivered in 2025. Sail date TBA.
Room Categories
Choosing the right room can make a big difference in your cruise experience. Here are the main room categories:
Inside Staterooms - These are the most affordable options, perfect for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship. Some inside staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy feature “magical portholes” with real-time views.
Oceanview Staterooms - These rooms offer natural light and ocean views through large portholes, giving you a sense of space and connection to the sea.
Verandah Staterooms - Enjoy your private balcony for relaxing with morning coffee or evening cocktails, soaking in the beautiful ocean scenery.
Concierge Staterooms - For a premium experience, these rooms offer concierge services, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges.
Drink Packages
Disney Cruise Line offers several options for beverages:
Non-Alcoholic Package - Includes unlimited soda, coffee, and tea, available at self-serve beverage stations and in dining rooms.
Alcoholic Beverages - While there isn’t a dedicated drink package for alcohol, guests can purchase individual drinks or opt for wine and beer packages, which offer savings when buying in bulk.
Beverage Tastings - Sign up for various tastings like wine, beer, and mixology classes, providing a fun and educational experience.
Onboard Activities
Disney Cruise Line offers a plethora of activities for both families and adults-only. Families can enjoy Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, poolside movies, and themed deck parties like Pirate Night, which includes fireworks at sea. For adults, there are exclusive areas such as the Quiet Cove Pool, adults-only lounges and bars, and the Senses Spa & Salon. Adults can also participate in cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, and behind-the-scenes ship tours. Whether you're looking to relax or be entertained, there's something for everyone onboard.
Dining
Disney Cruise Line’s dining experience is nothing short of magical. Here are some key tips:
Rotational Dining - Each night, you’ll dine at a different restaurant, with your servers following you to each location. This allows you to experience all the themed dining venues.
Specialty Dining - Consider splurging on adult-only dining at Palo or Remy (available on select ships) for an upscale, intimate meal.
Quick Service Options - For casual dining, visit the poolside grills and snack stations for burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and more.
Room Service - Available 24/7 and included in your cruise fare (though tips are appreciated), perfect for a lazy morning or late-night snack.
Kids Clubs
Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its exceptional kids’ clubs, offering fun and engaging activities for children of all ages:
It’s a Small World Nursery (Ages 6 months to 3 years) - Safe, supervised playtime for the littlest cruisers.
Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (Ages 3 to 12) - Themed play areas with activities ranging from arts and crafts to interactive storytelling and character meet-and-greets.
Edge (Ages 11 to 14) - A cool hangout with games, movies, and dance parties tailored for tweens.
Vibe (Ages 14 to 17) - A trendy space for teens to relax, socialize, and participate in organized events.
Travel Itineraries
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries to stunning destinations around the world. Here are some popular options:
Caribbean - Explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean, with stops in ports like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Bahamas - Shorter cruises to the Bahamas, including stops at Nassau and Castaway Cay, perfect for a quick getaway.
Alaska - Discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, with itineraries that include stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Mediterranean - Experience the rich history and culture of Europe with Mediterranean cruises that visit ports in Italy, Greece, and Spain.
Transatlantic and Panama Canal - For those looking for a longer adventure, these itineraries offer unique experiences as you cross the ocean or transit the Panama Canal.
Final Tips
Book Early: Popular sailings and room categories can fill up quickly, so book as early as possible.
Online Check-In: Complete online check-in and book activities and dining reservations as soon as they open to secure your desired experiences.
Pack Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and formal attire for themed nights.
Join Fish Extenders: Participate in this fun gift exchange tradition organized by fellow cruisers for a bit of extra magic.
Book a Guaranteed Cabin: When booking a guaranteed room, you are guaranteed a cabin of the category selected or above.
We hope these tips help you create a memorable and magical Disney Cruise Line vacation. Bon voyage!