Disney Cruise Line is great for:
- Those that LOVE Disney
- Families with Children
- Those that want top notch quality
Disney Cruise Line might not be good for:
- Passengers that want to save money on their cruise
- Those seeking an intimate, romantic or a peaceful vacation
Disney is everywhere. Theme parks, beach resorts, movies and even on that Mickey-shaped toast you love to eat every morning. Is it really a big surprise that the Mouse has expanded his business to cruises? Disney Cruise Line launched in 1998, the same year Animal Kingdom debuted in Florida, and it now has five major cruise ships available to you, with more coming in the next few years.
Much like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line offers a very diverse range of destinations. Their primary focus is on the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, Australia, and even New Zealand. As you might expect from Disney, these are awesome trips that are particularly special for kids and teenagers. Don’t worry, though! There are cool adult-only areas inside their ships as well, like the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge aboard the Disney Wish.
With their ships, you get the full Disney experience, which means lots of character interaction, special shows, themed restaurants - including a Marvel-inspired restaurant. The main problem? Disney Cruise Line tends to be expensive, much like Disney Aulani, which is also considered a very costly beach resort compared to Sandals.
Reviews of Disney Cruise Line
The Good Stuff
The Disney Touch: Only on Disney Cruise Line can you party with Mickey across the Atlantic, watch Frozen (again) by the swimming pool, and have dinner with Ant-Man and the Wasp. Disney brings the best they have to their cruises, including plenty of meet-and-greets and special touches unique to Mickey & friends.
Great for Kids: It's no surprise that these cruises are amazing for children. They feature an outstanding Kids Club and one of the best nurseries at sea. Additionally, there is all the entertainment a kid could ask for, including special Disney movie nights, shows, meet-and-greets, and themed restaurants based on their favorite franchises, from Frozen to Beauty and the Beast and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Kids Club: Wait… I just said that Disney Cruise Line is great for kids, and now I am talking about how amazing the Kids Club is. Am I cheating? Maybe. What I want to say is that DCL has the best Kids Club among all cruise lines. That shouldn’t be a surprise to a lot of people; after all, we are talking about Mickey here. The Kids Club is separated into different tiers, but the most well-known is the Oceaneer Club. It features a LOT of cool activities, special meet & greets, parties, and much more for our young ones. I know some people whose children didn’t want to go to the Kids Club at other cruise lines, but they couldn’t get enough of the Oceaneer Club.
Top-Quality service: Disney Cruise Line has some of the best staff among all cruise lines. Just check some forums online, and you will see that the staff is awesome, from the waiters at restaurants to the characters you meet during your adventures. Everyone is polite and dedicated to ensuring you have the best vacation possible. In true Disney fashion, the service is excellent.
Unique and awesome restaurants: While Disney Cruise Line may not boast the most extensive selection of paid, optional restaurants, its complimentary dining options, such as Arendelle and World of Marvel, are truly exceptional. The cuisine on Disney cruises is often regarded as superior compared to other cruise lines, and many restaurants seamlessly blend live entertainment with exquisite meals. For instance, Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure offers Norwegian-inspired cuisine while guests enjoy captivating performances by Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff right before their eyes.
The Bad Stuff
Adult Entertainment: While there are designated adults-only areas onboard Disney ships, if you aren’t traveling with family or children, you might have a better time on Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises, or Norwegian Cruise Line. Don’t get me wrong, there’s cool entertainment for adults aboard DCL ships, including the Star Wars Lounge aboard the Disney Wish, but a group of adults only would probably enjoy their time more on other cruise lines… unless they’re huge Disney fans, that is.
Small swimming pools: The swimming pools aboard Disney Cruise Line aren’t that great, honestly. There are several of them, sure, but they are rather small and feel a bit claustrophobic. This problem is accentuated even more since they get crowded rather easily, so you have dozens of guests sharing a swimming pool that isn’t much bigger than what you’d find at a regular hotel.
Price: Disney offers high quality in almost everything they do, but it comes at a cost. Disney World is expensive. Disney Aulani is expensive. Disney Cruise Line is no exception. When compared to other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, Disney cruises are significantly more costly.
Let’s make a quick comparison between the Disney Wish and Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. Both ships are impressive and launched in 2022. A 4-night Caribbean cruise aboard Disney Wish in mid-October 2024 costs about $1,380 per guest in the cheapest room. A 7-night Caribbean cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas, also in mid-October 2024, costs about $1,090 per guest, also in the cheapest room.
Disney Cruise Line Fleet
Disney Cruise Line launched their first ever ship in 1998, so they are still relatively new when it comes to cruising. They “only” have six ships, consisting of the Disney Treasure, Disney Wish, Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder.
- The Disney Treasure is the most recent Disney ship, and set sail for the first time in December 2024. It focuses on week long trips to the Caribbean and is getting amazing reviews from critics worldwide.
- Disney Wish is one of the most popular ships in the fleet. It’s also one of the most recent ones, debuting in 2022 and featuring a lot of cool new attractions, like the AquaMouse ride and several experiences based on Marvel and Star Wars.
- Disney Wish usually sails from Port Canaveral and visits Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island) as well as Nassau in the Bahamas.
- Disney Dream typically offers cruises in Europe.
- Disney Wonder is a smaller ship and often visits Alaska.
Setting Sail with Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line Destinations
As we said before, Disney Cruise Line’s destinations remind me a lot of Royal Caribbean, with a big presence in the Caribbean and often featuring cruises to Alaska and Europe as well. The main destinations of Mickey & friends are:
- Bahamas
- Caribbean (and Castaway Cay)
- Canada
- Alaska
- Europe
- Hawaii
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Panama Canal
Disney Cruise Line Departure Ports
Most Disney Cruise Line ships departure from the following locations:
United States
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Port Canaveral, Florida
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Galveston, Texas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- San Diego, California
Europe
- Barcelona, Spain
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Rome, Italy
- Southampton, England
Oceania
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Brisbane, Australia
- Melbourne, Australia
- Sydney, Australia
Other
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Vancouver, Canada
Is Disney Cruise Line for You?
I know, you hear the words Disney and you are immediately charmed by Mickey, Darth Vader and Iron-Man, right? Wait, before you open your wallet, it’s a good idea to stop and ask yourself the question: is Disney Cruise Line right for you?
Honestly, this question isn’t difficult to answer. Do you love Disney? Are you traveling with your family and children? Are you willing to spend a little more money for top-notch quality? If so, you will likely have a great time onboard Disney ships. They offer a ton of entertainment based on popular Disney IPs, including Marvel and Star Wars. Children ages 3-10, in particular, love everything they find on these ships filled with pixie dust.
This is what you need to keep in mind: Disney Cruises are for families. These ships are usually very crowded, full of children and teens walking around. You will also see parents carrying babies and large groups walking together. Disney Cruise Line isn’t the place for a romantic vacation or those seeking an intimate escape to a faraway place. It’s a cruise designed for families and those who grew up with Disney, and that’s completely fair.
Disney Cruise Line: Is it good for Kids?
Wait, is that question serious!?
…oh, wait. It is. Okay, let me say that Disney Cruise Line is more than good for kids. It’s perfect! It’s the cruise line for kids, after all. Kids aged 3-10 will have a blast here, and if you love Disney, you will have a great time as well. I mean, this is one of the few places where you can find a Toy Story Splash Area, a Star Wars Cantina and have dinner with Elsa & Anna from Frozen.
Disney Cruise Line Info & Packing List
The key requirement is your ID. Don’t forget to bring it! For U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise that departs and returns to a U.S. port, you must have a valid passport or an official copy of your birth certificate along with a driver's license or another government-issued photo ID.
Passports should have at least six months of validity remaining. For cruises departing from international ports, a passport is mandatory. It's essential that the name on your reservation matches exactly with what appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality. My recommendation is to always bring your passport to avoid any kind of headaches, and it doesn’t matter the destination.
Room Service
Room service is typically complimentary, but it's customary to offer tips when meals are brought to your room.
Gratuity
Disney Cruise Line includes a service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day on final bills. If you're dissatisfied with the service, you can contact Guest Services to adjust this amount. An 18% gratuity is also added to tabs for onboard spa, bar, wine, beverage and deck services.
Drinking Age
The drinking age onboard is typically 21 years old. However, on some cruises departing from Europe, this age restriction may be lowered to 18.
Carry-On Drinks Policy
When it comes to bringing alcoholic drinks onboard, Disney Cruise Line permits each person to bring either a 6-pack of beer or 2 750-ml bottles of wine or champagne. You need them in your carry-on baggage.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on Disney Cruise ships is currently being updated, addressing a common guest complaint about slow speeds. Prices vary from $13 to $36 per day, depending on the selected speed. Alternatively, guests can purchase packages for the entire trip to save money.
Laundry
Disney Cruise Lines provide self-service laundry machines aboard their ships, typically costing $6 for a complete load of laundry. Guests can also opt for staff-assisted laundry services, delivered to their cabin for an additional fee.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Smoking in rooms or on balconies incurs a $250 fee for policy violations.
Dress Code
During the day on Disney Cruise Line, there is no formal dress code. It’s essentially what we refer to as Resort Casual at beach resorts: a t-shirt and shorts or sandals are suitable attire for anywhere onboard.
In the evenings, most guests adopt a "Cruise Casual" style, typically wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Swimwear is not permitted in main dining areas during this time. Some restaurants may have specific attire requirements, such as jeans and a shirt. It’s advisable to pack a few pairs of jeans, trousers, or dresses in your luggage to be prepared for evening activities.
Disney Cruise Line Loyalty Program
Disney Cruise Line's loyalty program is called the Castaway Club, which offers four different tiers. Members earn one point for each cruise they take aboard a Disney ship. Whether it's a three-night cruise or a seven-week cruise, each trip counts as one point.
These are the Castaway Club tiers:
- Silver: One cruise
- Gold: Five cruises
- Platinum: Ten cruises
- Pearl: Twenty Five cruises
The Castaway Club is straightforward and easier to understand compared to other loyalty programs. While you don’t receive free cruises, most perks involve early booking advantages and some complimentary gifts. Perhaps the best perk is the opportunity to reserve highly sought-after activities days or even months in advance. There are some unique surprises too. Pearl members have the chance to have their family name displayed on Disney Castaway Cay, for example.
Here are the benefits for the Silver tier, which is achieved after just one completed cruise with the company:
- Book new itineraries at least 1 day before the general public
- Add cruise activities 90 days prior to sailing
- Select port arrival time and complete online check-in 33 days prior to sailing
- Exclusive cruise terminal check-in where available
- Castaway Club Member exclusive phone number and member communications
- Welcome back aboard gift
You can check the other tiers and benefits by following this link.
Packing list for Disney Cruise Line
Packing for a cruise isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners that require you to dress sharp in the evening.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen from home, as these items are usually much more expensive once you're on board. It’s always wise to come prepared and pack all the essentials instead of buying them at the last minute. Your wallet will thank you later.
Let’s see some of the things that you should bring to your cruise vacation:
Passport: You will need some form of ID to enter the ship. Most companies ask for a birth certificate and any form of ID (like a driver’s license) OR your Passport. It’s easier to just bring your passport, to be honest.
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a cruise (and probably to a private island), swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful inside a cruise ship. They are great for transitioning from the pool to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a sunny vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for lunch. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: you want to dress casual, especially when near the swimming pools on the top decks.
Nice outfits and jeans: Guys should pack jeans and polo shirts, and girls should bring dresses for the evening. Some restaurants will not allow entry if you're dressed as if you're heading to the beach. Additionally, bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag for the swimming pools. They're simple, lightweight, and perfect for carrying everything you need without any hassle. Just pack your essentials inside, and you're good to go!
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available inside every cruise, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: Remember, you might need some cash now and then. Cash is particularly useful for exploring land activities and excursions, and it's also necessary for tipping staff members at the ports.
Portable charger: this one is optional, but we all know that some of us will spend 25 hours a day on our cellphones, snapping Instagram-worthy pictures in front of the world's most beautiful vistas. Packing a portable charger might be a good idea if you plan to use your cellphone extensively while walking around the ship or during land excursions.
Embarkation & Debarkation Process
Embarkation with Disney Cruise Line
If you are flying to a specific city on embarkation day, it's a good idea to fly in the day before and stay in a hotel close to the port. This will prevent headaches in case your flight gets canceled or if there’s any sort of delay.
Before your trip, make sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This app allows you to book activities and complete the Health Questionnaire in advance, saving you time during your cruise.
Disney Cruise Line will send you luggage tags in the weeks leading up to your trip. Be sure to attach these tags to the luggage you'll be checking in at the terminal. If you don’t have tags due to loss or booking proximity, simply inform the staff at the port, and they will assist you.
Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, leave your tagged checked bags with the porter, who will transport them for you directly to your ship. If you don’t have Disney tags, inform them accordingly. Remember to tip the porters, typically $2 per checked bag.
Now, have your Port Arrival Form ready. This PDF document is emailed to you shortly after booking your cruise. You will need to show it several times during the check-in process. Once checked in, you will receive a group number. Simply wait for your group to be called, board the ship, and start enjoying your trip!
Disembarkation with Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app provides information about the debarkation process. There are two options: standard departure and express walk-off.
The standard departure is similar to other cruise lines. The night before your cruise ends, you will receive tags with different Disney characters to place on your non-carry-on baggage. Prepare your baggage and leave it outside your stateroom in the evening, usually around 10 PM. Make sure to keep some clothes in your carry-on baggage for the morning!
You will wake up in the morning and have your breakfast on the ship as usual. Stay alert because Disney will call guests based on their characters/groups. When your group is called, you’ll collect your bags in the terminal just before you head to customs. Bags will be separated according to different characters.
The Express Walk-Off is for those who want to leave the ship as soon as possible, usually at 7:30am. This means you will be carrying all your baggage yourself. You don’t need to tag your luggage with the tags provided by Disney to use this feature. Wake up early and head to the lobby atrium at your sailing’s earliest debarkation time with all your baggage. Have your Key to the World Card and passport (or other ID) in hand, and you’ll proceed directly to Customs.
Book your dream vacation with Disney Cruise Line!
Now that you know a lot about Disney Cruise Line… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Disney Cruise Line? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
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