Envision taking your family on their biggest adventure yet filled with excitement that includes Broadway-caliber shows, a plunge down a water slide, and watching a fireworks extravaganza, all surrounded by your favorite Disney characters. That’s what you’ll get when you combine the enchantment of Disney with an ocean cruise to a private paradise.
Disney is one of the best cruise lines for families, but it also includes plenty of adult-only escapes and hideaway locations onboard. Whether you cruise as part of a family, as a couple, or go solo, you’ll be whisked away on a magical adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Disney Cruise Line is a small fleet comprised of just five ships, including Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and the newest and largest vessel, Disney Wish, which hosts a blue and gold Cinderella-themed Grand Hall. No matter which of the ships you board, you’ll get state-of-the-art amenities and Disney décor throughout the ship.
Disney cruises invite all kinds of people, both young and young at heart, onboard. But every aspect of your cruise will be Disney themed, so if you’re not a Disney fan or at least a Marvel or Star Wars enthusiast, this may not be the cruise line for you.
Activities and events book up quickly, so download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to your tablet or smartphone before you leave land. You’ll need to be tech-savvy (Disney is paperless), as the app is indispensable onboard your cruise. You can use it to plan your trip, book premium activities, check-in, and make special requests. While cruising, the app functions as a map, a handy chat feature to connect with group members, and a way to receive receipts.
And unlike other cruise lines, you cannot opt for a beverage package here, so cocktails will be a pricey splurge. Note: each guest can carry on two bottles of wine or six bottles of beer at embarkation.
Disney has plenty of US-accessible departure ports, including Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami in Florida. Galveston, TX, Honolulu, HI, New Orleans, LA, New York, NY, San Diego, CA, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, round out the US and territories for embarkments. Other Disney cruises depart from Canada, Europe and Australia.
Disney cruises utilize rotational dining, meaning you will move to a new themed restaurant each night, and your wait staff will rotate with you. Having the same servers guarantees you will get an allergen-free meal, or your special requests fulfilled whether you are eating at Rapunzel’s Royal Table or Animator’s Palate.
There are three types of staterooms: inside cabins, oceanview cabins, and verandahs. Suites include Concierge Suites and Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms. Disney has special pricing on many rooms with obstructed views making some larger staterooms much more affordable. Additionally, connected rooms are more economical than paying for multi-room suites.
Disney ships are keenly laid out for kids of all ages. All stateroom doors are magnetic and can be decorated to help your children identify their rooms. Additionally, all port side (lefthand side) doors have metal fish that face toward the rear of the ship, while the starboard side uses seahorses. It is these tiny touches that make every aspect of a Disney cruise feel dreamy while helping your children be more self-reliant.
It's a Small World Nursery is available for very young children. But if your child is at least three and potty trained, try out one of the Kids’ Clubs. These are some of the most whimsical rooms on the ship, so it’s worth going to the open house on Embarkation Day. Kids Clubs include the Oceaneer Club for ages 3-12, Edge, a Tween Club, for ages 11-14, and Vibe for 14 to 17-year-olds.
But what if you’re a full-on Disney fanatic without kids or just need a break from your bundles of joy? On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, you’ll want to recharge out on the satellite sundecks. The adults-only policy is strictly enforced on these decks. Also, have a stroll to Quiet Cove pool and Cove Café, where you can get your morning croissant or an afternoon cheese plate.
Palo and Remy are both adults-only restaurants. Palo serves Northern Italian cooking with a modern twist, and Remy hosts a five-course dessert. These restaurants do expect semi-formal attire, but there’s no real dress code anywhere else on the ship, so feel free to cruise casually.
For a much-needed date night with your significant other, Disney offers mixology classes and interactive game shows like Match Your Mate. Also offered are Art of the Theme tours, led by cast members who discuss the design of the ship.
This private island is only available to Disney Cruise Line guests, and it’s a three-mile paradise in the Bahamas located 70 miles north of Nassau. Castaway Cay is largely undeveloped, with only about 55 acres in use. But it does have an operational Post Office, so you can send specialty postcards back home if you wish.
Free BBQ is included on your island excursion. There are four tram stops on the island with strollers and all-terrain wheelchairs available. Family beach activities are everywhere, including watercraft rentals, snorkeling, beach sports, and the Pelican Plunge.
Serenity Bay is the island’s adults-only area, where cruisers can enjoy the idyllic white sandy beaches and the tranquility of the crashing waves on the beach.
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Contact your local AAA Travel Agent or book at https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/category/cruises