disney alaska cruise review 2022

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Disney Cruise Alaska 2024 & 2025 Guide: ESSENTIAL Tips For Your Cruise

The Alaska Disney Cruise is a once in a lifetime experience. The below cruise review and tips are based on our recent seven day Disney Cruise Line Alaska itinerary that sails from Vancouver to Alaska. This guide will continue to be updated to provide advice for the 2024 and 2025 Disney Cruise Alaska seasons.

Onboard our cruise we had family ranging in age from 20 to 80+. On the last night of our trip I got everyone together and we talked through all the Disney Cruise tips we should pass on. This guide is based on those insights.

With the below tips I hope to prepare you for your future Disney Alaska cruise and give you everything you need to know to plan. We'll cover what month to book your cruise, an overview of the Disney Wonder ship, onboard activities, premium dining, what to pack for your cruise, Alaska Disney Cruise Line excursions, and more.

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In this planning guide:

When to Take a Disney Cruise to Alaska

The Disney Cruise Line Alaskan sailings on the Disney Wonder occur throughout the summer “warm” months. The first 2024 Alaska sailing begins on May 13, 2024 and the last sailing ends on September 23, 2024 (the Disney Cruise Line 2024 dates were announced here ). We don't yet the 2025 Disney Alaska Cruise dates. The sailing stretch throughout the summer months in Alaska.

These are the key factors to consider for picking your Alaskan Disney Cruise dates:

• When are kids in school? The May and September sailings will be less expensive and may even not be fully booked because kids will still be in school. Some of the same school discounting effects can be felt for the very beginning of June and very end of September as well. If you are not confined to summer school schedules, you may want to consider a sailing at the beginning or end of the Alaskan cruising season.
• Weather? The later in the season you plan your cruise the higher the potential for rain during your trip. You can see on this Juneau, Alaska monthly climate averages that the average rainfall by month is double in September what it is in May. Even with that said, during our August trip we only had one real day of rain during our trip when we were in Ketchikan, Alaska. This port is actually one of the rainiest cities in the U.S. and receives nearly 235 days of percipitation per year . A weather note – most think of Alaska as cold. Throughout the summer months the temperatures do not get too low and during our sailing were about 60 degrees. Pretty comfortable when in pants. Some days we saw lots of sun and others we had light rain and wind. More in our packing list section.

You can view the currently available dates for Summer 2024 on the Disney Cruise Line website (Summer 2024 dates just released). After viewing the dates be sure to come back and request a FREE quote from our travel partner for your cruise . For a limited time Mickey Visit readers get up to a $400 onboard credit.

As you'll see in the listings of available sailings, there are a range of length options for your trip…

Best Disney Cruise to Alaska – Which Length to Pick

Disney Cruise Line offers multiple Alaska itineraries that range from five to nine nights. Our recent Disney Cruise to Alaska was a seven night itinerary. The seven night Disney Alaska cruise is offered the most of any of the lengths of sailings.

The seven night cruise includes stops at Dawes Glacier; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Here's some more context on each of the destinations listed for the various lengths of cruise:

• Juneau, Alaska is the state's capital and the largest town that the ship stops in during the Alaskan cruise. The town has some noteworthy food options (see below for excursions) and was the closest that we got to any glacier.
• Skagway, Alaska was the access point for the last gold rush. This old gold rush town is the jumping off point for excursions into the Yukon. Excursion options include a historic railway line with stunning vista views, helicopter tours, and tours of the old town.
• Ketchikan, Alaska is the rainiest place in the world and features an old town built on stilts above a creek, salmon runs, Native American totem polls, and a lumberjack show. This port is the closest to Vancouver in Alaska and all Disney Alaskan Cruises stop here.
• Dawes Glacier, Alaska is not a port but is a location that the boat pulls into for one day of all Alaska sailings. The boat enters the cove near the glacier and then rotates slow so that all sides of the boat get an angle of the glacier. There is an option for an excursion here to go out on a smaller boat that goes closer to the glacier. Though Dawes was scheduled as part of our itinerary, we actually didn't stop here. Scroll down and read what happened in our Disney Cruise to Alaska tips section.
• Sitka, Alaska was not a port that we visited during our seven night Disney Cruise sailing to Alaska but we heard the highlights revolve around the Russian history of the city (this was the capital of the territory when Alaska belonged to Russia) and the outdoor excursions which are similar to the excursions offered in the other ports.

Choosing Your Alaska Stateroom – Do you need a Verandah room for your Alaskan cruise?

While we do outline each of the various stateroom options for all of the Disney Cruise Line ships in our general guide to the Disney Wonder , there is special reason to consider your room option carefully for the Disney Cruise to Alaska.

For many cruises you could take the same approach that we take for hotels near Disneyland – why pay for the room if you are going to be out of the room the entire trip exploring and having fun? You may want to reconsider this for an Alaskan cruise as the itineraries are longer and the outdoor spaces are colder due to the Alaskan weather. With our group's age range for this trip (from 20 years old to 80+ years old), there was almost always someone in the room who wasn't keen to be out exploring. We were very happy to have a Verandah room during our Alaskan Disney Cruise and enjoyed waking up to views and having the option to check out the view without having to get warmer clothes on and go up on deck.

There is plenty to do throughout the ship and plenty of spaces for lounging outside of your room but the Verandah was truly a highlight for our days at sea. Even for the days when we were coming into port, it was delightful to watch our approach from the comfort of our own balcony.

The room shown in the photos here is a Deluxe Verandah room. There is a queen bed and the couch the converts into twin sleeper.

How much does a 2024 Alaskan Disney Cruise Cost?

The prices for the cruise vary dramatically by room type and date of sailing. We asked our travel partner to pull some sample pricing for cruises so that we could include them here for your reference.

For the seven night sailing that leaves May 22, 2023 for two people an interior room costs  $3,574.94 and an exterior deluxe verandah 5C category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size costs $8,012.94 .

Compare this to the seven night sailing that leaves on July 17, 2023 in the heart of the summer. For two people an interior room costs  $4,708.94 while an exterior Deluxe Verandah 5C category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size $11,148.94 .

The seven-night sailing that leaves on May 13, 2024 for two people in an interior room starts at $3,490 and an exterior verandah room starts at $6,347 . The exact prices are not available yet as booking details are not yet open.

Compare this to the seven night sailing that leaves on July 8, 2024, in the heart of the summer. For two people an interior room costs $4,635 while an exterior Deluxe Verandah 5c category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size is $11,495.2. As you can see, the more popular summer months when kids are out of school are more expensive.

Again, as you are considering your Disney Cruise to Alaska, be sure to request a FREE Disney Cruise line vacation quote from our travel partner . When you book with our partner you'll receive up to a $400 onboard credit .

Onboard Disney Cruise Line Programming

There are a variety of onboard Disney Cruise Line offerings to fill your days at sea and evenings. From lavish entertainment (see Disney Cruise Line entertainment section below) to educational programs to fitness offerings, there really are tons of ways to stay busy during the days at sea. Your Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigator app has information on all times for all activities onboard the ship. Make sure everyone in your party has downloaded the app before your departure.

Though we were onboard a unique Alaskan Disney Cruise (our trip was part of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise ) we did still experience quite a bit of the normal programming that is offered by the Disney Cruise Line on a standard Alaskan cruise.

One of the highlights on the onboard programming was the educational nature presentations . All of the adults in our group attended all three of the talks given by the naturalist that was onboard. His three presentations were on the fjords and waterways, whales and water ways, and Alaskan bears and salmon. Each of the presentations was educational and added to our excursion experience by providing context on our trip on land. The programming was well put together and could be interesting to all ages. If you have a nature curious preteen and up, I would recommend bringing them along to the presentation. Other topics sometimes presented by the naturalist include information on the Klondike Gold Rush and Vancouver Life.

Some of the other offerings on the Alaska Disney Cruise on the Disney Wonder include:

• The Art of the Theme Tour is a tour of the ship that focuses on the details and history built into the ship. You'll find fun features in the carpet and hear stories on design details. I also always like to take the opportunity to connect with another Cast Member.
• There is trivia with varying themes offered throughout the trip. Some themes include movie quotes trivia, Disney theme park trivia, sports trivia, and PIXAR trivia.
• In the Buena Vista Theater (the smaller of the two theaters onboard the ship) there are a variety of the latest movies from Disney playing . During our 2022 sailing we saw Togo (story about an Alaskan sled dog), Thor: Love and Thunder, and Encanto. The list is always updated with the latest Disney movies that were released but there is usually a film that ties into the Alaskan cruise theme like Togo or Brother Bear that is always offered.
• There is evening live music and entertainment available in the lounges. These offerings vary by cruise but we saw a lounge singer during our sailing. The songs are ones that you'll know and performances have specific themes.
• For an additional charge, you can join an alcohol tasting class or mixology class . These experiences do fill up so you should book them when they open for booking. See dates the varying dates that excursions and activities open to guests below.
• Throughout your stay you'll get to experience super fun folded towels and napkins. Each night when you return to your stateroom you'll find a folded towel animal on the bed waiting for you. There is a class where you can learn how to fold your own napkin and towel animal .
• For the musically excited, a night time karaoke and silent disco are offered.
• Throughout the trip you'll have lots of opportunity to join in playing BINGO . Be sure to check when there is presale of BINGO cards so that you don't end up waiting in the queue when you arrive to play.
• There is a very popular Match Your Mate game show where you and your significant other are challenged to see how well you know each other with trivia questions. This is a fan favorite!
• There are activities for every interest onboard the Disney Cruise to Alaska – you'll also find a cooking class demonstration and animation class .

The dates that guests can book onboard experiences (tastings, spa, nursery, Royal Court Tea), Alaskan excursions, and adult dining at Palo (details below) vary by sailing history with Disney Cruise Line . Once you have paid for your cruise in full, first time Disney Cruise Line guests can book 75 days before sail date, Silver Castaway Club members can book 90 days before sail date, Gold Castaway Club Members can book 105 days before, and Concierge Guests and Platinum Castaway Club Members can book 120 days before your sail date.

Alaska Disney Cruise Character Meet and Greets

Throughout our Disney Cruise there were characters everywhere. The Disney meet and greet limitations for the Disney Cruise Line had been recently lifted and we experienced a completely normal character meet and greet experience onboard our cruise. Many times throughout our trip I would be walking from one activity to the next and bump into a character just wandering. Multiple times I saw Thor wandering the hallways looking for someone to engage with.

All character meeting times are listed in the app. Our favorite character meet and greets were with the Disney fab five in their Alaskan outfits. For anyone excited about rare Disney meet and greets, these photos are super exciting. The best opportunity to take these photos comes on the Dawes Glacier day. On this day the characters will be up on the top deck outdoors so you can get an iconic Alaskan view in the background. I recommend arriving about fifteen minutes before the scheduled photo time to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse up here. We started with Mickey Mouse and then jumped over to the line for Minnie Mouse. There were other times we saw opportunities to wait in line for characters (on the formal night the fab five is out in tuxedos) but were happy just to have these outdoor photos.

Don't be afraid of a short line for a memorable photo with your favorite character.

Fitness Offerings Onboard the Disney Wonder

The fitness center and spa offers a number of scheduled workout classes. During our sailing there were complimentary offerings that included a mile walk around the ship and a morning yoga class . I opted to try one of the premium experiences and purchased the personal training experience . You could opt for a two pack or four pack of classes. There was a discount if you went with the four pack. I decided just do purchase the two pack as I wanted to workout some on my own during the trip as well. The cruise really flies by. I was glad that I only purchased the two day experience.

The gym is at the very front of the Disney Wonder and has a wide array of fitness machines. I typically like to start my workout with a run. I did this everyday except for one when the boat was moving a little too much for the treadmill and I opted for the stationary bicycle instead. The fitness center also has a nice locker room. I actually ended up showering in the locker everyday of our trip after our workout instead of using the shower in our stateroom.

In Skagway I went for a run off the ship. When facing the town from the port I ran to the left and found a foot bridge. Over the bridge there was a dirt trail with work out stations (pull up bars, sit up bench, etc) all along it. This was a great way to get off the ship and get a workout in outside before our excursion for the day. I ran about 3.5 miles here.

Disney Cruise Line Sense Spa and Salon Offerings

The Disney Wonder has a full spa offering onboard with a suite of services. The spa rooms have massive windows with sweeping views from the top of the ship.

Some of the offerings at the spa include a Rainforest aromatherapy room, steam room, and sauna. There are also comfortable locker rooms for changing before and after the treatment. As I mentioned above, I used the locker rooms throughout our cruise after the weight room even when not getting a treatment.

The spa is available for guests 18 and older and reservations can be made online or after 1 pm in person at the spa on the first day of your cruise. An 18% gratuity will be applied to all spa and fitness services.

If you are interested in a manicure or a pedicure, consider booking your time slot for the first day of your trip for stunning views of Vancouver as you sail away. There is also a rainforest room which features a steam room and relaxation area. You can pay for a day pass or pass for your entire trip.

Disney Wonder Cruise Kids Activities

There are kids clubs and activities for kids of all ages. There are five different areas on the ship designed to service kids from toddlers to teens.

There are five different lounge options: the “it’s a Small World” nursery, Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, and Vibe. You can view all the various kid activities in the Disney Cruise Line app.

All of the kids clubs except the “it's a Small World” nursery are included with the price of the cruise. The nursery is an additional fee and requires reservations.

On embarkation you and your child can tour the kids clubs together to calm any nerves. This is also when you'll register your child for the club. You can also pre-register your child before the cruise here .

Keep in mind that kids are not fed by the kids clubs so even though your child will likely want to stay in the club all day you will have to grab them for meals. This is also something to keep in mind when booking any Palo reservation that may conflict with your child's eating timing.

Disney Wonder Entertainment Available On Alaskan Cruise

During the cruise to Alaska there are a number of Broadway-caliber shows that are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. The shows vary by sailing length. On nights when one of the Disney shows are not taking place in the theater, there will be some sort of variety show act performed.

The shows on the Disney Wonder are:

• “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” is a full retelling of the Frozen story with huge musical acts that runs just over an hour. The production value is incredible, the musicians are very impressive, and Olaf was hilarious.
• “The Golden Mickeys” is a musical medley show that features songs from Disney films of past and present. A story is also woven in between the musical acts that a stage manager is suddenly pushed into the spotlight when she has to host the show at the last minute. By the end of the show, the host realizes that anything is possible.
• “Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic” is a musical medley show that pulls in classic Disney musical numbers when a young girl who is losing her belief in magic is visited in her dreams by characters from Disney classics and is helped along the way by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

Shows are typically performed twice nightly so that they are opposite your dinner seating. If you have a late dinner you'll watch the earlier show and if you have an early dinner seating you'll watch the later show.

There are also two deck shows that occur during the cruise:

• The “Mickey's Sail-A-Wave” party is a send off deck party with all of your favorite Disney characters that occurs right as the ship is pulling out of Vancouver. This show takes place in the mid-afternoon.
• The “Freeze the Night Away” deck party is a Frozen themed deck party with your favorite songs and characters from Frozen. Snow comes down at the end of this show. The night of our deck party is truly was freezing and we were bundled up enjoying the entertainment on deck. This show takes place after both dinner seatings have been completed.

Choosing Your Disney Cruise Line Alaskan Excursions

There are a wide array of excursions for Disney Cruises to Alaska. Guests can opt for the most extravagant helicopter ride to dog sledding or just enjoy a leisurely walk around town. CAUTION – You will likely have sticker shock. Some excursions are hundreds of dollars per person. Remember that you are in Alaska for a once in a lifetime Disney Cruise. Be sure to budget for these excursions as you plan for your trip.

Disney Cruise Line sells excursions directly. For research sake I compared prices between the offering from Disney Cruise Line and booking some experiences on our own. The pricing was often the same or only slightly more when purchasing from Disney when I could find it. For many of the more upscale experiences, there was no clear way to find the offering directly online to comparison shop as the experience was curated specifically for the cruise line. There are always vendors just off the ship selling other excursion offerings but be warned that if you take a third party excursion and do not get back to the ship before the official departure time the ship will leave you behind. This warning and a very real story of passengers being left behind in Juneau, Alaska after their seaplane couldn't fly back from the glacier due to lack of visibility scared us enough not to consider outside excursions.

When you purchase an excursion from Disney you'll check in for the excursion in D-Lounge and then be escorted to the correct transportation by a Cast Member.

Here were our trip reports for each Alaskan port we experienced:

Skagway – The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway was about a three hour train loop up the trail to the Yukon gold rush. The experience was well put together though after about 2 hrs we wished that we were back at the base. You'll follow the same route up and then back down. The train picks up directly at the ship.

We heard others who opted for a long hike, to rent a car and drive up into the Yukon (Skagway is the only port that we visited that is actually connected to the rest of the country by road), and taking an old town shuttle tour around the town itself. I would have loved to go on a long hike but due to others in our group with less mobility we opted to spend time together on the railway experience. This was a great way to see the sights and spend time together.

After our railway tour we still had a chance to walk around the town. We stopped at a Christmas shop and enjoyed chatting with the owners who turned out to spend winter in San Diego, California. We also enjoyed fried dough from the Klondike Doughboy . This is a must stop for your day in Skagway that you'll find on one of the side streets. Finally, we watched a National Parks historical film on the “last gold rush” that lead to the original establishment of Skagway as the gateway for gold seekers to sail to before a treacherous journey over the mountain to the site where gold was discovered. I enjoyed the context that the film provided. The film can be found in the National Parks building at the end of the street closest to the cruise ship slips.

This is a screenshot of the video I captured of the whales coming right up near our boat. The photo doesn't do the experience justice.

Juneau – At Juneau we participated in a whale watching and trip to the Mendenhall glacier . We were picked up by bus from the ship and then taken to a boat for the whale watching tour. We had whales get very close up to the ship and flip their tale. Just like the Pacific Life commercials ! This was an excellent experience getting into nature.

After our long morning on the boat we got back on the bus and headed to the Mendenhall Glacier. All along the ride we had very fun narration from our bus driver who shared a look into what it is like living in Alaska. She was witty and provided a look into the actual life rather than just giving facts and figures. A real highlight! At the Mendenhall Glacier we walked out to the waterfall. They claim this walk is an hour roundtrip but it only took us 45 minutes and that includes at least 10 minutes talking photos at the waterfall. Our bus then dropped us off in the heart of Juneau and we walked through some of the shops and found lunch.

We opted to enjoy the fish tacos at Deckhand Dave's . We debated going to Tracy's Crab Shack but decided we didn't want another large sit down meal for lunch. We were very happy with our pick to enjoy the tacos. After lunch we also found GREAT fudge from the Alaskan Fudge Company . Both great options!

Ketchikan – As I shared above, Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in the United States so it was raining during our day here. It rained on and off throughout the day and the sky was gray all day. The ship docks right in town. In the morning we walked through the various shops in town and I took a longer walk up the river beyond Creek Street. The amount of salmon floating peacefully in the river was astounding. There were hundreds just hanging out in the shallows. In the afternoon we enjoyed the Lumberjack Show . This is an activity you could easily purchase tickets directly from the venue if you wanted to.

There isn't much of a savings for the headache of booking through an outside payment system but the option is there. The show was lots of fun. In the format of a US vs Canada competition, professional lumberjacks completed impressive stunts with their saws. The show also pulls in audience participation. We saw kids of the friends also on the trip get pulled in and have a great time participating. This experience is tons of fun for the entire family.

Fun Disneyland Fact – Did you know that in the summers of 1987 and 1988 there was a “State Fair” event that included a Log Rolling and Lumberjack Show? The show was found along the Rivers of America area.

When you get back on the ship there's always a Cast Member with hot chocolate and cookies ready to greet you.

For 2 of the 3 days in port we opted to return to the ship for lunch rather than sitting down at any of the restaurant in town. We enjoyed eating at Triton's restaurant on the ship and appreciated the sit down service. After lunch we easily returned back into town for more exploring and some of our group opted to stay on the ship.

WiFi During Your Disney Cruise Line Alaska Trip

I can't say this more overtly. The WiFi onboard the ship worked well for messaging and looking things but do not rely on it for downloads. Save any digital material that you want to have available. If you need a book downloaded for your Kindle or podcast downloaded for the gym, do everything you can to download these before leaving for your trip.

While there is WiFi onboard the Disney Wonder, it is expensive and runs out quickly. Even when you are on the WiFi there were certain apps that did not work at all.

In our experience iMessages came through over the WiFi even when we didn't have our WiFi package turned on. For messaging between people in your party onboard, there is a messaging option within the Disney Cruise Line app. This worked fine.

In each port I was able to get on my normal Verizon phone plan with no difficulties. I even used it as a hotspot from my computer to send email. Be sure to check on your phone plan for use in Canada for your days coming into Vancouver.

Disney Cruise Line App Review

At first the Disney Cruise Line app was difficult to use. The interface is not intuitive to begin with but once you figure out how to locate activities it works well.

When you first get onboard, go through the activities listed and select the various onboard activities that sound interesting to you. To get the activities, click on the “Explore” section and click the day you want to view. There is also an option to filter by activity type – filtering by movie for instance. This schedule that you create will then cause the app to send you push notifications. The “Add Plans” button in the app doesn't work as expected and just suggests paid activities to you. Make sure to click the “Explore” section for details on everything happening onboard.

Disney Wonder Pools

The pools and water slide are open throughout the cruise to Alaska. We opted to quickly ride the waterslide the first day that we were onboard to check that box as we knew that our departure day from Vancouver would be the warmest day to enjoy the pools on the cruise. I recommend getting on the slide that first day to enjoy it while it is still sunnier outside. There were plenty of people enjoying the waterslide throughout the voyage but we were glad to have ridden it the first day.

Entering the pool area could be jarring at times. I would walk out on to the deck and be greeted with icy winds in the morning but also the upbeat tunes of “La Bamba”.

I actually used the pool almost everyday of the trip. In the early evening before our show I would try and get up to the adult pool area and hot tub. This area was a little more peaceful than the others and it was nice to meet other guests in the hot tub to swap stories on their experience.

How Food Works Onboard Disney Cruise to Alaska

For Dinner:

Onboard the Disney Wonder there are three different restaurants that you will rotate through for dinners during your voyage. Each night you'll go to your assigned restaurant and your same waiter and assistant waiter will be there ready for you. Throughout your trip you'll get to know the wait staff and they'll get to know your preferences. In our group one member took her water without ice and by the second night she was already receiving her water with no ice without asking.

The menus shift each night of the cruise and are somewhat reflective of the theme of the restaurant.

Our waiters encouraged us to order anything on the menu that looked interesting. Each night I started with one of the soups of the day and some other appetizer before my main course. We sometimes also ordered an additional main course if we all wanted to try it.

Some of the food highlights that stuck with us – the Beef Wellington, the Banoffee pie (a chocolate, banana, whipped cream dessert), and the carmel ice cream that we enjoyed one evening (we ordered that ice cream every night afterwards too!). Another lesson. Always ask for the food that you want even if it isn't on the menu. My grandmother wanted a blue cheese wedge salad because the other salads on the menu were not something she was interested in. Amazingly our server had a wedge salad based on her specifications at the table 5 minutes later. My aunt was craving asparagus and they also delivered. Overall we were very impressed with the kitchen's ability to accommodate requests.

These were some of our drawings during the fun Animator's Palate show.

The three main restaurants are: Triton's, Tiana's Place, and Animator's Palate. Be sure not to miss the second night at Animator's Palate as there is a very cute show where everyone in the group draws a character and then that character comes to life on screens around the restaurant.

There are two dinner seatings – an early seating at 5:45 pm and a later seating at 8:15 pm. We had the later dinner seating which meant that we would be eating much later than we were used to at home. This also led us to snack much more going into the evening because we weren't going to eat until so much later. You have the opportunity to switch seating times in the app if you have a preference.

Palo For Upscale Dinner and Brunch:

There is an upscale adults only restaurant onboard called Palo that is an additional charge. We opted to enjoy both brunch and dinner here. The restaurant does book up so be sure to book your Palo experience when it becomes available for your Disney Cruise. Though I have a full review coming soon, I will share that we far preferred the variety that came with brunch at the restaurant.

For Breakfast and Lunch:

Throughout the day there are a variety of food options constantly available. The Cabanas restaurant is open with a buffet for breakfast and lunch. For a sit down breakfast or lunch, the central sit down restaurant, Triton's, is also available. We started the cruise having our breakfast at Cabanas and then shifted over to eating breakfast at Triton's after we realized that our evening waiter was often there and we could have the same great table service as we did at dinner. The quality of breakfast food was also better at Triton's. I had very similar omelette orders at both locations and the Triton's omelette was far superior.

There are also quick service restaurants on the upper deck that serve sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken tenders (super good!), pizza, Asian style bowls, and of course soft serve. There is never a bad time to order soft serve on the cruise! Make sure you get in the habit of grabbing one otherwise the cruise will slip by. It is never too cold for Disney Cruise Line soft serve ice cream!

Additional Charge Food

There are a couple of food locations that are an additional charge. There are concession stands outside the theaters selling popcorn, soda, and candy. There are also a number of lounges with additional cost alcoholic beverages. On the top deck there is also a bar / coffee place that is for adults only. This Cove Bar feels a lot like a comfortable Starbucks.

The regular dinner restaurants also have extra charge alcohol as an option.

On Your First Day Onboard:

When you first board the Disney Wonder in Vancouver each restaurant will be open for you to enjoy lunch. On our first day we had lunch at Tiana's Place and enjoyed the sit down service. We could also have opted for the quick service options or buffet at Cabanas.

In addition to the above there is included 24/7 room service onboard. Let's just say, you really aren't going to go hungry. It is much more important to think about what you aren't going to eat than to worry about what you are.

There is also a water and soda station on the Deck 9 pool deck. We brought reusable water bottles and popped up here to refill them throughout the trip. There are a couple of water bottle fill stations on the upper deck by the pool and in the gym.

Disney Cruise Line Vancouver, Canada Boarding Process

To board the Disney Wonder in Canada we went through a number of different checks including US customs.

For your arrival, you'll want to pack a carry on bag with anything you need throughout your first afternoon. You'll keep this bag with you and your other baggage will be sent to your room.

If anyone in your group has trouble walking long distances you may want to get a wheelchair for the walk through the check in process. There is lots of winding back and forth through the Disney Cruise Line security, customs, passport control, and then boarding the ship.

After you check in, you'll be directed to the ship where your room key will be waiting for you outside your door.

Disney Cruise Line Vancouver to Alaska COVID Testing

For our COVID test we used OnPoint testing . This was a virtual service where a proctor would watch you take your own approved at home COVID test and then sign off on the result.

For only $14.99 per person we were able to easily test from our own home. Three of us tested during the same 10 minute Zoom call. This was much simpler, less expensive, and easier than attempting to test when we got to Vancouver or using the official Disney Cruise Line vendor.

What to See in Vancouver Before Your Disney Cruise

I definitely recommend arriving to Vancouver at least one day before your Disney Cruise. Our flight arrived around 3 pm into Vancouver which gave us some time to enjoy the city before leaving to check in with Disney for our cruise the next morning. You'll also want to arrive the night before so that you aren't anxious about any flight delay that might cause you to miss the departure. The city feels far larger than it's official population (650,000 people) with innovative architecture and stunning views that blend the ocean, mountains, and city to one. In Vancouver, the spirit of adventure only grows as you lean into your anticipation for your Disney Cruise to Alaska – “the final frontier”.

Here were our highlights of Vancouver, Canada before the cruise:

First, we enjoyed Granville Island. This market place of food and artisans is absolutely a tourist trap but is one for good reason. On our clear skies day the market was crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the sun, food and entertainment. The market has the same feeling of active marketplace as Pike's Place Market in Seattle and Redding Terminal Market in Philadelphia but seems to have more food stalls. During the summer months when you'll be here before your Disney Alaska Cruise, expect a very warm afternoon.

At the market we had great fish and chips from Celine's Fish and Chips, pad thai, and a german sausage plate. The fish and chips were the absolute highlight and we returned for another order.

To get to Granville Island you'll want to use Uber or Lyft from Downtown Vancouver (read my guide to Uber and Lyft at Walt Disney World for discount codes if you've never used the rideshare services before). If you are all mobile, be careful not to call your rideshare directly to Granville Island as your car will end up in a massive lineup while trying to drop you off and the price for the ride will be more expensive. Instead, put in “Blue Hat Bistro” for your drop off location. Return here after your time at the market to avoid headache as well.

After Granville Island we walked around in Gastown which is right near the cruise terminal that our ship was leaving from the following day. We enjoyed seeing the cobblestone streets here and then walked out along the seawall near the cruise terminal. We ogled the massive cruise ships thinking about the Disney Wonder that we would board the following day. It was a lot of fun to walk along the sea wall from here. We watched as sea plane after sea plane followed the same landing pattern swooping in from the clear blue sky that was just turning to dusk.

The next morning I went out for a run along the seawall and through Downtown Vancouver. The views along the seawall were stunning. I made a quick stop for a last minute electronics need at an Apple Store and then it was time to get onboard the Disney Wonder for our cruise.

Packing for Disney Alaskan Cruise

You can also see our Disney Cruise Line Packing List for a full perspective on what you need to bring with you.

A couple packing list notes:

• There is a formal night onboard the ship but you do not have to participate if you don't want to. During our sailing about 40% of the passengers we saw were dressed up, but plenty did not.
• There are slippers and a robe in your stateroom for your use throughout the trip.
• For those using a cane, walking sticks were a nice option that my grandmother utilized instead of a cane during this trip.
• We did not plan on doing any laundry during our Alaska cruise but we ended up using the laundry machine after our rainy day in Ketchikan to dry out our clothes. The machines can be operated by tapping your room key and charging the laundry to your room.
• Make sure to bring your binoculars and consider getting a camera extension for your iPhone to increase your zoom strength.
• Each guest 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened champagne or wine or 6 beers on to the ship at the beginning of the voyage and at each port. The beverages must be carried onboard in your carry-on luggage.

General Disney Cruise to Alaska Tips

• The stars in the carpet design in the main hallways all point towards the front of the ship.
• Watch the morning show with the cruise director. We really enjoyed the witty humor from our cruise director, Stephen. We bought in and had a lot of fun watching the show.
• Be ready for anything! During our sailing there was a tugboat strike in Vancouver that was completely outside of Disney's control. The strike led us to leave Vancouver eight hours late which meant that we had to skip Dawes Glacier to make up for lost travel time. This was obviously disappointing (Disney added a state room credit for all guests even though the situation was beyond their control), but we still had a great day weather wise and all the characters were still out with the same celebration.
• There are free charms and a free charm bracelet that are available for guests everyday at a specific time. My aunt and grandmother enjoyed picking up a charm each day. By the end of the trip they had a complete bracelet. The charms are meant to get you in to the store looking at jewelry but they are still a cute keepsake.
• You can tip the Cast Members that work on the cruise at the beginning or end of your sailing. There's a good tip calculator here to think about amounts.
• As with anything Disney, mention if you are celebrating a special occasion while onboard. There are always magic makers looking to help!
• Get outside! The views throughout your cruise are just incredible. Bring enough layers so you are always comfortable stepping out to your own verandah or the general decks so you can take in the majesty of the inside passage.

Take a look at a nice promo video from Disney here that captures many of these views:

We were hosted on this cruise to Alaska by Disney Vacation Club so that we could provide coverage of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise and witness some of the highlights from Disney Plus day. All opinions expressed here are our own.

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2 comments add your comment

All the tips in the above article are super helpful. Thank you

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback. Have a great cruise!

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10 things to know about sailing on a Disney Alaska cruise

I don't like to pick favorites, but we just got back from what may have been our most enjoyable vacation to date: a three-generation family cruise to Alaska on Disney Cruise Line . The trip had it all: nature, excitement, relaxation, scenery, entertainment, food, fun, swimming, hiking and so much more.

If you're considering sailing on a Disney cruise to Alaska, realize it's a big adventure. It's a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip in terms of length, distance and financial commitment. But our group of travelers ranging from 7 to 74 years old all loved it.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

With our cruising crew now off the ship and back home in the lower 48, here are 10 things to know before you set sail on a Disney Alaska cruise.

The cheapest time to book is the day cruises go on sale

Let's talk about the price upfront. An Alaska cruise is one of the more expensive Disney Cruise sailings, and it's pricier than similar itineraries on other cruise lines. Once the cruises go on sale, the prices often only go up.

Because of this, one of the best ways to save on a Disney cruise is to book your Alaska sailing the first day it goes on sale. You can get additional discounts from booking through an agent offering an onboard cruise credit. Plan far enough in advance, and you can save 10% by putting $250 down on your next cruise when you're already sailing on a Disney ship. We used all of these money-saving tricks — and the Alaska vacation was still very expensive.

For example, the cheapest Alaska sailing in 2024 is about $5,000 for a family of four in a windowless inside cabin and over $8,000 in a room with a private balcony. Those prices are for shoulder-season May and September sailings; the peak June through August sailings, such as the early June one we were on, cost more.

Disney Premier Visa Card : Earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening + unlock Disney-specific perks

'Glacier day' is a marathon, not a sprint

The "glacier day" on the ship can be confusing if you haven't done it before and don't know what to expect.

Essentially, the ship will sail as close as it safely can (both for the ship and wildlife) to one of a few glaciers. For example, it's common on sailings to head to the Stikine Icefields, though weather and conditions do play into exactly where you may go on a given voyage.

No matter where you head, you will not be getting off the ship to set foot on a glacier on the glacier viewing day; it's a view-from-a-ship experience. However, you can book an excursion that leaves from the cruise ship to get a closer view of the glacier on a smaller boat for an additional fee ($199 for kids and $299 for adults).

On our sailing, the captain explained that it was a marathon day and to pace yourself watching the "show" of the scenery on deck ... and he was right.

As the day went on and we got closer, the scenery got better and better. If we had gotten our fill of looking around the deck that morning, we'd have missed some of the best views that came that afternoon.

Just before dinner, we sailed close to a waterfall. The whole day was an incredibly special experience because the view changed from hour to hour. You need to keep checking back outside, so you don't miss anything.

Related: These are the best Alaska cruises

Book some excursions — but price them carefully

Don't sail all the way to Alaska and just walk around the shops near the pier in cities like Juneau and Skagway, especially if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

On the other hand, you don't need to book the $800 helicopter excursions to the glaciers to have a good time (though those flights look amazing). You can find plenty of full- and half-day tours in the $100 to $300 range that are excellent. But no matter how you choose to spend your days, get out and experience something you can only do in Alaska in at least one or two ports.

We loved the excursion in Juneau that included an hour at the Mendenhall Glacier (though 30 more minutes would have been ideal), whale watching and a surprisingly good outdoor salmon bake. It was expensive at $279 for adults and $199 for kids, but it was a highlight of the trip, and I wholeheartedly recommend it if those activities sound fun to you.

In Skagway, we booked an excursion that included learning about dog sledding, interacting with sled dog puppies, gold panning and a ride on the White Pass railroad . Unfortunately, the train portion of our excursion was canceled due to mechanical issues, but normally the tour is the same price as the Juneau excursion. Without the train, it came to $169 for adults and $119 for kids — and you can book it that way from the start.

While I can't speak to the train portion (I hear it's worth doing), the dog sled demo and gold panning were quite enjoyable. And this was a perfect example of how in Alaska, nothing is set in stone. It is common for operators to make adjustments to excursions based on weather, safety concerns and other factors. Helicopter and small plane tours are especially likely to be canceled or adjusted. My advice is to be flexible and not stake the trip's success on any one excursion.

For the long, multi-faceted excursions that get you a good distance away from the ship, booking through Disney makes sense, even if it is a little more expensive, as the ship won't leave without you if your tour gets delayed. In one port, we did see a group on a ship come back right at the designated sailaway time, which I'm sure would have been extremely stressful if they'd been traveling independently.

With other, shorter excursions, it can make a lot of sense (and save a lot of dollars) to book on your own directly with a tour operator.

For example, by booking directly, we paid much less for the silly but fun Disney-branded lumberjack show right next to the ship in Ketchikan. Booking direct also lets you take advantage of discounts, such as lower rates for veterans or active military. The show takes place a few steps from the dock, so there's no risk of not returning to the ship on time.

Oh, and whatever you do, make a point to get the sweet fry bread in Skagway from the Klondike Doughboy. It's a 10-minute walk from the ship and worth every step and penny.

Related: 15 Alaska cruise mistakes you don't want to make

You can warm up with free hot chocolate

Disney tries to think of everything, so complimentary hot chocolate is always waiting for you on deck during glacier day and at the pier as you return from port. It's a small touch, but one that was a fun treat when we got a bit chilly.

If you're looking for an adult version that will warm you to the bones, keep an eye out for bar carts out on deck during glacier viewing. You get a cool Alaska-themed reusable cup with the price of your drink.

Choose the late dinner

Days are long in Alaska, both in terms of the time in port and the sun itself.

For example, in Skagway, we were in port from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. With Disney, you need to choose the early or late dinner seating, and while eating late may sound like a bad idea with kids, it's the best choice on an Alaska cruise. If you choose the early dinner, you're being seated at 5:45 p.m. every night. Not only is the sun going to be up for at least four more hours, but you'll have to cut your port time short to make it to dinner on time.

Your show time is opposite your dinner time, so if you have late dinner, you see the show early. On a typical seven-night Alaska cruise, the ship puts on only three Broadway-caliber shows, which are usually scheduled on sea days or on days you leave ports earlier. It's not as big a trade-off to miss a few minor shows as missing out on port time to get to dinner at 5:45 every night.

On a night when you're wiped out and don't want to do a late dinner, you can always order free room service or visit the quick-service option up on deck for a burger, pizza, chicken fingers and other casual quick bites. Hands down, late seating is the better option in Alaska.

Pro tip: Don't miss lobster night on the ship, where you can order as many lobster tails as your heart desires.

Related: Is Disney Cruise Concierge Level worth it ?

Characters aren't in their Alaska outfits every day

If you're going to spend the bucks to sail on a Disney cruise, you need at least one photo with Mickey, Minnie or their friends in their Alaska-exclusive outfits.

Typically, the first (and arguably best) time you'll see them in these outfits is on glacier day. You'll see the times and locations in your Disney Navigator app once on board, and you can bet there will be lines — some of the longest you may encounter on the cruise.

I recommend getting at least one photo with the characters out on the top pool deck on glacier day as it's the most sure-fire time to do so, and it's the best only-in-Alaska backdrop.

If you're planning your day around the photo sessions, don't choose the morning option if you care about background because you'll likely not be right up to the glacier, snow and ice yet.

Wait until later in the day for photos, so you'll be closer to the glacier. During our sailing, Mickey was on the glacier side of the ship multiple times that day, but it wasn't visible in the background until just after lunchtime.

Glacier day isn't the only time Mickey and his friends wear these adorable outfits. On our cruise, they also wore them the day we were in Skagway. In fact, as we sailed away from port, we ran into Mickey out on Deck 4 — with no line — waving goodbye to land with the rest of us.

Pro tip: Have one person get to the spot where the characters will be on deck about 30 minutes before the stated time to secure your spot in line. Sometimes the line can get too long to take more guests even before the official photo start time.

Related: Is the Disney Visa worth it?

It's easy to overpack

I get it — packing for an Alaska cruise is tough.

You're packing for glaciers, chilly outdoor adventures and potential rain but also for a cruise, swimming and a dress-up night or two. In the summer, even in Alaska, it can be warm. But of course, on a glacier, it can be cold.

During our early June sailing, we swam in the heated pools, dunked in the hot tubs and careened down the waterslides multiple times on both sea days and port days.

While the time of year and the forecast for your sailing should influence what goes in your bag, try and resist the urge to overpack. Bring too much stuff, and your cabin will feel crowded with your belongings, you'll be less nimble and flexible in the airport and you won't have as many options for ground transportation. Plus, you'll spend more time packing and unpacking.

For a cruise to Alaska, you'll need layers, including accessories like a vest, hat and gloves you can take on or off. What you often don't need much of, at least during the summer months, is a variety of winter gear. It's possible you may not need a super heavy winter coat at all, but you will need rain gear and possibly a fleece vest or jacket, so you can probably opt for layers over individual bulky pieces, especially in June, July and August.

Our coldest day was the morning of the glacier day when it was windy and overcast out on deck. The weather went from the high 40s that day to the high 70s and sunny at other times, but we didn't need much bulky winter gear.

Here's a guide to packing for an Alaska cruise to get you started. The thing we used the most: magnetic hooks to hold and organize all those layers inside the stateroom, so get some of those, for sure.

Related: When is the best time to sail to Alaska

The 'Frozen' deck show isn't a must-do But the stage show is a must-see

Most of the elements of our Disney Cruise to Alaska were exceptional, but the much-anticipated "Frozen night" with deck show wasn't one of those things. It was fine; the littlest kids enjoyed it, and if it's convenient for you to pop up and see, then do it. But don't plan your evening around it or stress if you are tired and need to miss it, especially if you don't have young kids.

Elsa and her friends led a 15-minute sing-a-long and show with a minute or so of "snow," but it rated two out of five snowflakes in my book.

An earlier Frozen-themed indoor party, where there was an interactive activity to decorate the maypole, was almost more interesting, in my opinion. Look forward to Frozen night and attend some of the events and activities, but don't expect anything to knock your socks off.

That said, the "Frozen" Broadway-caliber stage show in the Walt Disney Theater is exceptional and not to be missed — but also somewhat confusingly not offered on Frozen night.

So to recap: You can skip Frozen Night and the deck show, but make a point to attend the Frozen show in the Walt Disney Theater.

Plan an extra day in Vancouver

Disney cruises to Alaska leave from Vancouver, as opposed to Seattle, where some other lines embark passengers for their Alaska sailings.

I highly recommend arriving in Vancouver at least the day before the cruise departs to ensure you don't miss it (that happened to some folks on our sailing) but also to enjoy the city. Plan an extra full day to enjoy Vancouver if you can. It's as fun and interesting as some of the Alaskan ports.

An easy excursion to do, even if you have just a few hours in Vancouver, is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Free shuttles leave from multiple downtown spots to the park, including from near the port itself, and it's a fabulous way to spend a few hours on land, or rather, in the trees.

The highlights are the suspension bridge itself and some other walkouts that take you all around the large park with great views of the trees, river, ponds and more. Sometimes there's live music, cozy fires to warm up by and free talks from staffers to learn about the totem polls, wildlife and other aspects of the park.

You don't need a verandah room

We started with the price, and we'll close with it.

Rooms with verandahs (aka balconies) always cost more on cruises than inside cabins and rooms with ocean views through a window. But on an Alaska Disney cruise, verandah rooms don't just cost a few hundred dollars more — they cost a whole lot more, usually to the tune of thousands of additional dollars for the stateroom over the cost of an ocean-view cabin.

Looking at prices for four on the early June 2024 seven-day sailing similar to the one we took this year, it costs an additional $4,000 to go from an ocean-view to a verandah.

If you have the money to spend, go for it and enjoy it. But if you don't, or if booking that room type means having to skip excursions or not being able to afford other trips, then relax and book the ocean view. It's also fabulous.

My parents had a verandah room, and they loved having that balcony. This was my dad's first cruise at 74 years old, so the trip really might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. My dad said having a verandah made the trip at least 25% more enjoyable overall, which is a large amount of happiness, and they spent time out there each day. (It also made their room about 35-40% more expensive.)

Right next door to them, my girls and I had an ocean-view room. We had just as excellent of a cruise as they did.

It was fun to look out the window and see where we were, but honestly, I'd happily sail in an interior room if it meant we got to do the cruise all over again.

All my favorite moments of the trip happened outside the room, and I don't think that would have changed if we had a balcony. I enjoy having a balcony on warm Caribbean and Mexico sailings more than in Alaska, where it can be windy and chilly outside as the ship is moving.

Additionally, on truly exceptional viewing days, you probably don't want to be confined to the specific angle you can get from your cabin. Better to embrace the 360-degree view from out on the top deck.

That said, if you have mobility limitations or other logistical issues that will keep you in the room more often (aka a frequently napping little one), then the equation may shift because you do want to see and enjoy where you are. If you need to do that from your room, book the verandah if possible.

Related: Which type of cruise cabin is right for you?

Bottom line

It's highly unlikely you'll regret taking a Disney Alaska cruise.

Alaska is special, cruising is special, and a Disney cruise to Alaska is incredibly special. You can feel the shared appreciation for the journey with the other passengers. It's a camaraderie of sorts as you spot and point out wildlife on deck, talk about what you did in port at the bar in the evenings, and even agonize over what to pack in the unofficial Facebook groups leading up to the sailing.

Sailing with Disney specifically costs more than many other options, but getting to experience Alaska while interacting with favorite characters, seeing amazing Disney shows in the evening and relaxing while Disney Cruise Line took care of everything made what was already a great trip one of our favorites of all time.

If I were to add an 11th thing you should know about sailing on an Alaska Disney cruise, it's that you're going to be really sad when it's over.

I saw plenty of real tears the final night and on the morning of debarkation. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy commercial, the only real solution for this will likely be to start planning either a return trip to Alaska or another Disney Cruise ... or both. If you feel that happening to you a few days into the trip, be ready to put that $250 deposit down on a future sailing to get the 10% discount before you get off the ship and it's too late.

That's exactly what we did, so at the end of seven magical days, it wasn't "goodbye" — it was "see ya real soon."

Related reading:

• How to save money on a Disney Cruise
• Best Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks
• Review of Disney Magic, the original ship in the Disney fleet
• Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

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Disney Wonder Deck Plans & Reviews

Disney Wonder

Activities & entertainment

• ConnectATSea *
• Its a Small World Nursery
• Disneys Oceaneer Club
• Disneys Oceaneer Lab
• Edge _ Tweens Club
• Vibe _ Teens Club
• Mickeys Splash Zone
• Senses Spa and Salon *
• Senses Rainforest Room *
• Senses Treatment Salons *
• Spa Villas *
• Chill Spa *
• Wide World of Sports Deck
• Sports Court
• Character Events
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Deck Parties
• Scavenger Hunts
• Dance Parties
• Extensive Kids Programs
• Pin Trading
• Sing_Alongs
• Video Game Competitions
• Adults_Only Events
• After Hours _ Adult_Only Area
• Whirlpools (4)
• Twist n Spout
• Guest Services
• Port Adventures *
• Port Shopping Desk *
• Onboard Sales Desk *
• Shutters Portrait Studio *
• Vista Gallery *
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique *
• Retail Shops *
• Concierge Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Medical Center
• Promenade Lounge
• Walt Disney Theatre
• Buena Vista Theatre
• Disney Movies Onboard
• Funnel Vision
• Nightly Live Music
• Stage Shows
• Tianas Place - Rotational Main
• Tritons - Rotational Main
• Animators Palate - Rotational Main
• Cabanas - Buffet
• Crown and Fin Pub - Pub *
• Cadillac Lounge - Cocktail Bar
• Preludes Bar - Theater Snacks *
• Eye Scream - Ice Cream
• Sulleys Sips - Smoothies *
• Petes Boiler Bites - Fast Food
• Signals Bar - Pool Bar *
• Beverage Station - Soft Drinks
• Daisys De_Lites - Light Fare
• Pinocchios Pizzeria - Pizza
• Cove Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Palo - Italian *
• French Quarter Lounge - New Orleans-Themed Bar *
• Room Service
• Excellent 68
• Very Good 7
• All languages ( 88 )
• English ( 87 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

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Disney Wonder

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Find a Cruise on Disney Wonder

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 755 guests have reviewed Disney Wonder , giving it a rating of 4.4 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Cruise with Extended Family

May 13th, 2024

A wonderful magical experience with the best service and kindness of staff we have ever encountered anywhere. If you have a daughter or granddaughter in the 4-6 yr old age group. Splurge and take her to the Royal Tea. Let her dress up , meet characters and talk to them and get a heir autographs, Sing and dance in MDRs and Encanto parades, Everyone gets a pirate headscarf and participates to various degrees. in Pirate day/ night. Boys really into this and various club house and pool activities.

Traveler Type

Such a fun cruise

May 6th, 2024

Wonderful time was had by all. Excellent job by Disney, as usual. I would cruise with Disney for just about any cruise. It offers something for everyone.

good food, excellent entertainment, and lots of fun.

May 2nd, 2024

There were lots of fun activities on board, and there were three broadway-quality shows during the cruise. There were a lot of kids, but that is to be expected on a Disney cruise. Overall a wonderful experience, and I would definitely do it again.

2-3 cruises

Great Trip!

Mar 26th, 2024

We met our children and grandchildren for this cruise. We have been on many cruise ships and this was our first Disney cruise. I was very impressed with the staff. They went above and beyond to make everything perfect. The kids had a great time and we made wonderful memories together.

Family (young children)

Decent cruise; bad itinerary

Mar 18th, 2024

The cruise had many of the special touches Disney is famous for, but the food and drink were not up to par. I would not recommend this itinerary because the seas are so rough coming out of Vancouver and well into Oregon so early in the year. I want to give the ship another try on a different itinerary because I think it has great potential under better circumstances.

10 days to experience paradise!

Aug 25th, 2023

This was the most sea days I’ve ever done in a row. It was 5 days and by the 5th day I was ready to see land. On day 6 we got to land and it was so amazing!

Large Group

Alaska is BEAUTIFUL!!

Alaska is a must do cruise!! It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Save your money and book that verandah. Also an Alaskan cruise is to see Alaska and not to enjoy the ship. I will be back but to save money I might try a cheaper cruise line. The views are the same no matter what cruise line you are on.

Jul 22nd, 2023

Loved it, will cruise Alaska again. The Disney Wonder has great crew members. They adult night club Hosts were Fantastic. Photographers were wonderful. servers and stateroom hosts polite , friendly and took great care of us!

4-6 cruises

WONDERful First Disney Cruise

May 10th, 2023

Had an amazing time on my first Disney cruise. ???? ????

Singles/Friends

Disney Cruise Fun

Jan 26th, 2023

We enjoyed it and we're planning to do it again maybe another disney cruise. My kids (boys) 8 and 6 years old had a great time at the kids club, food, snacks, pirate night, and dancing with the characters.

Family (older children)

1 cruise (first)

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Trip Report: Disney Cruise Line Sailing To Alaska (Part 1)

by Sarah Phillips · August 1, 2022

An Alaskan vacation is always going to be amazing, but make it a Disney Cruise to Alaska and you are going to be blown away. My family recently returned home from sailing aboard the Disney Wonder and I wanted to share all of the fantastic details from our journey.

There is so much to tell that I’m needing to split this up into two parts! For this article I wanted to cover everything leading up to the cruise itself.

Our journey really began 2 days prior to sailing with an at home COVID Test. At the time I’m writing this Disney Cruise Line requires all guests (ages 5 and older) to be fully vaccinated and also to complete pre-trip COVID-19 testing. 15 Days prior to our sail date I created our Safe Passage accounts and uploaded images of our COVID-19 Vaccination Cards.

I also decided to streamline things and purchased our pre-trip, at-home observed antigen test directly from the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics. The cost was $46.58 per test and the box arrived just a few days after ordering it.

The single box includes all the supplies you need and the instructions. We just set it aside until 2 days prior to sailing. 

The next morning we flew out to Vancouver (by way of Seattle) for our Disney Cruise to Alaska. I am a big proponent of arriving at least a day early for cruises. I have seen and heard too many sad stories of missed and delayed flights that cause families to not make it to their ship on time!

Small Tip: Our flights to and from Vancouver were with Delta and included a small layover in Seattle. Delta currently charges $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for your second. With a 7-night sailing plus an additional night in Vancouver we had a lot of luggage. We actually found it was less expensive to upgrade to first class for the super short Seattle/Vancouver leg than have to pay to check our bags. Having part of our flights upgraded meant that we could each check 2 bags (if we wanted) without any baggage fees. This ended up being a savings for us plus we enjoyed all the additional perks like boarding first and having our luggage show up to the Baggage Claim carousel first too. The perks were included even for the flights where we were in Coach.

I will add that in our layover in Seattle we did have to show our Delta Boarding Passes, Passports, and the ArriveCan E-Receipt (see more details below) to the Delta gate agent before boarding our flight from Seattle to Vancouver.

Once we arrived in Vancouver we made our way down to Level 2 and went through Canada Border Services & Immigration which was a very quick and easy process because we took care of a few things ahead of time.

• You must have completed all of your information in the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Canada. In this app you submit your proof of vaccination, passport information, and travel details.
• Once this is completed you’ll also be able to use the Advance Declaration optional feature in ArriveCAN to submit their customs declaration.

After debarking the airplane in Vancouver we used one of the Canadian Border Security kiosks to scan the QR Code from Arrive Can app, scanned each of our passports, and the kiosk took our photos. The kiosk printed out a small receipt that we then showed the Canada Border Services & Immigration officer before heading out. 

Once we picked up our luggage we made our way out of the Baggage Claim area to a greeting area where a Disney Cruise Line representative was waiting. We had booked a pre-night hotel stay at The Vancouver Fairmont Waterfront with our Disney Cruise Line reservation and also added on airport transfers. 

The driver helped us with our bags out to the van that took us to the hotel. Our driver was extremely nice and gave us lots of interesting info about what we were seeing as we drove through Vancouver.

The Vancouver Fairmont Waterfront is extremely beautiful and located literally across the street from the port where we boarded the ship. The only thing I might mention is that this hotel (and most in Vancouver from what I’m told) does not offer rooms with 2 Queen Beds. The rooms come with either one King, one Queen, or two Double beds. So just keep that in mind. My husband and I aren’t accustomed to sharing a Double Bed but it ended up being fine.

When checking into hotel I also made sure to mention that I would be sailing with Disney Cruise Line in the morning to Alaska. I was then handed the below letter with the additional information:

After dropping off our luggage in our room we headed down to the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desk. We had purchased the luggage transfers from the hotel to the port and were told to leave our luggage inside our hotel room the next morning and a Disney Cruise Line representative would come by and collect it beginning at 9am.

We also were invited to meet in front of the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desk starting at 10:15am and then at 10:30am a Disney Cruise Line representative would escort the group over to the port. This sounds like a great option to us as our Boarding Group wasn’t technically until 11am so this would get us in the line sooner. 

The Disney Cruise Line representative was also very kind and walked me through the second round of the ArriveCAN app needed before boarding the ship. Technically, this app is needed to be completed twice, the first is done within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Canada. Once you have arrived in Canada you can delete the original ArriveCAN E-Receipt and start a new one for when you arrive in Canada again after the ship has returned after visiting Alaska. This needs to be done before boarding the ship.

Afterwards we left the hotel and explored the beautiful port area which included lots of shops and dining options along the water. 

The next morning we left our luggage as instructed in our hotel room, making sure our Disney Cruise Line luggage tags were attached. We then headed down to the food court located under the hotel and tried out the donuts from Tim Horton’s.

As a side note, there is also a convenience store located underneath the hotel as well. It was a great place to pick up last minute items before boarding the ship.

We still had some time to kill so we made our way over to the Starbucks across the street and then walked over to the port ourselves to take a peek the Disney Wonder who had made it to Vancouver earlier that morning. 

It felt silly but we walked back across the street and met up with the Disney Cruise Line representative who lead us back to the port. But I’m glad we did as she breezed us through and put us right into the line to check-in.

Stay tuned for my part 2 article that covers the rest of our Disney Cruise Line journey to Alaska!

Do you want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As a Travel Planner that specializes in Disney Destinations, I can help you navigate the ever changing climate of Disney vacations. The best part is that my services are complimentary to my clients! Get in touch by filling out the form below, calling toll-free at 1-800-454-4501, via email at  [email protected] ,  or following me on  Facebook!

Tags: Alaska Alaskan Cruise DCL Disney Cruise Line Trip Report Vancouver

Sarah Phillips

Sarah is a wife, a mother of two awesome little boys, and a Disney fanatic. She has turned her passion into a dream career sharing Disney advice with the readers at MickeyBlog and helping families plan their perfect Disney Vacations with MickeyTravels. Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1-800-454-4501 or email at [email protected]!

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Disney Alaska Cruise Planning and Tips

Taking a Disney Wonder Alaska cruise is a great way to experience nature with all the comforts and fun of a Disney vacation. Use our Disney Alaska cruise planning timeline and tips to make the most out of this expensive, but incredible vacation.

• 12 months or more before Alaska cruise
• 10 months or more before cruise
• 4 to 6 months before cruise
• 2 to 4 months before cruise
• 1 month before cruise
• Embarkation Day
• Our Favorite Disney Wonder Alaska Cruise Excursions

Disney Alaska Cruise Vacation Tips

12 to 15 months before your alaska cruise, book your disney alaska cruise.

Disney Alaskan cruises are extremely popular bucket-list vacations. Many people reserve their Alaska sailings as soon as the booking window opens for the best prices and room locations.

Pricing first increases not long after the Disney Alaska cruise itineraries are released and usually continue to climb. Guests booking their first Disney cruise should reserve a cabin when the dates open.

The best way to save on a pricey Disney Alaska cruise for experienced Disney cruisers is booking early and using a placeholder reservation. 

Placeholder reservations are only available to those who have previously cruised with Disney. Pay a $250 deposit while still on a Disney cruise and you’ll get a “placeholder”. Once this placeholder is reserved you have 24 months to use it. 

Placeholder deposits are applied to your next reservation and also provide a 10% discount on the Disney cruise. This discount saves a lot of money on expensive cruises like Alaska and Europe.

We used our placeholder discount for a Disney Wonder verandah room. These rooms have private outdoor balconies perfect for gorgeous inside passage views, but these are more expensive cabins.

Guests saving money with inside staterooms can head to Disney Wonder’s top deck for stunning wildlife views.

Alaskan Disney Cruise itineraries vary slightly by sail date. We were locked into specific dates so our ports of call were Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

In the end I was grateful our Disney Wonder Alaska cruise stopped in Skagway instead of Icy Point Straight. The White Pass Railway in Skagway was incredible versus what I think are less interesting Icy Strait Point excursion options.

10 Months Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Book your hotel.

Hotels near Canada Place are in-demand with all Alaska cruise lines guests.  Easy access to Canada Place on embarkation day and a limited number of hotels within walking distance make prices soar and availability plummet much earlier than you’d expect. 

We opted for Pan Pacific Fairmont which is directly above Canada Place. Although the price was shockingly high for a mediocre room, embarkation was a breeze. 

Pan Pacific bell services has a convenient, tip-only service that brings your marked bags down to your ship straight from your room. This means no lugging heavy suitcases through the terminal.

If you opt for a hotel further away, budget for extra travel time. Heavy traffic and large crowds make arriving, dropping bags, and embarking take longer than you’d expect. 

6 Months Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Check Your Passports

Everyone flying into Canada must have a valid passport to enter. Passports are routinely checked throughout the cruise since guests often cross the US and Canada border on excursions, too.

Last year US passport applications had a significant processing time with expected waits of 10 to 13 weeks plus mailing time. Thankfully 2024 US Passport application and renewal times have significantly decreased. Expect new passports to take 6 to 8 weeks or 2 to 3 weeks for renewals plus mailing time.

To avoid last minute drama, I still recommend applying for all new passports and renewals at least 6 months in advance. This ensures passports are in your possession well before Disney Alaska cruise check-in.

5 Months Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Research Excursions and On Board Activities

Excursion and on board activity reservations open as early as 120 days before the cruise so it’s wise to research options ahead of time. 

Each port has a range of potential excursions from simple sightseeing to ziplining, helicopter rides, and other active options. Excursion descriptions on Disney’s website have an overview of what to expect, mobility or age restrictions, and prices.

There are many excursion options at each port, but some fill up more quickly than others. For example, a tender boat excursion where guests take a ramp off the Disney Cruise Line ship onto a waiting boat for close up glacier viewing is one that routinely sells out. 

Glacier dog sledding via a helicopter is another excursion that sells out quickly despite the high price and risk of same-day cancellation due to weather. 

Disney Alaska cruises also have several sea days where guests can book special on board activities. The most popular on board options are alcohol tastings, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers , and Palo brunch or dinner reservations.

75 to 120 Days Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Book Excursions and On Board Activities

On board and excursion booking windows vary by Castaway Cay Club status with higher status and concierge guests booking further ahead of time. 

Disney Cruise Line Booking Windows:

• Concierge – 130 days prior to departure
• Pearl ( After completing 25 DCL sailings ) – 123 days prior to departure
• Platinum ( After completing 10 DCL sailings ) – 120 days prior to departure
• Gold ( After completing 5 DCL sailings ) – 105 days prior to departure
• Silver ( After completing 1 DCL sailing ) – 90 days prior to departure
• First Time Disney Cruisers – 75 days prior to departure

Narrow down preferred Disney Alaska cruise excursions and then have one or two back up options in case your first choice is unavailable. This is especially important for guests who have later booking windows.

If you don’t get your preferred reservations, keep checking back. Sometimes availability is added closer to the sail date or as other guests cancel. 

We loved all of our Disney Alaska Cruise excursions and felt like they were the right choice for our family and friends. There’s tons of options, but here’s a quick overview of what we did.

Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska

Glacier Explorer is the only Disney Wonder excursion on glacier viewing day. Your excursion begins by checking in and waiting for instructions in a holding area. 

From here the group walks down to a lower deck where a ramp leads from Disney Wonder directly onto a smaller glacier viewing boat. This tender boat gets incredibly close to glaciers where we were able to see both glacier calving and baby seals along the shore with our binoculars. 

This port adventure is expensive, but we enjoyed the experience and gorgeous pictures of Disney Wonder in icy surroundings. However, on our sailing Disney Wonder was able to get pretty close, making the excursion less crucial.

The picture above shows our view from the tender ship and the picture below shows the glacier view from our stateroom.

Skagway, Alaska

Steeped in Gold Rush history, Skagway is a small town with shops and cool National Park Service museums . We explored these on our own before taking our port adventure. 

We booked the Yukon Suspension Bridge, City and White Pass Railway excursion. This port adventure began with a bus ride back into Canada where we explored a small Yukon suspension bridge. From here we took the bus back to Fraser and climbed aboard the White Pass Railway.

The White Pass Railway runs along the same tracks used during the Gold Rush with incredible views of the Alaskan wilderness. Guests can sit inside the train car and watch through the large windows or stand on outside train platforms for an even more exciting experience.

I absolutely recommend riding the White Pass Railway. This train ride was unlike anything we’d done before and an iconic part of the Skagway area.

Some of our group did the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience instead. Although the characters were cute and food decent, they didn’t love the overall experience and regretted forgetting bug repellant.

Juneau, Alaska

We booked the Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sled port adventure despite my nervousness about the helicopter ride to the top of Mendenhall Glacier. The flight provided stunning views of the glacier and riding a dog sled across the snowpack felt surreal.

Our group was lucky to experience a Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sled excursion. Groups before, and after, us had their port adventures canceled due to weather conditions right before leaving.

Want a dog sled experience without the risk of cancellation or the high price tag? We also considered the Dog Sledding Summer Camp port adventure which lets you play with puppies and ride on a cart through a forest.

Ketchikan, Alaska

We mostly explored Ketchikan on our own, visiting Creek Street, museums, and Salmon Ladder. However, we did opt for one super touristy excursion in Ketchikan, The Exclusive Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

The lumberjack show was a hit with all ages in our group which encompassed a future Kindergartener, tween, teens, and adults. The riotous show demonstrated incredible lumberjack skills with most of the lumberjacks having serious competition credentials. 

We opted for the Disney Wonder Exclusive Lumberjack Show since some of the storytelling was modified to be more family friendly.

30 to 40 Days Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Complete Online Check-in

Castaway Club status determines when online check-in is available for guests. Online check-in is an important step for anyone sailing on Disney Cruise Line since this is when guests choose a port arrival time.

Have family member pictures on a plain background, think passport style photos, taken on your phone before check-in.

Also have everyone’s passport information and pictures of the documents ready which are required to complete online check-in. Once all the essential documents and photos are uploaded you can book your port arrival time. 

Early port arrival times are ideal since you have early access to the ship to explore, swim, and eat even though staterooms are not available until later in the afternoon. 

Disney Cruise Line Online Check-in Windows:

• Concierge/Pearl – 40 days prior to departure
• Platinum – 38 days prior to departure
• Gold – 35 days prior to departure
• Silver – 33 days prior to departure
• First Time Disney Cruisers – 30 days prior to departure

Book Royal Gathering

Royal Gathering is a popular Disney Alaska cruise princess meet and greet.

Book a reservation time and then stand in one short line to meet several Disney princesses. On our Disney Alaska Cruise we met Tiana, Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella in just a few minutes.

Reservations for Royal Gathering open 30 days before the sail date for all guests, regardless of Castaway Club status. Book this popular onboard activity right at 30 days for the best chance of reservations.

Find out more about Disney Cruise line character experiences in this article.

14 to 30 Days Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Start packing.

Alaska cruise packing is not for the faint of heart. Active outdoor excursions, formal nights, daytime clothes, and an unbelievably wide range of weather means you really need to pack for every option. 

I purchased so many things I wasn’t sure I’d use, like waterproof boots and pants, but ended up needing almost everything at least once. 

Packing early meant that as I thought of missing items I still had time to order them. Avoid the stress I felt by using my free, printable Disney Alaska Cruise packing list to keep track of everything you’ll need.

Disney Wonder Alaska Cruise Day Of Embarkation

Complete online questionnaire.

Every guest embarking Disney Wonder on an Alaska cruise must complete a health questionnaire before boarding. This form is easily done online and only takes a minute. 

Disney Wonder Embarkat ion

When completing online check-in you signed up for a port arrival time. This port arrival time window is when you complete the in-person check-in and then wait to board the ship. Earlier groups access the ship sooner. 

Wear a comfortable outfit you’d like for pictures. There are a couple photo ops before boarding Disney Wonder and it’s best to be camera ready.

Pack important items like medications, all documents like passports and IDs, and any other essential items in your day pack. Luggage arrives at the staterooms late. 

For example, on our Alaska cruise our luggage was the last to arrive of anyone we knew. It came so late we didn’t even have time to change for dinner the first night.

Start Your Epic Adventure

Have some lunch, explore the ship, and even take a dip or ride the water slide once you’ve embarked. Since the weather looked cool on embarkation day we didn’t wear our suits on, but I did pack them in our day pack.

The water was plenty warm and crowds were low so Elizabeth and her friends changed into suits and had a good time using the pool and slide before the Sail-A-Wave party.

The Sail-A-Wave party occurs on embarkation day and is usually timed to coincide with departing from the dock. The party features Disney friends in an energetic pool deck stage show and gets everyone excited for the trip to begin.

Book Wildlife Viewing Tours For (Almost) Guaranteed Experiences

We read a lot of reviews that wildlife viewing was easy on Disney Wonder Alaska cruises. While we did see some wildlife, it was few and far between. I regret we didn’t do a whale watching tour excursion or take one in Vancouver.

Most wildlife excursions don’t guarantee sightings, but reputable companies work hard to ensure the best chances to see wildlife.

Spend Time In Vancouver Before Your Cruise

We always recommend arriving in a port city at least one day before embarkation just in case there are flight delays or cancellations.

Vancouver is such a lovely destination we easily filled two whole touring days exploring this beautiful city. Our three night pre-cruise stay seemed perfect.

Pack Waterproof Gear

I read everywhere that I needed to pack waterproof gear, but I was skeptical we would actually use it. However, everywhere we went locals told us that we were in a temperate rainforest.

We used our waterproof gear on the ship, in Ketchikan, and in Juneau. I was so glad I bought and packed our waterproof boots, pants, and rain jackets. 

Have A Plan For Alaska Port Days

Alaska port towns are generally small and touristy with lots of shops. Although it is nice to walk around the towns it doesn’t provide the Alaska experience most of us picture when planning. 

Booking excursions lets you explore outside the port and experience more of what Alaska has to offer. I recommend booking excursions ahead of time, especially through Disney Cruise Line, for a generally seamless experience.

Walking off the ship you’ll find lots of booths hawking excursions, but often these tours are expensive and underwhelming. 

If you opt out of excursions, make a plan of what you’d like to do. For example, tour the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center in Skagway to learn about the area’s Gold Rush history.

Bring Binoculars

What wildlife we saw from Disney Wonder on our Alaska cruise generally needed binoculars. Views of Bald Eagles, a couple whales, and seals were all better with our binoculars.

Arrive Early For Broadway-Style Shows Like Frozen

There are three big productions on Disney Wonder: The Golden Mickeys, Disney Dreams, and Frozen. Both Disney Dreams and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, are incredible shows.

Arrive when the doors open for the best seats since the theater fills up quickly for performances.

Book Palo Brunch On Sea Days

Palo is an adult-only restaurant on Disney Wonder. The food, service, and atmosphere provide an elevated dining experience perfect for a day at sea. We enjoyed a long, multi-course brunch on our sea days without missing out on port adventures.

Buy The Disney Cruise Line Unlimited Photo Package

Although the unlimited downloads photo package is expensive, we loved having good quality photo ops where we are all in the picture.

Take advantage of photo opportunities at character meet and greets, dinner, and cool backgrounds in the lobby available before dinner on most nights. 

On our Disney Wonder Alaska cruise I pre-booked the Unlimited Digital Package which was $295.95 when reserved ahead of time. Once on the cruise the same package would have cost $349.95.

Check The Prohibited Items List

I knew our formal clothes would likely be wrinkled upon arrival. Irons are only available on-board in the laundry rooms for safety reasons. I packed a travel steamer so we could avoid the laundry room which gets very busy.

Fortunately the night before embarking I double checked the prohibited item list and discovered that steamers are not allowed.

I sadly had to leave a great steamer in our hotel room, but if I had left it in our bag it would have been confiscated and also delayed our luggage.

For Extra Fun Participate In Fish Extender Activities

We had never participated in a Fish Extender before our Alaska cruise. One family in our group surprised us with an extender (a hanging pouch placed outside your stateroom) and the other families delighted us each day with fun trinkets. 

We couldn’t wait to see what was waiting in the pouches when we went back to the room. If you aren’t traveling with a large group you can find Disney Alaska cruise fish extender Facebook groups for your sail date.

Understand Disney Cruise Line Rotational Dining

There are three Disney Wonder dining rooms: Tiana’s Place, Animator’s Palate, and Triton’s. Guests experience the restaurants more than once over the course of a Disney Wonder Alaska cruise.

The dining rotation and tables are assigned to guests.  Upon embarkation you can see which restaurant you’ll dine at each night. 

We enjoyed our experiences at each of the restaurants. Tiana’s Place atmosphere is super fun with live music during dinner, but conversation is difficult on these nights. 

Another incredible dinner experience was on our third night at Animator’s Palate.

Everyone is encouraged to sketch a character on a special paper when they arrive for dinner. Through Disney magic these characters are animated and come to life on the screens surrounding the restaurant during dinner.

Final Thoughts On Disney Alaska Cruise Planning Timeline and Tips 

Our Disney Wonder Alaska cruise was a bucket list item and I did tons of planning for this once in a lifetime trip. I loved each of our excursions, the incredible scenery, and wonderful Disney vacation experiences.

Follow our Disney Alaska Cruise planning timeline and tips to make the most of this unique and expensive Disney vacation.

About The Author

10 Do’s and Don’ts for your Disney Alaska Cruise

It’s almost time for Disney Cruise Line’s yearly Alaska sailings!  In fact, it’s almost time for Disney to release their 2020 Alaska sailings, and I’m guessing several of you are thinking about booking.  I’ve done Disney cruises all over the world, and Alaska will always be one of my favorites.  It’s amazing.  It is, however, a very different experience than a typical Caribbean cruise.  Here are some tips that will help you prepare!

2. Don’t Count on an Upgrade in Port – You’ve heard me say before that there are often great upgrades at steep discounts available in port. In Alaska, they are fewer and farther between. It’s all about that view.  Everyone wants one, and they are gone by boarding day.  I’m not saying it’s impossible, so get to the port early and try!  What I am saying, is book a room you will be happy with.  If you aren’t going to be happy in an inside room, don’t book it, hoping for an upgrade.  Book what you will be happy with.  If there are upgrades available – woohoo!  Bonus!

6. Do Be Prepared to Enter Canada – An interesting law that you may need to be aware of is a Canadian law that will not allow anyone with a felony to cross their border, no matter how long ago it occurred. Under Canadian law, a DUI is a felony. If you do not clear some legal hurdles beforehand , you can and will be denied entry.  Also, for anyone wondering what kind of proof of citizenship is needed for an Alaskan cruise, Disney spells it all out right here for you.  Easiest answer – get a passport.

8. Don’t be Frightened off by Expensive Flights to Vancouver – There are more options to get to Vancouver than you think! Some of you may live close enough to drive, but most will probably fly. My family tends to avoid using airline miles for overseas flights because it takes so gosh darn many of them.  The good news about Canada, is that with many airlines, it takes the same amount of miles to fly there as it does to fly domestically within the US.  You can also consider flying into Seattle.  It’s possible to rent a car and drive to Vancouver from there, but the train is a fun option as well.  Look at all your options before making your decision!

Bonus – Don’t Worry About Missing Glacier Bay.  Disney gets a bad rap for not visiting Glacier Bay on its itineraries.  I’ve been there, and Glacier Bay is stunning, amazing.  The good news is – so is Endicott Arm.  Or Tracey Arm, or whatever arm Disney will sail through.  You can’t see all the glaciers in Alaska on any single itinerary, but you’ll see plenty with Disney.  And you will be amazed by the beauty.  I’m already excited for you!

Do any other Alaska cruisers have tips?  Or questions?

Tammy Whiting  is the owner of  Storybook Destinations . Did you know Storybook Destinations offers a  complimentary subscription to TouringPlans  with qualified Disney and Universal bookings? Click  here  for a no-obligation quote on your next vacation!

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Tammy Whiting

Tammy has been a lover of all things Disney for most of her life. There’s nowhere on this Earth she’d rather be than on a Disney cruise with her family. She’s a Space Force wife and proud mom of two wonderful children and one beautiful daughter-in-law . She fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2008 and became a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. She now owns her own travel agency - Storybook Destinations. You can reach Tammy at [email protected].

9 thoughts on “ 10 Do’s and Don’ts for your Disney Alaska Cruise ”

Disney’s website mentions pools on the ship for the Alaska sailings. Given how you describe the weather here, it doesn’t seem like I should plan on any swimming. What is Disney talking about?

Actually, I think you should absolutely pack swimsuits! The pools are heated to a great temperature, and there are always hot tubs. We definitely swim in Alaska. 🙂

Good to know!!

Any water slides?

Just the Twist & Spout for kids. That one would probably be too cold for me (too much of your body is out of the water), but kids may!

My kids are anti-cold splashing too 🙂

I second all of these suggestions! Truly the most amazingly beautiful scenery we’ve ever seen. I booked most of our excursions directly, which saved a lot of $$$. Most of the time, the Disney Excursion group actually joined us on the very same outing.

It is beautiful, isn’t it? And you are right! Disney often uses the same tour operators that you can book directly with!

Would you recommend the seven day with Icy Strait Points or without?

My philosophy on ports is – the more the better. If you ever decide you don’t want to get off, you can always make that your own “sea day”. But I’d recommend getting off everywhere for at least an hour or two! 🙂

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Disney Cruise Line

planDisney Trip Report: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise on Disney Cruise Line

by Lisa Mendillo , Sr. Manager, Digital Integration

Join the planDisney panelists as they share their top tips and recommendations in our new Trip Report Series! First up we are headed to the high seas on the Disney Cruise Line .

Trip: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise on the Disney Wonder  Panelist: Kamini C.

“As lifetime Disney fans but first time Disney cruisers, we were giddy with excitement to board the Disney Wonder last July for our 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver! The vast coastline and stunning beauty of the Alaskan landscape filled us with curiosity and anticipation as we sailed away for our one-week adventure. There’s something very fascinating, mystical, and peaceful about cruising through waterways surrounded by glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rainforests and waterfalls. Reflecting back, the itinerary was perfect, with a day at sea, visits to Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, followed by another day at sea. We tried to keep a good balance of some planned activities, along with time to explore on our own. We experienced a versatile range of transportation, exploring by foot, boat, bus, Unimog (truck), seaplane, aerial tramway, and dog sled – impressive, right? I can’t wait to do this cruise again, and highly recommend it for all ages and interests – there is something of intrigue for everyone in the “Last Frontier.” 

Here are our most memorable moments from our Alaskan adventure, in no particular order…. 

• The journey through Tracy Arm to Dawes Glacier was awe inspiring. The ship was traveling very slowly for several hours upon approach, to avoid disturbing thousands of icebergs sprinkled through the fjord. We were extremely lucky to get a sunny day and the captain was able to bring the ship closer to the glacier than expected. Dawes Glacier, in all its splendor, is over 600 feet tall and a mile wide, with more than 250 feet of the glacier hiding below the water’s surface. We observed the glacier calving over a dozen times in a few hours, where giant chunks of ice broke off and landed in the sea below. We have never seen anything like it. 
• Skagway is majestic in its beauty but quaint and unassuming in its temperament. The locals are extremely kind. It’s not every day you visit a city with a population of less than 1,000 people! Crystal blue waters surrounded by sheets of trees along the mountains – nature at its finest. 
• Sled dogs are our new favorite athletes! In Skagway, we booked a Port Adventure to visit a musher camp and take a sled ride with adorable, athletic Alaskan Huskies. We learned that Huskies that compete in the famous Iditarod race in Alaska can run up to 100 miles a day for almost two weeks straight! We had two of these famous athletes guiding our sled, and we couldn’t get enough of Floki and Althea. They were adorable. Afterwards, we got snuggle time with the dogs AND got to cuddle with five-week-old Husky pups, one of which was named Thor. These were the sweetest new friends we made on our trip! 

• In Juneau, our family participated in different activities. My husband booked a Port Adventure on a seaplane for breathtaking, aerial views of the glaciers – this has been a longstanding dream for him, and he said it was one hundred percent worth the experience. Meanwhile, the girls and I rode the Goldbelt Tram 1,800 vertical feet up the mountain in 10 minutes. It was a short one mile walk from the ship to the tram. We did a short hike at the top of the mountain and took in mother nature enveloping us – the views were surreal. I’m glad we wore comfortable, all-weather walking shoes! 
• Chopping wood is a proper sport! We were very entertained by the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and had booked a special showing exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests. We even saw hidden Mickeys on the show set. It was like an athletic competition and family-fun comedy show all rolled into one. 
• While we visited ports hundreds of miles apart from one another, we found ourselves tucked into a part of the lush and mystical Tongass Rainforest in every port. We learned it is the largest U.S. National Forest at 16.7 million acres, and one of the largest rainforests in the world.
• The late sunsets throughout the cruise were breathtaking. We could hardly believe that 10:30 p.m. felt much like 7:00 p.m. back home! The sun was peeking through our stateroom window by 5:00 a.m. at the latest. We really enjoyed the long days and mild temperatures in July. Though we had packed every layer possible, we found the weather extremely comfortable and not “freezing cold” as one imagines Alaska to be. 

Our time aboard the Disney Wonder was magical in every way. From dancing in a conga line to “Dig A Little Deeper” at Tiana’s Place, to Disney Tunes Trivia challenges at the D Lounge every night, to trying our luck with Bingo Betty, to seeing our own sketches come to life at Animator’s Palate, to the highly entertaining and engaging Broadway-style shows each night, to the love and care shown to us by each and every Crew Member, it was truly a trip to remember. We cannot wait to book our next Disney cruise. The biggest debate at home these days is which ship and itinerary to select. See ya’ real soon, Disney Cruise Line!” 

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line itineraries be sure to visit Disney Cruise Line . And for more great tips and recommendations for planning your next Disney vacation, stop by  @planDisneypanel  on Instagram,  @planDisney  on Twitter, or  planDisney.com . We look forward to answering all your planning questions. 

Destinations: Disney Cruise Line

Topics: planDisney

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Alaska Cruise reviews 2022

• Thread starter Love2Cruise2015
• Start date Jun 6, 2022

Love2Cruise2015

Dis veteran.

• Jun 6, 2022

lilsonicfan

Cruising season in Alaska just started in mid May! Here is a trip report started by another poster. https://www.disboards.com/threads/1...our-honeymoon-cruise-5-16-22-5-23-22.3885004/  

We just boarded today. I’ll be reporting back through the week as Internet permits. As PP said there are some other threads that have been started but let me know if you’re looking for anything in particular.  

KGmomoftwins

Calantha said: We just boarded today. I’ll be reporting back through the week as Internet permits. As PP said there are some other threads that have been started but let me know if you’re looking for anything in particular. Click to expand...

KGmomoftwins said: on glacier day can you see if the kids club is doing base camp on deck and if they have the frozen chocolate scavenger hunt Click to expand...

lilsonicfan said: Cruising season in Alaska just started in mid May! Here is a trip report started by another poster. https://www.disboards.com/threads/1...our-honeymoon-cruise-5-16-22-5-23-22.3885004/ Click to expand...

PsylockeSmythe

Mouseketeer.

• Jun 7, 2022

We were on the first sailing of the season (5/16) and really had no complaints about the trip, except for the pre-board testing being a mess. And by mess I mean it was running about an hour behind schedule. Besides that, our servers and room host were great. The ship had somewhere between 1200 to 1300 passengers (matters on who you talked to for the information) so it never felt crowded, All the crew members were friendly and even the person up at the self service drink station would remember us by name by the 3rd day. There was plenty for us to do on the ship and bingo was great. The weather for us was great, with the 3 port days having temps between 65 to 70 each day and the only rainy day we had was for the first sea day. Except for Dawes Glacier I was in shorts and t-shirts most of the time. The pilot got the ship within 200 to 300 yards of the excursion boats at Dawes Glacier, which was nice to see. Psy  

PsylockeSmythe said: We were on the first sailing of the season (5/16) and really had no complaints about the trip, except for the pre-board testing being a mess. And by mess I mean it was running about an hour behind schedule. Besides that, our servers and room host were great. The ship had somewhere between 1200 to 1300 passengers (matters on who you talked to for the information) so it never felt crowded, All the crew members were friendly and even the person up at the self service drink station would remember us by name by the 3rd day. There was plenty for us to do on the ship and bingo was great. The weather for us was great, with the 3 port days having temps between 65 to 70 each day and the only rainy day we had was for the first sea day. Except for Dawes Glacier I was in shorts and t-shirts most of the time. The pilot got the ship within 200 to 300 yards of the excursion boats at Dawes Glacier, which was nice to see. Psy Click to expand...

Love2Cruise2015 said: Thank you for sharing your experience and for adding in about the weather as that is something I am struggling with what to pack and am I packing enough variety for everyone... Click to expand...

PsylockeSmythe said: The people running our excursions stated, the weather was the best they had seen in weeks. Most stated that if we arrived 3 or 4 days earlier, the weather was a mess of cold and rain. We just really lucked out weather wise. Dawes Glacier for us was the only day that I wished I was wearing my heavy jacket while on deck 10. I ended up leaving it in the room and didn't want to loose my place going back to get it. Otherwise for us, the heavy cold weather clothes stayed in the room. But how my luck works, if we didn't pack those clothes then it would have been in the 40's each day and the wife would have throttled me for not having packing them. Psy Click to expand...

TinkLoverSam

• Jun 8, 2022

KGmomoftwins said: I hope you have an awesome trip!!! If it’s not to much on glacier day can you see if the kids club is doing base camp on deck and if they have the frozen chocolate scavenger hunt. Thank you so much!!! Click to expand...

TinkLoverSam said: They did have base camp at the sports deck on glacier day as I intended to drop my oldest off there but we ended up character hunting for all the Alaskan outfits instead. I didn’t see anything about the Anna’s Chocolate Scavenger Hunt and I looked a little as I’d heard about it but never saw it mentioned. Click to expand...

KGmomoftwins said: thank you! Sad about the scavenger hunt my girls watched a vlog with it and were excited for it. Click to expand...

Doingitagain

ssgtravel said: Could you post what the entertainment/shows were each night, and which nights were formal or semiformal? Click to expand...

Disney_Alli

• Jun 9, 2022

Doingitagain said: Here is what I have in my notes for a partial response. Rotation 1 Rotation 2 Rotation 3 Day 1: Vancouver (British Columbia),Canada Triton Animator's Palate Tiana's Day 2: At Sea Animator's Palate (Formal) Tiana's (Formal) Triton (Formal) Day 3: Dawes Glacier, Alaska Animator's Palate Tiana's Triton Outside deck party Day 4: Skagway, Alaska 7:15 am - 8:00 pm Tiana Triton Animator's Palate Day 5: Juneau, Alaska 6:45 am - 5:45 pm Triton Animator's Palate Tiana's Frozen theater show Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska 11:15 am - 7:45 pm Animator's Palate Tiana's Triton Day 7: At Sea Tiana (Semiformal) Triton (Semiformal) Animator's Palate (Semiformal) Click to expand...

Disney_Alli said: To add to this awesome chart Golden Mickeys were on Formal night and Dreams was on the last night I think? Or Ketchikan night maybe now I’m confused (I got a horrible cold and missed most entertainment starting with Frozen) Click to expand...

• Jun 10, 2022

TinkLoverSam said: They did have base camp at the sports deck on glacier day as I intended to drop my oldest off there but we ended up character hunting for all the Alaskan outfits instead. I didn’t see anything about the Anna’s Chocolate Scavenger Hunt Click to expand...

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1.  Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2.  Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3.  Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4.  Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5.  Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates:  May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8.  Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9.  Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10.  Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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Which Of The Five Disney Cruises Is The Best? Here's The Definitive Ranking

T here's just something special about Disney. Whether we're talking about the theme park's most iconic rides , its long list of highly-rated resort hotels around the world , or the brand's penchant for captivating storytelling and unforgettable experiences, it's safe to say that pretty much everything that Disney touches quickly turns to gold. Their top-ranked cruise line is no different .

The first iteration of Disney's Cruise Line set sail in 1998 under the name Disney Magic. One year later, the Disney Wonder took to the sea. Today, at the time of writing, the current Disney fleet includes a list of five enchanting ships: the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder. Coming in December 2024, a new vessel is set to join the crew: the Disney Treasure.

For travelers planning their own sea-bound adventure, it can be difficult to differentiate and ultimately choose between the five. After analyzing reviews, the cost-to-value ratio, unique amenities, each ship's design, and onboard entertainment options, we finally settled on our definitive ranking of Disney's cruise ships — all so you can choose which Disney cruise might be right for you .

Read more: Top Packing Strategies, Ranked

5. Disney Wish

Although there aren't any necessarily "bad" Disney cruises, the Disney Wish has come under fire from travelers and Disney fans since its official launch in 2022. Specifically, most reviews believe the ship has some pretty glaring issues in terms of spacing and overall layout — both of which make it incredibly difficult to get around. According to previous travelers, the ship — one of the largest of the Disney Cruise Line fleet — surprisingly only has two sets of stairs and elevators for everyone onboard. This, in turn, means there's always a crowd. It also means that adult activities, like nightclubs and lounges, are scattered around, so there is no dedicated adult-only zone, which ultimately muddles the experience.

When it comes to entertainment, however, the Disney Wish does a slightly better job at redeeming itself with four theaters, the kid-favored Oceaneer Club, three main restaurants (assigned on a rotational basis to passengers), adult-friendly bars, and more. As for the pools, some travelers say that these feel more like hot tubs because of their small size. And the water slides? Per online blogs, they're mediocre at best.

It's worth noting that Disney Wish is one of the highest priced of the Disney Cruises for not that much more value, aside from being a more modern vessel — according to reviews on Cruise Critic and Tripadvisor . As an example, Disney Wish offers three- and four-day itineraries from Florida to the Bahamas, with the ship's most affordable route — a three-night cruise from Port Canaveral — priced at $1,925 for two guests.

4. Disney Dream

Operating since 2011, the Disney Dream cruise ship is a strong contender in terms of amenities. Throughout its 14 decks, the ship boasts five main restaurants (including two that are adults only), theaters, bars and lounges, adult-only and kid-friendly pools, sun decks, and plenty more to keep travelers entertained. Nonetheless, some online reviews have expressed disappointment that the ship's dining experiences feel fragmented — leaving plenty to be desired in terms of themed dining.

Considered one of the most kid-friendly cruise lines, the Disney Dream is brimming with kid-focused activities — including daily princess meet-and-greets, movie-themed shows, character cameos, and a bustling kid's club. However, according to a recent discussion on the r/DCL subreddit , the ship's history of shorter itineraries typically makes it less desirable than its counterparts, since there's only so much you can enjoy with so little time — although it's important to note it has expanded itinerary options to include week-long and 12-night trips in Europe.

Lastly, in terms of pricing, the Disney Dream's rates vary depending on length and route. For example, a three-day trip to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale will set you back around $1,700 for two people. Meanwhile, on the farther and pricier end of the spectrum, the Disney Dream's 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland cruise carries a higher price tag at $8,565 for two.

3. Disney Wonder

Even though it's a smaller ship, one of Disney Wonder's main selling points is that — out of the five vessels currently sailing today — it's the only ship that offers Alaska-bound cruises, as well as trips along New Zealand and Australia. Given this, it's no surprise that the Disney Wonder often ranks in the top-half of fan-favorite Disney ships — especially for first-timers who want to get a feel of the experience before moving up to a larger ship.

Beyond the ship's unique destinations, some of the Disney Wonder's most notable amenities include three main restaurants (with rotational dining), three heated pools for when you're traveling to cooler destinations, nightly entertainment options, a prim and proper "Royal Court Royal Tea" for the little princesses and princes to enjoy, and even a nightclub for the adults who crave a party. As for dining, one of the highlights of the ship is the New Orleans-inspired restaurant, Tiana's Place. Not only does the restaurant serves some pretty delicious meals, but it also hosts nightly entertainment and its own mini-version of a Mardi Gras parade.

Tickets for the Disney Wonder start from $1,104 for a two-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane for two passengers. Longer trips are also available — like a seven-night Vancouver to Alaska cruise for $3,424 for two, or a 10-night Hawaiian adventure for $4,013.

2. Disney Magic

The second-best ship on our list is the Disney Magic. After debuting in 1998, the ship has undergone plenty of updates and renovations to keep it modern and appealing — all while staying true to its original charm. Another one of the fleet's smaller vessels — with capacity for just over 2,700 passengers, compared to the others' ability to accommodate up to 4,000 (except Disney Wonder) — the Disney Magic isn't struggling to keep up with any of the larger (or newer) ships.

One of the ship's highlights is the AquaDunk — a top-rated water slide within the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet — which features a straight-down, three-story drop into the pool. Other amenities that make the ship worth your bucks include daily character meet-and-greets, nighttime entertainment (the ship's Cinderella-themed show is a must-see), and delicious dining options. Traveling with an adults-only crew? Disney Magic is ready to cater with bars and lounges, couples' games nights, and adult-themed trivia nights.

Price-wise, the Disney Magic offers trips that range from roughly $1,500 to just over $7,000 for two guests to either the Bahamas or other must-visit destinations in the Caribbean , including Mexico and Antigua. Specifically, a 4-night Caribbean cruise to Mexico will cost two travelers $1,534. On the pricier side, a 10-night cruise through the Eastern Caribbean will set you and a travel partner back about $7,359.

1. Disney Fantasy

Topping off the list, and coming in as the top-ranked Disney cruise, is the Disney Fantasy. After setting sail for the first time in 2012, the ship has quickly cemented itself a go-to for Disney fans and cruise lovers looking for a longer getaway. With six, seven, and 10-night cruise routes available through the Caribbean, the Disney Fantasy ticks all the boxes in terms of entertainment, comfort, and adventure.

Much like the other ships that belong to the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Fantasy is equipped with plenty of onboard entertainment and amenities that'll make any trip unforgettable. From kid clubs to Broadway-style stage performances, meet-and-greets with beloved Disney characters, and both kid-friendly and adult-only pools, the ship is anything but boring. Plus, as an added bonus, the Disney Fantasy is also home to one of the best adults-only districts, Europa. With bars and eateries inspired by European destinations, it's a great escape for adult travelers who want some respite from kid-centric spaces.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that — similar to the Disney Wish — the Disney Fantasy is pricier than other ships, with 3-night trips to the Bahamas starting from $1,996 for two people. However, the destinations more than make up for the cost. For example, the Disney Fantasy is the only ship to offer transatlantic journeys — like their 13-night cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Barcelona in Spain starting at $4,859.

Our Ranking Methodology

There's a lot that goes into each Disney cruise ship. From themed restaurants to activities, entertainment, and accommodations, each of the Disney Cruise Line's vessels are designed with pretty much the same intention: to provide guests with a Disney-themed experience where, in Disney's own words, "magic meets the sea," no matter the route or destination. Nonetheless — and in spite of these shared goals — there are certain things that some ships do better than others.

In order to come up with our ranking, our primary focus was on the relationship between guest experience and value aboard each ship. Scouring through online reviews and fan forums, as well as the official Disney Cruise Line website, we created a list of each of the ship's pros and cons. From there, we compared these factors against the price of a ticket for two travelers for an inside cabin (typically the most affordable rate). This ultimately helped us find a correlation between how much guests were paying to travel on the ship and what they were getting in return.

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Summer weekday savings.

• Up to $260 Disney Gift Card
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Disneyland® Resort Hotels: Summer Weekday Savings Package

Book your Disney vacation now through September 23, 2024, and save up to 25% at a Disneyland Resort Hotel on select Sunday through Thursday nights, 6/10/24 through 9/26/24. Receive up to a $260 Disney Gift® Card with a multi-day vacation package at the Disneyland® Resort. From ground transportation to tickets, Costco Travel can help plan it all. With its two amazing Theme Parks and the Downtown Disney® District, the world-famous Disneyland® Resort is where guests of all ages can discover wonder, joy, and excitement.

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Included extras ♦.

Disney Gift Card valued at up to $260 valid for use towards Disney shopping and dining outlets (one per package, value based on length of stay, accommodations at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel required)

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Save up to 25% on Premium room types on 4-nights or longer stays*

Save up to 20% on Standard room types on Sunday-Thursday night stays**

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Stay 5 nights and receive a $220 Disney Gift Card (one per package)

Stay 6 nights and receive a $240 Disney Gift Card (one per package)

Stay 7 nights or more and receive a $260 Disney Gift Card (one per package)

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♦The Disney Gift Card can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, DisneyPhotoPass.com, Disney Vacation Club® and ADVENTURES BY DISNEY®. It is not redeemable for cash, will not be replaced if lost or stolen without required proof of purchase, and it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Disney Gift Card Program. The Disney Gift Card cannot be used toward the purchase of a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club® Resort. The Disney Gift Card is issued by Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Gift cards may not be used toward the purchase of Disney Dollars or Disney Gift Cards. Other restrictions apply. Use of gift card is acceptance of its terms and conditions. Visit DisneyGiftCard.com for complete terms and conditions and for more information about the Disney Gift Card Program. ©Disney

The Magical Extras Savings includes savings at participating dining and merchandise locations throughout Downtown Disney. The Guest package includes a voucher for the discount on park tours. To receive your Magical Extras Savings, present the voucher included in your Travel ePackage at participating locations. Valid for 2024 arrivals only. One voucher per vacation package. Voucher may only be redeemed by a guest on the applicable vacation package reservation, and may not be transferred or redeemed for cash. Voucher is valid through Hotel checkout date or 1/15/25, whichever occurs first. Deals are made by the applicable locations, and Disney is not responsible or liable for such promotions or their fulfillment. Please visit individual locations for promotion details and restrictions. Excludes alcohol. Deals are not valid on previous purchases, and may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions. Voucher benefits include details and participating locations subject to change or cancellation without notice.

*A consecutive 4-night or longer stay is required, and cancellation of any nights of a stay may affect discount availability. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room stay at the same hotel and is valid for most nights from 6/10/2024 through 9/26/2024. Book from 5/29/2024 through 9/12/2024; travel must be completed by 9/27/2024. Not valid for select Concierge rooms, Signature or Premium suites, or 2 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom Villas, or at certain hotels. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Offer applied once per reservation and is not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation for same date and same park required to enter a Theme Park, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland® Resort.

**Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room stay at the same hotel and is valid for Sunday through Thursday nights from 6/10/2024 through 9/26/2024. Book from 5/29/2024 through 9/12/2024; travel must be completed by 9/27/2024. Not valid for select Concierge rooms, Signature or Premium suites, or 2 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom Villas, or at certain hotels. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. Separate Theme Park admission and Theme Park reservation for same date and same park are required to enter a Theme Park. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park reservations. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland® Resort.

♦♦Disneyland® Resort Park eticket. Each Guest ages 3 and over on the reservation will receive a Disneyland Resort eTicket for 2-5 days (depending on package selection) with admission to one park per day,** valid for entry into either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park. For an additional fee, your tickets can even be upgraded to Disneyland Resort Park Hopper eTickets! With Park Hopper eTickets, you select the first park you will visit for the day, and you may cross over and switch between parks on the same day beginning at 1:00 PM, with an appropriate park reservation, subject to each park's capacity limitations. To enter a park, both a valid ticket and park reservation for the same park on the same date, are required for Guests ages 3 and older. A separate park reservation is required for each day you plan to visit the theme parks. Park reservations are limited and subject to availability, and staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel does not guarantee a park reservation.

Your Disneyland Resort theme park tickets, travel itinerary, voucher for Magical Extras, and Disney Gift Card will be included in your Travel ePackage. To access your Travel ePackage, you must create or sign into your Disney account and link your package reservations to your account. Your Travel ePackage will be delivered electronically to your linked Disney account 5 days prior to your arrival. Additional components of the package (such as third-party tickets, vouchers, or certain fulfillment cards, if applicable) are subject to their own delivery requirements, which will be reviewed at the time of purchase, and are subject to change.

These tickets expire thirteen (13) days after first use or on the expiration date on such ticket, whichever occurs first. Ticket media is not valid for special events requiring a separate admission charge, or for special events that are not open to the general public and expire on dates as listed on eTicket. Use of or participation in certain activities/events in the Disneyland® Resort may require the payment of additional charges. All information, hotel amenities, features of tickets, deals, events, age ranges, services, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment are subject to change without notice, and may otherwise close or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of the Disneyland® Resort.

Guests staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of admission to Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure® Park 30 minutes early to enjoy select attractions, dining, and shopping locations. Valid hotel stay, theme park admission, and park reservation are required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed.

The early entry benefit is only for Guests who are checked in and currently staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels at the time of their early entry admission to a theme park. To enjoy early entry admission, a Guest (age 3+) must be staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels and have valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same park on the same date. Applicable theme parks, days and times of operation, attractions, services, and promotions for the early entry benefit may vary and are subject to change, availability, capacity, and cancellation without notice, and not guaranteed.

The Disneyland Resort has implemented new health and safety measures. In addition, it is recommended all Guests visit www.DisneyTravelTradeInfo.com/dlrws. There, guests can view important information about Park reopening, reservations, limitations on benefits, features, experiences, new health & safety measures, etc. Please note: All policies are subject to change and are outside the control of Costco Travel. The State of California strongly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Disneyland Resort. View important details and what you need to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort — including the latest information on required face coverings.

Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice.

♦♦♦Complete Disney Gift Card Terms and Conditions:

Use of the Disney Gift Card is acceptance of the following terms and conditions.

(Note: The terms and conditions shown below will not apply in the case of gift cards purchased or received in connection with a corporate or employee incentive program.)

1. Protect your Disney Gift Card and treat it as you would cash.

2. The Disney Gift Card is not valid for use until purchased, activated and monetary value added.

3. The Disney Gift Card can only be used at select participating locations at Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Disney Stores in the U.S., and DisneyShopping.com.

4. Check with individual locations for program participation before redemption.

5. At the Disneyland® Resort, the Disney Gift Card can be redeemed at select merchandise, food, ticketing, parking and Guest Service locations, as well as Disneyland® Resort Hotel room nights. Not accepted or valid for use for room service or lockers. Not valid or accepted at fruit carts, outdoor vending locations, third party lessees, Names Unraveled, Jewel of Orleans, Silhouette Studio, Portrait Artists, Parasol Cart, Heraldry Shop, Crystal Shops, Face Painting, and Downtown Disney® District Operating Participant locations (other than World of Disney®, Marceline’s Confectionery, or the Pin Cart). Not accepted at Disneyland® Resort Hotel nor the Downtown Disney® parking lots. Not currently valid or accepted for tickets, room nights and packages purchased online at Disneyland.com.

6. At the Walt Disney World® Resort, the Disney Gift Card can be redeemed at select merchandise, food, ticketing and Guest Service locations, select third party lessees and Downtown Disney® District Operating Participant locations. The Disney Gift Card can be redeemed toward payment of a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel room night or reservation. Use the Disney Gift Card for reservations or aboard Disney Cruise Line®. The Disney Gift Card is not accepted at McDonalds®, Jellyrolls, Rainforest Café®, and the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

7. Except as required by applicable law, the Disney Gift Card is not redeemable for cash; if the Disney Gift Card has not been used for any purchase, it can be returned for the full amount to the original form of payment, providing you have the original proof of purchase receipt. Partial balances cannot be exchanged for cash.

8. The Disney Gift Card cannot be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen without required proof of purchase and complete gift card number.

9. The Disney Gift Cards may not be resold in any manner whatsoever.

10. The Disney Gift Card may not be used toward the purchase of a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort.

11. The Disney Gift Card is issued by Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. reserves the right to modify, alter, amend or change the terms and conditions of program without advance notice.

Costco Travel Disneyland® Resort Vacation Packages are available for Costco members residing in the United States.

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7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

What's included in the price of a disney cruise.

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

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Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Cross the picturesque Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Shop along Water Street in the historic Gastown neighborhood
• Catch a play or music show at the Orpheum Theatre
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
• Get an up-close look at Dawes Glacier and watch it calve into the sea
• Spot bald eagles, brown bears, goats and whales in the wilderness
• Breathe in the fresh air and snap photos of the stunning scenery
• Speed down the highest zip line in the U.S.
• Kayak along the serene Hoonah waterfront
• Angle for halibut at Icy Point’s hottest fishing locales
• Hike along Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
• Soar by aerial tramway to the top of Mount Roberts
• Drop into the Red Dog Saloon, built during the Gold Rush
• Behold centuries-old Tlingit and Haida village totem poles
• Observe salmon spawning at a local hatchery
• Explore Misty Fjords National Monument by floatplane