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Disney Cruise Planning Checklist (2024 & 2025)

Last updated on Jan 1, 2024 by Adam Bryan . This post may contain affiliate links.

Planning a Disney cruise can be a magical experience, but it’s important to stay organized and on top of things.

Below, I’ll provide a timeline to help you plan your dream Disney cruise vacation and make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

From choosing your itinerary to booking your excursions, I’ve got you covered every step of the way.

In addition to this checklist and timeline, I’ll provide you with in-depth details and recommendations to help plan the best cruise possible that you will cherish forever.

Disney Cruise Planning Timeline and Checklist

16 months before cruise, 12 months before cruise, 6 months before cruise, 3-4 months before cruise, concierge staterooms only, pearl castaway club members only, platinum castaway club members only, gold castaway club members only, silver castaway club members only, first-time cruisers only, 40 to 30 days before cruise, 1 week before cruise, day of cruise.

• It’s Time to Count Down the Days

Here is an ideal timeline for planning a Disney Cruise:

Start booking or at least researching next year’s summer itineraries.

Book or Research Next Summer Itineraries

As crazy as it sounds, some of the more popular or new sailings and itineraries, such as the ones that include Greece, Australia, Fiji, and Hawaii, can sell out pretty far in advance.

That said, you normally won’t need to book this far out. The only exception would be if you’re interested in a Concierge Stateroom which can either sell out very quickly, or the cheaper rooms will be long gone, leaving you with having to pay a premium for a suite.

But if you do want to have the peace of mind that you grabbed the best stateroom possible that fits your vacation budget , this is a great time to book your cruise.

This is the Disney-recommended time when you should research then book your Disney Cruise.

Decide Where You Want to Go

This is around the time when you should start researching and deciding on where you want to take a Disney Cruise. The things you should consider are:

• Ports of Call
• Stateroom Type
• Departure Port

Book Your Disney Cruise

After doing some research this is when you should book your Disney Cruise, at least according to Disney Cruise Lines.

Booking this far in advance gives you the best stateroom choices, especially if you are looking for Concierge.

This is when you should start booking your flights, if needed.

Book Your Flights

If you need to book a flight to get to the cruise port where you’ll be departing from, this is one of the better times to find the best flights. This is incredibly important if you’re taking a Disney Cruise in Europe.

This is when you’ll need to start booking your activities such as:

• Port Adventures (excursions)
• specialty adult dining
• spa services
• onboard activities

HOWEVER , the exact number of days in advance that you can book these activities depends entirely on your Castaway Club membership level .

Below, I’ll go into detail for each Castaway Club level , including the timeline for first-time Disney cruisers . If you’re a Castaway Club member and need assistance, you can call the dedicated phone number at 1-800-449-3380.

This timeline is only for guests staying in Concierge Staterooms.

125 Days Before Cruise

As a Concierge guest, you’ll get early access to activity planning before anyone else. To reserve your activities, especially if you want to book a Castaway Cay cabana, you have to email your concierge team (they’ll introduce themselves to you via email 130 prior to your sail date).

For the best chance of successfully booking your activities, you must send that email at 12:00 am EST on the 125 day mark.

This timeline is only for Pearl Castaway Club Members.

123 Days Before Cruise

As a Pearl Castaway Club Member, you’ll get early access to book online all of your desired cruise actives , adult dining, spa services, Port Adventures, classes, and more.

40 Days Before Cruise

You’ll have early access to online check-in which is where you can select your preferred port arrival time, register kids for youth clubs, and more.

This timeline is only for Platinum Castaway Club Members.

120 Days Before Cruise

As a Platinum Castaway Club Member, you’ll get early access to book online all of your desired cruise activities like adult dining, spa services, Port Adventures, classes, and more.

38 Days Before Cruise

This timeline is only for Gold Castaway Club Members.

105 Days Before Cruise

As a Gold Castaway Club Member, you’ll get early access to book online all of your desired cruise activities like adult dining, spa services, Port Adventures, classes, and more.

35 Days Before Cruise

This timeline is only for Silver Castaway Club Members.

90 Days Before Cruise

As a Silver Castaway Club Member, you’ll get early access to book online all of your desired cruise activities like adult dining, spa services, Port Adventures, classes, and more.e.

33 Days Before Cruise

This timeline is only for first-time Disney cruisers only.

75 Days Before Cruise

As a first-time cruiser on Disney Cruise Lines, you can start to book all of your onboard activities, spa services, Port Adventures, and adults-only dining, online.

30 Days Before Cruise

This is when you’ll check-in for your cruise online as well as select your preferred port arrival time, register kids for youth clubs, and more.

This is when you’ll be able to check-in for your cruise online.

Check-In for Your Cruise

Regardless of Castaway Club membership levels, the 30 day mark is when online check-in is open for all guests sailing on a Disney Cruise.

This is when the fun starts to begin.

Time to pack for your Disney Cruise! If you need some recommendations, check out my DCL packing list .

The big day is finally here!

Make Sure You Have Everything

Keys, wallet, passport , cash , sunglasses, sunscreen, phone chargers, sandals, hats, swimsuit, etc.

Arrival at Your Departure Port

It’s time arrive at the port (at the arrival time you chose when checking in online) and then board your Disney Cruise ship.

It’s Time to Count Down the Days

Well that’s a wrap on booking your next Disney Cruise!

With all these tips and recommendations I’ve shared, you’ll be able to breeze through this entire booking process with ease without missing any pivotal steps.

Now that you’ve got your cruise booking timeline situated, it’s time to start counting down the days to your sail date!

More Travel Planning

About Adam Bryan

Hey what's up, I'm Adam, founder of Urban Tastebud Disney and I spend most of my days eating (and researching, but mostly eating) around Disney Parks to create useful travel planning content that will help you maximize your time and money at Disney.

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Disney Cruise Line Planning Tips and Timeline

Are you thinking about taking a Disney cruise vacation? If so, this planning guide is for you!

If you have ever planned a family vacation to Walt Disney World, you may feel overwhelmed with organizing a trip with Disney Cruise Line. Rest assured, planning a Disney cruise is much less tedious than preparing for a visit to WDW. Once you create a timeline of exactly what needs to be done and when, you’ll see that Disney cruise planning is actually a breeze!

And to make it even easier, we are sharing the timeline that we use for planning our family’s Disney cruise vacations. So, you can see specifically what we focus on during each step of the planning process. Whether this is your first time cruising with Disney or you’re an experienced traveler, read on for all the info you need to make your Disney cruise planning process super simple!

Things to Do Before Your Disney Cruise

Before you can prepare for a Disney cruise, you first need to complete the booking process for your Disney cruise vacation. You can find general information about Disney Cruise Line’s ships, itineraries, and activities by visiting the official DCL website. But you won’t be able to completely start planning for a Disney cruise until you have booked one.

This is because all of your cruise plans will be affected by which of the Disney ships and itineraries you ultimately choose. Once you complete your Disney Cruise Line reservation, I recommend doing three things:

• Make sure your passport will be up to date for your trip. Although you don’t always need a passport to sail with Disney Cruise Line, it’s a good idea to have one. So, you’ll want to make sure your passport isn’t expired, especially if it’s required for your sailing.
• Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Once you download the Disney Cruise Navigator App, you will see a countdown to your cruise AND the date when you can complete online check-in . This countdown will help you remember to complete online check-in on time, which is SUPER important! We will discuss more about online check-in below.

• Call DCL to make any special dining requests you may have. If you weren’t able to secure your desired dining time in the main dining rooms, you can request to be added to the waiting list. You can also ask the cast member on the phone to make a note of any dietary restrictions or special needs.

Disney Cruise Planner and Timeline

Once you have secured your reservation with Disney Cruise Line , you can get started organizing details for your vacation. I created a printable planning guide you can download on Etsy to organize all of your travel details. You do not have to purchase the guide in order to find the information below useful.

However, each section below fully explains the pages of the printable cruise planner. I find it helpful to print the planner before going through each section of this article. This way, you know what tips to follow for every step along the way. I like to make a binder to keep all of the important information for our family trip.

↓↓ Check out My Etsy Shop Here ↓↓

To do this, I print the packet from my Etsy shop because it has everything I need when planning my family’s cruise vacations. The printable Disney cruise planner includes the following pages:

• Timeline Checklist
• Cruise Comparison Sheets
• Hotel, Flight, and Ground Transportation Comparison Sheets
• Outfits Planner
• Fish Extenders Organizer
• Daily Itinerary with Sample Itinerary
• Packing List
• Budget Planner

I use a three-hole puncher to make holes in the packet so that I can store it in a binder. That way all of our family vacation information is in one place, and I don’t have to worry about forgetting something. Inside the Disney Cruise Planner above, you’ll find worksheets that follow the planning timeline below:

3-4 Months Before Your Cruise

These are some of the important tasks you should complete 3-4 months before your Disney cruise:

Make Final Payment

In addition to your online check-in date, be sure to note the date your final payment is due. Depending on the cruise itinerary you booked, full payment must be made either 90 days (for cruises 1-5 nights in length) or 120 days ( for cruises 6 or more nights) before sailing.

Most first-time cruisers have a decent time frame between final payment and online check-in, which is when you book your cruise activities. Now, if you booked your cruise last minute and your online check-in has already opened, you will just have less time to research and probably fewer options from which to choose. But that’s ok! You will still have the best time!

Research Activities to Book

This next step requires you to do a bit of research on Disney Cruise Line activities. If this is your first cruise with Disney Cruise Line, you will typically book activities 75 days before sailing. Doing research on cruise activities well in advance gives you an idea of what you want to book BEFORE your online check-in date arrives.

There are two types of activities you can book once your online check-in window opens up: Port Adventures and Onboard Activities. You will want to spend some time to determine which excursions and activities are important to your family. We will discuss how to do this in detail below.

Port Adventures (aka Excursions)

Port Adventures (aka excursions) are those activities that take place off the ship and at a port of call. You can look at the excursions that Disney Cruise Line offers on their official website. Pay close attention to the age requirements. I have a toddler, and her age really narrows down the options for port adventures.

You don’t have to book a shore excursion through Disney. You can also research the ports of call you are visiting to get some ideas on activities that are offered. For example, when my family and I visited Port Grand Cayman, we chose to grab a taxi to the beach rather than to book a port adventure through DCL.

When deciding which excursions to book, I like to use the TripAdvisor website. It usually has tons of reviews on pretty much any place I want to research, and you can search for keywords in their reviews. For example, when you scroll down to where the reviews begin on your TripAdvisor excursion, you will see a search box.

You can type a keyword into this box, and it will pull up ONLY the reviews that mention your keyword. I find this really helpful, especially when looking for reviews from parents with little kids. If I type the keyword toddler into the search box, a lot of my questions are usually answered by another family who traveled with their toddler and left a review.

Things to Do Onboard

Once you come up with a list of excursions for your family in each port, you can research the onboard activities that Disney offers. Most of the cruise activities do not require reservations. However, there are some special experiences that Disney does require you to book ahead of time (like meeting certain Disney characters).

You can use the official Disney Cruise Line website to see a list of these activities for your ship. Make a note of which ones are important to you. This way when your booking window opens up, you will be prepared to reserve those activities.

Compare Flights, Hotels, and Transportation

During your online check-in, you will be asked to provide details on your flights, hotels, and transportation to and from the port. You do not have to include this information at check-in, and you are able to change these details at a later time if you need to. However, it is a good idea to start researching pre-cruise hotels, ground transportation, and flights if needed.

Depending on your cruise departure port, these reviews from my family’s experiences can help you when making decisions about your cruise transportation and pre-cruise hotel stay:

• Pre-cruise Hotel for Port Canaveral
• Hotel Stay before a Miami Cruise

2-3 Months Before Cruise

As I mentioned above, first time cruisers with Disney Cruise Line may check-in and book activities typically 75 days before sailing. Your account should open up at midnight (eastern standard time) for you to begin the check-in process.

Online Check-in Process

Online check-in is where you put in your contact information, sign up for youth clubs, choose a port arrival time etc. This process can be very tedious, and I sometimes don’t have all of the information (like flight times) this far in advance. You are welcome to go back and edit/update the information up until a few days before sailing.

So, if I don’t know the answer to a question, I just make something up. This way I can continue on to the next step. For example, if I haven’t booked my flights for the trip, I just fill in the blanks with a possible flight I may book. You could also choose the option to arrive by car and then change it later. This way I can continue moving through the check-in steps so that I get a chance to choose a port arrival time and book activities before all the good times are taken.

Book Pre and Post Cruise Travel

I highly recommend flying in at least the day before your cruise. This way you don’t have to worry about missing the ship due to a flight being delayed for weather or mechanical errors. Once you make the decision to fly in the day before the cruise, you can then choose a hotel near the airport, port, or anywhere else in the city.

We like to book our hotels and ground transportation through Disney Cruise Line because we have little kids who require car seats. The Disney Cruise Line transfers either provide car seats or don’t allow them, so this saves us from having to travel with them. The Disney ground transportation often comes with a slightly higher cost than renting a car or using a taxi, but it allows us to start our vacation with a lot less stress.

1-2 Months Before Cruise

Once you hit the 1-2 months mark, you are undoubtedly becoming really excited for your trip. There are several important things you need to do during this time, though.

Personal Navigators

I use the DCL daily newsletters, aka Personal Navigators, from previous Disney cruises to create daily itineraries. These personal navigators are one of the most helpful resources when planning a Disney cruise. This newsletter breaks down the schedule of activities for the day. I like to visit the Disney Cruise Line Blog to find old personal navigators .

Just search for the Disney ship you are sailing on, and then try to find the itinerary that matches yours. While not exact, these personal navigators will show you what activities tend to be available each day of your cruise. You can then decide which ones are important for you and your family.

I like to start my packing list by breaking down each day of the cruise and listing every item I need for that particular day. I start with breakfast and continue on until bedtime trying to determine what each member of the family will need during parts of the day. If you are using my Disney Cruise Planner to create a packing list, you will see a box on each daily itinerary where you can easily add a packing list.

This way you will know that on Day 3 of your trip you need to pack the specific items and outfits listed. For example, if I have “swimming” on my itinerary, I will add swimsuits, coverups, sunscreen etc. to the itinerary for that day. This way when I go to actually pack for the trip, I have each day covered.

I also like to create my packing list and carry-on bag list well in advance in case I need to order or shop for anything before our trip. For more information on the items that we include on our Disney Cruise Line packing list , you can check out this post. We cover all the organization and space-saving hacks for your stateroom.

The article also includes essential items to pack for the entire family as well as what to pack in your embarkation day bag. (Your embarkation day bag is the carry-on bag you take when boarding the Disney cruise ship. Since you may not receive your luggage until later in the evening, you will want to pack some important items in your carryon.)

Don’t Forget

When preparing for a Disney cruise vacation, make sure you take care of any housekeeping items prior to departure. Some of the extra things you may want to consider before leaving for your trip include the following:

• Documents – Make sure you have all of your identification and cruise documents handy. Also, double check the expiration dates to be certain they are still valid.
• House Sitter – Organize a house/pet sitter while you are gone if needed. Make sure you include notes and emergency contact information for the sitter.
• Notify Teachers – If your child will be missing school to go on your trip, make sure you notify the teachers ahead of time.
• Surprise Your Kids – You could always surprise your family with the character phone call Disney Cruise Line offers for FREE. It’s a super cute feature where the characters talk about how excited they are to see you on the cruise.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Disney Cruise

I hope you found this complete guide on Disney cruise planning super helpful. It’s really such an exciting process, and Disney Cruise Line makes it so easy to organize and plan for your trip.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or you have sailed with other cruise lines, it’s always helpful to get the inside scoop on what to expect. The information in this post and on our printable planning guide will have you well on your way to feeling prepared for your upcoming Disney vacation.

We hope you have a magical vacation no matter which of the Disney Cruise Line sailings you choose. Disney’s ships feature the best staterooms, Broadway-caliber shows, and kid-friendly activities. Not to mention Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay !

Do you have more tips to add to our Disney Cruise Planner? Comment below to share!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

After decades of success making families smile and laugh at its theme parks, Disney dipped its toes into the world of cruising in 1998. Disney didn't just copy another cruise line's model for success or slap its name on the side of an existing ship. It created its own brand of cruising.

Disney went so far into charting its own path as to get special approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for its ships' lifeboats to be yellow instead of regulation orange, to tie into the colors of Mickey himself — black, red, white and yellow.

Now, Disney Cruise Line has five ships sailing in those signature colors, along with three more on order. In a normal year, those five ships take tens of thousands of families on sailings to the Caribbean , Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas, through the Panama Canal and even to Australia and New Zealand.

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

Having sailed four of Disney Cruise Line's five ships, I can say the experience is indeed special — especially if you have kids. But Disney's not a one-trick cruise line that's only good for one age group. It offers kids clubs and activities to suit babies through teens and has several adults-only areas of the ship . Its newest ship, Disney Wish , provides more cool spaces for adults than any previous vessel.

Disney's attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. But unlike at the Disney theme parks, which can be a bit complicated to navigate, long lines and complex strategies are rarely a part of the Disney cruise experience.

Get the free planning help of a Disney vacation planner via TPG's partner, Mouse Counselors .

What TPG loves about Disney Cruise Line

• Broadway-caliber shows and first-run movies.
• Disney-level service and attention to detail.
• High-quality Disney character interactions and kids clubs.
• Innovative, included rotational dining.

What we could do without

• Disney cruises are expensive.
• The onboard Wi-Fi is not the fastest, especially on ships that haven't been upgraded. And it's not cheap.

Disney Cruise Line fleet

While Disney may be a household name, Disney Cruise Line is actually a small line. It currently sails just five ships, compared to 27 at its family-friendly competitor Royal Caribbean .

Of the five, two are smaller ships, and three are larger.

The largest ships in Disney's fleet are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 feet long and 14 decks high, and Disney Wish , at 1,119 feet and 15 decks high.

These three ships each have a passenger capacity of 4,000 people spread out across approximately 1,250 cabins. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or private verandah, with only 10%-12% being windowless inside cabins. (On its oldest four ships, these interior rooms have a "magical porthole" that displays a live feed from outside to replicate a window.)

Disney Treasure , expected to join the fleet in 2024, will be in the same larger Triton class of ships as Disney Wish.

Disney Wish is currently a workhorse of short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral , Florida, to the Bahamas, home to Disney's private island , Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy often sails weeklong cruises out of Florida. With the addition of Disney Wish to the fleet, Disney Dream now spends its summer across the Atlantic, offering European cruises from May to September, then spending much of the rest of the year based out of Fort Lauderdale.

The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line's first ship, Disney Magic .

These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

Disney Wonder is often on the move and currently splits its time among Alaska , the South Pacific, Hawaii, California, Mexico and beyond. Disney Magic spends part of its year based out of Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans and much of the rest based out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Related: Best destinations you can sail to on a Disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line destinations and itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that range from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have recently become available as the line is adding new ships for the first time in a decade.

Disney Cruise Line destinations include:

• New Zealand
• Pacific Coast
• South Pacific

Disney Wish has, by far, the highest number of annual sailings, with 105 three- and four-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. These sailings all go to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay; some also stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some Disney cruises do what's called a "double dip" and make two stops at the private island, where you can step ashore without leaving the Disney bubble.

Pro tip: If you go to Castaway Cay, rent a bike for a little exercise and a self-guided tour of the island. Or, you can run the at-your-pace 5K that morning around the island.

Coming in summer 2024 , Disney will have a second exclusive beach destination in the Bahamas — Lighthouse Point.

This won't be an entire private island like Castaway Cay, but it will be an exclusive beachfront space designed for Disney Cruise Line with many similar offerings to Castaway. Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy will call on this new destination for the first time in 2024.

Related: Best tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

Who sails Disney Cruise Line?

Let's start with the obvious: Families love Disney Cruise Line.

The ultimate sweet spot for taking a Disney cruise starts when a child is at least 3 years old and potty trained (the criteria that get them into the included kids clubs) and lasts until they outgrow their love of Disney characters. Remember, Disney now includes the "Star Wars" and Marvel brands and offers themed cruises featuring those characters, too.

A Disney cruise costs more than a similar cruise on a line like Royal Caribbean , so it's easiest to justify the expense when your kids love Disney the most.

So, yes, the stereotype that Disney Cruise Line is full of families is 100% correct.

You'll see many families with kids in those preschool, elementary and middle school years. But you'll also see families with little babies (the minimum age is 6 months on most sailings, 1 year on Panama Canal and transatlantic sailings), tweens, teens, college-age kids and even grandparents who have made a Disney cruise an enjoyable multigenerational travel tradition.

Related: Comparing Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises for families

You'll also see cruisers who love Disney regardless of age and are proud to wear their Mickey ears while hearing the first seven notes of the "When You Wish Upon a Star" melody blown from the ship's massive horn.

Just like you don't need kids to have a great time at Disney World or Disneyland, you can happily cruise as adults without offspring on Disney Cruise Line. All the ships have active adults-only sun decks, pool and lounges. Disney Wish especially invested in its adult offerings with an infinity pool, along with more bars spread around the ship instead of being clustered into one main area.

Disney Cruise Line cabins and suites

At a basic level, Disney Cruise Line offers five main types of cabins across the fleet. In its simplified version, the types of cabins on a Disney cruise include:

• Windowless inside cabins
• Ocean-view cabins
• Verandah cabins (with private balconies)
• Verandah cabins with concierge service
• Suites with concierge service

These cabins start at 169 square feet for a standard inside cabin and go up to a two-story, 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish .

Unless you are OK with the smallest space on the ship or have a budget for the largest, the sweet spot for price and comfort on Disney Cruise Line vessels is probably the cabins that are around 204 square feet and usually come with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed and a split bath.

This split bathroom situation places a sink and the shower/tub combo in one bathroom and the toilet and another sink in the other. Each has its own separate door, so someone could use the toilet/sink room while another takes a shower, all in private and at the same time.

You'll find this cabin layout within the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah categories.

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah add about 40 more square feet to the equation. If you want the largest within those room categories, search for rooms that can hold five people on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Pro tip: You can ask your cabin host for cartoon bedding for the kid's bed if you think your child will be excited to come back from dinner to one of their Disney favorites.

You can connect many of the cabins on the ship , which is often a much more economical solution for a family looking for more sleeping space (and bathrooms) than upgrading to a multibedroom suite. Roughly speaking, a family of four will pay about 50% more for two cabins than they will for everyone to stay in one cabin of the same size.

Related: 7 nights. 4 people. 1 cruise ship cabin. Can we survive?

If you are going all-out on a particular trip, or are simply working with a larger budget, Disney concierge suites are special.

The smallest available room with this service is the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which isn't all that different from the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, other than the included concierge service. From there, you can go up to the one- or two-bedroom suites.

Be prepared for sticker shock, though, as these suites will almost certainly be near or over five figures on many sailings.

While pricey, Disney concierge service eliminates almost all of the potential pain points of a Disney cruise (not that there are many pain points to begin with).

Disney concierge service gets you access to the Disney Concierge Lounge, which has food offerings multiple times per day and a fully stocked fridge with sodas, juices and bottles of water.

In the evenings, you'll find included beer, wine and spirits in the lounge — which you can also take with you as you head out to dinner or to enjoy the view from the deck.

The Concierge Lounge also has its own private deck, and Disney characters have been known to make a private appearance there during the cruise. (Don't worry, you'll get a heads-up.)

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge service worth it?

You also have your own check-in area at the port and are among the first to board the ship, which can mean extra time to enjoy having the waterslides to yourself. At the end of the cruise, you can have a private elevator that takes you down to be some of the first off the ship — which should protect you from a long line to say goodbye.

There are other perks of the concierge level, too, such as early front-row seating at shows, included popcorn and the ability to submit your request for meal reservations at Palo or Remy, cabanas on Castaway Cay, spa treatments, character meet-and-greets or whatever else you wish before other guests. These can be made for you starting 120 days before your sailing, which is before all other guests except those with the highest elite status tier in the Castaway Club .

Passengers on their first Disney cruise don't get to make those reservations until 75 days out if they aren't in the concierge level. The reality is the hottest items are often booked up by then, especially on shorter cruises when there's less time to do everything.

Those in the concierge level in one-bedroom suites and higher can also order room service from the restaurants to their cabin, which means you can have a hot breakfast on your verandah if you wish instead of the regular continental options available to most guests.

If you are on the fence about concierge service, it's arguably most valuable when you are on a shorter cruise, have some specific popular must-have items on your reservation wish list or want someone else to take care of everything. You can also inquire about discounted upgrades at the port, assuming rooms are left unsold on your voyage.

Pro tip: Regardless of your cabin, bring magnetic Mickey or nautical-themed decor for the entrance, as most of the cabin doors are magnetic. Decorating is a fun tradition on a Disney cruise.

Related: Review of sailing in a suite with Disney concierge service

Disney Cruise Line restaurants and dining options

You will not go hungry on a Disney cruise. From room service to evening dinners, meals are (mostly) all included.

Rotational dining

On each Disney ship, three main dining rooms serve as dinner restaurants that participate in rotational dining. Each ship has its own lineup of themed rotational restaurants, but the concept remains the same on each.

Each night, your tablemates and servers will move from one restaurant to the next as a team. This way, the servers get to know that you always want to start with a glass of red wine, or your kids' food needs to come ASAP so you can take them to the kids club as soon as they finish, or (in my case) your daughter wants a side of barbecue sauce with ... everything.

You must choose between an early and a late dinner time, with your showtime opposite your dining time. Some restaurants, such as Animator's Palate, are found on multiple ships, while others are unique to one ship, such as Tiana's Place on Disney Wonder and all of the rotational restaurants found on Disney Wish .

Included restaurants on Disney Magic

• Animator's Palate
• Lumiere's
• Rapunzel's Royal Table

Included restaurants on Disney Wonder

• Tiana's Place
• Triton's

Included restaurants on Disney Dream

• Enchanted Garden
• Royal Palace

Included restaurants on Disney Fantasy

• Royal Court

Included restaurants on Disney Wish

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
• Worlds of Marvel

At these restaurants, you can order whatever you want on the menu at no extra charge, with a few exceptions (for example, alcohol and specialty drinks cost extra).

While many guests dress up a bit for dinner (compared to their afternoon pool deck attire), most stay relatively casual for the rotational dining restaurants. Disney does not impose a specific dress-up requirement.

Disney cruise ships offer many other dining options beyond the three included themed restaurants — most included, some not.

Room service

Room service is mostly free (other than sodas or alcohol), though the menu is limited if you aren't staying in a concierge-level cabin. Still, it's free room service, so I'm not one to complain.

Pro tip: Fill the breakfast card out the night before and hang it on your stateroom to get breakfast exactly when you want it the next morning.

And you haven't lived until your kids learn how to call and order free Mickey ice cream bars to the cabin ... every night (just be sure and add a tip).

Buffet and grab-and-go

Your Disney cruise will also include a buffet known as Cabanas on the original four ships and Marceline Market on Disney Wish. The buffet is usually open for breakfast and lunch, though not in the evening hours.

In addition to the buffet, a few grab-and-go quick-service restaurants on the pool deck serve salads, chili, pizza, barbecue and more, depending on which ship you're sailing.

Don't miss these options, as some are quite good. They are typically open from late morning until later into the evening.

Room service, the buffet and the on-deck food counter dining options don't cost extra and are available to you in addition to or instead of your rotational dining.

You'll also find included ice cream on one of the upper decks. A pro-level hack is to get Mickey churro waffles from the buffet in the morning (only available some mornings) and add vanilla ice cream for a vacation-worthy breakfast.

Extra-cost, adults-only restaurants

At the top of the "costs extra" list are the restaurants Palo (found on all five ships, though it's Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish), Remy (on Dream and Fantasy) and Enchante (only on Disney Wish).

Remy is a fancy adults-only French restaurant that costs $125 per person for dinner (more if you order drinks). This is the type of place where men need jackets and women are expected to wear dresses, pantsuits or a skirt and blouse. Enchante on Disney Wish is similar — you're dressing up for these meals.

Palo is also fancy, though a notch less fancy than Remy. You'll see jackets and dresses in Palo, but you can also get by with nice jeans if you want. This adults-only restaurant serves Northern Italian fare and starts at about $45 per person for a multicourse brunch or dinner, though you can also order a la carte for dinner, which could cost more or less, depending on your order.

I can say with 100% certainty that if you enjoy a nice meal, this is worth the extra $45 once during your cruise . From the breadbasket to the dessert, it's all amazing. You'll gain 5 pounds, but you won't regret a bite.

These reservations are hard to get, especially for brunch, so you'll want to make them the second you are eligible and keep checking back for cancellations if you miss out the first time.

Coffee shops and snack shops

On a Disney cruise, the snacks and pastries you'll see in the coffee shop or kiosk are all included, but the specialty coffee will cost extra. Drink prices are roughly similar to Starbucks, if not a notch lower. Be sure and ask for the Cafe Fanatic card if you're a regular, as your sixth drink will be free.

In addition to the included soft-serve ice cream and Mickey bars available via room service, your ship may have some shops with extra-fee ice cream. This can confuse kids, so I want to warn you beforehand. On Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish, you'll find an ice cream shop stuffed with candies, gelato and ice cream — all for an extra charge.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also have a juice bar that costs extra.

The exact bars will vary by vessel, but you can expect spots like a wine and Champagne bar, a pub, a laid-back lounge and a bar with live entertainment.

These bars are a lot of fun and are not to be missed if you like live music or a nice drink at the end of the day. Keep an eye out in your app for when and where the happy hours are on board if you want to save a few dollars on your drinks. Some bars also offer a sommelier bin where you get a nice glass of wine at a discounted price — as long as you put the bartender in charge of choosing your drink.

Some of the drink-tasting classes that you book in advance can be a good value if you're a fan of the drink on offer and are interested in learning a little bit while you sip. You'll want to book these before sailing, as many do sell out.

Food on Castaway Cay

If your cruise takes you to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, you're in luck, as there's plenty of included food to eat there, too.

Just like on board, some of the food on Castaway is included, while alcohol and specialty drinks are not. The Cookie's and Cookie's Too lunch shacks on the island are both included, so load up on hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, fries and all the fixings. Vegetarian options are available.

While the food options here are somewhat basic, they still make for a fun and free meal.

However, if you don't like what is on offer on the island, you can always hop back on your ship for lunch and then continue your afternoon on the island after you eat.

Entertainment and activities on a Disney cruise

A valid reason to want to sail with Disney is the onboard fun that awaits — especially for those who love Disney characters and stories.

Theaters and shows

Each Disney cruise ship features two theaters. In the massive Walt Disney Theatre, you'll enjoy Broadway-caliber evening shows such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Frozen," "Tangled," "Disney Dreams," "The Golden Mickeys" and more. If you want a good seat, arrive about 30 minutes early since seating is first come, first served.

The Buena Vista Theatre screens first-run Disney films. These will be the same films still showing in theaters on land. If you happen to be at sea when a new Disney movie premieres on land, you'll also get that same first look at sea.

Pirate Night is a staple on many Disney cruises in the Caribbean. On that themed night, expect everyone to be dressed in their pirate-y best for the evening, so pack accordingly. Your dinner will also have a pirate theme, followed by a fun show up on deck, complete with fireworks.

Pro tip: If you plan to stay up late for Pirate Night, try to work in a nap that afternoon so you don't miss out on the nighttime fun.

Game shows, karaoke, bingo and more

The extensive lineup of interactive game shows, trivia, karaoke, dance parties, bingo and more listed in the Disney cruise app are worth checking out. Some of these are adults-only, while others are fun for the whole family. Most are included in the price of the cruise, though bingo does cost extra — and you could win real money.

Other interior attractions and activities

Meeting Disney characters is a fun part of a Disney cruise.

You can make reservations to meet the popular princesses, but most characters are easy to walk up to and meet via a short line. Or, even better, you often see them roaming about the ship at unexpected times.

You can work off some of those treats and drinks at the onboard fitness center on each ship.

The Senses Spa & Salon is a full-service spa with everything from massages to pedicures and hair care. Promotions are available if you book more than one treatment. If you have a Disney Visa card , you can also save 20% on select onboard services.

Pro tip: The showers in this part of the ship are full-size, in case you are getting a bit claustrophobic in the shower in your cabin.

If you like getting away to relax, look at purchasing access to the Rainforest Room for heated stone loungers, aromatherapy showers and even hot tubs on the larger ships. You can buy a one-day or full-cruise pass to this area of the spa, but get a tour first as the layout and inclusions in this space vary dramatically from ship to ship.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Little cruisers can be transformed into a princess or pirate at sea at the onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which does themed kid makeovers and sells costumes as part of the package. You'll need an appointment; expect to pay $100 to $200 for most packages.

This is a fun thing to do before meeting a princess, before a more formal night or anytime you want to see a huge smile on your kid's face. If you have a princess dress or outfit from home you want to use or reuse, you can purchase a cheaper package at Bibbidi Bobbidi.

Decktop attractions

Waterslides.

All of Disney Cruise Line's ships have some kind of waterslide on board.

The AquaDuck waterslide on Dream and Fantasy takes riders in single or double tubes 765 feet from Deck 12 up and down, through the forward funnel and on a four-deck drop. It's pretty epic. AquaMouse on Disney Wish is also an inner tube-based ride and is not to be missed.

These lines can get long, so I recommend riding first thing when you board if the port is warm enough. Nighttime rides usually have short waits, too.

Disney Magic has the most thrilling waterslide in the fleet, called AquaDunk, and Disney Wonder has its own waterslide in the AquaLab splash area.

Each Disney ship has multiple pools, though if you've never been on a cruise, you may be initially shocked at how small they are — and how busy they can get.

As with the waterslides, we recommend enjoying these first thing when you board if you want to try them without crowds. Otherwise, you won't find so many people in the pools on port days, early in the morning and right before dinner. There are thousands of people on the ship and only a few small pools, so plan accordingly.

Each ship has a pool and hot tub area for adults 18 and up. It can also get busy, but typically less busy than the family area. Select ships also offer an in-pool bar area for adults.

The adult sun deck is a nice place to grab a chair and relax, even if you have no intention of getting in the water.

Splash pads

Your little one has to be potty trained to use the onboard pools. The option for those still in swim diapers is some splash areas, such as Nemo's Reef and Dory's Reef.

Sports deck

If you want to be more active, head to your ship's sports deck to play basketball, foosball, miniature golf and more. You may even have some sports simulator options beyond your traditional in-person fun.

Children's programs

As a parent, my favorite part of a Disney cruise might be the included kids programs that children actually want to attend. If the kids are happy for a few hours, the parents can actually relax, too.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for children ages 3–12

All five Disney ships have amazing spaces for kids in the 3-to-12-year-old range in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.

Here you'll find video games, an indoor slide, fun programs and games with the staff, arts and crafts, surprise character visits and more. Your kids need to be potty trained to stay in this club, so use that as motivation for a kid approaching 3 years old before your next cruise.

Your kids don't need an appointment to pop in here; they can come anytime from open to close — and the club stays open pretty late.

Parents can stay with kids and play during open hours on the first day and select times on other dates, but most of the time, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are kids-only. Your kids will check in and out by scanning a special MagicBand that also tracks where they are within the kids clubs.

Disney Wish has the added perk in the kids club of a slide that takes the kids straight from the main atrium and into the fun.

Know that once your child turns 8, you have the option of giving them self-checkout privileges. While kids up to 12 are welcome in the main Oceaneer Club, they may start moving up to the tween club by the time they are 10 years old.

Edge tween club for children ages 11–14

When your kid outgrows the fun in the main kids club, don't worry. Edge is waiting just upstairs.

Technically, Edge is for kids ages 11-14, but you can get your 10-year-old in with permission — and once they figure that out, it's probably all over for the "little kid club."

Edge is a much smaller space, but tweens have tons of fun playing video games, having dance parties, doing crafts, playing trivia games and more with their newfound cruise friends.

This club does not utilize parent sign-in and -out, so you need to trust your kid if they are coming to Edge. If your 10-to-12-year-old child visits Edge, they can also play at the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club, so they have options.

Vibe teen club for children ages 14–17

Get ready to be jealous of this one. On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the teen club has its own set of small pools at the front of the ship.

Inside all versions of the teen club, Vibe, you'll find a tech-friendly world with loungers, dance parties, smoothies and other teen-approved fun. Some of the coolest inside space on Disney cruise ships is dedicated to teens ages 14-17, but you can request for your child to attend this club starting at 13 years old.

'It's a small world' nursery for children 6 months to 3 years old

While the three previously mentioned kids clubs are free and do not require reservations, the nursery operates differently. You will need to make reservations, and the fee is $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and $4 per half-hour for each additional child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

The specific documents you will need will vary by cruise destination. Having a passport is always a good idea, but it's not technically required on all Disney cruises. For example, round-trip cruises originating in Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, New Orleans, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, often do not require a passport.

Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child's passport

Disney Cruise Line adds a service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day to final bills. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can lower this amount. Of course, you can visit guest services and adjust it upward, too.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a four-night cruise would pay $232 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who quickly learned your kids' preferences for dinner and your cabin hosts who made your room look like magic while you were out enjoying yourself.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it's customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the "bill."

While some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you'll likely want to add an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts at the end of your cruise a recommended amount of $8 per night per guest.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Disney Cruise Line's Wi-Fi, Connect@Sea, is in the process of being upgraded, so speed, bandwidth and cost vary by ship.

If you are on a ship that charges by day instead of by the amount of data used, expect the prices to vary from $12-$36 per day, depending on the speed you select. There are often discounts for buying Wi-Fi access for the length of the cruise.

If you are on a ship that still charges by the amount of data used, we recommend not doing that and connecting either when you are in port or via a plan from your cellphone provider.

Related: What's the best international phone plan right now?

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin.

Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated deck areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

For an additional fee, Disney ships offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning services that will pick up and deliver clean clothes to your cabin.

Ships also provide 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment. You pay for the facilities by using your Key to the World card. These services can get busy during sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with multiple 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada. Cabins on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are equipped with a combination of 110- and 220-volt (European) outlets.

Small electrical appliances such as electric shavers, curling irons and flat irons with standard North American plugs will function on board; 110-volt items should not exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt items should not exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is provided in every cabin for your convenience, but you may bring your own as long as it meets the guidelines above.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships, regardless of location, is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card (or your DisneyBand+ on Disney Wish ) serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

In port, you may wish to carry cash or a credit card to buy snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour guide.

Drinking age

For most Disney sailings, the drinking age on board is 21.

However, on round-trip cruises departing European countries with a lower drinking age, passengers 18-20 years of age can drink alcohol on board with signed parental consent. For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent.

During the day, people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach. T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are fine.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is "cruise casual," meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don't have to put on a party dress. That said, many guests do dress up a bit in the evening, but it's not required unless you are dining in Palo, Remy or Enchante.

Cruises that are seven nights or longer schedule one "formal night" — though even then, it's only encouraged, not required. On that night, you will see suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses and similar from some guests.

Pro tip: Be sure and pack that pirate gear for Pirate Night.

Related: What to pack for your 1st cruise

Disney Cruise Line loyalty program

Disney Cruise Line has a simple loyalty program, the Castaway Club , with four "elite status" levels that you earn based on how many cruises you've taken with Disney. A three-night and 10-night cruise both count as one sailing for these purposes.

• Silver: One completed cruise
• Gold: Five completed cruises
• Platinum: 10 completed cruises
• Pearl: 25 completed cruises

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

This isn't the kind of loyalty program where you earn free cruises the way you earn free flights with airline miles. Instead, as you go up in status, you earn perks and earlier access to booking cruises and activities — which is key for getting those hard-to-snag adult dining or Castaway Cay cabana reservations

Silver members

• Book new cruise itineraries one day before the general public and book onboard activities 90 days before sailing.
• Get a "welcome back aboard" gift (such as a bag), have access to a Castaway Club members-only line when boarding and access to a Castaway Club direct phone number.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 33 days before the general public.

Gold members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings two days before the general public and can book onboard activities 105 days before sailing.
• On eight-night and longer voyages, Gold Castaway Club members are also invited to a private reception with special entertainment. There are also select merchandise discounts available to Gold members and higher.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 35 days before the general public.

Platinum members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings three days before the general public and can book onboard activities 120 days before sailing.
• Priority check-in at the cruise terminal.
• Complimentary evening dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse for themselves and everyone in the cabin age 18 and older.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 38 days before the general public.

Pearl members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings four days before the general public and can book onboard activities 123 days before sailing.
• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in (where available)
• Unlimited Digital Photo Package.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 40 days before the general public.

How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Magic ain't cheap, and Disney cruises are expensive. They aren't the priciest voyages out there, but they will cost more than cruises with family-friendly competitors such as Royal Caribbean by a noticeable margin.

For a family of four, the cheapest Disney cruise currently available (not counting the two-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand) is about $2,500. An ocean view will add about $90 and a verandah will add about $500.

On these shortest cruises, concierge-level cabins and access start at a little over $5,000 for a family of four.

Those sorts of prices will only be available during the offseason, such as in mid-to-late January and early February or for repositioning cruises as the ship moves from, say, Puerto Rico to Florida. That same cruise during spring break can cost double or more, so the more date flexibility you have, the better.

A seven-night cruise in the Caribbean will likely start around $5,000 for a family of four. Expect Alaska and Europe cruises to start at $5,000 to $6,000 for inside cabins for a week, and prices go up for longer sailings and upgraded cabins.

You can save money on your next Disney cruise by putting a $250 deposit down while you are at sea on a previous Disney cruise. It's a popular way to get 10% off your next cruise.

Another way to save on a Disney cruise is to look at a one-way repositioning sailing , as those often price lower than other similar cruises. For example, the cruise line may need to end a cruise in a particular port to reposition the ship to do some sailings from there. You'll have to get yourself back home from that port, but you may save on the cruise in the process.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on a cruise

How to book

You can book your Disney cruise directly with Disney Cruise Line either over the phone or online, but I'd argue you shouldn't.

Cruises are easy to enjoy but can be complicated to plan if you are new to this type of travel. This is an industry where a travel agent is still a good call. You want someone who can help you pick the right cabin type and location for your group and keep track of when you can snag those onboard activities you really want.

When the wave of pandemic-related cruise cancellations hit in 2020, I was so grateful to have a travel agent — instead of me — spending time dealing with the cruise line.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Another reason to consider going through a travel agent is to get onboard credit. Some travel agents will offer onboard credit based on the amount you spend on your Disney cruise. This is credit you can use toward drinks, spa treatments, excursions or anything else you can charge to your room.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY CRUISE, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Generally speaking, the sooner you book a Disney cruise after it goes on sale, the better, as prices usually only go in one direction — up.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases and maybe even offers some built-in travel protections .

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar on travel and dining and an annual up-to-$300 travel credit.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 points per dollar on travel.
• The Disney Premier Visa Card is also a good option, specifically with Disney Cruise Line, as it gives you access to a 0% introductory annual percentage rate for six months following the purchase date on eligible Disney vacation packages, such as a Disney cruise (then a variable APR of 19.24% to 28.24% applies). The card also gets you 10% in savings on some onboard activities and packages while at Castaway Cay.

Related: How to save money on booking a Disney cruise

Bottom line

Whether you are on a three-night trip to Castaway Cay or a bigger crossing to the South Pacific, a Disney cruise is a special vacation that actually feels like a vacation.

The classic styling of the original four ships, the modern storybook styling of Disney Wish, the vast number of inclusions, the rotational dining, waterslides, private island, fun kids clubs, Disney characters, high-caliber entertainment and Disney service shine through.

You'll certainly pay more for the privilege of sailing with Mickey and Minnie than with some other family-friendly lines. But for those with kids in that Disney age range, or for adults who know and trust the Disney brand, it's hard to go wrong in choosing Disney Cruise Line for your next vacation.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

• Best Disney ships for everyone
• Everything we know about Disney Treasure, joining DCL in 2024
• Everything you need to know about Disney Wish
• Best credit cards for booking a cruise

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Lines

Disney Cruise Line

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Disney Cruise Line fleet

Disney adventure, disney destiny, disney treasure, disney wish, disney fantasy, disney dream, disney wonder, disney magic, review of disney cruise line.

DCL-Disney Cruise Line (disneycruise.disney.go.com) is a passenger shipping company, subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Incorporated in 1996 as Magical Cruise Company Ltd, the company is headquartered in London City (England UK), with operational headquarters in Celebration (Florida USA).

Currently, DCL owns and operates six ships ( Treasure , Wish , Fantasy , Dream , Wonder , Magic ), plus the private island Castaway Cay Bahamas (exclusive port for Disney-owned vessels).

Actually, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) was created in 1995 when The Walt Disney Company commissioned the liners Magic (1998) and Wonder (1999) from Fincantieri Italy . With the newbuilds DCL ended the ship charter arrangement with Premier Cruise Line (1983-founded/2000- defunct ). In the 1980s, Disney contracted Premier Cruises to provide passenger shipping services, with voyages leaving roundtrip from Florida ( Port Canaveral/Orlando City ). Back then, Disney's travel packages were marketed as "family cruise vacations" and featured costumed Disney Characters. The fleet project (building two new liners by Meyer Werft Papenburg Germany ) was announced in 2007. Disney Dream was introduced in 2011, Disney Fantasy - in 2012, Disney Wish - in 2022.

DCL's current President is Jeff Vahle.

In July 2022, DCL increased the recommended onboard gratuities (by US$1 per day per passenger) to US$14.50 pp (most staterooms) and US$15,50 pp (concierge suites).

In July 2023, DCL increased the cost of dining at the ships' optional adults-only restaurants (Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Enchante, Remy). Specialty restaurants' charges are per person.

• (fleetwide) Palo now costs $50 for both brunch and dinner.
• (ship Wish) Palo Steakhouse costs $50.
• (ships Fantasy and Dream) Remy costs $80, dinner costs $135, dessert costs $65.
• (ship Wish) Enchante costs $80 for brunch, $65 for dessert, Passion costs $125, Collection costs $195.
• Tasting seminars' charge pp (including Mixology Class) was raised in April from $25 to $45 pp.

DisneyBand+

In 2022, on Disney Wish ship DCL introduced the "DisneyBand+" - a water-resistant wristband similar to Walt Disney World's MagicBand+. In 2023, the device was implemented fleetwide.

Before the voyage, passengers can utilize the technology for a smoother embarkation. Upon arrival at the cruise port, they can use the band for check-in (by scanning the device) which expedites the ship boarding process.

Once on the ship, the DisneyBand+ serves as a stateroom key, eliminating DCL's old key cards.

The device can be also used for paying for food and beverages (at dining venues) as well as merchandise (at the onboard shops) which eliminates the need for credit cards. On Castaway Cay, just like on the ship, the DisneyBand+ can be used for shopping or purchasing drinks.

DisneyBand+ is sold in several designs and 50+ different styles. Prices start at US$35 (solid colors), while themed bands cost US$45 (plus tax). To ensure timely delivery, DCL recommends purchasing the wristbands at least 45 days prior to the voyage's departure date.

Customers who already have MagicBand+ (from Walt Disney World) can use it as a substitute for the DisneyBand+.

New ships 2022-2024-2025 (TRITON-Class liners)

In October 2022, the German broadcaster NDR aired an interview with Christoph Morgen (GHK's MV Werften's insolvency administrator) stating that the unfinished (~75% completed) 9000-passenger liner Global Dream/Disney Adventure (originally ordered by Genting Hong Kong for Dream Cruises ) could be acquired by DCL and delivered/inaugurated in 2024-Q4.

• Global Dream's construction was suspended in January 2022 when MV Werften filed for bankruptcy.
• While the possible purchase price was not mentioned, the previously stated shipbuilding cost was EUR 1,6 billion.
• DCL's purchase interest was not officially announced, but on October 4th, Reinhard Meyer (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister of Economics, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labor) mentioned "confidential negotiations" with a possible byer and that completing Global Dream will secure the employment of MV Werften Wismar 's ~950 former employees.
• Industry experts commented that with Global Dream Disney might enter the Asian market.
• On November 16, 2022, DCL officially confirmed Global Dream's acquisition.
•  The ship's new name (Disney Adventure) was revealed on September 9, 2023. Disney Adventure is planned to start revenue operations for DCL in 2025, with homeporting in Singapore and voyages in Southeast Asia (year-round deployment).

In early March 2016, DCL announced plans to build three new liners (the company's ever-largest) and signed a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft Gmbh (Germany's largest shipbuilding company). The new vessels are slightly bigger than Fantasy and Dream .

Disney's three newbuilds are currently scheduled for deliveries in 2022 ( Wish ), 2024 ( Treasure ) and 2025 ( Destiny ).

DCL officially announced the plans to build 3 new vessels on July 15, 2017. When launched/operational, with them Walt Disney will nearly double its current fleet. The boats' builder is Meyer Werft ( Papenburg Shipyard ). The announcement was made by Bob Chapek (Walt Disney Parks and Resorts company's Chairman).

The new vessel's interior design, facilities and itineraries are still in development. What is known so far is that they will be LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas) and from one series (same-designed), with GT-tonnage 144,000 tons (larger than the originally announced 135,000 GT) and max passenger capacity 2500 (1250 staterooms). This design is slightly larger than Disney's previous largest units (Dream-Fantasy). The first liner will be named Disney Wish (2022-Q2). The names for the second and third units are yet to be announced.

On the March 9th/2018-released exterior rendering was shown Disney's traditional black-white-red hull color scheme. New is the superstructure's golden flair. Between the funnels is the top-deck waterpark with slides. Balcony cabins are located midship, which provides larger accommodations for passengers.

DCL also revealed that the new liners will be all homeported in Florida - in Miami (Destiny) and Port Canaveral (Wish, Treasure).

"Adventures by Disney" cruises to Antarctica

For 2021, DCL planned to introduce its first cruises to Antarctica and for 2023 its first Galapagos voyages, all via chartered ships. Both "expedition ship travel" options are offered by DCL's tour subsidiary "Adventures by Disney", and are Disney's ever-first expedition voyages.

Disney's Antarctica program is via a ship charter deal with the French premium travel brand Ponant Cruises .

Eventually postponed to 2023 (due to the COVID crisis), DCL's Antarctic program offers sailings visiting the Antarctic Peninsula (12-day/11-night itineraries via Drake Passage ) and with an overnight in Buenos Aires Argentina before the charter flight to Ushuaia Argentina (homeport).

In Ushuaia start and end the Antarctic voyages on the Ponant vessel Le Boreal ( max passenger capacity 264). Before boarding, tourists spend 2 days touring the area around Ushuaia (Patagonia). A sightseeing tour visits Tierra del Fuego NP and includes a train ride on the Southern Fuegian Railway (aka "Train of the End of the World"/the world's southernmost functioning railway) in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego Province.

DCL cruises to Antarctica include several days of exploration - landings and coastal cruising by Zodiacs (large-capacity rigid inflatable speedboats) that all Ponant ships carry onboard. An optional premium kayaking tour is also available for booking, as well as the 3-night hotel/4-day Buenos Aires guided tour package "Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise" (pre-cruise stay in Argentina's capital city).

Adventures by Disney recommends on Antarctic voyages children to be at least 12 years old and restricts bookings to minimum age 10 years due to "the duration of the trip, potential for extreme weather or sea conditions and the amount of physical activity involved".

Fares for Disney's first Antarctic cruises (2023) started at USD 12800 (EUR 10740/GBP 9180) for adults and USD 11500 (EUR 9560/GBP 8247) for children, with double occupancy. Deals are inclusive of two domestic flights (Buenos Aires-Ushuaia-Buenos Aires), 5-star hotel stay (at Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta Hotel), 31 meals total (11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners). DCL's Antarctic expedition experience features professional services by a team of naturalists, Disney-trained tour guides, Special Guests, Zodiac excursions and landings, shipboard activities (for adults and kids). International flights (to/from Ezeiza International Airport) are not included in cruise fares.

Bookings opened on November 12, 2021.

"Adventures by Disney" cruises in the Galapagos Islands

Adventures by Disney's Galapagos cruise program was inaugurated in 2022, with prices from USD 6300 (EUR 5290/GBP 4518) for adults and USD 5600 (EUR 4700/GBP 4016) for children, with double occupancy.

Disney's Galapagos Islands program is based on the chartered boat Galapagos Legend (1963-built, max passengers 110). Adventures by Disney limits Galapagos bookings with a min age 12-years-old.

DCL's Galapagos deals are inclusive of a 9-day/8-night package (roundtrip cruise itinerary with two domestic flights Quito-Baltra-Quito), 23 meals (8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners), 1-night Quito hotel stay (pre-cruise). International flights (to/from Wyndham Quito Airport) are not included in cruise fares.

Disney Galapagos cruise itinerary includes Quito City (hotel/Day1), Baltra Island (ship embarkation/Day2), South Plaza Island (Day3/morning guided Wildlife Walk), North Seymour Island (Day3/guided hiking tour and snorkeling), San Cristobal Island (Day4/Pitt Point debarkation, guide Coastline Tour-hiking-sea kayaking-snorkeling, Cerro Brujo Beach), San Cristobal Island (Day5/visit to Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve's breeding center, hiking to Cerro Tijeretas Hill, visit to Organic Farm & Restaurant), Espanola Island (Day6/Gardner Bay debarkation, guided hiking-swimming-snorkeling, hiking Suarez Point), Floreana Island (Day7/morning Walk Tour, guided swimming-snorkeling, visit to Post Office Bay, playing soccer with the cruise ship's crew, guided tour to Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown nad Champion Islet), Santa Cruz Island (Day8/visits to Charles Darwin Research Station, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Centro de Educacion Basica Oswaldo Guayasamin, Quiman Valle Coffee Farm, guided boat tour to Ballena Bay and Eden Islet), Baltra Island (ship debarkation, flight to Quito).

"Adventures by Disney" cruises in the Mediterranean/Adriatic

In October 2022 were announced DCL's first Adriatic Sea voyages (two 8-day itineraries on PONANT's ship Le Bougainville ) scheduled for 2024.

Disney's "Adriatic Expedition Cruise" itinerary is roundtrip from Venice City (Italy) visiting 7 Adriatic ports - in Croatia (Korcula, Primosten/Krka National Park, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj) and Montenegro (Kotor).

From Croatia (Rovinj) are organized bus tours to Slovenia for visiting Postojna Cave Park's Postojna Cave. Other excursion options include kayaking along Pakleni Islands (off Hvar Island's coast), bicycling in Hvar City's Stari Grad, and catamaran touring Montenegro's Boka Bay.

Up to 6 professional tour guides accompany Disney's cruise tourists and lead all activities (shipboard and ashore). Onboard adults-only activities feature cocktail workshops and fitness classes. 

Junior Adventurers (12 years old and under) can enjoy their own special programs that are led by the adventure guides, such as navigation lessons, a pizza party, a "Pirates of the Adriatic" swim party, and a "Dalmatian Dash" scavenger hunt.

Departures were scheduled for June 25 and July 2, 2024.

General public bookings opened on October 27, 2022. Priority bookings opened on Oct 24th.

"Adventures by Disney" river cruises

In Europe, Adventures by Disney partnered with one of the world's largest river cruise companies - AmaWaterways - offering its loyal customers river cruisetour deals on voyage-chartered boats.

A "voyage charter" is when the vessel (and its crew) are hired for a specific voyage (departure date and custom itinerary). The charterer (Disney) pays the shipowner (AmaWaterways) on a lump-sum basis (single payment) while the shipowner is responsible for paying port taxes, fuel costs and crew costs. The cruise charter specifies a laytime (period) for loading and unloading the Disney-provided (exclusive) passengers.

On the chartered from AmaWaterways riverboat, Disney provides its passengers with all-inclusive deals (accommodation, meals, entertainment, shore excursions) including an immersive and pro-active onboard and ashore program curated by Disney's family travel experts. A team of Disney Adventure Guides includes English-speaking professional storytellers who review the visited destinations (port cities, towns, land tour sites and attractions).

For season 2021, the mainly family-themed "Adventures by Disney" were part of Disney's ever-largest river cruise program - a total of 30 departures/itineraries on Danube and also in France (Seine, Rhine, Rhone). Traditionally, select voyages were exclusively reserved for families without kids, being themed on Food and Wine and Oktoberfest (with German beer tastings). New in 2021 was Disney's Rhine River program that included Papenburg where was offered an exclusive tour to the MEYER WERFT shipyard where MS Disney Wish was under construction at the time.

For April 2025, Adventures by Disney scheduled the launch of two new routes in Holland and Belgium. Both voyages are 7-day-long, roundtrips from Amsterdam and feature visits to windmills, famous museums, canal cruising, and beer and food tastings.

Disney ship cruising experience

Among the best family lines, with the most family-friendly cruise ships, and some of the most attractive cheap all-inclusive family cruise packages, The company is the world's leader in family cruising. "Disney World land and sea" packages are industry's best kids cruise deals for the Caribbean, operated with signature land resorts and large and modern liners.

Disney Cruise Line is a unique enterprise designed to provide the industry's best family ship travel vacation experiences. Disney offers regular departures from Florida USA to Eastern Caribbean (mostly to the Bahamas) from its own cruise terminal at Port Canaveral - just a few minutes away from Disney's capital city Orlando and world's best Disneyland Park. Among the special voyages are the Alaskan itineraries (leaving from Seattle and Vancouver Canada) during the Disney summer and the Panama Canal transition cruises on repositioning between Alaska and Caribbean.

All Disney ships are family-friendly. Each boat features a Walt Disney Theater (resembling Broadway house) and Buena Vista Cinema (for Disney movies). Studio Sea (TV sound stage and forum for G-rated live shows) is available on Magic and Wonder. Similar venue (named "D Lounge") is on Fantasy and Dream. "Disney Digital 3-D" (on Magic and Wonder) is a cinema experience with lasers, streamers, fog and lighting effects.

The main swimming pool areas on all Disney boats are geared toward families. There is a pool for kids (with 200-ft Mickey waterslide) and small sprinkler tub for toddlers. Adult-only pools are also fleetwide feature, though on the larger ships they encompass several decks.

The AquaDuck water park (Fantasy and Dream) is one of the first-ever watercoasters on a cruise ship. Located on top-deck, the slide has a transparent, acrylic tube propelling riders (on rafts) up and down 4 decks of the ship. At one point, the slide swings out 13 ft off the ship's side, 150 ft above sea level.

Palo restaurant is a boutique eatery on every Disney ship, offering Italian traditional cuisine. The Remy restaurant serves premium French dishes (on Fantasy and Dream) and comes with the highest at sea surcharge for dining - USD 85 pp.

The adults-only spa features rain forest steam room. The adults-only nightclubs on board are named "Route 66" (on Wonder), "Europa" (on Fantasy), "The District" (on Dream), "Beat Street" (on Magic). Another popular for adults venues are sports pub and dance club. The following link is to CruiseMapper's Disney secrets, tips, and tricks .

Disney ships' kids and teen programming

Company's kids' program is professionally organized and run by highly-trained and certified youth counselors. On each cruise liner are offered pre-scheduled daily character meetings, themed breakfasts, animation workshops, parades, firework shows. Onboard nurseries are named "It's a Small World" (on Fantasy and Dream) and "Flounder's Reef Nursery" (on Magic and Wonder). The ship nursery provides complimentary childcare for infants (ages 12 weeks-3 years) with toys and supervised fun activities. Nurseries feature indoor porthole windows (semi-transparent one-way mirrors) allowing parents to peek without being seen. For a fee is available online pre-ordering of baby supplies (via the brand partnership with "Babies Travel Lite").

Ship's "Oceaneer Club" spans nearly an entire deck. It is a supervised program for kids aged 3-7 yo (split into age groups 3-4 and 5-7). "Oceaneer Lab" (for kids split into age groups 8-9 and 10-12) offers hands-on science experiments, ship-wide scavenger hunts, themed deck parties (with Disney costumes provided), high-tech interactive programs. Children ages 11-12 can compete in marine biology game show and send to friends digital postcards.

Teens (aged 13-17) have private clubs (named "Stack" and "Aloft") fitted with plenty of chairs and couches, and offering MP3 listening stations, latest video games, popular board games, and magazines, teen bars (dispenser-served smoothies and soft drinks). On Fantasy and Dream teen are in 2 age groups - 11 to 13 (at "Edge") and 14 to 17 (at "Vibe", with an outdoor sundeck with hot tubs).

After boarding, kids are automatically enrolled in children's programs on Castaway Cay, which feature bike riding and supervised games by age group, private island experiences (Disney characters appearances are scheduled several times daily).

Most Disney cabins have bath-and-a-half - the second bathroom has a sink, toilet, vanity, the full bathroom has a sink, tub/shower, and toilet.

Shipboard facilities

Spa and Fitness Facilities

• Senses Spa & Salon (Dream and Fantasy)
• Vista Spa & Salon (Magic and Wonder)
• Fitness Center (all ships)
• Goofy's Sports Deck: (Dream and Fantasy) - an open-air centre with golf course, sports simulators, basketball-volleyball court
• Wide World of Sports (Magic and Wonder) - an open-air centre with basketball court, ping-pong tables.

Onboard Theatres (all ships)

• Buena Vista Theater - first-run movies, 3D cinema, top-notch equipment, plush seats
• Walt Disney Theater - live performances, Broadway-style themed Disney shows, movies.

Youth Clubs

• Disney's Oceaneer Club (all ships) - supervised themed activities ages 3-7
• Disney's Oceaneer Lab (all ships) - themed activities ages 8-12
• Edge (all ships) - teens-only, video games, TV, Internet
• Vibe (all ships) - teens-only, with a sundeck and a pool
• D Lounge (Dream and Fantasy) - family lounge and nightclub
• Studio Sea (Magic and Wonder) - family activities center
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Fantasy) - a kids make-up salon
• Arr-cade (Dream and Fantasy) - arcade (all ages)
• Quarter Masters (Magic and Wonder) - arcade (all ages)
• Flounder's Reef Nursery (Magic and Wonder) - themed after "The Little Mermaid" (ages 3 months to 3yo)
• It's A Small World Nursery (Dream and Fantasy) - 3 months to 3 years.

Shipboard Nightclubs and Lounges

• 687 - sports bar (Dream)
• Bon Voyage - family bar (Dream and Fantasy)
• Cadillac Lounge - piano bar (Wonder)
• Cove Cafe - adults-only (all ships)
• Currents - cocktail bar (Dream and Fantasy)
• District Lounge - nightclub (Dream)
• Diversions - sports pub, karaoke (Magic and Wonder)
• Evolution - disco club (Dream) - family during the day, adults-only at night
• O'Gills Pub - Irish themed sports bar (Fantasy)
• La Piazza - adults-only (Fantasy)
• Meridian - adults-only (Dream and Fantasy)
• Outlook Cafe - adults-only (Wonder)
• Pink - adults-only (Dream)
• Promenade Lounge (Magic and Wonder)
• Rockin' Bar D - music club (Magic), family (dailyy), adults-only (nightly)
• Sessions - piano bar (Magic)
• Signals - adults-only (Magic and Wonder)
• Skyline - adults-only (Dream and Fantasy)
• The Tube - adults-only nightclub (Fantasy)
• Vista Cafe - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• WaveBands club - family (day), a dance club at night (Wonder)
• Waves - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• Ooh La La - adults-only, Victorian furniture (Fantasy)

The FUN Pools (swimming pools)

• AquaDuck - 4 decks high water coaster (Dream and Fantasy)
• Donald's Pool - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• Goofy's Pool - family, incl 2 whirlpool spas, a toddler pool with splash zones, 7,3x4,3m LED screen on the forward funnel overlooking the pool (Magic and Wonder)
• Mickey's Pool - kids-only, 1 deck high slide (all ships)
• Nemo's Reef - kids area (Dream and Fantasy)
• Quiet Cove Pool - adults-only (all ships).

In March 2015, Disney Cruise Line introduced the "Mickey Check" meals fleetwide.

• Disney's "Mickey Check" is used throughout Disneyland Resorts and Walt Disney World at various locations. The mark is also on Disney-licensed food products. It is a part of "Disney Magic of Healthy Living" commitment (launched 2006) to make healthy eating simpler and more fun for families. These meals are offered in the onboard rotational (main dining room) restaurants.
• To receive "Mickey Check", food must be nutritious and meet the Walt Disney company's Nutrition Guidelines (created by leading child health experts) for levels of saturated fat, calories, sugar, and sodium. A "Mickey Check" kids' meal includes 3 or more nutritious food groups (vegetables, lean protein, whole grains), has zero trans fats and limited added sugar.

Since November 2019, on all Disney ships provide to their crew complimentary texting (sending and receiving unlimited text messages) on devices with iOS and Android operating systems.

Disney private island Castaway Cay (Bahamas)

Castaway Cay is a Bahamian private island leased by Disney Cruises. It serves as an exclusive port of call for Disney ships. Castaway Cay (formerly Gorda Cay) is located close to Great Abaco Island. In 1997, Walt Disney Company bought a 99-year island lease from the Bahamian Government (set to expire 2096), giving the company substantial control over the cruise ship passenger experience on the island.

In early August 2017 was announced that Disney is looking to buy a second Caribbean private island to be developed as an exclusive port of call for the company's new cruise ships. The reason for a new private island destination is that Castaway Cay has the capacity to handle ships with capacity up to 875 cabins, otherwise it becomes too crowded. Such a "private island" option emerged in 2016 with Egg Island (Bahamas). However, those plans were abolished after some environmental studies showing that the island's ecosystem would not sustain the planned development.

New Disney private island in the Bahamas (Eleuthera)

On October 19, 2018, The Bahamas officially issued a tentative preliminary approval of Disney Cruise Line's plan to build and exclusively operate a private cruise port ( Lighthouse Point ) on Eleuthera Island's southern tip. Project's developer will be the Walt Disney Company subsidiary Disney Parks and Resorts. The plan is for developing a land sized 746 acres (302 hectares / 3 km2) that Disney agreed to purchase. The new Disney ships-only port will have a dedicated pier (capacity 1 vessel), boat marina, shops, restaurants, passenger walkways through forests and around salt ponds.

Disney's new port project will create around 150 permanent local jobs plus various entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamian residents. However, The Bahamas Parliament must officially agree to the plan once all terms and conditions are agreed and proper environmental testing is conducted.

In early-March 9, 2019, Bahamas allowed Walt Disney to acquire (purchase) the resort property Lighthouse Pointe (at Grand Lucayan, Freeport) from Meritage Hospitality Group Inc (US company / restaurant operator). The property will serve as Disney's new cruise port (land area 190 acres / 77 hectares / 0,77 km2) that also doubles as "entertainment facility" (during no-ship days). By this project, Disney will invest between USD 250-400 million to develop the property as Castaway Cay. As part of the deal, Disney agreed to donate property's southernmost point (land value USD 6,3 million) to the Bahamas Government for a national park.

Core elements of Disney's new Bahamas port project include low-density development, sustainable design, free public access, economic opportunities for Bahamians, overall workers ratio 80-20% (Bahamian-other workers) during project's construction phase, creating 150 permanent jobs (with health benefits) for Bahamians after project's completion. Construction will start after the Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Plan are reviewed and Gov approved.

Currently, on Eleuthera island is located the Carnival Corporation -owned (via ist subsidiary Princess Cruises ) private island resort Princess Cays .

New Disney cruise cancellation policy

Since September 2018, Disney has a new final payment and cruise cancellation policy.

• Final payments for passengers booked in standard staterooms on itineraries with lengths 1- to 5-nights is due 90 days prior departure. The old policy required 75 days prior to departure. By the new policy, cancellation fees start at 89 days (customers also lose their cruise deposits). At 44 days, customers lose 50% of their payment, at 29 days - 75%, at 14 or fewer days - 100%.
• For passengers booked in standard staterooms on itineraries with lengths 6-nights or more, payment is due 120 days prior departure. The old policy required 90 days for itineraries between 5 and 9 nights. By the new policy, customers cancelling 56+ days prior departure lose their cruise deposit. Customers cancelling between 55-30 days - lose 50%, those cancelling between 29-15 days - 75%; those cancelling 14-days/less - 100%.
• For customers booked in concierge cabins and suites on itineraries 1 to 5 nights, final payment due date remains 120 days prior departure. On itineraries 6+ nights, final payment is due 150 days prior departure.

The company also eliminated final payments and cancellation fees for holiday cruises - voyages that include July 4th, Christmas, New Year's Eve or Thanksgiving Day.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, DCL-Disney suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all 4 liners) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

DCL cruise operations resumed in 2021 with the ships Disney MAGIC (July 15/UK cruises to nowhere from Southampton/Oct 28 starts Caribbean from Miami), Disney DREAM (Aug 9/Bahamas from Port Canaveral), Disney FANTASY (Sept 11/Bahamas from Port Canaveral), Disney WONDER (Nov 5/Panama Canal from San Diego to Galveston), Disney Wish (June 17, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Bahamas from Port Canaveral).

• DCL's Alaska 2021 program (Disney Wonder from Vancouver) was canceled. DCL's Europe 2021 program (Disney Magic) was canceled.
• Disney Magic's mini-season in Europe-UK (Around Britain itineraries) was for UK residents only.

All affected bookings received full monetary refunds, including on prepurchased through Walt Disney packages and services. With rebooking is offered 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) transferred to the new booking which must be made within 15 months of the canceled voyage's departure date. Without rebooking is provided full (100%) monetary refund.

Itinerary of Disney Cruise Line

By 2025, DCL-Disney Cruise Line's fleet will double its size following the introduction of two newbuilds (now on order/under construction) . To be deployed mainly in the USA-Caribbean, the new boats will be homeported in Miami ( Disney Destiny ) and Port Canaveral ( Disney Wish , Disney Treasure ).

DCL operates "Disney Cruise Line Terminal" in Port Canaveral Florida - the homeport for the liners Fantasy and Dream. Disney Magic is homeported in Miami Florida , Disney Wonder is homeported in Galveston Texas and San Diego California plus Vancouver BC Canada (to Alaska).

DCL offers various destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Panama Canal , Canada, and New England, Alaska, Pacific Coast USA, as well as Transatlantic crossings on repositioning. Most itineraries are roundtrips to The Bahamas, Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. During summer, Disney Wonder operates on Alaskan cruises from Vancouver. All DCL cruise itineraries to The Bahamas visit DCL's private Caribbean island CASTAWAY CAY (located north of Nassau ) as an exclusive port of call.

Since November 2023, Disney Dream is homeported (for the first time) in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA) . The new homeporting follows the ship's European deployment (Mediterranean from Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome, and UK-Baltic from Southampton). The 4- and 5-night itineraries visit ports in The Bahamas (Castaway Cay, Nassau) and Western Caribbean (Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman).

In 2023 (February 18th thru April 10th) Disney Magic was homeported in NOLA/New Orleans Louisiana . The program was based on 4-5-6-day roundtrip Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel (4-day), Cozumel plus Costa Maya (5-day) and Cozumel plus Grand Cayman/George Town Harbour (6-day).

"Adventures by Disney" expedition voyages

DCL's subsidiary "Adventures by Disney" offers expedition-type cruise vacations via chartered ships.

The program started in 2022 and currently offers sailings in the Galapagos Islands (chartering Galapagos Legend ), Antarctica , and Europe/Mediterranean (chartering two PONANT ships - Le Boreal and Le Bougainville).

Adventures by Disney's 2024 schedule currently lists the following itineraries/departure dates:

• "Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise" departures in 2024 - March 17-25, June 9-17, July 14-22, August 7-15, December 18-26.
• "Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise" - departures in 2023 (December 17-28) and 2024 (February 17-28)
• "Arctic Expedition Cruise" departure in 2024 (July 1-10)

All "Adventures by Disney" cruises are English-speaking and served by professional tour guides.

(NEW) "Adventures by Disney" river voyages in 2025

On January 19, 2023, Adventures by Disney opened for booking two new river routes (scheduled for launch in April 2025) visiting popular port cities in Holland and Belgium.

Both voyages are 7-day-long, roundtrips from Amsterdam and feature visits to windmills, famous museums, canal cruising, and beer and food tastings (chocolate, cheese, waffles).

The "Discover Holland and Belgium Tour" itinerary's ports are Amsterdam, Utrecht , Rotterdam , Ghent , Brussels , Antwerp , Kinderdijk , Gouda , and Bruges . It includes a Rotterdam Pilgrim walking tour, a visit to Utrecht's Museum Speelklok and Castle de Haar, and an exploration of Brussels' influence on comic books. There's an adult-exclusive departure for this itinerary.

The "Tulip Tour" (inaugural departure on April 13, 2025, ship AmaLucia) visits Amsterdam, Hoorn , Middelburg , Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam , Kinderdijk, and Schoonhoven . Highlights include a visit to Keukenhof Gardens/Lisse and the Floralia Brussels (flower show at the Grand Bigard Castle).

The "Discover Holland and Belgium Tour" is scheduled for AmaStella ship (chartered in the summer) and AmaViola (chartered for the holidays), starting from June 28, 2025.

Prices for children started at US$4900, for adults at US$5500.

DCL cruise itineraries 2024-2025

DCL has two year-round homeports in Florida USA (including its first full season out of Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ) and also operates voyages leaving roundtrip from California, Louisiana, and Texas.

Disney Dream commences in early 2024 with sailings to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean. Passengers can choose from 3- and 4-night getaways to the Bahamas and 5-night vacations to the western Caribbean, featuring classic Disney experiences like Broadway-style shows, character encounters, fireworks at sea, and innovative dining. All sailings from Florida include a stop at Castaway Cay , a private island oasis reserved exclusively for DCL guests. Located in the Bahamas' turquoise waters, Castaway Cay offers the ultimate escape for everyone, with relaxation, adventure, and quality time with the whole family.

Disney Wish is kicking off 2024 with 3- and 4-night journeys to Nassau (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) , Disney's homeport located just 1 hour from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Voyages aboard Disney Wish combine numerous Disney firsts and enchanting entertainment, bringing to life Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars stories.

Also from Port Canaveral, Disney Fantasy continues 7-night sailings to the beaches of the eastern/western Caribbean. Disney guests on eastern Caribbean voyages visit Tortola BVI and St. Thomas , while western Caribbean itineraries feature the ports of Grand Cayman , Falmouth (Jamaica) , and Cozumel (Mexico) . Every Disney Fantasy sailing also features a stop at Castaway Cay, as well as several days at sea.

Disney Magic has 2 limited-time engagements in Galveston Texas early 2024. After ringing in the New Year , the ship is expected to embark on Caribbean adventures ranging from 4 to 6 nights through the end of January. Upon returning for a month-long stint in March-April, the Magic ship will sail voyages ranging from 4 to 7 nights to the western Caribbean during the spring break period. New Orleans (Port NOLA) welcomes Disney Magic back for a 2nd consecutive year in February 2024 with 4-, 5- and 7-night cruises to the Caribbean. Families have the opportunity to arrive early/extend their vacation to enjoy jazz & jambalaya in the city that inspired "The Princess and the Frog."

After her return from an inaugural season in Australia & New Zealand, Disney Wonder is due to arrive in San Diego California in March 2024 for 3- to 7-night cruises to Mexico, including Baja peninsula. Popular for its vibrant culture, saltwater adventures, and stunning beaches, families are able to visit some of the most prized destinations in Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas , Ensenada , Puerto Vallarta , and Mazatlan along with stops on the shores of Catalina Island (Dominicana) off the California coast.

In March 2023, DCL-Disney Cruise Line announced the inaugural dates/select itineraries for its brand-new island destination in The Bahamas, headlining a season full of new and passenger-favorite itineraries around the world in the summer of 2024. Along with the first voyages to Lighthouse Point , families are able to choose cruise vacations to bucket-list destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, northern Europe, and Alaska.

In June 2024, Disney debuts its newest Bahamian destination on Eleuthera Island at Lighthouse Point. Passengers sailing aboard Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) can discover a vibrant beach retreat infused with the energy of Bahamian artistry and a commitment to conservation.

A 7-night inaugural voyage aboard Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) on June 8th allows passengers to be among the first to see the crystal-clear waters of the new destination at Lighthouse Point. The ultimate Disney island destination itinerary features 2 stops at Lighthouse Point and a day at Castaway Cay . On June 6th, a 3-night preview voyage on Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale offers a sneak peek of Lighthouse Point.

After the inaugural voyage, Lighthouse Point is to be a featured port of call on select 3-, 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas and the Caribbean on Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale. The itineraries vary stops between Lighthouse Point/Castaway Cay, with 5 special departures including both Disney island destinations.

In the summer of 2024, Disney Dream returns to premier European destinations in the Greek Isles, British Isles, the Mediterranean, and popular locales in Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords.

The sailings feature a number of new ports of call (Valencia, Haugesund, and Hamburg), along with 3 Mediterranean destinations that return for the first time since 2014: Catania, Kusadasi, and Valletta.

Mediterranean and Greek Isles voyages from Barcelona (Spain) and Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy) range from 5 to 11 nights, while northern Europe and the British Isles cruises offer itineraries anywhere from 3 nights to one 12-night journey that includes the Norwegian fjords, 3 days in Iceland and an overnight in Reykjavik (Iceland) .

Cruises to Alaska from Vancouver BC Canada return on Disney Wonder from May through to September 2024, with 5-, 7- and 9-night sailings.

Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish are due to sail to islands throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean in the summer of 2024. All voyages on the Port Canaveral-based liners feature a visit to Castaway Cay.

Disney Wish features 3- and 4-night Bahamian vacations, while Disney Fantasy sails to popular ports in the eastern & western Caribbean on 7-night cruises. One 5-night Disney Fantasy cruise in July takes families to Nassau with 2 stops in Castaway Cay, while a 10-night southern Caribbean journey gives families another chance to visit Lighthouse Point with additional visits to Antigua, Castaway Cay, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Tortola.

Disney Adventure ship starts revenue operations for DCL in 2025, with homeporting in Singapore and voyages in Southeast Asia (year-round deployment).

Summer 2025 itineraries (Europe & Caribbean)

In its debut summer season in Europe, Disney Fantasy sets sail from Barcelona Spain and Civitavecchia-Rome Italy , from May to late July. Itineraries (ranging from 5 to 12 nights) explore picturesque Mediterranean ports, including a special 12-night voyage to the Greek Isles.

From late July to September, Disney Fantasy is homeported in the UK  (Southampton England)  visiting popular destinations in Spain, Norway, and the British Isles.

Disney Wonder's Alaskan program is based on roundtrips from Vancouver BC Canada , and scheduled for May through September. Passengers can marvel at Alaska's stunning natural beauty and explore destinations such as Juneau ,  Skagway , and  Ketchikan .

In summer 2025, four Disney ships operate from Florida, with three departing from  Port Canaveral  and one from  Fort Lauderdale .

Disney Treasure ship offers 7-night Caribbean itineraries to Castaway Cay ,  Tortola BVI ,  St Thomas USVI ,  Falmouth Jamaica ,  Grand Cayman , and  Cozumel .

Disney Magic ship from Port Canaveral offers 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas and DCL's private islands.

Disney Dream ship from Fort Lauderdale offers 3- to 5-night voyages to  Nassau , Castaway Cay, and Cozumel.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Dream visit  Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point  (Disney's new Bahamian private resort,) in summer 2025. Some itineraries group both exclusive ports (Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay).

Disney Wish ship from Port Canaveral has scheduled 3- and 4-night roundtrips to Nassau and Castaway Cay, while the Disney Dream will operate from Fort Lauderdale on similar routes.

(animal cruelty) The Faroe Islands cruise boycott

In 2014, Disney was the first of all three (for now) cruise ship companies (followed in 2016 by AIDA and Hapag-Lloyd) that banned Faroe Islands (a Danish territory) as destination part of their North European itineraries.

The boycott is due to the island nation's traditional mass slaughter of pilot whales each year. The protected by Denmark gruesome practice of killing whales is called "Grindadrap Grind". Locals use motorboats to drive a pod of whales into a harbor. The defenseless animals are dragged to the shallow water and brutally slaughtered by locals armed with knives (16-19 cm / 6-8 inches long) while their families cheer them on. The killing party even rip out baby whales from their mothers.

The Faroe Islands have a population of ~50,000 and kill each year 1000+ pilot whales. You can see the cruise ship schedule of Torshavn - Faroe's most visited port. All cruise lines with scheduled visits to the Faroes are accused of supporting the brutal whaling practices. Whaling is still officially approved and carried out by the "civilized" countries Japan, Norway, and Iceland, killing over 2000 whales each year and trading in whale products.

Disney's response was to the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act" by the local government, which continues to allow pilot whales to be culled or massacred. It also empowers local authorities to imprison (for up to 2 years) people found guilty of impeding these whaling activities - despite all the international condemnations.

Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace are among the largest organizations taking direct actions against the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act". Most of the available online haunting images of slaughtered whales lying in a sea of blood are released by these organizations.

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Disney Cruise Line Vacation Planning Timeline

You’re planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Yayyyyyy! But also … there are lots of things to do before you set sail. If you’re not sure what to do when, here’s a handy-dandy timeline.

12-15 Months Prior to Travel

• Plan Your Budget.  It’s possible to go on a Disney Cruise Line vacation for just a few thousand dollars , for tens of thousands of dollars , or something in between.  The first step in planning any vacation travel is to determine how much money you have available to spend. Working backward from there, you can focus on selecting a cruise where the duration and destination will fit within your spending limit.
• Bear in mind that while a cruise can be an all-inclusive vacation, there are loads of extras that can bump up your bill . Be sure to factor those into the ultimate price of your vacation.
• Also note that when you book a cruise you reserve a specific stateroom , consider whether you’ll need a verandah or whether motion sickness issues should influence your cabin choice.
• Book Your Trip . DCL releases batches of cruise itineraries approximately 12-15 months prior to sailing, in seasonal blocks. You can almost always find the lowest prices for a DCL cruise immediately when a sailing becomes available to book. You can also find some great prices on last minute deals , but you’re taking a gamble on whether those rates will be available for the particular sailing you want. For first time cruisers, we don’t recommend waiting. When booking, be sure to read your cruise contract .
• Consider Buying Trip Insurance . I don’t often buy trip insurance for land-based travel. I almost always buy it for cruises. Illnesses and travel delays that might be minor glitches on land can completely derail a cruise trip. Some forms of travel insurance must be purchased within a few days or weeks of booking your trip.

6-10 Months Prior to Travel

• Make Sure You Have the ID Documents You Need. Cruise ships require more identification documents that you’ll typically need for domestic land-based vacations. At a minimum you’ll need quality copies of birth certificates and likely other government ID for all members of your party. In many cases, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months remaining prior to its expiration. Give yourself plenty of time to research and gather what you’ll need. Wait times for passports and passport renewals are notoriously long; don’t leave this for the last minute.

4-8 Months Prior to Travel

• Book Other Travel Components. Do you need to fly to your departure port? Are you staying in a hotel the night before your cruise? Are you renting a car to drive to the port? All these things should be booked in advance.
• Make Preference Requests for Dining Time, Table Location, and Other Cruise Specifics.
• Make a Note of Your “Pay in Full” Date Depending on your sailing, you must pay for your cruise in full 90 or 120 days before travel or your trip will will be cancelled. Be sure to find your Pay in Full date and mark it in your calendar. DCL will not warn you.

2-4 Months in Prior to Travel

• Finish Paying for Your Cruise
• Reserve Your DCL Port Excursions, Adult Dining, Nursery Care, and other bookable activities . Guests may book onboard and port activities up to 123 days in advance, depending on their stateroom type and Castaway Club status . If you want to take a DCL port adventure, book adult dining, have a spa treatment, or take a beverage seminar, you should do this as soon as your booking window opens.
• Consult with Your Medical Providers There is medical staff onboard the ships, but not at the same level as you’ll find on land. Make sure you have refills of needed prescriptions (not every medication can be found onboard). Get advice about motion sickness remediation if necessary. Get up to date on your vaccines. And so on.

1-2 Months Prior to Travel

• Check In for Your Cruise Online check-in is required . This is where you’ll submit identification documents and inform DCL about your arrival plans. Check-in is allowed 30-40 days in advance depending on your stateroom type and Castaway Club status.
• Submit Your Special Services Request , if you need one. Guests needing certain medical accommodations must submit their request no later than 30 days in advance of sailing. Sooner is better than later.
• Check DCL’s Know Before You Go Page The Know Before You Go page on the DCL website lists all the current requirements for sailing. Pay particular attention to this if there are any global medical issues arising. The sailing requirements do change periodically and you will be denied boarding if you can’t comply with the rules.
• Arrange for Pet Sitters and House Sitters and make other reservations for services to take care of things at home while you’re away.

1 Week Prior to Travel

• Pack for your cruise . As you pack, be sure to consult the list of items that are prohibited on board . Many common items like surge protectors and certain types of toys can’t be brought onto the ship. In additional to considering what to pack and how much to pack (will you be doing laundry onboard ?) you may want to pay special attention to the type of luggage you bring on your cruise vacation. Triple check that you have all needed documents in your carry-on bags.
• Cancel Any Excursions or Onboard Activities You’ve Decided Not to Do Three days prior to sailing, DCL starts charging cancellations fees for many bookable activities. If you’ve decided not to take that mixology class, be sure to cancel it.
• Review Your Phone Carrier’s International and Cruise Travel Options Phone and data service on the ship and in port are entirely different things that need different types of coverage. DCL ships have mostly reliable fee-based WiFi now. And many phone plans now offer somewhat affordable international calling. But PLEASE make sure that you’ve signed up for the appropriate services. Every year we hear about people being charged insane roaming fees when their phones were not configured properly.

1-2 Days Prior to Sailing

• Check In for Your Flights and Travel to Your Cruise Port
• Have Some Small Bills on Hand You won’t need cash on the ship, but you’ll want to have money with you to tip porters and other service people you encounter while traveling.
• Download the DCL Navigator App If you haven’t already added the DCL Navigator app to your devices do that now. You will 100% need it on the ship and it can be expensive to download after you’ve set sail.

The Morning of Your Sailing

• Complete the DCL Health Questionnaire The questionnaire is mandatory.
• Tag Your Checked Luggage . If you have anything more than hand luggage, you’ll need to tag those items to have DCL porters bring them onto the ship. Tags will be mailed to you in advance .
• Arrive at Your Assigned Time You’ll have an assigned port arrival time noted on your cruise documents. Cast members will direct you to the appropriate areas for luggage drop off and security screening.
• Check the Daily Schedule Fire up the Navigator app and start making tentative plans for after the ship leaves port.

Once on Board

• Make Last Minute Tweaks to Your Plans Make any last-minute changes to your nightly dinner seating, check for any late-breaking openings at the adult-dining venues, and make any last minute spa appointments
• Complete the Mandatory Assembly Drill Also check that your stateroom has the correct number and sizes of personal flotation devices.
• Chat with your Stateroom Host And ask for anything extra you might need for your room.

A Few Days Before Your Sailing Ends

• Review Debarkation Day Procures Make sure you have everything in order to have an easy end to your vacation and trip home.

Bon voyage!

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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2024 Disney Cruise Schedule – Sail Dates, Ports & More

LAST UPDATE: 3/12/24

Itineraries for 2024 Disney Cruises  are listed below, along with the complete  2024 Disney Cruise Line schedule .

If you’re thinking about taking a Disney Cruise in 2024, you may also want to read our comprehensive Disney Cruise discount guide  and  Disney Cruise planning tips  pages.

• 2024 Itineraries

Get On the Early Booking List

• 2024 Holiday Cruises, Themed Cruise & Other Special Cruises

2024 Adventures by Disney Pre- and Post-Cruise Escape Packages

2024 drydock plans.

Sailings for Winter/Spring 2024 (January through April/May) were announced on December 7, 2022. They went on sale for Platinum Castaway Club members on December 12, 2022, Gold members on December 13, Silver members and DVC members on December 14, and everyone else on December 15.

Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea 2024 cruise dates (January through March) were announced on February 2, 2023.

Sailings for Summer 2024 (June through September) were announced on March 23, 2023. They went on sale for Platinum Castaway Club members on March 27, Gold members on March 28, Silver members and DVC members on March 29, and everyone else on March 30.

Sailings for Winter 2024 (October through December, and a few early 2025 itineraries) were announced on June 13, 2023. They went on sale for Pearl Castaway Club members on June 19,  Platinum Castaway Club members on June 20, Gold members on June 21, Silver members, Adventures Insiders and DVC members on June 22, and everyone else on June 26.

Inaugural sailings for the Disney Treasure (Late December) were announced on September 5, 2023. They went on sale for Pearl Castaway Club members on September 12, 2023, Platinum Castaway Club members on September 13, Gold members on September 14, DVC and Adventures By Disney Insiders on September 18, Silver members on September 19, and everyone else on September 20.

Disney Cruise 2024 Itineraries

Disney treasure, disney wish, disney fantasy, disney dream, disney wonder, disney magic.

Schedule in a nutshell:

• Late December:  — 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral

Complete 2024 Disney Treasure Cruise Schedule

• If you are interested in booking a 2024 cruise on the Disney Treasure , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.
• Small World Vacations is a full service agency, offering a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number. It costs you nothing to use them, PLUS their FREE onboard credit offer applies to these special fares (the total cruise fare for the stateroom must be at least $1000 to get their onboard credit). 
• Undercover Tourist is a self-service booking site similar to Expedia or Priceline, but with years of focus on the Disney travel market. They offer the special rates mentioned above PLUS they add their own discounts. 

The Disney Wish sails 3-night and 4-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral, visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay, for 2024.

Complete 2024 Disney Wish Cruise Schedule

• If you are interested in booking a 2024 cruise on the Disney Wish , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

The Disney Fantasy sails 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean and 3- to 6-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral in 2024, with a few double-dips and triple-dips to Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay.

Complete 2024 Disney Fantasy Cruise Schedule

• If you are interested in booking a 2024 cruise on the Disney Fantasy , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.
• January – early May: Fort Lauderdale — 3- to 5-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises, then across the Atlantic to Barcelona
• Late May – Late July: Barcelona & Civitavecchia — 5- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises, then reposition to Southampton
• Late July – Early October: Southampton — 3- to 12-night Northern Europe, Norwegian and Iceland cruises, then a possible drydock and a reposition across the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale
• Late October – December: Fort Lauderdale — 3- to 5-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises with several double-dips

Complete 2024 Disney Dream Cruise Schedule

• If you are interested in booking a 2024 cruise on the Disney Dream , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.
• January – mid-March: Sydney, Melbourne — 2- to 6-night Australian cruises, then reposition to San Diego via Honolulu & Vancouver
• Mid-March – early May: San Diego — 3- to 7-night Mexican cruises, then up the coast to Vancouver
• Mid-May – October: Vancouver — 5- to 9-night Alaskan cruises, then across the Pacific to Sydney, Australia via Hawaii.
• Late October – December: Australia — 2- to 6-night Australian and New Zealand cruises from various ports, many with no stops (cruises to nowhere)

Complete 2024 Disney Wonder Cruise Schedule

• If you are interested in booking a 2024 cruise on the Disney Wonder , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.
• January: Galveston — 4- to 6-night Western Caribbean cruises
• February: New Orleans — 4- to 7-night Western Caribbean cruises
• March – mid-April: Galveston  — 4- to 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, then reposition to San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Late April: San Juan — 7-night unique Southern Caribbean cruises 
• May – October: Fort Lauderdale — 3- to 5-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises, including some visiting Disney’s new private beach: Lighthouse Point
• November – December: Galveston — Reposition to Galveston via San Juan, with a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise in the middle, then 3- to 6-night Western Caribbean cruises

Complete 2024 Disney Magic Cruise Schedule

• If you are interested in booking a 2024 cruise on the Disney Magic , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Interested in booking a cruise for a date or itinerary that hasn’t been announced yet? You can submit a booking request for a Disney cruise, even before Disney Cruise Line releases the schedule. Save yourself some stress and fill out the Small World Vacations Wait List form in advance and they’ll book your preferred cruise the first day you are eligible, at no cost to you! Plus, you can get up to $1000 in FREE onboard credit  courtesy of Small World Vacations! (All staterooms and cruises are subject to availability at the time of booking.)

Disney Cruise Line announces their cruise dates and itineraries for only a few months at a time: January through April, then May through September and finally, September through December. Once the new itineraries come out, booking begins just a day or two later, first to Castaway Club members (people who’ve been on a previous Disney cruise) and then to the general public.

The people who book earliest almost always get the lowest possible price . Sometimes there will be last-minute deals via the restricted guarantee fares or Florida Resident fares , but only a small percentage of cruises ever have those fares, and those fares aren’t always cheaper than opening day fares. In addition, early bookers get first dibs on staterooms, making it the best way to land one of the hardest-to-get staterooms like the Secret Porthole and Secret Verandah rooms. Lots of people know about these advantages, so on the days the new itineraries become available for booking, both the phone lines and website get slammed.

There’s an easy way to avoid the scramble to book on the first day the bookings open:  submit a request to Small World Vacations now. You just need basic information like where you want to go (Caribbean, Alaska, Norway, Europe, etc.), the date range you want, the kind of stateroom you want (inside, outside, verandah) and the names and ages of the people going. Let them know if you are a Castaway Club Member by including your Member Number and Level (Platinum, Gold or Silver). You can add other preferences or priorities as needed – early dining, lower deck, upper deck, not over a nightclub – whatever is important to you.  Their agents will review your request, contact you to confirm they understand your priorities, and then you can relax and let your personal agent book your cruise when the time comes. Your agent will provide their email and direct phone number, so you can discuss your options and preferences.

On the day the itineraries become available for your Castaway Club level, your agent will be up bright and early while you sleep in (or go about your usual day). If Disney releases a cruise that fits your criteria, your agent will typically go ahead and put a hold in place, thus reserving your stateroom(s), then email you with your cruise details and deposit information. You’ll be able to have your choice of room type and location and will lock in the opening day price. If later on you decide to change rooms on the same sailing, Disney will give you the opening day price on the new room , even if the price has gone up in the intervening days or months. 

Even if you aren’t 100% sure whether you’re going to be able to go, there’s no real risk in getting a cruise booked early . Disney Cruise Line deposits for any stateroom types other than Concierge are fully refundable up to the Payment In Full date, which is 120-75 days before sailing, depending on the specific cruise and time of year. You have lots of time to figure out whether that cruise will work for you. If it doesn’t, you can get the deposit back or just transfer it to a different sailing date that works better.

The agents who handle cruise bookings for Small World Vacations have collectively sailed on more than 400 Disney cruises, and know a truly astonishing amount about all four ships, the various Disney ports of call, shore excursions and all the common itineraries (and many uncommon ones). Many of them are Platinum members of Disney’s Castaway Club, meaning that they have personally been on 10 or more Disney cruises! They’re happy to share their firsthand experience with the kids’ clubs, dining, character meets, entertainment, transportation, etc. In our experience, the travel agents at Small World Vacations are great at finding the best fares. They know all the tricks that will save you money, and they know the Disney Cruise Line inside and out. We’re confident that once you work with a really great travel agent, you’ll never want to book a cruise any other way. Read more about why we recommend using Small World Vacations to book your cruise!

• If you are interested in booking a cruise that hasn’t been announced yet , fill out the Small World Vacations Wait List form and get on their Early Booking List!
• Small World Vacations offers onboard credit of $50-$1000 per booking, good toward most onboard activities and extras such as spa treatments, shore excursions or even your bar tab. Small World Vacations also gives you full service, including a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number. Best of all, it costs you nothing to use them! (Onboard credit courtesy of Small World Vacations.)

2024 Holiday Cruises, Themed Cruises & Other Special Cruises

Holiday cruises, themed cruises.

• Double Dip Cruises

Repositioning Cruises

Unique cruises, adventures by disney cruise packages, disney vacation club cruises, independence day, halloween on the high seas, thanksgiving, very merrytime cruises (christmas), new year’s eve.

On sailings that include July 4th, there is usually a special celebration with characters dressed in red, white and blue outfits. There has not been a special fireworks show in the past, but sometimes on sailings in the Caribbean or Bahamas they move pirate night to July 4th so they will have fireworks on Independence Day. (There is no pirate night or fireworks on sailings outside the Caribbean and Bahamas.)

During this period there will be special Halloween events onboard, including Halloween-themed parties, storytellings, movies and elaborate décor, including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise. You will also find characters dressed in Halloween costumes, as well as a costume party for families and, just for adults, a costume contest and a Villainous Takeover on the dance floor in the nighttime entertainment district.

In the past there has not been any special menu for Halloween night itself, over and above what they do on all the Halloween themed cruises during the whole period, but there will be some special Halloween-themed treats.

Halloween on the High Seas takes place on the following sail dates:

• Disney Dream : (Not yet announced)
• Disney Fantasy : September 14 – October 26
• Disney Magic : September 9 – October 31
• Disney Wish: September 13 – October 28
• Disney Wonder :  (Not yet announced)

In the past there has been a special menu on Thanksgiving Day, and pictures with Pilgrim Mickey and Minnie. The Christmas decorations will be fully up by Thanksgiving, and there will be a full set of holiday activities and events.

The following sailings include Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024).

• Disney Dream : 5-Night Bahamian on November 27
• Disney Fantasy : 7-Night Eastern Caribbean on November 23
• Disney Magic : 6-Night Western Caribbean on November 25
• Disney Wish: 4-Night Bahamian on November 25
• Disney Wonder : 5-Night Australian on November 24 ( note: since New Zealand & Australia don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, we don’t know if there will be a Thanksgiving Menu. )

Typically, Christmas decorations will be up from early November through the final New Year’s sailing, and there will be special holiday events during that whole period, including meet and greets with Santa Claus and with Disney characters in special Christmas outfits. Some of the more elaborate Christmas decorations, including a huge, real gingerbread house or other gingerbread decoration, will not be up until later in November.

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, will be transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island’s tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

Very Merrytime Christmas-themed cruises will be offered on sailings departing between the following dates:

• Disney Dream: November 14 – December 21
• Disney Fantasy: November 10 – December 22
• Disney Magic: November 21 – December 23
• Disney Wish: November 4 – December 23
• Disney Wonder:   (Not yet announced)

There are unique special events and a special menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The following sailings include Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24-25, 2024).

• Disney Dream : 5-Night Western Caribbean on December 21
• Disney Fantasy : 4-Night Bahamian on December 22
• Disney Magic : 6-Night Western Caribbean on December 23
• Disney Treasure : 7-Night Eastern Caribbean on December 21
• Disney Wish:  4-Night Bahamian on December 23
• Disney Wonder : 4-Night Australian on December 24

There is a special party with countdown and balloon drop on New Year’s Eve.

The following sailings include New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024).

• Disney Dream : 5-Night Bahamian on December 30
• Disney Fantasy : 7-Night Eastern Caribbean on December 29
• Disney Magic : 4-Night Western Caribbean on December 29
• Disney Treasure : 7-Night Western Caribbean on December 28
• Disney Wish:  4-Night Bahamian on December 30
• Disney Wonder : 6-Night Australian on December 28
• If you are interested in booking a holiday Disney cruise , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Pixar Day at Sea

Marvel day at sea, star wars day at sea.

Pixar Day at Sea includes a Pixar film festival; photo opportunities with Pixar characters; a character breakfast with Woody, Jesse and Bullseye; a theatrical performance based on Coco ; a Pixar-themed dinner; a dance party with Pixar characters; and a nighttime spectacular featuring the Incredibles.

Pixar Day at Sea will take place on select Disney Fantasy 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral in early 2024. The Eastern Caribbean cruises are January 6, 20; February 3, 17 and March 2. The Western Caribbean cruises are January 13, 27; February 10 and 24.  

Marvel Day at Sea is a special all-day celebration of the Marvel Universe. Special features include multiple Marvel character meet-and-greets, Marvel-themed activities for families, Marvel movie screenings, a costume party, special merchandise and food, and an exclusive Marvel deck party. There is also an adults-only dance party with Star-Lord and Gamora.

Marvel Day at Sea will take place on select Disney Dream 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale on January 7, 12, 21, 26; February 4, 9, 18, 23; March 3 and 8. 

Star Wars Day at Sea cruises generally feature a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, meet-and-greets with favorite characters, Star Wars -themed youth activities, at-sea screenings of Star Wars films, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise. The night before Star Wars Day at Sea, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers march into the ship’s atrium for an Imperial takeover.

Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and participate in the costume celebration held in the ship’s atrium. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers special makeovers on Star Wars Day at Sea. Kids ages 3-12 can transform into Rey, Kylo Ren, Leia and Poe. Adults and teens, can get a Rey makeover that includes a stylish dress, makeup and hair style or choose from one of four Star Wars-themed T-shirt options. All come with a personalized name tag, lanyard with medallion and magnet set.

No Star Wars Day at Sea dates have been announced for 2024. Star Wars Day at Sea appears to have been replaced with Pixar Day at Sea, but DCL has not made an official announcement one way or the other. 

• If you are interested in booking a themed Disney cruise , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Double Dip Cruises

A “Double Dip” sailing is one that visits Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point twice on the same cruise, or goes to both of them on the same cruise. Many people (including us) feel the day at one of Disney’s private beaches is the highlight of a Bahamian or Caribbean cruise, and this gives you a double dose! Both days follow the typical Castaway Cay & Lighthouse Point schedule: off the ship at 8:30 am (depending on sea conditions), and all aboard at 4:45 pm. The same excursions and activities will be available both days, though if you want to do the same activity or book a cabana for both days, you’ll need to book each day separately. If you are going to Castaway Cay twice, you can run the Castaway Cay 5K twice!

In the rare event that the ship visits Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point two days in a row, the ship will not stay docked overnight. It will leave the island at the usual time on the first day and come back the next morning.

Double Dip cruises scheduled so far for 2024:

• Disney Dream : March 17
• Disney Magic : July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12
• Disney Fantasy : Jun 8 (technically a triple-dip!), July 20, July 25

Repositioning is when a cruise starts in one port and finishes in another. These cruises can be a good deal, as they usually are cheaper per night than conventional round-trip cruises. They also tend to go to more unusual locations. The longest repositioning cruises are the Panama Canal and Transatlantic cruises, which are almost always the cheapest cruises (per night) of the whole year.

Unique cruises have an itinerary that is different from other cruise itineraries that particular ship is sailing around that time. They either visit an unusual location or locations or visit a unique combination of common locations. Repositioning cruises are all unique as well.

• If you are interested in booking a specialty Disney cruise , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

2024 Adventures by Disney Cruise Packages have not yet been announced.

The Adventures by Disney Cruise Packages include 2 Adventures by Disney guides available onboard and in port; special VIP privileges; private onboard receptions; unique onshore activities; early debarkation at each port; all meals, snacks and water while in port; a photo CD with all ship photographer pictures, all Adventures by Disney guide photos and an Adventures by Disney slideshow.

• If you are interested in booking an Adventures by Disney Cruise Package , we recommend filling out a quote form with Small World Vacations . They give you full service, including a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number and we recommend them wholeheartedly ! Best of all, it costs you nothing to use them, PLUS they give you FREE onboard credit for any Disney Cruise Line booking of over $1000 total fare, good toward most onboard activities and extras such as spa treatments, shore excursions or even your bar tab.

DVC member cruises are only open to Disney Vacation Club members who have purchased at least some of their vacation points directly from Disney (rather than from another member via resale). Members can use their vacation points to book the cruise or can pay cash rates. Typically DVC cruises are significantly more expensive than similar cruises for the general public, but guests will be given a wide variety of DVC special gifts and will get to experience some exclusive member events including talks by special guests including artists, imagineers and/or actors from classic Disney movies.

Whether the DVC member cruise is worth booking is a personal judgment call. The extra events are difficult or impossible to experience any other way. The various DVC gifts are usually a mix of the usual kinds of tote bags, pens, and so forth you can get by attending a DVC meeting or buying a new DVC contract, plus at least a few special and unique items. Some people love the DVC member cruises and try to go on each one. Others go once and feel it’s not worth the extra money.

Disney Cruise Line has announced two Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member cruises for 2024:

• May 18: 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona on Disney Dream
• June 14: 5-night “triple dip” Bahamian cruise with two visits to Lighthouse Point and one visit to Castaway Cay on Disney Magic

Adventure by Disney Pre- and Post-Cruise Escape Packages take place before and after select Disney Cruise Line sailings. These 2- to 3-night Escapes include 2 Adventure by Disney guides; hotel accommodations; multiple, daily excursions; special VIP privileges; all transportation during the trip and a photo CD with all the Adventure by Disney guide photos.

• If you are interested in booking an Adventures by Disney Pre- or Post-Cruise Escape Package , we recommend filling out a quote form with Small World Vacations . They give you full service, including a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number and we recommend them wholeheartedly ! Best of all, it costs you nothing to use them, PLUS you could save up to $1,000!  Read more about the Small World Vacations savings offer here .

No drydock plans have been officially announced for 2024 yet.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney Cruise (in 7 easy steps!)

Planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation is an experience like no other! With the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, it’s a getaway that your family won’t soon forget. From exciting onboard activities like character meet and greets and Broadway-style shows to tropical destinations like the Caribbean and Bahamas, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the all-inclusive nature of a Disney cruise means that you won’t have to worry about meals, entertainment, or even childcare. And with exceptional service and attention to detail, you can rest assured that your every need will be taken care of.

*This post may contain affiliate links.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy .

Planning to sail on Disney Cruise Line in the coming year? Be sure to check out our guide to all that Disney Cruise Line has to offer this year including exciting itineraries, new ports of call, themed events at sea, and more!

1) Choose Your Itinerary

One thing to consider when choosing your itinerary is the cruise’s embarkation point. Most cruises are “round trip” in that they start and finish at the same port, but Disney does offer several “repositioning” cruises per year that allow you to start and finish at different ports. (Disney moves their ships to new locations depending on the season.) These cruises are unique and can even be less expensive.

2) Select Sail Dates

School breaks, major holidays, and special sailings will make for more crowded ships. But you’ll also want to take notice of the weather. While you may have smaller crowds and cheaper prices during the rainy season, you’ll have to take the risk of sailing during less-than-perfect weather. (You may also run the risk of having your vacation canceled or postponed due to hurricanes.) Weigh the pros and cons, and decide what’s best for you and your family.

Also, be sure to check out our seasonal guides for more information on sailing during different times of the year:

DCL in the Summer

Dcl in the fall, dcl in the winter, dcl in the spring, 3) select your room.

• Motion – If you are prone to seasickness, the location of your room on board is really important. One of the most popular suggestions for dealing with motion sickness is to stay in a lower-level stateroom. (Although I personally found that my motion sickness was better on upper floors.) Mid-ship is also a popular place to stay if motion is an issue for you. In the front of the ship, you will feel more movement, but in the back, you may feel more vibration… especially at night. This makes mid-ship a popular option.
• Proximity – If you know where you will be spending most of your time on board, this should also play a part in making your room choice. My family likes to stay in a room with easy access to Cabanas in the morning for breakfast. We also like to be near the elevators, but not so close that we hear a lot of noise.
• Amenities – Do you want an inside stateroom? An ocean view? A verandah? Are you traveling with others and need connecting staterooms? These are all things to consider when picking your family’s stateroom.

4) Reserve Your Cruise

There are several ways to book a Disney Cruise… on their official website , over the phone, or via a travel agent. I personally love using the website as it’s the easiest way for me to see all my options in one place. But I have booked over the phone with ease as well. I also know that travel agents often offer incentives and promotions to book through them. So in the end… you can’t go wrong with any of these options.

5) Book Travel Arrangements

This is where you book your airline tickets (if necessary) and a hotel stay before or after your cruise. You’ll also want to arrange your transportation to and from the port. If you are cruising out of Port Canaveral and staying at a Disney hotel, you can arrange to have the official Disney Cruise line transportation take you to the ship. Our family has used this option several times now, and we have enjoyed the ease of it.

6) Make On Board Reservations

Once you’ve paid for your cruise in full (and you are within your activities booking window listed below,) you can complete your online check-in and make reservations for various cruise activities. This includes spa reservations, adult dining options, port adventures , nursery reservations, and other onboard fun such as beverage tasting seminars, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character greetings and breakfasts, and the Royal Court Royal Tea. (Be sure to check out our Disney Cruise Line dining guide as you plan your days onboard and make your reservations!)

• First-Time Guests – 75 days prior to sail date
• Silver Castaway Club Member – 90 days prior to sail date
• Gold Castaway Club Member – 105 days prior to sail date
• Platinum Castaway Club Member – 120 days prior to sail date
• Pearl Castaway Club Member – 123 days prior to sail date
• Concierge Guests – 123 days prior to sail date

7) Let the Countdown Begin!

One thing we love to do as a family is to plan our attire for the cruise. There are many special activities and evenings onboard where you may want to dress up a little (or a lot!). Many cruises offer formal nights and themed parties. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Disney Cruise passengers LOVE to go all out with these festivities! We’ve dressed in our finest for formal night, as pirates for Pirate Night, and even as Star Wars characters for Star Wars Day at Sea . So be sure to check out your cruise’s special activities so that you can be prepared!

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Disney Cruise Line

New Details and First Looks at Disney Cruise Line’s Next Ship, Island Destination

by Evily Giannopoulos Peros , Senior Manager, Public Relations, Disney Cruise Line

At D23 Expo yesterday, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared news and updates from Disney theme parks and beyond , including a trove of new adventures in store for Disney Cruise Line guests!

As part of the announcements, Josh unveiled first details on the fleet’s sixth ship, concept art for its new island destination and an all-new vacation experience for Australia and New Zealand residents. I’m excited to share it all with you today!

Disney fans were the first to learn that the next Disney Cruise Line ship will be named Disney Treasure. The ship will be designed with a brand-new motif unlike anything Disney Cruise Line has done before: the theme of adventure . Inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration, this new design concept will pave the way for epic experiences that immerse guests in some of the company’s most legendary stories.

So what does adventure look like? Check out this magic carpet ride through the Grand Hall, the Disney Treasure’s gorgeous atrium space.

The Grand Hall will radiate the irresistible allure of adventure, inviting guests to seek all the treasures on board from the moment they embark. Inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace, it draws on real-world influences from Asia and Africa and pays homage to the far-off land of Agrabah from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic tale, “Aladdin . ”

The signature atrium character statue — a Disney Cruise Line tradition — will be a shining, shimmering, splendid representation of Aladdin, Jasmine and Magic Carpet soaring together toward a whole new world of adventure.

The Disney Treasure is scheduled for delivery in 2024. Following the Disney Wish, which set sail in July, it’s the second of three new ships planned through 2025. The Wish class ships are powered by liquefied natural gas and feature 1,254 guest staterooms.

We also got a sneak peek at new details and concept art for Disney’s second island destination in the Bahamas, located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point.

Disney is working closely with Bahamian artists and advisors to create a destination that represents the natural beauty and rich culture of the Bahamas, brought to life through Disney storytelling and the unparalleled service of local cast and crew. It will be a vibrant beach retreat infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry.

In addition to the pristine beaches, families will enjoy a recreation center, dining, shopping, a water playground and more. There will even be a dedicated cultural pavilion where guests will be immersed in stories and traditions passed down among generations of local residents.

Disney has committed to develop less than 20 percent of the property, supply 90 percent of the site’s power from solar energy, employ sustainable building practices, and donate more than 190 acres of privately owned land to the government. Environmental management programs have already been established and will continue throughout construction and into operation.

Finally, Josh shared some very exciting news for Disney fans and families down under!

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line is bringing the magic of a Disney vacation to guests in Australia and New Zealand during brand-new “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises beginning late Oct. 2023. The ship is the destination on these limited-time voyages, which have been specially created to immerse local guests in their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars stories through enchanting entertainment and enhanced experiences throughout each cruise.

And during the repositioning voyages between Honolulu and Sydney in Oct. 2023 and Feb. 2024, the Disney Wonder will offer the fleet’s first-ever South Pacific itineraries. These brand-new cruises will give you the chance to experience exotic destinations like Fiji and Samoa. Bookings open to the public on Oct. 6, 2022 Oct. 13, 2022.

If you want to know more about everything that was announced for Disney theme parks and experiences, check out this blog post and keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates!

Destinations: Disney Cruise Line

Hello Sir/Madam, I’m Rajesh thapa From Nepal but now presently working in macau as a security guard. I have more then 6 years experience in security department. So, I would like to joine in your company.

hello sir my self rohit negi. I have 6 yers experience…I love to joined your company.

Since the name Treasure is now official, will there be a nod or homage within the ship to the films “Treasure Island” (1950) or “Treasure Planet” (2002)? Love the Aladdin Grand Hall. And many of us are hoping for a Trader Sam’s aboard the ship. I Wonder (pun intended) how the Hitchhiking ghost will fit in with an “adventure” theme ship? Perhaps in the next ship, which – dare I say – should be themed and named “Disney Dark”. Though, we may need some of Disney’s witches to brew up a potion for Disney executives to drink (dark coolaid) to make a villian ship become a reality. Woo ha ha! Come on, afterall it is Halloween season.

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An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Fleet Sailing Schedule

Summer 2022 Disney Cruise Line Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has released itineraries through Summer 2022! There are sailings to great new destinations and popular ports of call in the Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. In this post, we’ll take a look at the awesome options, followed by commentary on pricing, our recommended destinations, and why we’ll be booking on opening day instead of waiting for a deal.

Note that “opening day” booking for the general public will begin on March 25, 2021. Prior to that, there will be a staggered advance booking period beginning next Monday. Here’s the eligibility timeline:

• March 22, 2021 — Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak Club Residents
• March 23, 2021 — Gold Castaway Club Members
• March 24, 2021 — Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club Members, Adventures by Disney Insiders
• March 25, 2021 – All Guests

If you’re an existing member, Disney Cruise Line recommends that you log in to your account now to verify your Castaway Club status, so you’ll be all set to book on your designated date. You can also call (866) 784-1592 starting at 8:00 AM Eastern Time, or contact your travel agent.

Another thing to note is that the Disney Wish is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage in Summer 2022. However, it’s not included in this itinerary release. Disney Cruise Line promises bookings and info for the Wish will be released at a later date.

By process of elimination, we’re pretty confident it’ll be taking over the shorter Bahamas cruises out of Port Canaveral. On the one hand, we really want to experience the Disney Wish. On the other hand, I’ve had my fill of those itineraries for a while. Back to the first hand, we really do miss Castaway Cay, and getting back there plus a new ship will probably win out.

Summer 2022 will bring a new collection of Disney Cruise Line destinations as part of the Disney Magic’s grand tour of Europe. This will begin with sailings through the Greek Isles and Mediterranean before heading to Northern Europe for cruises to the Baltic, British Isles, Iceland, and the Norwegian Fjords. Five new ports of call in Europe include Chania, Greece; Porto, Portugal; Riga, Latvia; Maloy, Norway; and Nynashamn, Sweden, which is near Stockholm.

From Rome, cruises to Greece will whisk families to the beautiful landscapes and archeological wonders of Piraeus, the gateway to Athens, and to the spectacular Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. One 9-night sailing will mark Disney Cruise Line’s first call to Chania, Greece on the island of Crete, known for its charming harbor.

Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Spain, will visit a mix of must-see locales including Rome and Naples, plus French Riviera coastal towns like Villefranche (pictured above) and Cannes. During a 7-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, Disney Cruise Line will make its first-ever visit to Porto, Portugal, a coastal city with old-world charm.

Additional new ports of call in northern Europe include Riga, the capital of Latvia and the largest metropolis in the Baltics; Nynashamn, Sweden, a beautiful seaside town just outside Stockholm; and Maloy, Norway, a charming coastal village bordered by silver-sand beaches and historic lighthouses.

For the first time ever, families can sail out of Miami during the summer season. Every cruise from Miami in the summer of 2022 features a stop at Castaway Cay. The June 7 voyage will be the Disney Dream’s inaugural cruise from Miami–the ship has previously only home ported in Port Canaveral.

In addition to visiting Castaway Cay, 3-4 night cruises from Miami will call on Nassau, Bahamas, while 5-night cruises include a stop at either Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Mexico. One special five-night sailing features two stops at Castaway Cay, along with a call on Nassau.

Itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas continue aboard the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral. Each Disney Fantasy voyage features a visit to Castaway Cay. This ship will embark on an assortment of itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean throughout the summer of 2022, including 7-night voyages, a special 5-night sailing, and an extended 9-night cruise.

The 9-night Disney Fantasy cruise features a first-time call on Roseau, Dominica, an eastern Caribbean destination filled with natural hot springs, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. This mountainous island is bordered by pristine beaches and crystal clear water.

The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the 2022 summer season to explore the region’s breathtaking natural vistas, glaciers, and wildlife. These 7-night sailings depart from Vancouver, Canada and most will visit Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Two of the cruises will call on Icy Strait Point in place of Skagway.

If you’re looking for a recommendation, pretty much everyone who has done one will shower the Alaska itineraries with praise. To be sure, that’s one of the better trips we’ve taken. It’s also pretty approachable.

However, our all-time favorite cruise is the Norwegian Fjords itinerary–by a pretty wide margin. We cover the similarities and differences in Norway v. Alaska Cruises , but the bottom line is that for us, Norway was much better. Others we know who have done both give the edge to Alaska–you really can’t go wrong either way.

Although we haven’t done it as a cruise, we absolutely love the French Riviera. Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most gorgeous harbors I’ve ever seen, and it’s a 15 minute train ride from Monaco. Not seeing James Bond at the Monte Carlo Casino was sorta a bummer, but Monaco is otherwise a fantastic, highly-recommended place.

Much like Walt Disney World on discount drop day, Disney Cruise Line’s phones will be jammed and the online system will likely slow to a crawl at peak times. Please do not exacerbate this by calling on a day before you’re eligible; they won’t make an exception and let you cut the line. It’ll just waste everyone’s time, including yours.

It’s always a good idea to use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to do the work for you, but especially for opening day bookings. For one thing, using them to book your cruise is a great way to save time and stress. For another, their services are free to you since they’re paid commission by DCL on the reservation.

Every year opening day price-points make waves on social media once they’re available to book for Platinum Castaway Club members, as prices always jump. This is not really a surprise at this point, but it’s nonetheless easy to be taken aback when first seeing each year’s prices…especially if you remember what prices were 5 years ago.

With that said, it’s worth noting that opening day stateroom rates are largely on the lower end of the historical pricing spectrum. As itineraries start to book up and stateroom inventory becomes more scarce, rates invariably increase. Pricing is demand-based, with cruises in recent years rarely decreasing in price–increases are far more common.

We’ve scored some good deals on Disney Cruise Line over the years (and cover how you can do the same in our How to Save Money on Disney Cruise Line Sailings post), but have had less luck in the last couple of years. We do not expect that this trend will change with the Disney Cruise Line itineraries. If you’re planning on taking one of the popular cruises, booking early is definitely the most pragmatic route!

With the sailings out of Florida–especially Port Canaveral–the odds of prices dropping are stacked against you. There’s probably a 90% chance that opening day prices are the cheapest that those sailings will ever be.

For what it’s worth, we plan on following our own advice here. There are several itineraries we’re eyeing, but the ones that really stick out include stops in St. Petersburg. That’s a bucket list city for us, and a cruise seems like the ideal way to accomplish that. We’d also love to visit Oslo–still need to touch that viking ship to awaken the Spirit of Norway.

My suspicion is that there’s a lot of pent-up demand for cruising and, unlike theme parks, insufficient stateroom inventory to absorb all of that. There are a lot of avid cruisers, and most will have gone nearly 2 years without sailing once cruising finally resumes. On top of that, a lot of people are going to be getting stimulus checks and/or have unspent vacation budgets from the last year that they won’t mind burning on cruise reservations next week.

Being frugal by nature, I’ll still cringe at the itinerary prices, but I’ll find a way to justify it to myself. In part, I have absolutely no faith in scoring a last-minute deal given the pent-up demand, record personal savings rate, and stimulus. Also in part, we really want to take another European cruise. (Maybe I’ll just let Sarah book the cruise and never tell me what it cost. Ignorance is bliss. )

With zero international travel, only one trip to Disneyland last year, and a couple of hotel stays at Walt Disney World, we spent a fraction of our normal budget last year. It’s looking less and less likely that Japan or Europe will be reopening borders anytime soon, so that’ll probably be true (albeit hopefully to a lesser degree) again this year. That’ll also make it easier to justify whatever these absurd prices end up being. I’m not looking forward to overpaying for a vacation, but I’m looking forward to a vacation enough that I’m willing to overpay for one!

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of these Summer 2022 Disney Cruise Line itineraries? Any that appeal to you? Any thoughts on pent-up demand given the “year off” from cruising? Will you be booking on opening day, or taking a wait and see approach hoping to score a deal later? Do you think Disney Cruise Line is worth the premium pricing? Any other tips to add or recommendations? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Tom, Did you end up booking one of the St. Petersburg cruises this summer? Are you still planning to go? I think we still are but was wondering about your take. Thanks

Does anyone know if there will be repositioning cruses in the summer of 2022? We didn’t see the, listed. We would have linked to take the Dover to New York one but it doesn’t appear to be one of the options. Thanks

I’ve seen gorgeous photos of Porto. That would be a stop I would love to do.

We have enjoyed The Viking river cruises. They have Ocean cruises too. All include shore excursion each stop. Also wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Free wifi. No nickle and diming. We did A Rhine River Cruise and a Danube Cruise. Both were great.

Merci beaucoup Tom pour cet article. J’ai pu voyager ♥️ en ses moments très désagréables…. Paris repart pr un confinement de 4 semaines. Très dur pour eux et pour nos 2 parcs Disney. Céline

I love your insightful, intelligent discussions, also look forward to reading your articles when I see them in my inbox!

Has anyone done the British isles cruise? We’ve done Alaska and loved it. This year we are deciding between Norway and the British isles. Any opinions?

Norway if you’ve never been. But you can’t go wrong in either direction.

I don’t like to talk too much online in public about my past but for a couple of years in the nineties and again in mid 2000’s I worked extensively on cruise ships (stand up). Alaska or the Fjords of Norway…Both are incredible experiences, so amazing that they can leave one feeling closer to God. But to really appreciate those trips one MUST also get off the ship. Hike, kayak, go whale watching, explore cities that are a 900 years old. The first time you sail through Fjords tops watching glaciers cave but after that they’re pretty equal in astounding views and experiences that are intellectual, emotional, social, romantic and religious all at the same time! I don’t like discussing this out in the open but there are two things you should do, besides putting together a photo book, which I would gladly assist you with. Put together a DTB cruise (I’ve got some great ideas for that) and a short one day WDW get together/gathering with your readers. I know you claim to be on the shy side but with a good well thought out itinerary once you get past Hello you’ll find it’s easier done than said.

Has anyone ever taken a cruise from NY? We live close to NY and would love to take a cruise from there and back on Disney. I have seen prices but I don’t think they have anything out yet for next year to sail out of NY.

I also agree. Norway crushes Alaska by a mile. Geiranger fjords is easily one of my most favorite sail-ins to any port in the world.

Not really that much more difficult to get to Europe if you are on the east coast as well. For the west coasters Alaska is an easy trip but for those on the east coast it’s not that big of a difference to just head across the pond.

“Not really that much more difficult to get to Europe if you are on the east coast as well. For the west coasters Alaska is an easy trip but for those on the east coast it’s not that big of a difference to just head across the pond.”

Totally agree with this, but for many people it’s a mental barrier. Traveling to Vancouver is not as intimidating as Copenhagen or Dover. Personally, I think that’s irrational, but it is what it is.

No Galveston departures? That makes me sad as we are close enough to drive there. Adding in flights I’d rather just go to WDW instead.

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What New Disney Cruise Ships Are Being Built?

March 20, 2024: This article has been updated with the newly-announced name of Disney’s 8th ship, the  Disney Destiny .

Sept 9, 2023: This article has been updated with the newly-announced name of Disney’s 7th ship, the Disney Adventure .

Sept 5, 2023: This article has been updated with several new details about the Disney Treasure , which is scheduled to sail on its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024 .

After ten years with no new ships, Disney Cruise Line is in the process of rapidly increasing the size of its fleet. By the end of 2025, Disney will have eight ships, doubling its fleet size since 2012. Here’s a look at the new Disney Cruise Ships that are currently being built, with all the latest information we have.

Before we begin, let’s take a quick look at the fleet as it stands today:

Ships Currently Operating

• Disney Magic — Maiden Voyage July 30, 1998
• Disney Wonder — Maiden Voyage August 15, 1999
• Disney Dream — Maiden Voyage January 26, 2011
• Disney Fantasy — Maiden Voyage March 31, 2012
• Disney Wish — Maiden Voyage July 14, 2022

And here’s a glance at what’s on the horizon:

Ships Under Construction

• Disney Treasure — Maiden Voyage scheduled for late December 2024
• Disney Adventure (Former Global Dream) — Maiden Voyage expected in 2025
• Disney Destiny — Maiden Voyage expected in 2025

Now, let’s learn a bit more about each of the three ships that are still under construction.

Get Answers to All Your Disney Cruise Questions

Disney Treasure — December 2024

Image © Disney

The sixth ship of the Disney Cruise Line fleet — and the next one to begin sailing — will be named the Disney Treasure.

It’s currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. This is the same shipyard which built three prior Disney Cruise Ships , the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish.

The first of the large “building blocks” which will make up the ship began arriving onsite at the shipyard in November 2022. By March of 2023, one of the recognizable “funnels” had arrived.

You can follow along as more parts of the ship arrive at the shipyard over the coming months by checking out all the videos from the excellent Ems-Dollart Media YouTube channel.

Construction continues to move along swiftly; Disney’s own photographic log of the shipbuilding process shows that the bridge (essentially the “cockpit” of the ship) was installed in late June 2023.

And by early December 2023, both of the iconic funnels had been installed on the ship, already showing hints of their signature red color and Mickey Mouse icon.

As of late March 2024, the superstructure of the ship is essentially complete. Photos released by Disney show the ship fully painted, actually afloat in the water versus in drydock, and now moved to a new location for finishing work as construction work shifts toward the new Disney Destiny (detailed later in this article).

The Disney Treasure afloat at its shipyard on March 27, 2024 | Image © Disney

The Disney Treasure is expected to host its first passengers in late December 2024. It will be a sister ship to the current newest ship, the Disney Wish (which began sailing in 2022) — as well as to the Disney Destiny, which joins the fleet in 2025. This means that these three ships should be generally the same in terms of construction, though some themed elements will vary between the three.

Only a few details have been fully confirmed, but here’s what Disney has announced publicly and what we can estimate based on what we know about its sister ship the Disney Wish.

The overall theme of the ship is “adventure,” as announced at the 2022 D23 Expo.

The ship’s bow will feature artwork of Minnie Mouse in “adventure-ready” attire, while the stern will feature 3D sculptures of Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

The grand hall of the ship is “inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace,” with both real-world inspiration (Asia and Africa) and fairy-tale inspiration ( Agrabah ).It will be the first Disney Cruise ship to feature three Disney characters in its atrium lobby statue: Aladdin, Jasmine, and their Magic Carpet (along with the fateful lamp).

On September 5, 2023, Disney released a significant amount of information on what will be included onboard the ship. As expected, some of the offerings are generally in line with what’s found on the Disney Wish — but others are unique to the Treasure.

Here’s a quick glance at some of the spaces and offerings that will be on the ship:

• The usual variety of Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge Staterooms
• Four Royal Suites , including Bagheera Royal Suites and Rajah Royal Suites with designs inspired by characters from  The Jungle Book and  Aladdin , respectively.
• An astounding  Tomorrow Tower Suite inspired by EPCOT, in one of the ship’s iconic red funnel smokestacks.
• The  Plaza de Coco restaurant, inspired by the film  Coco , offers themed dining with live Mariachi music and a visit from Miguel
• The  Worlds of Marvel and  1923  restaurants, also found on the Disney Wish
• Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté , and The Rose , adult-exclusive specialty dining / lounges, also found on the Disney Wish
• Jumbeaux’s Sweets , inspired by Zootopia , offers tasty snacks for purchase
• Jade Cricket Café and Heihei Café , inspired by Mulan and Moana
• Periscope Pub , inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
• Skipper Society , a lounge inspired by the Jungle Cruise attraction
• Haunted Mansion Parlor , a lounge themed to the Haunted Mansion attraction
• Marceline Market and Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods casual dining
• The AquaMouse  features a new Curse of the Golden Egg storyline developed for the Disney Treasure.
• Ten pools plus a  Toy Story Splash Zone
• Disney’s Oceaneer Club  featuring  Marvel Super Hero Academy ,  Fairytale Hall ,  Walt Disney Imagineering Lab ,  Star Wars Cargo Bay , and  Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck
• Edge , Vibe , and it’s a small world nursery! for tweens, teens, and toddlers, respectively.
• Live Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, including  Beauty and the Beast , Disney Seas the Adventure , and a new show called Disney the Tale of Moana
• Hero Zone , Wonderland Cinema , and Never Land Cinema , also found on Disney Wish
• Character encounters, music, and shows in the Grand Hall (ship atrium / lobby)
• Sarabi , a “central hub” for daytime activities and adult-exclusive evening entertainment
• DCL-favorite  Senses Spa returns to the Disney Treasure, along with a reimagined  Senses Fitness center
• Tangled Salon and  Hook’s Barbery for beauty treatments

Meyer Werft shipyard – Papenburg, Germany

Maiden Voyage

Dec. 21, 2024

Port Canaveral,  FL

Approximately 144,000 gross tons

19.5 knots cruising speed and 23 knots maximum speed

Liquefied Natural Gas

Crew Members

Maximum capacity.

4,000 passengers

Guest Staterooms

1,256 staterooms, about 90% of which are expected to have either a porthole window or verandah balcony

• 123 inside staterooms
• 185 oceanview staterooms
• 948 verandah staterooms

Passenger Decks

14 passenger decks. Technically, the second floor of the Tomorrow Tower Suite would be a 15th deck, but it’s an isolated space inside the ship’s funnel not accessible to most passengers.

Contact the Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer today to start planning your cruise on the Disney Treasure or any of the other ships in the fleet! The Vacationeer offers free cruise booking help with no planning fees . They can help you pick the perfect stateroom , find the ideal itinerary , find the best time to cruise , and answer all your questions.

Then they’ll let you know exactly how much your Disney Cruise will cost with a free, no-obligation quote . If you like what you see, you can reserve your room by paying a small deposit now and then paying the balance over time.

Once you’re booked, your Vacationeer will keep track of all the planning and payment milestones for you — they’ll even watch for new discounts that may be announced after you’ve booked! They’ll even provide a generous onboard credit that can be used toward purchases on the ship.

And because their planning services are free to use, you can rest assured that you’ll get the best price possible without paying any unnecessary fees. So get your free, no-obligation cruise today!

Disney Adventure (former Global Dream ) — 2025

In 2022, it was announced that Disney had purchased a partially-completed cruise ship that was in the process of being built for another cruise line. This announcement was a big shock, as Disney had already surprised fans with an unexpected announcement of Disney Cruise Line’s seventh custom-built cruise ship (see next ship section below) and everyone thought that would be the end of the fleet expansion for the foreseeable future.

This newly-acquired, partially-constructed ship — known at the time as the Global Dream  — was in its fourth year of construction at MV Werften shipyard in Germany as an addition to the fleet of Genting Hong Kong .

But thanks to a series of bankruptcies (involving both the original cruise line and the shipbuilder!), construction was eventually abandoned and the partially-built ship was due to be scrapped.

Disney Cruise Line was long rumored to be interested in acquiring the hull, and the purchase was officially announced in November 2022. Meyer Werft, which has built every Disney Cruise ship since the Disney Dream, will oversee the Global Dream’s completion and its conversion into a Disney Cruise ship.

As you can see in this video originally taken in February 2022 (months before the deal was announced), a significant amount of construction on the ship has already been done. Note that the video pre-dates the Disney purchase but has since been retitled to reflect Disney’s ownership.

Because Disney has come into the project as the ship is already about 75% complete, the former Global Dream is not likely to have a so-called “sister ship” in the Disney fleet; it will be its own vessel without an equivalent.

The ship will not home-port in the United States but rather in Singapore. At the time the purchase was originally announced, Disney indicated that the ship was being purchased specifically to serve “new markets,” and the conventional wisdom of industry observers at the time was that this ship would likely primarily serve Asia — its original target market under the prior cruise line.

On March 29, 2023, Disney and the Singapore Tourism Board announced a five-year exclusive partnership that would base the ship in Singapore once construction is complete in 2025.

Sharp-eyed readers might notice that in the newer concept art, the ship has “lost” one of its three red smokestack funnels and now has only two — mirroring the other ships in the Disney fleet.

Although this is the eighth Disney Cruise Ship to be announced, comments by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro have repeatedly indicated that it will be the seventh one to enter service.

Disney recently dipped its toes into serving previously-uncharted waters (uncharted by Disney, at least), with its new Australia and New Zealand itineraries. It’s widely believed that the additions of the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and the Disney Destiny will give Disney the freedom to reassign some some of its older ships — as well as the former Global Dream ship — to cruise farther-flung itineraries going forward.

The Singapore announcement gives credence to those theories.

Virtually no information about Disney’s new theme for this ship has been released. We did, however, find out its name. On September 9, 2023, Disney announced that it will be known as the Disney Adventure.

Given that it’s a standalone ship with no “sister,” we really don’t have much to compare it to. And given that the ship is expected to target an international audience, it’s unclear if any of the traditional Disney Cruise elements might be adjusted (or completely abandoned) to better match regional travel preferences and customs.

Amusement Park Onboard?

Among the most tantalizing items in the original plans for the Global Dream was mention of an “amusement park” onboard the ship. It’s unknown how extensive that concept was in the first place — much less what (if any) of it will survive now that Disney has taken over. But Disney has been upping its onboard attractions game as of late; the Disney Wish is home to the AquaMouse, which Disney has called its first ever “attraction at sea.” We’ll see if this concept takes forward when the former Global Dream re-launches as a Disney ship.

Casinos Onboard?

The original plans for the ship under its prior ownership also included a casino — Disney doesn’t have casinos on any of its existing ships, so it’s likely that this space will be repurposed for something else on the Disney Adventure. Theoretically, it’s possible Disney could keep the casino given the “new market” targeting, but it’s generally considered unlikely.

One of the two cruise ports in Singapore. Most likely the Marina Bay Cruise Centre , which is better-equipped to handle mega ships such as this one.

The Disney Adventure will be a behemoth! At 208,000 gross tons (based on original Global Dream specs and early indications from Disney), it’s expected to be among the top ten heaviest cruise ships in the world; based on ships currently sailing in 2023, it would rank number 7.

Estimated to be approximately 1,122 feet (based on original Global Dream specs)

Estimated to be approximately 152 feet (based on original Global Dream specs)

Estimated to be approximately 31 feet (based on original Global Dream specs)

Unclear at this time

Green Methanol (based on early indications from Disney)

Estimated to be approximately 2,300 (based on early indications from Disney)

Estimated to be between 6,000 passengers (based on early indications from Disney)

Unclear at this time. Global Dream was originally expected to have about 2,500 staterooms, but it’s likely Disney Adventure could remove some of those to accommodate more common areas. This possibility would be supported by the fact that Global Dream was originally expected to hold about 8,000-9,000 passengers but Disney has indicated it would likely only accommodate somewhere around 6,000 after conversion.

Estimated to have approximately 14 passenger decks, counting both staterooms and common areas such as pools (based on original Global Dream concept art)

Get Answers Without Waiting on Hold

Disney Destiny — 2025

Disney Destiny concept art | Image © Disney

The last ship currently scheduled to be fully built (from start to finish) specifically for Disney’s fleet is due to arrive in 2025.

This ship was somewhat of a surprise in and of itself. Disney originally announced in 2016 that it would be building two new ships. But at the following year’s D23 Expo, the company announced it would actually be building three new ships.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the expected roll-out of the additions to the fleet, this ship is now expected to hold its maiden voyage sometime in 2025. Although it has long been colloquially known as the “seventh” Disney ship, the addition of the Disney Adventure (previously known as the Global Dream ) to the fleet lineup will likely mean that this ship will actually be the eighth Disney ship to begin sailing with passengers.

Like the Disney Treasure, this ship is expected to be materially similar to the Disney Wish in terms of construction.

On March 20, 2024, we learned that this new ship will be called the  Disney Destiny .

The theme of the Disney Destiny is expected to revolve around the concept of heroes and villains. In announcing the name on March 20, 2024, Disney promised:

… opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose. Onboard, guests will encounter heroes and villains alike – including those from beloved Walt Disney Animation stories like “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” – within spaces, experiences and entertainment throughout their voyage.

The bow of the ship will feature artwork showing Captain Minnie in her superhero best.

Ship bow artwork | Image © Disney

Disney also released a fun comic book style video to announce the ship’s theme:

Given that it is a sister ship to the Disney Wish, we expect a similar layout in terms of the number of kids’ clubs, restaurants, pools, etc. But we don’t yet know the specific theme of any of them.

Not yet known. Either Port Canaveral or Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) are strong possibilities, given that they are the two year-round home ports for Disney Cruise Ships and Disney historically has put its newest ships in Florida — at least to start.

Estimated to be approximately 135,000-144,000 gross tons (based on Disney Wish and Meyer Werft data)

Estimated to be approximately 1,119 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 128 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 27.2 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 221 feet (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 19.5 knots cruising speed and 23 knots maximum speed (based on Disney Wish data)

Liquefied Natural Gas (based on Disney Wish and Meyer Werft data)

Estimated to be approximately 1,555 (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to be approximately 4,000 passengers (based on Disney Wish data)

Estimated to have approximately 1,250 staterooms, about 90% of which are expected to have either a porthole window or verandah balcony (based on Disney Wish and Meyer Werft data)

Estimated to have approximately 14 passenger decks, counting both staterooms and common areas such as pools (based on Disney Wish data)

Can’t Wait for the New Ships? Plan a Disney Cruise Now!

You don’t have to wait for all the new ships to arrive to start planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation. You can book sailings right now on any of the Disney Cruise Ships that are currently in service!

Stick close to Florida with a Caribbean or Bahamian cruise, or take a Disney Cruise to Hawaii onboard the Disney Wonder. Find departure ports closer to home — Port Canaveral , Miami , Fort Lauderdale , San Diego , New Orleans , New York , or Galveston — or make the trip to Vancouver to embark on a wonder-filled Disney Cruise to Alaska ! You can even visit Europe on a Disney Cruise .

The best way to plan your first Disney Cruise is to work with an expert. You can get free help booking your Disney Cruise by contacting The Vacationeer ! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , The Vacationeer books thousands of Disney vacations every year. So you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing!

They’ll get you the right cruise at the right price, right away . And, because you’ll have a one dedicated agent from start to finish , you’ll have a seamless and hassle-free experience . There’s no waiting on hold and no giant call centers or wholesalers — just you and your personal cruise assistant planning the vacation that’s perfect for you.

What’s more, The Vacationeer offers a generous onboard credit of up to $1,000 — that’s free spending money you can use while onboard the ship towards specialty dining, alcohol , spa treatments, excursions , and more.

They don’t charge any planning fees — and your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself. It  might even cost less , thanks to their knowledge of all the latest discounts!

So what’re you waiting for? The sea is calling! (And Vacationeers are standing by!)

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I’m so excited for the Treasure!

Wish the would sail from NY/NJ

Love Disney ships just sad no sailing from New York

Hi Vee — we’re hoping there will be some New York sail dates in the future. They have occasionally skipped a few years but always seem to come back to New York for at least a few sailings. You can keep an eye on our Disney Cruises from New York page to see if anything is announced in the future.

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Disney Cruise Line Date Planning Calculator

You’ve booked a Disney Cruise ! Hooray! One of the next steps will be planning for online check-in and activities. Continue below to see what can be booked in advance and see the dates available to book.

What to Book

Adult-Exclusive Dining Dining reservations must be cancelled prior to 24 hours ahead of the scheduled reservation to avoid a cancellation fee.

• Palo Steakhouse

Nursery Reservations must be cancelled more than 4 hours in advance to avoid a fee.

• “it’s a small world” nursery . Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis once onboard.

Onboard Activities Activities my include the following. Check your planner for specific offerings for your sailing.

• Beverage Tasting Seminars
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirates Leage
• Character Greetings
• Goofy’s Sports Deck
• Olaf’s Royal Picnic
• Royal Court Tea

Photography

• Professional Photography
• Shutter’s Photography

Port Adventures Reservations must be cancelled at least 3 days prio to cruise departure to avoid payment in full. Some Port Adventures are non-cancelable and nonrefundable.

Spa & Fitness

• Fitness Center
• Hook’s Barbery
• Senses Spa & Salon
• Untangled Salon

When to Book

Disney Cruise Line has different check-in dates for various guests to make it a bit more complicated. Castaway Club guests (those who have sailed with Disney previously) have the benefit of booking earlier than other passengers.

• Pearl Castaway Club members: (those who have completed 25 or more cruises) can book 123 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• Concierge level guests: can book 123 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time for online bookies. Contact Shoreside Concierge Associate team beginning at 130 days.
• Platinum Castaway Club members: (those who have completed 10 or more cruises) can book 120 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• Gold Castaway Club members:   (those who have completed five cruises) can book 105 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• Silver Castaway Club members: (those who have completed one cruise) can book 90 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• New Cruisers: can book 75 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.

One thing to note, your cruise must be paid in full to be able to take advantage of pre-booking these exciting options.  

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Disney Cruise Line Important Date Planning Calculator helps you calculate the booking opening date for your cruise.

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New! Disney Cruise Line Summer 2024 Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line Early 2025 Itineraries Will Open For Booking on November 6

D isney Cruise Line has announced some new 2025 itineraries coming soon. They include the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Baja California and the Mexican Riviera, the Pacific Coast, Hawai’i, and the South Pacific. General booking will begin on November 6. Castaway Club members will be allowed to book earlier.

Let’s take a look!

“ Surrender to swaying palm trees, blue-water bliss and endless sunshine at such dreamy locales as Cozumel, Mexico and Disney Castaway Cay during a 5-night Western Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Or sail from Galveston, Texas, on a 4-, 5- or 6-night cruise and enjoy stops that may include Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico or Grand Cayman. 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings aboard the all-new Disney Treasure are also available and currently open for booking ”

The Bahamas

“ Soak up the laid-back pleasures of island life on a 3-, 4- or 5-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Other sailings include a 7-night cruise departing from Galveston, Texas to San Juan, Puerto Rico and a 4-night sailing from San Juan to Fort Lauderdale. Each magical journey drops anchor in sun-kissed ports of call like Nassau, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.”

Baja California and the Mexican Riviera

Pacific coast, south pacific.

What do you think? Comment and let us know.

The post Disney Cruise Line Early 2025 Itineraries Will Open For Booking on November 6 appeared first on Pirates & Princesses .

One of the US's busiest cruise ports can't keep up with America's love for vacations at sea — but an urgent new terminal will help meet the demand for giant cruise ships

• Port Canaveral announced new plans to build a seventh cruise terminal by 2026.
• It scrapped its initial expansion plan because it would've taken longer to build.
• This article is part of " Transforming Business: Infrastructure ," a series exploring the advancements reshaping US infrastructure.  

Florida — home to busy beaches, Disney World, and a cruise industry so successful that local ports simply can't keep up with demand.

The Sunshine State flexes seven cruise ports, three of which — Miami, Canaveral, and Everglades — are among the five busiest in the world.

The state may seem well stocked as far as cruise terminals go. But Port Canaveral is running out of space as demand for these vacation voyages continues to skyrocket.

In 2023 , the Florida port accommodated a record 6.8 million cruisers and 13 homeported ships, leading to an all-time-high revenue of $191 million — more than 80% of which came from its cruise operations.

In 2024, it expects to add another 500,000 passengers to that total.

The influx in demand has left Port Canaveral at "a point where we're starting to turn business away," John Murray, its CEO, said at a press conference earlier this month.

The proposed solution? Expand — and quickly. The port announced plans to build a seventh cruise terminal on its north side by 2026, scrapping its initial proposal for one farther south. The latter would've taken longer to build, but "we need it in two years," Murray said, adding: "Maybe sooner."

The proposed terminal would be at the port's "underutilized" North 8 berth. When complete, it could accommodate the world's largest cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean's new 1,198-foot-long, 9,950-person-capacity Icon of the Seas .

Murray said the project would be "self-funded." There's no word yet on the cost, but a spokesperson for Port Canaveral told Business Insider that the existing berth would make construction cheaper than that of previous cruise terminals. The most recent one, completed in 2020, cost $155 million.

Before unveiling these plans, Port Canaveral intended to build its next terminal in an area known as Bluepoints Marina, farther south. The project would've taken three to four years to complete — too long a timeline for Port Canaveral.

A new cruise terminal "has become more urgent and necessary now," Murray said.

Along with a seventh terminal, Port Canaveral plans to build a 3,000-car parking structure and improve the roads leading into and out of the parking lot.

Expanding parking on land is just as important as in the water: Cruise lines have been increasingly developing private islands and destinations in the Caribbean, often visited during three- and four-day cruises. Murray said these shorter sailings typically bring in more vehicular traffic than their five- to seven-day counterparts.

Wooing cruise lines operating on these itineraries could be especially important for Port Canaveral, which is farther north from the private Caribbean destinations than Miami's and Fort Lauderdale's popular ports.

Competition is stiff. In January, MSC Group announced that its cruise lines would move their operations to Miami. In late 2023, Disney Cruise Line unveiled a new terminal at Port Everglades.

"A place like Port Canaveral is continually thinking about retaining the business it has and, of course, capturing some of that business," Ross Klein, the founder of CruiseJunkie.com and a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, told BI.

But not everyone is excited

While an influx of travelers can be an economic windfall for nearby restaurants and hotels, not all locals are happy about the new cruise terminal.

The world's largest cruise ships can accommodate more than 7,000 guests. That's a lot of travelers — and traffic, which is a concern for Jamie Glasner, the owner of the Bluepoints Marina-based fishing charter Fin and Fly . (BI spoke with Glasner before Port Canaveral announced its terminal in the North 8 berth.)

"These cruise ships come in, and the traffic is backed up for miles," Glasner told BI, adding that other local business owners complained "about it all the time."

"The traffic is a nightmare. This is crazy," he said.

"It used to only take us 10 minutes to get home," Glasner said. "Now it's taking me an hour."

Cruise travelers accounted for roughly 840,000 cars at Port Canaveral last year, Murray said in late 2023. At the time, he said that updates such as a "pay-on-arrival" parking system and the increased use of facial recognition by US Customs and Border Protection helped improve the flow of traffic.

To lessen traffic stress, the port wants the state to widen the nearby freeway and replace the drawbridge connecting the north and south halves of Port Canaveral with a higher, fixed bridge. The latter often opens for passing ships, further jamming up the roads.

However, these proposals have yet to be included in the Florida Department of Transportation's budget, "so we will continue to make noise on that," Murray said during the announcement of the port's seventh cruise terminal. "We can't shut down operations at Port Canaveral because the state can't get the road infrastructure in a timely manner," he added.

But love it or hate it, the cruise industry continues to grow . And the sooner Port Canaveral can build a new terminal, the happier it, and cruise lines, will be.

"We're going to do what we have to do to get this up and running as quickly as possible," Murray told reporters.

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