Disney is known for its great service, incredible theme parks, and so much more. In fact, most Inside the Magic readers have experienced the excellent Disney theme parks and legendary service first hand (endearingly called the Disney Difference). But did you know Disney also operates the best cruise line too?
Disney Cruise Line consistently ranks among the top cruise lines in the world and is known as the best cruise line for families, and it’s easy to see why. Disney Cruise Line combines the magic of the Disney Parks with the fantastic dining of the Disney resorts and the incomparable Disney service. From your departure from port and embarkation on your cruise adventure to your arrival back home, passengers experience magic, wonder, adventure, and relaxation in one perfect vacation.
What sets a Disney Cruise apart from other cruise lines?
Part of the unique Disney Cruise Line experience is the way it combines three key vacation aspects. First, just like at the parks, you get Disney’s signature service. Imagine for a moment an all-inclusive vacation with service provided by your favorite Cast Members from the park. As amazing as some of the Disney Parks Cast Members are, service only gets better when Cast Members are able to assist you in an all-inclusive environment. Cast Members on Disney Cruise Line ships might not be able to make every dream come true, but they certainly can come close.
Next is access to beautiful beaches and locations. Relaxation on a beach in the Carribean, Bahamas, Hawaii, and other tropical locations can’t be topped. Many of the cruises make a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, Inside the Magic’s favorite of all the beach locations. Plus, Disney is currently planning on opening another private island in the Bahamas — Lighthouse Point, which is being developed as Disney’s fifth cruise ship, the Disney Wish, is under construction.
Thirdly, you have the ease and luxury of an ocean cruise. Sailing on the ocean evokes a feeling of excitement and grandeur that is unmatched on land. The ships offer spectacular views no matter where you look, and whether you decide to take any shore excursions or you decide to stay onboard for the duration of your cruise sailing, you can relax and enjoy your trip.
Don’t just take our word for it. Disney Cruise Line voted the number one cruise line in the world in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual World’s Best Awards. Despite these accolades, many vacation planners have questions, both about the cruise experience itself and whether cruising Disney Style is right for them. Here are some things to consider when planning your Disney Cruise Line vacation.
DestinationsÂ
Which is more important: the perfect destination or the perfect ship?
You’re in luck that you can have both with a Disney Cruise. Disney offers a variety of destinations all around the world, which include the usual favorites of select sailings in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda, plus some surprising other cruise adventures such as Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Europe, and more. But without a doubt, Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is consistently ranked as the best cruise destination — and we have to agree.
Ships
The ships are the most important part of any enjoyable cruise, and Disney Cruise Line’s four current ships — the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy — are all incredibly unique. Each ship has its own exclusive offerings, but there are also amenities that all four ships share. Here’s a bit more information about each of the ships in the current Disney Cruise Line fleet:
- Disney Wish – 1st Sailing July 24, 2022
- 114,000-ton vessel with 1,154
- Staterooms
- Live Broadway-style Shows
- The Little Mermaid
- Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
- Disney Seas the Adventure
- Table Service Dining
- 1923
- Worlds of Marvel
- Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
- Disney Magic – 1st Sailing July 30, 1998
- 83,969-ton vessel with 875 Staterooms
- Live Broadway-style Shows
- Tangled: The Musical (Review)
- Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic
- Twice Charmed: An Orginal Twist on the Cinderella Story
- Entertainment (Select Cruises)
- Marvel Day at Sea
- Frozen Deck Party
- Table Service Dining
- Rapunzel’s Royal Table (Review)
- Animator’s Palate (Review)
- Lumiere’s
- Palo
- Other Amenities
- AquaDunk
- Kids Clubs like the Oceaneer Club
- it’s a small world Nursery
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Special areas exclusive to teens
- Adult-only areas, like bars, cafes, pools, and spas
- Disney Wonder – 1st Sailing August 15, 1999
- 84,130-ton vessel with 875 Staterooms
- Live Broadway-style Shows
- Frozen, A Musical Spectacular (Review)
- The Golden Mickeys
- Â Entertainment (Select Cruises)
- Pixar Pals Party
- Frozen Deck Party
- Table Service Dining
- Tiana’s Place
- Animator’s Palate (Review)
- Triton’s
- Palo
- Other Amenities
- AquaDunk
- Kids Clubs like the Oceaneer Club
- it’s a small world Nursery
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Special areas exclusive to teens
- Adult-only areas, like bars, cafes, pools, and spas
- Disney Dream – 1st Sailing January 26, 2011
- 129,690-ton vessel with 1,250 Staterooms
- Live Broadway-style Shows
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Golden Mickeys
- Disney’s Believe
- Table Service Dining
- Enchanted Garden
- Animator’s Palate (Review)
- Royal Palace
- Palo
- Remy
- Other Amenities
- AquaDuck
- Kids Clubs like the Oceaneer Club
- it’s a small world Nursery
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Special areas exclusive to teens
- Adult-only areas, like bars, cafes, pools, and spas
- Disney Fantasy – 1st Sailing March 31, 2012
- 129,690-ton vessel with 1,250 Staterooms
- Live Broadway-style Shows
- Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
- Disney Wishes
- Disney’s Believe
- Entertainment (Select Cruises)
- Table Service Dining
- Enchanted Garden
- Animator’s Palate
- Royal Court
- Palo
- Remy
- Other Amenities
- AquaDuck
- Kids Clubs like the Oceaneer Club
- it’s a small world Nursery
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Special areas exclusive to teens
- Adult-only areas, like bars, cafes, pools, and spas
- Plus, two more new ships — including the Disney Treasure — a sister ship to the Disney Wish both of which will be larger than either the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy.
Seasonal Decor
If your vacation plans have you sailing during Halloween or Christmas, you can expect the ships to be decked out for the holidays just like the Disney Parks. Inside the Magic of Disney Resorts and Cruise Line’s Halloween Celebrations gives a comprehensive look at Halloween on the High Seas. Then, come Christmas you can expect onboard gingerbread houses and holiday decorations throughout the ship.
Situational Specific Advice
We consistently update Inside the Magic with the best advice for planning your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Below are some helpful Disney Cruise Line guides to get you started:
- Your Disney Cruise Packing List: What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
- Tips and Tricks for the Best First-Time Cruise aboard the Disney Dream
- Disney Cruise Line with a baby: How to vacation with little ones on a Disney cruise
- Disney for adults: Why you should take an adults-only Disney Cruise Line vacation
- Tipping aboard Disney Cruise Line: Everything you need to know about gratuity on a Disney Cruise
- Disney Cruise Line extras: Which experiences are worth the splurge on your vacation?
- Disney Cruise price breakdown: What’s included in a Disney Cruise Line vacation?
Booking your Dream Cruise vacation
There are so many fun experiences for the whole family aboard Disney Cruise Line, from incomparable dining to Broadway-caliber shows. Don’t forget to check out Academy Travel so you can book your next vacation with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and take advantage of some amazing deals and experiences on your upcoming trip. We love using Academy Travel to make our Disney Cruise Line and other Disney vacations a total breeze — and they always make sure your vacation is as magical and affordable as possible. Plus, you can even get a free, no-obligation quote — no credit card required. Click here to book your Disney Cruise vacation with Academy Travel!