Disney Cruise LinePlanningTips

Thinking About a Disney Cruise? 8 Reasons Why You Should Make a Reservation!

When you think of a Disney vacation, what comes to mind? A trip to the Walt Disney World Resort or the Disneyland Resort? Spending days in a Disney theme park? The dining experiences to enjoy, including filling up on Mickey-shaped snacks? A stay in your favorite Disney Resort? Or is it time to do something different?

Disney Cruise Line is an excellent option for a different Disney experience. Guests experience the exceptional service that The Walt Disney Company is known for while exploring and seeing other parts of the world. They get to call beautiful ships their home during their Disney vacation and make memories that will last a lifetime. But if you’re reading this article, you feel a little undecided about booking that Disney Cruise.

disney-fantasy
Credit: V Mills

Reasons for Indecision

Something is holding you back from making that reservation with Disney Cruise Line, but what is it? Is one of the reasons below holding you back from clicking that ‘confirm reservation’ button?

1. Cost

It’s common knowledge that a Disney vacation comes with a price. Whether your Disney trip involves visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, or international Disney Parks, many things must be considered in your budget.

Deciding to take a Disney Cruise is no exception. There are plenty of other cruise companies to choose from and Cruise ships to sail on. As such, the price can be a deciding factor in the cruise you book. Often, Disney Cruise Line is one of the more expensive cruise companies, but there are reasons to justify the price difference. Guests who frequently visit a Disney Park will be familiar with the level of Guest service that Cast Members provide.

Additionally, consider the experiences that Guests have in the Disney Parks and Resort. You can expect the same, at the very least, on a Disney Cruise. We’ll consider this in more detail a little later.

2. First Time Cruiser

Guests who have never cruised can often be unsure if a cruise is right for them. Consider why you haven’t cruised before. Are you worried you may be bored? Do you like to have freedom and so worry that you may feel confined when on board the ship? Would you instead visit a place for more than just a few hours that you get when the cruise ship docks in another port? All of these questions are valid points, but unless you give it a go, you will never know.

3. Travel Sickness

Do you or a member of your party suffer from travel sickness? If so, this is a sensible reason why you question whether a cruise is right for you. While there is no guarantee that you won’t be affected by travel sickness when on board, there are several ways that can reduce the likelihood of travel sickness when cruising. Travel sickness bands and tablets can help. There are always medical professionals on board a cruise ship too, who can help Guests with travel sickness at any point.

4. Cleanliness Concerns

Given the last few years, some Guests may be wary of the cleanliness of cruise ships and people who get sick when on a cruise. All Guests can do their bit by following the guidance provided on board a Disney Cruise should they feel ill at any point. But rest assured that cleanliness and hygiene are two of the top priorities of Disney Cruise Line.

Guests using the buffet restaurants must wash their hands as they enter the restaurant. When dining in the other restaurants around the ship, hand sanitizer is provided for Guests to use before entering. Staterooms receive housekeeping twice each day. Restrooms and other Guest areas around the vessels are cleaned throughout the day. To summarise, plenty of precautions are taken to ensure that all parts of the ship are kept clean to avoid spreading infection.

Reasons to make that reservation

So why should you book that Disney Cruise? Let’s look at all the things that Disney Cruise Line offers that will make for a Disney vacation like no other.

1. Exceptional Guest Service

The Walt Disney Company is known for its Guest Service around the world. If you have had the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll have experienced exceptional Guest service yourself. Can you imagine this service being even better? If the answer is no, then that’s because you have yet to cruise with Disney Cruise Line.

Cast Members on the Disney cruise ships are second to none. They go above and beyond in everything they do to ensure you have an extraordinary Disney experience. We love taking a Disney Cruise because of the bonds you can make with Cast Members. All Guests will have the opportunity to speak with their stateroom host and dining team daily. You will also become familiar with the Cruise Staff team. They host all of the fun activities around the ship. Guests with younger party members will get to know the Youth Activities Counsellors; younger Guests will love spending time with them. And if you’re partial to a bit of shopping, you may strike up a friendship with the merchandise Cast Members, too (just like we did!).

disney-cruise-line-cast-members
Credit: V Mills

2. Incredible Ships

There are currently five cruise ships that are part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are the smallest ships in the fleet, having been the first two Disney cruise ships to sail. Both ships can sail with up to 2,700 passengers. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were the next two ships to set sail and have a larger capacity of 4,000 passengers. The Disney Wish is the latest ship to join the Disney fleet, having set sail on her maiden voyage in July 2022. While the Disney Wish is the largest Disney Cruise Line ship, it has the same capacity as the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

disney-wonder-alaska
Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Each of the Disney ships offers something different to experience. Restaurants, Disney shows, entertainment, and layout can differ across the five ships. These provide a reason for most Guests who aim to sail on each of the Disney Cruise Line ships at some point in their life. But the most apparent difference between the Disney ships is the cruise destinations. Depending on the time of year you wish to cruise, and the destinations you plan on visiting will dictate the ships you will set sail on.

3. Immersive Experiences

Nobody does immersive experiences like Disney, and a Disney Cruise is no exception. Regardless of the ship that you sail on, Guests have the opportunity to enjoy immersive experiences. These include:

  • Deck parties that involve all Guests. Favorites include the Sailing Away Deck Party, Pirate Night, Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party!… A Bon Voyage Celebration, and the Frozen Deck Party.
  • Nightclubs and lounges that entertain Guests who are young at heart. Each ship has a different collection of nightclubs and lounges. If you’re looking for entertainment late into the evening, these are the places to be.
  • Senses Spa offers relaxing treatments in a serene environment. Even if you’d rather pass on a massage, we recommend using the Rainforest Room.
  • Kids, Tween, and Teen clubs offer fun for younger Guests. But don’t worry – adults can see the fun they have during open house sessions. We recommend checking out Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Edge, Vibe, The Hideaway, and “it’s a small world” nursery! during your time on board.
  • disneys-oceaneer-club
    Credit: V Mills

    There are plenty of sports and recreational activities on board Disney Cruise Line. From Wide World of Sports to Midship Detective Agency, Goofy’s Sports Deck, and Hero Zone (only on board the Disney Wish), Guests can stay active while having lots of fun.

  • The pools and water slides on the Disney Cruise ships are a great place to cool down, enjoy the sunshine and chill out. Funnel Vision is also played daily, showing your favorite Disney movies while you relax on the top deck.

4. World-Class Entertainment

Guests of Disney Cruise Line are treated to Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theatre throughout their cruise. Some shows are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, while others are stage adaptations of beloved Disney movies. The shows that Guests can enjoy on a Disney Cruise are:

  • Beauty and the Beast – Disney Dream
  • Disney Seas the Adventure – Disney Wish
  • The Little Mermaid – Disney Wish
  • Frozen: A Musical Spectacular – Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy
  • Tangled: The Musical – Disney Magic
  • Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic – Disney Wonder and Disney Magic
  • The Golden Mickeys – Disney Wonder and Disney Dream
  • Disney’s Believe – Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
  • Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular – Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish
  • Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story

Guests also have plenty of opportunities to meet with their favorite Disney characters onboard a Disney Cruise. See Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and more characters don outfits you’ve never seen before. Characters meet at times detailed on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Surprise appearances also take place each day.

donald-duck-cruise
Credit: V Mills

5. Exquisite Dining

There is something for every taste bud when cruising with Disney Cruise Line. Rotational dining allows all Guests to dine in the themed dining rooms on board each ship. The rotational dining restaurants on board the Disney cruise ships include:

  • 1923
  • Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
  • Rapunzel’s Royal Table
  • Worlds of Marvel
  • Tiana’s Place
  • Animator’s Palate
  • Royal Court
  • Enchanted Garden
  • Triton’s
  • Royal Palace
  • Lumiere’s

Buffet dining is also available in Cabanas and Marceline Market, as well as grab-and-go stations. Guests can also place orders of food to enjoy in their stateroom. You certainly won’t go hungry on a Disney Cruise.

Adults can also have fine dining experiences in Palo, Palo Steakhouse, and Remy. Dining in these restaurants comes at an additional cost, but you can expect exquisite cuisine and top-quality service. Treat yourself – you know you want to!

6. Variety of Ports of Call

Disney Cruise Line currently offers cruises from North America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe destinations. Later on this year, the Disney Wonder will be the first Disney Cruise ship to sail in Australian waters. Taking a Disney Cruise allows you to experience the magic of Disney while seeing other places.

Guests can choose to explore a port of call for themselves. This is an excellent opportunity to take things a little slower and explore before getting back on board. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, Disney Cruise Line offers several Port Adventures at each port. Port Adventures can be booked before you embark on your cruise or while on board.

The current destinations that each of the Disney Cruise ships sail is:

  • Disney Magic – sailing from Miami, New Orleans, Galveston, San Juan, and San Diego in 2023.
  • Disney Wonder – known to sail the Baja, New Orleans, Mexican Riviera, San Diego and Alaskan cruises.
  • Disney Dream – sails from various destinations, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York. The Disney Dream will spend the summer of 2023 in Europe, sailing from Barcelona, Southampton, Copenhagen, and Greece.
  • Disney Fantasy – Caribbean cruises, generally sailing from Port Canaveral on 7-night cruises, alternating between the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
  • Disney Wish – Bahamian cruises, alternating between 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, visiting Nassau and Disney’s Castaway Cay.

7. Fireworks at Sea

Disney fireworks aren’t just found in the Disney theme parks. Guests aboard a Disney Cruise are treated to Fireworks at Sea during most cruise itineraries. Pirate Night is generally the night that fireworks can be enjoyed from Deck 11 or 12 on the Disney ships. You don’t want to miss this swashbuckling surprise.

fireworks-at-sea
Credit: Disney

8. Disney’s Private Island

Fancy having exclusive access to white-sanded beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of island fun? Then taking a Disney Cruise is your chance to experience all these things. Generally, Bahamian and Caribbean cruises with Disney Cruise Line include a stop at Castaway Cay. Guests can spend the day enjoying all that this island paradise has to offer. 

disney-castaway-cay
Credit: V Mills

Are you ready to book that Disney Cruise you’ve been looking at? We do not doubt that you will have the Disney vacation of a lifetime! It’s time for you to make your reservation with Disney Cruise Line, and set your countdown for a new Disney experience.

Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!

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