Airlines

Disney Cruise Line: The final word information to ships and itineraries

After many years of success making households smile and snort at its theme parks, Disney dipped its toes into the world of cruising in 1998. Disney did not simply copy one other cruise line’s mannequin for achievement or slap its title on the aspect of an current ship. It created its personal model of cruising.

Disney went up to now into charting its personal path as to get particular approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for its ships’ lifeboats to be yellow as an alternative of regulation orange, to tie into the colours of Mickey himself — black, purple, white and yellow.

Now, Disney Cruise Line has 5 ships crusing in these signature colours, together with three extra on order. In a traditional 12 months, these 5 ships take tens of hundreds of households on sailings to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas, via the Panama Canal and even to Australia and New Zealand.

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Having sailed 4 of Disney Cruise Line’s 5 ships, I can say the expertise is certainly particular — particularly when you have children. However Disney’s not a one-trick cruise line that is solely good for one age group. It gives children golf equipment and actions to go well with infants via teenagers and has a number of adults-only areas of the ship. Its latest ship, Disney Want, supplies extra cool areas for adults than any earlier vessel.

Disney’s consideration to element transfers to its voyages on the ocean. However in contrast to on the Disney theme parks, which generally is a bit difficult to navigate, lengthy strains and complicated methods are not often part of the Disney cruise expertise.

Get the free planning assist of a Disney trip planner by way of TPG’s accomplice, Mouse Counselors.

What TPG loves about Disney Cruise Line

  • Broadway-caliber reveals and first-run films.
  • Disney-level service and a spotlight to element.
  • Excessive-quality Disney character interactions and youngsters golf equipment.
  • Revolutionary, included rotational eating.

What we may do with out

  • Disney cruises are costly.
  • The onboard Wi-Fi will not be the quickest, particularly on ships that have not been upgraded. And it is not low cost.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Disney Cruise Line fleet

Whereas Disney could also be a family title, Disney Cruise Line is definitely a small line. It at the moment sails simply 5 ships, in comparison with 27 at its family-friendly competitor Royal Caribbean.

Of the 5, two are smaller ships, and three are bigger.

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The biggest ships in Disney’s fleet are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 ft lengthy and 14 decks excessive, and Disney Want, at 1,119 ft and 15 decks excessive.

These three ships every have a passenger capability of 4,000 individuals unfold out throughout roughly 1,250 cabins. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or personal verandah, with solely 10%-12% being windowless inside cabins. (On its oldest 4 ships, these inside rooms have a “magical porthole” that shows a reside feed from exterior to duplicate a window.)

Disney Treasure, anticipated to affix the fleet in 2024, will probably be in the identical bigger Triton class of ships as Disney Want.

Disney Dream. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Disney Want is at the moment a workhorse of brief three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas, residence to Disney’s personal island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy typically sails weeklong cruises out of Florida. With the addition of Disney Want to the fleet, Disney Dream now spends its summer time throughout the Atlantic, providing European cruises from Might to September, then spending a lot of the remainder of the 12 months primarily based out of Fort Lauderdale.

The smaller two ships within the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Marvel and the road’s first ship, Disney Magic.

These two ships are 984 ft lengthy and 11 decks excessive, and every has the capability for two,713 passengers throughout 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

Disney Marvel is usually on the transfer and at the moment splits its time amongst Alaska, the South Pacific, Hawaii, California, Mexico and past. Disney Magic spends a part of its 12 months primarily based out of Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans and far of the remainder primarily based out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Associated: Finest locations you may sail to on a Disney cruise

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Disney Cruise Line locations and itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that vary from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have lately turn into obtainable as the road is including new ships for the primary time in a decade.

Disney Cruise Line locations embrace:

  • Alaska
  • Bahamas
  • Caribbean
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Pacific Coast
  • South Pacific

Disney Want has, by far, the very best variety of annual sailings, with 105 three- and four-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. These sailings all go to Disney’s personal island, Castaway Cay; some additionally cease in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some Disney cruises do what’s referred to as a “double dip” and make two stops on the personal island, the place you may step ashore with out leaving the Disney bubble.

Professional tip: If you happen to go to Castaway Cay, hire a motorcycle for a bit train and a self-guided tour of the island. Or, you may run the at-your-pace 5K that morning across the island.

Coming in summer time 2024, Disney may have a second unique seaside vacation spot within the Bahamas — Lighthouse Level.

This would possibly not be a whole personal island like Castaway Cay, however it will likely be an unique beachfront area designed for Disney Cruise Line with many comparable choices to Castaway. Disney Magic, Disney Marvel and Disney Fantasy will name on this new vacation spot for the primary time in 2024.

An artist’s rendering of Lighthouse Level. DISNEY

Associated: Finest suggestions and tips for crusing with Disney Cruise Line

Who sails Disney Cruise Line?

Let’s begin with the apparent: Households love Disney Cruise Line.

The final word candy spot for taking a Disney cruise begins when a toddler is a minimum of 3 years outdated and potty educated (the standards that get them into the included children golf equipment) and lasts till they outgrow their love of Disney characters. Bear in mind, Disney now consists of the “Star Wars” and Marvel manufacturers and gives themed cruises that includes these characters, too.

A Disney cruise prices greater than an identical cruise on a line like Royal Caribbean, so it is best to justify the expense when your children love Disney essentially the most.

So, sure, the stereotype that Disney Cruise Line is filled with households is 100% appropriate.

You will see many households with children in these preschool, elementary and center faculty years. However you may additionally see households with little infants (the minimal age is 6 months on most sailings, 1 12 months on Panama Canal and transatlantic sailings), tweens, teenagers, college-age children and even grandparents who’ve made a Disney cruise an gratifying multigenerational journey custom.

Associated: Evaluating Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises for households

Grandma and grandkids on a Disney cruise. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

You will additionally see cruisers who love Disney no matter age and are proud to put on their Mickey ears whereas listening to the primary seven notes of the “When You Want Upon a Star” melody blown from the ship’s large horn.

Identical to you do not want children to have a good time at Disney World or Disneyland, you may fortunately cruise as adults with out offspring on Disney Cruise Line. All of the ships have energetic adults-only solar decks, pool and lounges. Disney Want particularly invested in its grownup choices with an infinity pool, together with extra bars unfold across the ship as an alternative of being clustered into one foremost space.

The grownup pool space on Disney Want. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Disney Cruise Line cabins and suites

At a fundamental degree, Disney Cruise Line gives 5 foremost kinds of cabins throughout the fleet. In its simplified model, the kinds of cabins on a Disney cruise embrace:

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

These cabins begin at 169 sq. ft for the standard inside cabin and go as much as a two-story, 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Want.

Except you’re OK with the smallest area on the ship or have a finances for the most important, the candy spot for worth and luxury on Disney Cruise Line vessels might be the cabins which are round 204 sq. ft and often include a queen mattress, single sleeper couch and upper-berth pull-down mattress and a break up tub.

This break up toilet state of affairs locations a sink and the bathe/tub combo in a single toilet and the bathroom and one other sink within the different. Every has its personal separate door, so somebody may use the bathroom/sink room whereas one other takes a bathe, all in personal and on the identical time.

You will discover this cabin structure inside the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah classes.

The Deluxe Household Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Household Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah add about 40 extra sq. ft to the equation. If you need the most important inside these room classes, seek for rooms that may maintain 5 individuals on the Disney Cruise Line web site.

Professional tip: You possibly can ask your cabin host for cartoon bedding for the child’s mattress in the event you suppose your youngster will probably be excited to come back again from dinner to one in every of their Disney favorites.

You possibly can join most of the cabins on the ship, which is usually a a lot extra economical resolution for a household searching for extra sleeping area (and bogs) than upgrading to a multibedroom suite. Roughly talking, a household of 4 pays about 50% extra for 2 cabins than they may for everybody to remain in a single cabin of the identical dimension.

Associated: 7 nights. 4 individuals. 1 cruise ship cabin. Can we survive?

If you’re going all-out on a selected journey, or are merely working with a bigger finances, Disney concierge suites are particular.

The smallest obtainable room with this service is the Concierge Household Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which is not all that completely different from the Deluxe Household Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, apart from the included concierge service. From there, you may go as much as the one- or two-bedroom suites.

Be ready for sticker shock, although, as these suites will nearly actually be close to or over 5 figures on many sailings.

Whereas expensive, Disney concierge service eliminates nearly the entire potential ache factors of a Disney cruise (not that there are lots of ache factors to start with).

A front room on Disney Want. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Disney concierge service will get you entry to the Disney Concierge Lounge, which has meals choices a number of instances per day and a completely stocked fridge with sodas, juices and bottles of water.

Within the evenings, you may discover included beer, wine and spirits within the lounge — which it’s also possible to take with you as you head out to dinner or to benefit from the view from the deck.

The Concierge Lounge additionally has its personal personal deck, and Disney characters have been identified to make a personal look there in the course of the cruise. (Don’t be concerned, you may get a heads-up.)

Associated: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge service price it?

You even have your personal check-in space on the port and are among the many first to board the ship, which might imply additional time to get pleasure from having the waterslides to your self. On the finish of the cruise, you may have a personal elevator that takes you all the way down to be among the first off the ship — which ought to defend you from a protracted line to say goodbye.

There are different perks of the concierge degree, too, akin to early front-row seating at reveals, included popcorn and the flexibility to submit your request for meal reservations at Palo or Remy, cabanas on Castaway Cay, spa therapies, character meet-and-greets or no matter else you want earlier than different visitors. These will be made for you beginning 120 days earlier than your crusing, which is earlier than all different visitors besides these with the very best elite standing tier within the Castaway Membership.

Coming into the Concierge Lounge. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Passengers on their first Disney cruise do not get to make these reservations till 75 days out if they don’t seem to be within the concierge degree. The truth is the most well liked gadgets are sometimes booked up by then, particularly on shorter cruises when there’s much less time to do all the pieces.

These within the concierge degree in one-bedroom suites and better also can order room service from the eating places to their cabin, which suggests you may have a sizzling breakfast in your verandah if you want as an alternative of the common continental choices obtainable to most visitors.

Scorching room service breakfast is just obtainable to concierge-level visitors. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

If you’re on the fence about concierge service, it is arguably most precious when you find yourself on a shorter cruise, have some particular common must-have gadgets in your reservation want record or need another person to deal with all the pieces. You can too inquire about discounted upgrades on the port, assuming rooms are left unsold in your voyage.

Professional tip: No matter your cabin, convey magnetic Mickey or nautical-themed decor for the doorway, as a lot of the cabin doorways are magnetic. Adorning is a enjoyable custom on a Disney cruise.

Associated: Overview of crusing in a collection with Disney concierge service

Disney Cruise Line eating places and eating choices

You’ll not go hungry on a Disney cruise. From room service to night dinners, meals are (principally) all included.

Rotational eating

On every Disney ship, three foremost eating rooms function dinner eating places that take part in rotational eating. Every ship has its personal lineup of themed rotational eating places, however the idea stays the identical on every.

Every evening, your tablemates and servers will transfer from one restaurant to the subsequent as a crew. This fashion, the servers get to know that you just all the time need to begin with a glass of purple wine, or your children’ meals wants to come back ASAP so you may take them to the children membership as quickly as they end, or (in my case) your daughter desires a aspect of barbecue sauce with … all the pieces.

Animator’s Palate. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

You will need to select between an early and a late supper time, along with your showtime reverse your eating time. Some eating places, akin to Animator’s Palate, are discovered on a number of ships, whereas others are distinctive to 1 ship, akin to Tiana’s Place on Disney Marvel and the entire rotational eating places discovered on Disney Want.

Included eating places on Disney Magic

  • Animator’s Palate
  • Lumiere’s
  • Rapunzel’s Royal Desk

Included eating places on Disney Marvel

  • Animator’s Palate
  • Tiana’s Place
  • Triton’s

Included eating places on Disney Dream

  • Animator’s Palate
  • Enchanted Backyard
  • Royal Palace

Included eating places on Disney Fantasy

  • Animator’s Palate
  • Enchanted Backyard
  • Royal Courtroom

Included eating places on Disney Want

At these eating places, you may order no matter you need on the menu at no additional cost, with a couple of exceptions (for instance, alcohol and specialty drinks value additional).

Whereas many visitors costume up a bit for dinner (in comparison with their afternoon pool deck apparel), most keep comparatively informal for the rotational eating eating places. Disney doesn’t impose a particular dress-up requirement.

Disney cruise ships supply many different eating choices past the three included themed eating places — most included, some not.

Room service

Room service is usually free (apart from sodas or alcohol), although the menu is proscribed in the event you aren’t staying in a concierge-level cabin. Nonetheless, it is free room service, so I am not one to complain.

Professional tip: Fill the breakfast card out the evening earlier than and dangle it in your stateroom to get breakfast precisely if you need it the subsequent morning.

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And you have not lived till your children learn to name and order free Mickey ice cream bars to the cabin … each evening (simply make certain and add a tip).

Buffet and grab-and-go

Your Disney cruise may also embrace a buffet generally known as Cabanas on the unique 4 ships and Marceline Market on Disney Want. The buffet is often open for breakfast and lunch, although not within the night hours.

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Along with the buffet, a couple of grab-and-go quick-service eating places on the pool deck serve salads, chili, pizza, barbecue and extra, relying on which ship you are crusing.

Do not miss these choices, as some are fairly good. They’re usually open from late morning till later into the night.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Room service, the buffet and the on-deck meals counter eating choices do not value additional and can be found to you along with or as an alternative of your rotational eating.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

You will additionally discover included ice cream on one of many higher decks. A professional-level hack is to get Mickey churro waffles from the buffet within the morning (solely obtainable some mornings) and add vanilla ice cream for a vacation-worthy breakfast.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Additional-cost, adults-only eating places

On the high of the “prices additional” record are the eating places Palo (discovered on all 5 ships, although it is Palo Steakhouse on Disney Want), Remy (on Dream and Fantasy) and Enchante (solely on Disney Want).

Remy is a elaborate adults-only French restaurant that prices $125 per individual for dinner (extra in the event you order drinks). That is the kind of place the place males want jackets and ladies are anticipated to put on attire, pantsuits or a skirt and shirt. Enchante on Disney Want is analogous — you are dressing up for these meals.

Enchante. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Palo can be fancy, although a notch much less fancy than Remy. You will see jackets and attire in Palo, however it’s also possible to get by with good denims in order for you. This adults-only restaurant serves Northern Italian fare and begins at about $45 per individual for a multicourse brunch or dinner, although it’s also possible to order a la carte for dinner, which may value roughly, relying in your order.

I can say with 100% certainty that in the event you get pleasure from a pleasant meal, that is price the additional $45 as soon as throughout your cruise. From the breadbasket to the dessert, it is all superb. You will acquire 5 kilos, however you will not remorse a chunk.

These reservations are arduous to get, particularly for brunch, so you may need to make them the second you’re eligible and hold checking again for cancellations in the event you miss out the primary time.

Espresso retailers and snack retailers

On a Disney cruise, the snacks and pastries you may see within the espresso store or kiosk are all included, however the specialty espresso will value additional. Drink costs are roughly just like Starbucks, if not a notch decrease. Make sure and ask for the Cafe Fanatic card in the event you’re an everyday, as your sixth drink will probably be free.

Along with the included soft-serve ice cream and Mickey bars obtainable by way of room service, your ship might have some retailers with extra-fee ice cream. This will confuse children, so I need to warn you beforehand. On Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Want, you may discover an ice cream store filled with candies, gelato and ice cream — all for an additional cost.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy even have a juice bar that prices additional.

Bars

The precise bars will differ by vessel, however you may count on spots like a wine and Champagne bar, a pub, a laid-back lounge and a bar with reside leisure.

These bars are loads of enjoyable and are to not be missed in the event you like reside music or a pleasant drink on the finish of the day. Preserve a watch out in your app for when and the place the completely happy hours are on board if you wish to save a couple of {dollars} in your drinks. Some bars additionally supply a sommelier bin the place you get a pleasant glass of wine at a reduced worth — so long as you set the bartender in control of selecting your drink.

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Among the drink-tasting lessons that you just e book upfront generally is a good worth in the event you’re a fan of the drink on supply and are all for studying a bit bit when you sip. You will need to e book these earlier than crusing, as many do promote out.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Meals on Castaway Cay

In case your cruise takes you to Disney’s personal island, Castaway Cay, you are in luck, as there’s loads of included meals to eat there, too.

Identical to on board, among the meals on Castaway is included, whereas alcohol and specialty drinks are usually not. The Cookie’s and Cookie’s Too lunch shacks on the island are each included, so load up on sizzling canine, barbecue, hamburgers, fries and all of the fixings. Vegetarian choices can be found.

Whereas the meals choices listed below are considerably fundamental, they nonetheless make for a enjoyable and free meal.

Nonetheless, in the event you do not like what’s on supply on the island, you may all the time hop again in your ship for lunch after which proceed your afternoon on the island after you eat.

Lunch choices at Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue on Disney Want. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Leisure and actions on a Disney cruise

A legitimate cause to need to sail with Disney is the onboard enjoyable that awaits — particularly for individuals who love Disney characters and tales.

Theaters and reveals

Every Disney cruise ship options two theaters. Within the large Walt Disney Theatre, you may get pleasure from Broadway-caliber night reveals akin to “Magnificence and the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Tangled,” “Disney Desires,” “The Golden Mickeys” and extra. If you need an excellent seat, arrive about half-hour early since seating is first come, first served.

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The Buena Vista Theatre screens first-run Disney movies. These would be the identical movies nonetheless exhibiting in theaters on land. If you happen to occur to be at sea when a brand new Disney film premieres on land, you may additionally get that very same first take a look at sea.

Pirate Night time is a staple on many Disney cruises within the Caribbean. On that themed evening, count on everybody to be dressed of their pirate-y finest for the night, so pack accordingly. Your dinner may also have a pirate theme, adopted by a enjoyable present up on deck, full with fireworks.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Professional tip: If you happen to plan to remain up late for Pirate Night time, attempt to work in a nap that afternoon so you do not miss out on the nighttime enjoyable.

Recreation reveals, karaoke, bingo and extra

The intensive lineup of interactive sport reveals, trivia, karaoke, dance events, bingo and extra listed within the Disney cruise app are price testing. A few of these are adults-only, whereas others are enjoyable for the entire household. Most are included within the worth of the cruise, although bingo does value additional — and you would win actual cash.

Different inside sights and actions

Assembly Disney characters is a enjoyable a part of a Disney cruise.

You can also make reservations to fulfill the favored princesses, however most characters are simple to stroll as much as and meet by way of a brief line. Or, even higher, you typically see them roaming concerning the ship at sudden instances.

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You possibly can work off a few of these treats and drinks on the onboard health heart on every ship.

The Senses Spa & Salon is a full-service spa with all the pieces from massages to pedicures and hair care. Promotions can be found in the event you e book a couple of remedy. When you have a Disney Visa card, it’s also possible to save 20% on choose onboard providers.

Professional tip: The showers on this a part of the ship are full-size, in case you’re getting a bit claustrophobic within the bathe in your cabin.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

If you happen to like getting away to calm down, take a look at buying entry to the Rainforest Room for heated stone loungers, aromatherapy showers and even sizzling tubs on the bigger ships. You should purchase a one-day or full-cruise go to this space of the spa, however get a tour first because the structure and inclusions on this area differ dramatically from ship to ship.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Little cruisers will be reworked right into a princess or pirate at sea on the onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which does themed child makeovers and sells costumes as a part of the package deal. You will want an appointment; count on to pay $100 to $200 for many packages.

This can be a enjoyable factor to do earlier than assembly a princess, earlier than a extra formal evening or anytime you need to see an enormous smile in your child’s face. When you have a princess costume or outfit from residence you need to use or reuse, you should buy a less expensive package deal at Bibbidi Bobbidi.

Decktop sights

Waterslides

All of Disney Cruise Line’s ships have some form of waterslide on board.

The AquaDuck waterslide on Dream and Fantasy takes riders in single or double tubes 765 ft from Deck 12 up and down, via the ahead funnel and on a four-deck drop. It is fairly epic. AquaMouse on Disney Want can be an internal tube-based trip and isn’t to be missed.

These strains can get lengthy, so I like to recommend using very first thing if you board if the port is heat sufficient. Nighttime rides often have brief waits, too.

Disney Magic has essentially the most thrilling waterslide within the fleet, referred to as AquaDunk, and Disney Marvel has its personal waterslide within the AquaLab splash space.

Swimming pools

Every Disney ship has a number of swimming pools, although in the event you’ve by no means been on a cruise, it’s possible you’ll be initially shocked at how small they’re — and the way busy they’ll get.

As with the waterslides, we advocate having fun with these very first thing if you board if you wish to strive them with out crowds. In any other case, you will not discover so many individuals within the swimming pools on port days, early within the morning and proper earlier than dinner. There are millions of individuals on the ship and only some small swimming pools, so plan accordingly.

Every ship has a pool and sizzling tub space for adults 18 and up. It will probably additionally get busy, however usually much less busy than the household space. Choose ships additionally supply an in-pool bar space for adults.

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The grownup solar deck is a pleasant place to seize a chair and calm down, even when you have no intention of getting within the water.

Splash pads

Your toddler needs to be potty educated to make use of the onboard swimming pools. The choice for these nonetheless in swim diapers is a few splash areas, akin to Nemo’s Reef and Dory’s Reef.

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Sports activities deck

If you wish to be extra energetic, head to your ship’s sports activities deck to play basketball, foosball, miniature golf and extra. You could even have some sports activities simulator choices past your conventional in-person enjoyable.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Kids’s applications

As a mother or father, my favourite a part of a Disney cruise is perhaps the included children applications that kids really need to attend. If the children are completely happy for a couple of hours, the dad and mom can really calm down, too.

Oceaneer Membership and Oceaneer Lab for kids ages 3–12

All 5 Disney ships have superb areas for teenagers within the 3-to-12-year-old vary within the Oceaneer Membership and Oceaneer Lab.

Right here you may discover video video games, an indoor slide, enjoyable applications and video games with the workers, arts and crafts, shock character visits and extra. Your children must be potty educated to remain on this membership, so use that as motivation for a child approaching 3 years outdated earlier than your subsequent cruise.

Your children do not want an appointment to pop in right here; they’ll come anytime from open to shut — and the membership stays open fairly late.

Dad and mom can stick with children and play throughout open hours on the primary day and choose instances on different dates, however more often than not, the Oceaneer Membership and Oceaneer Lab are kids-only. Your children will test out and in by scanning a particular MagicBand that additionally tracks the place they’re inside the children golf equipment.

Disney Want has the added perk within the children membership of a slide that takes the children straight from the primary atrium and into the enjoyable.

Know that when your youngster turns 8, you’ve the choice of giving them self-checkout privileges. Whereas children as much as 12 are welcome in the primary Oceaneer Membership, they might begin transferring as much as the tween membership by the point they’re 10 years outdated.

Edge tween membership for kids ages 11–14

When your child outgrows the enjoyable in the primary children membership, don’t fret. Edge is ready simply upstairs.

Technically, Edge is for teenagers ages 11-14, however you may get your 10-year-old in with permission — and as soon as they determine that out, it is in all probability throughout for the “little child membership.”

Edge is a a lot smaller area, however tweens have tons of enjoyable enjoying video video games, having dance events, doing crafts, enjoying trivia video games and extra with their newfound cruise mates.

This membership doesn’t make the most of mother or father sign-in and -out, so it’s good to belief your child if they’re coming to Edge. In case your 10-to-12-year-old youngster visits Edge, they’ll additionally play on the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Membership, so that they have choices.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Vibe teen membership for kids ages 14–17

Get able to be jealous of this one. On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the teenager membership has its personal set of small swimming pools on the entrance of the ship.

Inside all variations of the teenager membership, Vibe, you may discover a tech-friendly world with loungers, dance events, smoothies and different teen-approved enjoyable. Among the coolest inside area on Disney cruise ships is devoted to teenagers ages 14-17, however you may request on your youngster to attend this membership beginning at 13 years outdated.

‘It is a small world’ nursery for kids 6 months to three years outdated

Whereas the three beforehand talked about children golf equipment are free and don’t require reservations, the nursery operates otherwise. You will want to make reservations, and the payment is $4.50 per half-hour for the primary youngster and $4 per half-hour for every extra youngster.

What to know earlier than you go

Required paperwork

The precise paperwork you have to will differ by cruise vacation spot. Having a passport is all the time a good suggestion, but it surely’s not technically required on all Disney cruises. For instance, round-trip cruises originating in Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, New Orleans, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, typically don’t require a passport.

Passports, when required, should be legitimate for a minimum of six months. For cruises from worldwide ports, you may want a passport. Notice that it can be crucial that the title in your reservation be precisely as it’s acknowledged in your passport or different official proof of nationality.

Associated: Suggestions for getting a toddler’s passport

Gratuities

Disney Cruise Line provides a service gratuity of $14.50 per individual per day to last payments. If you’re sad with the service you obtain, you may decrease this quantity. In fact, you may go to visitor providers and regulate it upward, too.

To offer an thought of the associated fee, a four-person household on a four-night cruise would pay $232 in really useful suggestions. The quantity is break up amongst your crew of eating room servers who shortly discovered your children’ preferences for dinner and your cabin hosts who made your room seem like magic when you have been out having fun with your self.

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An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You possibly can all the time add a further gratuity for any of your providers or servers.

Whereas room service is free, it is customary so as to add a couple of {dollars} of tip if you signal the “invoice.”

Whereas some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you may doubtless need to add a further tip in the event you loved the service. If you happen to keep in a concierge-level room or suite, it’s customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts on the finish of your cruise a really useful quantity of $8 per evening per visitor.

Associated: Every thing it’s good to find out about tipping on cruise ships

Wi-Fi

Disney Cruise Line’s Wi-Fi, Join@Sea, is within the technique of being upgraded, so pace, bandwidth and price differ by ship.

If you’re on a ship that fees by day as an alternative of by the quantity of knowledge used, count on the costs to differ from $12-$36 per day, relying on the pace you choose. There are sometimes reductions for getting Wi-Fi entry for the size of the cruise.

If you’re on a ship that also fees by the quantity of knowledge used, we advocate not doing that and connecting both when you find yourself in port or by way of a plan out of your cellphone supplier.

Associated: What’s the very best worldwide telephone plan proper now?

Carry-on drinks coverage

Visitors 21 years and older might convey a most of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no bigger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no bigger than 12 ounces) on board initially of the voyage and at every port of name. These drinks should be packed in carry-on (not checked) luggage or baggage. You possibly can hold drinks chilled within the small fridge in your cabin.

Visitors wishing to eat wine or Champagne that they’ve introduced on board in one of many eating rooms will probably be charged a corkage payment of $26 per bottle.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Smoking coverage

Smoking is permitted solely in designated deck areas. It is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those that violate this rule will face a $250 cleansing payment.

Laundry

For a further payment, Disney ships supply full-service laundry and dry cleansing providers that may choose up and ship clear garments to your cabin.

Ships additionally present 24-hour, self-service visitor laundry amenities geared up with washers and dryers, together with detergent and complimentary ironing tools. You pay for the amenities by utilizing your Key to the World card. These providers can get busy throughout sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical retailers

All cabins are geared up with a number of 110-volt retailers, that are normal within the U.S. and Canada. Cabins on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are geared up with a mixture of 110- and 220-volt (European) retailers.

Small electrical home equipment akin to electrical shavers, curling irons and flat irons with normal North American plugs will perform on board; 110-volt gadgets mustn’t exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt gadgets mustn’t exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is supplied in each cabin on your comfort, however it’s possible you’ll convey your personal so long as it meets the rules above.

Foreign money

The forex on Disney Cruise Line ships, no matter location, is the U.S. greenback.

If you end up on the ship, you’ll not want money or a bank card — all incidentals, purchases and providers will probably be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card (or your DisneyBand+ on Disney Want) serves as your onboard cost technique. The one exception is if you wish to tip a crew member in money.

In port, it’s possible you’ll want to carry money or a bank card to purchase snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour information.

Ingesting age

For many Disney sailings, the ingesting age on board is 21.

Nonetheless, on round-trip cruises departing European international locations with a decrease ingesting 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, visitors 18 years of age and older might buy and eat alcoholic drinks with out parental consent.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Costume code

Through the day, individuals costume casually. If it is a sea day in a warm-weather vacation spot, and also you’re sure for the highest deck, which means trying like you are going to the seaside. T-shirts, shorts and bathing fits (with a cover-up to go inside) are superb.

Through the evenings, eating apparel within the three foremost eating eating places is “cruise informal,” which means no swimwear or tank tops, however you do not have to placed on a celebration costume. That stated, many visitors do costume up a bit within the night, but it surely’s not required until you’re eating in Palo, Remy or Enchante.

Cruises which are seven nights or longer schedule one “formal evening” — although even then, it is solely inspired, not required. On that evening, you will note fits, sports activities coats, cocktail attire and comparable from some visitors.

Professional tip: Make sure and pack that pirate gear for Pirate Night time.

Associated: What to pack on your 1st cruise

Disney Cruise Line loyalty program

Disney Cruise Line has a easy loyalty program, the Castaway Membership, with 4 “elite standing” ranges that you just earn primarily based on what number of cruises you have taken with Disney. A 3-night and 10-night cruise each rely as one crusing for these functions.

  • Silver: One accomplished cruise
  • Gold: 5 accomplished cruises
  • Platinum: 10 accomplished cruises
  • Pearl: 25 accomplished cruises

Associated: The TPG information to cruise line loyalty applications

This is not the form of loyalty program the place you earn free cruises the way in which you earn free flights with airline miles. As a substitute, as you go up in standing, you earn perks and earlier entry to reserving cruises and actions — which is vital for getting these hard-to-snag grownup eating or Castaway Cay cabana reservations

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Silver members

  • E-book new cruise itineraries someday earlier than most people and e book onboard actions 90 days earlier than crusing.
  • Get a “welcome again aboard” reward (akin to a bag), have entry to a Castaway Membership members-only line when boarding and entry to a Castaway Membership direct telephone quantity.
  • Choose port arrival time with on-line check-in beginning 33 days earlier than most people.

Gold members

  • All of these perks, however you may e book new sailings two days earlier than most people and might e book onboard actions 105 days earlier than crusing.
  • On eight-night and longer voyages, Gold Castaway Membership members are additionally invited to a personal reception with particular leisure. There are additionally choose merchandise reductions obtainable to Gold members and better.
  • Choose port arrival time with on-line check-in beginning 35 days earlier than most people.

Platinum members

  • All of these perks, however you may e book new sailings three days earlier than most people and might e book onboard actions 120 days earlier than crusing.
  • Precedence check-in on the cruise terminal.
  • Complimentary night dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse for themselves and everybody within the cabin age 18 and older.
  • Choose port arrival time with on-line check-in beginning 38 days earlier than most people.

Pearl members

  • All of these perks, however you may e book new sailings 4 days earlier than most people and might e book onboard actions 123 days earlier than crusing.
  • Unique cruise terminal check-in (the place obtainable)
  • Limitless Digital Photograph Bundle.
  • Choose port arrival time with on-line check-in beginning 40 days earlier than most people.

How a lot does a Disney cruise value?

Magic ain’t low cost, and Disney cruises are costly. They are not the priciest voyages on the market, however they may value greater than cruises with family-friendly opponents akin to Royal Caribbean by a noticeable margin.

For a household of 4, the most affordable Disney cruise at the moment obtainable (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 entry begin at a bit over $5,000 for a household of 4.

These types of costs will solely be obtainable in the course of the offseason, akin to in mid-to-late January and early February or for repositioning cruises because the ship strikes from, say, Puerto Rico to Florida. That very same cruise throughout spring break can value double or extra, so the extra date flexibility you’ve, the higher.

A seven-night cruise within the Caribbean will doubtless begin round $5,000 for a household of 4. Count on Alaska and Europe cruises to start out at $5,000 to $6,000 for inside cabins for every week, and costs go up for longer sailings and upgraded cabins.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

It can save you cash in your subsequent Disney cruise by placing a $250 deposit down if you are at sea on a earlier Disney cruise. It is a common technique to get 10% off your subsequent cruise.

One other technique to save on a Disney cruise is to have a look at a one-way repositioning crusing, as these typically worth decrease than different comparable cruises. For instance, the cruise line may have to finish a cruise in a selected port to reposition the ship to do some sailings from there. You will must get your self again residence from that port, however it’s possible you’ll save on the cruise within the course of.

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Methods to e book

You possibly can e book your Disney cruise instantly with Disney Cruise Line both over the telephone or on-line, however I might argue you should not.

Cruises are simple to get pleasure from however will be difficult to plan if you’re new to any such journey. That is an business the place a journey agent continues to be an excellent name. You need somebody who may help you choose the best cabin sort and placement on your group and hold observe of when you may snag these onboard actions you actually need.

When the wave of pandemic-related cruise cancellations hit in 2020, I used to be so grateful to have a journey agent — as an alternative of me — spending time coping with the cruise line.

Associated: Methods to e book a cruise with factors and miles

One more reason to think about going via a journey agent is to get onboard credit score. Some journey brokers will supply onboard credit score primarily based on the quantity you spend in your Disney cruise. That is credit score you should use towards drinks, spa therapies, excursions or the rest you may cost to your room.


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


Usually talking, the earlier you e book a Disney cruise after it goes on sale, the higher, as costs often solely go in a single course — up.

Whether or not you employ a journey agent or not, be certain to maximise your bank card factors when paying for the cruise by utilizing a bank card that provides additional factors for journey purchases and perhaps even gives some built-in journey protections.

  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives 3 factors per greenback on journey and eating and an annual up-to-$300 journey credit score.
  • The Chase Sapphire Most popular Card earns 2 factors per greenback on journey.
  • The Disney Premier Visa Card can be an excellent possibility, particularly with Disney Cruise Line, because it provides you entry to a 0% introductory annual proportion price for six months following the acquisition date on eligible Disney trip packages, akin to a Disney cruise (then a variable APR of 18.99% to 27.99% applies). The cardboard additionally will get you 10% in financial savings on some onboard actions and packages whereas at Castaway Cay.

Associated: How to save cash on reserving a Disney cruise

Backside line

Whether or not you’re on a three-night journey to Castaway Cay or an even bigger crossing to the South Pacific, a Disney cruise is a particular trip that truly seems like a trip.

The traditional styling of the unique 4 ships, the trendy storybook styling of Disney Want, the huge variety of inclusions, the rotational eating, waterslides, personal island, enjoyable children golf equipment, Disney characters, high-caliber leisure and Disney service shine via.

You will actually pay extra for the privilege of crusing with Mickey and Minnie than with another family-friendly strains. However for these with children in that Disney age vary, or for adults who know and belief the Disney model, it is arduous to go mistaken in selecting Disney Cruise Line on your subsequent trip.

Extra tales that can assist you plan your subsequent cruise:

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