disney cruise australia 2023

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Arts & entertainment, design & style, travel & leisure, search concrete playground, disney is bringing its 'magic at sea' cruises down under for the first time from october 2023.

Fancy hitting the seas surrounded by Disney, Marvel, Pixar and 'Star Wars' fun? Disney's cruise line will soon set sail from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.

"Darling it's better down where it's wetter," Disney's animated hit The Little Mermaid told us; however, the Mouse House also thinks that life is pretty great on top of the water. For nearly a quarter-century, the huge entertainment company has been taking fans of its ever-growing array of pop culture wares on themed vacations, all thanks to its Disney Cruise Line. Alas, setting sail from Australia and Aotearoa hasn't been a possibility — until now.

Come October 2023, Disney Cruise Line will head Down Under for the first time ever, running Disney-themed holiday cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. And yes, given that Disney own plenty of huge franchises, that means these stints at sea are Marvel , Pixar and Star Wars -themed as well.

The Mouse House's first 'Magic at Sea' Australian and NZ cruises will depart from October 28, 2023, with the season running through till February 2024. On offer: sailings for two, three, four, five and six nights — your pick — where you'll watch live musical shows, see Disney characters everywhere you look and eat in spaces decked out like Disney movies.

Those musicals include a Frozen show; another production dedicated to the company's old-school favourites like Peter Pan , Pinocchio , Cinderella and Aladdin ; and a Golden Mickeys performance, which is obviously all about Mickey Mouse. Or, there's a Mickey party set to DJ beats, nightly fireworks and a pirate shindig on the vessel's deck.

While not every show and party is available on all cruises — especially the two-night option — the entertainment also includes Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Moana, Tiana, Cinderella, Woody, Jessie and more wandering around the ship. And, Chewbacca, Rey, Spider-Man , Captain Marvel and Thor as well, if you like hanging out around folks in costumes.

The dining setup rotates, so each day of the cruise takes you to a different location with a different theme. One day, you'll hit up the Animator's Palate, which focuses on bringing Disney characters to life — including getting patrons to draw their own characters — and on the next, you'll get munching in a restaurant inspired by The Princess and the Frog , and serving up New Orleans-inspired dishes.

Or, there's also Triton's, which offers an under the sea theme given it's named after Ariel 's father, and serves four-course French and American suppers.

For folks travelling with young Disney devotees, there's also a whole range of activities just for kids — but adults without littlies in tow are definitely catered for, complete with a dedicated pool for travellers aged 18 and over, an adults-only cafe, the Crown & Fin pub, cocktail bar Signals, Italian eatery Palo, and a day spa and salon.

Dates for Disney Cruise Line's first trips from Australia and New Zealand vary per city of departure, as do prices, but you can expect to enter this whole new ocean-faring world from $720 per person for two nights in a double-occupancy room from Sydney, $546 from Melbourne and $755 from Brisbane, and $760 per person for three nights in a double-occupancy room from Auckland.

And, room-wise, there's ten different types to choose from — some with private verandahs, and some with ocean views through portholes.

Disney Cruise Line's 'Magic at Sea' cruises will sail from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland between October 2023–February 2024, with bookings open from 8am AEST / 11am NZDT on Thursday, September 29, 2022. For more information, head to the cruise line's website .

Images: Matt Stroshane / Kent Phillips.

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NEWS: Disney Cruise Line Embarks on Inaugural Season from Sydney, Australia

Disney Cruise Line reached a new milestone on October 28, setting sail from the shores of Australia for the first time and embarking on an inaugural season of ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises for families in Australia and New Zealand. Learn more below.

The special sailings aboard the Disney Wonder range from two to six nights and depart from four home ports: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Auckland, New Zealand, through February 2024. ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises offer guests the opportunity to explore new destinations along with the unique spaces, immersive dining, and world-class entertainment that define a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

In the fall of 2024, Disney Cruise Line will return to Australia and New Zealand for a second season of vacations after a set of bucket-list itineraries. The Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in late September 2024, with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu. From Hawaii, families will set sail on a transpacific voyage to Sydney, Australia, that will take them through the South Pacific to visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa, and New Caledonia.

For more information on the ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ Australia and New Zealand sailing itineraries for both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons and booking details, please visit DisneyCruiseLine.com/AUNZ.

RELATED ARTICLE: Dining on Disney Cruise Line: What You Need to Know

by Matt and Kim

Let us chat with you for a minute about something we are fond of… ok, probably too much so – but don’t judge. That, our friends, is FOOD ! We know for certain everyone aboard the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) will eat, right? Some of us will eat more than others (our hands are raised), while others will stay strong and keep to their diets (good for them!). Regardless, you’ll still need fuel for your voyage out to sea. Here’s what you need to know about dining on a DCL cruise.

1 – Not Your Typical Cruise Food

The reviews you read when researching the different cruise lines available, compared to the Disney Cruise Line, are very true regarding food. You won’t go hungry on many cruises, but the food quality may not be at the level you’d expect. On the DCL, food quality and taste aren’t something you’ll have to worry about. The DCL has a wide array of cuisines, each one seemingly better than the next! We found the food on the DCL to match the fresh and exceptional taste you can find on land at Walt Disney World. Dare we say we almost like the cruise line food even better than Disney World’s food?

2 – Buffets

Chances are when you think cruise line food, your mind goes to buffets. The DCL does have buffet options that make eating exceptionally easy at almost all times of the day. No reservations are needed; you just show up at any time the buffet is open and enjoy! We like the casual atmosphere a buffet has to offer, plus we know we can get as much of whatever we are craving. Carving stations, tacos, pasta, seafood, French fries, rice, veggies, salads, desserts… and SO much more – you’ll never go hungry at one of the DCL buffets. Tip – buffets can be busy, so try to avoid the regular dining hours if possible. We’d also recommend looking for a seat away from the entrances as people tend to sit down at the first seat available, making these areas crowded.

3 – Rotational Dining

Our FAVORITE! DCL offers something they call “Rotational Dining.” This will allow you to dine at the table-service restaurants included in your cruise package. You can select from two dining window time frames when booking your cruise. You are then assigned to a restaurant in the rotational dining loop at your designated dining time. Each night you move to one of the three restaurants, with the chances of repeating one or more of these restaurants depending on your cruise length. Did you know each rotational dining restaurant has a unique theme? For example, don’t be surprised if you get a chance to talk with Crush while dining at Animator’s Palate. And get this! Your servers move with you! By the end of your cruise, you get to know your servers, and they get to know you. Calling our kids by name, knowing our drink preferences, and being a familiar and friendly face each evening is wonderful! Go ahead and take full advantage of rotational dining.  Tip – no flip-flops or swimsuits are allowed in rotational dining restaurants. You’ll want to head back from the pool in plenty of time to clean up your attire before you dine.

4 – Fine/Signature Dining

Let’s step it up a notch, shall we? Requiring reservations and not included in your cruise package is fine/signature dining is available on the DCL. If you’re looking to take your dining to that max, the restaurants, including  Palo  (on four DCL ships-not Disney Wish),  Remy  (on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy), and Palo Steakhouse and Enchante on the Disney Wish, are where you’ll want to be. While there is a charge per person, the food is nothing short of spectacular, and the atmosphere is unmatched. As mentioned, reservations are required, so be sure to book these in advance. You’ll also want to note these dining experiences are for ages 18 and older, and there is a dress code.

5 – Poolside Dining

Something about swimming makes us hungry! Just steps from the pools, you’ll find dining options that act like a quick-service restaurant. The menus at these locations vary but typically offer quick grab-and-go eats like pizza, chicken tenders, chips, and fries. Super simple but yummy food when you need something to keep you going. It’s especially nice to get out of the sun and eat under the shade of the deck above. Plus, you can’t beat swimming, eating, and views of the big blue ocean surrounding you!

6 – Desserts

Go ahead and admit that you’ve been waiting for this! If you’re a fan of the sweets, you have come to the right cruise as the DCL seems to have goodies overflowing around every corner. Of course, you’ll plan to have a dessert each night with Rotational Dining or Fine Dining, but don’t forget you can enjoy desserts throughout the day too. The buffets have a great lineup of desserts! Try as many kinds as you’d like. Then, the soft-serve ice cream machines can draw a crowd like no other. You’ll find soft-serve vanilla, chocolate, swirl, and even banana-flavored might be just a few ice cream options. The Disney Dream even has a sweet shop called Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats , and the Disney Wish has Inside Out: Joyful Sweets. You’ll find desserts at these locations at an extra cost – but WOW, are they impressive. Have as many desserts as you’d like… we aren’t counting!

7 – Breakfast

If you’re not off at your Port of Call for lunch, you typically look to dine at the buffet or poolside dining. For dinner, you’ll have Rotational Dining or Fine Dining. So, what do you do for breakfast? Check your cruise schedule, as there are select Rotational Dining restaurants available for breakfast! The experience isn’t the same as you won’t have your server come to breakfast with you, but you’ll still get to experience a buffet-style breakfast within one or more of these themed restaurants. You can also visit the buffet with a bountiful breakfast with everything from pancakes to salmon! Then there is always room service…

8 – Room Service 

Speaking of room service, did you know this is included in your cruise package besides the room service gratuity? Room service is the overlooked dining option on the DCL because chances are you aren’t in your room much. It is nice, however, to wake up and answer the door in your pajamas for breakfast, take a mid-day break with lunch in your room, or even skip a fancy dinner and hang out in your room with views of the ocean. You can also order room service for things like milk and cookies before the kiddos go to bed for the night! So many options – be sure to keep room service in your hip pocket.

9 – Lounges

DCL may be about the kids for the most part, but there are plenty of adult-only spaces and lounges. It’s relaxing to have a drink, but even better when you can have a lounge appetizer to go with it. Many of the lounges have a bar menu where you can get some essential appetizers to partner well with your drink. Keep the lounges in mind if you’re craving a late-night snack!

10 – Food Allergies

Have a food allergy? With Celiac in our family, we understand this isn’t simple in everyday situations. Simply put – DCL is the exception of catering to food allergies. Not only do their high standards allow you to ease your mind with cross-contamination, but they have allergy-friendly food that actually tastes good! When booking your cruise, add your food allergy to your reservation and let the DCL handle it from there.  Tip – if eating from the buffet, let a Cast Member know you have an allergy. They will bring out a special plate of food that doesn’t have a risk of being cross-contaminated.

11 – Gratuities

Lastly, but most important – gratuity should be at the forefront of your mind. Whether it be your bartender at the lounge, a Cast Member delivering your room service food, or the servers staying with you throughout your whole cruise… provide the gratuity you would personally hope to receive. 18% is standard, but see if you can budget to go above that when exceptional service is provided.

An 18% gratuity is automatically applied to drink purchases at lounges and dining rooms. Tips for your dining room attendants are given on the last night using envelopes that will be placed in your stateroom. Simply place your gratuity in the appropriate envelopes and bring them with you to dinner. You may want to plan on having cash for this ahead of time. Standard tip amounts are $4 per night for your server, $3 per night for your assistant server, and $1 for the head waiter. When ordering room service, $1-2 per person on the order is appropriate.

Many of these Cast Members are far from home and work incredibly hard to ensure your experience is amazing. Go ahead and return a little dose of magic back their way!

Now, let’s eat!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

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Disney Magic at Sea is coming to the shores of Australia and New Zealand for a limited-time sailing season in 2023/2024 and we can't wait to see you!

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Why Disney Magic at Sea is the ultimate family holiday

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Disney Cruise Line is coming to Australia and New Zealand for the first time bringing a series of limited-time sailings – here’s what it has in store for the whole family

• Disney Cruise Line: Disney Magic at Sea

Disney Cruise Line to (finally) sail in Australia and New Zealand for a limited season in late 2023

• September 12, 2022
• Travel & Lifestyle
• Cruise Ships
• Disney Cruise Line
• New Zealand

Families and Disney fans have a reason to celebrate today, because after two and a half decades of operation, the Disney Cruise Line is finally set to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in late 2023. The only bad news? It’s for a limited time only.

In operation since 1998, the Disney Cruise Line has been sailing out of locations in North America and Europe, with the company offering Disney themed Cruise experiences across five ships. One of these, the Disney Wonder , which originally launched in 1999 for excursions to the Bahamas, and features a Art Nouveau interior design, will sail from October 2023 to February 2024.

The Disney Wonder will offer a range of two to six night “Disney Magic at Sea” sailings, bringing together Disney magic (and yes, this includes Star Wars , Pixar and Marvel), with Broadway-quality entertainment, immersive dining experiences and the characters themselves sharing the journey with you.

Highlights on board include getting to meet Captains Mickey and Minnie Mouse, meeting Princess Tiana ( The Princess and the Frog ) at Tiana’s Place, while you enjoy New Orleans cuisine, getting to explore a multi-level recreation of Andy’s Room from Toy Story , and the Marvel Super Hero Academy – among many other themed experiences.

And it’s not all just for kids and the young at heart. For the grown ups, you’ll find the adults-only Quiet Cove pool, sophisticated dining at Palo and the rejuvenating Senses Spa & Salon .

There will be four home ports – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland – with the first sailing set to depart 28th October 2023 out of Sydney.

Bookings open to the general public from Thursday, 29th September 2022 at 8am AEST / 11am NZDT.

For more information on the all new “Disney Magic At Sea” Australia and New Zealand itineraries and to find out how to book, visit DisneyCruiseLine.com/AUNZ .

All sailings will include health and safety measures considering up-to-date guidance from public health authorities in Australia and New Zealand and medical experts. Disney Cruise Line’s current health and safety protocols are outlined on disneycruise.com .

Header Photo: Captain Mickey Mouse, by Matt Stroshane. Provided by Disney Cruise Lines.

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Larry Heath

Founding Editor and Publisher of the AU review. Currently based in Toronto, Canada. You can follow him on Twitter @larry_heath or on Instagram @larryheath.

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

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

The Wonder Arrives Down Under to Welcome Guests on Voyages Sailings from Numerous Australia an New Zealand Home Ports

The Disney Wonder’s inaugural voyage down under to souther hemisphere to embark on a a season with a variety of itineraries from four home ports across Australia and New Zealand. Disney Cruise Line reached a new milestone on October 28th (yes, it is tomorrow in Australia), setting sail from the shores of Australia for the first time and embarking on an inaugural season of ‘ Disney Magic at Sea ’ cruises for families in Australia and New Zealand.

The special sailings aboard the Disney Wonder range from two to six nights and depart from four home ports: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Auckland, New Zealand, through February 2024. ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises offer guests the opportunity to explore new destinations along with the unique spaces, immersive dining and world-class entertainment that define a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

In fall of 2024, Disney Cruise Line will return to Australia and New Zealand for a second season of vacations after a set of bucket-list itineraries. The Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in late September 2024 with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu. From Hawaii, families will set sail on a transpacific voyage to Sydney, Australia, that will take them through the South Pacific to visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia.

For more information on the ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ Australia and New Zealand sailing itineraries for both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons and booking details, please visit DisneyCruiseLine.com/AUNZ .

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4 Replies to “The Wonder Arrives Down Under to Welcome Guests on Voyages Sailings from Numerous Australia an New Zealand Home Ports”

Can you add the webcam? https://webcamsydney.com/

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While the Wonder is down under, you might need to post their ports a day ahead of time since they are a day ahead of the US. That way we can see the ship in port in beautiful Sydney. We just disembarked her last Friday and loved the cruise from Honolulu to Sydney!

This feature enhancement has been on my to do list. Thanks to you, I applied an update to show the next day for the Wonder while deployed in Australia and New Zealand.

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Disney Cruise Line Embarks on Inaugural Season from Sydney, Australia

Hi everyone!

The Disney Cruise Line sets sail from Australia for the first time today, for an inaugural season of “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises for guests in Australia and New Zealand on the Disney Wonder. And in the fall of 2024, the Disney Cruise Line will return to Australia and New Zealand.

Read below for more information from the Disney Cruise Line!

SYDNEY, Australia (Oct. 28, 2023)   – Disney Cruise Line reached a new milestone on Oct. 28, setting sail from the shores of Australia for the first time and embarking on an inaugural season of ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises for families in Australia and New Zealand.

The special sailings aboard the Disney Wonder range from two to six nights and depart from four home ports: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Auckland, New Zealand, through February 2024. ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ cruises offer guests the opportunity to explore new destinations along with the unique spaces, immersive dining and world-class entertainment that define a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

In fall of 2024, Disney Cruise Line will return to Australia and New Zealand for a second season of vacations after a set of bucket-list itineraries. The Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in late September 2024 with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu. From Hawaii, families will set sail on a transpacific voyage to Sydney, Australia, that will take them through the South Pacific to visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia.

For more information on the ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ Australia and New Zealand sailing itineraries for both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons and booking details, please visit DisneyCruiseLine.com/AUNZ.

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Disney Wonder Sets Sail on Inaugural Season in Australia and New Zealand

• by Michelle Snow
• October 28, 2023 October 28, 2023

The Disney Wonder cruise ship headed down to Australia and arrived on October 27th to begin its inaugural season of Disney Magic at Sea cruises for families in Australia and New Zealand, which began October 28th, local time.

The Details

To reach Sydney, the Disney Wonder performed what is called a repositioning cruise, where ships relocate by sailing with passengers on a special itinerary.

Sailing all the way to Australia, the 13-night cruise featured visits to different destinations in the South Pacific, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and American Samoa, before arriving in Sydney .

Now in Australia, these first-time special sailings aboard the Disney Wonder will range from two to six nights, with departures through February 2024.

Disney Cruise Line home ports for this sailing season aboard the Disney Wonder will be Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, in Australia, as well as Auckland, New Zealand.

A sister to the original 1998-built Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder originally entered service in 1999 as Disney Cruise Line’s second cruise ship.

Book Your Cruise

And while this is the first season of cruises from Australia and New Zealand, it won’t be the last! A special new season of sailings from October 2024 through February 2025, go on sale to the general public on November 6, 2023.

Limited bookings are still available for some late 2023 and early 2024 itineraries, as well.

Plus Disney Cruise Line will begin cruises in Southeast Asia out of their new port in Singapore in 2025.

If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with all of the details of your trip, please contact The Disney Blog’s own authorized travel planning expert, Stacey at Pixie Vacations .

Booking your travel with Stacey helps support this blog, and you’ll have access to her wealth of Disney and cruising knowledge to help you book your trip. Thank you!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)

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A unique Disney experience: Here's what you can't miss on Disney Cruise Lines

D isney Cruise Line is synonymous with family vacations at sea, so you might think that every Disney cruise in 2024 will be a good choice for families. And having sailed on every one of Disney's cruise ships myself, I can say the simple answer is yes, that's absolutely true. But some Disney cruise experiences hold an extra special place in my family's heart, and they've made me realize that certain Disney cruises can go above and beyond even DCL's usual family-friendly standard. 

I'm thinking about when we met Disney’s "Frozen" friends in person on a Norway sailing or laughed to tears over dinner with Crush the Sea Turtle ("cha dude!"), or completed a 5K race with my daughter on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay . That's why my picks for the best Disney cruises for families in 2024 are all about these kinds of extra special experiences, the ones that aren't just the usual level of Disney cruise line magic but will elevate your family vacation into once-in-a-lifetime "cherished family memory" territory.

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There will be no shortage of these kinds of opportunities on Disney Cruise Line (DCL) in 2024. From being among the first to visit Disney's brand-new private island destination to enjoying an immersive Pixar-themed day at sea to setting sail on the maiden voyage of Disney's newest ship , here are the Disney cruise experiences I think will go above and beyond in 2024. 

1. Disney Magic to Lighthouse Point, DCL's newest private island destination

One thing my family looks forward to during any Disney cruise is a stop at DCL's private island, Castaway Cay. In 2024, Disney Cruise Line will unveil its second private island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. And I can’t wait to see how they plan to outdo the already incredible Castaway Cay experience. 

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Similar to when Disney created its Aulani resort in Hawaii , Disney Imagineers have been working with local artists and cultural experts to design an authentic Bahamian island experience at Lighthouse Point. Curvilinear buildings are meant to evoke scattered seashells along the shore, and a Bahamian Art and Culture Pavilion will feature special programs and local artists that celebrate Bahama traditions. 

A special preview cruise to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the Disney Magic departs from Fort Lauderdale in June 2024.  

2. Alaska and Australia cruises on the Disney Wonder in 2024

When my youngest daughter graduated from high school, my wife and I asked where she wanted to go for our family vacation to celebrate her milestone . Her top choice was Alaska. In the summer months, Disney Cruise Line positions one of its smaller ships, the Disney Wonder, out west so families can take weeklong sailings from Vancouver to the "Last Frontier." Along the way, you can experience majestic wildlife and stunning scenery while calling on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap. 

No hidden costs: 7 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world  

But that's not all the Disney Wonder gets up to! In 2023, Disney also began offering Australia and New Zealand cruises onboard the ship, and that will continue in 2023 and 2024. Disney Cruise Line has announced a new season of sailings in the region from October 2024 through February 2025. 

The Disney Wonder is one of DCL's original class of ships, and with a capacity of 2,713 passengers, it remains one of the line's most intimate vessels. That's a reason to love it. Both the Wonder and its sister ship, Disney Magic, are especially great Disney cruise options in 2024 if your family is new to cruising . Far from being a drawback, the smaller size makes it less likely to feel overwhelming to first-timers.

3. European vacations on the Disney Dream

In 2023, Disney Cruise Line sent the Disney Dream across the Atlantic for the first time. The ship will head back to Europe in 2024 with summer cruises in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, British Isles, Iceland, and Norwegian fjords. These are the best 2024 Disney Cruises for experiencing new ports of call like Valencia, Spain; Haugesund, Norway; and Hamburg, Germany, along with three Mediterranean destinations (Catania, Italy; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Valletta, Malta) that Disney will visit for the first time since 2014.

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In June, the Disney Dream sails from Civitavecchia (Rome) with stops in Naples and three different Greek Islands, including Mykonos and Crete. In July, the ship transitions to northern European cruises, including a 12-night voyage departing from England (Southampton) on July 24, heading through the Norwegian fjords, three days in Iceland, and an overnight stay in Reykjavik before returning to Southampton. 

My family sailed on Disney’s inaugural Norwegian fjords cruise in 2015, and it was hands down our best family vacation because of the Disney-specific experiences no other cruise line can offer, such as Anna and Elsa from "Frozen" posing for pictures at a Norwegian Village museum in Ålesund.

4. Disney Cruise Line's private island trifecta on the Disney Fantasy

Many fans of Disney Cruise Line’s private island get particularly excited when itineraries include a Castaway Cay "double dip," i.e., two stops at Castaway Cay. But in 2024, the Disney Fantasy ventures on a seven-night itinerary that calls on Disney’s private islands not once, not twice, but three times with a stop at Castaway Cay and two visits to the brand-new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. 

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I love Disney’s Castaway Cay and have enjoyed so many relaxing stops to the island. I especially remember learning the "stingray shuffle" and holding stingrays during Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure. I love that this 2024 Disney cruise will give families plenty of time to explore Disney’s brand-new private island destination on the southernmost tip of Eleuthera without overlooking a day at the old favorite. 

5. Disney Wish theme park and cruise vacation

The Disney Wish is DCL's newest ship (for now), debuting in July 2022 and offering three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida . The close proximity of Port Canaveral to Walt Disney World makes it easy to combine an Orlando theme park vacation with a Disney Cruise. 

Know before you go: 6 things you didn’t know you could do on a Disney Cruise  

Disney land and sea vacations are the best of both worlds for families with theme park lovers who want to go, go, go, and other family members looking for a more laidback experience. My advice is to head to the theme parks first, get tired out from the walking, rides, and stimulation, and then sail off on a four-night cruise to decompress. My wife and I enjoyed the most expansive stateroom ever when we sailed on the Disney Wish last summer and it couldn't have been more relaxing.

6. Themed Cruises – Pixar, Marvel, and holidays

In January, I had the opportunity to experience Pixar Day at Sea , Disney Cruise Line’s newest themed cruise, on the Disney Fantasy. In my review for FamilyVacationist, I called it an " overflowing toy box of fun " and I'm excited for more families to experience it on a Disney cruise in 2024. The cruise was packed with so many Pixar character meets, themed-activities, special shows, foods, and treats that some of it spilled into additional days at sea. In 2024, Pixar Day at Sea returns to the Disney Fantasy on seven-night Caribbean sailings from January through March.

Set sail: These 6 cruise lines offer the best themed cruises  

Disney's themed cruise days aren't limited to Pixar, either. There's a Marvel Day at Sea on five-night Disney Dream cruises departing Fort Lauderdale from January through March, and when the festive season rolls around most of the ships offer holiday sailings with Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime cruises. 

I was so impressed with the Halloween tree in the ship's atrium when my family sailed on a Halloween cruise. Over the course of the cruise, the tree "bloomed" with spooky Jack-o-lanterns. In addition, Disney characters were decked out in costumes, there was trick-or-treating, and other special activities. And of course Very Merrytime cruises have a tree-lighting ceremony, Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party, carolers, special drinks and treats, and appearances by the guest of honor for the cruise, Santa Claus.

7. Disney Treasure Sets Course for Adventure

Last but not least, Disney Treasure joins the Disney Cruise Line fleet with its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024. Adventure is the theme for Disney's sixth cruise ship with spaces and entertainment inspired by "Aladdin," "Coco," "Zootopia," "Jungle Cruise," even "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." 

Before you book: Everything you need to know about river cruises in the U.S.  

As a fan of the Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise ride and Skipper Canteen restaurant, I can’t wait to get immersed in the kitschy 1930s adventure vibe onboard the Disney Treasure. The ship will sail seven-night itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean and have a theater-in-the-round restaurant at the Plaza de Coco as well as a cinematic dining experience at Worlds of Marvel. Because these are longer cruises than those available on DCL's other ship in the same class (Disney Wish), you can experience two distinct shows in each of these venues during a voyage. 

The article 7 best Disney cruises for families in 2024 appeared first on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

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FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. FamilyVacationist covers family vacation ideas ; family vacation spots ; all-inclusive family resorts ; and must-have travel accessories for families. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A unique Disney experience: Here's what you can't miss on Disney Cruise Lines

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