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tips for disney christmas cruise

Your Complete Guide To A Disney Christmas Cruise

tips for disney christmas cruise

Embarking on a Disney Christmas Cruise is like stepping into a holiday storybook where festive cheer meets the magic of Disney on the high seas. A Very Merrytime Cruise with Disney Cruise Line is not just a journey; it’s an immersive holiday experience! These cruises offer families a unique way to spend the holiday season with their favorite Disney characters and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself! Whether it’s your first cruise or a cherished family tradition, a Disney Christmas Cruise promises to be an extraordinary holiday adventure. That’s why we have created this helpful guide to give you the tools you need to have a magical adventure to remember!

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Walt Disney World vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Complete Guide to a Disney Christmas Cruise

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Sailing on a Disney cruise ship is an experience drenched in the enchantment of Disney. From the intricately themed staterooms and dining venues to the exclusive character encounters. But what truly sets Disney cruises apart are their special-themed sailings! Guests can immerse themselves in the festive spirit with Very Merrytime Cruises.  My first cruise with DCL was a Halloween-themed voyage back in 2019, I can confidently say that it was a spellbinding adventure. And as a former Cast Member and someone who loves cheap tickets to Walt Disney World , it was the most magical vacation I’ve ever had. In this post, I’ll provide helpful information for those considering a Very Merrytime Cruise . Helping you decide if this holiday-themed journey is the perfect fit for your family’s festive celebration.

What Are Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Holiday Cruises?

Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises transform the already magical voyage into a winter wonderland at sea. These cruises, scheduled around the Christmas season, offer guests a unique blend of Disney’s enchanting entertainment and the festive spirit of the holidays. Imagine boarding a ship adorned with holiday décor, complete with a giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and garlands galore, setting the scene for a truly memorable Christmas experience.

Related Post: What are the Best Disney Cruise Rooms

When Are the Very Merrytime Disney Cruise Dates?

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Now that we know what a D isney Christmas cruise  is, we can start to uncover more details on these cheerful sailings! The V ery Merrytime Disney Cruises  sail dates are November 8th – December 28, 2023. And November 4th – December 29th, 2024. These dates are chosen to maximize the holiday experience, allowing guests to soak in the Yuletide spirit throughout the entire holiday season. When booking a Disney Cruise , one of the first things you should look at is the sailing calendar. This will help determine where you’re sailing from, sailing to, and on what ship you’ll be sailing on. This is also where you can see if your vacation will line up with any specialty cruises!

What are Disney Merrytime Cruise Sail Dates?

  • 2023 : November 8th – December 28th
  • 2024 : November 4th – December 29th

Christmas Disney Cruise Ships 2023/2024

Disney Magic:

  • Sail Dates : December 17, 2023 – December 28, 2023 & November 21, 2024 – December 23, 2024
  • Sailing From : Galveston, Texas
  • Ports of Call : Progresso & Cozumel, Mexico, & George Town, Grand Cayman

Disney Dream:

  • Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 14, 2024 – December 21, 2024
  • Sailing From : Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Ports of Call : Nassau, Bahamas,  Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , Disney Castaway Cay, & Cozumel, Mexico

Christmas on the Disney Fantasy:

  • Sail Dates : December 2, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 10, 2024 – December 22, 2024
  • Sailing From : Port Canaveral
  • Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay , Lighthouse Point, George Town Grand Cayman, Falmouth Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico, Tortola British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands

Disney Wish:

  • Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 11, 2023 & November 4, 2024 – December 23, 2024
  • Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay

Related Post : Discounted Disney Cruise Line Staterooms

What is the Cost of a Disney Christmas Cruise?

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You might be wondering if the extra activities and unique experiences of a Very Merrytime Cruise come with a higher price tag compared to regular Disney cruises. While themed cruises may sometimes carry a slightly higher cost, the final price is influenced by several factors beyond just the theme. With Disney Cruise Line, the key elements determine the cost of your cruise . These factors include the sailing date, selected ports of call, and stateroom occupancy. Therefore, it’s possible that your Very Merrytime Cruise could align in price with a standard cruise, or even be more budget-friendly.

How Much is a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise?

  • $1,004 – $3,059 per person

It’s worth noting that If you’re looking to sail on a themed Disney cruise, we suggest the Halloween on the High Seas cruises for the price point. The Halloween period overlaps with Hurricane Season. This is often met with lower cruise prices. However, the Holiday sailings tend to be a peak time for travel, potentially impacting the cost and availability.

Related Post :   How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost Per Person?

Very Merrytime Cruise Activities

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The distinctiveness of the Disney Very Merrytime Cruises  lies in the complete transformation of the ship to embody the festive theme. This type of comprehensive thematic overhaul is exclusive to the Halloween and Christmas seasons. During other times of the year, Disney cruises showcase the natural elegance and charm of the Disney fleet without any specific themes. But for Very Merrytime Cruises, the experience is entirely different. The ships are adorned with Christmas decorations, including sparkling lights, festive wreaths, and towering Christmas trees. In addition to the visual transformation, these cruises feature an array of themed activities, entertainment, and special appearances by beloved Disney characters in holiday attire. This level of detailed theming is consistent across all ships that host the Very Merrytime Cruises. With each vessel offering a uniquely immersive holiday experience at sea.

Very Merrytime Cruise Info & Entertainment

  • Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic

Characters Wearing Christmas Outfits

  • Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball
  • The Gingerbread House
  • Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Deck Party

Meeting Santa Claus

  • Storytime with Mrs Claus
  • One of the highlights of the Disney Christmas Cruises is the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters donning their festive holiday attire. It’s a perfect chance for memorable photos and a unique way to interact with these iconic characters in a Christmas setting.
  • No Christmas celebration is complete without Santa Claus, and Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruises make sure of that. Children and adults alike can meet and take photos with Santa, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer to their sea voyage.

Related Post : When is the Cheapest Time to Go on a Disney Cruise?

Is Disney Cruise Christmas Worth It? – V ery Merrytime Cruise Review

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Having experienced the magic of a themed Disney Cruise, I wholeheartedly would recommend it to everyone. Especially when you can seize the opportunity to book discounted staterooms through The Park Prodigy. These cruises encapsulate the wonder of the holidays with a unique Disney twist. And offer an array of festive activities, enchanting entertainment, and unforgettable character encounters. The convenience and savings provided by The Park Prodigy make the experience even more enjoyable ensuring a stress-free booking process! This cruise is not just a vacation; it’s a festive celebration that brings the joy of Disney and the spirit of Christmas! Together in a way that’s unparalleled to what you can experience in the theme parks.

Which Cruise Line Is Best for Christmas?

When considering a Christmas cruise, Disney Cruise Line stands out for its unparalleled combination of holiday festivities and Disney magic. From the festive decorations and unique holiday-themed entertainment. Disney offers an experience that’s hard to match. The attention to detail, quality of service, and overall atmosphere make it a highly recommended choice for families seeking a special way to celebrate the season.

Related Post : Enjoy Thanksgiving at Sea!

Disney Christmas Cruise FAQ

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Q: Does Disney Do a Christmas Cruise?

A: Yes, Disney Cruise Line offers special Christmas cruises known as Very Merrytime Cruises. These cruises are specifically designed to celebrate the holiday season, featuring festive decorations, themed entertainment, and unique activities that embrace the spirit of Christmas.

Q: Is There a Pirate Night on Disney Christmas Cruises?

A: While Pirate Night is a beloved staple on many Disney cruises, its inclusion on a Disney Christmas Cruise can vary. These themed cruises focus more on holiday festivities. So it’s best to check the specific itinerary of your Very Merrytime Cruise for any themed nights, including Pirate Night.

Q: Do Disney Cruises Decorate for Christmas?

A: Absolutely! Disney cruises are renowned for their elaborate decorations, and this is especially true for the Very Merrytime Cruises. The ships are transformed into a holiday wonderland with Christmas trees, lights, garlands, and other seasonal adornments, enhancing the festive atmosphere onboard.

Q: Can You Do a Disney Cruise in December?

A: Yes, December is a prime time for Disney Very Merrytime Cruises. These special holiday cruises are scheduled throughout the Christmas season, including the month of December, offering guests a unique opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a magical Disney setting at sea.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

tips for disney christmas cruise

Our   Disney  World Crowd Calendar  is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down   the best time to visit Disney World   based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a   Disney World Travel Agent   for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a  Free Quote  for all  Disney World Vacation Packages .  The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your   Walt Disney World Tickets.   A nd we offer promotional discounts for special events such as   Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets   and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets .

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at  Theme Park Today , as well!

Who We Recommend

tips for disney christmas cruise

Ticket Subtotal: $325.45

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* Your magic rewards program points are automatically calculated into all theme park ticket prices!

Kurt Gillman

Kurt is a former Disneyland Cast Member and seasoned explorer and is your trusted guide to the world of theme park travel. With countless visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Tokyo Disneyland, and even aboard the Disney Cruise Line, Kurt's expertise and passion make him the perfect companion for your enchanting adventures. As the Multi-Media Manager, Content Creator and Writer for The Park Prodigy, Kurt hopes his experience and knowledge of the theme park industry can not only save people money, but give them the stress free vacation of their dreams. If he isn’t found trying the newest treats in Disneyland, Kurt enjoys relaxing at home with his dog Sam and playing video games with friends in his free time.

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EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

107 Disney Cruise Tips and Hacks You Have to Know Before You Sail 2024

Sharing is caring!

Who wants all the Disney cruise tips and secrets 2024 that you need to know?

After sailing on over 40 cruises I wanted to give this free list of Disney cruise tips to our readers.

So if you want the biggest and best collection of Disney Cruise Tips, Secrets and Hacks ever read on! 

Everything was updated in January 2024.

tips for disney christmas cruise

We started out thinking we would aim for 101 Disney cruise tips and secrets.

However, that just wasn’t quite enough.

So here is our collection of 107 Disney cruise tips to save you time and money so that you can have the very best experience at sea!

These Disney Cruise Tips are Updated for March 2023 Booking Your Disney Cruise

1. D ISNEY CRUISE TIPS TO SAVE MONEY

There are ways to save on your Disney cruise.

Whether you are sailing to Alaska, cruising the Caribbean and the Bahamas, or choosing an exotic European vacation, there are always ways to save.

Booking well in advance also gives you the best choice of staterooms.

disney cruise stateroom

If you want to know more about this here is our complete guide at How To Save Money on A Disney Cruise

2. Pick Your Disney Cruise Sailing Carefully

Some Disney Cruise itinerary sailings are more expensive than others. The usual rules of economics work here.

The more demand the higher the price. Usually, the repositioning cruises offer the best per night price for a Disney cruise.

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The Disney Cruise Transatlantic sailings on that for 2024 are on the Disney Dream are usually one of the best values.

The most expensive Disney cruises? You probably guessed it. Holiday cruises, particularly the Christmas Disney cruises are usually the most expensive.

The Disney Mediterranean Cruises and Alaska Cruises are also higher priced – but worth it!

3. Disney Visa Has Perks

If you check in with your Disney Visa card you will be entitled to certain discounts.

Currently, this will give you:

  • 10% off select Disney Cruise Merchandise when you spend $50
  • 10% off a digital photo package
  • 20% on certain spa treatments on port days
  • 10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package.

We have written a guide for you with all the Disney cruise tips you need so that you get the very best deal.

How to Save Money on a Disney Cruise

4. Two Disney Cruise Staterooms May Be A Better Deal Than One

If you have a party of 5 you really need to consider if one stateroom or two will be the better deal.

Disney cruises are one of the very few cruise lines which have staterooms that accommodate up to 5 guests.

disneycruiseverandahstateroom

However, these Disney cruise staterooms are very popular and tend to be pricey.

You should consider if 2 staterooms would be the better deal.

If you have young children you might want to think about choosing connecting staterooms on your Disney Cruise.

There are plenty of options available, particularly on the newer Disney Dream and Fantasy ships and of course the Disney Wish .

5. Book A Disney Cruise Onboard

This is one of the best Disney cruise tips to save money.

It will work once you are sailing on your first and any future Disney cruises.

The best deal is to book when you are onboard.

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You will receive a 10% discount on the current brochure prices.

Unfortunately, a placeholder no longer offers any onboard credit.

Don’t know which Disney cruise you want to sail on next?

You can book what is called a Disney Cruise Place Holder and decide at a later date which one you want to sail on.

You have two years to sail on a Disney cruise from the date you booked your placeholder.

Join My Disney Cruise Group for Exclusive Tips and Disney Cruise Giveaways

6. Look Out For Special Disney Cruise Sailings

Love Pixar movies? You will want to check out the Pixar Days at Sea.

Other themed cruises include Marvel Days at Sea and of course the Halloween on the High Seas , Christmas, and New Year Cruises.

7. It’s All Included on a Disney Cruise

Once you are onboard almost everything is included.

Your accommodation, food, and entertainment are all included in the price that you have paid to sail.

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Yes, you can pay extra for things on board, but you don’t have to.

Here is our guide to What is Included on a Disney Cruise and What You Pay Extra For

8. Disney Cruise Gratuities Explained

Gratuities for your dining servers and stateroom host will be automatically added to your onboard account.

However, you can adjust them however, you want.

Service onboard a Disney cruise is excellent.

Guests do get confused about Disney Cruise tips and how to pay, but it’s really very easy.

Here is a Guide to Tipping on a Disney Cruise to help you know what to expect.

Check-In For Your Disney Cruise Online

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Remember to check in online for your cruise as soon as you can.

9. Use Your Disney Cruise Personalizer

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Once you have completed your Disney Cruise online check-in you will have access to booking onboard events and cruise excursions on the Disney Cruise Personalizer.

The  time that you can check in depends upon whether you have cruised with Disney before, and if so, what level of Castaway Club member you are.

This can be anything between 75 and 123 days before your cruise.

Platinum members and Concierge guests get priority so you may find that some things are booked before you get the chance.

A classic illustration of this is the Cabanas on Castaway Cay .

There are limited numbers and are usually snagged by Concierge and Pearl guests at one minute past midnight on the day online check-in opens for them.

Castaway Cay Cabanas are the hottest ticket on a Disney cruise and are very difficult to get unless you are a Concierge or Pearl Castaway Cay guest.

10. You Must Prepare for Embarkation Before You Sail

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Things have changed quite a bit since Covid – but Disney makes things as easy and as safe as possible for all Guests.

Disney Cruise Line DOES NOT Guests to be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19.

DCL does continue to strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated and that they test before embarking on a cruise ship.

Requirements can change so the best place to go for this information is always:

Disney Cruise Line Know Before You Go

11. Book Tickets Online for Character Greetings

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Most character greetings are just announced every day in your Personal Navigator and you get in line to see your favorites.

The Disney Princess Gathering is a separately ticketed event and you must have this to attend the meet and greet.

If you want to see your favorites your best chance is to get tickets online in the Cruise Personalizer.

If you don’t get them online go straight to Guest Services when you board to see if there are any still available.

Note that right now the Anna and Elsa Frozen Meet and Greet is not scheduled on any of the Disney Ships.

12. Book Special Dining Online

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If you want to book one of the adult dining experiences you can book one experience in each restaurant online.

If you book for the first night at Remy or Palo you can now also book a second night online. Remy, in particular, gets booked up so always try and book in advance.

If there is nothing available, you can still try and book as soon as you get on your cruise.

The Navigator will tell you where the restaurant Cast Members are on the ship to help you make a reservation.

Wine tastings and other special events are now offered online as well. Make sure that you log into your Disney Cruise Personalizer as soon as you can so that you can book the events that you want.

Remember though that there are usually spaces still available on the ship.

So visit Guest Services as soon as you get on board.

13. Sign Up The Young Ones for The Kid’s Clubs

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See that long line at the cruise port over in the corner? That is for the grown-ups who did not sign up their children online for the kid’s clubs.

You can save a lot of time waiting in line if you just fill out the simple form online.

Then you can skip the lines and go straight to the place where they will be given their wristbands.

Disney Cruise Ship Kids Clubs – What to Expect

14. Book Port Adventures in Advance

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You will be visiting some amazing ports so you will want to think about which Disney Port Adventures you want to book.

Your online Cruise Personalizer has details of them all. You can book before you sail.

We always suggest that you book excursions via Disney. You can book independently and you will probably save money.

However, if you book with Disney you can be sure that they have the Disney seal of approval. Most importantly if you are late back from a Disney Port Adventure the ship will wait for you.

If you go independently you could be waving goodbye to your floating home from the dock.

We have seen it happen.

Don’t let it be you.

D ISNEY CRUISE PACKING TIPS

15. disney cruise packing 101.

One of the great things about a cruise is that you are not restricted to how much luggage you can take on board.

If you are driving to the cruise port this makes things easy.

Take as much as you want!

However, if you are arriving by plane you will still have to navigate their increasingly ungenerous baggage allowances.

disney cruise save money

Things to Take on a Cruise: 50 Must-Have Items to Pack

16. Pack a Carry On

Your luggage will arrive in your Disney cruise stateroom sometime in the afternoon and early evening.

If there is anything that you need as soon as you board, make sure that you have packed it in a carry-on bag.

This should definitely include your cruise and identification documents, and any medication that you need.

I also tend to pack swimsuits.

It is also a great time to experience the Aqua Duck if you are on the Disney Fantasy or Dream. Or the AquaMouse on the Wish.

17. Prepare For the Unexpected

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No one wants to talk about this subject, but here we go.

Seasickness.

It happens.

The Disney cruise ships are very stable, but sometimes you may not find it possible to get your sea legs.

We have sailed in very challenging seas but never encountered a problem.

However, just in case you will find our guide How Not To Get Sick on a Disney Cruise useful.

18. Tell Your Credit Card Company Your Plans

Unfortunately, credit card fraud is very common these days. So your credit card company will pick up on any unusual activity.

They can and often will stop your card if they detect anything strange.

My card was canceled when I tried to charge $10 in Grand Cayman!

Fortunately, I had a backup card.

For more details check out Things Not To Forget on Your Disney Cruise

19. Arriving at the Port

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If you are sailing from Port Canaveral here is a guide to getting to the Port from Orlando International Airport. 

20. Arrive the Day Before Your Cruise

Sometimes flights are delayed. We strongly recommend that if you possibly can, make sure you arrive at least within easy driving distance to the port the day before.

There are plenty of hotels at each Disney cruise port including Port Canaveral.

If you ignore most of the rest of this article just listen to this Disney Cruise Tip as it is one that can make a huge difference.

Don’t leave things to chance and be stressed about making it on time to your cruise.

Nothing could be worse than not making it on time and watching the ship sail away into the sunset without you.

21. Get a Call from Mickey or Minnie

This is another great feature of your Cruise Personalizer. You can schedule a call with Mickey or Minnie! You can schedule the date, and time and choose if you want Minnie or Mickey.

It’s another way Disney cruise lines make things that bit extra special.

22. Download the Disney Cruise Navigator App

You can do this any time you want, but make sure you do it before you get on board.

On the cruise ship, it shows you what is happening every day.

Before you cruise it gives you a countdown of how many more days, hours and minutes there are before you board!

The Navigator App also lets you send texts free of charge to members of your stateroom and anyone else who authorizes you to do this.

This is so much better than the Wave Phones you get in each stateroom. Make sure that all family members get the App before they board.

If you have an iPhone then iMessage works on the ship.

23. There May Be a Disney Cruise Stateroom Upgrade

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Want to upgrade your Disney cruise stateroom? You can always ask at check-in if there are any upgrades available.

Sometimes, but not always, you can get an upgrade at a reduced cost. It always pays to ask just in case! You can then decide if the upgrade you are offered is worth the extra cost.

Never rely on a Disney Cruise upgrade though.

They are increasingly unlikely as Disney cruise ships are so popular and are often fully booked.

24. It’s A Key To The World

When you check in you will be given your stateroom key which is your Key To The World Card.

This allows you to charge all expenses to your room key.

You can limit the charging privileges of others in your stateroom.

You don’t have to give your 8-year-old the power to buy what he wants in the store!

B OARDING THE DISNEY SHIP

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Finally, the time has come to get on the Disney ship.

All that anticipation and preparation.

Now the day has arrived!

27 Do’s and Don’ts For Your First Day On A Disney Cruise Ship

25. Wait For Your Boarding Number

When you check in at the terminal you will be given a card with a boarding number for your party.

Don’t ever think that you can board earlier than your group. You will be stopped!

26. Stop for A Photo

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There are always photographers stationed along the gangway to take your embarkation photo.

Stop if you want or pass it by if you really can’t wait the extra few minutes to board!

We recommend you are not camera shy.

There are many photo opportunities on the ship, but the embarkation photo is one of our favorites.

Here is a Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Photo Packages.

27. Give The Disney Cast Members Your Name

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When you board the Disney Ship you will be asked for your family name.

Make sure that you give it to them as you have a special surprise welcome!

28. Go To Disney Cruise Guest Services

If you need to book any specially ticketed events, such as Beverage Tastings.

You may still be able to pick up tickets.

29. Start Eating!

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The food offerings start as soon as you board. You can head up to the pool deck to experience the buffet.

If you want a slightly less crowded space one of the restaurants will also offer a buffet selection or waiter service option.

It won’t be as huge a choice as the pool deck, but fewer people head here so you may get a more relaxing start to the cruise.

Guide to Disney Cruise Food

30. Make Sure You Do the Drill

Muster drills have changed a lot in recent times.

But you still have to comply with the instructions and attend your muster station. This is about safety and it is important.

Don’t be late for your drill. It inconveniences a lot of other guests and Cast Members.

31. Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode

One of the most expensive mistakes that you can make on any cruise is not checking your cell phone coverage.

You can end up with a very hefty bill if you use your cell phone onboard. This applies to calls, text, and data.

You could just put your phone in your room safe and not connect.

However, if you want to use the Navigator App we suggest that you simply put your phone into airplane mode.

32. Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi

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If you use your own cell phone provider data provision you will be paying a fortune.

All the Disney ships, except the Wonder, have new internet packages. The Disney Wonder will get the upgrade in October 2023.

Here is a Guide to Disney Cruise Internet Packages.

33. Enjoy the Sail Away Party

Disney knows how to put on a show and the Sail Away Party is no exception. Head on out to the pool deck for a very high-energy party.

You can also watch the port disappear into the distance by going up onto the deck above the pool deck.

Or if you have a balcony stateroom why not enjoy the Drink of the Day in your own private haven?

34. Take a Tour of the Spa

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This is a great opportunity to see the Disney Rainforest and the Spa treatment rooms to plan what you would like to do in the spa.

There is always a free-to-enter spa raffle on the first day.

You may as well enter as you may win a free spa treatment or a discount.

D ISNEY CRUISE STATEROOMS

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35. Not All Disney Cruise Staterooms are Created Equal

Disney cruise lines have some of the largest and the best staterooms in the industry. Your choices range from an inside stateroom right up to the magnificent Walt Disney Suite.

Your choice mostly depends upon your budget, but even within the same category, there are some staterooms that are a better choice than others.

Here is our video which shows the smallest of the Disney cruise staterooms which is a Standard Inside Stateroom.

This is the only stateroom category that does not have a split bath.

Read our Disney Cruise Staterooms to Avoid to help you decide.

36. Disney Cruise Staterooms Have Split Bathrooms

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Another unique thing about Disney cruises is the “split bathroom” concept. This is ideal for families.

What does it mean? There are 2 bathroom spaces in most of the Disney cruise staterooms.

One has a toilet and a sink. The other has a bath, shower, and sink. Each has plenty of storage space.

The split bathroom idea cuts down waiting time in the morning when everyone is trying to get ready for breakfast!

37. Disney Stateroom Door Decoration is Encouraged

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Walk along the corridors of your Disney cruise ship and you will see some spectacular door decorations. Your imagination is the only limit to just how creative you can get.

The doors and walls in your Disney cruise stateroom are magnetic.

Decorations are available to buy, or get creative and make your own!

Just make sure that you do not cause any damage to the stateroom – use magnets, not tape.

You don’t want a nasty shock on your final account if you are fined for damaging the wall!

You might want to check out What Not To Do in Your Disney Stateroom

38.  There is Plenty of Storage

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Disney cruise staterooms are very well-designed.

There is plenty of storage space for all your clothes and travel gear.

We always unpack as soon as we arrive so that we have everything to hand.

An invaluable packing item is these Packing Cubes make everything really easy.

You can keep items together. No more searching for socks or swimming stuff. Keep them all organized and you can then just transfer them to a draw in your stateroom.

All the Disney ships now have beds that provide enough space to store your suitcases underneath. You can unpack and forget about them for the rest of the cruise.

39. Yes You Can Do Laundry on a Disney Cruise

No one really wants to do laundry on vacation, but sometimes it just becomes a necessity.

There are several self-service laundries on all of the Disney ships. We always take our own laundry pods of detergent, but it is available onboard.

40. Interactive Television Choices

Of course, all Disney cruise staterooms have a television.

However, if you are sailing on the Disney Fantasy or the Dream you will have a much bigger choice of what to watch in your stateroom than if you sail on the Wonder or the Magic.

The newer ships of the Fantasy, Dream and Wish have on-demand television.

You have a huge choice of Disney movies and television to watch on demand. So if you really want to watch “Peter Pan”, “Toy Story” and “Mary Poppins” in your stateroom you can.

The stage shows from the Walt Disney Theatre are also shown on the television and repeated, so if you miss a show you can watch it in your stateroom.

41. Save a Hotel Key

It is a good idea to hang on to that old hotel room key. The reason? To make the lights work in the stateroom you have to put a credit card-sized card in the slow by the door.

You are supposed to use your Key To The World for this. However, we prefer not to as you are more likely to forget to take it with you and get locked out of your room.

42. Disney Invented Rotational Dining

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Disney cruise lines are known for their innovative ideas. One of the very best is the concept of Rotational Dining.

What is this?

On each Disney cruise ship, there are 3 main dining restaurants.

All have their own very unique theme. Each night you will visit a different restaurant.

When you rotate between restaurants your servers will come with you!

This has a wonderful advantage in that your servers get to know you.

The Disney cruise servers are amazing and go out of their way to make sure that you enjoy the dining experience.

Your servers will get to know your likes and dislikes. They will even cut up your child’s food for them! Nothing is too much trouble for them.

For more information on how this works, you can see our Disney Cruise Rotational Dining Guide

43. Can’t Decide What To Choose on the Menu?

Overwhelmed by the great choices on the Disney cruise restaurant menus? No problem. You can order a couple of options and no one will mind.

If you want the salmon and the steak go ahead.

Two desserts?

Just be aware that your waistline may not forgive you for it!

44. Want Something Not on the Disney Cruise Menu?

disneycruisemenu

Your Disney servers want you to have the best experience possible and will do everything they can to accommodate you.

If you enjoyed a particular dish one evening make sure that they know. If you give them at least 24 hours’ notice they may be able to get it for you again.

Just be considerate.

They will make it happen if they can.

So if you want that same entree or dessert every night just let them know.

45. Don’t Skip Animator’s Palate

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Each ship has three rotational dining restaurants. They are all a little different from each other, apart from Animator’s Palate which is on all of the Disney ships.

Your first night in Animator’s Palate has a very special show for you. Be sure not to miss it.

46. The Disney Cruise Drinks are Free – Sort Of

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Well, not all of the drinks are free, but you could sail on the whole Disney cruise without spending anything extra on beverages.

You just have to know which are free.

There is free soda from the dispensers on the pool deck which is available 24/7.

Soda, regular coffee, tea, iced tea, and milk are available for free in the dining rooms.

Your waiters will learn your preferences and bring them to your table to have them waiting for you for dinner.

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Of course, there are many tempting drinks that are not free.

All alcoholic beverages and cocktails are charged for.

You may be tempted by the drink of the day. There is always an alcoholic and a non-alcoholic drink of the day available at a reduced price.

For the complete guide check out:

Disney Cruise Line – Are The Drinks Really Free?

47. Sometimes There Are Free Cocktails

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Yes, you read it right.

On the formal evening of the Captain’s Dinner, there is a welcome reception with wait staff offering cocktails and wine.

The Ship’s Officers including the Captain will be there to greet you.

If you attend a Disney Vacation Club sales presentation it is used to be they gave out free cocktails. However, it is now many years since I have seen this.

In the last few presentations, I have been to they have only given out free bottled water.

You used to get a very nice gift when you attended but recently we have not seen this.

The presentation is fun and there is no sales pressure. You may be tempted though, so do your calculations carefully before you sign up!

There is usually a free draw to enter to win an onboard credit.

Also, you will probably be offered an onboard credit to attend a one-on-one sales consultation.

tips for disney christmas cruise

48. Have a Celebration?

Always tell your servers if you have a celebration such as a birthday or an anniversary. They will arrange something special for you.

49. Endless Disney Cruise Ice Cream

Self-service ice cream is available for free on the pool decks of every Disney ship.

Why not make your own float with the free soda and ice cream?

50. Didn’t Finish That Bottle of Wine?

disneycruisewinepackage

If you want to enjoy wine at dinner, but don’t think you can finish the bottle, Disney has a solution.

Your server will save your wine for you and the next day it will be waiting at your table for you.

Is The Disney Cruise Wine Package Worth The Cost?

51. Breakfast and Lunch are Not Just A Buffet

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Every Disney ship has an amazing breakfast and lunch buffet served up on the pool deck.

However, what some people don’t realize is that there is a sit-down breakfast and lunch served in one of the restaurants every day.

52. Disney Cruise Special Dietary Needs? No Problem

Disney cruise lines are incredible at catering to any special dietary need you may have. We have sailed with family members who need vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

Just tell your waiters or mention your dietary needs at the buffet or specialty restaurants.

You can also register this in your Cruise Personalizer before you board. Disney cruise lines will do everything they can to help you.

Disney Cruise chefs are more than willing to create special meals for you.

53. Breakfast is with Character

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If you are sailing on a Disney cruise which is 7 nights or longer, you will have the opportunity to have a character breakfast. This is included in the cost of your cruise.

As anyone who has been to Disney World or Disneyland will know, this is a huge benefit!

Character breakfasts usually cost $40 and up per person on land. On your Disney cruise, it is included in the cost of your fare.

You do have to plan ahead for the Disney cruise character breakfast . You need a ticket and places are limited. You need to log in to your Cruise Personalizer as soon as you can, to book tickets.

There may be some available from Guest Services. Go as soon as you board the ship. They are limited and you do not want to be disappointed.

Note that this service is currently suspended

D ISNEY CRUISE ROOM SERVICE

54. disney cruise room service is free.

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Room service on a Disney cruise is free.

There are some items that are charged for such as alcohol and soda, but most of it is free of charge.

Just remember to tip the crew member who delivers your food.

Make sure that you have some $1 bills handy.

However, if you forget, no problem.

You can add a tip to the receipt that you will have to sign.

55. Not Everything is on the Room Service Menu

There are some items that are not on the menu but are available from room service.

One of the most popular items which are not shown on the menu is the Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar.

Cake of the Day is on the menu, but the secret items are Dessert of the Day and Pie of the Day.

Obviously, these change every day, so we have a tradition of making sure we order these on sea days.

Disney Cruise Room Service Menu

56. Breakfast in Bed is On The House

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Breakfast in bed can seem like an extravagant indulgence. However, on a Disney cruise, you can indulge as many times as you like.

It is all part of the service. Just fill out your breakfast selections on the card in your stateroom and put it on your door prior to 3 am the night before.

Then wake up to your breakfast choices delivered to your room.

The best way to enjoy breakfast is on your verandah. One of the best times we ever had on a Disney cruise was sitting on our verandah eating breakfast whilst going through the Panama Canal locks.

57. Milk and Cookies in the Evening

Yes, we know that you will probably have consumed more food than you want to admit by the evening.

However, there really is nothing quite like ordering milk and cookies before bedtime.

58. Order Coffee at Night

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No, we are not suggesting that you get your caffeine fix just before bedtime.

However, if you order a carafe of coffee just before you go to bed at night it will still be warm enough in the morning for you to enjoy.

This means you won’t have to be disturbed by room service early in the morning, but you will be able to stumble out of bed and have your first cup of coffee when you wake up.

59. D ISNEY CRUISE FOR KIDS

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A Disney cruise is for all ages. You just know that the kids are going to have a blast with all of the features on board for them.

60. It’s A Small World Nursery

Disney cruise lines are one of only a few cruise lines that offer a babysitting service for the under 3s.

Starting aged 6 months and going all the way up to the age of 3 the It’s a Small World Nursery will care for the youngest cruisers on the ship.

There is an additional charge and you do have to book in advance. You can do this online in the Cruise Personalizer.

The charge is $9 per hour for your first child and $8 per hour for the second and any additional children. in your family.

61. The Oceaneer’s Club and Lab is Paradise for Kids

Your kids probably won’t want to leave the kid’s clubs. The Oceaneer’s Club and Lab are for children aged 3 to 12.

Who wouldn’t want to meet Spiderman or pilot the Millennium Falcon? There are lots of organized activities or they can just play with their new friends.

62. The Edge is the Place to be for Tweens

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The 11 to 14-year-old set can often be the most difficult to please. Fortunately, on a Disney cruise, they have The Edge.

If you have an 11-year-old they have the choice of either being in The Edge or the Oceaneer’s Club.

63. The Vibe is the Place Teens Want to Be

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Wondering what your teens are going to do on the Disney cruise ships?

The answer is to spend a whole lot of time in Vibe. Particularly if you are sailing on the Disney Dream or the Disney Fantasy.

The newer shops have a fabulous outdoor area for the teens which includes hot tubs and a sun deck.

64. Chill Spa is Open for Teens

Most spas are for the over-18s only. However, Disney has recognized that sometimes teens want to be pampered in the spa.

Check out the Chill Spa which is exclusively for the 13 to 18-year-old set.

D ISNEY CRUISE POOL DECK

65. ride the aquaduck.

disneyaquaduck

One of the best features of Disney Fantasy and the Dream is the AquaDuck. A water coaster at sea!

The Wish has the AquaMouse.

This is a lot of fun for all the family, but of course, the wait times can be long.

To get your best chance of riding with almost no lines on embarkation day or wait until night time.

Most people are either watching the show or eating dinner in the evening so the lines are short.

66. The Disney Cruise Pools are Fun

disney cruise swimming pool

All of the Disney ships have two pools on the family pool deck.

The first is a toddler pool and the second is the family pool. Don’t expect to get any real swimming done in these pools!

The family pool is small and on sea days tends to be crowded.

67. Relax on a Pool Lounger

disneycruisepooldeck

There are plenty of pool loungers around the pool and up on the deck.

Be considerate of others and do not reserve a lounger by putting a towel or your belongings on it.

Just not cool.

68. Towels are Provided

There is no need to bring your own pool towels on board or take towels from your stateroom.

There are plenty of pool towels up on the deck.

69. Catch a Movie on Disney Funnel Vision

disneycruiseconciergetips

One of the best features of the Disney cruise pool deck is Funnel Vision.

Disney movies are played all day and evening.

It’s fun to splash around in the pool and watch a Disney movie.

At night relax on a pool lounger and snag one of the blankets and watch a Disney movie.

D ISNEY CRUISE TIPS FOR ADULTS

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Many people think that a Disney cruise is centered around the kids, but really this is just not true.

Sure there is plenty going on for the younger members of the group, but there are so many things for the adults to enjoy too.

70. Disney Dining for Adults

Disney has some of the best dining at sea.

All of the ships have dining which caters to the over-18s only.

Every Disney ship has Palo, which is an Italian-themed restaurant. Disney’s Palo offers dinner every night of the cruise and brunch on select days.

I think that the very best value is Palo brunch .

With a charge of just $45, you can eat your way through a huge selection of hot entree items.

Note that the buffet is currently not available at Palo Brunch but you can order all you like from the menu.

disneymagicpalo

Remy is available on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

Widely recognized as one of the best culinary experiences at sea, Remy is named after the lead character in the Pixar movie Ratatouille.

Dinner is available every night. The Champagne Brunch and the Dessert Experience are offered on select days.

Yes, it is pricey at $95 per person for dinner, and $200 if you want the wine pairing.

Enchante is the fine dining restaurant on Disney Wish.

71. Indulge at the Disney Cruise Spa

If you want to experience the ultimate in relaxation you can book a Disney spa treatment. There are lots of options offered including treatments for couples.

You can book ahead of your sailing to get the best reservation times.

Appointments do book up, so if you have something specific in mind, book online before you sail.

Remember though that all spa treatments will have an 18% gratuity automatically added.

72. The Disney Cruise Rainforest Room is Pure Luxury

disneycruiserainforesthottub

Every Disney Ship has a Rainforest Room in the spa.

This is truly the place to be if you want to indulge in some luxurious downtime and relaxation.

The Wish has the largest Rainforest Room. It is also the only one which is open to the outdoors from above.

The Disney Dream and the Fantasy still have probably the very best Rainforest rooms on the Disney ships.

Each has two steam rooms, a dry sauna, and scented showers with multiple different programs.

A fabulous feature is the heated hot stone loungers with views of the ocean.

You can even relax in one of the two hot tubs which overlook the ocean.

disneywonderrainforest

The Disney Wonder and the Magic also have the Rainforest Room, but it is not quite so luxurious.

They have saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers, and showers. It’s a nice space but not as great as on the larger ships.

Why The Disney Cruise Rainforest Room is Worth It

73. Adult-Only Pools on Disney Cruises

disneywonderquietcovepool

There is plenty of space reserved for the over-18s only on the Disney ships.

This includes adult pools and hot tubs.

74. Bars and Lounges on the Disney Ships

DisneyWonderBars

There are plenty of options of places to enjoy a drink or two on all of the Disney ships.

One of our favorites is the Ooh La La bar on the Disney Fantasy. Guests can choose from an extensive champagne menu.

The French boudoir decor is completely over the top, but it’s a lot of fun.

Guide to Bars on the Disney Wonder

75. Disney Cruise Lines Alcohol Policy

disneycruisealcohol

Disney cruise lines have a very generous policy about how much of your own beer and wine you can bring on board. Many cruise lines do not let you bring anything at all.

However, on a Disney cruise, you can bring up to 2 bottles of wine or 6 bottles of beer per adult.

You can drink the wine in your stateroom and there is no charge.

However, if you want to enjoy the wine you brought to the restaurant there will be a $25 corkage charge.

76. Disney Cruise Wine Packages Can Save You Money

disneywinepackageprices

If you enjoy drinking wine on a Disney cruise the Wine Package may be the thing for you.

The Wine Package allows you to pre-purchase either a Classic or a Premium Package.

You choose the number of days from 3 to 7 nights. Each night you can pick a bottle from the Classic or Premium Wine list.

Prices start at $95 for a 3-night package.

The more nights you have, the cheaper the per-bottle price works out to be.

If you don’t finish the bottle that evening it will be stored for you and you can drink it later.

You can see more details at Disney Cruise Wine Package

77. Pick Up A Coffee Card

disneycruisetipping

You can get free drip coffee on the pool deck or in the restaurants.

However, it isn’t the best coffee you have ever tasted.

If you enjoy a decent cup of specialty coffee you can pay extra for your drink of choice.

Ask for a coffee card. Each time you buy a drink you will get a stamp. When you have 5 stamps your 6th drink will be free.

It used to be that you could save these and use on your next cruise. However, now the card states that they are not to be used on a future cruise.

Time will tell whether or not the servers still allow it, but don’t bet on this trick still working.

Use your free coffee entitlement before your current cruise ends.

78. The Cove Cafe is a Must

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One of our favorite areas on the Disney cruise is the Cove Cafe. It is a great place to sit and read a book and enjoy a coffee or something a little stronger.

There is a small selection of books and magazines, but bring your own as the selection really is small.

Cove Cafe is a very tempting place to pick up some snacks.

Check out the croissants in the morning. We challenge you to resist the selection of cakes and desserts in the display cabinet.

It is all included so you can indulge!

E NTERTAINMENT ON A DISNEY CRUISE

79. check your disney cruise navigator often.

The Navigator is where you will find out what’s happening on board the ship every day. The paper Navigator is now only delivered to your stateroom every night if you request this from your Room Steward.

If you want a paper Navigator you can pick one up at Guest Services. Or you can use the Disney Navigator App on your phone. Remember to download it before you get on board.

80. The Disney Cruise Shows are Amazing

This really can’t be overstated.

You will be amazed at just how good the shows are on the Disney cruise.

They are Broadway quality and you should definitely make time to see as many shows as you can.

There are two performances every evening. You can see the early one if you have late seating and the late one if you are dining at 5.45 pm.

81. Take Your Seats Early

waltdisneytheatredisneycruise

All shows are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house, but there are some which are better than others.

We like to be about five or six rows back in the middle.

However, if you do not arrive early the front level of seats is likely to be gone.

We prefer anything in the middle over the ones on the sides, even if it is quite far back.

Saving seats for others is really bad form.

Don’t do it.

82. Each Disney Ship Has Different Shows

disneywonderwaltdisneytheatre

Each ship has a different selection of shows, although there is some overlap with certain shows being staged on more than one of the Disney cruise ships.

On the nights when the big stage productions are not scheduled, there will usually be another entertainer such as a magician or a juggler.

Many of these entertainers have been performing with Disney cruise lines for many years and they are generally very good.

83. There May Be A Show For The Adults

Not everything is family-friendly! Often there is a late-night version of one of the entertainer’s acts such as a comedian or a magician.

Treat yourself and let the kids go to the kid’s clubs while you enjoy a night out.

84. Go to the Movies!

The Disney cruise movie theatres show new releases and classic movies.

Each of the Disney ships has at least one. Disney Wish has two!

85. Skip The Popcorn

Outside the Walt Disney Theatre and the Buena Vista Theatre, you will be tempted by the smell of popcorn and the lure of specialty drinks.

These items are not included.

If you want to take a drink into the show with you stop on the pool deck to get your drinks for free. You can even bring some snacks in with you if you want – that is if you aren’t already full from the buffet!

86. There is Something for Everyone

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Every day there are lots of events scheduled.

Want to learn how to draw Mickey Mouse, make that dessert you just enjoyed in the restaurants or enjoy a wine-tasting event?

Most things on board are included, but you will have to pay extra for wine-tasting events.

87. The Art of the Theme Tour is Not to be Missed

This adults-only tour of the ship is well worth joining.

It is free and will take you on a tour whilst showing you some of the design secrets of the Disney ships.

There is so much attention to detail on the Disney ships and it is nice to hear some of the behind-the-scenes stories.

D ISNEY CASTAWAY CAY

DisneyCruiseCastawayCayDoubleDip2015

One of the highlights of a Disney Caribbean or Bahamian cruise is a port stop at Castaway Cay.

Disney cruise line has its own fabulous private island in the Bahamas. Here are some Disney cruise tips to make the most of your visit to Castaway Cay.

Disney Castaway Cay – The Ultimate Guide

88. Send a Special Post Card

Castaway Cay has its own post office. If you want to send a card with a very special stamp just stop at the post office. It is on your left just after you get off the ship.

89. There are Trams to Get You Around Castaway Cay

You can easily walk to the beaches, but there are plenty of trams to get you there if you want to save energy. We usually walk to the beach if it isn’t too hot, but we always take the tram back.

90. Pick Your Perfect Beach

The most popular beach is the Family Beach on Castaway Cay .

However, there is a beach reserved solely for the over-18s. Make your way to Serenity Bay if you want some peace and quiet.

castawaycaydisneyprivateislandbanamas

Disney Castaway Cay Excursions and Activities

91. No Need to Get Back on the Ship to Eat

There is plenty of food on Castaway Cay. While it isn’t the finest food you will eat on your Disney cruise, the barbecue is perfectly fine. There is something about eating good barbecue food on the beach that makes it so much fun.

However, make sure that you have eaten breakfast. The barbecues are only open for lunch.

92. Special Dietary Needs on Castaway Cay

If you have special dietary requirements make sure that you let your waiters know on the ship. They will make sure that it is waiting for you at the barbecue.

93. Join in the Castaway Cay 5K Run

A very popular event on Castaway Cay is the 5K run. It is free of charge and ages 10 and up can take part.

You don’t have to sign up anymore.

Make sure that you get an early start though – it can get very hot on the island!

94. Try Something New

You can spend the day on one of the beaches, or you can try one of the Castaway Cay Port Adventures.

These range from snorkeling to parasailing, and kayaking to getting up close and personal with a stingray. You can book these ahead of time on your Cruise Personalizer, or when you get on the ship.

95. The Quest for a Castaway Cay Cabana

One of the most difficult reservations to get on a Disney cruise is a Castaway Cay Cabana.

Even though prices start at $399 this is one of the most sought-after things on a Disney cruise.

You can book them in your Cruise Personalizer, but as there are only 21 cabanas available, they sell out in minutes.

You really need to either be a Concierge guest or a Pearl Castaway Cay member to be in with a chance.

You can try your luck when you board the ship by putting your name on the waitlist.

You could get very lucky and someone may cancel. It happens, but just don’t bet on it!

96. Take Your Time

People tend to get back on the ship in the early afternoon.

Whilst we always recommend getting back on board in good time, you can wait until shortly before all aboard time on Castaway Cay.

This gives you maximum time on the island.

97. Be Safe

It is important always to wear sunscreen. Sunburn is never a good thing and it can ruin your vacation.

The combination of the sun sea and the perfect island can sometimes make you forget to keep reapplying sunscreen.

Just be careful.

We have written a Complete Guide to Castaway Cay where you will find lots more tips and ideas.

M EET THE DISNEY CHARACTERS

disneycruisecharacters

A Disney cruise is a great place to get to meet a huge variety of Disney characters.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

98. Check Your Navigator

There are lots of character appearances every day. The schedule will be posted in your Navigator every day. You can plan who you want to meet.

99. The Character Attendant is Your Friend

All Disney characters have an attendant to keep them organized and safe. If you have any questions always ask the attendant.

They can help with questions like when the next appearance will be and what costume the character will be wearing. They will also take pictures of you with your own camera.

100. Arrive Early

We think that it is much easier to meet characters on a Disney cruise than it is at the parks. However, you should still be prepared for a wait.

The characters often spend more time with guests than they would in the parks.

Usually, if you arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled appearance you will be towards the front half of the line.

101. Bring An Autograph Book

Make sure that you bring something for the characters to sign.

We have heard recently that Marvel characters will not sign anything which has been signed by a Disney or Pixar character, so you may need to bring separate books if you are swapping universes!

102. Look Around You

Often the best character sightings are ones that you don’t expect. We remember seeing Chip and Dale up on deck during the Panama Canal cruise.

Or sometimes you see characters in the hallways walking to the meet and greet.

103. Meeting the Princesses

You can never guarantee which Princesses will be on board, but they will definitely be available for a meet and greet.

Usually, you will see Tiana, Cinderella, and Belle. However, don’t guarantee to your 4-year-old they will see a specific Princess as they may not be on board.

There is always a Disney Princess ticketed event. You can sign up in your Cruise Personalizer or at Guest Services. Tickets are limited and go quickly. This is not an essential event as you will see them at other times.

104. Anna and Elsa are Different

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Anna and Elsa are rather more difficult to find. The only way to see them is to get tickets for the meet and greet. You will not see them out and about on the ship.

Note this is temporarily suspended

105. Tea With A Disney Princess

The best way to have time with the Princesses is by booking the Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea .

This amazing opportunity to meet the Disney Princesses includes plenty of time to meet your favorites whilst enjoying a traditional High Tea.

You will have to book ahead and be prepared to blow the budget. This experience is designed for those aged 3 to 12 and costs $210 per child and $69 per adult.

The children will walk away with some nice gifts and some great memories – but obviously, the cost takes some thinking about.

106. This Doesn’t Work Anymore

You might read online that if you take a shirt or picture frame and some markers to Guest Services it will magically be returned to your stateroom having been signed by the character.

Unfortunately, it seems as though too many people got to know about this Disney cruise tip, so they had to stop doing it.

107. Characters on Castaway Cay

Some of the characters make it out onto Castaway Cay (although you will never see a Princess on the island).

One of the coolest characters is Captain Jack Sparrow who will often make an appearance out on Serenity Bay.

Do you have any Disney cruise tips that you want to share? We are cruising again soon and will be adding to this list of Disney cruise tips!

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disney cruise tips

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Sailings for March 2020 - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Friday 13th of March 2020

[…] Best Disney Cruise Tips […]

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Great tips! I will definitely be making lots of note from this post to go towards my Disney cruise. Thanks for so many gems ?

Friday 30th of November 2018

Wow! What a list of tips and tricks! Thanks for sharing!

Such a comprehensive list!!

Thursday 25th of October 2018

Hi Allison, Thanks for writing this great list! It is very helpful. I have a couple of questions:

in the bottles of wine section, you list the price "per bottle?" and then you say "per day"? I am assuming you meant "3 bottles at $31.66 per bottle?

You talked about packing bathing suit, etc.. in you carry-on and you suitcase(s) will arrive later? I you have a carry-on and an airline approved size rolling suitcase, can you carry them on and to your room or do you have to have you suitcase delivered?

Thanks, Randy

Barbara Conner

Friday 26th of November 2021

@Randy, they are cleaning the cabins from the previous cruise and the halls are blocked -- so whatever you want to carry on with you - you will have to carry it until the rooms are ready and the halls are open - they are roped off while cleaning the cabins from the previous cruise. SOOOO anything you carry on is with you until you are allowed in your cabin. I just have my tote bag with me - all luggage goes at checkin.

Monday 5th of November 2018

Hi Randy. Thank you for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed the Disney Cruise Tips! Yes you are right - it is 3 bottles which are $31.66 each. It is called the 3 Day Package or 4 Day etc so that is why I have used the words "per bottle" and "per day" to mean the same thing. However, you could drink all 3 bottles in one day or take 7 days to drink 3 bottles.

You can bring a Carry On Bag no larger than 9x14x22 on board. You carry that to your room yourself. Larger luggage that you check will be checked in at the port and will be delivered to your stateroom. Usually it is delivered no later than early evening. However, there will be a time when you are without your checked luggage so you should make sure you have essential items such as travel documents and medication in there if you need it. It's nice to put your swim wear in there too if you want to go to the pools on boarding the ship.

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Disney Dream docked at Castaway Cay

14 Insanely Useful Disney Cruise Tips to Know Before You Go

October 25, 2019 //  by  Stephanie Kastan //   Leave a Comment

If you’re thinking about planning a Disney cruise, or have already booked one, these Disney cruise tips will help you get the most out of your vacation. Disney cruises are tons of fun, but, like with any vacation, you can miss out on some fun and relaxation if you don’t prepare! If you’re interested in what to pack, how to save money, or how to make the most of your time on your Disney cruise, I’ve got you covered!

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) currently has four ships: The Fantasy, the Dream, the Magic, and the Wonder. There are also more coming in the next few years! Each ship has slightly different offerings, so, whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, Disney definitely has something to offer every passenger.

Get a FREE printable 30/60/90 day Disney countdown by joining our private Disney Facebook Group and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks! 

Disney cruise ship docked at Castaway Cay

Tips for Booking Your Disney Cruise

Best time to go.

Timing is obviously important for vacations, and this is especially true for Disney vacations! Time of year for cruising will also depend on your family’s needs and wants. For example, anytime school is in session is a good choice for a Disney cruise. Fewer people and often cheaper prices are a huge benefit to the off-season. However, if you absolutely cannot go during the school year, that’s clearly not going to work for you.

September is often hailed as the number one Disney cruise trip for best time to sail. It’s a good choice because the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the onboard pools and white sand beaches (unless you’re doing an Alaska or Europe itinerary- though warmer weather will still help these!). However, September is also during Florida’s Hurricane Season, and it can be a busy time of the season for storms (Note that in recent years both Hurricanes Irma and Dorian were in September).

If your family is looking for a specific itinerary- those have specific dates attached to them. For example, Alaska cruises only sail during the summer, for obvious reasons. Disney Cruise Line also has specialty sailings at certain times of the year- Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime, Marvel Day at Sea, and Star Wars Day at Sea. If any of those strike your fancy, be sure to pay attention to which dates they’re offered.

Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Decoration

Choosing your Stateroom

I highly recommend picking your own stateroom! This is one of my biggest Disney cruise tips. However, this can be overwhelming as there are so many options and things to consider. Fortunately, when you book through Disney, or if you go through a travel agent, you are able to view the deck plans to make an informed decision. For example, if anyone in your party experiences seasickness or motion sickness, it is absolutely crucial to pick a stateroom as close to mid-ship as you can and as low deck as you’re comfortable with.

If you are traveling with a bigger party you may be considering a suite that can sleep more people, but it is usually recommended to instead get adjoining cabins. It is actually cheaper to get two cabins than it is to get a larger suite most of the time, plus everyone will have more room (and bathrooms) to spread out.

You should also think about where you want to be in relation to everything else. There is dining on the lower desks if you want to be close to it, but usually most people think about being close to the pool deck up top. This is great if you want to be right there with the action and fun, but you should also consider volume. If you like peace and quiet when you go to bed and night, you may want to be a bit further away from the top decks. Personally, I like to cruise midship because I’d rather have the quiet at night and take an elevator to get to the pool.

Disney cruise atrium and chandelier

Dining Times

Disney Cruise Line has a super fun dining rotation that allows guests to experience different restaurants during their sailing. There are also two dining times to pick from when you book your cruise: early and late. If you’re okay eating dinner at a later time, I highly recommend choosing this option as it will have fewer kids in the dining room (making it much quieter!) and it has the added bonus of Dine and Play. The Dine and Play program means that families at late dining can have dinner all together before the kids are taken to the kids’ clubs!

Your dining time will also impact your timing for the shows! Early dining is much more crowded, which means that most families go to the second show when they finish dinner. If you have late seating for dinner, you can see the show first and get better seats because you won’t have to rush from dinner to the theater!

Specialty Dining

Specialty dining is a total experience on Disney cruises, and one of my biggest Disney cruise tips. If you think you want to do it, book in advance! You can always cancel later but many times you’ll find that by the time of your sailing most reservations will be taken.

Palo and Remy, Italian and French themed respectively, are fine dining experiences. There is an enforced dress code, so pack accordingly! The Palo brunch is often the highest regarded meal, but I think it depends on your tastes. I am a huge sucker for brunch so the Palo brunch did win me over, but the chocolate souffle on Palo’s dinner menu is TO DIE FOR.

The specialty dining options are a flat fee, so while that does mean they’re a bit pricey, it also means you can eat as much as you want to. Just don’t fill up too much before dessert!

Character Meet and Greets

There are plenty of characters to meet onboard Disney Cruise Line (and on the private island, Castaway Cay), and just like in the parks, they’re happy to meet you and your little ones. These characters also have the great benefit of being in great, sea-worthy outfits! Eskimo Minnie on the Alaska sailings has totally stolen my heart, but Captain Mickey (and now Captain MINNIE!) are iconic.

Just like in the Disney Parks, there are designated times for meet and greats with the characters, and you’re able to reserve a spot for them before you sail! I highly recommend doing this if anyone in your party wants to meet the characters (especially the more unique characters like the Star Wars and Marvel crews on those specialty sailings), as the lines can get long and close very quickly.

But don’t worry! If you don’t reserve a time to meet the characters in advance, your cruise Navigator (delivered to your stateroom each day) will list times and locations for meet and greets. Just be sure to arrive early! 10 minutes is the recommended window to ensure you grab a spot in the line. And don’t forget your autograph books!

Disney Cruise Minnie Mouse Meet and Greet

Tips for Making the Most of Your Disney Cruise

What to pack.

If you get motion sickness or seasickness, Dramamine is a MUST for your Disney cruise. You can find it at any drugstore or here on Amazon. Important note about Dramamine- start taking it several days BEFORE you cruise because it can take awhile to start helping you. Also, if you discover you need it after you’ve set sail, or have run out, you can find it onboard all of Disney’s ships!

For most itineraries, sunscreen is another must-pack item. I highly recommend (and encourage) going the reef-safe route, especially because these sunscreens are as effective as the non-reef safe ones are. My favorite ones are All Good and MyChelle , both of which are animal cruelty free and feel great on my skin.

I’d recommend bringing a light sweater on your Disney Cruise for dining and shows, as I find the interior of the ship can get a bit chilly with the air conditioning- especially if you’ve been in the sun all day! For those sailing on colder Disney cruises, I’d still recommend bringing a light sweater in addition to your warmer clothes.

Pins! This is one my favorite Disney cruise tips. I wish I had known to bring pins on my first Disney cruise- my husband and I are big pin traders. For those who don’t know, Disney Parks’ cast members often wear lanyards with Disney pins on them for guests to trade with. However, what I didn’t know was that during Disney Cruise sailings, there is an event held near the theater where the ship’s officers come out and trade pins with the guests! It was a great way to find some unique treasures and can be a great way to bring home a souvenir with a fun memory attached!

Another fun Disney cruise tip is to pack magnets! Why? Because Disney cruise guests often decorate their stateroom doors to show who they are, what they like, or what they’re celebrating! It’s a really fun way to get to know the people you cruise with and make a statement!

For more great ideas on what to pack, check out our post on Disney packing lists !

Stateroom door decorations

Bringing Booze on a Disney Cruise?

All right, adult Disney fans, this one’s for you: Disney Cruise Line allows you to pack booze in your carry-on to bring on your sailing! Honestly, I think this is a great idea for everyone. They do have limits and specifications, so be sure not to exceed them and risk losing the money you spent on the booze AND the money you’ll spend buying more onboard!

Disney Cruise Line allows you to bring two (2) bottles of wine and one (1) six-pack of beer PER PERSON in your carry-on luggage. You are also allowed to buy wine and beer while you’re in a port of call and bring it back to the ship with you! This is such a great money-saver for those who want to drink on their Disney cruise. Additionally, you can also bring wine to your dining room if you want to drink with dinner- the restaurant will charge your stateroom $25 for the uncorking fee.

Tips for Pirate Night

Pirate Night is such a fun and exciting part of Disney cruising. This event is only featured on Caribbean itineraries, so if your Disney cruise happens elsewhere then you can skip this section! Pirate Night happens up on the pool deck, and is a pirate-themed show, with dressed up characters and fireworks!

There is a buffet on the pool deck during Pirate Night, so you may opt to skip the dining room in favor of the buffet and staking out a spot for the festivities. The pool deck is PACKED during Pirate Night, so definitely get there early. Plus, it’s windy up there and you may end up getting a bit chilly (trust me) so bring your sweaters!

At dinner, you will get a Mickey banana to wear for the party, but most guests choose to dress up much more! The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique onboard the ship does offer kids’ pirate makeovers for Pirate Night, but I highly suggest packing costumes/accessories with you.

Disney cruise pirate costume for Pirate Night

Get Connected

Honestly one of the most convenient parts about Disney Cruise Line for me and my husband was the DCL mobile phone app. If you’re wondering what my favorite Disney cruise tip is, here you go: download the app! It allows you to communicate with your party without using data or paying for wifi. No more making plans for the whole day and trying to remember what time you need to meet up with your family. Now you can message them while onboard! The app has other handy features, including a fun countdown to your cruise before you go, but it is a MUST for Disney cruising.

Disney Cruise Line mobile phone app

Embarkation Tips

Best Disney cruise tips for embarkation? Check in online is number 1! You can do this in advance and it will save you so much time at the terminal. When you check in online you can also select your arrival time- be sure to write it down! This saves you so much time in the port AND can help you get on the ship early! If you do this, definitely keep your swim gear in your carry-on so you can grab lunch and hit the pool while others board. Just make sure to still arrive one hour before your scheduled time!

For cruisers with kiddos, it’s almost always easier to sign up for the kids’ club after you board the ship. You are able to in the terminal but the lines get very long, especially compared to the ones onboard the ship.

Disney Cruise Pool Deck

Shore Excursion Tips

I highly recommend shore excursions if they’re in your budget! These are a great and EASY way to explore your ports of call. However, if you’ve been to one your ports of call before, this is a great time to enjoy the ship with fewer people. I live in Florida and have been fortunate enough to cruise multiple times, but the itinerary is always the Bahamas, so I usually skip Nassau to stay on board. This is when I ride the Aquaduck without waiting in line!

However, if you’re going somewhere new then I highly recommend excursions. When I do go to Nassau, my favorite thing is the Atlantis waterpark. It’s awesome! Most ports have a lot of options for you, so definitely check them out and decide on your family’s must-dos. And, if you’re going to Alaska, you’ve got to do the sled dog racing for me! That’s my dream trip. If you’re not a dog person, my mom swears by the glacier helicopter rides.

Disney cruise in Alaska

Before and After Your Disney Cruise

Transfers to and from the port.

Disney offers their buses, which are super cute, for ground transfer for a per person fee. These are an awesome option because you can check your luggage into the bus and it will be delivered to your stateroom without you having to lug it around. Trust me, the cruise terminal before embarkation is PACKED. The last thing you want is to deal with your suitcases and carry-ons and children, if you have them! Plus, bus rides are better on the environment than everyone riding individually, which is a win in my book.

If the shuttle service doesn’t work for you, Uber, Lyft, and other shuttles are all great options to get to the port. Be sure to prepare for a wait in the drop-off lane, though, as that can take awhile! There is also parking at the terminal if you want to drive your own vehicle, just know that the parking is a bit pricey and must be paid upfront.

Disney Cruise Line Bus

Best Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Miami

Cape canaveral.

If you aren’t local to your port and are flying to them, I cannot say enough how much I recommend arriving a day before your cruise. It means you need to get a hotel, but it also means you won’t miss your cruise if you have flight delays or cancellations. Plus, if luggage is lost the last thing you want is to board the ship without it! Even if the airline can’t get your luggage to you in time, at least you’ll have time to pick up some necessities before you set sail.

Many Disney cruises embark from Port Canaveral or Port of Miami, so you may struggle to determine where you should stay! Port Canaveral is in the very small town of Cape Canaveral (home to the Kennedy Space Center), so if you want to stay close to the port, or maybe check out the space center, then below are a couple of good picks.

Country Inn

Canaveral Towers

If y0u’re sailing out of Port Canaveral, you also have the wonderful option of staying at Walt Disney World, which is about an hour away. Disney World is also closer to the airport and still offers ground transfer with luggage checking from the resort to the port.

If you’re sailing out of Miami, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of options for hotels. Port of Miami is right by downtown Miami, it can be pretty hectic. If you’re wanting to see the sights while you’re there, hotels downtown on South Beach are your best bets (and are still close to the port). Here are my favorite choices for Miami.

For Downtown:

Guild Miami

Holiday Inn

For South Beach:

Casa Boutique

National Hotel

Disney cruise terminal at Port Canaveral

Gratuities are a hugely important part of budgeting for your cruise, because most cruise employees rely on tips for their income. Thankfully, gratuities for your cabin and waitstaff are automatically included in your fare so you don’t need to worry much about this on a Disney cruise! However, you have the option to go to Guest Services and adjust the amount of tips provided to your staff. You can also tip cash in most currencies at the end of your cruise if you want.

If you order room service, you will need to sign the receipt and write-in a tip amount to be charged to your cabin because this is not an automatically tipped service. If you enjoy services at the spa, specialty dining, or concierge, gratuities are also included in the price but you are able to tip on top of that if you so choose.

Disney Cruise ship Magic

Now you’re ready to book and set sail on your Disney Cruise! You’re going to have a wonderful time. I hope these Disney cruise tips have helped you to feel more prepared for your vacation so that, when the time comes, all you need to do is have fun! Happy cruising!

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How to Pack for a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise

by Jenn Marrazzo | Nov 29, 2021 | Disney Cruise Line

Wondering what to pack for your Disney Christmas cruise? We have six essentials to add to your Disney Very Merrytime Cruise packing list that you won’t want to leave behind for this special sailing. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, time for a Very Merrytime Cruise onboard Disney Cruise Line . Can you picture it? The smell of gingerbread cookies filling the air, Christmas trees and lights welcoming you in, and Santa Claus giving you a great big ho-ho-hello?

Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruise is perfect for Christmas fans thanks to a number of festive activities that will get you into the holiday spirit.

But what do you need to pack for your Very Merrytime Disney Cruise? We’ve put together a list of must-pack items for a Very Merrytime Cruise with Disney. 

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1. Christmas Ears/Hats

Don’t forget your ears for meeting Santa! Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

What’s a Christmas cruise without a pair of magical Christmas ears? With all of the exciting activities happening around the ship like a tree lighting and character interactions , you’ll definitely want to be showing off your favorite pair of ears . 

But there’s no need to be limited to just ears . Bring your Santa hats along too! All festive accessories are welcome to show off during your cruise! 

During a recent trip to WDW, I picked up these new Spirit Jersey ears that would be the perfect accessory on any Merrytime Cruise. 

Christmas ears are your best bet. Photo courtesy of Jenn Marrazzo

Mickey and friends will be in the holiday spirit, but you can spread that good cheer to your own stateroom with some decorations. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

While Disney will go all out to decorate for the Very Merrytime Cruise, your room won’t have that magical holiday touch . But you don’t have to leave it that way! 

By bringing a stocking or a miniature Christmas tree , you can bring the holiday celebration to your stateroom. 

This miniature Christmas tree available at Walmart is super easy to pack in your suitcase and will give your room that extra holiday touch it’s been missing. 

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3. Apparel/Matching PJs

Matching PJs are a great thing to pack for your Very Merrytime Disney Cruise. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

If you’ve ever visited Walt Disney World for Christmas , you know guests love to wear matching holiday shirts or even pajamas to holiday events . That’s also the case on a Very Merrytime Cruise. 

From the tree lighting to the Christmas Ball thrown onboard, being in the holiday spirit is essential (and let’s face it—wearing matching PJs is just fun). 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jessica McDonald (@thehealthymouse)

4. Door Magnets/Door Décor

If you read our blog detailing what to pack on a Halloween cruise with Disney Cruise Line , you’ll be entirely familiar with the idea of bringing festive door magnets and door decor. This practice is just as popular aboard a Merrytime Cruise. 

Your metal door is a great way to show off your holiday spirit . Whether you decide to bring just magnets or maybe even a wreath, let your imagination run free and have fun !.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

5. Camera (or Phone)

The gingerbread house is always a great photo op. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

You’re probably scratching your head on this one. Really, they are recommending a camera?

One item that is always a must-have for me is a camera. While any trip warrants a camera to capture those magical memories, holiday cruises are even more important to bring a camera . 

And I remind you because, with no cell service and paid Wi-Fi only, you might be more likely to leave your phone back in your room. Don’t forget to bring your phone with you!

From the large gingerbread house to photo ops with your favorite characters in their Christmas costumes to the holiday fun on Castaway Cay , you won’t want to miss all of the chances to remember a magical holiday season at sea.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Rozee (@righthandmouse)

6. Holiday Cards

Give the gift of Disney to Cast Members onboard the ship.

Holiday Cards can be great to offer magical moments to Cast Members onboard. Whether you want to say thank you for something they did that was extra special or just wish different Cast Members a happy holiday, this will definitely make the day of the people who make your cruise so special . 

For extra magic, make them  Disney Christmas cards !

Have you ever sailed on a Christmas cruise with Disney? If so, let us know what was on your Disney Very Merrytime Cruise packing list. Share with us on our DCL Magazine Facebook page !

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Not sure if you’re going? You can just get more information about a potential Disney vacation.

Know your dates? Just need advice for now?
Your Complete Guide to 2021 Christmas at Disney World
Disney Wonder Pools: Take a Refreshing Dip on Your Disney Cruise
Port Canaveral Hotels: Where to Stay in Port Canaveral Before Your Disney Cruise

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Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise Info & Review

tips for disney christmas cruise

We recently did a Very Merrytime Christmas sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line and thought it’d be worth sharing photos, info, and our review of the voyage. Our cruise was a 4-night trip from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Walt Disney World) on the Disney Dream, but these holiday cruises are offered fleet-wide in November and December.

These Very Merrytime voyages promise everything of a normal itinerary, including Pirate Night, holiday-themed atrium entertainment acts, and a stop at Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line’s private island is also decked out for the holidays with garland, and icon Christmas tree, and more.

Aboard each Disney Cruise Line ship, there are also entertainment highlights, themed activities for kids, youth parties & crafts, and interactive options. Of course, there’s also a variety of exclusive, holiday-themed DCL merchandise and gifts. In our estimation, this all sounds better than it is in execution…

We’ll start with some basic background info about Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime sailings…

Very Merrytime Cruise Info & Entertainment

tips for disney christmas cruise

Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic – When you walk onto your Disney Cruise Line ship on day one, the Christmas tree and garland lights aren’t yet on. This is because there’s a show featuring Disney characters, Christmas music, crew members, and more in this tree-lighting ceremony that makes these festive lights twinkle.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball – Santa and Mrs. Claus invite in some special guests on each Very Merrytime sailing in this performance. This special holiday gathering featuring Broadway-style entertainment (per Disney–we’d say that’s overselling it), classic holiday tunes, Mickey & friends, and snow in the atrium.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Christmas Character Costumes – The costumes that the Disney characters don during Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic Ceremony and Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball are also worn throughout the cruise during meet & greets. The Navigator App specifies meet-and-greet times, but not attire.

Castaway Cay – Disney Cruise Line’s private island is decked for the holidays with a tropical flair. An icon Christmas tree, holiday island music, garland, and even snow flurries greet guests arriving to the island.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Gingerbread House – Each Disney Cruise Line ship features a life-size gingerbread house in the atrium, created by the Crew Members from scratch as they compete against each other for the most creative and whimsical creation.

See Ya Real Soon – The holiday version of See Ya Real Soon is modified, featuring the Dickens Carolers who sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” As with Epcot’s now extinct fireworks, this was a perfect way to end the cruise during the Christmas season. This show also provides another opportunity for guests to meet the characters, in a rushed-but-efficient process.

tips for disney christmas cruise

There isn’t enough Christmas. That’s pretty much it, in a single sentence. Don’t get us wrong–we love Disney Cruise Line and had a blast on this sailing. However, this isn’t simply a sailing that coincidentally occurs around Christmas-time, it’s actively marketed by Disney as a Very Merrytime Cruise. From that perspective, it falls woefully short.

First, the decorations. It’s nice to see the atriums of the gorgeous Disney Cruise Line ships decorated, but disappointing that these are generic Christmas ornaments, garland, and lights. They look nice, but there’s nothing on-theme about them, which is a bit of a letdown if you’ve been to the resorts at Walt Disney World around the holidays.

Beyond the ship atrium, there just isn’t much in terms of decor. There are trees in the lobby of each restaurant and scattered in a few other spots, but not much. A few wreaths and scattered pieces of garland, but nothing (that I can recall) that was even illuminated outside the atrium.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Castaway Cay does have an on-theme Christmas tree, which is really well done. Definitely the best photo op of the entire Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise.

Beyond that…Castaway Cay also does not have much. This would’ve been totally fine and more understandable if the ship had an adequate amount of decor.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Then there’s the entertainment. Three shows might sound like a decent amount, but that would be really overselling each. The tree lighting is pretty short and the See Ya Real Soon is a modified version of a normal (also short) goodbye.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball is decent, but it’s also way too short, and the substance of the show is over far too quickly. Disney describes these as “Broadway-style” entertainment, but that’s not even remotely accurate. These are not proper shows, they’re mostly character greetings with a mild musical component. If you’re expecting Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration or even A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, lower your expectations.

tips for disney christmas cruise

The Dickens Carolers are great in the few moments they’re given to shine, but those are over way too quickly. (If our in-room survey is any indication, they roam the ship and perform carols, but we never saw this.)

A proper stage show featuring the Dickens Carolers in the Walt Disney Theatre would’ve been awesome, but we would’ve been content with much less. Something– anything –of substance would’ve been nice. As it stands, there’s way too much of an emphasis on the Disney characters being introduced and waving, and too little on…literally anything else.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Speaking of the Disney characters, they are one of the few Christmas bright spots. Each of the Fab Five (or is it Sensational Six now?) has multiple holiday-themed outfits, and they rotate in these costumes for meet & greets throughout the Very Merrytime cruise. If your primary concern is meeting a range of characters in rare costumes, you’ll probably leave very satisfied.

We enjoyed these character meet & greets, but they were not our primary motivation for taking the cruise. We were expecting something more akin to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Sea. We would’ve even settled for a holiday version of Star Wars Day at Sea, which we experienced earlier in the year and really enjoyed.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Speaking of which, we’ve previously done two cruises with a Star Wars and Frozen Day at Sea, and each of those single days offered more substance than the entirety of this Very Merrytime Cruise. It’s worth emphasizing that those are marketed as normal cruises with the themed day added to select dates after itineraries go on sale.

In any case, these other themed ‘day at sea’ cruises provide a template for what Disney Cruise Line could do to make the Very Merrytime Cruise satisfying as a Christmas-time experience. Add a deck party, more substantive stage show, daytime entertainment, themed menus & desserts, scavenger hunt, and decorations. (On the plus side, the themed cups were a decent touch.)

tips for disney christmas cruise

We’d personally go a step further and replace the tired and underwhelming Pirate Night offerings with something holiday-centric. Use the same fireworks but set them to Christmas music.

Have a nighttime stage show. Encourage guests to done their holiday finery and get dressed up in yuletide attire. These are not unrealistic expectations–Disney Cruise Line does all of these things well on other cruises, so it’s perplexing that they drop the ball with Christmas.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Overall, our Disney Cruise Line experience was still exceptional, and we remain of the belief that DCL offers a premium product worthy of the premium pricing, elevated level of service, and high standards…at least with all of the normal offerings. Our disappointment here comes in comparing the Very Merrytime Cruise to other days at sea we’ve experienced, as well as Disney Christmas entertainment in the parks.

We wouldn’t hesitate to take another Disney cruise, but will likely avoid November and December in the future. These itineraries are more expensive (at least, in our experience) than their counterparts in January and February, and we’d prefer to save the money and do one of the discounted off-season sailings. With that said, if you’re looking to do a family cruise around the holidays and are only looking for mild dashes of Christmas cheer, there’s no reason to actively avoid the Very Merrytime Cruises. Just don’t go out of your way to book one, either.

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise!

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

Your Thoughts

If you’ve done a Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise, did you have any similar disappointment? Did it live up to your expectations? Do you think we’re being too hard on it? Is this seasonal offering something you’d like to experience on Disney Cruise Line? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Any questions? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

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Written by Tom Bricker

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Thanks for the article! I’m wondering where I can get that black dress with red belt?! It looks great with the red ears!

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We have the Wish booked this year for our first! Can’t wait to experience it!

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We’ve done the Halloween on the High Seas cruise and we’re booked for the Very Merrytime this November. I had such high hopes for the Halloween cruise that I too was disappointed to see just how lightly themed the cruise was. I spoke to the acitivity director about it and he said i was the first person to mention being a bit let down by how little “halloween” there was (notably that …somehow… during the week long cruise there wasn’t a single showing of the Disney Halloween classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”!) I now have lower expectations going into our Merrytime cruise. DCL says they “don’t want do overdo it” with the theming so if you’re a holiday die hard, just expect a great cruise … with a touch of the season (Halloween or Christmas) added to make it even better.

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26 Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey

Summer Hull

Disney Cruise Line might be a comparatively small cruise line with just five ships, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in popularity and enthusiastic fans. It also has some unique approaches to cruising that may surprise you — whether you're a first-time cruiser or an experienced cruiser on a different line.

After sailing on six Disney Cruise Line voyages across four of its ships in the last few years, I've picked up a few hacks and money-saving techniques I'm happy to pass on to you. No matter if this is your first time at sea or your 99th, you can benefit from this list of 26 Disney cruise tips, tricks and secrets.

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

You can find discounts on Disney Cruises

Disney cruises are generally more expensive than other family-friendly competitors such as Royal Caribbean , but there are still ways to save money on a Disney cruise . Here are some different discounts you can find for Disney Cruise Line.

When booking a Disney cruise, your best move is to book the cruise as soon as it becomes available. You'll have the best selection of cabins and generally the best prices. Sometimes, you can find discounts closer to the sailing if certain room types aren't selling as hoped.

Sail one-way

A few times a year, Disney ships based in seasonal homeports need to head toward their next cruising region. When that happens, the ships sail one-way (aka repositioning) cruises , starting in one port and ending in a different one. You can often book these one-off sailings for less money than the normal round-trip cruises that start and end in the same spot.

For example, Disney Dream will sail a three-night cruise to move it from San Juan to Ft. Lauderdale in November. You can book a cabin with a balcony for $1,580 for two people, which is a solid price on Disney Dream. The $3,326 price tag for a concierge-level cabin is very good; those cabins usually start at close to $800 to $1,000 higher on many other three-night sailings.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Remember to factor in the cost of two one-way flights when you're calculating the savings bonus of taking a one-way cruise.

Related: Ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Let Disney pick your cabin

If you're not picky about which cabin you get, an easy way to save a substantial amount of cash on your Disney cruise is to let Disney pick your cabin for you. You select a room type (such as an inside room or one with a balcony) and then let Disney assign you to a specific cabin location closer to sailing. For your flexibility, this type of guaranteed fare comes at a discount.

In the example below, you'll see the cheapest inside cabin where you pick a specific room on the ship is $2,072, while the price starts at $1,488 if you let Disney choose which inside room you get. This type of fare comes with additional restrictions, so read the fine print carefully. I've done this multiple times and have always been happy with the room location I've received.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Upgrade your room at the port for less

Depending on the ship's occupancy, it can be cheaper to upgrade your cabin at the port right before you board than in advance. There's no guarantee a better room will be available, but it can't hurt to ask when you are checking in inside the port just before boarding if nicer rooms are available.

tips for disney christmas cruise

If higher room categories have gone unsold, the check-in staff can tell you the price to upgrade to a nicer room; they can reference a spreadsheet that outlines the upgrade rates based on your current cabin and fare. In my experience, you can save up to half the cost compared to upgrading your room in advance.

Pay with points or discounted Disney gift cards

You can pay with discounted Disney gift cards to save a little money. There are many ways to do this, but stacking credit card bonus categories with discounted gift cards that can be available at places like Sam's Club or even Target can knock around 5% off the total price without too much effort.

You can also use some types of credit card points and miles to pay for a Disney cruise. For example, you can use Capital One miles from cards such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , (see rates and fees) to cover all or part of any charge that's considered a travel expense.

The Disney Visa Card also offers some onboard savings perks and you can enjoy 0% APR for six months on your Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24%-28.24%.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

tips for disney christmas cruise

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

2 rooms are cheaper than a suite

If your family is considering getting a suite to spread out and have more space, but are finding the prices for Disney Cruise Line suites to be prohibitively high, consider connecting staterooms instead. A family of four can expect to spend about 50% more on connecting cabins instead of all staying in one room, which is likely a lot less than buying up to a suite which can be several times the cost of a regular room.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Get free Mickey ice cream bars (and more) from room service

Unless you're staying in a concierge-level stateroom (more on that soon), room service on a Disney cruise is relatively basic. However, it's available at no extra charge, so use it as much or as little as you like.

I'm a fan of ordering room service for a quick breakfast (or that first hit of coffee) or for a fun anytime treat of Mickey ice cream bars. I often order Uncrustables from room service the night before port days to toss in my bag for the family to eat while ashore. My girls learned how to politely call to order these by the second or third day of the cruise.

It's a common courtesy to add a few dollars for a tip to the slip that you'll sign when the order is delivered.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Order as much dinner as you want

On Disney Cruise Line, you'll be assigned a dinner rotation through the three included restaurants on the ship. Your serving team will rotate with you, which is pretty fun as they get to know you and your preferences.

Since this food is all included, don't be shy. If you can't decide between the shrimp or salmon entree, try both. Order a couple of appetizers or be daring and try a dish you've never tasted before.

When it comes time for dessert, create your own sampler-platter for the table and taste them rather than limiting yourself to one selection.

tips for disney christmas cruise

You aren't locked into your assigned dining plans

If, for some reason, your assigned order of restaurants or tablemates (if you have any) aren't working out, don't be shy about asking guest services to make alterations. They will connect you with the appropriate people within the dining team to make necessary adjustments.

New movie releases are shown in the theaters

While a movie theater may sound like a strange place to spend a few hours at sea, I recommend making time to go see a new Disney movie while on your next Disney Cruise. The ships show first-run movies, so instead of heading to your local theater to see the next Marvel, Pixar or other Disney film released close to your cruise date, save some money and enjoy the movie at sea for no extra charge.

In fact, if you are at sea when a new Disney movie premieres on land, you'll get to see it the same night on the ship, too.

tips for disney christmas cruise

It's cash-free on the ship — except for this

You don't need much cash while on a Disney cruise. Your "Key to the World" room key serves as your form of payment and identification on the ship. I highly recommend bringing a lanyard to keep track of this important card if it's your first Disney voyage. Return cruisers are given a lanyard in their cabin.

However, if you want to add an extra tip to your service team at the end of the cruise beyond the standard amount that's charged to your folio, it's nice to do that with cash. If you are staying in a concierge-level room, you may want to pack some extra cash for the concierge lounge hosts and the evening bartenders, too.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Your kids can (maybe) get into an older club

Disney Cruise Line divides kids into four age groups — the nursery (up to age 3), the primary kids club (3–12), a tween club (11–14) and a teen club (14–17). The clubs, other than the nursery, are complimentary, so the magic age for a Disney cruise begins once your child is at least 3 years old and potty-trained, so they can enjoy time in the kids clubs while you enjoy … whatever you want.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Once your kid is ready to age up to the next club, they can actually do that a little early with your permission. For example, my oldest was able to level up to the tween club at 10 years old and the teen club at 13 years old with a signed slip from me, so use (or hide) that information as it suits you best. I will say that once your kid levels up in those clubs, they probably won't go back much to the previous club.

Take note that the tween and teen clubs allow kids to come and go at will. If you need your child to be monitored, then they will need to stay in the main kids club, which is open through age 12.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Hit the pools early or late to avoid crowds

If you don't want to swim in a crowded pool or wait in a long line for a slide around the AquaDuck or AquaMouse, you'll need to employ some strategy. I recommend heading to the waterslide the second you board the ship if it is warm enough in your port, as that is as empty as it's going to get.

If you miss that window, mornings are also pretty empty, as are late afternoons as everyone starts to get ready for the evening. Avoid mid-day on sea days at all costs unless you like swimming with dozens of your new best friends.

tips for disney christmas cruise

You'll want to decorate your door

The cabin doors on a Disney cruise are almost all metal, so decorative magnets will stick to the doors nicely. Pack themed magnets to decorate your door. Not only is it fun to participate in this shipwide decoration, but the personalized door serves to help kids (or tired adults) find their cabin should they forget the room number.

tips for disney christmas cruise

You can keep things simple or order personalized magnets on a site like Etsy in advance of your sailing. You may see some doors that go all out and even have pouches with goodies in them. Those hanging pouches are known as fish extenders (as they hang off of a fish built into the ship). They often signify that the cabin is participating in a gift exchange with others on the cruise that they arranged beforehand on Facebook.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Your sailing has a Facebook group and it's worth joining

Speaking of Facebook, the odds are excellent that your individual sailing has a Facebook group with several hundred people in it. If you wish to participate in gift exchanges, get to know your shipmates pre-cruise or tap into a hive mind for advice on picking excursions and packing, it's a big asset to belong to a group specific to your sailing.

Go to Facebook and search for your sailing (e.g. Disney Wonder Alaska June 12 - 19). You'll likely find a "private" group that's not officially affiliated with the cruise line. Join the group to be kept in the loop and to drum up excitement for your trip before you set sail.

Soda is free if you know where to look

If you order a can of Coke in the dining room or from room service, it's going to cost you a few dollars, but you can get as much free soda as you want from the fountain. These are usually located on the pool deck and in the buffet area. Bring a refillable bottle so you can easily take your soda with you around the ship.

Check the app for happy hours

Alcohol isn't free on board, but you can find discounted drinks at happy hour. On my most recent Disney cruise, select drinks were 50% off from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the ship's pub. Check your Navigator app during your sailing to look for happy hours on your Disney cruise.

tips for disney christmas cruise

The best merchandise sells out

If you see a cool hat, sweatshirt or shirt you adore, buy it as soon as you spot it. The onboard gift shops are only open while the ship is at sea, and the popular items sell out (and generally don't get restocked while you're on board).

A Disney cruise is not just for families

There's no doubt that families make up a large portion of the Disney Cruise Line passenger base, but a Disney cruise is not just for kids . The ships cater to childless couples and friend groups with special spaces reserved just for grownups.

Each ship has an adults-only nightlife area and/or multiple bars and lounges to visit in the evening. An adults-only sun deck includes a pool and space to sunbathe. Each ship also has one or two adults-only restaurants you can retreat to at dinnertime if you want to ensure a high-end and kid-free meal. (You'll have to pay extra for these meals, however.)

tips for disney christmas cruise

Disney offers legitimately good liquor and tastings

On top of the cocktails and drinks you may expect, Disney ships offer some very high-end liquors on board. I shared a photo of the below beverage cart on Instagram while on a recent cruise and got dozens of messages from people shocked Disney would have Pappy's bourbon. That specific 23-year-old bottle goes for several hundred dollars per drink, and it's on board Disney cruise ships.

If you're looking for something more affordable, sign up for one of the various beverage-tasting classes on offer. Most of the tastings are $40 - $50, and you'll get to sample a few drinks, as well as learn more about wine, tequila, bourbon and other beverages.

tips for disney christmas cruise

You don't need to pay for motion sickness pills

If you find the motion of the ocean to be a bit more than you bargained for, head to guest services, and they will give you — and your kids — motion sickness pills free of charge.

Pro tip: Don't wait until you are feeling terrible to start battling any potential motion sickness . At the first signs of queasiness, seek out a remedy. Green apples and ginger candy are alternatives for travelers who prefer not to take medicine.

The concierge lounge is extra magical

If you want your own personal Fairy Godmother who all but ensures you get the bookings you want, the best meal times, coveted reservations at the adults-only restaurants and cabana access at Castaway Cay, then book yourself into a concierge-level cabin or suite.

You'll get all that, plus you can board the ship first and skip the lines when disembarking. Concierge guests get exclusive access to a lounge with included evening drinks and a private sun deck (with a hot tub on Disney Wish ). You can order meals from the onboard restaurants to your room, and hang out with a Disney character in the lounge one evening of the cruise.

Not to mention, you'll be staying in some of the nicest and largest accommodations on the ship.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Concierge-level rooms do not come cheap, but they're the way to go if you want cream-of-the-crop service on a Disney cruise. I'd venture that the added perks and extra booking window for specialty restaurants and Castaway Cay are most valuable on the shorter Disney cruises of three or four nights.

Related: What it's like on a $10,000 Disney Wish concierge cruise

Find your way by looking at the carpet

It can be disorienting at first to find your way around a cruise ship, but Disney makes it easy to know if you are heading forward or aft when you're in the long cabin hallways. If the carpet design is upside down, you're heading toward the back of the ship, but if it is right side up, you're heading to the front of the ship. In the photo below, the globe is the clue.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Late dinner is better

Disney cruise ships offer two dinner options — early or late seating. Your showtime for the evening entertainment is opposite your dinner; if you have an early dinner, you have the late show and vice versa.

It's logical to assume that an early dinner at 5:45 p.m., as opposed to late dinner at 8:15 p.m., is better if you have little kids. Having done both, I'd say that late dinner is vastly superior in most situations.

First, 5:45 p.m. is too early to have made the most of your day and be ready for dinner. With all there is to eat on the cruise, you might not even be hungry yet. Beyond that, if you aren't heading into the dark theater to see the show until 8:15 p.m., it can be hard for little ones to sit still or stay awake.

However, if you see the show first and then eat dinner, the servers are great about expressing your meal with little kids. It's better to do a quick dinner and then head to bed (or back to the kids club!) than an early dinner and miss the evening shows because your kid no longer has the ability to sit still.

tips for disney christmas cruise

The $45 adult restaurant is worth it

If you enjoy fine dining, book a fancy dinner at one of the adults-only restaurants. Depending on which ship you are on, there will be one or two restaurants that are reserved for adults — Palo and perhaps also Remy or Enchante .

Remy and Enchante are super-fancy and pricy, but Palo is approachable-fancy and costs an additional $45 per person for the set menu. It's 100% worth the money if you can get a booking.

tips for disney christmas cruise

You'll leave any cartoony trace of Disney behind as you leisurely indulge on beef tenderloin, sea scallops, grilled lobster with pasta, calamari and chocolate souffle.

The best character meetings aren't the posted ones

You'll find many character meet-and-greets on the itinerary for each day where it's known that Mickey, Donald or Minnie will be at a specific place at a specific time for a brief hello and a photo. Those meetups are great, but they are not the best character interactions you'll find on Disney Cruise Line.

The best time you'll have with characters will be when you least expect to see them. You might spot Goofy walking around in his pajamas, Donald waddling out on the deck or Minnie strolling the halls in her finest dress.

tips for disney christmas cruise

These encounters can't be planned or predicted, but without the lines and forced nature of a quick photo, the more free-form interaction with the characters is better than any planned photo sessions you'll find on land or sea.

All the characters come out to say goodbye on the last night

On the last night of each cruise, all of the classic characters come out to the atrium for a short time (15 - 20 minutes) so you can snap a quick photo with anyone you missed before they do their final farewell presentation. Check your app for this goodbye show, which usually occurs around 10 or 10:30 p.m.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Pro tip: If you have a specific character you want to photograph, ask a cast member setting up for the event where that character usually stands during photo time. That way, you can position yourself in the right area to snap a photo because the event can turn chaotic in a hurry.

Skip the debarkation line by carrying your own bags

Getting off the ship at the same time as thousands of other guests can be a buzzkill, so don't do that. If you can manage your own bags, don't put them out the night before and take them off the ship yourself the final morning.

That leaves you free to disembark as early as possible before the regular disembarkation begins, which might be around 7:30 a.m. or so, depending on the port, weather and other factors. You can avoid the crowds because you don't have to wait for your luggage to be assembled along with everyone else.

You can bring your own water and wine

If you want to have bottled water at the ready, bring a case of it onboard. It will need to be sealed in its original packaging and you have to carry it on (instead of having it in checked luggage), but it can be worth it if you want to save money for the truly yummy drinks.

tips for disney christmas cruise

If you enjoy wine or beer out on your veranda, you can save a little cash by bringing your own alcohol onboard , with limits. Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or a six-pack of beer (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. Again, these beverages need to be carried on and not stashed in checked bags.

You can enjoy the spa without a treatment

If you love the idea of spa-like quiet and relaxation without paying around $200+ per treatment, look into the Rainforest Room in the Senses Spa, which costs much less than that per day. Depending on demand, you can book a one-day pass or get a pass that lasts the duration of your cruise. Inquire in the spa as to availability and exact pricing, but it's certainly going to be less than a spa treatment.

Each of the Disney ships has its own version of this room. On Disney Wish, the space has not only the heated loungers that are a common fixture in each of these thermal areas, but also an indoor and outdoor lounge component, a steam room, a chilled ice room and a relaxing water feature for dangling your feet.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Bottom line

You can't go wrong in booking a Disney cruise as there is already so much included and available at your fingertips. But with a little knowledge, you can skip some of the common first-timer mistakes and board like a pro, starting with your first cruise.

Related reading:

  • What it's like inside the Disney Wish Star Wars-themed bar
  • Everything you need to know about Disney Wish
  • The best credit cards for Disney
  • Best destinations you can sail to on a Disney cruise
  • Everything you need to know about Disney's loyalty program
  • The 2 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained
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40 Disney Cruise Tips and Secrets You Should Know Before You Go

These tips will make your Disney cruise vacation even more magical.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Cruise vacations are a great way to unwind and relax in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, and a Disney cruise takes the traditional experience up a notch with unique, familiar touches and a little bit of magic. With so much to know before you set sail with Disney Cruise Line, it's easy to miss out on the most interesting facts and features.

Even if you think you know all about the ships and activities on board, you can still return to port without ever knowing about the secret sundecks, unannounced character greetings, and unexpected Mickey-shaped foods. Whether you're planning for this year or the next, prepare yourself for a hefty dose of Disney knowledge, because for you, these Disney cruise tips and secrets are no longer under wraps.

Meet the Expert

Adrianna Hwang is a planDisney panelist specializing in Disney Cruise Line.

Heather Peggs is a Disney travel expert with Castle Bound Travel Company.

Book your cruise early to get the best deal.

Disney uses a dynamic pricing system, meaning the earlier you book, the more you’ll save. Early bookings also ensure that you get your desired cabin. You can even book your next cruise while on board to save even more. The best part? This placeholder is fully refundable if plans change.

Consider booking a themed sailing. 

Disney Cruise Line offers a limited number of themed sailings, including Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea itineraries. These cruises up the ante with specialty shows and character appearances from beloved franchises, including Captain America , Toy Story , and more. You’ll also want to check out the special holiday cruises surrounding Halloween and Christmas. During these sailings, you’ll spot characters in special outfits and can enjoy themed food and beverage options, specialty entertainment, and much more. Disney Cruise Line guests love to bring themed attire to celebrate the occasion, so plan ahead if you want to partake in the fun.

Save big and let the mouse pick your room.

If you’re not picky about where your cabin is located on the ship, you can save a substantial amount of money by letting Disney pick your cabin. Just select your room type, like an inside cabin, and your specific cabin number will be assigned closer to your sail date.

See if cabin upgrades are available when you arrive at the port.

When available, cruisers may be able to snag an affordable last-minute room upgrade at the port, saving hundreds on a higher-tier room. 

Download the app before you go. 

Disney Cruise Line’s exclusive Navigator app is an absolute must-have to make the most of your time at sea. It adds convenience while taking care of practical vacation elements, like payment, online check-in, and trip modifications. This is also your go-to for pre-registering for Disney Cruise Line’s wide range of activities and keeping tabs on the daily schedule, which includes showtimes and deck parties. You can also communicate with your family and other cruise-goers for free using the app.

And don’t miss out on this convenient notification feature: “Scroll through the daily activity schedule to look for entertainment options that interest you, and be sure to click the heart icon next to any listings you don't want to miss,” planDisney panelist Adrianna Hwang tells Travel + Leisure . “If you've enabled notifications for the app, you'll receive a reminder about 15 minutes before the activity will begin. It's a really helpful feature when you lose track of time relaxing by the pool!” 

This is especially important if character meet-and-greets are a priority for you. “The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will list character appearance times and locations so that you can be sure to catch your favorite Disney characters on board,” Hwang adds. “If you select the specific character listed in the Daily Activity Schedule within the app, you'll even see the full schedule of times to meet them throughout the cruise so that you can plan accordingly.” Hwang suggests arriving at the greet locations at least five to 10 minutes early.

Use your Castaway Club perks to book extras early. 

If you’re looking to book extras, like shore excursions and elevated dining experiences, your booking window depends on your loyalty to Disney Cruise Line. The Castaway Club is Disney’s version of a frequent cruiser program, and sailors earn status based on the number of sailings they’ve been on. Higher status translates to earlier booking windows, so Disney Cruise Line loyalists can score their desired bookings first. 

Related: What to Know About Castaway Club, Disney Cruise Line's Loyalty Program

Plan to exchange your currency onboard.

Not only does Disney Cruise Line take no commission for exchanging bills , but they'll actually honor the transaction's rate of exchange for any leftover money. Simply present your receipt prior to the end of the cruise, and they'll convert your foreign currency back to your preferred denomination at the same rate, even if the exchange rate has since changed. (Note: This only applies to bills, not coins, and there is no ATM on board.)

Bring a reusable water bottle. 

While there are water fountains and bottle refill stations on board, they can be far away from your room — and disposable bottles (not included in the fare) can add up. The tap water in each room is drinkable, but sinks are often too small to accommodate big bottles. You can bring packs of bottled water, but you'll have to carry it through embarkation — it cannot be packed with luggage — so consider bringing refillable bottles or tumblers.

See characters in their special cruise wardrobe.

Thought you knew everything there was to know about the Fab Five? Wait until you see them in their exclusive Disney Cruise Line wardrobe. Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Minnie wear special outfits for Pirate Night, and they also tailor their outfits to where the ship is headed that day. On Alaska sailings, expect to meet Mickey in fisherman's overalls and Minnie in a fur-lined coat; on trips through the Mediterranean Sea, Goofy dons an Italy-inspired suit. Specialty characters are also known to show up from time to time, like Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle appearing as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus during the spooky season.

Aspiring princesses won’t want to miss the Royal Gathering.

The Royal Gathering is your chance to meet and greet with Disney royalty, like Tiana and Cinderella, all at one time and place. It’s offered on most cruise itineraries but there is a catch: while tickets are free, they are required to attend. “Complimentary tickets to the Royal Gathering are available to be booked online or through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or Disneycruise.com 30 days before your sail date,” Hwang adds. “Take this experience to the next level for your little one by reserving a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover an hour or two before the Royal Gathering begins.” 

And know that the most memorable character experiences won’t be at meet-and-greets.

The lines to meet Mickey and Minnie are (amazingly!) short on Disney Cruise Line, but favorites like Daisy Duck are known to freely wander the pool and jogging track decks, playfully surprising guests and often sharing elevator rides for a once-in-a-lifetime interaction. Don't miss the character dance parties either, which allow kids and adults to line dance with Goofy and shake it off with Donald Duck for an experience that goes beyond a hug and photograph.

Order whatever you’d like to eat — and as much as you’d like. 

Disney Cruise Line’s dinnertime meal service operates on a rotating restaurant schedule, so you'll get to enjoy each restaurant the ship offers — and some more than once on longer sailings. These highly themed restaurants, like Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure on the Disney Wish , offer pre-fixe dinner menus. Torn between two entrees? Order them both. Each of your ship’s included rotational dining restaurants comes with a fixed three-course option that is all-you-care-to-enjoy.

Splurge on specialty dining. 

Standard dining is fantastic, but Disney ships also have adults-only restaurants available at an extra charge. Depending on your ship, this could include the French-focused Remy or fan-favorite Palo. While Remy and Enchante can be pricey, you can enjoy Palo for as little as $50. 

And on the Disney Wish , you won’t want to miss its newest iteration, Palo Steakhouse. “If you've sailed with Disney before, you may be familiar with Palo, but on the Wish , Palo Steakhouse is even better,” Heather Peggs, a Disney travel expert with Castle Bound Travel Company, shares with T+L. “I highly recommend trying the A5 wagyu steak, which is about a fifth of the price it would be off the ship, and it's absolutely phenomenal!”

These upgraded dining experiences are known to book up well in advance, but there is occasionally a waitlist available for canceled and missed reservations. “If you can't snag a reservation before the cruise, inquire in person on the day you embark,” Hwang adds. “Look for the activity listed as ‘Dining Reservation Changes’ to speak with a crew member about reservation availability.” 

Request the best seat in the house at dinner. 

Always dreamed of sitting by the stage at Tiana's Place on the Disney Wonder or enjoying dinner in those gorgeous Enchanted Garden booths on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ? Well, it's not entirely luck of the draw. Nothing is guaranteed, but requests for a certain table can always be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation, and they are worth the extra phone call. Concierge guests can make seating requests to their Concierge Service Specialist before boarding as well. You never know when Disney will sprinkle a little extra magic onto your vacation.

And don’t miss the best dinner entertainment.

The dinner show at Animator's Palate is a highlight if you’re sailing on the Magic, Wonder, Dream, or Fantasy, but it's the second visit to that dining room that can't be skipped. It's called Animation Magic, and guests get to draw their own characters and see them come to life on the screens mid-meal. The incredible display is only offered on longer sailings on the Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy, so make sure you don’t skip it. Even better? Request that your rotation allows two visits to Animator's Palate that don't overlap with Pirate Night to ensure you enjoy the show.

Grab a free soda at this spot.

Soda is included during sit-down meals, but if you’re craving a thirst quencher outside of those times, go to the free-flowing beverage stations near the pools on each Disney ship.

Sip cocktails at this favorite bar. 

There are plenty of themed watering holes in the adults-only areas of the ships, but on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , Meridian is the place to be. The upscale bar and lounge is located next door to Palo and Remy, but it is open to all adults adhering to its business casual dress code. Though known for its martinis, Meridian also offers a cigar bar, custom craft cocktails, and a gin and tonic cart, as well as a private deck hosting a picture-perfect view of nightly sunsets.

Check out the Star Wars -themed bar on the Disney Wish .

Star Wars : Hyperspace Lounge is a bar exclusively found on the Disney Wish . “Whether you’re an avid Star Wars fan or just want to explore the galaxy, you will be able to enjoy delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages that are simply out of this world,” adds Peggs. Reservations are no longer required, but there might be a wait, especially during peak hours; visit when the ship is in port to avoid the crowds. During the day, guests of all ages are allowed in.

It’s a multi-sensory experience in this immersive, interactive venue, and you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled in case anyone orders the $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal cocktail.  

Save on drinks during happy hour at sea. 

Be sure to check the Navigator app for daily happy hours at different bars and lounges. The exact offers vary, but they can include deals like half-off draft beer and discounts on specialty cocktails. And if you’re looking to take your cocktail knowledge to the next level, cruises also offer add-on mixology classes and tasting experiences.

Ask about the Sommelier Bin for discounted wine. 

Once a bottle of wine is opened, Disney must serve it (in its entirety) that day. Because of this, Disney ships have a sommelier bin, with opened bottles of wine served by the glass at highly discounted rates. This is your chance to sip on otherwise pricey pours at a bargain price. Now that’s Disney magic.

Or B.Y.O.B. to save money.

Looking to save a few bucks? While Disney ships offer a bevy of specialty cocktails, you can bring your own drinks — with some limitations. Hard liquor is a no-go, but each cruiser 21 years of age and up can bring two bottles of wine (or six-packs of beer) on board with them. If you’re thinking of bringing that bottle of wine with you to dinner, be aware that Disney does charge a corkage fee. You can also bring sealed bottles of water on board with you.

Take a second look at that barbershop on the Disney Wish .

Hook’s Barbery may look like any old upscale barbershop when walking by — but it’s hiding one of the best-kept secrets aboard any Disney ship. Tucked away within the salon is a hidden speakeasy-style bar serving expertly crafted cocktails, including a smoked old fashioned. Its liquor selection is extensive and surprising with rare and vintage pours.

Snack on soft serve on and off the ship.

If you’re a frequent Disney cruiser, you’re probably familiar with the line’s free-flowing soft-serve ice cream. And if the craving strikes when visiting Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, you’ll be glad to know it’s also available on the island for the ultimate sugar rush in the sun.

Get an extra-magical coffee. 

Few can resist a Mickey-shaped treat while visiting any Disney property, but the best mouse-themed treat on the ships can be found at Cove Cafe . Order a cappuccino, ask for Mickey's face on it, and prepare to enjoy your jolt of caffeine with some extra magic. It'll cost a few bucks, but the joy of sipping a “Mickeyccino” will always outshine the complimentary coffee served on board. 

Order a Mickey bar — and more — with free room service. 

You’ll be glad to know that, unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line’s room service is completely free and offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The best part? You can have an iconic Disney treat, the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, delivered directly to your room.

Book early if you plan to use the ship’s nursery.

Bookings open early for guests looking to take advantage of the onboard nursery. Available for an extra charge, the It’s a Small World Nursery is available to supervise your child ages six months to three years old, ideal if you’d like a quiet dinner or time to explore one of the ship’s many themed lounges without the little one in tow. And don’t forget — the other youth clubs for kids, tweens, and teens are absolutely free.

Teens can hang out in the coolest part of the ship.

Every Disney ship has a Vibe , an onboard youth club that is exclusively available for teens ages 14 to 17. There is supervision, of course, and Disney Cruise Line's famously fun activities, but it's practically a private resort for high schoolers to chill in all day and night — no parents allowed.

Explore the kids clubs during the open house. 

Activities at the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars : Millennium Falcon play areas are reserved for young ones, but all kids club spaces empty out for the open house, when anyone can wander in and check out Vibe's arcade games or Oceaneer Lab's high-tech designs. Don't skip out on Andy's Room, which brings Toy Story to life while making for incredible Instagram snaps. And you won’t want to miss a multi-level slide on the Disney Wish which takes you from floor to floor in the ship’s soaring lobby. “Little ones can get comfortable with and excited about areas where they will play without their grownups,” shares Hwang.

Join a secret community of friends — hiding in plain sight.

Ever seen those homemade decorations hanging beside neighbors' doors? They're called fish extenders, and they're used by a network of families who have packed small gifts, treats, and trinkets to exchange with each other throughout their trip. To get in on the fun for your next sailing, visit the DisBoards Cruise Meets forum or CruiseCritic's Roll Calls . Many times, there are Facebook groups for your exact sailing as well. This can be particularly helpful with shy kids as they can get acquainted with other cruise-goers their age ahead of their journey.

Add an Adventures by Disney trip to your vacation.

You can enhance your Disney Cruise Line experience with Adventures by Disney Escapes before or after your sailing. Experience global cities through expertly curated itineraries in Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and beyond. 

Spring for a concierge-level room and relax on a private sun deck.

There are plenty of perks that come with booking a concierge-level room — namely early access to onboard bookings, personalized service, and in-room amenities. And perhaps the best part, concierge guests have access to their own private sun and lounge deck outfitted with upscale lounge chairs, complimentary sunscreen, and chilled face towels, as well as a pool deck host who can fulfill any requests for full relaxation.

See the latest Disney movies. 

Enjoy the latest Disney releases at the on-board theater without having to buy tickets in advance. Even better? Many new Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars films have 3-D showings, allowing guests to experience eye-popping effects on the high seas. Movie times are available on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. And during the holidays, classics are featured, like “Hocus Pocus” during Halloween sailings.

Skip the ports to enjoy fewer crowds at the pool.

It may be tempting to disembark and explore Jamaica or relax on Castaway Cay, but if you stay behind, you can enjoy fewer crowds at the pools. This could be your prime chance to experience the AquaMouse water coaster, the cruise line’s first attraction at sea on the Disney Wish , with little to no line.

There are also lots of activities to take advantage of on board. “I must say I'm a huge fan of staying on board even on port days to explore the array of classes, Broadway-caliber shows, and, of course, the games,” adds Peggs. “If you're looking for family-friendly options, a couple of my favorites are Bingo, which they have every day during your sailing, napkin and towel folding, bar trivia, and so much more!”

Don’t miss the musicals.

While it may be tempting to take advantage of quieter swim times in the evening, you won’t want to miss your ship’s musical offerings. Broadway-quality productions including “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin” (exact offerings depend on the ship) are a must-see. “These are beautifully done and are wonderful for the entire family,” Peggs adds. “Plus, if you purchase a popcorn bucket at the beginning of the cruise, you will be able to enjoy $1.50 refills for the remainder of your cruise!”

There’s an under-the-radar design tour.

Adults 18 and up can enjoy one of the cruise line’s best walking tours. “The Art of The Theme Show Tour gives adults an insightful look into the detailed and thoughtful design of several spaces throughout the ship,” adds Hwang. “It's usually offered in the mornings and provides some fun trivia to share with anyone in your party.” 

Unwind at the spa.

You’re on vacation — it’s time to pamper yourself in the state-of-the-art spa. “If you are interested in booking a spa treatment, attend the open house before the ship sets sail,” Peggs shares. “You might get lucky and win a voucher for 10% off or possibly a facial or massage during the raffle. Speaking of savings, the more spa services you get while on board, the better the price will be. If you want to secure a spa day/week pass, be sure to book them sooner rather than later as they sell out pretty quickly!”

There’s a totally free fan-favorite activity.

If your itinerary takes you to Disney’s Castaway Cay, then you can partake in one of Disney Cruise Line’s most beloved activities, the Castaway Cay 5k — and it’s completely free to all guests. Suitable for runners and walkers alike, this on-your-own race invites you to discover Disney’s private island from a different vantage point as you travel through its stunning tropical paths. All participants receive an exclusive medal when they finish.

Not feeling well during your sailing? Disney can help.

There’s nothing worse than feeling sick on vacation. But have no fear, the mouse is here to help. Each ship is equipped with on-site medical help, and if you experience seasickness, complimentary medicine is available.

Grab every photo before the clock runs out.

Even if you skipped every character meet-and-greet, you'll still be able to cram in a week's worth of photos at "Til' We Meet Again," the goodbye show on the final night of each sailing. After a short heartwarming performance, loads of Disney characters, princesses, and theater performers will disperse throughout the crowd, posing for photos on a first-come, first-served basis. The onboard photographers will have already shut down, so you can snap as many iPhone pictures as you'd like, making for a full album in one fell swoop. This experience only lasts for around 20 minutes; you can find the exact time in the Navigator app.

Want to disembark first? Carry your own bag.

You don’t want to sour a wonderful vacation with a never-ending line simply to exit the ship. Instead of leaving your luggage out the night before, carry it off the ship yourself and arrive at your final destination without having to wait in lengthy port queues.

Travelling With Nikki

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The Best Things to do on a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise

tips for disney christmas cruise

If you love Christmas and love Disney Cruise Line then a Very Merrytime Cruise could be for you. I sailed on the Disney Wonder out of Galveston on a Western Caribbean cruise back in December 2017 and had an incredible week onboard. For me Disney and Christmas just go together perfectly and create a magical experience – it was a perfect mix of everything I love about a regular Disney Cruise with an extra dusting of Christmas magic. Very Merrytime Cruises take place on four Disney Cruise Line ships during the months of November and December. Along with the big Christmas tree and giant gingerbread house in the lobby atrium, there are smaller Christmas trees and decorations throughout the ship which are beautiful yet not overdone and are themed to the area they are located in. So here is everything there is to see and do on a Very Merrytime Cruise onboard Disney Cruise Line:

tips for disney christmas cruise

Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic

There is no better way to start off your first night onboard a Very Merrytime Cruise than by watching Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic in the lobby atrium of the ship. Crew members talk about Christmas traditions in their home countries before Mickey, Minnie, Santa Goofy and Pluto sing Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Oh Christmas Tree and We Wish You a Merry Christmas before lighting the Christmas tree and all of the decorations in the lobby atrium. Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic was the busiest event during our Very Merrytime Cruise so make sure to grab a good spot early to see it. It takes place between the two dinner seatings on the first night of the cruise so everyone is able to watch it. Don’t miss it!

tips for disney christmas cruise

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball takes place in the lobby atrium of the ship and features the Walt Disney Theatre performers who sing Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas and Frosty the Snowman before introducing Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. They are soon joined by Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald and Daisy before Anna and Elsa arrive and snow starts to fall in the lobby atrium. Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball takes place in the lobby atrium once or twice depending on the length of your cruise.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Characters Wearing Christmas Outfits

My favourite part of any Disney Cruise no matter what the time of year is meeting all of the characters and I love seeing what different costumes they are wearing each day onboard. During our Very Merrytime Cruise we saw the characters wearing at least six different outfits during the week including Christmas jumpers, tropical Christmas beachwear and formal Christmas wear as well as Santa Goofy and Reindeer Pluto. They also wore all of their standard outfits you would normally see on all other cruise too such as their sailor clothes, Pirate costumes and Formal night wear.

tips for disney christmas cruise

The Gingerbread House

Each Disney Cruise Line ship features a unique life-size gingerbread house in the lobby atrium which was one the most popular photo spots all week on our cruise. However if you sail on one of the early November cruises, bear in mind that the house is still being constructed at this point so book a later cruise if you want to see it completed. Gingerbread cookie decorating is also available on the cruise and you can check the times for this event on the Personal Navigator once onboard.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Deck Party

I had been looking forward to this deck party for a longest time before our cruise but it was sadly cancelled due to a storm at sea and freezing cold temperatures. Instead we had a Character Dance Party which took place in the lobby atrium.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Meeting Santa Claus

Several times during our week onboard the Disney Wonder, it was possible to meet Santa Claus and add your name to the “Naughty or Nice” list. This meet and greet was always busy whenever I walked past the lobby atrium so if you want to meet Santa on the ship, make sure to arrive early.

Storytime with Mrs Claus

Once or twice on each cruise, Mrs Claus reads Christmas stories by the Christmas tree in the lobby atrium. The children onboard sit around her rocking chair listening to her read “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “The Night Before Christmas’ whilst the adults stand further back. During this time, Cast Members hand out Hot Chocolate and cookies to everyone and there even might be some surprise guests too!

tips for disney christmas cruise

Special Very Merrytime Cruise Merchandise

As you would expect, there is special merchandise onboard that is only available during Very Merrytime Cruises. My advice as always is if you see something you want at the start of the cruise, buy it in case it sells out as there is only a limited amount of stock onboard.

Christmas Movies

Throughout our sailing there were Disney Christmas movies showing on the Funnel Vision including Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Disney’s Christmas Carol, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas.

Christmas Arts and Crafts

There are also various Christmas arts and crafts activities available for both families as well as adults throughout the cruise which are listed on the Personal Navigator.

tips for disney christmas cruise

Disney’s Castaway Cay

The majority of Very Merrytime Cruises make a stop at Castaway Cay – Disney’s private island in the Bahamas which features a Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, Mr and Mrs Snowman, Santa’s sleigh, “snow” flurries as well as tropical Christmas music. As I sailed on a Western Caribbean itinerary out of Galveston, my cruise did not stop at Castaway Cay – we visited Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth instead.

The Farewell Show

Every Disney cruise features a farewell show on the final night whether it be ‘Til We Meet Again on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder or See Ya Real Soon on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. On Very Merrytime Cruises, there is a Christmas version of each show featuring the Disney characters as well as Carolers singing an incredible version of Let There be Peace on Earth. It truly is a wonderful way to end the cruise.

tips for disney christmas cruise

My Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Wonder was in the first week of December which was a great time to sail as it was a lot more affordable than travelling over the busy and much more expensive periods of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. I had previously sailed on a Halloween on the High Seas cruise on the Disney Dream and despite loving everything to do with Halloween (which is my favourite time of year), I preferred my Very Merrytime Cruise a lot more as I found there was so much more to see and do. Even on a Very Merrytime Cruise, everything you love about Disney Cruise Line will still be there – Pirate Night with fireworks still takes place and the theatre shows still happen. I’m so happy that I was able to go on this cruise and right now I look forward to the day when we can cruise once again. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. Pin this Blog Post on Pinterest Follow Me on Instagram Follow Me on Bloglovin’

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Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips & Itinerary

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Last year we did the 4-Night Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Wish cruise ship and had an amazing time. Whether you already have a Very Merrytime cruise planned or are thinking about doing one in the future, it’s such a fun way to kickstart the holiday season. We’ve put together some of our top Very Merrytime Cruise tips, including onboard activities, itineraries and what to wear for these special Disney Cruise Line sailings.

What is a Very Merrytime Cruise on Disney Cruise Line?

First things first, it’s helpful to know what Very Merrytime Cruises actually are. These special itineraries are part of Disney Cruise Line’s themed cruises, and they include holiday activities during the entire sailing. The ship is decorated for Christmas, and the characters are dressed in cute Christmas outfits. Plus, each day has special activities like crafts and Santa visits to get you in the holiday spirit throughout the entire cruise.

Disney Wish Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips

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Disney Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise Activities

The main draw to a Disney Cruise Line Christmas cruise is the special activities offered throughout. I read several Disney Christmas cruise reviews prior to our trip, and I wasn’t able to find a lot of information on the fun activities a DCL Christmas cruise offers. Here are some of the activities on our Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise:

  • Christmas Tree Lighting: This is offered on each Very Merrytime sailing on the first night. It’s typically around 7:45pm, between first and second dinners. Santa comes out and everyone can watch the tree lit together. 
  • Storytime with Santa and/or Mrs Claus: This special activity is offered once per sailing, and on our cruise it was at 1:45pm on the Nassau port day. The best part about storytime was the surprise dance party afterwards. The characters came out in their Christmas gear and spent time with the kids dancing to popular Christmas songs.
  • Holiday crafts like ornament making for either adults only or all ages offered throughout the cruise.
  • Character Greetings each day with characters dressed in the cutest Christmas outfits. For the most part, the characters were wearing Christmas outfits with the exception of Pirate Night and Castaway Cay. 
  • Visits with Santa are offered on a few days and times throughout the sailing. He was the best Santa I’ve ever seen!
  • Special Photo Ops: Get pictures with or without Santa in front of the tree or with special photo backgrounds. Many people either dress up in their best Christmas outfits or matching Christmas pajamas. 
  • Holiday Music Performances: In the evenings, there are special musical performances with holiday music. 
  • Gingerbread house making or cookie decorating have also been offered on Very Merrytime cruises in the past, but we didn’t see it on our particular sailing.

Santa Pictures Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips

Christmas Decorations on Disney Very Merrytime Cruises

Another benefit to doing a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise is getting to see the ships beautifully decorated with Christmas decor. Some of the amazing Christmas decorations include:

  • A huge Christmas tree in the Grand Hall, with special colors and theming based on the ship. The Disney Wish Christmas tree is unique in that it’s a gold tree with gold decorations throughout. While it’s different from your traditional tree, we absolutely loved it! The lights are off when you first board the ship, and then there’s a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on all DCL Christmas cruises the first night. 
  • Themed Christmas trees in each area of the ship. The kids’ clubs each had a special tree in each area, and the lounges and even the hair salon and spas had their own trees. It was fun looking for them throughout the ship!
  • A Gingerbread House on each Disney cruise ship. Each ship puts together their own Gingerbread house for display, and they have a contest at the end to see which ship has the best tree. The gingerbread house on the Disney Wish was unique in that it was more of a tower than a house. 
  • Castaway Cay is decorated for Christmas with its own Christmas tree and beachy themed snowmen for a fun photo op as well as decorations throughout the island. Sadly, with a hurricane and other events, Castaway Cay wasn’t decorated for our Nov 14-18 Very Merrytime Bahamas cruise on the Disney Wish. (So keep that in mind that if you’re on an earlier Very Merrytime itinerary in November, Castaway Cay may not yet be decorated!)

Very Merrytime Cruise Disney Wish Gingerbread House

What to Pack for a Very Merrytime Cruise

Not sure what to pack for a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise? One of our biggest Disney Christmas Cruise tips is to get super festive! Regardless of whether you’re sailing in November or December, you’ll see people decked out in holiday gear throughout the cruise. It’s such a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. Some things to pack for a Disney Christmas Cruise include:

  • Disney Christmas pajamas for the whole family. If you’re planning ahead, Target, Old Navy and Kohls tend to have matching family PJs by late September. Little Sleepies also has the comfiest family matching Disney Christmas pajamas that would be great for a cruise. I bought slipper socks for everyone for nighttime as well.
  • Disney Christmas shirts . I stocked up on Christmas gear at ShopDisney after the holidays the year before, and we typically find great deals for kids at Old Navy, Target or Kohls. You can also shop for matching Very Merrytime cruise shirts here on Etsy.
  • Disney Cruise Christmas door magnets are a fun way to get festive and “decorate” your room. Some people go all out, but we kept it simple and ordered these Christmas cruise magnets.
  • Disney Cruise Christmas Ornaments if you’re participating in an ornament exchange with your cruise group. You also can find some here . 
  • Fun accessories like Christmas ears, bows or Santa hats. 
  • Nice Christmas outfits for family pictures with Santa or in front of the tree. I bought this dress for me, a gold toddler dress for my daughter and a similar Mickey Christmas button down shirt for my son. 

Head to our Disney Cruise packing list for a full list of items to bring with you on a Disney Cruise. 

What to Wear Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips

Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Itineraries

Very Merrytime cruises typically run from early to mid-November through December each year.  Historically, all five Disney cruise ships have had Christmas cruise sailings that visit Mexico and the Caribbean during this time. 

In 2023, 4 of the 5 Disney ships will have Very Merrytime sailings, with the Disney Wonder being the only one that will not offer them. The 2023 Disney Very Merrytime Cruise itineraries include:

  • 5 Night Western Caribbean & 4 Night Bahamian Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale
  • 6-7 night Western and Eastern Caribbean Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral
  • 3-4 night Bahamian Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral
  • 5 Night Baja Very Merrytime Cruise from San Diego and 14-Night Panama Canal Very Merrytime Cruise from San Diego to Galveston on the Disney Magic

Looking for a 2024 Disney Very Merrytime Cruise? Fall 2024 Disney Cruise Line itineraries are currently available for booking on Disney Cruise Line. The Very Merrytime Cruises in 2024 include:

  • 3 and 4-night Bahamian Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral (with stops at either Lighthouse Point or Castaway Cay)
  • 4, 5 and 6-night Western Caribbean Very Merrytime cruises from Galveston on the Disney Magic
  • 4 and 5-night Bahamiam Very Merrytime cruises from Fort Lauderdale on the Disney Dream (includes itineraries with either Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay stops)
  • 6 and 7-night Bahamian, Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral

If you’re specifically looking for a Disney cruise over Christmas, there are also special Very Merrytime Disney Cruises on Christmas Day. They also have itineraries for Disney cruises over New Year’s Eve. If you’re sailing out of Port Canaveral, be sure to also check out Disney at Christmas either before or after your trip!

Not sure where to start? Contact me Amanda at [email protected] for help planning your next Disney Cruise Vacation!

Disney Very Merrytime Cruise characters in Christmas outfits

Additional Tips for a Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise

  • Be sure to check the Navigator app for all scheduled holiday activities when you board the ship. It’s easy to miss some of the holiday activities.
  • Characters tend to be in Christmas gear during most of the cruise, with the exception of Pirate Night and on Castaway Cay.
  • Consider purchasing the DCL photo package in advance of your cruise. It’s a great way to get family Christmas photos, and we plan to use our picture in front of the tree for Christmas cards this year.
  • Plan outfits in advance, particularly if you want to purchase matching Very Merrytime Cruise shirts like these or something similar on Etsy. Shipping can always take a bit longer this time of year, and we totally missed the window for our cruise!
  • Be aware that special one-time events like the Christmas tree lightning will fill up fast. Get there early and try to go on the top floor of the grand hall for the best viewing.
  • If you’re on a Bahamas Very Merrytime sailing, consider skipping port excursions at Nassau for more ship time. There’s so much to do, and some special Christmas activities only happen on the Nassau day.
  • Join a cruise group on Facebook for ornament exchanges as a way to interact with other guests and leave with several fun and special souvenirs.
  • Speaking of souvenirs, if you’re looking for special Christmas gifts on a Very Merrytime cruise, be sure to go to the gift shops on the first night. Inventory is typically lower, and they will sell out.

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Very Merrytime Disney Christmas Cruise Review

Christmas Tree on Castaway Cay

Are you looking for reviews from a Disney Very Merrytime Christmas sailing? My family and I sailed during the month of December on the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Magic.

Since this itinerary was themed as one of the Very Merrytime cruises, we were able to experience extra special Christmas decorations and activities while onboard. Sailing on one of these Merrytime voyages is a great way to experience the magic of the holidays.

With festive holiday decor, themed food, Christmas activities, holiday merchandise, and more, the Disney Christmas cruises in November and December are a great time of year to set sail.

In this post, I’ll walk you through all the fun entertainment options that go along with Disney Cruise Line’s Christmas cruises so that you can enjoy a magical holiday too. We’ll discuss the Christmas decor, shows, and activities you’ll find while cruising with Disney on a Very Merrytime Christmas cruise during the holiday season!

Disney Christmas Cruise Information

Before you book a Disney Christmas cruise, you may be wondering what happens on the Very Merrytime cruises. Disney Cruise Line goes all out in their holiday decorations and entertainment.

Christmas Carolers dressed in old fashioned clothes

They even turn their private island in the Bahamas into a winter wonderland! While on a Disney Christmas cruise, some of the themed activities you could find include:

Disney Characters in Holiday Attire

Guests on a holiday themed Disney cruise are able to enjoy their favorite Disney characters dressed up in their holiday best. You’ll have lots of opportunities to pose for photos with Mickey Mouse and the gang in their festive Christmas outfits no matter which of the Disney ships you choose to sail.

Minnie Mouse in Christmas clothes posing with a young girl

Holiday Fireworks

Disney Cruise Line provides so many magical moments at sea, but one of my family’s favorite things is the fireworks show. During the Christmas cruise sailings, DCL features a festive fireworks display complete with Christmas music that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas Stories with Mrs. Claus

Story Time with Mrs. Claus is a super cute event that occurs on select days of the Disney Christmas cruise. Kids love sitting in the beautifully decorated atrium near the ship’s Christmas tree to listen to Mrs. Claus read a Christmas story.

Christmas Tree in Disney Magic atrium

Christmas Crafts

If you check out your personal navigator or Disney Cruise Line app while on the ship, you should see lots of options for holiday crafting like creating gingerbread houses. And don’t forget to check out the life-sized gingerbread house in the atrium!

giant Gingerbread House lit up with Christmas lights

Christmas on Disney Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t just go all-out on the Christmas decoration on the ship, they decorate their private island too! As you disembark in Castaway Cay, you’ll notice a giant Christmas tree, snow flurries, wreaths, and snowmen.

Christmas decorations on Castaway Cay

Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony

During the first night of our cruise, guests were welcomed into the lobby atrium for the official tree-lighting ceremony. Mickey and friends dance and sing to popular holiday songs as the giant tree is lit.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball typically occurs later in the evening on holiday cruises. Cruisers will get to experience Mickey and friends introducing their special guests. Santa Clause and Mrs. Claus, to the ship.

Santa Meet and Greet

Another special holiday extra is a special visit from Santa Claus himself! You’ll want to get in line early for this character meet and greet as the lines get long quickly. It’s all worth it once you meet Santa though.

Santa posing in front of a Christmas tree with two young girls

Caribbean Weather in Winter

You may be wondering what the weather in the Caribbean is like during the Disney Christmas cruises. The truth is that the temperature can fluctuate each day, but we’ve always lucked out with warm weather.

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Although the temps are obviously cooler during the months of November and December, you can still often swim and sunbathe without feeling cold. In fact, I strolled my toddler around the Disney Magic jogging track at around 5:30 each morning of our last December cruise.

The temperature was perfect (around 70 degrees) outside during these walks even though the sun hadn’t even come up yet. Additionally, our stops at Castaway Cay and Grand Cayman both produced sunny skies with temps in the mid 80’s and really warm ocean water.

Is a Disney Christmas Cruise Worth It?

We always have an amazing time on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The Very Merrytime Christmas activities made the trip even more special. The Disney Magic cruise ship looked so magical lit up with holiday decor.

And the Christmas decorations at Castaway Cay were icing on the cake! No matter which ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet you are sailing, the whole family will have a blast experiencing the Christmas season with a hint of tropical flair.

Since we lucked out with balmy temperatures and beautiful weather in December, we totally think a Disney Very Merrytime Christmas cruise is worth it!

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

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Disney Insider Tips

Disney Very Merrytime Cruise

By: Author Kristi

There is no better way to get yourself in the Christmas spirit than by taking a Disney Christmas cruise. The Disney Very Merrytime Cruise is a special holiday-themed cruise available during the holiday season, specifically between early November and late December.

As part of these sailings, Disney Cruise Line ships are transformed into winter wonderlands with festive decor, activities, and events.

Disney's Very Merrytime Cruise

Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Activities

When you take a Disney Christmas cruise, you will get to enjoy all the great things about taking a Disney Cruise with the bonus of holiday theming.

Disney Christmas Cruise Characters

Throughout the ship, you will find characters dressed in their holiday attire and special Disney Very Merrytime Cruise activities to get you into the holiday spirit.

Atrium on Disney Christmas Cruise

Christmas Decorations in the Atrium

During a Very Merrytime Cruise, the entire Disney cruise ship will be transformed into a Christmas paradise.

The atrium is adorned with garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights.

Disney Christmas Cruise Decorations on the Ship

The centerpiece is the 24-foot tall fully decorated Christmas tree. This tree is simply stunning and creates the most beautiful backdrop for all the different events during the cruise.

Gingerbread House on Disney Christmas Cruise

Just off the atrium, you will find a HUGE Gingerbread house with smaller decorated Christmas trees.

The gingerbread house is intricately designed both inside and out.

Peer through the windows and door to see how it is decorated. You might even see Mickey and Minnie Mouse by the fire!

Guests will also find special holiday-themed touches in their staterooms, such as holiday-themed towel animals and chocolates on their pillows.

On the first night of the Very Merrytime Christmas cruise, guests will get to experience the tree lighting ceremony. 

Christmas Tree in Atrium on Disney Cruise

At this event, everyone gathers around the Christmas tree in the atrium to see the tree light up for the first time.

Minnie & Mickey at Lighting of Christmas Tree

All your favorite Disney characters appear at this event and there is plenty of singing and storytelling to keep you entertained.

Get there early because it will be packed since it only happens once during your Disney Christmas cruise!

tips for disney christmas cruise

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball

Also on the first night of the Very Merrytime Cruise, you will be invited to attend Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball.

Santa on a Disney Christmas Cruise

This theatrical event features plenty of singing and dancing, but the main event is seeing Santa!

Be sure to stay the entire time because this is the only time it will snow on your Disney cruise.

Disney Christmas Cruise Party

Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party

There isn’t anyone who doesn’t want to spend some time by the pool and what makes it even better is seeing your favorite Disney characters performing.

During your holiday cruise, Disney characters will put on a deck party where they will sing and dance.

Kids get the chance to be part of the fun as well. They can play reindeer games like hula hoop with Goofy and Pluto, do the Limbo with Stitch, or dance with Chip and Dale!

Disney Christmas Cruise Meet & Greet with Mickey Mouse

Holiday Character Meet & Greets

On a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise, you will have several opportunities to meet and greet your favorite Disney characters.

They will appear in their tropical holiday outfits and Christmas sweaters in addition to the normal pirate night attire and formal dress.

Be sure to pack your Disney Christmas shirts (or Disney pajamas !) so you can take special photos with them in front of the Christmas tree.

Christmas Movies

This is the only time of year that you will be able to see Christmas movies on Funnel Vision and at the Buena Vista Theater !

Some of the movies playing include:

  • Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
  • Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
  • Mickey’s Christmas Carol
  • Christmas Carol
  • Santa Clause
  • Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

Christmas Carols on a Disney Cruise

Christmas Carolers

During the final evening of your Disney Very Merrytime Cruise, there will be a See Ya Real Soon event.

There will be a piano player playing holiday tunes, holiday beverages like hot cider and cocoa and even Christmas carolers.

It is a magical way to end the cruise.

Castaway Cay on a Disney Cruise

Christmas at Castaway Cay

As if it wasn’t enough to see the ship decorated for Christmas, you will also find that Castaway Cay has been transformed into a winter wonderland!

Meeting Stitch on a Disney Cruise

There will be tons of great photo opportunities as soon as you hit the island!

tips for disney christmas cruise

Characters will be in their holiday apparel while on the island.

In December, you don’t know what the weather will be like at Castaway Cay, but for the most part it was warm and sunny.

The water was a bit cold, but it didn’t keep the kids out of the ocean.

Renting Bikes at Castaway Cay

Plus, there is so much else you can do at Castaway Cay that even if it is a bit chilly, you won’t get bored.

Have you been on a Disney Christmas Cruise? What was your favorite part?

Tuesday 5th of July 2016

The amazing thing about Very Merrytime Cruises is that they happen during Thanksgiving, too! I've taken 3 Very Merrytime cruises, 2 during Thanksgiving and 1 at Christmas. My favorite thing about these cruises is the decorations. I also love the caroling and the opportunity to meet the man in red. On our November cruise, Anna & Elsa opened the holiday season by bringing the snow to the atrium of the Disney Magic. Everything on the ship has an extra dose holiday spirit.

Thursday 7th of July 2016

It is so magical! We love the decorations too. I haven't see the snow, though! Maybe this year!

Cruising with Disney for the First Time -- Two red funnels atop a Disney Cruise Ship, each with a Mickey Mouse silhouette in white and a blue wave pattern

First Time Disney Cruise Tips: The Complete Guide

If you’re already a fan of the Disney theme parks , you might have wondered what cruising with Disney is like. Maybe you’ve never even cruised before — a whopping 40% of Disney Cruise passengers say they wouldn’t have even considered cruising if Disney Cruise Line didn’t exist.

So what’s it like cruising with Disney? And what do first-time cruisers need to know ? Here, we’ll cover the basics so you can decide if a Disney Cruise is right for you!

In a rush? Check out the 💡 Key Takeaways at the end of each section

Magic Onboard   |  Costs   |  Ports   |   Itineraries   |  Ships Staterooms   |  Dining   |  Requirements   |  How to Book

Prefer to Speak With Someone? Connect with a Vacationeer Who Specializes in First Time Cruisers.

Magic Onboard: What Makes Disney Cruises Special?

Disney Characters and Cruise Passengers dance together on the deck of a Disney Cruise Ship

Image © Disney

Perhaps you’re wondering what’s the big deal about cruising with Disney. Or maybe you have taken another cruise before and aren’t sure if Disney will be that different. Here are a few quick highlights of the things that make a Disney Cruise special, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser.

Disney Characters

It’s no surprise that Disney ships host Disney characters throughout the journey. It starts with a sail-away party and continues with traditional character meet-and-greets each day. You’ll have many opportunities to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, plenty of princesses, and a smattering of other beloved characters.

Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney’s private island in the Bahamas offers a special getaway for passengers on select cruises. Castaway Cay (pronounced “key”) offers dedicated beaches for families and adults, plenty of fun recreation such as snorkeling and water slides, and free meals on-site. You’re sure to have a great day in the sun!

Meanwhile, Disney’s newest private port,  Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , is currently under construction in Eleuthera, Bahamas. It is expected to welcome its first guests in Summer 2024.

Disney introduced the cruise industry’s first-ever fireworks at sea. It won’t quite be the same as what you’d see inside Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, but it’s still quite impressive. Note that not every voyage offers fireworks.

Kids, Tween, and Teen Clubs

Many cruise lines offer a kids club, but Disney’s are (not surprisingly) among the most impressive. Disney doesn’t have casinos on its ships, so they have room to devote nearly an entire deck just to younger cruisers. Children will get a special wristband on the first day and can use it to check themselves into the clubs whenever they like. Clubs are divided into specific age groups so everyone has an ideal experience.

The Oceaneer Club (ages 3-10) features extensively themed play areas and character interactions. This is where most kids spend the majority of their cruise — even eating lunch there! The Kid’s Club on each ship is a little different, but they’re all great fun. There’s even a kid’s club on Castaway Cay! It’s no wonder we consider Disney to be the best cruise line for kids !

For older kids, Edge (ages 11-14) gives tweens a high-tech hangout of their own. Teens can visit Vibe (ages 14-17), a venue that runs the gamut from chill relaxation to energetic dance parties.

Best of all, these spaces (and many more) are already included in the cost of your cruise!

For the tiniest cruisers (up to age 3), the “it’s a small world” nursery! offers babysitter-style daycare for an additional fee.

Not Just for Kids

Worried that you won’t be able to escape the kids on your Disney Cruise? You’ll be happy to learn that each ship contains spaces limited to those ages 18 and up. Relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove pool, or dance the night away at each ship’s entertainment district, featuring several nightclubs and lounges. Many adults enjoy relaxing at Senses Spa and its Rainforest Rooms . There are even adult-exclusive dining options. You don’t need to have kids to take a Disney Cruise — there’s plenty for adults to enjoy onboard !

Unique Dining

Most meals are included in the cost of your cruise and you’re never far from a snack throughout the day. There’s even free room service 24/7!

Disney is unique in that most non-alcoholic drinks are included in your fare — most other cruise lines require you to buy a separate drink package even for sodas. Alcohol and specialty drinks still cost extra on a Disney cruise.

Disney cruise ships feature a unique “ Rotational Dining ” concept in which you dine at a different restaurant each night but your servers travel along with you. You’ll have the same dining staff each night, so they’ll get to know you and your preferences. Some restaurants even feature live entertainment or character dining during your meal!

Themed Nights and Themed Cruises

Disney holds special themed nights on many of its cruises, going far beyond usual cruise line mainstays such as Formal Night.

For example, some Disney cruises have a Pirate Night where everyone dresses up as pirates, enjoys a special meal, and then heads up to the pool deck for a pirate-themed party.

Sometimes an entire Disney Cruise can be themed . One popular offering is the Halloween on the High Seas cruise, which includes a giant pumpkin tree in the ship atrium, costume parties, and trick-or-treating. Very Merrytime cruises bring the holidays onboard, with Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, and visits from Santa.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse smiling, in front of a Christmas Tree

Family-Friendly Staterooms

Extra care was put into the design of your stateroom (your “hotel room” on the ship). You’ll find space-maximizing designs like hideaway bedding, under-bed storage space, and room dividers. Most stateroom bathrooms are in a split configuration that allows two people to get ready at the same time.

Water Rides and Pools

Most Disney ships have unique water coaster style attractions which propel you along on a raft or let you plunge down a steep drop. There are also plenty of pools and splash zones.

Broadway-Style Shows and Live Entertainment

Each night offers live entertainment, including Broadway-style shows featuring Disney characters. Some are stage adaptations of Disney films such as Frozen or Tangled , while others are entirely original. Admission is free — there are no assigned seats, so all you have to do is show up, sit wherever you like, and enjoy the show! Each show is presented twice nightly, so you won’t have to miss dinner.

Free Movies

Cinema buffs will enjoy the unlimited free movies onboard. No ticket needed — just drop in and catch the latest from Disney, Marvel, PIXAR, and LucasFilm! Should you be cruising during the release of a highly-anticipated Disney film, you’ll be treated to a Prem-EAR at Sea !

Navigate with the App

The convenient and free Disney Cruise Line Navigator app lets you count down to your trip and then chart your course onboard with planning tools, deck plans, daily schedules, and even a chat function to reach fellow cruisers.

Download the app before you get onboard and you can use it for free — just follow the on-screen instructions to avoid data charges. Separate Wi-Fi connectivity is sold onboard the ships should you desire to keep up with emails and social media.

A Cashless Experience Onboard

No need to carry your wallet everywhere — all your purchases onboard and at Castaway Cay (except for postage stamps) are conveniently charged right back to your room account. Just settle up at the end of your cruise.

Castaway Club

Cruisers are automatically enrolled in DCL’s loyalty program, the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club . Starting with your second Disney Cruise, you’ll receive gifts in your stateroom, earlier booking windows for onboard activities, and other perks for being a repeat passenger.

💡 Key Takeaways for First Time Cruisers

✔️  The special magic of a Disney Cruise goes far beyond just seeing Disney characters

✔️  Disney offers kids, teens, and adults their own dedicated spaces, so families can have together time and alone time

✔️  Live entertainment is presented every night onboard, with three Broadway-style shows plus additional entertainment

✔️  Innovations like rotational dining and fireworks at sea offer an experience you won’t find on other cruise lines

✔️  Disney cruises include extras that other cruise lines may charge extra for

There’s So Much That Makes a Disney Cruise Special. Ready to Experience It All?

Cost of a Disney Cruise

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Cost is obviously a major consideration for people considering a Disney Cruise. Let’s look into what’s included and how much you’ll pay.

What’s Included in the Cost

Cruises aren’t truly all-inclusive , but they’re close! Your cruise fare includes your stateroom, most meals (including room service), most non-alcoholic drinks, live entertainment, pools & water slides, most onboard activities, and taxes & fees.

You’ll need to pay extra for specialty dining, specialty drinks, off-ship activities, tips, and souvenirs, among other things. Getting to the ship (airfare, ground transport) and optional travel insurance is also extra.

Read More: What is Included on a Disney Cruise – and What Isn’t?

Cost of Disney Versus Other Cruise Lines

There’s no denying that Disney is one of the more expensive cruise lines . A similar cruise on another cruise line will almost always be cheaper than cruising with Disney.

  • On the Disney Wish : $2,880
  • On Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas : $2,370

You’ll have to decide if what you get when cruising with Disney is worth the additional expense . Disney Cruises may cost more when compared to Royal Caribbean , Princess , Norwegian , or Carnival , but many families still wouldn’t cruise with anyone else.

Cost of Disney Cruise Versus Disney World

Comparing the cost of a Disney Cruise to a Disney World vacation is a bit difficult, because there are so many variables and differences between the two. For example, Disney World requires theme park tickets while a Disney Cruise includes all meals.

  • 4-Night Cruise to Nassau and Castaway Cay in Oceanview Stateroom: $4,902, meals included
  • 4 Nights in Disney Moderate Resort Preferred Room, with Tickets: $4,241, meals extra

There are plenty of ways to make both options cheaper, and there are ways to make them both costlier. If you’re trying to decide between the two, reach out to a Disney travel agent who can run some comparisons for your situation.

Read More: Disney Cruise Versus Disney World

Cost Factors

Several factors contribute to the cost of a Disney Cruise:

Departure Port and Itinerary

It’s no surprise that a 4-night cruise will cost more than a 3-night cruise. More nights cost more money.

  • 3-Night Cruise: $1,988+
  • 4-Night Cruise: $2,554+

Destinations matter, too. Some ports are more expensive to visit than others and some itineraries are simply more popular and command higher prices.

  • Western Caribbean Cruise: $3,372+
  • Norwegian Fjords cruise: $5,423+

Stateroom Type and Location

The type of stateroom — and its location on the ship — affects the price paid. A “better” stateroom generally costs more.

  • Inside (no view) stateroom: $2,564+
  • Oceanview (window) stateroom: $2,780+

Who is Traveling

Cruise fares are per-person . The first two people in a stateroom always pay full price for the type of stateroom they’re staying in.

The remaining people pay a reduced rate based on their ages: adult (13+), child (3-12), and infant (2 or younger) . These rates usually don’t change much (if at all), no matter the type of stateroom.

  • First two adults: $1,329 each
  • 15-year-old: $759
  • 7-year-old: $728
  • 2-year-old: $401

Prices are based on double occupancy. Solo travelers should expect to pay almost as much as two adults would have paid.

  • Total for Two Adults: $1,404+
  • Total for One Adult: $1,178+

Time of Year

Cruises are typically more expensive during popular months — such as summer and spring break.

  • In January 2024: $2,128+
  • In April 2024: $4,810+

Other Factors

Like airfare, cruise prices can change as the travel date approaches. You might find last-minute deals , but prices are often cheapest when they are first released. 2023 cruises and 2024 cruises are already bookable, and some 2025 cruises  are also accepting bookings.

Waiting to book may also mean that cheaper types of staterooms are booked, so only more-expensive categories are left. The best sail dates can even sell out, meaning you have to pick another.

And special events onboard the ship, such as Very Merrytime cruises and Halloween on the High Seas cruises may command higher prices.

Read More: How Much Is a Disney Cruise?

When calculating the cost of a Disney Cruise, don’t forget gratuities (tips). It is customary on a cruise to pay gratuities to dining room staff and stateroom hosts (housekeeping). These amounts are not included in your cruise fare.

On Disney Cruise Line, the standard gratuity rate is $14.50 per passenger, per night (plus a little more if you’re staying in a Concierge room). This will be automatically charged to your stateroom account at the end of the cruise unless you visit Guest Services to adjust the amount (or pre-pay it).

Tips for other crew, such as bartenders and porters, is at your discretion and separate from the standard gratuities described above.

Read More: How Does Tipping Work on a Disney Cruise

Onboard Credits

One way to make your cruise money go further is using an Onboard Credit , which is somewhat like a rebate.

Onboard Credits don’t directly reduce your cruise fare, but they act as money that can be used while onboard the ship to purchase things that cost extra — souvenirs, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and even gratuities for the crew.

Some travel agencies offer up to $1,000 in onboard credit for Disney Cruises. Most travel agencies don’t charge any planning fees to book cruises through them, so it truly is free money for those already planning a cruise.

Read More: Disney Cruise Onboard Credit

✔️  Basic expenses such as lodging, most food and non-alcoholic drinks, and most activities are included in the cruise fare

✔️  Disney cruises generally cost more than other cruise lines, due to being a premium experience

✔️  Prices are based in part on the type of cruise, type of room, time of year, and who is traveling

✔️  Booking early gives you the best chance at getting the room and sail date you want at the lowest price

✔️  Book through a travel agency to receive an Onboard Credit (money to use while onboard the ship)

Get a Personalized Price Quote and Onboard Credit

Cruise pricing can be confusing and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Fortunately, you can get free help planning your Disney Cruise from the Disney experts at The Vacationeer !

Working with an Earmarked Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner  such as The Vacationeer is the best way for first-timers to plan a cruise .

You’ll have one, dedicated agent from start to finish — no giant call centers and waiting forever on hold! Your Vacationeer will answer your questions , share great advice , and help you find a cruise that fulfills your dreams and respects your budget .

When you’re ready, they’ll book your reservation , set up your payment plan , and help you keep track of important dates along the way.

Best of all, they provide a generous Onboard Credit of up to $1,000 .

Their services are completely free , and there’s absolutely no obligation to book  when you contact them.

Departure Ports: Where to Start Your Disney Cruise

Port Canaveral Terminal

Disney Cruise Line sails from 19 departure ports around the world. If you want to take a Disney Cruise, you’ll need to get to one of these locations to board the ship.

Florida Departure Ports

  • Port Canaveral, FL
  • Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), FL

Other U.S. Departure Ports

  • Galveston, Texas
  • Honolulu, Hawaii
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • New York, New York
  • San Diego, California
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico

International Departure Ports

  • Auckland, New Zealand
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Brisbane (Queensland), Australia
  • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Dover, England
  • Melbourne (Victoria), Australia
  • Sydney (New South Wales), Australia
  • Southampton, England
  • Vancouver, Canada

It’s tempting to just book a Disney Cruise that starts close to home; but you might need to travel to a far-away port to get a certain type of cruise, your preferred time of year, or your preferred Disney Cruise ship.

For example, Disney’s Alaska cruises start only in Vancouver. Galveston hosts Disney ships during winter only, not summer ( Florida is the only state that hosts Disney cruises every month of the year) . And the popular new Disney Wish cruise ship sails only from Port Canaveral.

Port Canaveral — Disney’s Home Port

Port Canaveral, Florida is the Disney cruise departure port that’s closest to Walt Disney World, about 60-90 minutes away. It’s close enough that many people choose to bundle some time at Disney World with a Disney Cruise.

Multiple Disney Cruises sail from Port Canaveral each week, year-round. The port is so busy that Disney has its own private cruise terminal building there.

Port Everglades — Disney’s Second Home Port

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida becomes a second year-round home port for Disney Cruise Line in late 2023. The Disney Dream will be the first Disney cruise ship assigned to there, starting November 2023. At least one more ship is expected to join by 2025, and Disney will likely build its own dedicated terminal there.

Getting to the Departure Port

Most people take flights to reach the city of their departure port. We strongly suggest you fly in a day early and spend the night at a hotel. This helps prevent missing your cruise due to a flight delay. (Your return flight home shouldn’t be too early, either, in case of port delays.)

Disney has agreements with hotels near each departure port; you can stay a night or two before/after your cruise and bundle the hotel reservation in with your cruise reservation. Of course, you can also stay at any hotel you like by booking separately.

Disney also sells ground transfers that will get you from select airports to the departure port, and to/from Disney Cruise Line’s approved hotels. Or, you can take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or a shuttle.

If you’re driving yourself to the port, you’ll have to pay for extended parking onsite. Port parking prices are set by the Port Authority, not by Disney.

✔️  You’ll need to find a balance between a departure port that’s easy to get to — and one that hosts the kind of cruise you want to take

✔️  Some ports host Disney Cruise departures year-round. Others might only host a Disney ship for a short time each year.

✔️  It’s wise to fly in a day early so flight delays don’t cause you to miss the ship

✔️  You can add pre/post cruise hotel stays and ground transportation to your cruise reservation

Get One-on-One Help Planning Your Cruise

Disney Cruise Itineraries: Where the Ship Goes

Where Does the Disney Cruise Go - The Disney Wonder is shown in Alaska

A big part of booking your Disney Cruise is picking your itinerary — which ship you’re on, when/where the cruise begins, where it goes, and how long it lasts.

Picking a Cruise

You can choose short 2-night jaunts or longer cruises lasting up to two weeks. 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries are the most common.

As for where to travel, there are numerous possibilities. The most popular — Bahamas cruises and Caribbean cruises — are offered year-round.

DCL Castaway Cay From Ship

Bahamas cruises are a perennial favorite

Other options are offered only at certain times. Alaska cruises happen in the summer to avoid the worst of the cold weather. And at least one Disney ship spends part of the year cruising in Europe .

Passengers on a Disney Cruise to Alaska observe a distant glacier while sailing through a fjord

It’s not just warm-weather destinations — sail through misty fjords on an Alaska cruise with Disney

Additional options include Hawaii cruises , Mexico, the Pacific Coast, Canada, Bermuda, the South Pacific, and New Zealand / Australia.

There are even a few one-way cruises, which start in one location and end in another. These include Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Panama Canal cruises.

Read More: Best Disney Cruise Line Itineraries

Ports-of-Call

There’s enough to do onboard the ship to keep you busy from breakfast to bedtime, but cruising is also a great way to experience other parts of the world. After all, where else but on a cruise does your hotel move to a different city each day?

Any time your ship visits a port-of-call (a stop during your cruise), you’ll be able to leave the ship for a few hours to go exploring. There’s no charge to leave the ship, but you’ll pay for any activities you do while you’re there.

Just be sure to make note of what time the ship will be leaving — you don’t want to be left behind!

Read More: Where Does the Disney Cruise Go?

Castaway Cay

Disney has its own private island in the Bahamas. Castaway Cay  is included as a stop on many Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises. The island is so popular among Disney Cruise passengers that a few cruises offer two stops at Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay - Disney's Private Island -- A Disney cruise ship is seen across crystal waters from a wood dock with net railing. A bird sits on the post.

Because Castaway Cay is Disney’s own island, you won’t be competing for beach space with passengers from another cruise line — Disney doesn’t even bring two of its own ships there on the same day.

Highlights include a family-friendly beach, an adults-only beach, a kids club, water slides, all-you-can-eat BBQ, and all types of water recreation. There’s lots to do and enjoy on the island!

Read More: Castaway Cay — Disney’s Private Island

Port Adventures

Although it’s free to leave the ship and explore on your own, you might choose to take a Port Adventure . This is a paid activity, usually organized by a tour operator who has an agreement with Disney. Some cruise lines call these shore excursions .

Port Adventures can be as simple as transportation and admission to a nearby tourist attraction, or as complex as a guided tour with special activities and a meal. Popular Bahamas and Caribbean Excursions include everything from dolphin interactions to Jamaica “Bobsled” rides.  Alaska cruise excursions allow you to ride the White Pass Railway through Yukon territory or take a helicopter flight to land on a glacier. Castle tours are popular excursions on European departures. Or explore volcanoes on a Hawaiian cruise excursion.

You can book similar experiences on your own, but there’s a huge benefit to booking Port Adventures through Disney: if your Disney-arranged tour runs late, they’ll hold the ship at the port — or pay for you to catch up to the ship at the next port!

Many itineraries include at least one Day at Sea. The ship won’t stop at any ports that day — you’ll just stay out on the open ocean. It’s a fantastic way to relax without feeling like you’re missing anything! Catch a free movie, watch a show, try a new restaurant, go swimming, or just order room service and stay in bed!

✔️ Your cruise will visit different ports, allowing you to exit the ship and experience a new area and culture.

✔️ Choose to visit the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, or many others.

✔️  You can explore on your own, or pay for prearranged activities called Port Adventures

✔️  Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is a popular stop on many Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises

✔️  A Day at Sea lets you enjoy the ship without missing anything on shore

Need Help Picking an Itinerary? A Vacationeer can help!

Disney Cruise Ships

The Disney Wonder Cruise Ship sails in front of a Hawaiian mountain with an orange sky in the background

Image © Disney / Kent Phillips

Your Disney Cruise ship is almost like a floating city. Onboard, you’ll find hotel-style guest rooms, restaurants, nightclubs & lounges, theaters, shops, pools & water slides, and even a medical center.

Disney has five ships to choose from , with three more under construction. We’ve listed them here alphabetically.

Disney Dream

Exterior view of the Disney Dream in open water

The Disney Dream was the third ship in the fleet, first sailing in 2011. It has 1,250 Guest Staterooms for 4,000 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Fantasy . It is significantly larger than the Disney Magic .

Itineraries: Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Transatlantic

Departure Ports: Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Copenhagen, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, San Juan, Southampton

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace

Adult-Exclusive Dining: Palo, Remy

Broadway-Style Shows: Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s Believe, The Golden Mickeys

Youth Clubs: Edge, “it’s a small world” nursery!, Oceaneer Club, Occeaneer Lab, Vibe

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Disney Infinity Game Room, Pixie Hollow, Star Wars – Millennium Falcon, Disney’s Once Upon a Time, Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, Jedi Training – Experience the Force

Disney Fantasy

Exterior view of the Disney Fantasy, sailing in open water

The Disney Fantasy was the fourth ship in the fleet, first sailing in 2012. It has 1,250 Guest Staterooms for 4,000 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Dream .

Itineraries: Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean

Departure Ports: Port Canaveral

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden, Royal Court

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Disney’s Believe, Frozen – A Musical Spectacular

Youth Clubs: Edge, “it’s a small world” nursery!, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Vibe

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Star Wars – Command Post, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Pixie Hollow, Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, Woody’s Roundup, Doctor Strange – Defy the Dark Dimension

Disney Magic

Aerial image of the Disney Magic Cruise Ship sailing with a partly cloudy sky in the background

The Disney Magic was the first ship in the fleet, first sailing in 1998. It has 877 Guest Staterooms for 2,713 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Wonder .

Itineraries: Bahamas, Mexico, Panama Canal

Departure Ports: Galveston, Miami, New Orleans, San Diego, San Juan

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s, Rapunzel’s Royal Table

Adult-Exclusive Dining: Palo

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney Dreams – an Enchanted Classic, Tangled – The Musical, Twice Charmed – An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Disney Junior, Pixie Hollow, Thor Becoming Worthy, Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Disney Royal Academy, Join the Lion Guard

Disney Wish

Disney Wish at Port Canaveral | Image © Disney

The Disney Wish was the fifth ship in the fleet, first sailing in 2022. It has 1,254 Guest Staterooms for 4,000 passengers.

Itineraries: Bahamas

Rotational Dining: 1923, Arendelle – A Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel

Adult-Exclusive Dining: Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, Palo Steakhouse

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney Seas the Adventure, Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, The Little Mermaid

Youth Clubs: Edge, “it’s a small world” nursery!, Oceaneer Club, The Hideaway, Vibe

Oceaneer Club Features: Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars – Cargo Bay, Fairytale Hall, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck.

Disney Wonder

DCL Disney Wonder at Sunset

The Disney Wonder was the second ship in the fleet, first sailing in 1999. It has 877 Guest Staterooms for 2,713 passengers and is similar in size to the Disney Magic .

Itineraries: Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia, Pacific Coast, South Pacific

Departure Ports: Auckland, Brisbane, Honolulu, Melbourne, San Diego, Sydney, Vancouver

Rotational Dining: Animator’s Palate, Tiana’s Place, Triton’s

Broadway-Style Shows: Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, Frozen – A Musical Spectacular, The Golden Mickeys

Oceaneer Club Features: Andy’s Room, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Disney Junior, Frozen Adventures, Captain America’s Super Hero 101, Mickey’s Roadster Racers, Join the Lion Guard

Future Ships

Disney is building three more cruise ships , which will eventually bring the total fleet size to eight.

The Disney Treasure will become the sixth ship in the fleet in December 2024 and should be similar in size and design to the Disney Wish .

Disney has purchased the partially-constructed Global Dream and will convert it into the new Disney Adventure  by 2025. This ship will be based in Singapore for at least five years.

An additional custom-built ship, similar to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure but not yet named, is also expected to join the fleet in 2025.

✔️  There are five Disney Cruise Ships to pick from, with more being built

✔️  Each ship offers different itineraries and leaves from different departure ports

✔️  The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are smaller ships, while the rest of the fleet is significantly larger

✔️  Each ship has unique elements not found anywhere else in the fleet

Ready to Book? Vacationeers are standing by!

Staterooms (Cabins)

DCL Disney Cruise Best Staterooms

Your stateroom is your “hotel room” on the ship. It’s your own private space to sleep and relax onboard. Disney designed its staterooms thoughtfully, with sensible layouts and extra storage space that’s perfect for families. You’ll have a stateroom host who provides daily housekeeping and a nightly turndown service.

What’s in a Stateroom?

Your stateroom includes these amenities and more:

  • A traditional bed, usually queen-sized, designed to sleep two
  • A sleeper sofa (plus a pull-down upper berth and/or Murphy bed in rooms holding 4-5 people)
  • A private bathroom, usually in a split design which lets two people get ready at the same time
  • A mini-fridge
  • A television
  • A desk or table
  • Drawers, closets, and other storage space
  • An in-room safe

Some staterooms even include (locking) internal doors that allow you to reach a neighboring room without going into the hallway — a great option if you’re sailing with extended family or as part of a group cruise .

Four Types of Staterooms

There are four main types of staterooms to pick from, and the price changes based on what you pick.

Inside Staterooms

Inside staterooms do not offer any direct outside view. These are the smallest and least expensive rooms onboard the ship.

DCL Disney Wish Inside Stateroom

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview staterooms have at least one window, called a porthole, that lets you look out from your room. The window does not open.

DCL Disney Dream Oceanview Stateroom

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

Verandah Staterooms

Verandah staterooms have private balconies that let you step outside your room to enjoy the fresh ocean air.

DCL Disney Magic Verandah Stateroom

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

Concierge Staterooms

Concierge staterooms are either oceanview or verandah, but add in additional perks and benefits . They may be a traditional room, a one- or two-bedroom suite, or even an astounding multi-story room. These are the costliest rooms onboard the ship.

DCL Concierge Wish Tower Suite

The stunning Concierge Wish Tower Suite stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

Picking Your Stateroom

To pick a stateroom for your cruise, you first need to select the Type of stateroom.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom type selection

Next, you’ll pick a stateroom Category , which is based on room size, layout, and occupancy.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom category selection

Then, you’ll pick a Subcategory , which is based mainly on location within the ship — forward (toward the front), midship (toward the middle), or aft (toward the back), and whether you want to be on an upper or lower deck.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom subcategory selection

Finally, you’ll pick the exact stateroom you’ll be staying in. This is one of the big ways that reserving a cruise stateroom differs from reserving a hotel room.

A screenshot of the Disney Cruise website showing stateroom selection

There are lots of things to consider when picking a stateroom. You’ll want to study the ship’s deck plans (or get help from a travel agent) to decide what’s best for you.

Read More: Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

✔️  A Stateroom is your private “hotel room” on the ship

✔️  There are different types of staterooms: Inside (no view), Oceanview (window), Verandah (balcony), and Concierge (window or balcony plus extra service)

✔️  Your choice of stateroom affects the cost of your cruise

✔️  You’re usually able to pick the exact stateroom you’ll stay in

Get Free Stateroom Advice from a Disney Cruise Expert

Because you pick your exact stateroom on a cruise, you’ll want to make sure you’re thinking of everything before choosing.

Get free guidance from The Vacationeer ! They’ll discuss costs , help you choose, and book your stateroom for you at no additional charge !

They’ll even give you a free Onboard Credit of up to $1,000 to use toward purchases on the ship!

You’re never under any obligation to book, so there’s no risk in contacting them!

Dining on Disney Cruises

tips for disney christmas cruise

If you go hungry on a cruise ship, you have only yourself to blame! There’s plenty of food available 24/7, most of which is already included in the cost of your cruise.

Dinner (Rotational Dining)

The nightly dinner service is a highlight for most Disney Cruisers. Each ship has different restaurants — some offer just a meal service while others add in live entertainment.

Oaken, Elsa, and Olaf lead a toast to celebrate Anna and Kristoff's engagement

Oaken, Elsa, and Olaf toast Anna and Kristoff’s engagement at Arendelle – A Frozen Dining Adventure

Dinner when you cruise with Disney includes something called rotational dining . Passengers are pre-scheduled to visit a different restaurant each night of the cruise — no need to make separate reservations. The same servers travel with you to each restaurant; by the end of the cruise they’ll know you well enough to have your favorite drinks ready and remember how you like your steak.

When you make your cruise reservation, you’ll pick your dining time — either Main Dining (around 5:30 PM) or Second/Late Dining (around 8:15 PM). Want Second Dining but are concerned about the kids? Servers will expedite children’s meals if requested, and Oceaneer Club representatives come to the dining room to take the kids while the grownups continue eating.

You may be seated with another group ; if so, it will be the same people for the entire cruise. Some families love this because they can make new friends — but if you want to be seated at a private table with no other guests, ask your travel agent to note that request on your reservation.

Your dinner is already included in the cost of the cruise, so it’s a great way to try something different. Fearlessly order the escargot or pate — if you don’t like it, you can always get something else at no charge.

A plate of Escargot

You’ll never know if you like Escargot unless you try it!

Even “complicated” foods like crab legs and lobster are served in a way that’s easy for novices to eat. Can’t decide between steak or chicken? Get both ! Your crew will happily serve you two entrees or bring three desserts.

There’s usually at least one optional dress-up night / formal night during dinner. If you don’t want to participate, you can always pick an alternate dinner option.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Alternate Dinners

Breakfast and Lunch onboard are less “rigid” than dinner. Each ship features a buffet-style restaurant where you don’t have to show up at a set time and can sit wherever you like.

Marceline Market is the top stop for breakfast onboard the ship

Marceline Market on the Disney Wish

This same location also typically serves an “alternate” dinner if you’re just not that impressed by your assigned restaurant’s menu.

One of the usual dinner restaurants may also offer breakfast or lunch on some days of the cruise. These can be a more-relaxed meal than the often-lively buffet restaurant.

Adult-Exclusive Dining ($)

Each ship has at least one adult-exclusive restaurant which offers elegant meals for an additional fee. Reservations are required, and a dress code applies. Service is mainly at dinner, with an occasional brunch offering.

Lumiere leads the way to Enchanté

Lumiere leads the way to Enchanté, an adult-exclusive restaurant on the Disney Wish

Snacks can always be found on the pool deck — food windows offer up everything from chicken tenders to hot dogs to pizza to BBQ or Tex-Mex (offerings vary by ship). And there are free ice cream cones, too!

You don’t need to purchase a drink package if all you want is soda, milk, juice, or standard coffees/teas. They’re included at no additional charge — just fill up at one of the complimentary drink stations onboard the ship.

Unlimited sodas and juices are included in your cruise cost, no drink package necessary!

Specialty beverages (smoothies, iced coffees, etc.) and alcohol cost extra.

Room Service

Room service operates 24/7 and is included in the price of your cruise (but please tip the crew member who brings it to you).

The menu is relatively simple, but not sparse. You’ll find salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, wings, fruit/cheese trays, cookies, and cake, among other offerings. Canned sodas and packaged candies are also offered, but cost extra.

You can get breakfast through room service, but it’s mainly pastries and cereals — no eggs, bacon, or oatmeal. Room service shuts down on the last night of the cruise, so you will not be able to get room service breakfast before you leave the ship at the end of the cruise.

Lounges and Bars ($)

There are plenty of lounges and bars on each ship. These can be simple places to get a drink, lively dance clubs, or highly themed experiences such as a Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge.

No wretched hive of scum and villainy here! Hyperspace Lounge offers amazing views.

No wretched hive of scum and villainy here! Hyperspace Lounge offers amazing views.

Offerings vary by ship. Most drinks here cost extra, but you can purchase optional drink packages to help ease the cost.

Read More: Food on Disney Cruise Line

✔️  Most meals and non-alcoholic drinks are already included in your cost. Alcohol and specialty treats cost extra.

✔️  Breakfast and Lunch are casual meals with buffet-style service

✔️  You pick a dinner time when you book your cruise. You’re automatically assigned a different restaurant each night.

✔️  You have the same servers at each dinner

✔️  Youth Activities Counselors pick up children from Late Dining so parents can continue eating

✔️  You might be seated with other cruisers at dinner unless you request otherwise

✔️  Snacks, room service, and lounges fill in the gaps between meal times

Questions About Dining? Consult a Specialist

Requirements for Booking & Cruising

A passport being held up for the camera in front of a Disney Cruise Ship

Booking and boarding a cruise is a bit more complex than booking and checking into a hotel.

What’s Needed to Book a Disney Cruise

When you’re ready to book a cruise, you’ll need to have some information handy.

First, you’ll need to know exactly which cruise you want to take .

You’ll also need to know who is traveling . “Guessing” now and modifying later can be complicated and costly.

For each passenger, you’ll need:

  • Legal name (exactly as it appears on government-issued ID)
  • Country of Citizenship
  • Phone Number

Infant/Pregnancy Restrictions

Infants must be at least six months old on the day the cruise begins. For Transatlantic and Panama Canal cruises, the minimum age is 1 year old.

Passengers who enter their 24th week of pregnancy before or during their cruise may not sail.

Neither a doctor’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted.

When do You Pay for Your Cruise?

You’ll usually only need to pay a deposit (typically 20%) when you book; you might even be able to hold a spot for 2 or 3 days before the deposit is due. Either way, once your deposit is paid, you can pay the balance on your own schedule . There is a final payment deadline and you won’t be able to book any onboard activities until you’ve paid in full.

If you need to modify or cancel, do so before cancellation penalties begin. Some last-minute bookings must be paid in full right away and have strict cancellation rules.

Requirements to Board a Disney Cruise

Cruising is a method of international travel. You’ll need to present proof of citizenship and proof of identification  to board.

Accepted Documents

Some cruises allow U.S. citizens to board with only a Government-issued photo ID and an official copy of a birth certificate . There are very specific requirements for this — check the information provided with your cruise booking.

The best option is to have a passport. If you have a mid-cruise emergency or miss the ship at a port-of-call, you will  need a passport to board a plane.

Read More: Do You Need a Passport for a Disney Cruise?

Boarding the Ship for the First Time

Ahead of your cruise, you’ll be able to do Online Check-In to complete and print important documents . By all means do so — it’s no fun doing paperwork at the terminal! You’ll also pick a port arrival time during this step.

You’re allowed to have both checked bags and carry-on bags . You’ll receive airline-style luggage tags in the mail prior to your cruise — put those on any bags you want to check at the port, then give the bags to a Porter at the terminal (don’t forget to tip) . Those bags won’t be delivered to your stateroom until later on the first night, so be sure your carry-on contains any medicines, sunscreen, swimsuits, etc. that you’ll need for the first afternoon and evening. I like to give those items their own section on my Disney Cruise packing list to make sure I don’t accidentally put anything important in the wrong bag.

Passengers and bags undergo security screening at the terminal , so don’t pack or bring any prohibited items . You’ll then head to a check-in counter for a quick security photo, basic health questionnaire, and other necessary info. Then you’ll wait until your boarding group is called.

Once you board the ship, you’ll be able to access most areas right away, but your stateroom may not be ready until mid-afternoon.

Exiting the Ship at the End of Your Cruise

On the last night of the cruise, you’ll have the option to have your checked bags picked up and delivered directly into the terminal.

If you DO let them pick up your luggage, everything must be packed and placed outside your room by a certain time (which might be during your dinner). You won’t see your bag again until you’re off the ship, so be sure not to pack anything you’ll need prior to that — shoes, undies, medicine, etc. You’ll be given new luggage tags to place on each bag. Breakfast on the last morning of your cruise will take place at a set time, at the same restaurant you were assigned to dine at on the night before.

If you DO NOT have them pick up your luggage, you’ll be taking part in Express Walk Off . You will be responsible for getting all of your luggage off the ship with no help. You’ll need to leave the ship as soon as the Express Walk Off announcement is made, as early as 7:00 AM. Those doing Express Walk Off skip their scheduled breakfast on the last morning, though there are usually some pastries and coffee available somewhere on the ship.

Either way , you’ll need to clear Customs at the port after you exit the ship. You’ll receive a declaration form in your stateroom on the last night. Take some time to fill it out then — it’s no fun, but it’s even less fun to have to rush to do it the next morning.

If you’re not doing Express Walk Off, you’ll head to breakfast at the designated time and place. Then, you wait for the announcement that you’re clear to leave the ship, and off you go.

And that’s it! Your first cruise with Disney is sadly over – but it’s already time to start dreaming about the next one!

✔️  Make sure you’ve gathered all of the necessary information before you book your cruise

✔️  You usually only need to pay a deposit to book, with the remaining balance due later

✔️  Be prepared to provide photo ID and proof of citizenship to board

✔️  Consider getting a passport, even if your cruise doesn’t require one

How to Book Your First Disney Cruise

There are many ways to book a Disney Cruise , including directly through Disney Cruise Line’s website or phone number.

But for first time cruisers , you’ll get the best service and guidance by booking through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as The Vacationeer.

Here’s why:

  • Free help planning your Cruise — there’s no charge to book with The Vacationeer and they’ll walk you through every big decision
  • The best prices — they know all the  ways to save , so you’ll never pay more than if you’d booked it yourself
  • The best discounts — they can help with  Military discounts , Florida resident rates , and more
  • One dedicated agent from start to finish — no huge call centers and no waiting on hold ( unlike major wholesalers )
  • Expert advice from frequent cruisers — your agent knows the ships because they sail on them, too
  • They’re First Cruise experts — Vacationeers book thousands of trips each year and specialize in helping first-timers
  • Up to $1,000 to use onboard — get a free Onboard Credit for Port Adventures, gratuities, souvenirs, and more
  • Land and Sea Specialists — Want to spend some time at Disney World, too? Your Vacationeer handles it all!

Related Posts:

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Disney Christmas Cruise: The Very Merrytime Cruises from Disney Cruise Line

Posted on Published: 11/06/2023  - Last updated: 12/12/2023

I love the Christmas events at Walt Disney World, so this year, I was excited to experience the holidays at sea on a Disney Christmas Cruise. Our first Christmas cruise took place over Thanksgiving break. While many people were searching their local shops for Black Friday deals, we were boarding the Disney Dream for one of the Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises.

Since originally cruising during the Christmas season, I’ve returned two more times to sail on a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream and Disney Wish. Both were fantastic experiences.

These fun Disney Christmas Cruises include all of the great things that you’d expect on your Disney Cruise Line ship, as well as some other unique holiday experiences. If you are looking for a festive time to hit the high seas, this is a great option. Here’s our experience with Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises, and what to expect on a Disney Christmas cruise.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to me at no cost to you. I’ve been on several media cruises at a lower/discounted price, but have also paid my own way for many cruises.

Check prices on Disney Cruise Line sailings here .

Large tree and other lights/garland in the Disney Wish atrium.

Disney Christmas Cruise: The Very Merrytime Cruise

The decor on a disney merrytime cruise.

As soon as we boarded the ship, we could tell that we were on a special Disney Christmas cruise. The Disney Cruise Line staff greeting us at the gangway of the ship were all decked out in festive scarves, and the atrium lobby of the ship had a beautiful tree, as well as Christmas tree garland around the railings.

Poinsettias were spread around the ship and were subtle but a pretty pop of red color. It definitely felt like a holiday atmosphere, and combined with the Disney magic, it was extra special.

My latest Very Merrytime Cruise was the very first Disney Christmas Cruise of the season. As a result, they were decorating the ship for the Christmas season in a few places as we arrived. It was still magical, however, and the decor was really beautiful.

Gingerbread house in lobby

In the atrium lobby, you’ll also find a life-sized gingerbread house. It was pretty crowded with people taking photos right at the start of the cruise. However, later, it was very easy to take photos. If traveling on a Disney Christmas cruise, definitely wait until later in the cruise to take a photo, when most guests have finished taking their photos.

Sled and tree statue

Castaway Cay , Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is also decked out for the holidays. As we exited the ship, we saw this beautiful display with a tree, sleigh, snowmen, and fake snow flurries!

Like some of the other decorations on the cruise ship, there was a line to take photos, but it was definitely worth the wait. As a Northerner, it’s unusual to associate warm temps with snow, so it was fun to see!

We were lucky to have perfect weather on Castaway Cay too. November can definitely be a beautiful time because it is still warm, but not too hot.

For an extra special experience, try to get a private cabana on Castaway Cay .  They are typically available only to those who are platinum or pearl members of Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club (or concierge guests), but it’s always worth trying.

Storytime with Mrs. Claus on the Disney Christmas Cruise

Special Events on a Very Merrytime Cruise

In addition to holiday decor, you’ll also get to experience some fun special events on a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise. The first night, you’ll find a special Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the schedule. Hosted by your favorite Disney characters, this ceremony is not to be missed.

There’s also a Storytime with Mrs. Claus. We didn’t attend (my kids are now too old), but as I passed by, I saw lots of small children eagerly sitting and listening. It’s definitely great for younger kids who’d love to see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

In the evening on the first night, guests were treated to Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball. This fun event was held pretty late and includes Anna and Elsa bringing in the snow.

Pink decorated for the holidays

Activities on a Very Merrytime Cruise

While you are onboard the ship, you’ll also find some fun holiday-themed activities. During our cruise, these activities included gingerbread cookie decorating throughout the day on our Nassau day. We didn’t do it, but they did encourage sign-ups because space was limited.

When you arrive at the cruise port, I’d recommend looking at the Disney Cruise Line app to see which activities are going to be offered during your sailing. Sign up right away for the best availability.

Holiday Treats on the Disney Christmas Cruise

After Storytime with Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate and cookie station was set up in the lobby. Parents of smaller children would appreciate the “warm chocolate” that was the perfect temperature for younger cruisers. My kids, who always seem to find hot chocolate too hot, really enjoyed it.

Tree decorated with sea creature ornaments on Castaway Cay

Character Costumes on the Very Merrytime Cruises

While the characters still wear their popular cruising costumes (including the pirate costumes), they also wear some festive attire. On our last night, we loved seeing the fab five (plus Daisy, Chip, and Dale), wearing holiday sweaters. It made for a fun photo opportunity.

If your sailing takes place on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, you’ll also enjoy holiday activities such as caroling and special towel animals.

Our Very Merrytime Cruise was a 3-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream the day after Thanksgiving day. However, there are several itineraries available on the different Disney Cruise Line ships .

This year, Very Merrytime Cruises taking place on several ships, including the Disney Wish, the Disney Fantasy, and the Disney Dream. These ships depart/visit a variety of ports including Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Cozumel , Grand Cayman , and Castaway Cay.

Overall, we really enjoyed our Very Merrytime Cruise. I think younger children (elementary-aged or younger) would especially appreciate the Christmas-themed activities and events. To learn more, visit the Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise page .

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 onboard credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

Disney Cruise Line

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

Large gingerbread house and huge tree in Disney Wish atrium.

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Disney Cruise Advice: Tips & Tricks Onboard the Ship

LAST UPDATE: 2/14/24

On this page we have collected some useful Disney Cruise advice, tips, and tricks that can help you save time and have more fun while you are on a Disney Cruise. Read the advice below and you’ll have a much better idea what to expect, even if you’ve never been on a cruise before!

Thanks to Marjorie Treger and to MouseSavers.com readers Jeff Evernham and Aileen B, who contributed some great tips.

Disney Cruise Advice & Important Things to Know

Embarkation, first-day bag packing list, staterooms and what’s in them, knowing what’s going on & planning your day, oceaneer club and oceaneer lab, edge and vibe, port days/shore excursions, useful things to pack, things you don’t need to (or should not) pack, disney cruise wear, phone and internet.

  • Spa: Treatments, Products & Fitness Center

Disembarkation

Additional tips & tricks, trip reports.

Other useful Disney Cruise information pages:

  • For discounts and tips on saving money on the cruise itself , visit our Disney Cruise Discount page.
  • For tips and tricks that will help you plan your cruise , visit the Planning Tips & Tricks for Disney Cruises page.
  • For advice that will help you with excursions, tours and activities  while in port, visit the Tips & Discounts for Port Excursions page.

“Embarkation” means getting on the ship for the first time during your cruise; “disembarkation” or “debarkation” means getting off the ship at the end of your cruise.

“Port” is the left side of the ship as you face forward; “starboard” is the right side as you face forward. “Forward” is obvious; “aft” is the rear of the ship.

Cruise lines are required to ensure that every passenger knows the safety procedures and has been physically shown where they need to muster in case of emergency. A mandatory muster drill is held in the afternoon of embarkation day, usually around 4:00 pm. Everyone must attend in order to learn the location of your lifeboat station and other safety information. The drill takes 20 minutes or less and you do not have to bring your life jacket with you.

Make sure you turn off the cellular service on your phone while you’re at sea, so you don’t end up paying through the nose for “cellular at sea” service . There is a Disney Cruise Navigator app that you can use on most iPhones and Android phones without needing to pay for internet access. The Navigator app includes activity schedules and menus, and has a kind of text message feature that seems to work much better these days. We found that notifications were showing up quickly when people messaged using the app (our experience was with iPhone, we don’t know how well Android works).

“Cay” is pronounced “key” by locals – so unless you want to sound like a novice, remember this for Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island).

Disney asks you to select a P ort Arrival Time (PAT) when you do online check-in prior to your cruise. This arrival time was not rigidly enforced in the past, but lately, Disney has been enforcing people’s PATs pretty closely, especially during the early part of the boarding process. If you get to the terminal before 12:30, you will probably not be let in to the terminal until your time arrives. After 12:30 or so, Disney seems to just let people into the terminal as long as the check-in line isn’t completely full.

Bottom line: if you want to get on the ship as early as possible, definitely be ready to check in online on the morning your check-in opens! See below for when you can check in online:

  • If you are staying at an official Walt Disney World resort or at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport the night before your cruise, AND you booked that hotel as a package with the cruise, AND you are using Disney’s bus service to the port, your port arrival time is less important, and you may not even see an option to select one when you check in. From a Disney hotel, they’re going to assign you a bus, and generally you’ll just get there when you get there and the terminal staff will be ready to process and embark that whole busload of passengers. If you’re staying at the Hyatt, there will be multiple buses and you can take the first bus they’ll let you on. In either case, it’s rare to experience much wait no matter what your port arrival time is. But if you are offered the option to pick a port arrival time at checkin, pick the earliest reasonable time, just to be on the safe side. It can’t hurt, and it might save you some waiting.
  • If you are staying in a concierge level stateroom or suite , you can check in and receive your port arrival time 40 days before embarkation day. That said, your shore-side concierge will likely offer to check you in on the first day you’re eligible, so effectively you can just let them handle it and they should get you the earliest arrival time (unless they know you won’t be arriving that early).
  • If you are a Pearl member of the Castaway Club (25+ previous Disney cruises), you can check in and receive your port arrival time 40 days before embarkation day. 
  • If you are a Platinum member of the Castaway Club (10-24 previous Disney cruises), you can check in and receive your port arrival time 38 days before embarkation day.
  • If you are a Gold member of the Castaway Club (5-9 previous Disney cruises), you can check in and receive your port arrival time 35 days before embarkation day.
  • If you are a Silver member of the Castaway Club (1-4 previous Disney cruises), you can check in and receive your port arrival time 33 days before embarkation day.
  • If you have never before taken a Disney cruise, you can check in and receive your port arrival time 30 days before embarkation day.

When you arrive at Port Canaveral, you’ll hand off your bags to the dock workers. Tipping is theoretically optional, but it’s customary to tip them at least $1-$2 per bag, and we tend to tip on the high side for very helpful or friendly porters. Keep your carry-on/day bag with you. Get in line to go through check-in (during which time you’ll show your port arrival document several times), then get in line to go through security (you go through a metal detector and your carry-ons go through an x-ray).

The first people who will get on the ship are Group 1, which will usually be concierge level guests. Shortly after noon, announcements will be made for general boarding by group number. You’ll present your port arrival document as you board, have a family photo taken (or bypass the photo and get on the ship that much faster), and then your family will be announced as you arrive in the atrium of the ship. After that, the ship is yours!

Most people will head straight to lunch, and if you’re hungry, that’s a great idea. If you’ve brought your swimsuits in your day bag, this is a perfect time to enjoy the pool (or AquaDuck on the Dream or Fantasy and AquaMouse on the Wish), because the ship is still relatively empty and a lot of people will not have thought ahead. If you still need to make spa appointments, change your dinner rotation, sign up for shore excursions, book Palo, Remy or Enchanté, or book any specialty character meals or tea parties, now is the time to do that. You can also get your kids’ wristbands for the kids club. If it’s your first time on the ship, this is a good time to get a map and wander around familiarizing yourself with everything.

If you are a concierge level guest, there is a special concierge embarkation lunch, or you can go to the concierge lounge, where you can relax and enjoy a snack. You’ll be personally assisted with any bookings or changes you’d like to make (dining rotations, spa appointments, etc.)

At about 1:30-2:00, your room should be ready. Your bags will be delivered at some point in the afternoon (up until about 6:00 pm).

On the embarkation day, you won’t get access to your room until 1:30-2:00 pm, and you may not get all of your luggage until 6:00 pm (or occasionally even later), so its recommended you carry a bag that contains everything you’ll need between boarding the ship and dinner. If you want to swim or ride the AquaDuck or AquaMouse, for example, you will need all your swim stuff.

Here’s our checklist for packing our day bag. Some people like to use a rolling carry-on, but we prefer a small duffel. It’s your call; whatever you feel comfortable lugging around for an hour or two. You can also pack a small backpack for everyone to spread out the load.

  • Flip-flops or water shoes (the deck can get hot )
  • Reading material, iPad, videogames or other entertainment
  • Camera, if you aren’t using your phone
  • Medications you might need between noon and dinnertime
  • Change of clothes for dinner, if what you wear to board the ship isn’t reasonable (though it almost certainly is fine, as long as it’s not a swimsuit).

The TV in your stateroom offers limited live TV programming, but a pretty extensive selection of Disney-owned movie and TV content. There is the Disney Channel, ABC and ESPN, all owned by Disney, plus some 24-hour news channels (MSNBC & Fox) and a small selection of basic cable channels. You can watch a huge variety of Disney movies and a few other family-friendly titles “on demand” (no extra charge).

Disney no longer provides the cordless Wave Phones; if you need to contact other members of your party, you are expected to use the Disney Navigator app on your phone. If you don’t have a compatible phone or don’t want to carry your phone, you have to fall back on the tried and true “let’s meet in XXX at YYY” or put a magnetic white board on your room door to exchange messages. Note that the kids club staff will only be able to contact you via the Navigator app, so if you don’t carry it around, you can’t be informed of issues with your kids.

Fire codes prevent cruise ships from having irons in staterooms, but irons are available for your use in the laundry rooms. Speaking of laundry, you can charge the cost of self-service laundry to your room key by swiping it through the readers on the washers and dryers.

Inside staterooms have no window (except the “ secret porthole ” rooms on the Wonder and Magic that are classified as inside but have an obstructed porthole). Inside staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy ships do have the “virtual porthole” that provides some light. It can be turned off with a switch by the bed. Bear in mind that on the Wonder, Magic and Wish (or on the Dream and Fantasy with the virtual porthole turned off), inside staterooms have no external light coming in to wake you up in the morning or give you a sense of what time it is. So if you’re anxious to get up and go in the morning, make sure you set an alarm or request a wake-up call.

A portable hair dryer can be found in a bag in the bathroom or in a desk drawer (call Guest Services if you can’t find it). It must be plugged into a European (220V) outlet at the desk. If you happen to be in a stateroom that also has a built-in hair dryer in the bathroom attached to the wall, we recommend leaving it alone; they don’t work well. Use the one in the drawer.

There is no longer a paper Navigator schedule given out in your stateroom, or even available from the front desk. You can only get the activity schedule via your phone or via the TV.

You can download the Navigator app for Apple or Android devices before you arrive at the embarkation port and then, once onboard, connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network—complimentary for app use only. Downloading the app does not enable general-purpose internet access – you have to pay extra for that. In addition to giving you the ship’s daily schedule, the app has some information that isn’t in the paper Navigator, including menus for the various restaurants and some other useful tidbits. 

The Navigator app also has the all-aboard time and the local number of the ship’s agent, who is your contact if you have an emergency or are running late and might miss the ship (or have missed the ship). It’s not a bad idea to write those things down on a separate piece of paper to carry with you when you’re in port, just in case you lose your phone or the Navigator app gets flaky. If you have an emergency and don’t have your phone or the info on paper, you can call the port and ask them who the port agent is for your ship, and then call Disney’s port agent to let them know what’s happening.

The Navigator app now has a FREE text messaging feature. The messaging feature is available on all five ships. You do not need to buy a data plan to send messages to other people in your party, assuming they also have a device that can run the app. We didn’t really use it much in previous years because there could be 20-30 minutes between sending and message and the recipient getting a notification on their phone, but on our most recent cruise everything worked fine. Also, if you get the newer internet service that you can leave on all the time (currently available on the Wish, Magic, Dream and Fantasy) it will work with iMessage, WhatsApp and other messengers, and it will work with SMS text messaging if everyone’s phone has Wi-Fi cellular enabled.

Onboard Entertainment & Activities Tips

If you’re curious to know what movies will be shown on your sailing before you get on the ship, call  Disney Cruise customer service (800) 951-3532 about two weeks before your cruise and ask.

Want to ride the AquaDuck water coaster on the Dream or Fantasy or the AquaMouse on the Wish? MouseSavers.com reader Bill V has this tip: “If you enjoy the AquaDuck during the day, find an EVENING to ride it as well! Riding it at night, with the red-and-white lights strobing around the tube at each of the supports, is a completely different experience than the daytime, not to be missed! Also, the lines are truly non-existent if you go during dinner or show times, far shorter than even the times when most passengers are ashore when the ship is docked–my daughter rode it one evening over a dozen times in less than 90 minutes, usually walking on with no line whatsoever.” (This advice would apply to the AquaMouse on the Wish as well.)

Some special activities require advance sign-up at Guest Services. For instance, “Tea with Wendy,” (or “Tea with Alice” or some other character) is sometimes offered on some 7-night cruises, but has limited seating, and on cruises near Christmas, there is a build-your-own-gingerbread house activity, but they have a limited number of kits available. Check for those activities (they’ll generally be listed in the Navigator app) and sign up as soon as you can. Certain popular character meetings are also now requiring advance sign-up, usually on the first day.

Theater snacks : the theaters where the movies and shows are presented have concession stands selling expensive goodies such as canned sodas, bagged popcorn and candy, which can be charged to your room key. If you want to keep costs down, go up on the pool deck to the self-serve beverage station and get FREE sodas (or lemonade, tea, etc.) to bring into the show with you. You can also usually get FREE cookies from one of the counter-service locations on the pool deck and bring those along (or order cookies from room service, for only the cost of a tip). Concierge level guests on the Dream and Fantasy can get snacks, including cans of soda and sometimes popcorn, from the lounge. The snack bar at the theater has a refillable popcorn bucket that can be refilled for the rest of your cruise at a much cheaper price, so if you like popcorn, it’s a good idea to get one at the beginning of the cruise. Some people have brought popcorn buckets from previous cruises or from Walt Disney World and had them refilled, though that may or may not be official policy.

Embarkation Day

Once you’re onboard on embarkation day, you can eat lunch in one of three locations (or the concierge lunch if you’re in a concierge stateroom): the buffet, the pool deck food outlets (burgers, pizza, etc.) or a dining room (on the Magic, the primary lunch dining room is Lumiere’s; on the Wonder, it’s Triton’s; on the Dream and Fantasy, it’s Enchanted Garden; on the Wish, it’s been 1923 or Arendelle). The primary dining room lunch is a la carte with a normal lunch menu similar to the menu served on sea days. It has a tendency to fill up pretty quickly, so if you want to eat there, get on the ship as early as possible. There is also a lunch just for concierge guests in a different dining room.

Note that if you head for the inside dining room, you will encounter multiple crew members who will try to herd you to the buffet, which can handle more people. Just tell them you’d prefer the interior dining room. 

Breakfast and Lunch

During the cruise, there are usually two or three breakfast and lunch locations with different hours (check the Navigator app for hours). You can choose from one or more full-service restaurants with open seating (just show up when you want during opening hours, and they’ll seat you), or eat at the buffet.

Dinner Rotations

Your dinner arrangements — meaning your restaurant rotation schedule, and whether you have the early or late seating for dinner — are assigned before you embark on the cruise. You can find your restaurant rotation by checking the “My Plans” section of the Navigator app. It will also show your table number and seating time, as well as the recommended dress code and menu. If you have trouble using the app, Guest Services or any of the dining locations can help you get that information. 

If you want to change your seating or your restaurant rotation, do that as soon as you embark. The location on the ship where changes can be made will be listed in the Navigator app, or just go to Guest Services and they can point you in the right direction.

If you go to your assigned restaurant for dinner each night, your servers will be the same for every night of your cruise. On longer cruises they’ll get to know you, and may even have your “usual” beverage waiting for you at your table. If you are served something you don’t like, tell the servers and they’ll bring you something else. And if you want to indulge, they’ll be happy to bring you two desserts (or two appetizers, or even two entrees)! In true Disney style, if you have a special event you are celebrating, make sure your servers know. You will get appropriate special treatment (usually a special dessert, and perhaps some singing).

We recommend not rushing to dinner. If you show up five minutes or so after they begin seating you’ll walk right in. If you show up early you’ll just have to wait in line! Don’t wait too long, though: in order to get everyone served in a timely manner, each server really needs to get all the orders from all their tables at once. If you come too late, it throws off their timing, necessitating multiple extra trips to the kitchen and long delays for everyone. Also, if you won’t be at the regular rotation dinner one night, it’s helpful to tell your server or head server in advance, so they won’t wait for you to arrive to start service for the other tables.

We also recommend having the Navigator app open to your dinner reservation and table number the first time you arrive at each restaurant, so you can be seated more easily. But if you remember your table number, you can just tell the servers.  

Each restaurant has a “special” menu that is only offered at that restaurant, which will be used on one of the nights you visit each restaurant (the same night as the show, if there is one for that restaurant). On the other nights, you’ll get “standard” menus that are the same at all three restaurants (they change every night, but each of the three restaurants gets the same menu). 

Dinner Shows

The following restaurants have special shows and menus on one night of your cruise . These shows are one of the unique entertainment experiences on a Disney cruise, so try to see them if you can! Ask at Guest Services or ask your server which night it will be for your rotation. Move your Palo, Remy or Enchante reservations or change your dinner rotation if you have to. 

  • Animator’s Palate (Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy) — On the Magic & Wonder, this show allows everyone in the family to design a character and see it animated. It’s pretty neat! On the Dream & Fantasy, the show involves interacting with an animated character (Crush the sea turtle from Finding Nemo). On longer (7+ night) cruises on the Dream & Fantasy, they may also do a version of the “draw your own animated character” show on the second night you visit Animator’s Palate.
  • Tiana’s Place (Wonder) — A rollicking dinner show with the characters and songs from The Princess & The Frog.
  • Rapunzel’s Royal Table (Magic) — A fun musical show with characters and songs from Tangled.
  • Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure (Wish) — An elaborate show where you’re a guest at an engagement party for Anna and Kristoff, hosted by Wandering Oaken. Enjoy songs and characters from the two Frozen movies.
  • Worlds of Marvel (Wish) — A loud action spectacle involving Ant-Man and the Wasp (and some guest Marvel characters) takes place during dinner. Most of the action is ostensibly taking place elsewhere on the ship (you watch it on screens on the walls of the restaurant), but live-action Ant-Man and the Wasp appear near the end to wave at diners.

Premium Restaurants

If you enjoy fine dining, we definitely recommend making a reservation for Palo, Remy or Enchanté, particularly on a 4-night or longer cruise. There is a small extra cost (larger for Remy and Enchanté) but it is well worth it for the cuisine, the atmosphere, and the opportunity to enjoy a nice dinner without the kids. The Remy and Enchanté dinners are especially elaborate, and are similar to meals that cost much more at Michelin starred restaurants or Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World. Palo can be found on all five Disney ships, though the menu is slightly different (and more steakhouse-oriented) on the Wish. Remy is only on the Dream and Fantasy, and Enchanté is only on the Wish.

Alternatively, consider booking the Palo, Enchanté or Remy brunch (offered usually only once or twice on most cruises). We find the premium brunches particularly fabulous and might even prefer them to dinner in Palo.

Palo, Remy and Enchanté are very popular, so book them as early as you can . If you’re not able to get a reservation in advance, check the Navigator app or ask a crew member to find the location where you can go and request a reservation onboard.

If you want to skip one of the regular rotation restaurants in order to dine in Palo, Remy or Enchanté, our suggestion is to call Disney to find out the dining rotations for your cruise and pick a night that is the second visit to a restaurant, since the first night is very likely to be that restaurant’s special menu (and will have a show, if there is a show at that restaurant). For example, if your rotation is “Enchanted Garden, Rapunzel’s Table, Rapunzel’s Table, Animator’s Palate”, pick the third night, since it is the most likely to be a “standard” menu.

Keep in mind that the dinner rotations and timing of Animator’s Palate, Tiana’s, Rapunzel’s, Marvel or Arendelle shows are subject to change, and in our experience the folks at the Disney call center don’t always have accurate information about when the show will happen. The people actually on the ship know, so if you want to be sure your premium dining doesn’t happen on a dinner show night, go to Guest Services or the dining reservation location listed in the Navigator app on the first day of your cruise and ask. If there’s a conflict, they can either reschedule your premium dinner or put you on a different main dining rotation.

Alternate Dining Options

There are always plenty of options for food: check the Navigator app to know which restaurants are open at what times.

In the past, Disney has opened up the buffet area (Cabanas or Marceline Market) for dinner on most nights of the cruise (usually all but the first night), but as a table-service venue, not a buffet. There’s no specific time, you just show up and choose from a limited menu that includes some of the same foods served in the main dining rooms (but without all the hoopla). Of late they haven’t been doing it, but all indications are that this is a temporary post-pandemic measure because of logistics issues, so it could restart any time. If you’d prefer a quieter dinner at your own dining time, ask if it’s an option on your cruise.

There are fast-food locations up on the pool deck, serving kid-friendly fast food. We think the burgers and other sandwiches on a bun are edible, and the mini-wraps are quite good. The pizza is not a highlight – the toppings are fine, but the crust is sub-par, except on the Wish, where it is pretty good. The Wish also has a barbeque window, and a Mexican food window with choose-your-own ingredient bowls, tacos and burritos (think Chipotle), and both of those options are quite good. The fruit is fruit; nothing wrong with it. The soft-serve ice cream is not very creamy, but it makes a nice snack on a hot day, and they usually rotate in some unusual flavors like mango or strawberry over the course of the cruise.

On most ships, there are some small snacks available most of the day. In the adult coffee bar, there have generally been free mini-desserts available during the day, and little antipasto nibbles during the evening, but we didn’t see them on the Wish. In the adult lounge area on the lower decks, there is usually a (small) hot snack buffet available for part of the evening, either in the pub or the hallway between the various lounges. Usually there’s something like a build-your-own nacho bar, plus some sort of hot savory like pigs in a blanket or egg rolls. Again, this little mini-buffet has not been present on the Wish. In the pub on each ship, there are about 4-6 extra-cost hot snacks & entrees you can order. Typically at least one of the pool deck food stations will be open until midnight, usually pizza. From midnight until breakfast time (6:30 or so) room service is the only food option.

On Alaska cruises, there have usually been some snacks on the front of the ship on the pool deck on the glacier-viewing day , including hot soup in small bread bowls, cookies and hot cocoa. They also usually do a special barbecue lunch that day on the deck behind the buffet, typically sausage, fish, and steak. Sometimes they have been known to serve elk or another Alaska specialty. Make sure you go out to the deck to check it out; we met many people who had no idea the cookout was happening and just ate regular buffet food instead of the fresh-grilled options just a few steps away.

Concierge guests have access to snacks and beverages (bottled water, soft drinks, coffee drinks) in the concierge lounge.

Kids’ Meals

There are kid’s menu options at all the table-service meals , but children are not limited to eating from those menus. Your servers will bring your kids whatever they want, including full adult appetizers, meals and desserts, and in fact if there’s something on the ship they can get or make, they’ll usually try to accommodate you even if it’s not on the menu. In other words, if all your kids want is french fries, that’s not a problem, assuming you’re OK with it.

It’s worth noting that asking your server to bring you something from another restaurant is not a trivial undertaking . They will almost certainly do it, because they really want guests to be happy, but don’t spring a request on them unless you really can’t find anything else for your kids to eat. And if possible, let the service staff know early if your child has specific food issues. If they know in advance that your child will only eat french fries and chicken fingers, they can have those ready each night.

If you have kids in the Oceaneer Club, they will be offered lunch and dinner if they are in the Club at the appropriate time. There are not usually a lot of choices, but what they’ll offer is going to be pretty simple and kid-friendly, like chicken nuggets and apple slices.

Two key things to be aware of: one, they usually don’t serve the kids dinner on the first night of the cruise (the day of embarkation). So if you have Palo or Remy reservations for that night, you’ll need to feed your kids yourself. Fortunately that’s easy: all you have to do is get food for the kids before or after your reservation from one of the fast-food restaurants on the pool deck. Two: be aware of when the kids are served. Meal times may be too early for your liking if you leave your kids in the Club.

Also, keep in mind that the Disney crew members will not make your kids sit down to eat. They will make sure every child is informed that food is being served, but they can’t and won’t make your children stop playing to eat, and there is one opportunity to eat for each mealtime. There are no snacks served in the club between meal times. It’s a good idea when you pick up your kids to check if they ate and if they are hungry.

Dine and Play Program

Please note : The Dine and Play program is temporarily suspended, but may return at any time. Ask about it onboard if you’re interested.

The Dine and Play program allows children to get their meals quicker and adults to check in a child for Youth Activities without leaving the dining room. The Dine and Play program is offered for families assigned to second dining, and is open to children ages 3-12. 

Here’s how it works: You arrive in the dining room and inform the server that your child would like to participate in Dine and Play. The dining room team brings the child’s meal first while serving the adults at a more leisurely pace.

About 45 minutes after seating begins, Youth Activities Counselors arrive in the dining room and sign in the child to Disney’s Oceaneer Club, eliminating the need for you to escort the child to Deck 5.

Adults are then able to enjoy the full dining experience with the knowledge that their children are having a great time in a safe, fun and comfortable environment.

Alternative approach: You can ask your server to feed the kids as fast as possible, and then have an adult walk them over to the kids club and check them in. It only takes a few minutes to get to the club and back. Some parents have told us their kids prefer this method over using Dine & Play, as you can get the kids to the club whenever they’re ready and there’s less waiting around.

Room Service

Room service is not a strong suit on Disney Cruise Line. The food, in our experience, is merely adequate. It is free (though a tip is welcomed) and convenient, though. Selection is mostly very basic and very middle-American: sandwiches, basic soups, chicken wings, a few salads, a cheese plate, burger, pizza or topped flatbreads. 

If the buffet or top deck restaurants are open, we suggest sending someone to the buffet or top deck instead of ordering room service . The selection in the buffet is much better and the food better prepared. The top deck restaurants have a more limited selection, but sending someone to the top deck for food has always resulted in hotter, fresher food when we’ve done it. That said, if you’re worn out, or come back really late from a port excursion, it’s nice to know they will bring you food any time.

Mickey bars (Mickey head shaped ice cream bars) and Smuckers Uncrustables (packaged peanut butter & jelly sandwiches) are not on the menu, but have usually been available on request.

Special orders are limited , but if you want something simple that is not on the menu, but is made with components used in items that are on the menu, such as a grilled cheese sandwich, plain salad without dressing, plain hamburger patty with no bun or just an order of french fries, they will usually make that for you on request.

Room service breakfast in the regular staterooms is a very basic Continental offering of various baked goods, cereal, milk, hot drinks and juice. There is nothing hot and no real protein, so if you like eggs and bacon in the morning, head for the buffet or whichever dining room is serving breakfast (it’s listed in the Disney Cruise Navigator app). We do sometimes use room service to get coffee delivered in the morning. Though lately we just have them deliver hot water, because we prefer the Starbucks Via packets to the ship’s reconstituted coffee product.

Guests in concierge staterooms and suites can order dinner from the rotation restaurants during regular dinner hours . Ask your concierge staff for a menu. All courses of your meal are brought at once, which doesn’t do good things for the quality of the meal, but it’s still better than the regular room service offerings. Concierge level guests can order hot breakfasts in their suites and staterooms during the cruise.

Many common beverages (including sodas) are available FREE most of the time , but there are situations where you could be charged for them. Here are the basic rules:

  • The self-service drink station on the pool deck offers milk , juice , tea (hot or iced) , coffee, hot cocoa , lemonade, plain water and fountain sodas  at no extra charge 24 hours a day.
  • The dining rooms (including Palo, Remy and Enchanté) offer milk , juice , tea (hot or iced) , coffee , hot cocoa ,  lemonade, plain water and fountain sodas  at no extra charge with meals. All other drinks can be ordered, but cost money.
  • Castaway Cay offers milk , juice , tea (iced only) , lemonade, plain water and fountain sodas  for free. All other cold drinks (except iced espresso drinks) can be ordered at a bar, but cost money. No hot drinks are available. 
  • Room service offers milk , juice , tea (hot or iced), plain water and  coffee free. All other drinks cost money. 
  • All bars (including espresso bars) charge for all beverages , except plain tap water.
  • Bottled water, canned and bottled soda and soft drinks , alcoholic beverages , mocktails , smoothies, shakes  and espresso drinks (and related drinks like chai lattes) always cost money no matter where you order them.
  • The fountain sodas are all Coca-Cola products (which could change any time, but Coca-Cola has had a strong partnership with Disney for many years). The bars have a wider selection of canned and bottled beverages available, at a charge.

Consider bringing your own bottled water if you think you’ll drink a lot of it on shore excursions, Castaway Cay, etc. Bottled water on the ship or Castaway Cay is expensive. Consider packing a small carry-on suitcase with just bottled water. Then on the way home you’ll have room for all those things you didn’t plan to buy. (If you are staying on concierge level on the Dream or Fantasy, bottled water is provided in the lounge without cost.)

Disney allows each adult to bring up to two 750 ml bottles of wine or six 12 oz beers onboard at embarkation and at each port visited. Bottles must be sealed and they must be in your carry-on luggage.  Spirits (rum, vodka, whiskey, etc.) are not allowed (they will be confiscated and given back to you at disembarkation).

Sealed bottles or cans of non-alcoholic beverages can be carried on in any amount that will fit through the x-ray machines (carry-on bag sized, in other words). As for coolers, Disney officially says that you can only take aboard small (12″ x 12″ x 12″ max) soft-sided coolers for keeping things like insulin and breast milk cold. In practice, soft coolers can be any size that’s small enough to fit through the x-ray machine (again, basically the size of a carry-on bag), but no hard-sided or wheeled coolers.

Disney, like all other cruise lines, does not allow any beverages in checked bags , because checked baggage is stacked up and handled roughly during the loading process, which could cause containers of liquids to break and/or leak onto other people’s luggage. They do screen for those items. If they find disallowed items, the items will be confiscated and given back at the end of the cruise.

Coffee and Tea

Regular American-style coffee on Disney ships is unfortunately not good. The “drip” coffee they serve throughout the ship is made in a machine that looks vaguely like a coffee urn, but actually produces instant coffee on demand by mixing liquid concentrate and hot water. When it’s made in a properly-calibrated machine it tastes like OK instant coffee (not as good as Starbucks Via, but better than Folger’s Crystals). If the machine is out of calibration, it can be really weak or very strong.

If you like your coffee with cream and sugar or just aren’t picky about coffee, you may be fine with the reconstituted coffee . If you like quality coffee, you may want to order espresso drinks (at extra cost), which are available at most bars and sit-down restaurants and at the bar in the Wish, Dream & Fantasy’s buffets. You might also consider bringing Starbucks Via packets if you like them. In our experience the Via is much better than the reconstituted stuff.

If you’re a tea drinker, the news is better: there are a wide variety of Twinings tea bags (regular and herbal) at the main deck drink stations and in the dining rooms. And in the dining rooms, they almost always serve tea properly, with acceptably hot water and a small pitcher of milk upon request.

The iced tea served everywhere is unsweetened reconstituted iced tea from a soda machine (Fuze brand from Coca-Cola), but you can make your own iced tea by brewing fresh hot tea and adding ice and water, and that is much better. Our recipe: put two regular black tea bags in a cup of hot water, steep three minutes, stir in sugar if desired, then pour over a full cup of ice. Add water to taste.

Most bars on the ship have espresso machines , including the adults-only Cove Cafe on the pool deck and the all-ages Promenade Lounge on deck 3 (Wonder & Magic), Vista Café on deck 4 (Dream & Fantasy), and all bars and lounges on the Wish. Espresso is also available in the main dining rooms, the premium restaurants, and the Dream, Fantasy and Wish buffets. All espresso drinks cost extra, generally about the same price as on land. If you are a regular consumer of espresso drinks, be sure to get a coffee card. Each time you buy a latte, cappucino, etc. they will mark the card. Your sixth beverage is FREE! If you don’t fill your card during the cruise, hold onto it — it can be used on a future cruise, even on a different Disney ship!

Wine Packages and Refillable Beer Mug

Disney doesn’t have any “all you can drink” packages available. You don’t really need one for sodas, since they’re included (except at bars). Alcohol and other specialty beverages are always a la carte. There are, however, two programs that could save you some money (albeit with a few caveats).

Wine Packages

This is an opportunity to pre-pay for a certain number of bottles of wine, which you can enjoy at any of the sit-down restaurants. If you don’t finish one, you can get it recorked for the next night (and they’ll take it to the next restaurant in the rotation, or you can get it brought to you at Palo, Remy or Enchanté), or you can take it with you to your room. If you don’t end up drinking them all, you can take the remainder home. Your server will usually suggest buying one bottle per cruise night, but you can buy more or less if you like. The wines are all from a set list, which changes from time to time, and usually includes about 10-12 white wines and 8-10 red wines. There are two tiers, with the more expensive one including fancier bottles of wine. The wines on the list change regularly, but we think the choices are all pretty good, with a few real winners on each list. Disney pushes these packages aggressively: a brochure will be on the table your first night, and one of your servers will offer a sales pitch the first night.

We went to the trouble a few years ago to price out all the wines on the list and compare to the average cost per bottle from the packages . The price per bottle in the packages was about $2-3 cheaper than the average price of the bottles included in the package. However, the packages typically have only 5-7 selections that sell for more than the average price, and 12-15 selections that sell for less than the average price. So if you pick random bottles from the list, you’re very likely to end up spending more (or at least not much less) by buying the package. To come out ahead, you have to consistently order from the few bottles that are higher priced.

Frankly, our opinion is that it’s not worth the trouble, at least as a money-saving strategy . If buying your dinner wine in advance will help you relax, then go ahead; you certainly won’t lose much money unless you happen to always pick the cheapest wine on the list. And if you really love a particular wine or wines that you know are higher-priced, and you plan to only drink those, the plan will save you a few bucks per bottle.

Refillable Beer Mug

This is a large 21 oz glass souvenir beer mug that you can buy at any bar for $17 (last we checked). When you get it filled (at any bar or restaurant), you get 21 ounces for the price of a 16 ounce draft beer. One nice thing is that you don’t have to cart the mug around; they’ll give you a little token you can trade for a mug at any time. So you give the token to your server and get a mug of beer, and when you’re done you can give them the mug and ask for the token back. At the end of the cruise, just stop by any bar to get a nice clean mug to take home. The selection of draft beers is pretty good, and in addition to the standard American beers, there are always a few craft beers like Widmer or Full Sail and even sometimes a cider like Strongbow. (Disney Cruise Line advertises this as a 21 oz glass, but we heard from a reader who measured it and found it actually held 20 oz when filled to the rim.)

Purely as a money-saving strategy, it’s hard to get your money’s worth out of the mug unless you really like beer. However, if you like the idea of having a Disney Cruise Line souvenir beer mug, and the price seems reasonable, then the extra beer is basically FREE. Make sure to tell your spouse that when you buy it.

Disembarkation Day

Breakfast is served on the day of disembarkation. In fact, you’ll have an assigned restaurant and time for breakfast for disembarkation, or you can choose to eat at the buffet instead. It will be a much smaller selection than during the cruise: welcome back to the real world!

Regular guests do not have access to room service on disembarkation morning. Concierge level guests can order a standard Continental breakfast from room service on disembarkation morning.

Most kids find the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, for ages 3-10, to be the best part of a Disney cruise. There is a lot to do, with great hands-on organized activities going on all the time.

Signing in and out is a relatively easy process considering what needs to be done to protect the children. However, you may have to wait in line either to drop them off or pick them up. Plan at least 5 minutes for the pick up or drop off process. If your children are 8 years old or older, they can be given the ability to sign themselves in and out on their own.

The Navigator app will tell you what’s happening and where your kids are at any given time. Check the app to see if your children will be out of the Club at the time you want to sign them out – for instance, they could be up on the deck playing basketball. Using the app to plan will save you a wasted trip. Also, when the kids are moving from one location to another, they will not allow you to sign them in or out, so there can be a 10-15 minute window where you have to wait.

You can keep your child signed in to the Oceaneer Club while at Castaway Cay. They will take the kids off the ship to special play areas for supervised games and activities throughout the day. If you do this, be sure to bring your phone with you. The Wi-Fi covers much of Castaway Cay and the app tends to work OK. But if you want your kids to join you for some time on the island, make sure you know their schedule of activities. They eat lunch fairly early, and are taken back to the ship before the beach closes.

Edge is the “tween” club for ages 11-14. Vibe is the teen club for ages 14-17. A 14-year-old can access both Edge and Vibe, but they will have to register for both. Disney will sometimes be slightly flexible about the age groups for these clubs, and will sometimes allow a child that is a little younger than the target age into the older teen club if they have space in the club your child wants to attend, especially if they have a friend or sibling in the older club. This is not guaranteed, but it’s worth asking.

The Disney Cruise offers many opportunities to meet characters . You will see most of the popular characters at some point or another on the Disney Cruise. Greeting times are available in the Navigator app. The lines for character greetings usually start forming about 15 minutes before the scheduled greeting time, so if you can get there 10 minutes beforehand, you won’t have a long wait once the characters arrive.

Some popular character meetings and meals may require advance booking . There’s no charge for the character meetings, but certain breakfasts or teas with characters may have an additional fee. You should book these as early as you can online; the bookings open on the same schedule as  booking excursions and Palo/Remy/Enchanté . You can also call or stop by guest services on the first day and ask about tickets; they may hold back some slots for onboard booking. Thanks to Sarah B and Rachel P for info.

Bring your kids’ Disney costumes, if they have any. The cruise is a great opportunity to get pictures of your daughter dressed as Belle with the “real” Belle herself, without her having to wear the costume all day.

If you’re on a 7-night cruise, you may have an assigned Character Breakfast on one of the days of the cruise. You’ll get a chance for photos with all the main Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie!

Most of the character greetings will include a Disney professional photographer , so if your own photo doesn’t turn out you can still buy a memento from Shutters, the onboard photo location.

Read our tips, tricks and discounts on Port Excursions !

The list below is mostly based on reader suggestions. We have to admit, we have taken Disney cruises at various times without these, and everything went just fine. So don’t go too crazy with overpacking! But some of these are good ideas for specific needs.

  • Water shoes – Always a good idea if you’ll be snorkeling or wading where there are coral reefs and sharp rocks. Also handy to protect your feet on hot sand, concrete or the pool deck; the sun can make the deck very hot and you’ll want some of these or some simple flip-flops while hanging around the pool. You can wear water shoes that are secure and not likely to come off on the AquaDuck, AquaMouse and AquaDunk, but flip-flops or water shoes that slip off easily will need to be stowed before riding.
  • Safe Sea lotion – This is a lotion that protects against jellyfish, sea nettle, and seabather’s eruption , caused by jellyfish larvae that are sometimes called “sea lice.” There is actual independent research that backs this up – we’ve read it and are satisfied that it works. We want to reassure people that large jellyfish are kept out of the lagoon at Castaway Cay by netting under the water, so we’ve never heard of anyone getting a serious sting there, but people do occasionally get seabather’s eruption. At other beaches in the Bahamas and Caribbean jellyfish stings are not common, but they do happen. The peak season for jellyfish is summer (June-August) and they’re rare in winter. We actually had a very minor issue with seabather’s eruption on one trip to Castaway Cay (on some skin that didn’t have lotion; we failed to note that you need to apply some underneath the swimsuit for full protection), and we can attest that while it’s not the end of the world, it’s quite unpleasant and worth avoiding. Certainly the lotion is a cheap form of insurance, and there are formulations that include sunscreen, which you’ll need anyway. Another option is to bring some jellyfish after-sting gel  just in case, or some sources recommend hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine cream .
  • Body Powder – If you’ve ever tried to wipe beach sand off your body, you know it tends to stick in an annoying manner. It turns out it sticks to your skin because of residual moisture, and if you just rub your skin with water-absorbent powder (i.e. scented cornstarch), the sand drops right off. We used to recommend a very useful little mitt that contained cornstarch-based body powder for wiping off sand. Apparently that mitt isn’t made any more, but you can get the same effect by just sprinkling the powder on a towel and wiping with that. Do make sure you’re getting plain cornstarch powder, or at least talc-free powder. Talc is not good to breathe.
  • Robe – if you like to wear one in your room, you’ll need to bring your own unless you’re in a concierge room. Some people have had luck asking their stateroom attendant, but it’s not guaranteed they can get you one.
  • Pop-up Hamper – We like the rectangular kind with a circular opening on the top, as opposed to the ones that look like a big round cloth-covered spring. The squarer ones seem to hold their shape better. They only weigh 8 ounces, fold down to a small circle, and fit nicely into hotel and stateroom closets.
  • Dry box/case – Basically, a small waterproof box or pouch on a lanyard. Used by scuba divers and snorkelers, these are handy for any beach visit, because you can keep your ID and some money around your neck, instead of sticking valuables in your shoe and leaving them on the beach (yeah, everyone knows about THAT hiding place!)
  • Clothespins – These have a variety of uses, from weighing down a shower curtain that wants to stick to you, to anchoring your beach towel to a lounge chair. You can clip your curtains together if you want to minimize light leakage in the morning. Oh, and you can use them to hang laundry up to dry, too (there’s a retractable clothesline in the bathtub).
  • Night light – Particularly if you are staying in one of the Inside cabins on the Magic, Wonder or Wish, this is nice to have. It’s pitch black in those rooms when the lights are off. If you don’t want to use up a wall plug, you can get a USB light that plugs into an empty USB charger port. (It’ll also work in a laptop USB port, but not all laptops keep power to the USB ports when they go to sleep, so you’d want to check that first.) An LED flashlight or headlamp can also be handy if you need to get up in the middle of the night and don’t want to turn on lights.
  • Magnets – The stateroom doors are metal (except for the doors in the concierge section of the Dream and Fantasy). You can stick magnets on them to decorate your door, and it makes it easier for your children (and you) to identify your room. Don’t bring anything you can’t bear to lose: these do get taken sometimes. Please note that you are not allowed to use any type of adhesive on your door, including removable gel adhesives that supposedly come off clean. You will be charged for any damage to the door.
  • Multi-USB charger – When we have a lot of things to charge while travelling, normally we bring a  travel power strip , but as mentioned below, power strips are generally not allowed on Disney ships. Now we bring a multi-charger, which can charge 4 or more devices from one outlet. We’ve used Anker brand as well as Amazon Basics, and they’ve both been perfectly fine. You’ll need to also bring the USB cable for each device. We’d recommend getting at least a 40W model if you have anything more than just a phone or two. A 60W model typically has six outlets and might be just the thing if you have a lot of tablets and phones to charge, or you want a spare port to plug a USB night light into. Note that on the Magic and Wonder, they’ve installed a few more USA-type power outlets near the desk, and there are a couple of USB charging ports at the desk and on the alarm clock next to the bed. The Wish staterooms have tons of USB charging outlets at the desk and next to the bed, including two USB-C ports, so you can probably get by without a USB charger on that ship.
  • Irons are NOT ALLOWED as they are a fire hazard. Fire is a huge danger on cruise ships. If you take an iron it will be confiscated from your luggage. Irons are available for your use in the laundry rooms.
  • Rolls of quarters – In the past, these were needed for the self-service laundry onboard, but now you just swipe your room key for use of the washer, dryer, soap and dryer sheets. The cost is charged to your account.
  • Over-the-door shoe organizer – Some people have used these to store toiletries or other small items. Disney now asks that you do NOT use them as they “scratch and/or disfigure stateroom doors and trim.” You will be charged for any damage.
  • Seasickness medication – Unless you KNOW you get seasick on cruise ships, don’t bother bringing this. If you do get queasy, the ship’s health center or the guest services desk will give you FREE over the counter medication (generic meclizine, the ingredient in Bonine or non-drowsy Dramamine). If you get super-queasy the health center can get you prescription medication (for a fee).
  • Beach towels – They are provided when you get off the ship on beach days.
  • Power/outlet strip – These are not allowed on the ship. MouseSavers.com reader Christina N reports: “… they confiscated these from my bag and from others. They do not allow them as it blows circuits in the room.” Technically, they only ban extension cords, and power strips with surge protectors, but in practice people have reported having just about any kind of multi-outlet strip or adapter confiscated, because the people doing the screening don’t want to figure out whether your power strip is one of the “bad” ones. One thing not many people know is that there’s an open outlet behind the TV in most cabins on the Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy. The TVs are on a pivoting arm, so it’s easy to pull them out and expose the spare plug. Many smartphones and smaller tablets can be charged through a USB cable connected to a laptop, so if you take a USB cable you’ll only need one outlet, to plug in the laptop. Or you might want to pack a multi-USB charger like the ones mentioned above. And over time Disney has been adding USB charging ports to the outlets near the desk, so you might not need a power strip depending on how many devices you have.
  • Extension cords – the only extension cords allowed on the ship are ones you can borrow from Guest Services ($50 deposit required; refunded when you return the cord). There are a limited number and availability is first-come, first-served. If you need one for a CPAP or other medical device, one will be made available, but all of the ships now have a plug next to the bed, so you shouldn’t need an extension for a CPAP. On the Wish, there are US-style plugs next to one side of the bed, and a European plug on the other side. So if you have a CPAP or other device that goes next to the bed, and you really prefer to sleep on a specific side, make sure you have the correct plug adapter and your CPAP power supply handles both 110 and 220 volt current (almost all of them do, but you should check).
  • Hairdryer (maybe) – Hairdryers are provided, but the ones provided might not be up to your standards. If you’re not picky, don’t bother packing one.
  • High chair / booster seat – Both are provided on request in the dining room.
  • Pack and play crib – These are provided onboard (request when booking your cruise).
  • Stroller (maybe) – There are some strollers available to borrow onboard (deposit required) and on Castaway Cay. However, there are a limited number and it’s first-come, first-served. If you have a little one, it’s not a bad idea to bring a small umbrella stroller along.

During the day and most evenings on the Disney Cruise Line, you can wear casual clothing. At dinner, you are asked to stick to “cruise casual.” Most men wear a collared shirt (aloha shirts and golf/polo shirts are fine) and long pants (chinos or dress slacks) or nice shorts. Most women wear a skirt, dress, nice pants or dressy capris. Disney requests no swimwear or tank tops at dinner, but in practice, dressier tank-style tops will usually be acceptable. People who show up to the main dining rooms in swimsuits are almost always asked to change.

There are times when dressing up to some extent is either required or encouraged:

  • When having dinner at Palo, Remy or Enchanté, the dress code is basically “business casual plus.” Men are required to wear long pants suitable for professional work (which could include “nice” jeans), collared shirts and dressier shoes. Some men wear suits or even tuxedos. Women can wear pretty much anything “nice” that isn’t swimwear, casual t-shirts, shorts or sportswear. Semi-formal or even formal wear would not be out of place. At Brunch or Tea at either restaurant, the dress code is “cruise casual,” which basically means no shorts, swimsuits, tank tops or flip-flops.
  • On 4-night or longer cruises, there will be one or two “optional dress up” nights that you can interpret how you will. Dressing up is not required, but some folks will make an effort to change for dinner. On our most recent Disney cruises we’ve seen a handful of tuxedos on dress-up nights and a few dozen men wearing jackets. A fair number of women were dressed in nicer outfits. Lots and lots of people were just in normal “cruise casual” outfits, so if you don’t like to dress up don’t feel like you’re under any obligation to do so. On the other hand, if you like to dress up, it’s a great opportunity. The crew and the Disney characters will be in nicer clothes, there will be photo stations where you can get a picture of the whole family in nice outfits, and you won’t feel overdressed in a gown or tux.
  • Some people like to wear dressy or semi-formal clothing on the nights when they dine in Lumiere’s (Magic), Triton’s (Wonder) or Royal Palace/Royal Court (Dream or Fantasy), since those are the restaurants with the fanciest theming but this is not by any means required.
  • Similarly, a few people like to dress in 1920’s inspired clothes when dining in 1923 on the Disney Wish. This is just a fun thing to do and not in any way required.

Where to Buy Disney Cruise Wear

If you’re looking for Disney-themed casual cruise wear (aloha shirts, etc.), a good place to look is DisneyStore.com . Unfortunately they only offer resort wear on a seasonal basis (usually spring and summer), but even in the winter it’s always worth looking to see if they have anything in the sale section.

DisneyStore.com  carries a significant amount of Disney Cruise Line clothing and other logo merchandise as well.

  • See current discounts and offers for DisneyStore.com.

Your phone should still be able to reach a tower on land as long as the ship is in port, but once you are at sea, we strongly advise you to turn off international roaming and data roaming, to avoid having your phone accidentally use the “Cellular@Sea” service, which is very expensive. You can (and should) leave wi-fi turned on, so you can use Disney’s Navigator App to see the current schedules and menus and so forth.

You can also use the Disney Navigator App on your own phone to send messages to other people in your party. To get message notifications as quickly as possible, make sure that notifications are enabled for the Disney Navigator app, as well as background updates. Basically in our experience, the Navigator app needs to have all permissions set to “on,” including Location, Bluetooth, Notifications, and Background Update. You can (and perhaps should) turn those off again once your cruise has ended.

If you absolutely must use your phone to call or text while at sea, service may be available on Disney ships through the “Cellular@Sea” service. It is a very expensive form of international roaming and the ship must be 8 to 10 miles out to sea before you can access it. Most phones will just connect to Cellular@Sea without needing any special setup, but be aware that the service includes phone, text messaging, and data . If your phone is set to auto-update, you could end up on the hook for a large data charge because it decided to download a 100MB game update or something. Definitely turn off your cellular data, or set it to not use cellular data when roaming.

US phones will work in most international ports if you have turned on international roaming. You might need to arrange with your provider for that feature to be turned on in advance, but most providers have it set up by default. Depending on your provider, roaming may be very expensive (potentially over $2 per minute, and $10 or more per megabyte of data). Check with your provider for special international roaming packages, which may save you money if you plan to use your phone a lot.

Wireless internet service is available on all Disney ships . All internet is over satellite, and you shouldn’t expect speeds or responsiveness similar to what you get on land, though it’s usually good enough to send messages and emails and use Facebook and other social media.

Internet service on Disney ships is paid for by the day, and is theoretically “unlimited .” It’s pretty fast for cruise ship internet, but still slower than most land-based systems. You’re sharing bandwidth with all the other passengers and crew, so right after you leave a port, expect the internet to crawl as everyone starts posting pictures of their excursions to social media. If you have cellular internet service that works in that country (and is reasonably priced), you may want to post your pictures before you leave port via cellular rather than via wi-fi. If your cellular is flaky, get to the top deck and walk over to the side of the ship closest to land. Alternatively, wait until dinner time, when the wi-fi speeds will pick up considerably.

Prices are (so far) pretty reasonable for cruise ship internet, with a basic single-device plan that lets you use Facebook and similar apps (but not email or web) for $16/day (when purchased for the whole cruise), a fancier plan that includes email and web (but no streaming) for $24/day, and a premium plan that includes music streaming for $34/day. Video streaming is not supported on any plan , so no Netflix or Hulu. Plans cost a little more if you only buy a plan for individual days rather than the whole cruise, and there is a small discount for adding additional devices.

Spa: Treatments, Products and Fitness Center

Spa treatments are very popular and fill up early , so book them as early as you can . If you’re not able to get an appointment before you embark, go to the Spa when you get onboard and you’ll probably be able to arrange one in person.

We don’t recommend having any spa treatments done on the first (embarkation) day , because people are touring the Spa all afternoon and evening, making it busy and not very relaxing. It’s a good day to set up your future appointments, but not as good for actually having treatments done.

The changing rooms in the spa have fluffy robes for your use. Sadly, the robes are all “one size fits most” and aren’t big enough for many people. You then can choose a locker that contains a clean pair of spa sandals. The lockers allow you to set your own combination for secure storage of your personal items. We don’t find the sandals they provide very comfortable (again, they’re “one size fits most”), so we just wear a clean pair of sandals or flip-flops to our spa appointment.

You can change into your robe in the open locker room or in one of the toilet cubicles. Once you’re in your robe and sandals, an attendant will escort you to a quiet waiting room, where you can enjoy some water while you wait for your treatment. After your treatment you’ll be escorted back to the locker room, where you can use one of the spacious showers if you wish. Basic toiletries, disposable combs, etc. are provided. On the Dream and Fantasy, there is a dry sauna in the locker room that you can enjoy after your treatment for no additional charge.

If you are considering a Cabana Massage on Castaway Cay, here are a few things to consider first:

  • The cabanas are rustic. There is no running water in them, so your massage therapist cannot wash her hands during your treatment. There is no air conditioning (there is a ceiling fan) or heat so it can be unpleasantly hot in the summer and uncomfortably cool in the winter.
  • Your feet and lower legs will almost certainly be covered with sand by the time you get to the cabana, and there’s really no facility for removing it. (There is an outdoor shower near the waiting area, but you’ll then proceed across the sand to the cabana… you’ll get sandy again, trust us.) So the sand inevitably becomes part of the treatment. How you feel about having sandy oil rubbed into your skin is a matter of preference. And remember, the massage oil dissolves any sunscreen you’re wearing, so you’ll need to reapply it afterward, which enters the mix with the sand.
  • When you envision this experience, you might think you would be relaxing to the sound of the ocean waves. Nope. The cabanas are located right above the lounge chairs along the beach (though visually separated by some plants), so you will hear the chatter of people sitting right below you.
  • The Cabana Massage is billed as featuring “breathtaking views of Serenity Bay.” Well, that’s true for the massage therapist, but you’ll be lying on a table, and you won’t see the scenery from there.
  • The Cabana Massage is more expensive than a regular massage in the ship’s spa, yet in many ways you are getting less for your money. If you have a massage on the ship, you’ll have access to showers, a locker room, robes and sandals, etc. With the Cabana Massages, you get none of that.

The Rainforest

The Rainforest is a lovely, relaxing co-ed spa area on each ship.

  • On the Magic and Wonder , the Rainforest includes three tiled steam rooms (each a different temperature), some open showers with different scented “rain” programs and a few heated loungers.
  • On the Dream and Fantasy , the Rainforest has a dry sauna, a hot steam room and a hammam (a large, tiled steam room that is less hot than the regular steam room), four scented showers with multiple “rain” programs, numerous heated loungers with views of the sea and two hot tubs on a private deck overlooking the water.
  • On the Wish , the Rainforest has a dry sauna, hammam, a cryotherapy (cold) room, showers with rain programs, heated loungers, and a nice sun deck ( much larger than the one on the Dream & Fantasy) with two hot tubs and plenty of sun beds. The sun deck is tucked into the nose of the ship, one deck below the promenade, so there’s no ocean view, but you can see the sky and relax in the sun or the shade according to your preference.

You can purchase a day pass or a longer pass for the length of your cruise. A limited number of passes are sold on each sailing. Tip: the Rainforest Room is closed until around 5 on embarkation day, so you won’t typically get a lot of usage on the first day of the cruise. You may find it’s a better deal just to pay day-by-day, or ask if you can buy a shorter pass. The single-day passes for the sea day(s) will go first, followed by the full-cruise passes. A pass for the Castaway Cay day or other port day might be available same day, and could be a good alternative if you’re not interested in that port.

When you want to use the Rainforest, just tell the front desk staff at the spa and they’ll give you a wristband that opens the door to the Rainforest area. They will hold your room key while you are in the Rainforest. You then proceed to the locker room, where you can choose a locker and get a robe and sandals, if desired. A swimsuit must be worn since the Rainforest is mixed-gender.

Towels and drinking water are provided.

The spas on the Disney ships are operated by Steiner, a huge British spa company that runs spas for cruise lines and resorts. The staff do a great job performing the spa treatments, but Steiner trains them to offer product upsells at every reasonable opportunity. The result is that they almost always give cruise passengers a sales pitch on spa products. The products themselves are fine, but they are expensive and getting a sales pitch after your relaxing treatment can be annoying.

You’ll be given a “health form” before your treatment, asking about various health issues. Any issues you write on that form are used to help them sell you stuff (“Oh, I see you have very dry skin. You should try this cream.”). For that reason, unless you have an allergy or injury that directly affects your treatment , we recommend leaving the form as blank as possible .

Some people have tried writing “no sales pitch” on the form, but that is frequently ignored. Here are some other approaches we’ve used with success:

  • A polite and friendly “no thank you” when they start showing the products or going through their list of recommendations is our first line of defense. That’s often the end of it! But if they start offering a second sales pitch, we make a concerned/confused face, pause for a moment, and say, again politely, “I’m really not interested, thanks.” The subtext you want to get across is that by not paying attention to your clear and polite “no,” they’re running the risk of affecting your overall satisfaction, with all that implies about things like tips and guest comment cards. You don’t need to make this explicit; the concerned face and second “no” usually does the trick.
  • If they start the sales pitch while we are getting a relaxation treatment such as a massage or wrap, we usually just stay silent. We keep our  eyes closed and don’t respond to questions. Usually they quit talking, because it becomes quite awkward for them. But if they persist, we say politely, “Sorry, I’m trying to relax, and silence really helps me with that. Thanks!”
  • If we are getting a haircut or pedicure, it’s harder to ignore the sales pitch. So instead we act very enthusiastic about every product they are pushing. Usually they’ll use one or more of the products on us during the service. If they offer samples we take them, with sincere thanks. When we go to check out, there is always a big stack of “suggested” products at the front desk. When they ask us what we’ll be buying, we say “oh, I want to see how the stuff I tried today works out, so I’m not buying anything right now.”
  • Remember that no matter what happens, you can always change your mind about the add-on products when you check out. Until you sign the purchase slip, you haven’t purchased anything. Just say, “after thinking it over, I don’t need any products right now. Could you take these off the bill? Thanks.”

Fitness Center

A well-equipped Fitness Center can be accessed through the Spa on all of the ships. It’s usually open from early morning to fairly late – check the Navigator for specific hours. There is no charge to use the Fitness Center. The locker rooms, sauna and showers for the Fitness Center are shared with the Spa. Towels, robes and water are provided, and you can borrow an iPod shuffle if you don’t have your own iPod with you.

You never are expected to add any extra tip over and above the automatic gratuity amounts, which are listed below . You may , if you wish, add more, and you can even adjust certain tips down if you feel it’s warranted. Many people add extra gratuities purely because the service staff on a Disney cruise are extremely helpful and work very hard, but again, no one should ever make you feel like you are required to tip more.

Disney provides suggested tip amounts for the crew members who will assist you throughout the week: your server (takes your food orders for each dinner), assistant server (takes your drink orders at each dinner and delivers the food), head server (in charge of the overall dinner experience, special dietary requests and special occasions), and stateroom host/hostess (takes care of your room). As on all cruise lines, tips are the primary source of income for people working in these positions.

The suggested gratuities for your servers and stateroom host are automatically added to your stateroom bill. If you want to adjust the amount, you can go to Guest Services. Toward the end of the cruise you will be provided with slips indicating the tip amounts, which you can present to your servers during your last dinner on the cruise and leave in your room for your stateroom host. (They will get the money in their accounts whether you give them the slips or not, it’s purely a symbolic way of thanking them for their service. Don’t feel you need to do it if you don’t enjoy that kind of interaction.)

If you are staying in a concierge room, a separate form is provided to add tip for the concierge staff, with a suggested “average” tip amount. You can use your discretion to adjust it up or down based on how much help they provided your family. 

If you dine at Palo, Remy or Enchanté, many people add an additional tip to the per-person charge, though the basic charge is considered by Disney to cover the gratuity.

An automatic gratuity is added to all beverages ordered in bars and lounges; soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and bottled water from room service; and alcoholic beverages/smoothies/bottled water ordered in the dining room. There will also be a line where you can add an additional tip at your discretion.

You can add room service tips to your room bill. Even if your order costs nothing, you’ll be asked to sign a slip, and there is a space for tips on that slip. A dollar or two per item ordered is pretty common, but entirely optional.

You are allowed to give tips to crew members in cash, if you like, and they’re happy to take it in any major currency. If you have a meaningful amount of foreign currency (more than a few dollars worth) after your cruise that you’re unlikely to use anytime in the near future, feel free to leave it for your room host in addition to the automatic gratuity; they’ll be happy to get it.

As the skippers say on the world-famous Jungle Cruise, “You all have been outstanding on this cruise, but now I need you out standing on the dock!” Sadly, your cruise will eventually have to end, and Disney needs to get a few thousand people and their bags off the ship in the space of about 3 hours, so “efficiency” is the word of the day.

A few days before the end of your cruise you should be reminded to check the disembarkation instructions in the Navigator app , and you might get a paper form listing your specific disembarkation instructions. Disembarkation can feel very complicated and rushed, but it’s not that bad once you know how it works.

The first important decision is whether you want Disney to take your big luggage off the ship for you. If you have a lot of bags, or they’re unwieldy, you probably are going to want to have the bags moved for you, but if you can handle your own bags in one trip, that makes things immensely less complicated. These days we always choose to handle our own bags, but there are times we wonder whether it’d be easier to have Disney do it, usually when we’re wrestling our big roller bags down the gangplank. It’s worth trying it both ways if you go on multiple cruises, because you never can tell which one will feel easiest for you.

Whether or not you handle your own bags, you’re supposed to be completely out of your room on the final morning by 8:00 am so they can start cleaning and resetting it for the next guests (sometimes this time can change depending on the disembarkation port – check the sheet they give you or the app to make sure). This can make things logistically complicated, since if you want to do a table-service breakfast, it will be on a fixed schedule based on whether you are on the early or late dinner seating. The first breakfast seating starts early enough to get done before 8:00 am, but the later one does not. So if you plan to do table-service breakfast and you’re on late seating, you will have to take your luggage with you. Most people on late seating line up their bags in the hallway leading to the dining room. Don’t worry, no one will take your bags; your fellow guests are all far too tired. You can take smaller bags into the dining room and park them next to the table as long as they aren’t in the servers’ way. If you are planning an early breakfast in the buffet or you’re having sit-down breakfast on the earlier seating, you can just leave your bags in your room and then come back and retrieve them by 8:00 am.

Option 1: Disney Handles Your Bags

If you decide to have Disney haul your big bags to the terminal, then you’ll need to put most of your bags out the night before (typically by 10:30 pm – check the app to make sure). You need to hang on to at least one or two small bags to hold the stuff you can’t pack early, like toiletries and your pajamas. Make sure not to pack the clothes you’ll need to wear the next morning! You’ll get a set of luggage tags to put on the bags you’re putting out, and there will be a guide showing roughly when each group of bags will be ready to pick up in the terminal. For example, if you have bag tag “Donald Duck”, the sheet might say that your bags will be ready between 8:30-8:45 am. If you need to leave early to catch an flight or something, make sure you’ve got the earliest time they can give you. You can go to Guest Services to change your bag group if needed. On disembarkation morning, they will make periodic announcements about every 15 minutes, as each set of bags gets delivered to the terminal. They ask that you not leave the ship until your bag group gets called.

If you’re out of the room, but they still haven’t called your bag group, you’ll need to find somewhere to wait . In our experience, the lounges in the adult area of the ship are the most likely to have empty seats available, especially the main adult show lounge on the Magic, Wonder, Dream & Fantasy (Fathoms/Azure/Evolution/The Tube). Those are on deck 3, so you can just walk to the atrium when your group is called. On the Wish, there are fewer options on deck 3, so you may end up needing to go to another deck or sit on the floor. On the other hand, if you’re still in the dining room when they call your bag group, there’s not really any harm in waiting until you finish breakfast to disembark, assuming you don’t have transportation waiting for you. Typically they want everyone off by 9:30 am or so, so that’s your hard deadline.

When you get into the terminal, if you’re in a hurry, it’s not a bad idea to ask for a porter’s help. They’re usually lined up in the luggage area with carts, and they know the terminal well and will know if there’s any shortcuts or faster ways to get you into a cab or shuttle. They work for tips, and a typical tip is $1-2 per bag; more if they go above and beyond.

If you booked Disney’s transfers to Walt Disney World or the airport, then the timing is much more fixed. They will assign you a time to get off, and you really need to get off at that time so they can get you on the right bus. Arrange your breakfast plans accordingly.

Option 2: You Handle Your Own Bags

If you’re handling your own bags, there’s not really much you have to do the night before to prepare . Get mostly packed up the night before. Finish packing on the morning of disembarkation, get breakfast if you like, and then just leave the ship. You can leave any time after the ship is cleared, which will be 15-30 minutes after the ship is docked. They won’t necessarily announce to the whole ship that disembarkation has begun, because it’ll happen as early as 6-6:30 in the morning and they don’t want to wake everyone up with an announcement. If you can see that the ship is docked, just head down to deck 3 and wait for them to start letting folks off.

Skip the talks, except for the nature talks on the Alaska cruises, which can be excellent. The shopping talk is just a “rah-rah” for certain shops that are paying a marketing fee, and you might get a few coupons for free (junky) souvenirs. Both the shopping and disembarkation talks are replayed on the television repeatedly. Don’t waste your vacation time attending these lectures in person.

Read additional tips specific to the Disney Dream (which will also apply to the Fantasy) .

So what’s it really like to take a Disney cruise? Here are a few different perspectives on the experience:

  • A look at what’s new and different on the Disney Wish , from a preview sailing in July 2022.
  • A comparison of taking three cruises on three different ships in a six-month span between March and August 2014. It was rough, but somebody had to do it.
  • Taking a cruise on the Disney Fantasy with a baby and a 3 ½-year-old , May 2012.
  • First-hand report on the  Disney Fantasy  from March 2012: what’s new and different? See photos and learn more!
  •   First impressions of the Disney Dream , from a preview sailing in January 2011.
  • In summer 2007, friends of MouseSavers.com Ann and Danilo V wrote a travel blog about taking their 5 children to Europe for the summer. At the end of their trip they took a Disney Mediterranean cruise (10 nights roundtrip from Barcelona) in a Category 3 and a Category 4 stateroom. Then they did the 14-night Transatlantic cruise on the Disney Magic in the Walt Disney Suite!
  • Disclosures
  • California Adventure
  • Disneyland Park
  • Animal Kingdom
  • Hollywood Studios
  • Magic Kingdom WDW
  • Packing Lists
  • Height Restrictions
  • Disneyland Video Tips
  • Walt Disney World Video Tips
  • Reviews & Giveaways

Taking a Disney Cruise Over Christmas

by Character Diva | Jul 25, 2014 | Cruises , Cruises , Disney Wonder , First Trip Tips , General Cruise Tips , Holidays at Disney , Stuff to Do Onboard , Trips with babies | 0 comments

Taking a Disney Cruise Over Christmas

How about a little Christmas in the Summer?

By Character Diva

It’s getting to be that time of year again… the countdown for Christmas begins! I don’t know how many of you are already stashing presents in your closet, but I’m sure a lot of you have started figuring out (or at least thinking about) where you’re spending Christmas. Disneyland and Disney World are always popular destinations… but they’re packed. Like, bursting at the seams, moving shoulder-to-shoulder, insanely packed! Why not try a Disney Cruise instead? That’s what Character Diva’s Friend (CDF) did with her husband (CDFH), her mother (CDFM) and her two kids (E & J). Worried about your kids being too young to cruise? Have no fear… E was three and a half and J was one when they traveled.

Now there are many options when choosing a Disney cruise, with many ports to depart from and places to cruise to, not to mention the different ships. If you are planning a Disney Cruise, Tips from the Disney Diva always recommends using  Patricia . She is wonderful and will be happy to help you and your family plan your dream vacation. CDF’s family chose to travel from Galveston, TX on the Disney Wonder on a five day cruise around the Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico. (In case you’re wondering what their sailing itinerary looked like, it was as follows: They sailed December 21st-27 th . Day 1 was spent at sea, Day 2 was spent in Cozumel, Mexico; Day 3 was spent on the Grand Cayman Island, and Days 4 (Christmas) and 5 were spent at sea.) CDF felt that this amount of time was just right for her family, though she said one less day at sea would have been good.

So, as their first time on board a Disney cruise ship (and their first Disney vacation with their kids), here is what CDF had to say about cruising at Christmas:

First… what do you do about the gifts? Do you lug them around with you (and pray that they don’t get lost at an airport), or do you buy them on the ship? For CDF, she said that they bought all of their gifts at the gift shop and the gift shop staff wrapped them all up for free! (Which is also nice, because really, who wants to wrap presents on vacation, or risk the paper getting beaten up in transit?) Disney Diva Tip: This is also a good way to buy souvenirs that we would have wanted anyway, and they doubled as gifts. Yay for saving money!! And as   an added bonus, CDF also mentioned that they received gifts on their beds on Christmas Eve. (A box of small chocolates with a big Mickey Mouse Chocolate, Little Mermaid holiday themed lithographs, and a card. She also thought there was something else, but that’s all she could remember). Who wouldn’t love receiving free gifts from Disney?!

But, besides meeting Santa, what are some other festive holiday activities you can participate in with your family? CDF’s kids made some ornaments one morning. They also wanted to make gingerbread houses, but they were all filled up. Disney Diva Tip: Some of the ship’s activities are unannounced, which is another good reason to talk to someone like Patricia from All for Dreams Travel. It’s free, and she can take care of all of your travel arrangements, as well as let you know what things your family may enjoy on your vacation as well as other details about certain events. To ask for  a free quote, you can click here . What if you’ve already booked your vacation or on board? Just find a cast member. The Disney staff is very friendly and helpful, so if you have any questions, just ask.

And for those of you who are worried about “keeping the Christ in Christmas” and are wondering about religious services while on your cruise, the Disney Cruise Line offered Mass daily, as well as on Christmas Eve and Day, and there was also a Non-Denominational Service both Christmas morning and on Sunday morning.

As far as the ship itself, the whole ship was decked out in Christmas decorations.  The employees said “Happy Holidays” all of the time, except on Christmas Day, where all of a sudden it was “Merry Christmas”.  CDF thought it was kind of eerie how it changed overnight, but I suppose that’s politically correctness for you.

There is always one formal night on a Disney Cruise, and this time, it was on Christmas Eve. Disney Diva Tip: Always remember to have at least one formal outfit, and with small children who are likely to spill something on themselves or on you, you may want to bring at least two.

For CDF’s family, Christmas Day began with Christmas Mass followed by visiting Santa Claus Christmas morning. Unfortunately, there was a very long Santa line so the kids were too tired to care by the time we got to see him. Poor J was screaming.  Not fun.  CDF said that they did have a nice spread of goodies and hot chocolate in the lobby while everyone waited. Amidst all of the goodies, there was also a Frozen themed cake and pretty ice sculptures to help set the wintery theme. Disney Diva Tip: CDF recommends that you either get in line first thing or wave to Santa from afar next time… And this is always something you can do at home too (hopefully the lines at the mall aren’t as long… though I’m also assuming they won’t have a Frozen themed cake or Disney munchies to snack on.)

Thank you so much CDF for telling us all about your trip (and giving me a beautifully Christmas themed Little Mermaid lithograph, which she also got on board). So who’s ready for a Disney Christmas cruise? And have any of you ever cruised during the holidays? What are some of your tips? For more articles on cruising throughout the year, you can read these fun articles such as cruising with teens and cruising on your honeymoon , as well as some great tips on when to arrive , and our best 10 and a half tips for your Disney Cruise . And as always, when planning your next Disney Vacation, Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos highly recommends  Patricia Payne from All For Dreams Travel .

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  • Tips for Getting Autographs on the Disney Cruise Line
  • Adult Fun on a Disney Cruise
  • On Board Activities for Toddlers and Babies on a Disney Cruise
  • I’ve booked my dream Disney Cruise…now what??

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The Best First Time Disney Cruise Tips

The Best First Time Disney Cruise Tips

Embarking on your first Disney Cruise? Here are our BEST Disney Cruise Tips for Total Beginners. Much like any Disney Vacation, the more you know before you go, the better. This list will help you navigate dining, boarding, activities, money, ports, and more. Here are some Disney Cruise tips to know before you go!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission for purchases made at no cost to you, see our disclosures.

Disney Cruises have become some of our favorite types of vacations. Every Disney cruise we’ve taken has been nothing short of magical! But there is a bit of a learning curve for first time Disney cruisers, especially if you’ve never cruised at all before this! We’re sharing some of our favorite tips for beginners on Disney Cruise Line. We have been lucky enough to have sailed on all five Disney Cruise ships. So we hope this post helps you feel more prepared for your next Disney cruise. 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

  • 1 Tips For Planning for a Disney Cruise
  • 2 Tips for Choosing a Stateroom on a Disney Cruise
  • 3 Tips for once you’re onboard a Disney Cruise 
  • 4 Tips to Save Money on a Disney Cruise
  • 5 Tips For Tipping on a Disney Cruise
  • 6 Tips For Internet on a Disney Cruise
  • 7 Tips for Dining on a Disney Cruise
  • 8 Tips for Excursions on a Disney Cruise
  • 9 Tips for Kids Clubs on a Disney Cruise
  • 10 Tips for Adults on a Disney Cruise
  • 11 Tips for Meeting Characters on a Disney Cruise
  • 12 Tips for Packing for a Disney Cruise

Tips For Planning for a Disney Cruise

Here are a few basic Disney Cruise Line tips to help you navigate the waters of being prepared for your cruise!

Book your Disney Cruise through a Travel Planner

Booking through a travel agent is one of the easiest ways to make the trip planning process go smoothly. They can help you choose an itinerary, choose a stateroom, help you prepare for your trip, offer tips and suggestions and best of all, travel agents are free to use! They will also monitor the price of your cruise so that you get the best deal possible. And many travel agents offer extra perks like onboard credit .  There’s really not a lot of reason not to use a travel agent, even if you’re someone who prefers to do most of the planning yourself. You’re paying for a travel agent with your cruise fare whether or not you actually use one. So you might as well take advatage of their services. 

What is the best length of trip for a Disney Cruise?

This will depend a lot on what kind of vacation you’re looking for. But in general, we recommend not planning any less than a 4-night cruise. The reason for this is that generally, a 3-night cruise does not allow for any days at sea. Part of what you’re paying for on a Disney Cruise is to enjoy the ship and on the 3-night cruises, you just don’t get much opportunity to do that.  We love the longer cruises and always opt for those if it’s possible. But for a first timer we think no less than a 4-night cruise is a great place to start. 

Check-in for your Disney Cruise 30 days before 

Check-in for your Disney Cruise starts as early as 40 days before the start of your cruise. This is depend solely on your Castaway Club status . Pearl and Concierge can check in 40 days beforehand. Platinum at 38 days. Gold at 35 days. Silver at 33 days. And first time sailors at 30 days.  If you’re hoping to get an early Port Arrival Time, you’ll want to check in as soon as that window opens, which is 12am EST. You can learn all about the check in process on Disney Cruise Line here .  

Choose the best Port Arrival Time for YOU

When you check-in online you choose a Check-In time. This is not your boarding time, but rather the time you can arrive at the cruise terminal and begin the check-in process.  We like to choose an earlier time if possible, so that we can grab lunch onboard, and explore the ship before it gets too crowded. Many cruisers even go straight to the pool right away! Which why we recommend bringing your swim gear in your Disney Cruise carry on .  However, keep in mind, the best port arrival time is the one you can actually stick to. If you arrive too early, they’ll turn you away and you’ll just cause more congestion at the terminal. If you show up late, you may have to wait until even later to board. 

Choose the best port arrival time for, and your check in at the terminal will go smoothly. 

If you’re taking the Disney Cruise Line bus from a Walt Disney World Resort or airport , you can just choose the earliest time you see available.  When you arrive at port with the Disney Cruise Line bus is when they allow you to start checking in. So you’re not held to the same time restrictions as those arriving by other means. 

The Boarding Process on Disney Cruise Line

The Boarding Process is one of those things that you worry about way too much, and then when the time arrives, you realize it was actually really easy.  Be sure to have your cruise documents ready when you arrive so checking in at the port goes smoothly. The boarding process will vary slightly from port to port, but here is the general idea of how you can expect it to go. 

Updated Boarding Process at Port Canaveral for 2023

Boarding at Port Canaveral is currently slightly a bit different. When you arrive, you’ll be sorted into lines based on your port arrival time. Disney Bus cruisers, this doesn’t apply to you. When it’s time for you to enter the building, you’ll actually check in at the desk first. Be sure to have your cruise documents out. You’ll be given a boarding number at this point. Once you’ve been checked in, you’ll proceed through security, and then up the escalator to the terminal. Here you’ll wait until your boarding group has been called and then you can get on the ship!

You also no longer get your Key to the World card prior to boarding. These are left at your stateroom door and you can pick them up when you get on the ship. 

Boarding Process Steps (Pre-pandemic- will vary slightly to 2023)

  • Arrive at the cruise terminal
  • Leave checked luggage(with the proper luggage tags for your cruise ship attached) with a porter.
  • Then, you’ll be directed to a security checkpoint.
  • After you’ve gone through security, which is very similar to airport-style security, you’ll again be directed to the appropriate line for Check-In!
  • At this point, you will need passports (or whatever type of travel I.D. your cruise destination requires) as well as your cruise documents. P.S. The mysterious cruise documents will be different based on your situation and cruise choice. You will have received your Disney cruise line pamphlet in the mail, and believe it or not, if you open that baby up— it’s got a list of the documents you will need! All we needed was our passports and signed documents from the My Disney Cruise Line site. The documents mostly state we understand the charging privileges and the hazardous materials rules.
  • Then it’s photo time. You don’t have to have your photo taken, but you can if you want. 
  • You’re then given your Key to the World card and a boarding number.
  • Wait for your number to be called

And you’re done!

Know what Cruise Documents You Need

Every Disney cruise will require your check in form as part of your Disney Cruise documents. This can be printed off once you’ve checked in, or you can just show the QR code on your phone at port.  In addition to this, know what forms of identification you’ll need. Most closed loop US cruises (meaning they begin and end at the same port in the US) only require a government issued birth certificate and photo ID. You’ll receive information regarding what types of identification you’ll need from Disney Cruise Line, but this information is also available on the Disney Cruise Line website.

However, it’s extremely important to understand why you might want to bring a passport instead. A Passport is generally going to be safer and make check in easier. But also, in the rare case of an emergency, if you needed to be transported back to the US via air transport, a passport would be required to enter the country. Birth certificates and enhanced driver’s licenses are only accepted at land and sea crossings. We recommend you read all about what documentation you need for a cruise here so you can make the best decision.  We personally always take our passports on our cruises just to be safe!

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

This is a must do and we highly recommend downloading the Disney Cruise app before setting sail. At home, you can manage your reservations, book port adventures, see your itinerary and more.  And there’s a super cute countdown on the app that can help get you in the Disney mood. 

Once you’ve set sail, the Disney Cruise Line app is the only thing that can be used on the ship’s Wi-Fi for free. Well, kind of. iMessage also tends to work on the ship’s Wi-fi but it’s spotty.  Disney Cruise Line has recently gotten rid of paper navigators and now requires the use of the app to access the daily schedule.

The Disney Cruise Line app has tons of useful information. And you’ll likely use it most of your trip. Things like your dining rotation, activities and even the drink of the day are listed here. We recommend taking a look the day before or in the morning to see what your day will look like. You can favorite activities, keep track of planned onboard fun and port adventure times, and find out when characters will be available. 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

Tips for Choosing a Stateroom on a Disney Cruise

Choosing a stateroom on a Disney Cruise can be a tough decision. We always recommend looking online for room reviews, photos, videos or anything you can find. Not all rooms are made alike! We have an entire post about how to choose a stateroom, because there’s a lot that goes into it. If you’re working with a travel agent for your Disney Cruise , they can help you find the best room based on your preferences and budget. 

Other things to consider are which floor you want to be on, which side of the ship you want to be on and what things you want to be near, or away from. 

Is a porthole or verandah room worth the extra cost on a Disney Cruise?

Wondering how to Choose a Stateroom on a Disney Cruise ? There’s a lot that determines which kinds of Disney Cruise stateroom is best. But depending on your itinerary, length of cruise and just personal preference, it definitely could be!

This is actually a pretty highly debated topic in Disney Cruise Line Facebook groups. Should you spend the extra money for that porthole? Or even the verandah? This is a very personal preference and will really depend on how you vacation. We personally love going back to our stateroom to recharge, so for us, having that beautiful ocean view out of a porthole in the comfort of our room was really priceless.

If you don’t plan to spend any time in your room, we would recommend saving the extra money and option for an inside stateroom or porthole. Obviously, some people need a window (me) and others need quick access to fresh air. So both of these things can be a deciding factor in your choice. We’ve stayed in both a verandah room and a porthole and don’t regret the cost of either. That being said, I don’t think I’d personally spend the extra money on a verandah for a shorter cruise, but again, it’s a personal preference!

Tips for once you’re onboard a Disney Cruise 

You’re onboard the ship, hooray! Here are a few Disney Cruise tips to help you once onboard.

Attending the Safety Assembly on a Disney Cruise ship

The only thing you HAVE TO DO on a Disney Cruise is attend the safety assembly. If you do nothing else, you must go to the safety assembly on the first day. It will be on your navigator and is usually around 4 p.m. If you don’t go, they will come find you. This is serious business and the only thing you absolutely have to do while onboard. You don’t have to disembark at the port, you don’t have to go to dinner, you don’t have to go to the shows or participate in any of the activities, but you do have to go to the assembly. It is mandatory.

Make sure to see the shows onboard the Disney Cruises

Even if you choose to do nothing all day but lay by the pool and relax, you need to take the hour out of your evening and attend the live shows. They are incredible and so fun. We have been to Broadway and seen shows there, so we can honestly tell you that the talent, costumes, and stage sets are all right up there with the best of them.

We were lucky enough to see Frozen in its inaugural year on the Disney Wonder. And if you think you’ve seen Frozen or heard the song Let it Go too many times, you’re wrong. This show blew my mind! We also had the pleasure of seeing a new Beauty and the Beast show on the Disney Dream and it was one of the most fantastic shows we’ve ever seen. We only met a few other people who chose not to go to the shows, and they regretted not going. If you find after going one night that it’s not for you, that’s fine! But give it a try. You probably won’t regret it. 

And get there early! We recommend about 30 mins early if you want a good seat as seats do fill up quickly, especially on the smaller ships.

Explore the Ship or Take a Ship Tour

If you’ve never sailed on a cruise before, some of the lingo can be difficult to get used to. What the heck is starboard? Where is the Aft? There are maps all over the Disney Cruise ships, learn them. Disney does offer walking tours of the boat on the first day to help you get acquainted with your ship. Or you can do this on your own! We highly recommend this little walkabout. Sure, it may cut in a little to your first day on the boat, but it will keep you from getting lost later.

On our Very Merrytime Cruise long ago , we found out that the Disney Dream has a fun Mid-ship Detective Agency game that helped us orient ourselves to the boat and have a blast at the same time.  This game is only available on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy ; but we highly recommend taking time to play them if you have the chance!

Know when the Onboard Shopping is available

Forget your swimsuit, sandals, or sunscreen and want to buy it on board? Or maybe you saw the cutest sun hat that you’d love to wear at Castaway Cay in the shops on the cruise ship. It’s important to know when the shops are open for business so you can plan accordingly, especially if you’re buying something you need. As a general rule, the shops will be open at sea, and closed when at ports. Specific gift shop hours can be found in the Disney Cruise Line App and at the individual shops.

This is especially important for those taking a 3-night cruise.  The 3-night cruises go FAST, like really fast, and the shops are only open for a short time during the entire itinerary since they’re closed at port. So, if you’re hoping for some souvenirs, we recommend learning when the shops will be open, and plan to wait in line. 

Make time to relax on your Disney Cruise 

Make time to relax! There is so much to see and do on a Disney Cruise ship, but there are also so many opportunities to take a little break from doing anything at all. On our last cruise on the Disney Wish, we spent about 45 minutes at the very front of the ship just enjoying the view. You can only do this on the Disney Wish , and honestly, it’s pretty cool! 

Understand how Rotational Dining Works

Disney Cruise Line uses a unique strategy for dining called rotational dining. Each night you’ll rotate to one of the three main restaurants onboard, and your servers rotate with you. This gives everyone the chance to experience every restaurant, and your servers will get to know you. They’ll get to know what you like and what you don’t like, and they really make the Disney Difference on these ships. You can read all about Rotational Dining Here . 

Start Early to Beat the Crowds

Plan to be early everywhere. Arrive early for the shows. And early for Pool Time. Or early for Trivia. If you guys follow any of our tips regarding beating the crowds at Walt Disney World , you know we ALWAYS recommend getting an early start. There’s good reason we never stop saying this. Because it actually works for just about every situation. Disney Cruises are no different. The main pool area, which is also where you can grab unlimited soft serve, quick-serve meals and watch movies all day, gets very busy especially on Sea Days. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, get there before 11 am. This will ensure that you can grab a seat and enjoy the ambiance. Or just relax for a few moments before the crowds really start arriving. The pool area is busiest from 11 am-3 pm most of the time, and it can get pretty packed. 

Alternatively, if you are traveling sans children or your kids are in the kids clubs, the adult-only area is usually pretty calm and serene. So hopping over to that side is a great way to give yourself a break from the crowds.

The only exception to this is meals. You don’t really need to arrive early unless you want to. The doors don’t open until just a couple minutes before dinner has started, so if you arrive early, you’ll likely just be waiting around with everyone else. This is one scenario when arriving right on time will make you wait the least. 

Decorate your Cruise Ship Door

You can make door decorations to spruce up your door. We always make our door decorations and love coming up with different ideas and themes. Or if you’re not as crafty, or just don’t have time, there are plenty to be found on Etsy.  Many other people bring magnets, garland and other decorations. It’s an easy way to add a little extra magic to your cruise! And helps you find your door too.  The hallways are long and seem never-ending and the door magnets will help you find your way!

Watch the Cruise Ship Morning Show

Every morning, the cruise director and activities director will air a 15 minute-ish show on your cruise TV from 6 am-noon. This little show gives you all the info of everything that is happening onboard that day. Our cruise director was hilarious and we absolutely loved this show as something to watch while we were getting ready. 

Be Prepared for Sea Sickness on a Disney Cruise 

Let me tell you a little story called “I don’t get seasick”. Once upon a time, there were two sisters who thought they didn’t suffer from what some people call seasickness. They happily enjoyed their Disney Cruise for three whole days feeling fantastic. On the fourth night, however, their cruise ship was cruising at 21 knots to get back to Port Canaveral on time the next day and suddenly they began to feel much less than fantastic and had to lie down. They even missed a meal and ordered room service because they just couldn’t walk around the boat anymore feeling queasy. Luckily they had brought Sea Bands and were feeling better after a while. But it was a close call.

We had an itinerary that was pretty tight and had to make it back to port at a certain time. So, we had to go full speed ahead on our last night and it left the ride pretty bumpy. We had brought Sea Bands as a “just in case” and were so glad we did. You can also bring Dramamine or any other motion sickness OTC if you prefer that route. Sea-Bands are even great for kids, so grab some just in case.  Check out what to buy before your Disney Cruise so you can go prepared. 

Attend Pirate Night on your Disney Cruise

If traveling in the Caribbean you will have the chance to take part in Pirate Night. Pirate Night is one of our favorite activities on a Disney Cruise! Dress up as little or as much you want but either way Pirate Night is lots of fun. They have a special Pirates of the Caribbean menu for dinner too. Plus, you can get special Pirate themed treats later at night. Play Pirate games and attend a Pirate dance party. The famous fireworks usually happen at 10:30 pm over the water which are just amazing! Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line that is currently allowed to shoot fireworks at sea, so don’t miss it. It’s a lot of fun. So just trust us and go. 

If you’re sailing on any Disney Cruise ship except the Disney Wish, there is a late-night pirates buffet at Cabanas.  We are hoping that Marceline Market will later have this available on the Disney Wish too!

Get to know your Waitstaff and Room Host

Your waitstaff and room host/hostess will be with you throughout your entire trip. Even though you will not be in the same restaurant the whole time, your servers are scheduled on the same rotation as you are. So basically, you will see them every day. Unless you skip dinner of course. Get to know them; they are invaluable resources for excursion recommendations, newbie questions, best places to see the fireworks from the boat, best things to do at the port, etc. They’re extremely interesting people and love to interact. We learned so much from the friendly staff on board that it really is the equivalent of having your own tour guide. They’ll be excited to share their experiences and thrilled to hear yours. Many of them are from all over the world so take the time to get to know them, you’ll be glad you did.

Donald Duck Coffee Art Cove Cafe on Disney Wonder

Tips to Save Money on a Disney Cruise

Cruising with Disney on a budget ?  Here are a few things to know that can help you avoid sticker shock at the end of your cruise. 

Know What’s Included in your Disney Cruise Line Vacation

A Disney Cruise is generally all inclusive!   But that doesn’t mean that it includes everything. There are some things completely excluded. Knowing this ahead of time will save you a lot of time and heartache later. All of your meals, soft drinks from the drink station, hot cocoa, tea and coffee from the drink station, soft-serve ice cream from Eye Scream, kids clubs, and main evening entertainment are included. 

What’s not included on a Disney Cruise 

Most of your everyday items and services are included on a Disney Cruise vacation. However, there are some things that aren’t. Things like alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee drinks, teas, and smoothies are all available for an extra cost. If you decide to eat at Palo or Remy, fine dining experiences are not included, so if you plan to indulge in either (or both!) of those, plan for an additional cost. Here you can find a full list of everything that’s not included on a Disney Cruise .

  Port Excursions you want to participate in at your port of call or Castaway Cay (like snorkeling) are also extra. Spa services and gratuities are also not included. Room service is included, but the gratuities for it are not.  Most activities are included, however, occasionally there are some that are not. Things like alcohol tastings generally will cost you more and are anywhere from $25 per person to $55 per person. The Royal tea for little ones is also an additional cost.  Movie theater snacks like popcorn cost extra as well, though you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks in.  Wifi is also not free.

The Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish all have sweet shoppes that include items at additional cost. Onboard the Disney Fantasy, you can find specialty items at Sweet on You. And onboard the Disney Dream, Vanellope’s is home to gelato, cupcakes, cookies and more. 

Now, don’t get us wrong, we love to treat ourselves on vacation. But if you’re trying to keep your spending in check onboard your Disney Cruise, you can easily avoid many of these charges by replacing them with the free options instead. 

Bring your own Snacks to the Movie Theater and Stage Shows

If you’re planning to attend the nightly stage shows(which, yes, you are) or if you’re going to the movie theater, don’t feel obligated to purchase snacks at the concession stand. These are not free unless you’re sailing concierge. And you can actually bring your own snacks into the theater! Another fun tip about the concession stand onboard Disney Cruise ships …. you can get many of those coveted popcorn buckets onboard! They’re usually cheaper on a Cruise than inside the Disney Parks. Which is a great bonus and you do get refills for less too! And if you want to save even more on popcorn, you can actually bring your own Disney Parks popcorn bucket to get inexpensive refills as well!

You can bring alcohol on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line actually allow guests 21 years and older to bring their own wine, champagne and beer on board. If you are planning to drink while on your Disney Cruise vacation, but want to stick to a budget, we recommend bringing some of your own alcohol. While the drinks on the cruise ship are delicious, they are expensive and can add up quickly. Alcohol must be brought in carry-on luggage and wine and champagne come with an extra corking fee. There are limits to this of course.  For Disney Cruise Line’s full alcohol policy, click here.

Bring your own bottled water on a Disney Cruise 

You can also bring your own bottled water onboard a Disney Cruise. This can save you a lot of money if you prefer bottled water, because the bottled water onboard is a bit expensive.  You can bring one case of bottled water and it must be sealed and in the original packaging.  You can find more information about bringing bottled water on your Disney Cruise here . Alternatively, you can also just bring a water bottle and refill it at the drink stations for free. 

You can also purchase bottled water onboard.  But know the case of bottled water on board can be expensive so if you choose to go that route, be sure to budget it in. You can also order this for your stateroom ahead of time via the Disney Cruise Line website. 

Bring a Water Bottle

As we mentioned previously, you are allowed to bring your own bottled water onboard. You can also just bring a water bottle. Drink stations are open on the top deck 24/7, so you can fill up your water bottle pretty much any time. 

Book your Next cruise BEFORE you disembark

If you LOVED your Disney Cruise and want to start planning another, the best time to book is while you’re still on the boat! This is one of our best ways to get a Disney Cruise on a Budget. Disney Cruise Line offers a discounted deposit, a percentage off your next cruise and on rare occasions, a stateroom credit on your next booking. This is very easy to do! All you have to do is go into your Disney Cruise line app, and there will be a button that says “save 10% on your next cruise”. Click that, and make your deposit. Once you’ve done this, you’ll receive an email stating that you have booked a placeholder. 

After you’ve received that email, you can either forward the info to your Disney Travel agent , so that they can take care of the reservation for you; or you can call into Disney Cruise Line yourself when you’re ready to choose your specific itinerary for the discounted cruise. 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Fantasy

Tips For Tipping on a Disney Cruise

Tipping on a Disney Cruise is always a bit elusive! Especially since you have so many people helping you. Your waitstaff alone consists of at least three people. 

How do you tip on a Disney Cruise?

Seriously, this may be the most important tip on this list! Or at least the one that will save your eyes from bleeding when you see your post-cruise final bill. As far as gratuities are concerned, Disney Cruise Line automatically figures a tip amount for your head server, assistant server, server, and room host/hostess.  Typically the gratuities are $14.50 dollars per person, per night. So, if you know how many nights you’re sailing, and how many people you’re bringing, you can do the math and add it to your Disney Cruise Budget .  You can find the current gratuities for Disney Cruise Line here . 

As a courtesy, Disney Cruise Line will charge the default amount to your account at the end of the trip for all these servers. You can choose to change your default tip amount at the concierge desk onboard. You can add more or less, it’s up to you. So if you feel a specific server or host deserved a different tip than the automatic amount, just be sure to settle it with guest services before you disembark.

Gratuities for other services on Disney Cruise Line

For all other gratuities, like for spa services and some of the specialty drink locations, even on Castaway Cay (if you’re going there) the tip will be built in. It will show you on the receipt and is usually calculated at 18%. Again, if you want to tip higher, just add in the amount you want to tip, otherwise, it is already figured for you.  You can add additional gratuity to these charges; but you don’t have to. 

Is cash accepted onboard a Disney Cruise?

Nope! The most accepted form of payment is your Key to the World card. That said, you use your Key to the World card just like you would a magic band at Disney Parks. Your credit card is attached to it. You can choose to settle your account with cash but this is done at Guest Services at the end of your trip. You can also settle your onboard account with Disney Gift cards, but again you just have to do this at guest services. Or they will charge the card on file. Everything charged during your stay will be a part of this bill. Because of this we highly recommend that you have your Key to the World card on you at all times.

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Tips For Internet on a Disney Cruise

You’re on a Disney Cruise, you don’t need the internet right?! As much as we believe in the power of unplugging, we know it’s not always possible.  Unlike some other cruise lines, Disney WiFi is not free and is not included with your cruise fare. Here are a few tips on using the internet onboard your Disney Cruise. 

The Wi-Fi on a Disney Cruise Can Be Expensive

Wifi has recently changed on Disney Cruise ships, and it’s a little better than it once was. Prices range from $12 per day-$36 per day. We found that anything less than the Basic Plan at $24 per day, was kind of useless.  But that is just our experience!

The Wi-Fi on a Disney Cruise can be pretty bad

We learned this the hard way when we got stuck at sea during hurricane season on the Disney Wish .  We had no intention of purchasing WiFi, but since we do most of our work online, when we saw that we would have an additional 2 days at sea, we realized quickly that we needed Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, everyone else realized this at the same time. And the WiFi was quite difficult to get working properly. 

Get an international data pan for WiFi onboard the Disney Cruise ships

Do you really need Wi-Fi? Maybe check with your phone provider for international packages that could be cheaper. Verizon currently offers Travel Pass, which is an add-on that will allow you to use your phone abroad for $10/day on your current plan. So if you normally have 4 GB/month, you can use Travel Pass just as you would at home and it will just deduct that from your regular monthly data allowance. Another option is renting or buying Skyroam. Skyroam is a hotspot that will tap into another country’s Wi-Fi without racking up those international fees on your phone bill. The biggest issue with Skyroam and other alternative options is that it will not work at sea, only once you are in port, so keep that in mind if you choose to go that route.

Some of the larger cell service carriers offer Cellular at Sea. This allows you to use your cell phone data while at sea. So if you really need internet, it’s a good option to look into. 

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Tips for Dining on a Disney Cruise

Looking forward to eating on your Disney Cruise? Here are a few tips for dining on a Disney Cruise. 

Every Restaurant on a Disney Cruise is all you care to enjoy

It’s not really advertised as all you can eat, but it basically is! Disney Cruises are known for their food.  And they always have a great selection. So maybe you want to try two appetizers? Or maybe all of the desserts? Go ahead! You can order everything on the menu if that’s what your heart desires. And no, it won’t cost you extra. 

How does dining work on a Disney Cruise?

On a Disney Cruise, your dinner rotation is set. It’s called Rotational Dining and will be the dining schedule you have your entire cruise. You can find this information in your Disney Cruise line app.  This lets you know which restaurant you will be in on which nights. On your cruise itinerary online it will show if you have the first seating or second seating. The first seating is at 5:30 and the second at 8:15. You can request to change this if you choose to. They can’t always accommodate requests for changes, but it never hurts to ask. Sometimes there is an option to change this ahead of time. And sometimes, you have to wait to get onboard. As always if you have any questions about your dining rotation, just ask Guest Services.

What is Rotational Dining on Disney Cruise Line?

Rotational dining is a system that is unique to Disney Cruise Line. Each night you are assigned to one of the three main dining rooms. And each night when you switch dining rooms, your waitstaff rotates with you. It gives them an opportunity to get to know you and what you like; and you get to know them! You can read all about rotational dining onboard a Disney Cruise ship here . 

What restaurants serve breakfast and lunch on a Disney Cruise? 

This will vary from ship to ship, and even between itineraries. But every ship that has a Cabanas onboard will serve breakfast and lunch at Cabanas. These meals will be buffet style.  Usually, two other restaurants onboard will serve breakfast and lunch as well so that you have options. However, during the phased reopening of Disney Cruise Line, this is not always the case. On our most recent cruise, they actually only had one restaurant other than Cabanas available for these meals. The ship was sailing at a lower capacity, so it wasn’t really an issue, but good to note. You can find out who’s serving what meals in your Disney Cruise App. 

You May be Sitting With Strangers at Dinner

Eating with strangers may or may not appeal to you. As a first-time cruiser though it totally took us by surprise! There is a chance that if this is your honeymoon cruise or you’re celebrating a special occasion, you may be seated alone. You will need to let Disney Cruise Line know ahead of time though if you want that option. This seating layout is part of the Disney Cruise Rotational Dining Schedule.  

Since we were a party of three traveling together we were paired with another party of three. When just my daughter and I traveled, we were actually seated with two other families. While it’s not a big deal and we’re happy to make new friends, it just took us by surprise. We’ve eaten at Biergarten in Epcot before, so the idea of eating with strangers is not totally new. But we’re giving you this heads up so you don’t have an awkward first meeting. As a side note, if you are paired up with another family for dinner seating, you will be with them for the entire duration of your Disney Cruise. So be nice, get to know them. Hakuna Matata.

If you’d prefer to dine alone, however, you can always request a private table. Disney Cruise Line does not guarantee that they will provide you with a private table, but they will accommodate you if they can.  You can do this by requesting a private table in the Disney Cruise Line app or your account on their website. You can also stop by guest services while on the cruise.

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Tips for Excursions on a Disney Cruise

You’ve booked your Disney Cruise Line excursions and are ready for adventure! Here are a few tips for navigating your Disney Cruise Line excursions with ease. 

Disembarking the Ship

Each day that your cruise visits a port of call, you will be given instructions on when and where you can disembark. Whether or not you’ve booked your excursions through Disney or a third party, you’ll need to know how to access the gangway to get off the ship and what time you can do so.  If you booked through Disney Cruise Line, you can find all of the information in your Disney Cruise Line app.  Know what documents you’ll need to get on and off the ship. Usually, your Key to the World Card is required and photo ID for those over 16. But they will make the announcement on both the morning show and over the speaker system to let you know what you should bring. 

Don’t Feel Obligated to leave the Cruise ship at your Port of Call

Honestly, we actually struggled with this concept. Your goal for a cruise is to sail somewhere, right? Not necessarily! It could be that your goal is just to sail. In fact, after getting back on the boat early for our Disney Nassau Cruise, we were amazed to see how many people never actually left the ship! And we’re living it up with the ice cream and movies. It’s your trip and you get to choose how to spend it. 

We love supporting the local economy when we cruise. But we also know that not every port is right for every person. So there may be a location on your itinerary that just doesn’t suit you and that’s ok. 

Disney Wonder Kid's Club Toy Story

Tips for Kids Clubs on a Disney Cruise

One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise Vacation is the kids’ clubs! These clubs are incredible. And even if you think your child may not be interested in the, we highly recommend visiting on the first day for Open House. Even the shyest of children may change their minds when they see how cool these spaces are.

Even if you don’t have kids, you can check out the Open House. The Kids Club Spaces tend to be some of the best on the entire ship. This is especially true for the Disney Wish. 

It’s A Small World Nursery is for ages 6 mos-3 years and reservations are required. It’s also the only kids club that isn’t free, and it’s actually more of a babysitting service. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are for those 3-12, and in my opinion, are the best kids’ clubs of all! Edge is for tweens, ages 11-14. Vibe is for teens 14-17, and The Hideaway, or 1820 Society is for cruisers between 18-20.  You can find the hours and activities for each kids’ club on the Disney Navigator app. 

Tips for Adults on a Disney Cruise

If you’re an adult without children, you may be wondering if a Disney Cruise is right for you. Of course it is! You’re never too old for something you love. So if you love Disney and want to explore the world of cruising, then a Disney Cruise is for you. They have plenty of adult-only spaces and activities along with the Disney magic you love. 

Disney Cruises Are Great for an Adults Only Trip

We always see many Adult only groups on our Disney Cruises. Whether you’re a childless couple that loves Disney, or want to plan a girls trip, or are just a single person who wants to travel solo, Disney Cruises are for everyone. There are so many things to do for Adults on a Disney Cruise just out to have some fun! You can visit the adult-only pool, bars, clubs, the spa, Serenity Beach if you port at Castaway Cay and of course the famous Palo or Remy adults-only restaurants.

The Disney Cruise Adult Deck

Even if you brought the kids, you still may want to head over to the adult only areas at one point. They’re just a little quieter, and may give you a much-needed escape. If you are traveling with children you can still have some fun too because the kids clubs are amazing and will give you a well-deserved break if needed. The Kids Clubs are separated by age group and staffed by a cast member, usually with crafts and games on hand. So feel free to just drop the kiddies off. 

disney cruise line characters

Tips for Meeting Characters on a Disney Cruise

There are so many fun characters to meet on a Disney Cruise! They don’t always announce who will be out, but they do mention when and where characters will be out. Just look at the daily navigator in your Disney Cruise app and it’ll show you what time a character is meeting, and where. Then you can see for yourself if you want to stand in line to meet them! 

There are also a ton of free roaming characters onboard a Disney Cruise, so just keep your eyes peeled! We’ve had some of the most fun character interactions with free roaming characters. 

Disney Cruise line has a pretty cool meet and greet called the Royal Gathering. During the Royal Gathering, you can meet various princesses all at once. We’ve gotten to to meet Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana. Moana, Rapunzel and Belle all in one location.  But you need to make sure you get tickets. These are FREE and can be booked ahead of time through your Disney Cruise Line Itinerary. Booking opens up at 12am EST, and tickets often go fast.  If you decide at the last minute that you want to meet them, you can always check with Guest Services to see if there are any available. There is a cast member in charge of just checking your Disney Cruise Line Navigator, so be ready to show that when entering the Gathering. 

Tips for Packing for a Disney Cruise

Packing for a Disney Cruise is a little different than most other vacations. Not only do you need to know what to bring in your Disney Cruise carry-on for the first day ; but you also need to pack several different types of clothing for different occasions. 

Pack Layers for a Disney Cruise in Any Weather

Even on some of your warmest cruises, remember you are on the ocean. It can get very breezy at night, causing you to wish you had brought that extra sweater or jacket. We have found that mostly during the day, we could do tees and shorts but at night needed a little something extra. Check out what to pack for a cold-weather cruise.

What to Pack for a Disney Cruise Vacation

Not sure what to pack for your Disney Cruise Vacation? We have an entire post dedicated to packing for a Disney Cruise , along with a free printable . 

We hope these Disney Cruise tips have been helpful. And have helped you get excited about your next adventure with Disney Cruise Line. Have a magical cruise and Bon Voyage!

25+ Disney Cruise tips for Beginners on Disney Cruise Line

Melanie Renee

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .

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Disney Cruise Line Christmas Entertainment and 2024 Itineraries

tips for disney christmas cruise

The Disney Cruise Line has shared details about the 2023 Christmas entertainment that guests can look forward to during their Very Merrytime holiday cruises later this year, along with new Disney Cruise Line Christmas itineraries for late 2024. Disney Cruise Line also announced itineraries for 2024 that will explore rarer destinations, including Hawaii and the South Pacific, during special sailings.

Keep reading for more information on the brand-new entertainment for the 2023 Very Merrytime holiday sailings and the newly announced holiday, Christmas, and special itineraries for 2024!

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Disney Cruise Line Christmas Very Merrytime 2023 Sailings

tips for disney christmas cruise

The Very Merrytime sailings offer holiday-themed decorations, activities, and characters dressed in festive attire. For this year’s Very Merrytime holiday sailing, two new entertainment experiences will be offered:

  • A new tree-lighting ceremony will be offered on the first night of Very Merrytime sailings in the atrium. Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy will be there to sing classic holiday tunes with guests and light the giant tree after a countdown. Santa will also be introduced during this ceremony! This is a great addition that kicks off the adventure with a healthy dose of holiday spirit.
  • A new Mickey and Minnie Party , a “one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with tidings of good cheer,” will also be offered. The deck party, hosted by Mickey and Minnie, will feature a mix of classic and original holiday songs.

Returning experiences for the holiday sailings include the following:

  • The ships will be adorned with special holiday decorations for the Very Merrytime sailings, including a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias, and lights
  • The holiday cruise will also feature characters in holiday outfits, along with Santa Claus, who will greet guests and take pictures with them
  • Carolers will sing contemporary songs in celebration of multiple holidays
  • Holiday merchandise, activities, themed food items, and merchandise will also be available

For 2023, the Very Merrytime holiday cruises include four and five night sailings to The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and Disney Castaway Cay, with itineraries departing from San Diego, California and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

New 2024 Disney Cruise Line Christmas Itineraries

tips for disney christmas cruise

New itineraries have been announced for the holiday season of 2024 for mid-November through December. Select cruises will stop at Disney’s new Lighthouse Point during the holiday season.

  • On the Disney Wish, there will be short holiday sailings offered in late 2024, with three and four night Bahamian destinations departing from California
  • On the Disney Dream, there will be four and five night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean departing from Florida
  • On the Disney Fantasy, there will be four night sailings to the Bahamas and six and seven night itineraries in November and late December
  • On the Disney Magic, there will be cruises ranging between four and six nights in length headed to tropical ports of call across the Caribbean

You can read more about Disney World’s Christmas celebration and Christmas at Disneyland for more information on what to expect for their celebration of the holidays this year! Disney also just announced their holiday treats to look forward to this year as part of Halfway to the Holidays, which you can take a peek at in our Disneyland Christmas food guide and Disney World Christmas Food Guide.

Halloween on the High Seas 2024 Disney Holiday Sailings

tips for disney christmas cruise

In addition to the Very Merrytime sailings, Halloween on the High Seas will return during mid-September through October of 2024, offering cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

  • On the Disney Wish, there will be three and four night Bahamian sailings
  • On the Disney Fantasy, Halloween cruises are offered for four, six, and seven nights. Four night sailings will take guests to the Bahamas, and six and seven night sailings will take them to destinations across the Bahamas and Caribbean
  • On the Disney Magic, there will be sailings ranging from three to five nights with destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean

You can read our guide on this year’s Halloween on the High Seas for more information on what to expect from these themed sailings! 2023 holiday sailings are available to book now .

2024 Disney Sailings to Hawaii and the South Pacific

tips for disney christmas cruise

Special sailings will be offered in 2024 to Hawaii and the South Pacific. During these exciting, rarer itineraries, guests can look forward to the following:

  • On the Disney Wonder, guests will sail in late September from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu, Hawaii, stopping at Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Oahu.
  • The Disney Wonder will also go through the South Pacific to Sydney, Australia, stopping at destinations including Fiji, American Samoa, and New Caledonia.

Bookings for fall 2024 itineraries are NOW AVAILABLE. In addition to these exciting offerings, there are also other Disney sailings available in 2024. You can read our 2024 Disney Cruises guide for information about all itineraries next year!

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About Emily Midgley

Emily Midgley is a writer and educator from San Diego, California. She graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in English and a concentration in Creative Writing. She was introduced to Disneyland when she was two and has been hooked ever since! At Mickey Visit and Disney Dose, she will keep you updated on all things to do with Disneyland Park and California Adventure. Her favorite rides are Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance. She loves Marvel (especially Guardians of the Galaxy) and lives and breathes anything to do with Star Wars.

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Holiday-Themed Cruises

A new holiday tradition, seasonal sailings, halloween on the high seas.

From September through October, set sail for a spooky jubilee packed with haunted tricks and fun-filled treats for everyone in the family. Magical mischief and spirited surroundings await you at every turn, thanks to not-so-scary parties, bewitching entertainment and eerie décor.

Very Merrytime Cruises

Delight in a winter wonderland of fun as you share seasonal splendor with loved ones from November through December. Discover a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor—including a 24-foot-tall Christmas tree, sparkling lights and more.

SAIL DATES AND RESERVATIONS

Spirit away for spook-tacular fun during select sail dates in 2023.

Unwrap the perfect holiday gift during select sailings in 2023.

Episode 46: Disney 2024 - New Rides, New Restaurants and New Resorts Podcast By  cover art

Episode 46: Disney 2024 - New Rides, New Restaurants and New Resorts

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We kick off 2024 talking about everything we’re looking forward to in 2024.  From new rides, new restaurants, new resorts, and even NEW CRUISE SHIPS, we talk about all the big Disney news stories for 2024. 

Don’t forget to connect with us over on Instagram at AshleyC_MouseCounselor or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ashleycmousecounselor.  If there’s a topic you want us to talk about - send us a message!

And if you’re thinking about booking a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, or any other vacation, reach out to me today at [email protected] for your complimentary quote.  Booking with me comes at no additional cost to you and you get all of my planning services to help ensure your trip is absolutely magical!

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The Points Guy

12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... to go on a cruise.

Trade the glow of a Christmas tree in your living room with the warmth of the sand and the sun on a holiday cruise. Skip the mulled wine on your stovetop for some of the world's best at a European Christmas market.

Christmas cruises can level up your holiday celebrations — and are an ideal opportunity to escape the conventional holiday celebrations in place of an adventure.

On a holiday cruise, you can leave the cooking, cleaning and decorating to the pros and simply enjoy time with your family. Christmas and New Year's cruises can also be good options for people trying to avoid the crush of relatives or who don't have family but still want to spend the holiday surrounded by other people and festive cheer.

Winter cruises feature holiday-themed activities for all ages, special feasts that capture the magic of the holiday season and port calls at destinations that let you enjoy the holiday spirit without shivering from frigid temperatures.

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

It's never too early to plan your holiday getaway, especially as these cruises are among the quickest to sell out. Here are the best Christmas and New Year's cruises still available in 2024 and holiday sailings in 2025 to book now, as well as some useful tips about holiday cruise travel.

Holiday cruise tips

Before you book, keep in mind a few key facts about Christmas cruises.

Rates will be high

Expect cruise fares to be among the highest of the year during the holiday weeks as demand increases.

The best prices will be for early bookings; you likely won't find any last-minute discounts. If you do, they might be on windowless inside cabins or guarantee cabins , where the cruise line picks your room location.

Sailings will sell out

Holiday sailings sell out earlier than other itineraries, as people plan their holiday vacations months in advance. Suites and special cabins (family, spa and solo rooms and so forth) book up the fastest.

Consider booking your holiday cruise as early as possible, as the December sailings often fill up a year in advance .

Consider your own decorations

The crew will decorate public areas on board, but passengers often go all-out decorating their doors and cabins for the holidays.

Magnetic doors on cabins are blank canvases for the imagination. You'll find stateroom doors on Christmas cruises covered in wrapping paper, adorned with garlands or dotted with holiday-themed images.

It's best to double-check with your cruise line before attaching anything to your door or in your cabin, as rules and regulations differ per line. If you're not creative, check if your cruise line offers cabin decoration packages for preorder prior to your sailing.

Specialty dining is not advised on the actual holiday

Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines have set menus that do not change for the holidays.

Your best bet for traditional holiday dinner options (think roast turkey, smoked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy) will come from the main, included dining options on board. It can't hurt to ask if any extra-fee restaurants are doing a Christmas or New Year's menu if you're looking for a more intimate holiday meal.

Expect holiday hours in port

Most cruise ships will plan for Christmas to be a sea day, but if you're in port on Dec. 25 (or on Boxing Day, as many islands celebrate the day after), expect shops, restaurants and attractions to have modified hours or be closed.

Onboard services won't stop, so if all your top lunch spots in port are closed, you're always guaranteed a hot meal on the ship.

Consider a holiday bonus for the crew

Cruise ship crew members go beyond the standard service on all lines for the holidays, whether it's a kind note wishing you well, a Champagne toast for New Year's or a fanciful towel creation.

They can't be at home celebrating with their families because they're working hard to make your holiday special. While gratuities are often included in your fare or added automatically to your final bill, consider tipping extra on a Christmas cruise. The hardworking staff will appreciate your extra generosity during the holiday season.

Best Christmas cruises for 2024

If you're on the hunt for the ideal holiday getaway, consider these Christmas cruises for this year's holiday vacation. (Note: These sailings had availability at the time of writing, but prices may change or ships sell out at any time.)

4-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise on Disney Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 22-26, 2024

Ship: Disney Fantasy

Access Disney Cruise Line's newest private island when you sail Disney Fantasy this Christmas. This four-night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise sails from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Disney's Castaway Cay, followed by a day at the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The new island destination will highlight island culture with work by local artists and Bahamian music throughout the colorful beachside resort.

This sailing is one of Disney Cruise Line 's Very Merrytime Cruises, so expect plenty of holiday-themed surprises and special moments. Disney's December sailings feature snow flurries in the ship's atrium, pop-up meet-and-greets with Disney characters dressed in their holiday best and a Christmas wonderland on the beach at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.

Rates start at $4,862 for two adults sharing an inside cabin, including all taxes and fees.

16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday cruise on Holland America

Sail dates: Dec. 18, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Zaandam

The 16-night Circle Hawaii Holiday on Holland America's Zaandam is a great way to retreat from the cold this December. The extended itinerary will whisk you away for both Christmas and the New Year.

The ship sails round-trip from San Diego with stops in Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; and Hilo and Kona, Hawaii. You'll spend five days traversing the Pacific Ocean on your way to Hawaii and five days at sea returning to the west coast for one more stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before returning to San Diego. You can also enjoy scenic cruising by the Kilauea Volcano.

Don't forget your holiday best, as Zaandam will host a Christmas Eve formal ball with dinner and dancing, as well as a midnight Mass. Other seasonal events include a holiday-themed high tea service, holiday choir performances and Santa meet-and-greets.

Rates for inside cabins start from $1,739 per person, not including an estimated $282 per person in taxes, fees and port expenses.

13-night New Zealand holiday cruise on Celebrity Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025

Ship: Celebrity Edge

The most appealing holiday itinerary on Celebrity Cruises takes you Down Under for a two-week celebration, sailing round-trip from Sydney.

You'll cruise during the region's summer season with an itinerary that traverses the picturesque Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound before making port stops in Dunedin, Napier, Auckland, Tauranga and Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

The cruise doesn't call on Australian ports, but you can easily tack on a land-based pre- or post-cruise stay since the ship sails from Sydney.

If you're feeling the holiday spirit, sign up to join a group of crew and passengers to go caroling around the ship. Cookie decorating, visits with Santa and Christmas games are part of the holiday fun. On New Year's Eve, gather for a special party with a complimentary midnight Champagne toast, party favors and live music.

The lowest cabin fares start at $1,664 per person, plus $444.55 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage on Azamara

Sail dates: Dec. 20, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025

Ship: Azamara Pursuit

Azamara is known for its travels to less-frequented ports, often with longer stays providing more time for immersion. Go somewhere new with Azamara's 15-night Christmas and New Year's cruise around South Africa. Azamara Quest sails round-trip from Cape Town with stops along the east coast of South Africa, including Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban and Mossel Bay.

Holiday events include caroling concerts, pop-ups with Christmas cookies and hot chocolate, and a special tree-trimming party on Dec. 24. Azamara Quest will time its popular White Night pool deck party to coincide with New Year's Eve. The line has a tradition of seeking out the oldest person on board to ring the ship's bell two minutes prior to midnight to literally "ring out the old." Then the youngest passenger on board will "ring in the new" as the clock strikes 12 o'clock.

Rates start from $2,784 per person, not including $196 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

7-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise on AmaWaterways

Sail dates: Dec. 9-15, 2024

Ship: AmaBella

A river cruise through Europe is the most convenient way to visit many of the continent's famous Christmas markets.

Your ship will dock in the heart of each city, usually just a few steps from the markets. Sailing with AmaWaterways during the holiday season, guests return from a day exploring the markets to events on board that include tree-trimming, caroling and a fun European tradition called "Shoes for St. Nick," where passengers who leave their slippers outside their stateroom awake to find them filled with sweets.

Unlike most Christmas-related retail stores in the U.S. that stay open through the holiday season, many of Europe's Christmas markets close up shop by Dec. 22, so you'll need to take your vacation before Christmas itself. AmaWaterways' seven-night Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise takes place aboard AmaBella. You'll be immersed in the holiday spirit with port stops in Passau, Germany; Linz, Vienna and Weissenkirchen, Austria; and Budapest.

Rates for the weeklong cruise start at $3,699 per person, not including $224 in port charges and taxes.

7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Princess Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 21-28, 2024

Ship: Sun Princess

Debuting in February 2024, Sun Princess is the first of Princess Cruises ' brand-new Sphere-class series of ships.

Take the line's newest flagship for a Christmastime spin on a round-trip Fort Lauderdale itinerary that features port calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan, Honduras. Three sea days give guests plenty of time to explore all the attractions on board, from a dome-covered pool area to a top-deck family activity zone.

The 4,300-passenger vessel will be about 21% bigger than the current biggest ships in the Princess fleet. It will be the line's first ship that features suites with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck. Sun Princess will also boast an innovative new "cabana cabin" along the ship's extra-wide 10th deck with access to a private deck area.

It will be easy to get into the holiday spirit while on board Sun Princess, with festive decor throughout the ship and an occasional "snowfall" in the Atrium. If you're traveling with kids, you can leave cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Christmas caroling, storytime and other holiday events will help you create special holiday memories.

Rates for the Western Caribbean cruise start at $957 per person for an inside cabin, not including $153 in taxes, fees and port expenses.

12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise on Viking

Sail dates: Dec. 22, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025

Ship: Viking Polaris

While instinct might say to stop by the North Pole to check in on Santa's operations, it's just too cold, dark and icy for cruising. Instead, head toward the South Pole and Antarctica for a Christmas expedition.

Spend close to two weeks exploring the farthest reaches of the earth on the Antarctic Explorer itinerary aboard Viking 's Polaris. The route sails round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, before traversing the Drake Passage and cruising Antarctica for seven days. You'll have a cruise line-provided pre-cruise stay in Buenos Aires the night before you fly down to Ushuaia to meet your ship.

You'll explore the icebergs and cliffs of Antarctica on Christmas, presumably followed by a hot cocoa or a warm cocktail on deck. Afterward, treat yourself to Nordic-inspired dishes like smoked salmon and caviar, along with holiday treats like krumkake (a Nordic take on the cannoli) and sandkaker (Norwegian sugar cookies).

As with all Antarctica itineraries, ports and destinations on the continent change by the day, depending on weather and climate conditions. Rates for available staterooms on the cruise start from $15,495, including airfare, port taxes and fees.

Best Christmas cruises for 2025

If you want to score the best prices on a holiday cruise, book far in advance. Here are a few cruises to consider for your 2025 Christmas vacation.

Royal Caribbean: 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise

Sail dates: Dec. 20-27, 2025

Ship: Icon of the Seas

Catch a ride on the world's largest cruise ship during the 2025 holiday season. Highlights of Royal Caribbean 's new Icon of the Seas include a reconfigured Aqua Theater, now set at the bow of the ship inside a giant glass dome and featuring a dazzling 50-foot waterfall and dancing robotic arms, and Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six waterslides, including the tallest drop slide at sea.

This holiday-week sailing departs round-trip from Miami with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas). Three days at sea might not be enough time to try everything on board!

Holiday highlights often include Christmas Eve caroling, an ugly Christmas sweater crafting competition, Christmas ornament and gingerbread cookie decorating classes, and holiday games and trivia.

The lowest available cabin category for this sailing is an ocean-view cabin, starting at $3,266 per person, not including $182.51 in taxes, fees and port expenses per person.

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Cruise Line

Sail dates: Dec. 21-Dec. 28, 2025

Ship: Carnival Celebration

Carnival's seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing is an excellent way to experience Carnival's Celebration Key, the line's new private destination on the south side of Grand Bahama Island. Carnival Celebration sails round-trip from Miami with stops in Celebration Key; Nassau, Bahamas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, so you can get some much-needed beach time and warm weather.

The line understands its family-forward "fun" ships are built for cheery escapes, and its Christmas celebrations fit perfectly into that world. Seasonal holiday events include Christmas caroling, an ugly sweater competition and a live holiday show with appearances by Santa and the Grinch.

Rates for inside cabins start at $1,049 per person, not including an estimated $215.65 per person in fees.

14-night Galapagos cruise on Silversea

Sail dates: Dec. 13-27, 2025

Ship: Silver Origin

Escape to the exotic Galapagos Islands for the holidays with a Silversea cruise. On the 14-night sailing round-trip from San Cristóbal, Silver Origin will alight at a remarkable 27 ports throughout the archipelago.

The Silver Origin's Christmas sailing will include many festive enhancements, beginning with an extensive overlay of greenery and ornaments throughout the interiors of the ship. The ship's culinary team will prepare a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner menu, along with mulled wine, eggnog and hot chocolate.

Adding to the cheer, guests and the ship's crew can participate in caroling, and despite no chimney in sight, a special visitor from the North Pole is scheduled to make an appearance.

The "door-to-door" rate for this sailing starts from $24,400 per person, including port fees and taxes. It includes a transfer service to the airport, airfare, shore excursions, premium alcoholic beverages, all gratuities, butler service and a return transfer back home at the end of your trip.

11-night Monteverde Cloud Forest & Arenal Volcano cruise tour on Windstar Cruises

Sail dates: Dec. 16-27, 2025

Ship: Wind Spirit

Give yourself a bucket list gift for Christmas and book a Panama Canal cruise for your winter vacation.

Windstar Cruises ' Wind Spirit — a cruise ship that's part yacht, part four-masted sailing ship — is sailing down Costa Rica's Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal during the 2025 holiday season.

The journey begins with a five-day land tour of Costa Rica, taking guests to the Arenal volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. You'll then head to Puerto Caldera to board Wind Spirit. The ship will sail south to Quepos and Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. Then it's on to ports in Isla Parida and Balboa (for Panama City) in Panama before sailing through the Panama Canal.

To sweeten the holiday, Windstar gifts each cabin with a basket of Christmas cookies, candy canes, mandarin oranges, roasted nuts and chocolate candies.

Rates for the 11-night Central American getaway start from $5,599 per person, not including $474 in port fees and taxes.

7-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise on American Queen Voyages

Sail dates: Dec. 22-29, 2025

Ship: American Countess

Glide up the Lower Mississippi River and soak in the charms of historic towns decked out in their holiday finest. This American Queen Voyages itinerary will also visit the special European-style Christmas market in Natchez, Mississippi, created especially for the line.

The itinerary begins with a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, where the bustling Bourbon Street awaits exploration. The Mississippi river sailing includes stops along the river at Nottoway, Louisiana; Natchez, Mississippi; St. Francisville, Louisiana and an overnight in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Guests can opt for a premium holiday shore excursion in Natchez. The Jeweled Christmas in Natchez tour features a visit to The Towers, one of the state's most opulent privately owned antebellum homes. Guests will ooh and ahh over the festive decorations and displays that include over 100 Christmas trees.

While on board, passengers will enjoy festive holiday decorations, special holiday performances, seasonal cuisine and Christmas cocktails.

Rates for the seven-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise start from $3,819 per person, including taxes, port fees and gratuities.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  2. Check out Disney's Very MerryTime Christmas Cruise

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  4. Disney Christmas Cruises

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  5. Very Merrytime Disney Christmas Cruise Guide

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  6. 5 Reasons Why a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Should be Your New Holiday

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COMMENTS

  1. Our Guide to Disney Cruise Line's Very Merrytime Holiday Cruises

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  4. Very Merrytime Disney Christmas Cruise Guide

    A Disney Very Merrytime Cruise has all kinds of fun activities for adults and kids. The Christmas Tree lighting, "snow" in the atrium along with holiday crafts and treats. There is no shortage of festive fun on a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise. See below for some of our favorite things to do on a Disney Very Merrytime Sailing.

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    Disney Cruise Line (DCL) currently has four ships: The Fantasy, the Dream, the Magic, and the Wonder. There are also more coming in the next few years! Each ship has slightly different offerings, so, whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, Disney definitely has something to offer every passenger.

  6. How to Pack for a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise

    3. Apparel/Matching PJs. Matching PJs are a great thing to pack for your Very Merrytime Disney Cruise. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog. If you've ever visited Walt Disney World for Christmas, you know guests love to wear matching holiday shirts or even pajamas to holiday events. That's also the case on a Very Merrytime Cruise.

  7. Best Things to Do on A Disney Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise

    2 Sail Away Party on the Very Merrytime Cruise. 3 Mickey's Tree Lighting on the Very Merrytime Cruise. 4 Santa's Winter Wonderland Ball. 5 Meet the Disney Characters in their Holiday Best. 6 Holiday Crafts on a Disney Christmas Cruise. 7 Sailing on a Disney Christmas Cruise.

  8. Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise Info & Review

    We recently did a Very Merrytime Christmas sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line and thought it'd be worth sharing photos, info, and our review of the voyage. Our cruise was a 4-night trip from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Walt Disney World) on the Disney Dream, but these holiday cruises are offered fleet-wide in November and December.

  9. Best Disney cruise tips, tricks and secrets

    You can book a cabin with a balcony for $1,580 for two people, which is a solid price on Disney Dream. The $3,326 price tag for a concierge-level cabin is very good; those cabins usually start at close to $800 to $1,000 higher on many other three-night sailings. Prices for a one-way cruise, San Juan to Fort Lauderdale.

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  11. The Best Things to do on a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise

    Mickey's Tree Lighting Magic. There is no better way to start off your first night onboard a Very Merrytime Cruise than by watching Mickey's Tree Lighting Magic in the lobby atrium of the ship. Crew members talk about Christmas traditions in their home countries before Mickey, Minnie, Santa Goofy and Pluto sing Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells ...

  12. Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips & Itinerary

    In 2023, 4 of the 5 Disney ships will have Very Merrytime sailings, with the Disney Wonder being the only one that will not offer them. The 2023 Disney Very Merrytime Cruise itineraries include: 5 Night Western Caribbean & 4 Night Bahamian Very Merrytime cruises on the Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale. 6-7 night Western and Eastern Caribbean ...

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    View Prices. For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

  14. Very Merrytime Disney Christmas Cruise Review

    We always have an amazing time on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The Very Merrytime Christmas activities made the trip even more special. The Disney Magic cruise ship looked so magical lit up with holiday decor. And the Christmas decorations at Castaway Cay were icing on the cake! No matter which ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet you are ...

  15. Disney Very Merrytime Cruise

    Christmas Decorations in the Atrium. During a Very Merrytime Cruise, the entire Disney cruise ship will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. The atrium is adorned with garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights. The centerpiece is the 24-foot tall fully decorated Christmas tree. This tree is simply stunning and creates the most beautiful ...

  16. First Time Disney Cruise Tips: The Complete Guide (for 2023)

    4-Night Cruise to Nassau and Castaway Cay in Oceanview Stateroom: $4,902, meals included. 4 Nights in Disney Moderate Resort Preferred Room, with Tickets: $4,241, meals extra. There are plenty of ways to make both options cheaper, and there are ways to make them both costlier.

  17. Mega List of Disney Cruise Tips and Tricks

    As promised in my what to pack for a Disney cruise post, I'm back today with a comprehensive collection of Disney Cruise tips and tricks we've learned along this journey of planning our vacation!. My first cruise hacks post has been seeing so much traffic lately - as of right now, it has over 3,600 pins and tens of thousands of views. I love sharing these little secrets with readers - we've ...

  18. Disney Christmas Cruise: The Very Merrytime Cruises from Disney Cruise

    Our Very Merrytime Cruise was a 3-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream the day after Thanksgiving day. However, there are several itineraries available on the different Disney Cruise Line ships. This year, Very Merrytime Cruises taking place on several ships, including the Disney Wish, the Disney Fantasy, and the Disney Dream.

  19. Disney Cruise Advice: Tips & Tricks Onboard the Ship

    Disney Cruise Advice & Important Things to Know. "Embarkation" means getting on the ship for the first time during your cruise; "disembarkation" or "debarkation" means getting off the ship at the end of your cruise. "Port" is the left side of the ship as you face forward; "starboard" is the right side as you face forward.

  20. Taking a Disney Cruise Over Christmas

    There is always one formal night on a Disney Cruise, and this time, it was on Christmas Eve. Disney Diva Tip: Always remember to have at least one formal outfit, and with small children who are likely to spill something on themselves or on you, you may want to bring at least two. For CDF's family, Christmas Day began with Christmas Mass ...

  21. The Best First Time Disney Cruise Tips

    Check-in for your Disney Cruise starts as early as 40 days before the start of your cruise. This is depend solely on your Castaway Club status. Pearl and Concierge can check in 40 days beforehand. Platinum at 38 days. Gold at 35 days. Silver at 33 days. And first time sailors at 30 days.

  22. These 10 tips for Disney Cruise first timers ensure a magical experience

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    New 2024 Disney Cruise Line Christmas Itineraries. New itineraries have been announced for the holiday season of 2024 for mid-November through December. Select cruises will stop at Disney's new Lighthouse Point during the holiday season. On the Disney Wish, there will be short holiday sailings offered in late 2024, with three and four night ...

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