Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Cruising with Disney
Disney Cruise Line's four ships – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – receive kudos from families and critics alike for their kid-friendly atmospheres, whimsical amenities and spacious staterooms. The theme of Disney cruises is understated enough that sentimental adults looking to reconnect with their childhood fantasies will enjoy sailing just as much as the kids. In fact, each ship boasts secluded adults-only pools, restaurants and lounges (though still not as many as other cruise lines). Although Disney's ships vary in size, each vessel carries approximately one crew member for every three passengers.
In 2020, Disney Cruise Line's itineraries depart from a variety of ports – including Miami and Galveston, Texas – for sailings in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. Voyages last between three and 15 days, with cruise lengths varying by itinerary and destination. Shore excursions, known as Port Adventures, also change depending on the itinerary and include everything from monkey encounters in Barbados to submarine expeditions in Cozumel, Mexico. Guests may also visit Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas.
Back on board, you'll find plenty of family-oriented facilities, including themed pools, youth clubs and spas. You'll also have the opportunity to eat in the cruise line's Disney-themed main dining rooms and enjoy a variety of Disney-inspired entertainment, such as live shows, movies and character meet and greets.
Disney Cruise Line's four ships – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – receive kudos from families and critics alike for their kid-friendly atmospheres, whimsical amenities and spacious staterooms. The theme of Disney cruises is understated enough that sentimental adults looking to reconnect with their childhood fantasies will enjoy sailing just as much as the kids. In fact, each ship boasts secluded adults-only pools, restaurants and lounges (though still not as many as other cruise lines). Although Disney's ships vary in size, each vessel carries approximately one crew member for every three passengers.
In 2020, Disney Cruise Line's itineraries depart from a variety of ports – including Miami and Galveston, Texas – for sailings in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. Voyages last between three and 15 days, with cruise lengths varying by itinerary and destination. Shore excursions, known as Port Adventures, also change depending on the itinerary and include everything from monkey encounters in Barbados to submarine expeditions in Cozumel, Mexico. Guests may also visit Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas.
Back on board, you'll find plenty of family-oriented facilities, including themed pools, youth clubs and spas. You'll also have the opportunity to eat in the cruise line's Disney-themed main dining rooms and enjoy a variety of Disney-inspired entertainment, such as live shows, movies and character meet and greets.
Pros & Cons
Meals, nonalcoholic drinks and onboard entertainment covered in cruise fare
Florida residents are eligible to receive special cruise rates
Spacious cabins
Alcoholic beverages are not included in cruise cost
Shore excursions incur additional fees
Fewer adults-only activities and amenities than other cruise lines
Scorecard
- 4.3Expert Rating »
- 4.4Traveler Rating »
- 5.0Health Rating »
Rankings
Disney Cruise Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.
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Disney Cruise Line Ships
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On Board
On Shore
Before You Book
- A deposit is due at the time of booking. The deadline for your full cruise payment depends on your cruise length, stateroom category and embarkation and disembarkation ports.
- Cancellation fees vary depending on your cruise duration and type of accommodation. For more information on the cancellation policy, visit Disney Cruise Line's terms and conditions page.
- Disney offers a Vacation Protection Plan that covers trip cancellations/interruptions, emergency medical services, baggage loss or delay and emergency medical transportation. The insurance plan also includes another advantage: If you cancel your cruise for any reason not listed above, you'll receive a cruise credit of up to 75% of the cancellation fee to apply toward a future Disney voyage.
- For most sailings, Disney Cruise Line requires passengers to be at least 6 months old, though some itineraries require guests to be 1 year or older. Pregnant women who will hit 24 weeks by their embarkation date or during the cruise may not take the voyage due to safety concerns.
Before You Board
- Visa and vaccinations may be required to travel to select ports of call. For current visa and vaccine regulations for each country, check the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization websites.
- Along with a passport or other proof of citizenship, you will need to bring a signed Online Check-In Port Arrival Form.
- Online check-in is available; however, Disney Cruise Line requires you submit passport information at least 75 days before your trip starts.
- Cruise terminals for each sailing generally open at 11 a.m. Travelers will be checked in during their designated Port Arrival Time, which can be selected in advance online. Cruisers who arrive after the Guest Onboard Time listed on their cruise confirmation may not be permitted to board.
- You can pre-book shore excursions or dinner reservations at Palo or Remy online 75 days prior to your departure date (if you're a first-time passenger) to 120 days before sailing (if you are a Platinum Castaway Club member or a Concierge Stateroom or Concierge Suite guest). Dining reservations are also available on a first-come, first-served basis on board.
Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.
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