Congratulations are in order! Disney Cruise Line was named the number one “Large Cruise Line” in 2018 according to Condé Nast Traveler readers. It shouldn’t be considered a surprise announcement as Disney Cruise Line has received this award for seven consecutive years.
Disney has been making a splash since its inaugural sailing in 1998. Currently, Disney boasts four ships in its fleet, the Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy, with three new vessels scheduled to set sail in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Disney Cruise Line has departure ports in Canada, Europe and throughout the United States, with its signature port being Port Canaveral, approximately a one-hour drive from Orlando. Not limited to tropical destinations, Disney Cruise Line passengers can select port adventures that include whale watching and dog sledding in Alaska, touring private manors in England and wine tasting in Italy.
Collectively, we’ve cruised with Disney nine times, finding something new to experience and appreciating our tried-and-true favorites each sail. If you haven’t had the opportunity to explore the wide open seas with Disney, you may be wondering what differentiates it from other cruise lines. Today, we’re sharing our five favorite things that make cruising with Disney the ultimate vacation.
5. Spacious Staterooms
Deluxe Oceanview stateroom
Only Disney can transform a standard cruise ship cabin into spacious accommodations suitable for families. They pioneered the split-bath layout - essentially providing two mini-bathrooms in each stateroom: one with a toilet, the other with shower/tub and BOTH with one sink. The split-bath layout makes it easy for families when transitioning from a day at the pool to dinner time, and for putting kids to bed - no sibling fights for the sink … because there are two!
Furthermore, inside staterooms in Disney’s newer ships, the Fantasy and Dream, include “magical portholes” which offer real-time video of the ocean outside and animated appearances by some of Disney’s most beloved characters. This charming feature is a nice addition for budget-minded families when choosing a stateroom without an ocean view.
Disney Cruise Line cabins also include elevated beds to store luggage, convertible sofa-beds and pull-down upper berths to accommodate families of four or five, and privacy curtains so the kids can sleep while the parents stay up - or vice versa!
4. Just for Kids
Your kids won’t want to leave the youth clubs
On most cruise lines, kids clubs incur an additional cost. Not on Disney Cruise Line - with the exception of “it’s a small world” nursery for little ones up to age three. Otherwise, Disney entertains older kids with four unique spaces to meet new friends and revel in Disney magic without their parents. The Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club are for kids age three to 12 where they engage in imaginative and creative activities. Edge is where tweens between the age of 11 and 14 can hang out. And Vibe is the place where teens between the age of 14 and 17 can kick it. Don’t worry, parents. Your kids are supervised by the coolest - and most responsible and well-trained - counselors who facilitate all the fun. You do have to worry that you’ll only see your children for dinner because they won’t want to leave the arts and crafts activities, dance parties and karaoke contests.
3. Adult-Only Areas
Ahhh, hear that; see that. No kids allowed!
Sailing with Disney Cruise Line is the ultimate in family vacations, but Disney realizes that parents sometimes need a break from their kids too. Don’t feel guilty for wanting some kid-free time. You read bullet number four, right? Your children will have a blast without you - whether in the youth clubs (trust us, they won’t want to be checked out) or on the sports deck playing non-stop, pick-up basketball. This is your time! Savor in the relaxing, peaceful oasis known as the “Quiet Cove Pool”, indulge in luxurious spa treatments, dance the night away at the clubs, partake in wine, beer and spirits tastings, and feast on modern Northern Italian or elegant French cuisine at the adults-only Palo and Remy restaurants. (Both restaurants are an additional fee.)
2. Enchanting Entertainment
If you have a perception of cheesy shows on unforgettable stages at sea, think again. Disney Cruise Line puts the spotlight on live, Broadway-quality shows in the Walt Disney Theatre on each of its ships. We’re talking detailed sets, uber-talented performers and riveting Disney stories - all in a gorgeous venue embellished with Art Deco and Art Nouveau touches. Adding to the entertainment line-up at the playhouse are variety shows and “Movie PremEARS” for passengers lucky enough to sail during the nationwide debut of Disney films. How cool is that?
Disney Cruise Line also lights up the night on its Bahamian and Caribbean sailings with pirate-themed festivities including characters dressed in their pirate gear, guests channeling their inner-Jack Sparrow by dressing in costume, and a spectacular fireworks show. Exclusive to the Disney Wonder, passengers will relish the tasty Creole cuisine served at Tiana’s Place while jamming to live jazz with characters from the Disney film The Princess and the Frog.
Tiana stole their hearts on Pirate Night
Did we mention that we live for days at sea? There’s nothing more glorious than waking up without an agenda: having a leisurely breakfast; catching Disney classic and new release films by the pool or in the Buena Vista Theatre; testing our luck at bingo; and buying souvenirs at the ship’s gift shops. Entertainment at its finest.
Castaway Cay’s Pelican Plunge
1. Castaway Cay
Saving the best for last, Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is the real star. Soft, white sand beaches. Crystal blue water. Ample lounge chairs for napping and sipping tropical cocktails amidst the swaying palm trees. Or if you prefer to be more active, there’s plenty to do. Kids will love the slides, water-play areas and beach sports. Nature lovers will enjoy snorkeling, fishing and petting sting rays. The adventurers in your family definitely have to book the parasailing or water skiing port adventures.
Whether it’s on board the Magic, Wonder, Fantasy or Dream or at one of the ports of calls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when sailing with Disney Cruise Line.