Disney Cruise Line: The ultimate guide

With its highly popular catchphrase, Magic at Sea, Disney Cruise Line is captivating a good number of cruisers from around the globe with its unique storytelling, jaw-dropping itineraries, and world-class entertainment rolled into one voyage. 

With five state-of-the-art vessels under its fleet, every Disney ship is tailor-made for cruisers of all ages. To some, cruising with Disney is a way of fulfilling childhood dreams. just imagine having the opportunity to experience waking up to awe-inspiring ocean views, eating in dining hubs that showcase your favourite Disney stories, and watching Broadway-style shows featuring your beloved Disney characters. Additionally, the line also highlights themed pools, adult-only areas, and engaging activities and programmes for all ages.

Moreover, a Disney cruise offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience ideal for Aussie travellers and cruise enthusiasts. So, whether you’re walking on the white sand beaches of the Caribbean or even closer to home in the South Pacific or simply enjoying a short getaway on Australian waters, you get to experience each destination through the lens of Disney’s legendary storytelling.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet

Disney Cruise Line boasts a fleet of five breathtaking ships, each designed to create a unique experience for guests. The line also features state-of-the-art amenities, quality service, and Disney-exclusive activities for all ages. Each ship in the fleet is designed with families in mind, offering spacious staterooms, multiple pools and water features, youth clubs for different age groups, and adults-only areas for parents to relax and unwind.

Here are Disney Cruise Line’s ships:

Where do Disney Cruise Line ships sail?

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide array of itineraries that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here’s a comprehensive list of the line’s sailing destinations:

• Bahamas
• Western Caribbean
• Eastern Caribbean
• Southern Caribbean
• Northern Europe
• Norwegian Fjords
• Mediterranean
• British Isles
• Bermuda
• Alaska
• Canada
• Mexican Riviera
• Baja
• Panama Canal
• Pacific Coast
• Transatlantic
• Hawaii
• South Pacific
• New Zealand and Australia

Itineraries may change from year to year, and some destinations may be offered seasonally or as part of special sailings. Additionally, for the most up-to-date information on itineraries, it’s also best to check with Disney Cruise Line website directly. 

Disney Cruise Line Dining

Disney Cruise Line is famous for its innovative rotational dining scheme and a wide array of culinary offerings. Here’s a look at the dining experiences available:

Rotational Dining

This unique system allows guests to “rotate” through three main dining hubs throughout the cruise. In addition, each dining venue has a distinct theme and menu.

Casual Dining

Buffet restaurants feature a good selection of cuisines for breakfast and lunch. Also, quick-service venues serve classic favourites like burgers, pizza, and ice cream. On the other hand, Room Service is available 24/7, with most items complimentary.

Adults-Only Dining

Each Disney ship features at least one adults-only restaurant. Palo, found on all ships, offers Italian cuisine. On the other hand, Remy, on the Dream and Fantasy, provides a French dining experience. Furthermore, The Wish highlights new adults-only venues like The Rose Lounge and Enchanté.

Character Dining

Select cruises offer character breakfast experiences where guests can meet Disney characters while enjoying their meals.

Disney Cruise Line dining hubs

Is Disney Cruise Line all-inclusive?

Even though the line offers quite a comprehensive cruise package, it’s not strictly all-inclusive. Here’s the list of what’s included in the fare and what might incur additional costs:

Fare inclusion

• Accommodation
• Meals: All main dining rooms, buffet restaurants, and quick-service venues.
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, deck parties, movie screenings, and character meet-and-greets.
• Youth clubs: Age-appropriate supervised activities for children and teens.
• Fitness centre: Access to gym equipment and some fitness classes.
• Swimming pools and water attractions
• Room service: Most items are complimentary, except during late-night hours.
• Port taxes and fees.

Not included (additional cost)

• Alcoholic beverages and specialty non-alcoholic drinks.
• Dining at adults-only specialty restaurants
• Spa treatments and salon services.
• Some fitness classes 
• Shore excursions and Port Adventures
• Internet packages
• Gratuities for dining and stateroom staff (these can be prepaid or added to your onboard account)
• Travel insurance

The line often has promotions that may include some additional items. In addition, certain stateroom categories or Castaway Club membership levels (Disney’s loyalty program) may also come with extra perks.

What entertainment and activities can be found onboard Disney Cruise Line?

Disney Cruise Line is known to providing a wide range of entertainment and activities that cater to all ages. These activities ensure that travellers of all ages and interests will have reasons to enjoy throughout their voyage, making Disney Cruise Line a perfect choice for Australian families seeking a holiday that combines relaxation with non-stop fun and adventure.

The line’s list of entertainment and activities includes:

Live Shows

• Broadway-caliber musicals featuring Disney stories and characters
• Line exclusive original productions like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular”

Deck Events

• Sail-Away Celebration to kick off cruising with characters 
• Pirate Night, featuring a deck party, special menu
• fireworks at sea 

Movie Screenings

Character Experiences

• Meet-and-greets with Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters
• Character breakfasts
• Surprise character appearances throughout the ship

Youth Clubs

• It’s a Small World Nursery
• Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab 
• Edge (offering video games, karaoke, and dance parties)
• Vibe (featuring a teen-only sundeck and multimedia room)

Adult-Exclusive hubs

• Quiet Cove Pool for relaxation
• Adults-only bars and lounges, such as the Skyline Bar and Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar
• Specialty dining venues like Palo and Remy
• Senses Spa & Salon offering treatments and a thermal suite

Pools and Water amenities

• Family pools with themes varying by ship
• AquaDuck water coaster on the Dream and Fantasy
• AquaMouse, the first Disney attraction at sea, on the Wish
• Splash areas for young children, like Nemo’s Reef
• AquaLab water play area on the Fantasy

Sports and Fitness hubs

• State-of-the-art fitness centre
• Sports areas
• Jogging track
• Fitness classes including yoga, Pilates, and spinning (some at additional cost)

Enrichment Activities

• Culinary demonstrations and mixology classes
• Art of the Theme Ship Tour, exploring the ship’s design
• Animation classes where guests learn to draw Disney characters

Nightlife venues and activities

• Adult-exclusive entertainment districts like After Hours and The District
• Live music, karaoke, and game shows
• Themed bars and lounges, such as the Bon Voyage Bar and Meridian

Does Disney Cruise Line have gratuities?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line does have a gratuity system in place.  The recommended amount is US$14.50 per night, per guest, including infants and children. In addition, guests staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites are recommended a gratuity amount of $15.50.

Disney Cruise Line FAQs