Staterooms On The Disney Cruise Ships
While there are some differences between the staterooms on the ships, for the most part, they are the same. They offer similar features, and while they are small, they are also comfortable. My family of four regularly stays in a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah, and we find it to be enough room. We dont spend too much time in the room because theres so much to do on the ship.
Disney Cruise Reviews: The Good And The Meh
Eric Stoen, of Travel Babbo, has wonderful taste in luxury hotels he visits on his world travels with his kids, and he took his family on three Disney Cruises.
Our cruises were all about the European ports, and we liked pretty much all of our stops, from Italy to Greece to Norway to Iceland. If you want to see a lot of great destinations and not have to pack/unpack in between, cruises work well.
Having said that, the Disney Magic was designed for warm weather cruising and our northern European cruise wasnt great it was too cold for people to be outside or use the pool deck, so the ship felt crowded and chaotic especially at breakfast and when trying to see movies/shows.
The major knock against cruising is that youre only seeing a small area, and you dont have time to explore or interact with the local culture. I enjoy seeing a little of some new places with the kids and then deciding where we want to return.
So really our cruises have been previews of future vacations. Now we spend two weeks on a Greek island every other summer rather than seeing a crowded island for a day off of a ship.
For us, after three 12-night cruises, the Disney elements got repetitive the soundtracks, menus, character signings, etc. But no regrets it was those cruise days that led us to making Greece a standard vacation destination.
Honorable Mention: Support Make
The Disney Wish is the only ship where all Make-A-Wish children are recognized as Godmother of the vessel. For the inaugural season of the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line has created an exclusive line of merchandise that includes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse plushes, ear headband, trading pin, spirit jersey, and Tervis tumbler. Disney will donate 10% of the purchase price from the sale of every item in the Disney Wish Limited Edition Collection from now through July 18, 2023 to Make-A-Wish, to grant even more life-changing wishes.
Disney has partnered with Make-A-Wish, and has a #DisneyWish limited edition collection. 10% of purchase price from this @DisneyCruise#DisneyWish collection will be donated to @MakeAWish
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Where Will Disney Treasure Go In 2024
Disneys sixth cruise ship, Disney Treasure, will set sail on her inaugural voyage sometime in 2024. DCL hasnt released many details yet about the ship, including where Disney Treasure will sail to!
Disney Treasure
But watch this spaceIll provide updates as soon as I find out when Disney Treasure will start sailing, and where shell go.
Is The Disney Cruise Concierge Level Worth It
Concierge staterooms provide an extra level of service before and during your cruise as well as private areas and amenities onboard. Concierge guests receive priority for reserving Port Adventures and onboard experiences before any other passengers.
The most popular perk besides the Concierge Lounges is that Concierge level guests get first access to reserve cabanas at Castaway Cay, and very few remain for non-concierge passengers. Read about sailing concierge and see if the price is worth it to you.
Priority boarding and disembarkation means concierge guests can do both more on their own schedule compared to other guests who are assigned check-in times. They essentially never have to stand in the Disney Cruise lines at customer service because the concierge hosts will address virtually all questions and needs.
Concierge cabins have extra amenities and a different décor. The suites have a few additional privileges like in-room dining from the main restaurants. This perk matters because the in-room dining menu is least impressive part of the food experience on the Disney Cruise ships.
The Magic and Wonder did not have designated concierge lounges or sundecks until recently. Now all four ships have updated concierge areas.
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What Would Make Disney Cruise Line Even Better
No matter how amazing we all think Disney Cruise Line is, there is always room for improvement. Who better to ask than those who know DCL ships best?
BIGGER HOT TUBS, IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY/INTERNET, A SPECIALTY RESTAURANT FOR FAMILIES, ADDITIONAL SMALLER SHIPS
Sentiments include simple things like accounting for larger hot tubs and improved technology implementation into the cruise experience.
, and Disney’s app is no exception it doesn’t always work onboard.)
Other dreams from our DCL experts to improve Disney Cruise Line are loftier yet not unachievable. A specialty restaurant for families would be wonderful. And another hope is for additional smaller ships, around the size of the Magic and Wonder, to be in DCL’s future.
Our Dcl Experts Weigh In On Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Here at Sometimes Sailing, we adore small ship adventures. River cruises are a favorite of Mikkel and Dan’s. We couldn’t resist asking our six DCL experts to give us their thoughts on Adventures by Disney River Cruises, a partnership between Disney and AmaWaterways.
We discussed river cruise experiences on DCL Duo, episode 178 if you want to give it a listen.
Josh and Brittany took an Adventures by Disney river cruise on the Danube River this summer and were wowed.
They admit river cruises are very different from ocean cruises while Disney Cruise Line is about the ships and the onboard experiences, a river cruise is about the destinations. The two experiences are completely different.
Karen admits she could write a whole essay on Adventures by Disney cruises. She agrees they are incredible yet very different than DCL. She says they are a fantastic way to see Europe up close.
Perhaps you’re like Scott and have thought about booking a river cruise. He says they’re very intriguing, and it’s a vacation he’ll eventually take!
Sam and Brian took the plunge and secured their first river cruise adventure they go on their first river cruise with their son Nathan next Christmas.
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Which Disney Cruises Go To Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay, Disneys private island destination in the Bahamas, offers cruisers a day of pure relaxation on its pristine beaches. Or book a fun activity for your day in port! Disney cruisers can enjoy parasailing, fishing, and water sports, or rent bikes to explore the destination.
All of DCLs Bahamas cruises include a visit to Castaway Cay, and many of their Caribbean itineraries also include a stop at the private island.
Disney Cruise ships that visit Castaway Cay include Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream.
Disney Wonder Cruise Itineraries
Includes the Bahamas, the Caribbean Wonder Cruise, Alaska Wonder Cruise, and the USs West Coast Cruises.
You can explore the sunny Caribbean, visit ancient ruins in Mexico, or experience the beauty of Alaska. No matter where you go, youre sure to have a magical time. On board the ship, youll find all your favorite Disney characters and enjoy world-class entertainment.
Theres never a dull moment on a Disney Wonder cruise. So set sail on your next adventure and let Disney take you to places youve only dreamed of.
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Disney Cruise Line Fleet
While it may be a household name, Disney Cruise Line is actually a very small line. It currently has just four ships actively in the fleet, compared to 26 over at Royal Caribbean.
Out of the four, there are two smaller ships and two larger ones.
The largest two ships in Disney’s fleet are the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 feet in length and 14 decks high. These two ships have a passenger capacity of 4,000 people spread out across 1,250 staterooms. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or verandah with only 12% being interior staterooms .
The Dream is a workhorse of short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas, home to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Fantasy also normally calls Port Canaveral home but does various longer Caribbean sailings.
The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line lineup are the Disney Wonder and the original ship in the fleet, the Disney Magic. These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.
Disney’s Wonder and Magic usually get around a bit more than the larger two ships. Depending on the time of year, you might find the Wonder sailing out of places such as Galveston, Texas New Orleans California or Alaska. The Magic can often be found in Miami, New York, Canada and Europe.
Disney Cruise Liner Staterooms
The Disney Wish has 1,254 staterooms and a total capacity of 4,000 people when completely full. So, it is still a large cruise ship without being too overwhelming. Many of these staterooms have the ability to become part of adjoining suite setups to accommodate family layouts.
A Disney Cruise ship like the Wish also offers different styles and prices of rooms, from romantic and premium two-person suites to spacious family stateroom configurations. Guests can choose from the Standard Inside stateroom, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge room options. There are 76 total Concierge room options, including 53 Staterooms and 23 Suites, for an added cruise experience that cant be beat.
The Verandah and Oceanview options ensure that you will have your own scenic view from a private balcony or picturesque porthole window setup. While the inside stateroom provides a spacious non-view room.
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If Youre Ready To Plan A Disney Cruise Line Vacation But Arent Sure Which Ship To Choose Then Start By Answering These Questions:
How many days would I like to be on a cruise? If this is your first cruise, you might want to start with a 3-5 night sailing to get a taste of the magic of Disney Cruise Line. If you already know you love cruising, then we might recommend a longer voyage of 7+ nights to squeeze every experience, excursion, and excuse to play while onboard.
Which port is most convenient to get to for your family?
Which ports of call do you most want to visit?
Do the little ones in your party especially love any characters, movies, or stories? There is nothing like watching the joy twinkle in the eyes of a child meeting their favorite Disney characters for the first time. Certain ships have dedicated spaces that might hold a special place in your childs heart.
At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong with any ship, any sailing, or any ports of call. What matters most is that you are spending time with your loved ones on a vacation that makes you feel cared for.
If youre looking for additional help in planning your vacation, check out our Travel Agent Recommendations for a dedicated travel professional who can help guide you one which ship will be best for you.
Happy Sailing!
Aulani A Disney Resort & Spa In Ko Olina Hawaii
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii is the perfect place to stay for your next family vacation. With its many activities, amenities, and breathtaking views, Aulani has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Aulani offers a wide variety of activities and amenities to keep you and your family entertained throughout your stay. There are two pools, a lazy river, a water play area for kids, and an adults-only pool with a bar. For those that want to stay active, there is a fitness center, yoga classes, and even hiking and biking trails. And of course, no trip to Aulani would be complete without spending some time at the spa.
There are also a variety of dining options available, from casual counter-service to upscale restaurants. And, of course, you cant forget about the many shops and boutiques available for some retail therapy.
Aulani is also home to a wide variety of entertainment, including live music, shows, and even a movie theater. And, of course, you cant forget about the many character experiences available throughout the resort.
Aulani is the perfect place to stay for your next family vacation. With its many activities, amenities, and breathtaking views, Aulani has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
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Which Disney Cruise Ship Is Best
If youre thinking about booking a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you may be wondering which ship and itinerary to choose. With so many different options for ships, departure ports, and destinations, you can quickly become overwhelmed when trying to make these decisions.
And the truth is, the best Disney cruise ship for your family may not be the right choice for another family. For example, those families traveling with a toddler will be searching for different ship features than those who are cruising with elementary aged kids, teens, or adults.
So, how do you decide which Disney cruise ship to choose?
The post below will compare each of the Disney cruise ships, so you can determine which one best meets the needs of your family.
As a family who has planned and experienced multiple cruises with kids ranging in age from one to seventeen, we know exactly which activities and amenities are big hits with each age group.
So, check out our full Disney cruise ship comparisons below to help you make the right decision on booking the best Disney cruise ship for your big vacation!
Best Dcl Ship For Adults
We know firsthand that you don’t have to have kids to enjoy Disney Cruise Line. In fact, we share why Disney Cruise Line is great for adults traveling without kids on Sometimes Sailing. As such, we asked our DCL experts which Disney cruise ship is the best for adults.
WINNER: DISNEY FANTASY
Three of our four experts agree that Disney Fantasy is the clear winner, whether you’re traveling as adults-only for a regular vacation or your honeymoon. The adult spaces are superb, and to make things extra convenient, the adult dining restaurants and adult district are located in the same general area of the ship.
The upper deck’s adults-only areas on the Fantasy also come out on top, with the Quiet Cove adults-only having hot tubs nearby and a swim-up bar in the pool.
The longer itineraries offered on Disney Fantasy make it ideal for adults looking for a longer getaway, who don’t have to be concerned about kids’ school schedules.
If you’re looking for a great Rainforest Room hanging out at the spa for a few hours, the Fantasy has one a cut above the classic ships but not as good as the Wish.
If you are cruising with kids and want a happy medium, consider Disney Wish, which offers the best of both worlds: there’s a lot to keep kids occupied and checked into childcare while adults break off to have some fun. However, keep in mind that the adult areas on Disney Wish are more spread out, and the pool is smaller and with only one hot tub.
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Dcl Merchandise & Products For Your Cruise
Sure, you can get merch on the shipbut did you know you can get Disney Cruise Line shirts, tumblers, Mickey ears, and such before you sail?
Here are a few places to shop:
- ShopDisney is a wonderful place to get Disney Cruise Line items delivered to your home before your cruise.
- We put together this special list of fun Disney Cruise Line items that we recommend, which includes some essentials like the handheld pocket fan we swear by. Also check out our Cruise Essentials list.
If you’re not already a member of Amazon Prime, we highly recommend it! Here’s a , where you can enjoy free two-day shipping, free Kindle books, special discounts on products, and more.
Also, just a note for the internet if you want to shop for a great tech gadget to bring on ships: we travel with our own pocket Wi-Fi hotspot. It won’t work if you’re in the middle of the ocean, but it works in most major ports and costs way less than Disney Cruise Line’s internet.
We travel with a Solis hotspot we travel with, and this explains why we love it. Use code SOMETIMESHOME to save 10%!
A Disney Cruise For Adults: 9 Things To Know When You Cruise Without Kids
Ever wonder what itâs like to do a Disney cruise without kids? Itâs probably all screaming children, overzealous âkidultsâ in cheesy Mickey apparel, obnoxious characters and overpriced food, right? Not even close.
While there are no Disney cruises for adults exclusively, we were still pleasantly surprised by what we discovered when we sailed on a three-night Disney itinerary aboard Disney Dream. For a look at what two kid-free travelers â one with no kids and one who left her 2-year-old at home â learned, read our list of nine things to know about a Disney adult cruise.
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Disney Cruise Ships Comparison
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disney Cruise Line is one of the more expensive cruise options, but the line offers a really authentic Disney experience, so a lot of people love to set sail on their ships. But how much do you know about the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet?
Did you know that the latest ship was just launched in mid-2022? Or that the ships normally come in pairs, but the latest class is breaking that tradition? And do you know what features each ship has?
