Crush on the Magic

Who goes on a Disney Cruise?

Aren’t they just for families?

The most common question and assumption I receive from the public is that Disney Cruises are for families with small children. Contrary to this common perception, this is not at all the case. Depending on the itinerary or time of year, it is entirely possible for a ship to be filled with retirees without their grandchildren, couples without their kids and families with older kids. Disney Cruises are designed to be for the biggest/oldest kid(s) to the smallest. They are designed for together and alone time. Disney Cruises are for just about any family vacation mix you may think of, except maybe those who cruise to gamble. Disney ships do not offer casinos on board. (They do offer Bingo and children are welcome to participate, but they cannot claim winnings.)

Adulting on a Disney Cruise!

The thing I love most about cruising aboard the Disney Cruise Line fleet is simplicity. While there are optional additional fee experiences, most of the cruise experience is covered in your cruise fare. The hardest thing is deciding your ship, sail date and room category (This is where I can help!) Once you are booked, we will follow a final payment and booking window schedule that is determined by the number of times you have sailed with Disney (and again… no worries..this is what I am here for… to help you navigate deadlines and logistics).

When you book a Disney Cruise, you are getting the following experiences and amenities with your cruise fare:

• Broadway style shows (Moana, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, and MORE!)
• New release movies in theater (current/recent theatrical releases with options for mature audiences as well as children)
• Variety act performances and musical performers
• Disney IP meet and greet opportunities- This means classic Disney, Disney Princesses, Pixar, Marvel, etc. (depending on your sailing dates/theme)
• Pools, deck parties, slides, splash pads
• Kids and Youth clubs (up to age 20!). (There are fees for It’s a Small World Nursery for children 6 months-3 years).
• Rotational Dining (themed entertainment with your dining experience that is different each night)
• Trivia, games, crafts, drawing classes, karaoke, and so many more activities
• Fitness center access (and some classes are free)
• Breakfast and Lunch in Marceline Market/Cabanas (depending on ship)
• Pool deck quick service dining options (including soft serve ice cream late into the evening!)
• Soft Drinks, drip coffee, juices at dining and on the pool deck
• 24/7 Room Service (tip suggested) (Cookies and milk at bedtime?!)

Experiences and Items that are additional charge:

• Specialty drinks, alcohol and specialty coffees
• Nursery for kids under 3 (kids 3+ who are potty trained can go to Oceaneer’s Club for no charge).
• Adult dining experiences at Palo (all ships), Remy (Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy) or Enchante (Wish/Treasure)
• Salon experiences (blow outs, grooming, mani, pedi, etc)
• Spa experiences and packages
• Some fitness experiences
• Bibiddi Bobiddi Boutique
• Port Adventures/Excursions
• Tea Parties and other special events that may be offered outside of the normal cruise fare

Where does Disney sail?

With the continuing expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, ships are sailing all over the world. Disney sails seasonally in destinations such as Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, Hawaii/west coast and year round to Mexico and the Caribbean. It will soon start sailing in Singapore, with the all new Disney Adventure. Disney currently has two permanent home ports in Florida (Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale) with sailings year round to it’s two private island destinations in the Bahamas as well as other destinations in the region.

What can you bring?

Your destination will ultimately depend on what you need to prepare/pack for a cruise; such as what government documents, visas, clothing types, etc., you need to be able to embark and have a safe and enjoyable time. As an advisor, this is something we can work on together, is making sure you have the knowledge you need to be ready for your destination. For the safety of guests, all cruise lines have a list of prohibited items and they adhere to those restrictions. If guests need things for medical purposes, it is important that you advise your Travel Agent or Disney Cruise Line directly in advance of your arrival. Things like wheelchairs, hearing impaired assistance, dietary requests and needs, CPAP machine water, etc., can be arranged. Additionally, all ships have gift shops with basical medical items like band aids and other basic medication. Anything additional can often be found by visiting the Medical area of the ship. Rents for things like heating pads, can be found at the medical office.

Key thing about planning a Disney Cruise:

On embarkation (as known as your sailing date), be sure to have your medications, necessary government travel documents, your boarding QR code, and your family (If you are taking them.. hehe) with you and ready to go. You’ll be on your way to a magical time! Lastly, it is not recommended that you fly to your port location on embarkation day as it is hard to predict weather, airline delays and cancellations. The biggest disappointment would be missing your trip because of a missed flight! These key considerations are all part of the planning experience that a travel advisor, such as myself, can help educate and prepare you and on your way to a magical time!

What do you say, let’s get you on your way to a DREAM vacation! 😉