Crush on the Magic

A misconception I hear often regarding Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is that it’s only for families. Another one I hear regularly is that it must be a boring experience for an adult. People who have never sailed on DCL often summarize their interpretation of Disney Cruises as “taking one for the team” to take your children. I can certainly attest that neither of these are true; however, like any cruise line, the ship features and destinations along with the clients interests are what determine if a ship and sailing is a good fit. This can be said for any and all cruise lines I work with.

Personally, I have sailed on board Disney Cruise Line with my family, with my husband only, with friends and solo. Each experience was unique and the activities I enjoyed varied based on each of these sailing opportunities.

Do you or your travel party enjoy other Disney Destinations?

If you enjoy visiting the Disney parks and resorts, you will likely enjoy the unique but familiar experience that comes with Disney Cruising. The dining, entertainment and service expectations you have about your favorite destinations are all found on board any of the currently 8 ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. While each ship brings their own flair, the Disney level of customer service is alive in well on board.

Simplification

From a planning and logistics standpoint, Disney cruises are among the easiest to plan once you have determined your ship, sail date, room, etc., as once you have made the big decisions when booking, the on board planning and port adventure processes are pretty simple. On DCL, guests do not have to pay for drink packages and the majority of dining experiences are included (including room service) in your cruise fare. Extras like specialty drinks (alcohol, coffee or special non-alcoholics) are additional charges but drink packages are not required to be pre-purchased. Typically, drinks are purchased al la carte OR once on board they will run special offers on Beer and Wine. Additional charge dining experiences are typically for special on board opportunities such as adult only dining in Remy, Palo, Enchante, Lumiere’s, or for special tasting classes or tea sessions.

On board Fun!

On board activities, such as attending shows or movies, are all included and guests do not have to sign-up in advance. The DCL Navigator app provides guests with their rotational dining plan and theater schedule once the guests have boarded the ship. Guests can look at the variety of activities on board and “heart” or favorite activities and the app will remind you when your activity is about to happen. Depending on the ship, guests will be rotated through 3 unique dining locations, with every night being a new menu and experience. On longer cruises, guests will continue the same three locations but with different menus and different themes/activities on those repeated dates. Guests can also elect to enjoy food on the pool deck or elect room service. There are plenty of options for guests to experience and enjoy dining that is included.

Examples of things included:

• First run – new movies
• Broadway style show
• Trivia and games
• Live entertainment (live music, comedy shows, magicians, etc.)
• Character experiences and meet and greets
• Pools and Slides
• Fitness Center (and some of classes are often included at no charge)
• Youth Activities clubs (small fee on It’s a Small World Nursery)
• Recreational activities such as putt, putt, basketball and other games (depends on ships)
  • and so much more!

Port Adventures

Port Adventures are an additional charge add-on activities that guests can choose to book once they have paid in full and their eligibility window opens (Depends on Castaway Club, aka Loyalty Status). Port Adventures are really dependent upon destination. When in the Bahamas, oftentimes you don’t need to have many things planned as if the ships are stopping at any of Disney’s private destinations, Lookout Cay or Castaway Cay, they can enjoy the islands with no additional fees and food and drinks are included (except for alcohol, just like the ships). If guests are electing a sailing that is in Europe or Alaska, as examples, it’s likely you will want to book Port Adventures to experience as much of the destinations as you can! I always HIGHLY recommend only booking your Port Adventures through Disney Cruise Line, otherwise, guests can be at risk of fraud or even being left at the port if they arrive to late back to the ship!

Miscelleanous things you may spend extra on include:

• Fitness classes
• Spa and Wellness
• Salon treatments
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Tea experiences
• Alcohol Tastings
• Bingo!
• Nursery (kids 6 months to 3 year olds who are not potty trained)
• Specialty ice creams, alcohols and drinks, popcorn at the theater
• Photo Packages (worth it) 😉

Overall, the ships are designed for a mix of family time and me-time. Kids clubs and activities make it easier for parents to have a minute to relax and unwind and the children to get energy out and make friends!

Questions about the ships? Questions about sailing? Ready to set sail? Contact me for more information or your no obligation quote.