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Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Categories Explained

Front, back, top, bottom, left, right, somewhere in the middle? There are so many choices when choosing your stateroom (like a hotel room, but on water) on a Disney Cruise. No worries though, I explain all of the various categories and help you choose the best stateroom for your family’s magical vacation!

As of right now, there are 4 Disney ships in their fleet. The Dream and Fantasy are sister ships with the same layout and the Magic and Wonder are sister ships with the same layout. When selecting a cruise itinerary, you want to make sure you know which ship you will be sailing on because the stateroom categories are different.

There are 2 main things you have to consider when choosing a stateroom: what type of stateroom do you want (floor plan) and where on the ship do you want to be (category). The Dream and Fantasy have 9 floor plans and 28 room categories. The Magic & Wonder have 10 floor plans and 22 room categories. That’s a lot! I have broken it down into 4 easy steps to pick your perfect stateroom!

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy Deck Plans

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Deck Plans

4 steps to choosing your stateroom:

Determine how many people are in your party. This decides what type of room you need. When you go online to look at availability, select the total number of adults and children (with their ages) the rooms will be filtered down to the ones that will fit your party size.

Dream & Fantasy: If you have 1, 2, 3, or 4 people in your party you have free access to all rooms and categories on the ship. If you have 5 people, you can choose from 5 floor plans on the ships. If you have more than 5 on the Dream & Fantasy you will need 2 staterooms.

Magic & Wonder: If you have 1, 2 or 3 people in your party you can choose between all room floor plans and categories on the ships. If you have 4 people you can choose from 9 floor plans. 5 people, you can choose between 5 floor plans and there are 2 floor plans that can sleep up to 7!

Choose 1 of 4 floor plans. Do you want a room with a view?

1.     Inside: no windows (however, the Fantasy and Dream have Magical Portholes; a LED TV screen over the bed with real-time views of outside)

2.     Oceanview: Dream & Fantasy: 1 or 2 large portholes, Magic & Wonder: 1 large porthole or 2 smaller portholes

3.     Verandah: There are 3 types of verandahs (balconies):

•  The  standard verandah  features an open-air balcony skirted by an acrylic wall, allowing for a full view of the horizon even while seated.
• The  whitewall verandah  offers open-air lounging with a solid wall from the deck to the railing. Most of these staterooms are located in the back (aft) portion of the ship.
• The  navigator’s verandah  is enclosed for greater privacy while still affording a stunning view and sea breezes through a large, open-air porthole above the railing.
• Verandahs differ by size and style depending on the ship and stateroom type, and the view on some verandahs may be obstructed.
• On connecting verandah staterooms, the partitions can be opened to create an even more spacious balcony.

• Concierge: Personalized assistance in planning every cruise detail, including:

Pre-reserve many of your onboard activities and services online, up to 120 days prior to your sail date.

• Port Adventures
• Reservations for  Palo or Remy , spa treatments or nursery stays
• Dining room seating requests
• Special occasions and celebrations
• Any other special requests, from pre-arrival to post-cruise

Shipboard Services

• Priority check-in and boarding at a dedicated check-in station
• Private welcome reception
• Exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge and sun deck via a private entrance.
• Down Duvets
• Choose from pillow options including hypoallergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam
• Personal robe and slippers
• Access to the media library in the Concierge Lounge
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet service (length of cruise)

Room preferences to consider:

What specific stateroom type do you want?

• Suite: Royal, 1 bedroom, or 2 bedrooms
• Deluxe family: sleeps 5
• Deluxe: split bathroom
• Standard: single bathroom
• Guaranteed: Disney will select for you your stateroom and guarantee that it will be in the category chosen or a higher category. This is a restricted-fare category.
• Wheelchair accessible

Where on the ship do you want to be? Forward (front), midship, or aft (back)

Do you get seasick? There are different theories to this, but generally, if you get sea sick you will want a stateroom with a verandah so you can breathe in fresh air or a room with a porthole. Focusing on the line where the sky meets the sea can help alleviate nausea. Also, having a stateroom in the middle of the ship helps with the rocking feeling.

Are you on a budget? The higher the deck the more expensive the stateroom is. Also, the closer you are to mid ship the more expensive the room is. You will also pay more to see the ocean. Inside staterooms with no windows on a lower deck either near the front (forward) or back (aft) are the least expensive.

Pick your room

In this step, you actually get to choose your specific room number. You can also select staterooms that adjoin if you are going with another stateroom. If the room connects, you will see an arrow next to the room number. The direction the arrow is going in is the room it connects to. You can still select one of these rooms even if you are not traveling with another party, you just don’t want to unlock the door 🙂

Do you want to be next to the elevators? The elevators midship are generally busier and therefore are louder, but on the other hand, you also have close access to the stairwell & elevators to get to other decks quickly.

When you have made your selection, you will be given a category #. For example, it will look like this: (Category 04E).

You’re done, celebrate!

But what does that number and letter mean?

If you want to dig in deeper to the room categories and find out what the number and letter means, you can keep on reading. I am giving you fair warning, there is a lot of information below.  For planning purposes, my suggestion is to print out the list below and make notes or cross off which ones do not fit your needs.

Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Category Specifics

These are the larger ships in Disney’s fleet with 1,250 staterooms each. There are 14 decks (or levels); 9 have staterooms on them, with 28 categories and 9 room layouts! 

9 Stateroom Layouts on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

1. concierge royal suite with verandah.

• Category R: There are only 2 of this type of room on each ship. Both are on deck 12 at the very front of the ship (forward). One is on the left (port) the other is on the right (starboard).
• 1,781 square feet, including the verandah
• One master bedroom with queen size bed
• One wall pull-down double bed
• One wall pull-down single bed in the living room
• Two bathrooms with rain shower
• Whirlpool tub
• Living room
• Dining salon
• Walk-in closets

2. Concierge 1-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category T: There are 19 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located on decks 11 and 12 near the front of the ship (forward). Located on both sides of the ship. 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 622 square feet including verandah
• One bedroom with queen size bed
• Living area with double convertible sofa
• Private Verandah

3. Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• Category V: There are 20 of these types of rooms on each ship. They are located on decks 11 and 12 near the front of the ship (forward). Located on both sides of the ship. 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 306 square feet including verandah
• Queen size bed
• Double convertible sofa
• Upper berth pull-down bed
• Full bath with round tub and shower
• Additional half bath

4. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• 04 A has 128 staterooms with 64 on deck 9 and 64 on deck 10. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 B has 62 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located midship to back (aft). 4 are wheelchair accessible.
• 04 C has 64 staterooms all on deck 7. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 D has 63 staterooms all on deck 6. All are located midship to back (aft). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 04 E has 44 staterooms all on deck 5. All are located near the front (forward) or back (aft). 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 299 square feet including verandah
• Single convertible sofa
• Wall pull-down bed (in most)
• Upper berth pull-down bed (in some)
• Split bath with round tub (in most) and shower

5. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• There are a total of 3 categories each broken down: 05 (A-E), 06 (A & B), & 07 (A)
• 05 A has 168 staterooms on deck 9 & 10. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 B has 78 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 C has 82 staterooms all on deck 7. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 D has 88 staterooms all on deck 6. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 E has 29 staterooms on deck 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10. All are located at the very back (aft). All have white wall verandahs. 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 06 A has 10 staterooms on decks 8 & 9. All are located back (aft). All have white wall verandahs.
• 06 B has 20 staterooms on decks 5, 6, & 7. All are located back (aft). All have white wall verandahs.
• 07 A is a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah. There are 24 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9. Mainly in the front (forward) or back (aft)
• 246 square feet including verandah
• Upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
• Split bath with tub and shower

6. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom

• 08 A has 12 staterooms located on decks 5 & 6 in the front (forward). The shapes of these rooms are squarer versus rectangular and each stateroom has 2 large portholes! 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 08 B has 22 staterooms located on deck 9, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 08 C has 44 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 08 D has 30 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 241 square feet
• Split bath with round tub and shower (in most)

7. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• 09 A has 10 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, 7, & 8 all either in the front (forward) or back (aft). 4 are wheelchair accessible.
• Things to keep in mind when booking this category: the main lobby atrium is the deck above and the tender lobby is the deck below, so it might be noisy
• 09 C has 10 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8 at the very front (forward) of the ship. 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 09 D has 11 staterooms located on decks 6, 7, & 8 all at the very front (forward) of the ship. 3 are wheelchair accessible.
• 204 square feet

8.    Deluxe Inside Stateroom

• Category 10 A has 19 staterooms sporadically located on decks 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9

9.    Standard Inside Stateroom

• 11 A has 64 staterooms located on decks 8, 9, & 10. There are some located front (forward), midship, and back (aft)
• 11 B has 40 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7. Most are located near the front (forward) and back (aft) of the ship.
• 169 square feet
• Bath with tub and shower

Disney Magic & Disney Wonder Specifics

These are the smaller ships in Disney’s fleet with 875 staterooms each. There are 11 decks (or levels); 6 have staterooms on them, with 22 categories and 10 room layouts!

10 Stateroom Layouts on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

1.    concierge royal suite with verandah.

• Category R: There are only 2 of this type of room on each ship. Both are on deck 8 at the mid to front of the ship (forward). The one on the left (port) is the Walter E. Disney Suite and the other, on the right (starboard) is the Roy O. Disney Suite.
• 1,029 square feet, including the verandah
• Two bedrooms with queen size bed the other has two twin beds and two pull-down upper berths
• Two and a half bathrooms with whirlpool tubs
• Media library with wall pull-down bed

2.    Concierge 2-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category S: There are 2 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located on deck 8 near the front of the ship (forward). One on each side (port and starboard).
• 945 square feet including verandah
• Living area with convertible sofa
• Two and a half bathrooms

3.    Concierge 1-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category T: There are 18 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located throughout deck 8. 4 are wheelchair accessible
• 614 square feet including verandah
• Two bathrooms

4.    Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• Category V: There are 10 of these types of rooms on each ship. They are located on deck 8 throughout.
• 304 square feet including verandah
• Pull-down upper berth bed (in most)
• Privacy divider

5.    Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• 04 A has 32 staterooms on deck 8. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 B has 32 staterooms all on deck 8. Located front (forward) and back (aft).
• 04 E has 6 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located near back (aft). 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• Wall pull-down bed
• Pull-down upper berth (in most)
• Private verandah

6.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• This floor plan is broken down into 2 categories 05 (A-C) & 06 (A)
• 05 A has 58 staterooms on deck 7. All are located midship
• 05 B has 106 staterooms: 46 are on deck 7 in the front (forward) or back (aft) and 60 are on deck 6 all located midship.
• 05 C has 56 staterooms 46 are on deck 6 in the front (forward) or back (aft) and 10 are on deck 5 all located near the back (aft).
• 06 A has 32 staterooms on decks 5,6, & 7. All are located back (aft). 6 are wheelchair accessible.
• 268 square feet including verandah

7.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah

• Category 07 A has 30 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7 all in the back (aft) of the ship.
• Enclosed private verandah with limited views

8.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• 09 A has 58 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7 in the front (forward). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 09 B has 66 staterooms located on deck 2, all are mid-deck.
• 09 C has 80 staterooms located on decks 2, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 09 D has 25 staterooms located on decks 1, all are mid-deck to the front (forward) and on the left (port side). All rooms in this category have 2 small portholes.

9.    Deluxe Inside Stateroom

• 10 A has 19 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7. All are located in the front (forward) of the ship. 1 on deck 7 is wheelchair accessible.
• 10 B has 48 staterooms located on deck 2. Mainly midship.
• 10 C has 17 staterooms located on deck 1. All are mid-deck to the front (forward) and on the left (port side).
• 214 square feet
• Upper berth pull-down bed (in some) Privacy divider

10.  Standard Inside Stateroom

• 11 A has 66 staterooms located on decks 6 & 7. There are some located front (forward), midship, and back (aft). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 11 B has 81 staterooms located on decks 6 & 7. All are located near the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship.
• 11 C has 37 staterooms located on deck 2 & 3. All on deck 2 are located near the front (forward) of the ship and those on deck 3 are located in the back (aft).
• 184 square feet

If you made it this far, hi and thank you!

Happy Travels!

Let’s book your magical vacation today!   As an agent with Key to the World Travel , I can help you with everything from Disney Destinations, a cruise, a beach getaway or even a trip to Europe. Contact me today for your free, no-obligation quote at [email protected]   and follow me on Facebook   to hear about the latest Disney updates and travel tips! Or, you can fill out and submit the form below.  I look forward to helping you plan the most magical vacation for you and your family.

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Disney Wish Stateroom 13000 Tour – Princess Aurora Royal Suite

The Disney Wish features a pair of 2-story concierge Royal Suites on deck 13 forward. Each of the 1,759 sq. ft suites can accommodate up to 6 guests, and feature a private verandah with whirlpool hot tub. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the Princess Aurora Royal Suite.

The 2-story Royal Suites aboard the Disney Wish 13000 and 13500 offer guests 2 main bedrooms each with a king sized bed and walk in closets. A large living area which can expand the sleeping capacity to 6 with the use of the convertible queen sofa. There are 3 full bathrooms, an open dining room with a pantry and wetter stocked with water and sodas.

Upon entering the room, you are welcomed into a foyer with a spiral staircase leading to the second story and a pantry area with wet bar. As you move into the suite, you have a common area. The space is open with one side a dining table and the other side a sitting area. The sitting area doubles as a sleeping area with the couch converting to a queen bed. The entire suite features floor to ceiling windows for a view out over the bow.

Off the dining area, is the first floor bedroom with a king sized bed, and bathroom.

The spiral staircase leads to the second bedroom with king sized bed, an bathroom. The second story bedroom also offers guests a view out over the bow.

The bathroom attached to the second story bedroom features a shower and bathtub overlooking the port side of the ship with floor to ceiling windows… However, with a click of a switch a privacy mode can be activated thank to the electronic privacy glass panels.

Personally, I think the private verandah is the best aspect of the Royal Suites on the Disney Wish. Guests can access the private outdoor space from the common area or the bedroom on the first floor. There are loungers, a table, and a whirlpool hottub.

Oh wait, there is one other aspect that makes this verandah unique… There is direct access to the concierge sundeck area.

And the balcony has its own entrance to the concierge outdoor bar! pic.twitter.com/bDSip8CuqB — CHRIS in the Concierge Lounge (@CHRIS_MAGIC_DCL) September 26, 2022

I placed the video tour of the stateroom at the end because the footage is a bit shaky since I did not have my DJI OM 5 gimbal with me at the time of the suite tour. I apologize in advance if you get motion sickness from watching.

Have you stayed in either Royal Suite aboard the Disney Wish, what did you think about it? Do you have a stateroom review to share? You can submit your own stateroom review. Start by searching for your stateroom on  this page , then look for the link titled  Submit your own stateroom review .

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3 Replies to “Disney Wish Stateroom 13000 Tour – Princess Aurora Royal Suite”

This is so gorgeous! Definitely feels more like a luxury hotel than a stateroom. The dark wood and forest theme of the Briar Rose suite is pretty, but this is on a whole other level. Is there a door on the balcony that provides the access to the concierge sundeck? Just trying to imagine it in my head!???? -Lindsey

Yes, you can enter the concierge sundeck. There is an embedded tweet with a video going from the verandah to the sundeck.

So fun! Thank you!!

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Suite Life: Inside The Walt Suite

• By Lauren Mack
• October 18, 2020

A glimpse into the VIP life of Disney Cruises.

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Disney Magic Cruise Ship: Image Courtesy of Disney Cruises

We spent five nights in the Disney Magic’s Walter E. Disney Suite , the most magical place on Disney Cruise Line, to give you the inside scoop.

Located mid-ship on Deck 8 in stateroom 8030 on Disney Magic , the cruise line’s first ship, and the Disney Wonder , the palatial two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom suite, is on the ship’s port (left) side across from the comparable Roy O. Disney Suite (stateroom 8530) and around the corner from the midship elevator banks. The 1,029-square-foot suite sleeps seven. It’s location is perfect—midship and high enough, so we didn’t feel the ship move when the seas became a little rocky. 

On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , the two, 1,781-square feet Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah, as these suites are classified, are located on deck 12 forward in staterooms 12002 and 12502. Each only sleeps five people but boast a private Jacuzzi on the verandah. Prior to sailing in the Walt Suite, I had only been on the Disney Magic. Since then, I’ve been on the Disney Dream. If I could make the decision again, I would have chosen the Walt Suite on the Disney Dream solely for the private Jacuzzi, but we managed to enjoy a nearly private Jacuzzi on the Disney Magic by purchasing a pass to the Rainforest inside the Senses Spa, which has two Jacuzzis with panoramic views. We soaked in these Jacuzzis daily and almost always had them all to ourselves. 

Guests are welcomed into a brief foyer with carved wood credenza, a vase with fresh flowers, and a framed photo of the suite’s namesake. There’s a powder room and an adjacent butler pantry stocked with water and soft drinks. The hallway opens up to a large media room, which includes a couch, coffee table, desk, flatscreen LCD television, wet bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views. 

Amber-lit floor-to-ceiling shelves with artsy vases and a dozen or so Disney books, flank the entry-way to a living room appointed with a full-size pull-down murphy bed, flatscreen LCD television, and enviable ocean views. Adjacent is the master bedroom with queen size bed made up with luxurious 300-thread-count, 100% cotton Frette  linens topped with a plush down duvet, two wooden side tables, another LCD television, and a vanity. The marble and granite master bath features a whirlpool tub and two sinks, a separate walk-in shower, and toilet. 

To the left of the living room is a sea-side dining salon with seating for six that leads to the second bedroom that features two twin beds, two pull-down upper berths, an LCD television, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite bathroom with tub/shower and plush Frette bath towels. Throughout the Art Deco-style suite, each room is adorned with original Disney artwork. We appreciated having two separate bedrooms in the Walt Suite, which provided ample privacy. Having three bathrooms is really handy when everyone is in a rush to get dressed in the morning to go ashore. It’s also helpful when traveling with little ones as they never have to wait to use the restroom.

These special Royal Suites (category R) are all part of the Concierge-level accommodations, which include perks like a Concierge Lounge with complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages, staterooms stocked with Elemis® Body Exotics products and Spongelle, a flower-shaped ginger bergamot body wash infused buffer, robes and slippers, the Pillow Talk Program (guests can select from a pillow menu that includes hypoallergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam), and complimentary Wi-Fi. Up to 125 days prior to sailing, concierge guests can submit their requests to the Concierge Team, who can book spa treatments, dining reservations, Castaway Cay cabanas, and Port Adventures on their behalf when the 120-day window opens.

We really made use of the dedicated Concierge service. The crew cheerfully fulfilled all our requests, including stocking the pantry with Mickey Bars and Evian and providing extra Spongelles (they are amazing, and I totally stashed extras in my suitcase). The downside to Concierge is once you sail at the Concierge level, it’s hard to “downgrade” and sail non-Concierge. After our Walt Suite experience, we didn’t book a Concierge stateroom for our next cruise and we really regretted it. 

Walt and Roy Suite Only Perks

As guests of the Walt Suite, we were the first to board after the Family of the Day and we didn’t have to wait to access our palatial stateroom (the Family of the Day is chosen at random by a Disney Cast Member in the cruise ship terminal). Boarding first means we got a few extra hours to enjoy the ship’s amenities and could drop off our day bags before heading to lunch at Cabanas. It was so convenient to not have to lug around bags and we bypassed long bathroom lines by the pool. 

Another delicious perk was the complimentary fresh fruit platter, which included a coconut stuffed with fresh berries.

The Walt Suite and Roy Suite are the only staterooms that offer in-room dining from Palo’s , the chic adults-only fine dining restaurant. Staying in these suites is the only way guests under 18-years-old can dine on the restaurant’s Northern Italian fare like piquant Dover sole garnished with nut brown butter and chopped capers. Guests don’t have to adhere to the upscale dress code that is required when enjoying brunch or dinner in Palo’s dining room. The in-room dining experience was identical to that at Palo’s: a waiter took orders and attended to every detail and a sommelier made suggestions of European wines to pair with our multi-course meal. 

This meal was a highlight of our trip. We kept the verandah door open during dinner, enjoying the ambiance of the sound of the ocean couples with gentle sea breeze. When it came to selecting our appetizers and entrees, we definitely over-ordered. We were accustomed to ordering two or three appetizers each at dinner as the portion size for those tends to be much smaller, but at Palo’s the portions are generous. We ended up ordering so much food that we were unable to finish it all. 

How to book

With only four ships (three more are on the way, including Disney Wish in 2022), there are limited chances to sail in the Walt Suite. The price varies depending on the number of travelers, ship, cruise length, and ports of call. We sailed with seven adults and one toddler on the four-night, five-day cruise from Miami with stops at Key West, Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay in January 2018 for $13,000, but we have seen the rate for these suites as low as $10,500 for a three-night Bahamian cruise sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla. One way to potentially score a discount is to check in early at the port and ask if an upgrade to the Walt Suite is available. If so, upgrading can be done with significant discounts. Having sailed on three-night, four-night, and five-night Disney cruises, I recommend at least a four-night cruise. Three nights is too rushed and not enough time to enjoy the suite life!

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The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

After decades of success making families smile and laugh at its theme parks, Disney dipped its toes into the world of cruising in 1998. Disney didn't just copy another cruise line's model for success or slap its name on the side of an existing ship. It created its own brand of cruising.

Disney went so far into charting its own path as to get special approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for its ships' lifeboats to be yellow instead of regulation orange, to tie into the colors of Mickey himself — black, red, white and yellow.

Now, Disney Cruise Line has five ships sailing in those signature colors, along with three more on order. In a normal year, those five ships take tens of thousands of families on sailings to the Caribbean , Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas, through the Panama Canal and even to Australia and New Zealand.

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Having sailed four of Disney Cruise Line's five ships, I can say the experience is indeed special — especially if you have kids. But Disney's not a one-trick cruise line that's only good for one age group. It offers kids clubs and activities to suit babies through teens and has several adults-only areas of the ship . Its newest ship, Disney Wish , provides more cool spaces for adults than any previous vessel.

Disney's attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. But unlike at the Disney theme parks, which can be a bit complicated to navigate, long lines and complex strategies are rarely a part of the Disney cruise experience.

Get the free planning help of a Disney vacation planner via TPG's partner, Mouse Counselors .

What TPG loves about Disney Cruise Line

• Broadway-caliber shows and first-run movies.
• Disney-level service and attention to detail.
• High-quality Disney character interactions and kids clubs.
• Innovative, included rotational dining.

What we could do without

• Disney cruises are expensive.
• The onboard Wi-Fi is not the fastest, especially on ships that haven't been upgraded. And it's not cheap.

Disney Cruise Line fleet

While Disney may be a household name, Disney Cruise Line is actually a small line. It currently sails just five ships, compared to 27 at its family-friendly competitor Royal Caribbean .

Of the five, two are smaller ships, and three are larger.

The largest ships in Disney's fleet are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 feet long and 14 decks high, and Disney Wish , at 1,119 feet and 15 decks high.

These three ships each have a passenger capacity of 4,000 people spread out across approximately 1,250 cabins. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or private verandah, with only 10%-12% being windowless inside cabins. (On its oldest four ships, these interior rooms have a "magical porthole" that displays a live feed from outside to replicate a window.)

Disney Treasure , expected to join the fleet in 2024, will be in the same larger Triton class of ships as Disney Wish.

Disney Wish is currently a workhorse of short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral , Florida, to the Bahamas, home to Disney's private island , Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy often sails weeklong cruises out of Florida. With the addition of Disney Wish to the fleet, Disney Dream now spends its summer across the Atlantic, offering European cruises from May to September, then spending much of the rest of the year based out of Fort Lauderdale.

The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line's first ship, 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 Wonder is often on the move and currently splits its time among Alaska , the South Pacific, Hawaii, California, Mexico and beyond. Disney Magic spends part of its year based out of Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans and much of the rest based out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Related: Best destinations you can sail to on a Disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line destinations and itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that range from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have recently become available as the line is adding new ships for the first time in a decade.

Disney Cruise Line destinations include:

• New Zealand
• Pacific Coast
• South Pacific

Disney Wish has, by far, the highest number of annual sailings, with 105 three- and four-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. These sailings all go to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay; some also stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some Disney cruises do what's called a "double dip" and make two stops at the private island, where you can step ashore without leaving the Disney bubble.

Pro tip: If you go to Castaway Cay, rent a bike for a little exercise and a self-guided tour of the island. Or, you can run the at-your-pace 5K that morning around the island.

Coming in summer 2024 , Disney will have a second exclusive beach destination in the Bahamas — Lighthouse Point.

This won't be an entire private island like Castaway Cay, but it will be an exclusive beachfront space designed for Disney Cruise Line with many similar offerings to Castaway. Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy will call on this new destination for the first time in 2024.

Related: Best tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

Who sails Disney Cruise Line?

Let's start with the obvious: Families love Disney Cruise Line.

The ultimate sweet spot for taking a Disney cruise starts when a child is at least 3 years old and potty trained (the criteria that get them into the included kids clubs) and lasts until they outgrow their love of Disney characters. Remember, Disney now includes the "Star Wars" and Marvel brands and offers themed cruises featuring those characters, too.

A Disney cruise costs more than a similar cruise on a line like Royal Caribbean , so it's easiest to justify the expense when your kids love Disney the most.

So, yes, the stereotype that Disney Cruise Line is full of families is 100% correct.

You'll see many families with kids in those preschool, elementary and middle school years. But you'll also see families with little babies (the minimum age is 6 months on most sailings, 1 year on Panama Canal and transatlantic sailings), tweens, teens, college-age kids and even grandparents who have made a Disney cruise an enjoyable multigenerational travel tradition.

Related: Comparing Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises for families

You'll also see cruisers who love Disney regardless of age and are proud to wear their Mickey ears while hearing the first seven notes of the "When You Wish Upon a Star" melody blown from the ship's massive horn.

Just like you don't need kids to have a great time at Disney World or Disneyland, you can happily cruise as adults without offspring on Disney Cruise Line. All the ships have active adults-only sun decks, pool and lounges. Disney Wish especially invested in its adult offerings with an infinity pool, along with more bars spread around the ship instead of being clustered into one main area.

Disney Cruise Line cabins and suites

At a basic level, Disney Cruise Line offers five main types of cabins across the fleet. In its simplified version, the types of cabins on a Disney cruise include:

• Windowless inside cabins
• Ocean-view cabins
• Verandah cabins (with private balconies)
• Verandah cabins with concierge service
• Suites with concierge service

These cabins start at 169 square feet for a standard inside cabin and go up to a two-story, 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish .

Unless you are OK with the smallest space on the ship or have a budget for the largest, the sweet spot for price and comfort on Disney Cruise Line vessels is probably the cabins that are around 204 square feet and usually come with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed and a split bath.

This split bathroom situation places a sink and the shower/tub combo in one bathroom and the toilet and another sink in the other. Each has its own separate door, so someone could use the toilet/sink room while another takes a shower, all in private and at the same time.

You'll find this cabin layout within the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah categories.

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah add about 40 more square feet to the equation. If you want the largest within those room categories, search for rooms that can hold five people on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Pro tip: You can ask your cabin host for cartoon bedding for the kid's bed if you think your child will be excited to come back from dinner to one of their Disney favorites.

You can connect many of the cabins on the ship , which is often a much more economical solution for a family looking for more sleeping space (and bathrooms) than upgrading to a multibedroom suite. Roughly speaking, a family of four will pay about 50% more for two cabins than they will for everyone to stay in one cabin of the same size.

Related: 7 nights. 4 people. 1 cruise ship cabin. Can we survive?

If you are going all-out on a particular trip, or are simply working with a larger budget, Disney concierge suites are special.

The smallest available room with this service is the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which isn't all that different from the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, other than the included concierge service. From there, you can go up to the one- or two-bedroom suites.

Be prepared for sticker shock, though, as these suites will almost certainly be near or over five figures on many sailings.

While pricey, Disney concierge service eliminates almost all of the potential pain points of a Disney cruise (not that there are many pain points to begin with).

Disney concierge service gets you access to the Disney Concierge Lounge, which has food offerings multiple times per day and a fully stocked fridge with sodas, juices and bottles of water.

In the evenings, you'll find included beer, wine and spirits in the lounge — which you can also take with you as you head out to dinner or to enjoy the view from the deck.

The Concierge Lounge also has its own private deck, and Disney characters have been known to make a private appearance there during the cruise. (Don't worry, you'll get a heads-up.)

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge service worth it?

You also have your own check-in area at the port and are among the first to board the ship, which can mean extra time to enjoy having the waterslides to yourself. At the end of the cruise, you can have a private elevator that takes you down to be some of the first off the ship — which should protect you from a long line to say goodbye.

There are other perks of the concierge level, too, such as early front-row seating at shows, included popcorn and the ability to submit your request for meal reservations at Palo or Remy, cabanas on Castaway Cay, spa treatments, character meet-and-greets or whatever else you wish before other guests. These can be made for you starting 120 days before your sailing, which is before all other guests except those with the highest elite status tier in the Castaway Club .

Passengers on their first Disney cruise don't get to make those reservations until 75 days out if they aren't in the concierge level. The reality is the hottest items are often booked up by then, especially on shorter cruises when there's less time to do everything.

Those in the concierge level in one-bedroom suites and higher can also order room service from the restaurants to their cabin, which means you can have a hot breakfast on your verandah if you wish instead of the regular continental options available to most guests.

If you are on the fence about concierge service, it's arguably most valuable when you are on a shorter cruise, have some specific popular must-have items on your reservation wish list or want someone else to take care of everything. You can also inquire about discounted upgrades at the port, assuming rooms are left unsold on your voyage.

Pro tip: Regardless of your cabin, bring magnetic Mickey or nautical-themed decor for the entrance, as most of the cabin doors are magnetic. Decorating is a fun tradition on a Disney cruise.

Related: Review of sailing in a suite with Disney concierge service

Disney Cruise Line restaurants and dining options

You will not go hungry on a Disney cruise. From room service to evening dinners, meals are (mostly) all included.

Rotational dining

On each Disney ship, three main dining rooms serve as dinner restaurants that participate in rotational dining. Each ship has its own lineup of themed rotational restaurants, but the concept remains the same on each.

Each night, your tablemates and servers will move from one restaurant to the next as a team. This way, the servers get to know that you always want to start with a glass of red wine, or your kids' food needs to come ASAP so you can take them to the kids club as soon as they finish, or (in my case) your daughter wants a side of barbecue sauce with ... everything.

You must choose between an early and a late dinner time, with your showtime opposite your dining time. Some restaurants, such as Animator's Palate, are found on multiple ships, while others are unique to one ship, such as Tiana's Place on Disney Wonder and all of the rotational restaurants found on Disney Wish .

Included restaurants on Disney Magic

• Animator's Palate
• Lumiere's
• Rapunzel's Royal Table

Included restaurants on Disney Wonder

• Tiana's Place
• Triton's

Included restaurants on Disney Dream

• Enchanted Garden
• Royal Palace

Included restaurants on Disney Fantasy

• Royal Court

Included restaurants on Disney Wish

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
• Worlds of Marvel

At these restaurants, you can order whatever you want on the menu at no extra charge, with a few exceptions (for example, alcohol and specialty drinks cost extra).

While many guests dress up a bit for dinner (compared to their afternoon pool deck attire), most stay relatively casual for the rotational dining restaurants. Disney does not impose a specific dress-up requirement.

Disney cruise ships offer many other dining options beyond the three included themed restaurants — most included, some not.

Room service

Room service is mostly free (other than sodas or alcohol), though the menu is limited if you aren't staying in a concierge-level cabin. Still, it's free room service, so I'm not one to complain.

Pro tip: Fill the breakfast card out the night before and hang it on your stateroom to get breakfast exactly when you want it the next morning.

And you haven't lived until your kids learn how to call and order free Mickey ice cream bars to the cabin ... every night (just be sure and add a tip).

Buffet and grab-and-go

Your Disney cruise will also include a buffet known as Cabanas on the original four ships and Marceline Market on Disney Wish. The buffet is usually open for breakfast and lunch, though not in the evening hours.

In addition to the buffet, a few grab-and-go quick-service restaurants on the pool deck serve salads, chili, pizza, barbecue and more, depending on which ship you're sailing.

Don't miss these options, as some are quite good. They are typically open from late morning until later into the evening.

Room service, the buffet and the on-deck food counter dining options don't cost extra and are available to you in addition to or instead of your rotational dining.

You'll also find included ice cream on one of the upper decks. A pro-level hack is to get Mickey churro waffles from the buffet in the morning (only available some mornings) and add vanilla ice cream for a vacation-worthy breakfast.

Extra-cost, adults-only restaurants

At the top of the "costs extra" list are the restaurants Palo (found on all five ships, though it's Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish), Remy (on Dream and Fantasy) and Enchante (only on Disney Wish).

Remy is a fancy adults-only French restaurant that costs $125 per person for dinner (more if you order drinks). This is the type of place where men need jackets and women are expected to wear dresses, pantsuits or a skirt and blouse. Enchante on Disney Wish is similar — you're dressing up for these meals.

Palo is also fancy, though a notch less fancy than Remy. You'll see jackets and dresses in Palo, but you can also get by with nice jeans if you want. This adults-only restaurant serves Northern Italian fare and starts at about $45 per person for a multicourse brunch or dinner, though you can also order a la carte for dinner, which could cost more or less, depending on your order.

I can say with 100% certainty that if you enjoy a nice meal, this is worth the extra $45 once during your cruise . From the breadbasket to the dessert, it's all amazing. You'll gain 5 pounds, but you won't regret a bite.

These reservations are hard to get, especially for brunch, so you'll want to make them the second you are eligible and keep checking back for cancellations if you miss out the first time.

Coffee shops and snack shops

On a Disney cruise, the snacks and pastries you'll see in the coffee shop or kiosk are all included, but the specialty coffee will cost extra. Drink prices are roughly similar to Starbucks, if not a notch lower. Be sure and ask for the Cafe Fanatic card if you're a regular, as your sixth drink will be free.

In addition to the included soft-serve ice cream and Mickey bars available via room service, your ship may have some shops with extra-fee ice cream. This can confuse kids, so I want to warn you beforehand. On Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish, you'll find an ice cream shop stuffed with candies, gelato and ice cream — all for an extra charge.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also have a juice bar that costs extra.

The exact bars will vary by vessel, but you can expect spots like a wine and Champagne bar, a pub, a laid-back lounge and a bar with live entertainment.

These bars are a lot of fun and are not to be missed if you like live music or a nice drink at the end of the day. Keep an eye out in your app for when and where the happy hours are on board if you want to save a few dollars on your drinks. Some bars also offer a sommelier bin where you get a nice glass of wine at a discounted price — as long as you put the bartender in charge of choosing your drink.

Some of the drink-tasting classes that you book in advance can be a good value if you're a fan of the drink on offer and are interested in learning a little bit while you sip. You'll want to book these before sailing, as many do sell out.

Food on Castaway Cay

If your cruise takes you to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, you're in luck, as there's plenty of included food to eat there, too.

Just like on board, some of the food on Castaway is included, while alcohol and specialty drinks are not. The Cookie's and Cookie's Too lunch shacks on the island are both included, so load up on hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, fries and all the fixings. Vegetarian options are available.

While the food options here are somewhat basic, they still make for a fun and free meal.

However, if you don't like what is on offer on the island, you can always hop back on your ship for lunch and then continue your afternoon on the island after you eat.

Entertainment and activities on a Disney cruise

A valid reason to want to sail with Disney is the onboard fun that awaits — especially for those who love Disney characters and stories.

Theaters and shows

Each Disney cruise ship features two theaters. In the massive Walt Disney Theatre, you'll enjoy Broadway-caliber evening shows such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Frozen," "Tangled," "Disney Dreams," "The Golden Mickeys" and more. If you want a good seat, arrive about 30 minutes early since seating is first come, first served.

The Buena Vista Theatre screens first-run Disney films. These will be the same films still showing in theaters on land. If you happen to be at sea when a new Disney movie premieres on land, you'll also get that same first look at sea.

Pirate Night is a staple on many Disney cruises in the Caribbean. On that themed night, expect everyone to be dressed in their pirate-y best for the evening, so pack accordingly. Your dinner will also have a pirate theme, followed by a fun show up on deck, complete with fireworks.

Pro tip: If you plan to stay up late for Pirate Night, try to work in a nap that afternoon so you don't miss out on the nighttime fun.

Game shows, karaoke, bingo and more

The extensive lineup of interactive game shows, trivia, karaoke, dance parties, bingo and more listed in the Disney cruise app are worth checking out. Some of these are adults-only, while others are fun for the whole family. Most are included in the price of the cruise, though bingo does cost extra — and you could win real money.

Other interior attractions and activities

Meeting Disney characters is a fun part of a Disney cruise.

You can make reservations to meet the popular princesses, but most characters are easy to walk up to and meet via a short line. Or, even better, you often see them roaming about the ship at unexpected times.

You can work off some of those treats and drinks at the onboard fitness center on each ship.

The Senses Spa & Salon is a full-service spa with everything from massages to pedicures and hair care. Promotions are available if you book more than one treatment. If you have a Disney Visa card , you can also save 20% on select onboard services.

Pro tip: The showers in this part of the ship are full-size, in case you are getting a bit claustrophobic in the shower in your cabin.

If you like getting away to relax, look at purchasing access to the Rainforest Room for heated stone loungers, aromatherapy showers and even hot tubs on the larger ships. You can buy a one-day or full-cruise pass to this area of the spa, but get a tour first as the layout and inclusions in this space vary dramatically from ship to ship.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Little cruisers can be transformed into a princess or pirate at sea at the onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which does themed kid makeovers and sells costumes as part of the package. You'll need an appointment; expect to pay $100 to $200 for most packages.

This is a fun thing to do before meeting a princess, before a more formal night or anytime you want to see a huge smile on your kid's face. If you have a princess dress or outfit from home you want to use or reuse, you can purchase a cheaper package at Bibbidi Bobbidi.

Decktop attractions

Waterslides.

All of Disney Cruise Line's ships have some kind of waterslide on board.

The AquaDuck waterslide on Dream and Fantasy takes riders in single or double tubes 765 feet from Deck 12 up and down, through the forward funnel and on a four-deck drop. It's pretty epic. AquaMouse on Disney Wish is also an inner tube-based ride and is not to be missed.

These lines can get long, so I recommend riding first thing when you board if the port is warm enough. Nighttime rides usually have short waits, too.

Disney Magic has the most thrilling waterslide in the fleet, called AquaDunk, and Disney Wonder has its own waterslide in the AquaLab splash area.

Each Disney ship has multiple pools, though if you've never been on a cruise, you may be initially shocked at how small they are — and how busy they can get.

As with the waterslides, we recommend enjoying these first thing when you board if you want to try them without crowds. Otherwise, you won't find so many people in the pools on port days, early in the morning and right before dinner. There are thousands of people on the ship and only a few small pools, so plan accordingly.

Each ship has a pool and hot tub area for adults 18 and up. It can also get busy, but typically less busy than the family area. Select ships also offer an in-pool bar area for adults.

The adult sun deck is a nice place to grab a chair and relax, even if you have no intention of getting in the water.

Splash pads

Your little one has to be potty trained to use the onboard pools. The option for those still in swim diapers is some splash areas, such as Nemo's Reef and Dory's Reef.

Sports deck

If you want to be more active, head to your ship's sports deck to play basketball, foosball, miniature golf and more. You may even have some sports simulator options beyond your traditional in-person fun.

Children's programs

As a parent, my favorite part of a Disney cruise might be the included kids programs that children actually want to attend. If the kids are happy for a few hours, the parents can actually relax, too.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for children ages 3–12

All five Disney ships have amazing spaces for kids in the 3-to-12-year-old range in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.

Here you'll find video games, an indoor slide, fun programs and games with the staff, arts and crafts, surprise character visits and more. Your kids need to be potty trained to stay in this club, so use that as motivation for a kid approaching 3 years old before your next cruise.

Your kids don't need an appointment to pop in here; they can come anytime from open to close — and the club stays open pretty late.

Parents can stay with kids and play during open hours on the first day and select times on other dates, but most of the time, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are kids-only. Your kids will check in and out by scanning a special MagicBand that also tracks where they are within the kids clubs.

Disney Wish has the added perk in the kids club of a slide that takes the kids straight from the main atrium and into the fun.

Know that once your child turns 8, you have the option of giving them self-checkout privileges. While kids up to 12 are welcome in the main Oceaneer Club, they may start moving up to the tween club by the time they are 10 years old.

Edge tween club for children ages 11–14

When your kid outgrows the fun in the main kids club, don't worry. Edge is waiting just upstairs.

Technically, Edge is for kids ages 11-14, but you can get your 10-year-old in with permission — and once they figure that out, it's probably all over for the "little kid club."

Edge is a much smaller space, but tweens have tons of fun playing video games, having dance parties, doing crafts, playing trivia games and more with their newfound cruise friends.

This club does not utilize parent sign-in and -out, so you need to trust your kid if they are coming to Edge. If your 10-to-12-year-old child visits Edge, they can also play at the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club, so they have options.

Vibe teen club for children ages 14–17

Get ready to be jealous of this one. On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the teen club has its own set of small pools at the front of the ship.

Inside all versions of the teen club, Vibe, you'll find a tech-friendly world with loungers, dance parties, smoothies and other teen-approved fun. Some of the coolest inside space on Disney cruise ships is dedicated to teens ages 14-17, but you can request for your child to attend this club starting at 13 years old.

'It's a small world' nursery for children 6 months to 3 years old

While the three previously mentioned kids clubs are free and do not require reservations, the nursery operates differently. You will need to make reservations, and the fee is $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and $4 per half-hour for each additional child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

The specific documents you will need will vary by cruise destination. Having a passport is always a good idea, but it's not technically required on all Disney cruises. For example, round-trip cruises originating in Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, New Orleans, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, often do not require a passport.

Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child's passport

Disney Cruise Line adds a service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day to final bills. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can lower this amount. Of course, you can visit guest services and adjust it upward, too.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a four-night cruise would pay $232 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who quickly learned your kids' preferences for dinner and your cabin hosts who made your room look like magic while you were out enjoying yourself.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it's customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the "bill."

While some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you'll likely want to add an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts at the end of your cruise a recommended amount of $8 per night per guest.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Disney Cruise Line's Wi-Fi, Connect@Sea, is in the process of being upgraded, so speed, bandwidth and cost vary by ship.

If you are on a ship that charges by day instead of by the amount of data used, expect the prices to vary from $12-$36 per day, depending on the speed you select. There are often discounts for buying Wi-Fi access for the length of the cruise.

If you are on a ship that still charges by the amount of data used, we recommend not doing that and connecting either when you are in port or via a plan from your cellphone provider.

Related: What's the best international phone plan right now?

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin.

Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated deck areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

For an additional fee, Disney ships offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning services that will pick up and deliver clean clothes to your cabin.

Ships also provide 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment. You pay for the facilities by using your Key to the World card. These services can get busy during sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with multiple 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada. Cabins on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are equipped with a combination of 110- and 220-volt (European) outlets.

Small electrical appliances such as electric shavers, curling irons and flat irons with standard North American plugs will function on board; 110-volt items should not exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt items should not exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is provided in every cabin for your convenience, but you may bring your own as long as it meets the guidelines above.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships, regardless of location, is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card (or your DisneyBand+ on Disney Wish ) serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

In port, you may wish to carry cash or a credit card to buy snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour guide.

Drinking age

For most Disney sailings, the drinking age on board is 21.

However, on round-trip cruises departing European countries with a lower drinking age, passengers 18-20 years of age can drink alcohol on board with signed parental consent. For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent.

During the day, people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach. T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are fine.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is "cruise casual," meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don't have to put on a party dress. That said, many guests do dress up a bit in the evening, but it's not required unless you are dining in Palo, Remy or Enchante.

Cruises that are seven nights or longer schedule one "formal night" — though even then, it's only encouraged, not required. On that night, you will see suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses and similar from some guests.

Pro tip: Be sure and pack that pirate gear for Pirate Night.

Related: What to pack for your 1st cruise

Disney Cruise Line loyalty program

Disney Cruise Line has a simple loyalty program, the Castaway Club , with four "elite status" levels that you earn based on how many cruises you've taken with Disney. A three-night and 10-night cruise both count as one sailing for these purposes.

• Silver: One completed cruise
• Gold: Five completed cruises
• Platinum: 10 completed cruises
• Pearl: 25 completed cruises

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

This isn't the kind of loyalty program where you earn free cruises the way you earn free flights with airline miles. Instead, as you go up in status, you earn perks and earlier access to booking cruises and activities — which is key for getting those hard-to-snag adult dining or Castaway Cay cabana reservations

Silver members

• Book new cruise itineraries one day before the general public and book onboard activities 90 days before sailing.
• Get a "welcome back aboard" gift (such as a bag), have access to a Castaway Club members-only line when boarding and access to a Castaway Club direct phone number.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 33 days before the general public.

Gold members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings two days before the general public and can book onboard activities 105 days before sailing.
• On eight-night and longer voyages, Gold Castaway Club members are also invited to a private reception with special entertainment. There are also select merchandise discounts available to Gold members and higher.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 35 days before the general public.

Platinum members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings three days before the general public and can book onboard activities 120 days before sailing.
• Priority check-in at the cruise terminal.
• Complimentary evening dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse for themselves and everyone in the cabin age 18 and older.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 38 days before the general public.

Pearl members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings four days before the general public and can book onboard activities 123 days before sailing.
• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in (where available)
• Unlimited Digital Photo Package.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 40 days before the general public.

How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Magic ain't cheap, and Disney cruises are expensive. They aren't the priciest voyages out there, but they will cost more than cruises with family-friendly competitors such as Royal Caribbean by a noticeable margin.

For a family of four, the cheapest Disney cruise currently available (not counting the two-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand) is about $2,500. An ocean view will add about $90 and a verandah will add about $500.

On these shortest cruises, concierge-level cabins and access start at a little over $5,000 for a family of four.

Those sorts of prices will only be available during the offseason, such as in mid-to-late January and early February or for repositioning cruises as the ship moves from, say, Puerto Rico to Florida. That same cruise during spring break can cost double or more, so the more date flexibility you have, the better.

A seven-night cruise in the Caribbean will likely start around $5,000 for a family of four. Expect Alaska and Europe cruises to start at $5,000 to $6,000 for inside cabins for a week, and prices go up for longer sailings and upgraded cabins.

You can save money on your next Disney cruise by putting a $250 deposit down while you are at sea on a previous Disney cruise. It's a popular way to get 10% off your next cruise.

Another way to save on a Disney cruise is to look at a one-way repositioning sailing , as those often price lower than other similar cruises. For example, the cruise line may need to end a cruise in a particular port to reposition the ship to do some sailings from there. You'll have to get yourself back home from that port, but you may save on the cruise in the process.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on a cruise

How to book

You can book your Disney cruise directly with Disney Cruise Line either over the phone or online, but I'd argue you shouldn't.

Cruises are easy to enjoy but can be complicated to plan if you are new to this type of travel. This is an industry where a travel agent is still a good call. You want someone who can help you pick the right cabin type and location for your group and keep track of when you can snag those onboard activities you really want.

When the wave of pandemic-related cruise cancellations hit in 2020, I was so grateful to have a travel agent — instead of me — spending time dealing with the cruise line.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Another reason to consider going through a travel agent is to get onboard credit. Some travel agents will offer onboard credit based on the amount you spend on your Disney cruise. This is credit you can use toward drinks, spa treatments, excursions or anything else you can charge to your room.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY CRUISE, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Generally speaking, the sooner you book a Disney cruise after it goes on sale, the better, as prices usually only go in one direction — up.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases and maybe even offers some built-in travel protections .

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar on travel and dining and an annual up-to-$300 travel credit.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 points per dollar on travel.
• The Disney Premier Visa Card is also a good option, specifically with Disney Cruise Line, as it gives you access to a 0% introductory annual percentage rate for six months following the purchase date on eligible Disney vacation packages, such as a Disney cruise (then a variable APR of 19.24% to 28.24% applies). The card also gets you 10% in savings on some onboard activities and packages while at Castaway Cay.

Related: How to save money on booking a Disney cruise

Bottom line

Whether you are on a three-night trip to Castaway Cay or a bigger crossing to the South Pacific, a Disney cruise is a special vacation that actually feels like a vacation.

The classic styling of the original four ships, the modern storybook styling of Disney Wish, the vast number of inclusions, the rotational dining, waterslides, private island, fun kids clubs, Disney characters, high-caliber entertainment and Disney service shine through.

You'll certainly pay more for the privilege of sailing with Mickey and Minnie than with some other family-friendly lines. But for those with kids in that Disney age range, or for adults who know and trust the Disney brand, it's hard to go wrong in choosing Disney Cruise Line for your next vacation.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

• Best Disney ships for everyone
• Everything we know about Disney Treasure, joining DCL in 2024
• Everything you need to know about Disney Wish
• Best credit cards for booking a cruise

• CruiseMapper

Disney Wish cabins and suites

Disney wish staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Disney Wish cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Disney Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Disney Wish cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Wish Tower Suite

In mid-May 2021 DCL introduced the "Wish Tower Suite" - the fleet's/industry's first-of-its-kind loft suite positioned in the forward funnel/smokestack.

The unique accommodation is sized 1965 ft2 (183 m2) and with interior design inspired by Walt Disney's 3D animation film "Moana" (2016).

The Wish Tower Suite accommodates up to 8 passengers and features 2x master bedrooms, 4x full bathrooms, 1x half-bath (powder room), 5x smart HDTVs, USB-charging stations, 8-seat dining table, under-counter refrigerator, pantry (dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee machine), library room (converting to a bedroom), kids' room (with built-in bunkbeds). The living room (on the lower level) is flanked by an open dining area, a pantry, and a bar, all offering unique views across the ship's upper decks through a 2-story window wall.

The master bedrooms are both on the Penthouse's upper level and have walk-in closets, King-size double beds with premium mattresses, floor-ceiling windows (overlooking the living area below). The main bathrooms each have rain-head showers, double-sink vanities, spa bathtubs.

• The Penthouse's piece de resistance is a hand-crafted porcelain sculpture coming alive. When passengers enter the room, they find the statue pulsing in hues of green amid soft chimes recalling the movie's soundtrack, revealing as the heart of Te Fiti. The Suite's magical experience also includes special lighting and sound effects to provide a one-of-a-kind greeting.

Wish Tower Suite is designed with Disney-style iconography, custom-made artworks and ornaments, and materials themed on Moana's Oceania world. The predominant color patterns are soft white and calm blue. The film-inspired interior decorations also include a custom-made canvas piece with Moana sailing on the sea, dimensional props (Moana's village), a sculpture composed of shiny objects (interpretation of the collector crab Tamatoa's dazzling collection). The kids' room features a sparkling constellation pattern lighting up the ceiling.

The loft suite's guests can expect royal service from a dedicated concierge team, an array of curated experiences, a selection of daily treats, private elevator access. Wish Tower Suite's amenities include premium bedding (plush Frette duvets, Frette 100% cotton linens), a deluxe pillow menu (feather-, therapeutic- and memory-foam hypoallergenic pillows), Frette robes, top-quality bath towels, motorized sheer shades and curtains, a wet-bar (fully stocked with bottled water and sodas), complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, VIP access to the Concierge Lounge and an exclusive Sundeck (with 2 Jacuzzis, a Bar, a children's wading pool, premium padded lounge furniture, a dedicated pool deck host service.

Concierge Royal Suites

Layout (floor plan).

Concierge Royal Suites are with 2x bedrooms (King-size double beds, walk-in closets, electronic safes), 3x full bathrooms (2x with double-sink vanities, 1x with bathtub and rainshower), 1x half-bath (shower), step-out balcony (with Jacuzzi/whirlpool hot tub), living room (double sofabed/3-seater couch), dining room (6-seat table), pantry (wet bar, wine cooler), 3x HDTVs (43-inch), USB-charging stations, motorized curtains.

Two-Story Royal Suites are Loft Suites (on 2 levels/decks 13-14) connected via a spiral staircase.

2-STORY ROYAL SUITES (Category 1B) have a living room with a double sofabed, a dining area (6-seat table), pantry, a large terrace/private sundeck (with a Jacuzzi/whirlpool, 6-seat dining table, 2x sun loungers and 2x deckchairs with low tables), 2x bedrooms (each with a King-size bed), 3x full bathrooms (2x main with double sinks plus 1x guest bathroom with shower). Of the main bathrooms, one has a bathtub (with a rain shower) while the other is without bathtub and has a walk-in rain shower.

1-STORY ROYAL SUITES (Category 1C) have a living room with a double sofabed, a dining area (6-seat table), pantry, a large terrace/private sundeck (with a Jacuzzi/whirlpool, 6-seat dining table, 2x sun loungers and 4x deckchairs with low tables), 2x bedrooms (with King-size beds), 3x full bathrooms (2x main with double sinks, 1x guest bath with shower). One main bathroom is with a bathtub and a rain shower, the other main bathroom has only a walk-in rain shower.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite

One-Bedroom Suites are with an outdoor terrace (patio furniture ), bedroom (King-size bed/non-convertible), living room (double sofabed, Murphy bed), 2x full bathrooms (double-sink vanities, rain-head showers, bathtub), wet bar, walk-in closet, 2x HDTVs (43-inch).

Concierge Family Balcony Cabin

Family Verandah cabins are with step-out balconies, a King-size bed (non-convertible), single sofabed, upper bunk bed, Murphy bed, full bathroom (shower-bathtub), split bathroom (washbasin-toilet).

Concierge Family Oceanview Cabin

Family Oceanview cabins are with floor-ceiling windows (unobstructed bow views), King-size double bed (non-convertible), single sofabed, upper bunk bed, Murphy bed, full bathroom (shower-bathtub), split bathroom (washbasin-toilet).

Deluxe Family Balcony Cabin

Deluxe Family Verandah cabins are with step-out balconies, Queen-size double bed (non-convertible), single sofabed, upper bunk bed, Murphy bed, full bathroom (shower-bathtub), split bathroom (washbasin-toilet).

Deluxe Family Oceanview Cabin

Deluxe Family Oceanview cabins are with floor-ceiling window, Queen-size double bed (non-convertible), single sofabed, upper bunk bed, Murphy bed, full bathroom (shower-bathtub), split bathroom (washbasin-toilet).

Deluxe Balcony Cabin

Aka "Cinderella Staterooms", Deluxe Verandah cabins are with step-out balconies, Queen-size bed (convertible to twins), single sofabed, upper bunk bed (quads), full bathroom (shower-bathtub), split bathroom (washbasin-toilet).

Deluxe Oceanview Cabin

Deluxe Oceanview cabins are with a round-shaped window (large Porthole/non-opening), Queen-size bed (convertible to twins), single sofabed, upper bunk bed or Murphy bed (in quads), full bathroom (shower-bathtub), split bathroom (washbasin-toilet).

Standard Interior Cabin

Standard Interior cabins are without windows and have a Queen-size bed (convertible to twins), single sofabed, upper bunk bed (in quads), full bathroom (washbasin-shower-bathtub-toilet).

Disney Wish cabins review

MS Disney Wish ship has 1238 staterooms, most of which are the midship-located Balconies. All cabins and suites are well planned and equipped with the cruise industry's latest amenities.

Like on all DCL ships, passenger staterooms on Disney Wish by sizes are ranked among the industry's largest standard cabins, designed to easily accommodate four people. Cabins are with ample storage space, lounge/living area and split bathrooms (1 room with shower-bathtub-sink-WC, and separate toilet-sink). Beds on are raised to allow underbed storage for 2 medium-sized suitcases. Each cabin has as standard amenities 2 mirrored vanities with chairs, 22-inch smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system), iPod docking station, 2 rechargeable "Wave Phones" (for shipwide use).

Most Disney Wish cabins (~90%) are outside (Suites, Balconies, Oceanviews). Cabin categories include three "Guaranteed" categories: VGT-Balcony, OGT-Oceanview, IGT-Inside. One of the ship's largest staterooms are the Royal Suites, featuring a separate living room, wet bar, kitchenette (small cooking/dining area), media library, outdoor/balcony Jacuzzi.

Handicap staterooms (wheelchair-accessible cabins) are 35 total and in the following categories:

• 1C (1-Story Royal Suite) room #10166
• 2B (1-Bedroom Suite) room #13510
• 3A (Concierge Family Verandah) room #13028
• 3B (Concierge Family Oceanview) room #11504
• 4C (Deluxe Family Verandah) rooms #6106-6108-7106-7108-7602-7604-8104-8106-8602-8604
• 5C (Deluxe Verandah) rooms #6026-6200-6524-7196-7198-7692-7694
• 5B (Deluxe Verandah) rooms #8190-8194-8688-8692-9180-9680-9682
• 8C (Deluxe Family Oceanview) rooms #7510-7512
• 9B (Deluxe Oceanview) room#2062
• 9D (Deluxe Oceanview) rooms#6006-6504
• 11C (Standard Inside) room#2559
• 11A (Standard Inside) room#9175

Follows the review of MS Disney Wish staterooms as furniture, amenities and included (complimentary) services.

All standard cabins have Queen-size double bed (convertible to twin beds, wooden frames), wall-mounted reading lamps and bedside cabinets, ample under-bed storage space (for suitcases), Posturepedic Sealy mattresses, deluxe bedding sets (Frette Egyptian cotton linens/100%), spacious wardrobe (full-length mirror), full bathroom (glass door, single-sink vanity, bathtub, WC-toilet, glass shower, hairdryer, premium bath towels), H20+ spa products (by the brand "H2O Plus" / shampoo, conditioner, moisturizing body butter), living area separated by a curtain (with double sofabed, mirrored vanity table/desk with chair, built-in drawer dresser), 43-inch smart HDTV (infotainment system), USB-charging ports, refrigerator/drawer mini-bar, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), direct-dial phone (voice mail), LED-lighted full mirror, individual air-conditioning.

Most staterooms are quads and furnished with double beds (convertible), single sofabeds, 1x upper bunk or 1x Murphy bed (wall bed/pull-down bed). "Family cabins" are with King-size beds (non-convertible), single sofabeds and bunk beds (Pullman) and accommodate up to 5 passengers. A heavy curtain divides the living/sleeping areas.

All Suite passengers enjoy the following perks (bonus amenities and services): Disney-themed artworks, marble-top bathrooms (upgraded bath products, robes/slippers), luxury mattresses and bedding sets (including feather duvets, pillow menu), daily in-cabin dining (canapes, fresh fruits), console gaming table, 2 large HDTVs, BlueRay/DVD /CD player (with media library), board games, priority services (check-in, DCL cruise itinerary ports of call tendering), access to exclusive areas (Concierge Lounge and sun deck), free Internet, pre-dinner cocktails. Suite passengers also enjoy concierge services: (DCL cruise shore excursions booking, specialty dining-nursery-spa reservations, special requests, private parties/celebrations planning and assistance, in-room dining (all main restaurants menus).

• Royal Suites have a master bedroom (plus hidden in the wall double pull-down and single pull-down bed), master bathroom (dual sinks, closet, whirlpool bathtub), large living room, dining area (pantry, wet bar), guest bathroom (shower, sink, WC), floor-ceiling windows, wrap-around private balcony (whirlpool bathtub).
• 1-Bedroom Suites have a master bedroom/bathroom, living room (double sofa bed /convertible), dining room, guest bathroom, expanded balcony.

Concierge Suites and Concierge Family Cabins offer direct access to the ship's concierge-served facilities (1 small lounge, private sundeck area with chairs, free food and drinks). Most 1-Bedroom Suites are with connecting doors, Queen bed (convertible to twins), sitting/lounge area with double sofabed, 1 pull-down bed (in the living room), walk-in closet, 2 bathrooms (one with a whirlpool hot-tub).

All balcony staterooms feature a private step-out veranda accessed via sliding glass doors (kid-proof locks), plexiglass railings, outdoor deck furniture (2 chairs, 1 small table). Categories 6A-6B have wall balconies, while categories 5A-5B-5C are plexiglass. Family Verandahs are with concierge service and have a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a hidden bunk bed, a larger living area (convertible sofabed), split bathroom. Category 4E cabins are with expanded balconies (twice bigger than standard balconies) but are open to views from above.

Most Oceanview staterooms have a Large Round Window (Porthole/non-opening). Of those, categories 9C-9D are with obstructed views (due to lifeboats). Family Oceanview (category 3B) is the largest.

DCL's innovative Inside Cabin features (industry's first) "Magical Portholes" - large, round-shaped LCD screens (positioned above the beds) projecting real-time outside views which are provided by the ship's cameras. Veranda Cabin's balcony is fitted with 2 deckchairs and a low table.

In mid-May 2021 DCL introduced the "Wish Tower Suite" - the fleet's (and the industry's) first-of-its-kind loft suite integrated into the forward funnel/smokestack. The unique accommodation is sized 1965 ft2 (183 m2) and with interior design inspired by Walt Disney's 3D animation film "Moana" (2016).

• The Wish Tower Suite accommodates up to 8 passengers and features 2x master bedrooms, 4x full bathrooms, half-bath (powder room), library (converting to a bedroom), kids' room (with built-in bunkbeds). The living room (on the lower level) is flanked by an open dining area, a pantry, and a bar, all offering unique views across the ship's upper decks through a 2-story window wall.
• The master bedrooms are both on the Penthouse's upper level and have walk-in closets, King-size double beds, floor-ceiling windows (overlooking the living area below). The main bathrooms each have rain-head showers, double-sink vanities, spa bathtubs.
• Wish Tower Suite is designed with Disney-style iconography, custom-made artworks and ornaments, and materials themed on Moana's Oceania world. The predominant color patterns are soft white and calm blue. The film-inspired interior decorations also include a custom-made canvas piece with Moana sailing on the sea, dimensional props (Moana's village), and a sculpture composed of shiny objects (interpretation of the collector crab Tamatoa's dazzling collection). The kids' room features a sparkling constellation pattern lighting up the ceiling.

The "Category 1A" loft suite's guests can expect royal service from a dedicated concierge team, an array of curated experiences, a selection of daily treats, private elevator access. Wish Tower Suite's amenities include premium bedding (plush Frette duvets, top-quality cotton linens), a deluxe pillow menu (feather-, therapeutic- and memory-foam hypoallergenic pillows), terry robes and bath towels, motorized sheer shades and curtains, a wet-bar (fully stocked with bottled water and sodas), complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, VIP access to the Concierge Lounge and an exclusive Sundeck (with 2 Jacuzzis, a Bar, a children's wading pool, premium padded lounge furniture, a dedicated pool deck host service.

Disney Wish cabin and suite plans are property of Disney Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

11 things you'll be able to do on Disney's newest cruise that you can't do on any other ship

• Disney Cruise Line recently announced details of its new ship, the Wish, which plans to sail in summer 2022.
• The cruise ship will have three new dining options and Disney's first at-sea water attraction.
• Its interactive "Frozen" dining experience will have a light show mimicking the Northern Lights.

Onboard the Wish, passengers can ride the first Disney attraction at sea — the AquaMouse.

Many cruise ships have water slides, but most don't have music, characters, and special effects.

According to Disney, when passengers board the 760-foot-long AquaMouse , a water attraction on the Disney Cruise Line Wish ship, they'll get to experience one of two original storylines.

"Scuba Scramble" will take riders on an underwater adventure with Mickey and Minnie, and on "Swiss Meltdown," passengers are on a race against the sun to make it to the top of the Matterhorn mountain before the snow melts.

The action plays out on a series of video screens in the conveyor belt area that takes the raft up before passengers come splashing down, according to Disney.

The Wish will also have Disney Cruise Line's first two-story guest suites.

Disney resorts offer a range of luxurious accommodations, such as Disney World's Cinderella Castle , and it appears that the exclusive two-story suites on the Wish ship will be no exception.

The Princess Aurora Royal Suites and Briar Rose Royal Suites, which are both themed to Disney's "Sleeping Beauty," each have two master bedrooms, living and dining areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, stained-glass artwork, a private hot tub on the veranda, according to Disney .

The Wish's third two-story suite, called the Wish Tower Suite, is also Disney Cruise Line's first suite located inside the ship's funnel . The Wish Suite has nearly 2,000 feet of living space and is themed around the 2016 Disney movie "Moana."

The ship's club for kids will let them design their own roller coaster and go for a virtual ride on their creation.

Disney states that its Oceaneer Club — what Disney Cruise Line calls its onboard club for kids ages 3 to 12 — has been completely reimagined for the Disney Wish.

It will be the first on the cruise line to include the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, where kids can learn what it takes to create attractions for Disney parks.

"It's really taking our young cruisers behind the scenes and looking at how we create the magic and how we use our imaginations," Claire Weiss, a creative director with Walt Disney Imagineering, said during a Disney panel about the ship.

After designing a mockup of their own attraction, kids can virtually test out the rides, Weiss said.

The Disney Wish's Grand Hall will have an unexpected addition: a slide.

According to Disney, the Wish ship's fairytale castle-inspired Grand Hall will not only include a balcony dedicated to character meet-and-greets, but it will also have a slide for kids to access the Oceaneer Club directly from the ballroom.

The ship will have a "Frozen"-themed dining experience where passengers can see a re-creation of the Northern Lights.

The ship's dining experience, Arendelle: A "Frozen" Dining Adventure, is set to give a whole new meaning to "dinner and a show."

Rather than watching a stage show while eating dinner, guests get to be part of the fun.

Jimmy Lynett, a Disney Cruise Line cruise director, said during a media panel about the Wish ship that the attraction is Disney's first "Frozen" dining experience.

"We're going to be bringing to life the engagement celebration that our guests are invited to between Anna and Kristoff," Lynett said.

Guests can expect sing-alongs, table-side activities, and light effects that are designed to mimic the aurora borealis . 

The Wish will include another new restaurant called 1923, where guests can enjoy a meal surrounded by hundreds of Disney artifacts.

Named for the year that The Walt Disney Company was founded, the 1923 restaurant celebrates the golden age of Hollywood and the magic of Disney animation.

Weiss said that the restaurant will house 900 props, maquettes, film cells, hand sketches, models, and other relics from Disney's history. 

"Guests will reside in this high-style Hollywood grand environment, but they will be surrounded by the instruments, the tools, and the history of The Walt Disney Studio," Weiss said.

According to Disney, the 1923 menu will include Asian, European, and South American-inspired flavors.

Guests can also take part in an "Avengers"-themed mission while dining.

Worlds of Marvel will be Disney's first Marvel-themed dining experience at sea .

While helping out their favorite heroes with table-side activities, guests can dine on dishes inspired by locations relevant to characters and storylines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Weiss said.

Adults can sip a drink in a futuristic "Star Wars"-themed area on the ship with windows that give the illusion of flying through space.

The "Star Wars": Hyperspace Lounge transports 21-and-over passengers to a spaceship-themed bar. 

According to Disney, the lounge will have a panoramic "viewport" displaying familiar "Star Wars" planets, including Tatooine, Mustafar, Coruscant, and Batuu. The views will change every seven to 10 minutes, giving guests an otherworldly experience.

The Wish will have theater shows that are exclusive to the ship.

Disney says that it is developing two new original stage shows for the Wish cruise ship but has not yet announced the themes or storylines.

The new shows will play along with a reimagined version of "Disney's 'Aladdin' — A Musical Spectacular." 

The performances will take place in an enchanted forest-themed theater inspired by the film "Fantasia." 

The Disney Wish will debut a brand-new interactive scavenger hunt that families can complete together.

The Disney Wish will debut Uncharted Adventure, which Disney describes as an immersive, interactive scavenger hunt that will send families on a magical adventure all over the ship.

Passengers are tasked with helping Mickey and Minnie Mouse find a missing star to save the Disney universe, exploring characters and landscapes from films like "Finding Nemo," "Moana," and more along the way.

Guests can go at their own pace, and even if they don't complete every mission, all participants are invited to work as a team in a final challenge round.

The Wish will also have a family-friendly sports arena, "Toy Story" water play area for toddlers, and other activities that it says it will release as its planned maiden voyage in 2022 approaches.

Disney Cruise Line's recent unveiling of renderings and designs of its newest ship is only a preview.

Ahead of its maiden voyage in summer 2022, Disney will continue releasing updates about the  Disney Wish on its website .

• Main content

Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Considerations for Larger Families

If your family consists of four or fewer people, selecting a stateroom on the Disney Cruise Line ships is a straightforward affair – your party can fit into most DCL staterooms. If you have five or more people in your traveling party, things get a little more complicated. Here’s what you need to know:

Many Stateroom Categories Won’t Accommodate a Party of Five or More

Take a look, for example, at the deck plans for the Disney Dream and Fantasy. A quick skim of the room floor plans at the top will show you that all staterooms in categories 11, 10, 9, 7, 6, and 5 are off limits for your group if you all want to stay together. The same floor plans shows you that if you have a party of six or more, you won’t be able to stay in one room together at all on these ships. (Click to enlarge the image.)

If you’re a party of five, and you want to stay together in one cabin, your only options on these ships are stateroom categories 3, 4, and 8, plus the pricey concierge categories 1, 2, and 3.

If you Have a Party of Five, Even if You Can All Fit into One Room, You Might Not Want To

On the Dream and Fantasy, a category 4 stateroom, which can accommodate five guests, runs approximately 300 square feet, including the verandah. At the full capacity of five guests, that gives each person 60 square feet, some of which is bathroom and outdoor space, and most of which is consumed by the bed and other furniture. Also on the Dream and Fantasy, a category 8 stateroom (an oceanview room with no verandah), which allows five guests, is approximately 240 square feet total, or 48 square feet per person, much of which is consumed by the bathroom and furniture.

And consider that you’ll have five people’s worth of luggage to store, devices to charge, and toiletries to contain, and you’ll soon realize how quickly cozy can turn into cranky.

If you’ve never been on a cruise before, as you make your stateroom selection, one thing to consider is that you may use your stateroom differently than a hotel room at Walt Disney World, for example. I’ve been on plenty of Walt Disney World vacations where I left my hotel room at 7:30am and returned at 11:00pm to just to shower and sleep. I was too far away and too occupied in the parks to go back to my room.

This type of room avoidance is unlikely on a cruise. There’s certainly plenty to do on the ships, but chances are you’ll be in and out of your room much more often on board than you would be at theme parks, even if only to change clothes. On board a ship, guests often find a need to change frequently. On a typical day, you might be in and out of exercise clothes, swim clothes, casual attire, and formal dinner attire, then back to swim or casual attire. If one person wants to nap and another person needs to change, there’s not much room for quiet and privacy with only 48 square feet to call your own.

Splitting Your Party Into Two Staterooms May Save Your Sanity

If you’re putting five guests into one category 4 stateroom, for example, your sleep surfaces will be one queen sized bed, one twin-size sleeper sofa, a twin-size Murphy bed, and a twin-size bed that pulls down from the ceiling. This set-up requires that two of the guests sleep in the same bed. If you’re traveling with adults who don’t want to share a sleep surface this could be problematic. This arrangement might also be tight for any guest who is physically larger than average. Some teen boys may find that the twin-size beds, particularly the top bunk, are uncomfortably small.

I have three daughters who all like to take their time in the bathroom. Even with DCL’s split-bath (shower/sink in one compartment, toilet/sink in a different compartment) arrangement, we have A LOT of grumbles about who is taking too long to get ready. And again, there is often more need to get ready on a cruise ship than their would be in some other vacation situations.

Having more sleep surfaces and more bathroom space could be the key family harmony. This can be accomplished by booking your family of five or more into two cabins rather than one.

Contrast this with putting five guests into two category 11 staterooms. This combination would give the party two queen beds, two twin sleeper sofas, and likely two twin beds that pull down from the ceiling. This gives your group an additional adult-sized sleep surface, which can be helpful if the members of the party are friends rather than family, if the guests are physically larger, or if there is more than one guest with a fear of heights who doesn’t want to sleep in a bunk-like situation. And – while the category 11 staterooms don’t have a split bathroom, they do have two showers, which may be better for some party configurations.

The Finances of Two Staterooms May Not Be Different Than One Stateroom

Note: Stateroom pricing is quite variable. The same room might be a drastically different price depending on your sail date and the date on which you book the cruise. So that I’m comparing apples to apples, the prices I’m about to note were all found on the same date for the same cruise. You might encounter different pricing if you conduct your own search.

For the April 6, 2023 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami on the Dream, putting five guests into one stateroom (two adults and three kids, ages 15, 10, and 8) involves a minimum cost of about $7,400 in an Oceanview stateroom, or about $7,850 in a Verandah stateroom. (An inside stateroom is not an option with this party composition.)

If you instead book these folks into two inside staterooms, you can get a price of about $7,900. This is less than $100 different than putting everyone into one Verandah stateroom to get more sleep surfaces, more square footage, and an additional shower.

Losing window or verandah access might be a deal-breaker for some families, but a compromise might be to get one inside cabin and one with outdoor access.

When you’re playing around with different stateroom combinations, be aware that the first two people booked into a stateroom always pay the adult rate, regardless of age. If you have young kids and teens, you may be able to save a few dollars by making sure the youngest child is booked as the third person in a room (rather than the second) so that they get charged the child rate instead of inadvertently forcing them into the adult rate.

You Can Make Two Staterooms Feel Like One Room

Families with young children might worry about putting little ones in a different cabin. Never fear! Break out your magnifying glass for a look at the deck plans and you’ll see that many of the staterooms on the Disney ships are connected by an internal door. (Look for the little V-shaped symbol between the rooms to indicate that the rooms are connected. Seriously, you may need a magnifying glass to see them.) Connecting rooms are available at most stateroom levels, from standard category 11 inside staterooms, on up to concierge suites. There are even a few concierge rooms which allow more than two rooms to be connected.

Connecting rooms are exactly what they sound like, two rooms connected by an internal door. Opening the internal door effectively turns those cabins into a multi-room suite. In addition to adding space, selecting connecting rooms gives you a real door in addition to the flimsy internal “privacy curtains” present in most rooms.

Connecting Rooms are Not All Alike

In most instances, connecting rooms are listed at the same category level. For example, an 11B is connected to an 11B or a 4C is connected to a 4C. However, there are a few unique situations in which staterooms of different categories connected. For example, on the Dream and Fantasy, stateroom 7188 (a 6B cabin) can connect to 7190 (a 5E cabin). These staterooms are quite similar, but a bit of tinkering with various combinations might save you a few dollars.

The most common situation in which you’ll find dissimilar staterooms connected occurs when one of the staterooms has a handicap accessible designation. For example, on the Dream and Fantasy, you’ll see handicap accessible stateroom 6186 (a 9A deluxe oceanview cabin) connected to 6188 (a 6B deluxe oceanview cabin with a verandah). For many parties, this would be a nice balance of economy and outdoor access, with one slightly less expensive room connected to a slightly more expensive room with an additional amenity. Of course, the priority access in this situation should go to guests who need the handicap room for medical reasons, but if theses rooms become available for general booking, it could be the best of two worlds.

If you’re looking for odd stateroom combinations, you may benefit from the expertise of a veteran cruise specialist travel agent who understands the nuances of the various options.

Your Options Expand Further if You Don’t Need Your Rooms to Connect

While parents of small or special needs children will likely want access to them via a connecting door, families with older kids, or a party of friends rather than family, might not need their rooms to be connected. For example, when my daughters were older teens, I liked to have them in a room fairly close to my husband and me, but they were experienced enough travelers that I didn’t absolutely need them to be in a connected room.

If you just want adjacent but not connected rooms, the stateroom type combinations increase dramatically. For example, on the Dream and Fantasy, cabin 9010 is an oceanview stateroom next to (but not connected to) 9012, a stateroom with a navigator’s verandah. This could be a good combination savings and outdoor access for my family, particularly if something like the connecting door handicap room combinations were not available.

There are also many families who put teens in an inside stateroom with the parents in an oceanview or verandah room directly across the hall (for example something like 9521 and 9518 on the Dream or Fantasy). Again, this allows cost savings in one room with better amenities in the other.

Larger Parties Should Get Familiar with the “Add Another Stateroom” Button

A group of six or more will get error messages when trying to book the entire party into one stateroom. Any larger party will want to get familiar with the “Add Another Stateroom” button as they explore their booking options.

Not All Age Combinations Will Work When Booking Staterooms

While getting two rooms for your larger party is often an elegant solution, it may not be possible in all cases. Disney Cruise Line requires that at least one guest age 18 or over be booked into every stateroom. Additionally, all guests ages 17 and younger must be booked into a stateroom with someone 21 or older.

This is no problem if, for example, two adults are traveling with three kids. Two get two rooms, you would book an adult with one child into one cabin, and the other adult and two children into the second cabin. However, if one adult is traveling with four children, then they would not be eligible to be booked into two staterooms. On the Dream and Fantasy, their only option would be one category 8 room or a one category 4 or higher room, assuming one is available. This is true regardless of whether the rooms are connecting and regardless of the age of the children. A single parent of four teens would have to stay with them in one stateroom rather than two.

This rule has other impacts as well. I once considered taking two of my teen daughters and a friend of theirs on a DCL cruise. While my daughters are quite close with their friend, I didn’t think she would be entirely comfortable sleeping/changing/relaxing in the same room with me (a non-family member) for a week. I wanted to get a room for the girls (again, well-behaved older teens) connected to a room for me to give everyone a measure of privacy, but Disney would not allow me to do this. We ended up scrapping our plans.

You Don’t Have to Sleep Where You’re Booked

I mentioned earlier that some families put their teens in an inside stateroom with the parents across the hall in a verandah or oceanview stateroom. Given the 18-and-over rule, you’ll see that this is not allowed from a booking perspective. However, once you’re actually on the ship, the rule is not enforced. If you’re a family traveling with more than one stateroom, Guest Services at the ship will be more than happy to code your Key to the World Cards (room keys) so that each key opens all the linked rooms. This means that on the ship, family members are free to mix and match their sleeping locations among the reserved rooms. Even though it’s not booked that way, parents can sleep in one room, with the kids in another. Most stateroom attendants will automatically ask you how you want your rooms configured and where people will really be sleeping.

Think About Your Castaway Club Status

In addition to thinking about the ages of who gets booked into which room, your ability to book excursions and fine dining may be impacted by who is booked into which stateroom.

For example, during one family vacation, my twins and I had a higher Castaway Club (DCL loyalty program) rating than my husband and other daughter (lucky us). My kids were all older, so we had no pricing issues with who got paper-booked into which cabin. However, we did run into a problem when trying to book excursions for that cruise. We inadvertently booked me and the higher Castaway status twins into one room, while my husband and lower status Castaway status daughter were in the other room. Excursion and dining booking access dates are based on the Castaway level of the highest status person in each room. Because we had stacked the deck with all the high-status family members in one of our rooms, half of our party was able to make excursion reservations before the other half. If we had arranged the booking slightly differently, booking one of the higher-status kids into the room with her dad, we would have been able to make excursion reservations for both rooms at the same time.

The excursions we were selecting were not in short supply, so as a practical matter it ended up as a non-issue, but if you were looking to book an extremely popular or scarce excursion, then you might be in trouble.

Additional Ways to Save Money on DCL for Larger Families

In addition to tinkering with different stateroom configurations, larger families (and anyone else looking to economize), may want to look closely at their travel dates. Your travel date can be the largest factor in the overall price of your Disney Cruise vacation. The price might be double on the same ship, on the same itinerary, if you choose a Christmas week voyage over one in, say, late September. Choosing a different ship is also something to consider. The Wish may be the hot new thing, but the Dream visits the same ports and is often 10% cheaper (or more) for a nearly identical itinerary.

You may also want to look at other aspects of your trip planning as areas where you can economize. Will driving, rather than flying, allow you to reduce your total budget? Will choosing a different embarkation port change your budget? Can you skip extras like pricey shore excursions?

For more tips on Disney Cruise Line travel, check out The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line .

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

3 thoughts on “ Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Considerations for Larger Families ”

Thanks Erin! This is very helpful. We’re a family of 5 and for our Mediterranean B2B cruises this summer, it was less for us to get 2 connecting Navigator’s Veranda rooms then one bigger room. We’re looking forward to the extra space and bathroom. Kelly

Thanks for this, Erin! We just devoured the 2022 Unofficial Guide as well. We’re a family of 6 embarking on our first cruise since our family grew to that size (we were a family of 4 on our last cruise). We had to juggle this same situation, booking connecting rooms, with my wife and 2 kids (tweens) in one room and myself and the other 2 kids (littles) in another. As you mentioned, sleeping arrangements will differ once we board. We’re also trying it a little differently on another cruise with a guaranteed rate and will see where and how they assign us.

When we called DCL, they did mention that the Wish will have rooms that sleep a family of our size, is that right?

Thanks for reading! Pretty much what we know about stateroom configurations on the Wish can be found in this post by our friend Scott Sanders at the DCL blog. https://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/StateroomLayouts_Wish_Original-Scan.jpg

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What to Expect on a Disney Cruise: A First-Timer’s Guide

Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

Travel Motto: I'll steal Saint Augustine's: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, always. For the views and also the naps.

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What’s it like to go on a Disney cruise? I’ll tell you. But first I should disclose that I’m not indifferent about Disney. As you might gather from some of my previous pieces ( here , here , and here ), I’m kind of a fangirl nerd about most of what Disney produces.

I grew up in Southern California, so my parents took me to Disneyland often. The night before we’d leave, there was always that delicious, uncontainable feeling that made sleep impossible. I suspect I’m not alone in having felt that as a kid. (I might be more alone in still feeling that way now as an adult.)

So when my husband and I decided to burn vacation days by taking our three-year-old daughter on a Disney cruise for four nights, I was kid-on-Christmas-Eve excited. And I thought I had a sense of what to expect on a Disney cruise. Once onboard, though, I realized I wasn’t quite prepared for the full spectrum of what it’s like to travel via Disney Cruise Line.

Before our cruise, I’d scrolled blogs upon blogs devoted to Disney Cruise tips and hacks. But I found that most of these sites assume that their readers are repeat Disney cruisers looking to refine their travel skills. It wasn’t easy to find a primer on the basics for those uninitiated to cruising with Disney. So here you go.

Disney Cruise Ships and Itineraries

We sailed on the Disney Wonder, but if you book a Disney cruise, you may well end up on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, or Disney Fantasy. (A fifth Disney Cruise Line ship will be added in 2021; a sixth in 2023.)

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, having debuted in 1998 and 1999, respectively—although the Disney Wonder is fresh from an intensive 55-day dry-dock renovation, which transformed many of its spaces and made everything aboard feel brand-new. These 83,000-tonners are Disney Cruise Line’s “classic,” smaller boats, with 10 floors and 875 rooms. Each carries 2,713 passengers, though during our four-nighter in mid-November, there were about 2,600, a third of which were kids. Also onboard: 950 Disney Cruise Line employees seeing to it that everybody gets their money’s worth.

Disney’s newer cruise ships, the Disney Dream (2011) and Disney Fantasy (2012) are 130,000-ton vessels with 1,250 rooms that hold up to 4,000 travelers.

The Disney Cruise fleet’s four ships all offer themed family restaurants, live shows, deck parties, elaborate kids’ spaces, character appearances, at-sea fireworks, and more that feels familiar from Disney cruise ship to Disney cruise ship.

“However,” says Jennifer Haile-Tinn, a Disney spokesperson, “each ship is like a new adventure for our guests. Only on the Disney Wonder can kids train alongside their favorite superheroes in the Marvel Super Hero Academy. There are also special entertainment offerings that can only be found on certain ships, such as Frozen, A Musical Spectacular , which is exclusive to the Disney Wonder. ” Other one-ship Disney Cruise Line exclusives include the Aladdin show on the Disney Fantasy, a villain-themed show on the Disney Dream, and “Tangled: The Musical” on the Disney Magic.

There are also stylistic differences from cruise ship to cruise ship—the Disney Fantasy, for example, incorporates Art Nouveau details throughout, while the Disney Dream is more Art Deco.

When choosing your Disney voyage, though, the port stops will likely be your main variables. As Haile-Tinn points out, “Each ship has unique itineraries that allow guests to explore iconic destinations like Norway and Alaska.” The Disney Wonder traverses the Pacific coast—Mexico, California, and Alaska, as well as the Panama Canal. (Our trip made a single stop in Cozumel).

View this post on Instagram Today @disneycruiseline's Wonder ship is docked in the azure waters of sunny Cozumel, Mexico. A post shared by SmarterTravel (@smartertravel) on Nov 12, 2016 at 1:13pm PST

The Disney Magic makes transatlantic crossings and goes into Canada and Europe, including through fjords to see the northern lights. All four Disney cruise ships buzz around the Caribbean, with some itineraries stopping at Castaway Cay, Disney’s Bahamian private island. The Europe and Alaska itineraries have more adults aboard, while the Caribbean jaunts attract more families with kids. Each port stop comes with a big menu of shore excursions (starting around $50 per person), which should be reserved well in advance.

Disney Cruises: Onboard Activities

There’s enough to do aboard a Disney cruise to keep everyone entertained from early in the morning until late at night. So much to do, in fact, that you’ll have to make choices about what to attend and what to give up.

Laid upon your bed each evening, beside the chocolates, is a TV Guide -style sheet called the “ Personal Navigator ,” which lets you plan the following day in detail. (The same timeline is also available on the Disney Cruise Line official app .)

First up is the “Adventures Away” party—after you check out your stateroom and attend a mandatory assembly drill, you head up to the top deck for a high-energy bon voyage celebration, starring Mickey, Minnie, and friends.  Then, for the remainder of the cruise, you’re constantly choosing from a long list of activities.

There are character greetings around the boat (wait time in line: about 30 minutes). There are free, first-run movie screenings at the theaters. There’s an outdoor splash zone and swimming pool (Disney movies play on the huge screen above), plus a huge waterslide—worth it especially for the exhilarating view from the top—and a top-floor gym, which also affords a wide-ocean view. You can get a spa treatment, play Bingo, or make crafts. You can take your kids to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where they get transformed into princesses and pirates (princess packages start at $65). Or you can send them off to the kids’ clubs while you enjoy the nightlife at After Hours, the stylish and boozy adult district.

You can also, of course, eat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMxEwVIjC0v/

Food on Disney Cruises

All meals are included in your Disney cruise fare, unless you choose to dine at Palo or Remy, adults-only restaurants where a dress code is enforced, reservations are a must, servers are experts, and food is a step up.

At the other Disney cruise restaurants, the attire and cuisine are more casual. There are more than enough menu options for kids, and vegetarians won’t have a hard time either. As is the case throughout this experience, there really is something for everyone on a Disney cruise. You won’t have strangers at your table, just your own party, but you do tend to be seated near the same people each time you dine, so conversation with neighbors becomes inevitable.

Our first restaurant experience on the Disney Wonder was at a new restaurant called Tiana’s Place, based on The Princess and the Frog, a movie in which Tiana dreams of opening a restaurant in Louisiana. “Tiana’s Place transports guests to New Orleans,” says Ozer Balli, the cruise line’s Vice President of Hotel Operations. “We have a grand tradition of transforming our stories into real life.”

Indeed. Princess Tiana herself visits each table to greet her guests as they enjoy Cajun and Creole entrees (for dessert: pillowy beignets) while a talented quartet jazzes up familiar tunes. The rollicking finale is a joyful parade during which kids and staff march through the dining room as they clap, don Mardi Gras beads, play toy instruments, spin umbrellas, and belt out Disney songs.

Another impressive restaurant, called Animator’s Palate, is a tech-driven shrine to Disney’s drawn history. Screens all around the dining room bring to life how pencil sketches turned into movie gold. You’re assigned to draw a character on your placemat, then hand it to your server. Soon thereafter, your drawing, alongside those of your fellow diners, gets animated into a truly magical on-screen mashup.

For breakfast and lunch, there are big buffets available, as well as specialty stands that serve pizza, gyros, ice cream, and whatnot. It’s all you can eat, all day long. And yes, it’s all included.

There are two dinnertime options: 5:45 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.—you pick before you get on the boat. Then it’s the same each night, and you’re expected to be punctual.

If you’d rather skip the dining room, though, or if you get hungry in the middle of the night, room service is included, too, and you can order as much as you want without being charged extra. This was one of my favorite onboard luxuries.

The Rooms on Disney Cruise Ships

Our accommodations were bigger than expected, with an extraordinarily comfortable platform bed. Seriously, I haven’t slept that well in ages. It may have been the ship’s gentle rocking that lulled me to sleep so quickly, or maybe it was the melty-soft bedding, but whatever the trick, man, I want that at home.

The best part of our room, though, was our glassed-in balcony, where we sat with drinks and watched the ocean go by. We saw dolphins, tugboats, oil rigs, rain, birds, Mexico, clouds, and sunsets. Our hours on the balcony were beautiful—by far the most tranquil part of our Disney cruise.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMvMeVwDfHw/

Our room had enough space for all three of us to hang out, sleep, bathe, and store our luggage. Though not huge, we never felt cramped, thanks to the clever layout and a few key features: While you have dinner, your room attendant turns the couch into a comfy kid’s bed and adds a guard rail.

We kind of fell in love with our room attendant, actually. Every night he’d leave little gifts on our bed—Mickey bandannas for the pirate party one night, Ghirardelli squares the next—and every night, he’d fold our towels into amusing figures. But more than the stuff he left and the diligent care he took of our room, he was genuinely kind, sincere, and a very hard worker. My daughter still talks about “Mr. Bhong”—he became as cherished to her as the Disney characters.

(Side note: Bhong is Filipino, and it’s hard not to notice that the onboard staff makes for a real-life version of Disney’s “It’s a Small World” ride. Unless you visit U.N. headquarters, you’ll never meet so many people from so many different countries in one place. All of them wear their country of origin on their name tag, and they’re very likely to talk about where they’re from. When I asked Balli whether it’s intentional that the crew members are so international, he replied, simply: “We have the opportunity to go around the world and find the best talent with the most passion for our product.”)

The onboard Wi-Fi in the room is not free—more on that later—but there is a nice-sized TV that runs a 24-hour Disney movie marathon on nearly every channel.

In the hallway, many of your neighbors will have decorated their doors with their favorite Disney characters. (There are printables online , and a cottage industry that deals in door decorations for Disney cruises.) We didn’t come prepared for this onboard tradition, but it was cute to watch my daughter develop the belief that behind each decorated door lived the characters on it.

Disney Cruise Shows

Twice nightly in the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, performers on the verge of Broadway put on fantastic stage extravaganzas, and there’s a new show to see each night. You don’t need to reserve a ticket or pay anything extra—just show up and grab a seat at any of the Disney cruise shows.

In November, “Frozen, a Musical Spectacular” debuted on the Disney Wonder. It really is a spectacular interpretation of the smash-hit movie, with plenty of wow moments and special effects that inspire the audience to break into applause mid-song. The most notable one is during Elsa’s rendition of “Let It Go,” when she transforms, right onstage, from the reined-in princess to the glittery-blue queen while reclaiming her own power. It’s hard not to get swept up while watching—my little one’s mouth was open the entire time.

We also saw “Disney Dreams,” a heartfelt Disney cruise show that uses special effects—and its singers’ prodigious talents—to whisk us into favorite Disney scenes and songs. At one point, there’s the theater-wide illusion that Tinkerbell has covered the entire boat in pixie dust.

And during “The Golden Mickeys,” the loose plot is that a clumsy stage manager learns to believe in herself to become the star of the show—a positive message packed, again, with Disney friends, plus an on-screen appearance by Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Note that Disney cruise shows aren’t necessarily the same across boats, so if there’s one you have your heart set on seeing, make sure you’re choosing the right ship .

Kids’ Areas on Disney Cruise Ships

Whichever Disney cruise ship you’re on, there will be several places where you can drop your children off to be supervised by attentive camp-counselor types while they (and you) have fun.

Aboard the Disney Wonder, we left our three-year-old at the Oceaneer Club ($9 per hour) while we dined at Palo. I worried about her during our meal but when I picked her up, she was absorbed in an art project and wouldn’t leave until she was finished. After that, she kept asking us to take her back to the kids’ area.

There’s no mystery as to why children love these spaces: Disney Cruise Line’s creative professionals invested many months of thought and work into making each room magical. As Theron Skees, the project’s lead Imagineer, put it, “We created the spaces to immerse kids in stories. The idea that we can add story into everything we do is really exciting.”

This means that popular characters like Elsa, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, and Black Widow interact with the kids in settings inspired by those characters’ films and shows. On the Disney Wonder, there’s the Wandering Oaken trading post from Frozen, Andy’s colorful playroom from Toy Story , a Marvel-themed Super Hero Academy, and a “navigation center” where kids can feel like they’re steering the ship. Basically, kids playing on Disney cruises will feel as though they’ve melted into a movie.

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Disney Cruise Costs

So what about the cost? Well, this isn’t a budget vacation—but it won’t necessarily zap your savings, either. Fares on the Disney Wonder start at $978 per adult and $360 per kid for a three-night Bahamian cruise in a room with no balcony. So for a family of four, the minimum price to get onboard is around $2,700, though that number could go way up depending on the type of stateroom you choose, where your itinerary goes, and for how many nights.

While that might sound like a lot for a short vacation, a Disney cruise doesn’t turn out to be as expensive at it seems at first glance. For all its upfront inclusions—all food, shows, and activities—a four-night Disney cruise can actually end up being less expensive than a four-night Disney World vacation, as this handy comparison chart demonstrates. Plus, you can book early to save money.

And if you live close enough to drive, instead of fly, to your embarkation port, taking a home port cruise  will cut your overall cost, which explains why our sailing out of Galveston was packed with Texans. Onboard, the best way to keep your tab small is to forgo add-ons—especially onboard Wi-Fi and alcohol. Keep in mind that you can bring your own alcohol as long as you comply with Disney Cruise Line’s fairly reasonable rules on the matter.

The Overall Disney Cruise Experience

If you’re trying to figure out what type of trip a Disney cruise ends up being, I’ll be honest: There’s so much to do onboard that it can’t really be called a relaxing vacation, unless you’re absolutely determined to make it that way. With all that goes on—all the time—it’s easy to fall prey to some serious FOMO.

But that’s not a bad thing. You come off the Disney cruise with so many new memories that having made the effort to show up to a majority of activities ends up having been worth it.

One strategy to avoid coming home exhausted: Tack on a couple of relaxing beach days after your cruise. We stayed along Galveston’s seawall for a couple of nights afterward, at the beautiful Hilton in the San Luis Resort . This proved to be a good way to unwind, a worthy quiet counterpoint to the exuberance of the Disney cruise experience.

From another perspective, though, taking a Disney cruise is an unexpectedly good option if you’re looking for a vacation that offers a detox from mainstream and social media, and the constant rush of emails and texts—the perfect way to kick off a digital cleanse. This is mostly because it’s very expensive to be connected: $20 buys just a few minutes online.

If you purchase enough megabytes to be as plugged in as you are at home, you’ll spend a small fortune. So, unless money is of no concern, you stay disconnected for the vast majority of the cruise, which is sometimes frustrating but mostly serene. No matter what’s going on in the world, a Disney cruise is basically Disneyland on the boat: unapologetically happy, removed from reality, and with no trace of the morose or glum.

As for that signature excitement that Disney is so expert at generating, it’s vividly a Disney cruise from start to finish. A week before we got on the boat, Mickey and Minnie “called” my daughter to tell her how excited they were to see her onboard. I received a beautiful packet in the mail with my itinerary, luggage tags, and instructions about how to get the most out of our Disney cruise experience.

View this post on Instagram Embarking next week! Follow my coverage over at @smartertravel (Insta, Twitter, and Periscope) as @disneycruiseline debuts its redone Wonder ship. #disneycruise #disneywonder #travel #disney #wanderlust #lovemyjob A post shared by Avital Andrews (@avitalb) on Nov 4, 2016 at 2:38pm PDT

Our last night aboard, at 10:15 p.m., all the main characters gathered in the lobby atrium to give guests a final chance to interact with them, take photos, and give hugs. The cruise director delivered a farewell speech, and each child was handed a battery-run candle and invited onstage to partake in a moving rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” followed by an avalanche of Mickey-shaped confetti. I let my little one stay up late for this, and it was worth it. In true Disney form, it was the perfect ending.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 6 Cruise Ship Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
• 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Disney World Vacation
• Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which Is Cheaper?

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Your vacation, elevated

Take luxury to a whole new level with Sanctuary Collection SM . When you book a Sanctuary Suite, Sanctuary Mini-Suite or Sanctuary Balcony, you’ll access an entirely new world of bespoke amenities, private spaces and premium service – the very best of all we have to offer. The all-new Sanctuary Collection debuts this October when Sun Princess® begins sailing from Fort Lauderdale and opens on Star Princess® in the fall of 2025.

Welcome to a world of luxury

Exclusive access to the sanctuary club.

This tranquil top-deck space is reserved exclusively for adults (ages 16+). Spend the day in total bliss as you relax poolside with a craft cocktail. Order some bites and beverages from a custom menu, even find your flow with wellness classes. Here, it’s Zen time any time. Especially when you reserve a private cabana.

Your own private restaurant

Reserved exclusively for Sanctuary Collection SM guests. Enjoy a custom chef’s menu and dedicated waitstaff and dining room. No reservations needed and no waiting — elevated dining is ready whenever you are.

The perks of 
Princess Premier®

Sanctuary Collection guests enjoy our highest-level all-inclusive package with multi-device Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, premium spirits and an expertly curated wine list that pairs perfectly with any occasion. Premier also includes specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, even reserved theater seating for production shows

Premium amenities & service

Personalized service, bespoke amenities, exclusive wellness activities and special events. Enjoy it all. And if you’re a Sanctuary Suite guest, you’ll have exclusive access to the Suite Lounge, perfect for sipping your morning coffee, a daytime retreat or even kickstarting your night.

Sanctuary Accommodations

Sanctuary suites.

Our suites offer some of the most luxurious accommodations at sea, with spacious staterooms, large balconies, and spectacular views. Additionally, guests can enjoy a variety of amenities such as priority services, specialty dining, in-room Lavazza coffee maker, mini-bar set-up, access to the Suite Lounge, and more. You’ll also enjoy our highest-level all-inclusive package, Princess Premier.

Sanctuary Mini-Suites

Experience Sanctuary Collection luxury with premium-location mini-suites.  Enjoy elevated service, a complimentary bottle of bubbly upon embarkation, upgraded amenities, private restaurant, access to the Sanctuary Club, and more. You’ll also enjoy our highest-level all-inclusive package, Princess Premier.

Sanctuary Balconies

Enjoy stunning views from your premium balcony stateroom, complete with larger balcony, upgraded amenities, access to a private restaurant and the Sanctuary Club top deck as well our Princess Premier® package included.

Experience Sanctuary on board

Sun princess.

What were we thinking of when we designed the new Sun Princess? You. We pondered everything, so you can feel the love on the cruise vacation of your dreams.

Because here, the sun revolves around you.

Star Princess

There's no sibling rivalry here. Sun Princess can't wait to welcome her sister ship, Star Princess, to the fleet - the third ship with this celestial name. She'll feature the new Dome, out-of-this-world views in the Piazza, Signature Collection Suites and more.

Featured Cruises

Transatlantic, book now on sun princess® or star princess®, and look forward to the exclusive world that awaits you., sanctuary collection frequently asked questions (faq).

What is Sanctuary Collection SM  on Princess?

Princess’ new Sanctuary Collection is designed as an oceangoing oasis that elevates the art of relaxation and serenity with exclusive, next-level accommodations and benefits.  Sanctuary Collection staterooms and experience will debut in October of 2024 on Sun Princess (R) and on her sister ship, Star Princess (R) when she enters service in 2025.

Sanctuary Collection staterooms replace the former Signature Collection and Reserve Collection Staterooms on Sun and Star Princess and offer an entirely new world of bespoke amenities, private spaces and premium service – the very best of all we have to offer. Whether our guests are new to cruising or longtime Princess enthusiasts, the Sanctuary Collection offers a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Sanctuary Collection guests receive exclusive benefits and services such as a private restaurant, access to the Sanctuary Club top deck, the perks of Princess Premier®*, and a luxurious stateroom experience.

Also included with a Sanctuary Collection booking are all offerings available within the Princess Premier® bundle, such as:  

• Premier Beverage Package (drinks up to $20 each) 
• MedallionNet Wi-Fi for four devices 
• Unlimited Juice Bar 
• Unlimited Fitness Classes 
• Two Specialty Dining Experiences 
• Unlimited Casual Dining Meals and Premium Desserts 
• OceanNow Delivery 
• Room Service Delivery 

Is Sanctuary Collection only on Sun and Star Princess or fleetwide?

Sanctuary Collection staterooms are only available on Sun and Star Princess.

Guests who as of April 23rd, 2024, have already reserved staterooms in the Sanctuary Collection eligible section of either Sun or Star Princess will receive the additional benefits outlined at no additional cost, except the Princess Premier (R) package. If your current booking does not include Premier, you may upgrade to Premier to receive all these benefits.

Sanctuary Collection guests are provided with private access to the Sanctuary Club top pool area, accessible via their Princess Medallion.

All guests can book an available Sanctuary Collection stateroom. However, guests must be aged 16+ to gain access to the exclusive Sanctuary Club on the top deck.

The Sanctuary Collection staterooms include all Suites, select Mini-Suites and select balconies and are in various areas throughout Decks 10-17, along with access to the Sanctuary Club on Deck 18.

Sanctuary Collection staterooms on Sun Princess and Star Princess go on sale April 23 for sailings after October 14, 2024 beginning in the Caribbean season on Sun Princess and at launch on Star Princess in Fall of 2025.

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