disney norway cruise review

Disney Cruise Line Norway Full Review

by Steve Griswold | Jul 6, 2015 | Disney Cruise Line Planning , Disney Podcast | 18 comments

Disney Norway Cruise Review

All ten of us are back from out Disney Norway cruise and on this weeks Mouse Chat show we cover everything you nee to know before taking a Disney Norway cruise of your own.  Well if you are taking any Disney cruise this review will be very helpful.

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Disney’s inaugural Cruise to Norway

We have been on all four Disney ships and to many ports, but when Disney said we are heading to Norway this Summer, we had to go.  We booked three staterooms on the Disney Magic and had ten people in our party.  So when you listen to the show we had six kids ranging from ages 5 – 12 and four adults.  This cruise was perfect for all ages and everyone from 5 – 50 loved it.

The Disney Cruise Difference

Price and Quality

If you have not been on a Disney Cruise I want to explain what you get at a high level over some other cruise lines.  First a Disney cruise is not cheap.  But we all agreed that what you get for the price is well worth it.  You get a quality vacation experience that far exceeded our expectations.  You also are getting many things in the cruise price that other cruise lines charge you extra for.  Sodas, Ice Cream, affordable drink prices for alcoholic beverages, a kids club that is open almost 24/7, etc.  We have cruise many other cruise lines and you are always being charged extra for food, sodas, kid activities, etc.  In the end you have a massive bill of charges.  It was very nice to cruise on Disney Cruise Line and not have people always trying to up-sell you.

Food and Service

The food and service was stellar.  We had the best wait staff and room attendant in over 20 years of cruising.  Disney service it top notch and we were literally treated like royalty.  We took a week vacation in Paris after our Disney Norway cruise and I have to say we all kept wishing we had booked a second Disney cruise instead of heading to Paris.  It was that good.  The food is also fantastic.  I love to explore different foods and my wife does not.  There was always several choices for both of us.  Palo, the only up charge restaurant on the Disney Magic was fantastic also and we requested the same waiter we had two years earlier on a Thanksgiving Disney Cruise.  Again, a wonderful meal (lobster ravioli and the filet are excellent choices).  And the up charge is only $30 per person.

The Disney shows each night are Broadway caliber.  If you love Disney you will love these shows.  There are also speckeled in with different variety acts, like a magician, comedian, dance group etc.  So it was a nice variety of acts.  If you have already seen Disney Dreams on the Disney Magic, you need to see it again.  They have added Frozen to this show and also some amazing special effects.  Don’t miss Disney Dreams on the Disney Magic.

The only show that I was not impressed by was “Frozen – Freezing the Night Away” on Deck 9 by the pool.  This show replaces the Pirates in the Caribbean show on other Disney Cruises.  The show is dance party for 30 mins or so.  It’s cold, it’s Norway.  And you are literally FREEZING the night away at 11 PM outside.  There are no fireworks (it’s day light at 11 PM still) and there is no food or dessert party which was disappointing for a cruise of this caliber.  But this was the only thing I though could have been done better on our full seven day Disney Norway Cruise.

Getting the Best Prices on Disney Cruise Line

You can always find the best rates on Disney Cruise Line, including the Disney Norway Cruise, at Pixie Vacations, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  They will help you book the perfect stateroom for your Disney Cruise and will let you know about everything.  Everyone is very helpful at Pixie Vacations and they have been on the Norway Disney Cruise as well as all four Disney ships.  So you are in good hands and they excel at finding great value for your hard earned vacation dollars.  You can call Pixie Vacations at 678-815-1584 or fill out their quick Disney Cruise quote online.

 Disney Cruise Line Excursions

When you listen to the show we cover the excursions, but I also wanted to cover some Disney Cruise Line excursion tips here in the show notes.

Chris’s son on our Norway farm excursion.

1. We booked Disney Cruise Line Excursions very early and both of these were fantastic.  We did the Norweign Farm with our kids and also Kayaking.  Kayaking can be very cold, wet and difficult for some.  But when else are you going to be able to kayak in Norway.

The views from our Norway Disney Cruise Kayak excursion. I dropped a new GoPro camera into the water here. 🙁

2. We also made our own tours at two ports and that was very successful and affordable.  So don’t feel like you have to book every excursion at the Disney Port Adventures on the cruise ship. The On and Off Buses are very easy to use and an affordable alternative.  Also we found an incline railway for $8 and a castle for $10 a person that both were hidden gems in Norway.

 Taking a Disney Cruise and Disney Cruise Questions

If you have taken a Disney Cruise or have any Disney Cruise Line questions you would like us to answer, please post a comment below.  We would love to hear from you with your Disney Cruise Line questions.

How to contact us at Mouse Chat:

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Please join us by listening to our show at MouseChat.net or by downloading and subscribing to Mouse Chat on iTunes . If you subscribe to our Disney Podcast on iTunes you can schedule it to update your player so you will never miss a show.

18 Comments

Thanks for this review, and all of your insights. We booked this cruise for 2016 (taking the kids/6 and 10), and have been going back and forth on whether to do it for sure, but your thoughts and experiences convinced us we made the right choice. . We’re a West Coast, Disneyland, Aulani family, and we thought this would be a great way to take the kids to Europe for the first time. Thanks again for all of the insights and humor you guys provide with your podcasts!

You are going to have a wonderful time on your Disney Cruise to Norway. We all LOVED it. Please send us photos and let us know how you liked your Disney cruise when you return in 2016.

Will do. We’re actually headed to Alaska on the Wonder in August (I guess we’re the cold weather cruisers), so I’ll get you some pics and a trip report then as well. Thanks again for all the insights and humor in your podcasts!

Have a great time. 🙂

How much was the cost of the cruise?

I don’t remember but there were some great deals and I know we booked one of those. We love to travel and get our moneys worth so we booked a deck 2 inside stateroom and got a port hole stateroom upgrade on deck 2. If you decide to take a Disney Cruise or any other vacation for that matter, go to http://www.PixieVacations.com (phone 678-815-1584) and get a quote. You really can get on some cruise ship for an amazing price and always spend more to upgrade the experience depending on what room and extras you are looking for in a cruise. The Norway Disney cruise was worth every penny we spent.

Thank you for all your many suggestions and stories, I really enjoyed your podcast. We are thinking of going on this Disney itinerary in 2016 as well. A few questions: would you recommend a cabin with a veranda (ie, was it too cold to really need a balcony)? What was the name of the Castle which you visited close to port? It sounded wonderful for the whole family, and I wish to know its name and the port in which it was located. Lastly, how was the sailing conditions? I’m a little worried about getting seasick. Thank you again, your page and podcast was so very helpful.

Hi, Sandy, Norway was amazing. The temperatures were in the low 60’s a and sometimes down into the 50’s early morning and at night. A balcony would have been nice but you go into the fjords really early in the morning, like 5:30 AM and leave them at maybe 6 PM. So we would go out on deck at 5:30 AM. You could see this from a balcony too if you want to relax more and keep warmer close to your stateroom. Chris Wood was also on our journey with her family and she can actually book this vacation for you and get you all the details on Norway and what hidden gems to see at the ports. Send her an email at [email protected] Please post photos if you go, I would love to see them.

Thanks Steve

Great article Steve. I just booked the Norwegian Cruise for my family on 5/29. This is our 6th DCL cruise but first in Europe. I have one concern right now. I have a boy (8) and a girl (5) at cruise time. Will the “Frozen” atmosphere make my son feel like he’s on a “girly cruise”? That may sound silly but the kids really like the Pirate Night in the Caribbean and I fear he may feel like this is a girl party….

You are going to love your Disney cruise to Norway. I was just looking at the photos from our Disney cruise a few moments ago. So the Frozen theme is really not over done. There is a Frozen Meet n Greet and it was in Artist Palette one afternoon. You have to sign up for a time to do this meet n greet so please do that if you want to attend. If you don’t sign up you would not even know it was going on. Olaf is also there for the boys. There is also a Freezing the night away Disney deck party. Yes it is literally freezing so dress warm. It’s basically a Disney dance party at 9 or 10 PM and it’s very sunny out. Not fantastic but my two girls (5 / 10) enjoyed it. I thought it was ok, but it was not spectacular. But other than a few things you are not going to be swimming in Frozen stuff for seven days.

If you would like you can contact Chris Wood ([email protected]), she was on the Norway Cruise with three boys and a girl. She might be able to help you plan your Disney Cruise still even though you are already booked. Disney might still be able to add her to your reservation as an agent and it’s no cost and there are no fees. I only tell you this because she has been on the same cruise and has kids the same age and it’s literally no cost.

Again the cruise is a once in a lifetime trip. Loved every minute. Please post some photos when you return and let us know what you all did on the trip.

Have a great cruise.

Thanks Steve. Sorry for the late response. I think your note got SPAM blocked or something. Do you know if the Frozen excursion in Alesund is enjoyable for young boys? It’s not cheap and I don’t want to take my son if he’s going to be bored to tears…

We have two girls that were the perfect age, but I just could not bring myself to go all the way to the real Norway and then pay a ton of money to take them to Airendale. You can see Anna, Elsa and Olaf on the Disney Cruise Line ship at a meet n greet and also and the Freezing the Night Away party on deck. Also at EPCOT you could take them to Norway and see the new Frozen ride. I would think it will open this Summer, 2016. We just got an update today and it looks like it still needs a bunch of work so I would thing Spring 2016 for an opening might be difficult.

But I know Disney does an amazing job and the Disney Cruise Lines Norway Trip is AMAZING and the Norway Airendale excursion is probably worth every penny.

I think we went to the Norway long house and shot a bow an arrow, and saw some of the local landmarks and vistas on that day of our Disney Norway Cruise. It worked out well and was more friendly on the checkbook.

Post some photos when you go please and bundle up, it’s cold even in the Summer time.

I just booked myself and my sister on the 2016 Norway cruise (and the 4 day pre-cruise Copenhagen stay) and came across your site looking for reviews from their first sailing. Your podcast is great! We are both huge Disney fans and I really appreciated another fans perspective. You mentioned the Castle you found at one port but I couldn’t find the show notes or where you posted which port that was at. We will definitely now be ready for the cold! We are both native Floridians and we will bring many layers!! I look forward to exploring more of your site and podcast! Thanks again!

Hi, Jennifer, The Castle was in Bergen Norway. What a deal! It’s right at the port. The photo below I took from inside the castle looking out at the Disney Cruise Ship. It’s just a few minute walk from the Bergen Norway port.

Also Copenhagen we did a pre stay too and enjoyed that.

Very informative and well written article! Thank you for sharing your adventure as we are very interested in exploring a non-Caribbean itinerary with Disney Cruise Lines. We just returned from our first Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream, and we are definitely hooked!

I thought it was interesting when lady said twice they got her steak order wrong yet she raved about the head waiter and staff, she commented they never did get it right, I have been on Disney cruises and they do make it right! They would not have wanted her to settle for well done when she wanted medium rare!

I am looking at booking the Norway cruise with a ocean view verandah Room. I’m just wondering if the balcony would be worth it or not? We have a baby so we would spend a lot of time in our room in the evening. I was wondering if it would be too chilly to sit out on the balcony in the evening?

Hi, Michelle,

Please send an email to [email protected] also. She went on the Disney Norway cruise with her kids and can also book this for you and make sure you are getting the best applied discounts, etc. There is no charge to book this with a Pixie at Pixie Vacations and you get all the insider travel advice, can ask questions anytime, will hunt down the best offers etc.

We did not have a balcony. We were in Norway in June and it was still chilly, especially when you are entering the fjords. The ship enters them around 4-5 AM and everyone, well those that are awake, go to the top deck and watch. It’s amazing. Disney Cruise Line has towels up there to wrap yourself in and coffee, hot chocolate. It’s pretty darn cold at that time of night. Now I guess you could see part of that from your room too, but really you should go on deck to see everything surrounding you.

Also get with Chris about dining at Palo, and the different excursions in Norway and the extras you can do on your own in the cute towns.

Have a fantastic cruise.

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I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

Guest Trip Report: 10 Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland on the Disney Magic, Day 2

October 29, 2018 by Disney Cruise Mom Leave a Comment

This is a guest trip report written by Carol, who sailed on the most recent 10 night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland on the Disney Magic on August 16, 2018.  You can start the trip report from the beginning by clicking here .

Day 2: Kristiansand, Norway

Day two lead us to Kristiansand – our first stop on the cruise and our first stop in Norway!  After 3 days in Copenhagen and a busy first day on board, we had to get going right away for our first excursion .  Our first excursion was a Disney excursion – “Lillesand by Land & Sea (KR01)” .  We met in the Walt Disney Theater where we found out we needed to bring our passports (which was different from when we cruised in the Mediterranean and never needed to take our passports off the ship).  So, we went and grabbed our passports quickly and returned to get ready to disembark the ship for our excursion.  When our group was called, we disembarked the ship and boarded a bus.  We first took a bus through some of Kirstiansand and to the town of Lillesand just outside of Kristiansand, where we saw houses typical of the area and the small port area as well.

Typical houses in Kristiansand:

Small port area at Lillesand:

After the bus trip, we boarded a small boat for a 90 minute cruise on the inlet waters near Kristiansand and Lillesand.  The cruise was smooth (for those worried about seasickness – as I was) and the scenery amazing! We passed by many small homes which we were told we used by many Norwegians as summer homes as they were right on the water and Kristiansand is very south in the country.  We also learned that if a house has a flag flying then it means someone is home and all are welcome!  The cruise was fun, informative and I highly recommend it.

After our Disney excursion, we still had time to walk around town.  It’s a really cute town with a really easy layout so it’s easy to walk and very easy to get to and from the cruise ship.  Tom Sheridan writes a really good walking guide of Kristiansand with highlights of the city and you can see it here.

We followed some of it – mostly due to time constraints.  We started by going over the bridge as directed and saw the new opera house while we did – it is so beautiful and you can see the reflection of our ship in it.

We then headed toward Christiansholm Fortress, passing by these amazing sculptures and beautiful water fountain on the way:

Christiansholm Fortress was really neat, you could climb to the top of a spiral staircase and look inside and the views from the back were just inspiring.  You could really imagine being there trying to defend the city (although that’s what it was built for, it was never actually used for that purpose).  They are doing construction on it now to fix it up, but it really is an amazing Fortress and worth taking the time to check out!  Our kids loved the cannons and liked pretending to play with them.

After the fortress, we headed to the Cathedral.  The Cathedral is just breathtaking, and right outside the Cathedral and down the street is a street of outside vendors who all sell homemade, local Norway ware so once you are done being amazed by the Cathedral, you can shop and pick up some souvenirs before you head back to the ship.

On our way back we had an amazing view of the Disney Magic:

Back on board that night our dinner was at Rapunzel’s Royal Table.  I was so excited to try this new restaurant on the Magic, especially after having experienced Tiana’s Place on the Wonder, and I was not disappointed!  We were lucky enough to have a table close to the front and the stage and that made for a lot of interaction with the characters.  This first night was Rapunzel’s birthday and the thugs from the Snuggly Duckling were throwing her a surprise birthday party!  They were very interactive through many of the tables, they were funny and it was a great time!  Rapunzel came around to every table and greeted everyone and took pictures.  They also put on a great show, singing songs, both from the movies and other ones.  It made dinner so much more entertaining!

All in all it was an excellent day!!!

Up Next: Day 3 – Stavanger, Norway

Click here to visit Carol’s blog about her family’s travels all over the world.

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Norwegian Fjords Disney Cruise Line Report – Day 3

Day 3 of our Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard the Disney Magic had our first port stop, in Stavanger, Norway ( click here to read our report on day 2 ). I’m going to do this installment of the cruise report a bit differently, with mostly planning-oriented info regarding port recommendations, followed by our anecdotal account of what happened. (This is to make things easier for me when I compile this all into a Norway Disney Cruise Line Planning Guide.)

Before we start into that, I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about our port days. One thing that gave pause about doing Norway with Disney Cruise Line was the time in each port. When traveling, I like to burn the candle at both ends, and be in control of my own destiny. Usually, this means being up for sunrise, sunset, and night photography.

No matter how we toured Norway (in the summer at least), being up for all of those things would not be possible–it’d mean 2-3 hours of sleep per night! However, the windows of port time would be tested by our plan for Stavanger. There were a few things I wanted to do in Stavanger, and not enough time to do them all…

Stavanger is a fascinating city because it has a rich history with commercial fishing, but has transformed in the last ~50 years to become Europe’s oil and energy capital.

In 1969, the first Norwegian oil field was discovered at Ekofisk south in the North Sea, which made the Stavanger region a key player in the Norwegian economy. The oil industry in the region has made locals and Norway quite wealthy in the process (Norway’s wealth management and fiscal policies are themselves fascinating, albeit beyond the scope of this report).

Today, Stavanger seems to be a blend of old and new, with a small town university feel and also features modern and old world charm. It’s a town we would’ve visited on the Norway in a Nutshell tour, too.

There would be no sleeping in this particular morning. I was up at 5:30 a.m., and quickly got ready before heading up to the top deck to watch the ship arrive into Stavanger.

I expected a large crowd for this, but there were only a handful of other guests up this early. My gain, I suppose.

We saw a lot of rocky islands like this, and I was always on the lookout for puffins when we cruised past. Spoiler: we saw 0 puffins over the course of the entire trip.

Oh well, guess that means we have to go back to Norway…

As with many of these port cities in Norway, Stavanger has a compact layout and is easily walkable. For the majority of things you might want to do in port, there’s no need to rent a car, use a taxi, or rely on the various forms of public transportation. There is one notable exception to this, which we’ll cover below.

My top things were the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (yes, really–it sounds really fascinating!), Norwegian Canning Museum , Old Stavanger , and hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) .

Based upon my research, we could do both museums and Old Stavanger, or Pulpit Rock and nothing else. While the museums sound fascinating, Pulpit Rock was the clear winner for me.

Disney Cruise Line offers a Port Adventure for hiking to Pulpit Rock, but the goal of the Norwegian Fjords cruise for us was to save money over what a non-cruise trip to Norway would cost, so that was out.

Instead, I did some research and found what appeared to be a relatively easy way to do this hike on your own via public transit.

That’s what we ended up doing, and if you’re visiting Stavanger on a future cruise, I’d highly recommend it.

Disney Cruise Line’s Port Adventure is (in my opinion) overpriced for minimal added convenience–you’re paying for peace of mind since they are less likely to leave you if you’re on an “official” Port Adventure.

The threshold question before that, though, is whether hiking to Pulpit Rock is for you. This is a moderately intense, 4.4-mile hike with an elevation gain of ~1,000 feet. There is no scrambling involved, nor is the hike unsafe at any point (aside from the ledge at Pulpit Rock).

Despite Disney Cruise Line requiring guests be 12 years or older, the hike is appropriate for people of all ages who are physically fit to a reasonable degree. You will need hiking shoes, and I’d also recommend athletic attire and a hydration pack.

I’d also recommend a thin, waterproof and windproof jacket (think GORE-TEX). You won’t need any insulating layer because you’ll be on the move.

As far as strategy for getting from the cruise port to the trailhead, we’d recommend purchasing a Tide Ferry & Bus ticket and doing it yourself. With that ticket in hand, be ready to get off the ship 15 minutes before the official ashore time and run to the ferry, which is about 12-15 minutes away.

We were ashore by 7:45 a.m. and the first ferry was at 8 a.m. We literally ran through Stavanger (along with a couple dozen others), and made it onto the ferry at 7:58 a.m. The boat left promptly at 8 a.m. Running was of the essence, and if we were cleared to go ashore just 2 minutes later, we would have missed the ferry.

There was another ferry at 8:40 a.m. that others, including Disney’s Port Adventure, caught, but I think making the 8 a.m. ferry provides a huge advantage.

Not just that 40 minutes, but also in terms of crowds on what can otherwise be a busy (and narrow) path. I’d hazard a guess that we saved over an hour of time of by virtue of catching that first ferry.

From the ferry, Tide has buses that are synchronized, so it’s a simple matter of stepping off the ferry and lining up for the bus. All told, the ferry and bus take around 70 minutes to get you to the Pulpit Rock trailhead. From there, the hike is roughly 4 to 4.5 hours roundtrip (about the same amount of time up as down, albeit less intense down), plus however long you want to spend up at Pulpit Rock.

Due to the above time constraints and transportation schedules, it’s advised that you begin the descent from Pulpit Rock by 12:30 p.m. in order to make the last bus. Tide is one of two bus services operating at the trailhead–if you’re tight on time, you may have to purchase a ticket for the other bus. No big deal.

While we encountered many people on the cruise who fretted about having to turn around before making it to Pulpit Rock, or worried about worst case scenarios involving paying for a taxi from the trailhead to the cruise port.

These hypotheticals are unlikely. You should have an adequate window to make it up there whether you’re on the first or second ferry, so long as you’re in reasonably good shape.

Ultimately, I would highly recommend the hike to Pulpit Rock to anyone visiting Stavanger, Norway. I love to hike, and have done some incredible hikes in the Canadian Rockies, Yosemite National Park, Swiss Alps, and many other locations.

I would put the hike to Pulpit Rock among the top 5 hikes I have ever done. It’s a fun experience, and even though it’ll consume most of your time in Stavanger, the hike is well worth it.

Alright, with that generalized planning info out the way, let’s spice things up with an anecdote about our experience. Joining us (or perhaps we were joining them?) on the hike by Stephen and Tammy Whiting, who has a lot of great posts about cruising on TouringPlans .

We’ve “internet known” Tammy for close to a decade, which probably sounds creepier with air quotes around it, but whatever. ( Also–she took many of the photos of Sarah and me in this post, so credit to her for those photos.)

Hiking with them definitely improved the experience. More importantly, it also would’ve helped from a strength in numbers perspective had we encountered Norway’s infamous anorexic polar bears that were featured in Maelstrom.

Frequently, I use “we” and “I” interchangeably on the blog when conveying our/my experiences. If you know English good, you might find this perturbing. (No one ever claimed this was the paramount of the written word.)

When I refer to past hikes above, I mean my experiences. Sarah enjoys hiking and has gone on a few hikes with me, but she’s more casual about it. Details about strenuousness and dangerousness of hikes I do are sometimes omitted when I tell her the stories from my hikes. (Just kidding, dear. 😉 )

I mention this because Sarah and I have different opinions on the strenuousness of the hike to Pulpit Rock. I’d describe it as moderate, whereas she’d describe it as intense. Thankfully, she found a blog that described the hike as “easy” while we were researching the trip. To the badass Norwegian who thinks this hike is easy, I am eternally grateful. I think Sarah would have been discouraged from doing the hike had she read more about its intensity. On Page 2 , I’ll share our experience with the hike, its intensity, and the rest of our day in Stavanger and evening back on the Disney Magic.

Written by Tom Bricker

Great review of the hike. I was one of those running to the ferry for the 8am departure. THe hike was great and I agree that it was great being there early, the hike down was indeed much more packed. I would love to camp up on pulpit one day. I imagine the sunrise would be spectacular from up there.

That’d be awesome, but my worry would be that you wouldn’t even get a sunrise. I’d hazard a guess that they only see a sunrise about 25% of the time or so! (Regardless, it’d be cool.)

“It also “sold” me on cruising as legitimate form of travel, rather than just a leisure vacation on a boat.”

For this reason, I highly recommend a Hawaiian cruise. You can see so many islands in a short time as you cruise between them at night! 🙂

Loving this trip report! Now I’m itching for a Norwegian cruise. 🙂

Tom, found your blog via Facebook. I can’t tell when you published your Norway trip blogs, but I’m interested in the rest of your Norway cruise, as we’re cruising there in August 2017. Thanks for the tips so far!

Part 4 should be out later today. Thanks for reading!

Just in case he does not see this- he was just on this cruise! He was doing some updates on FB while there. Have fun on yours. Tis is our next big adventure I think!

Your experience with the bus is exactly why we hate Disney transportation at the parks. I know a lot of people are all for it, but we’ve had that exact scenario happen more than once and it is infuriating.

Thanks for the info! I want to do the hike but my kids wouldn’t be able to, so my husband would watch them. Would you consider the hike safe for a solo female traveler? Also, would there be an easy place to “meet up” with my family after the hike?

It’s completely safe for a solo female traveler (the path has no dangers and is full of people), and there’s a ‘lodge’ of sorts (it’s pictured in the post) at the trailhead, so it’d be easy for family to meet you there.

I’m really enjoying this trip report. We have family in Southern Norway and it’s been 9 years since we’ve visited. Your pictures are taking me down memory lane (: We have also been looking into doing a Disney cruise, so I was wondering if these ports are always the ones the Norwegian cruise stops at. Thanks!

P.S. The traditional Norwegian dress Minnie is wearing is called a Bunad (boo-nahd)!

Thanks for the info on Minnie’s dress. I had no idea!

The picture of you eating the school bread is my favorite – natural Tom. Way to go Sarah on capturing a picture of Tom that looks natural… not sitting with food, but becoming one with his food.

“Becoming one with my food” is something I do a lot. 😉

Great trip report from Pulpit Rock, happy that Sarah joined you for the hike.

And I love Godt Brød! They are more expensive than some other bakeries, but I think it’s great and like to support them when I can. I appreciate that they care about the quality of ingredients, and I LOVE knowing that what I buy was baked in that very bakery over night by professional bakers (sadly not something to take for granted other places).

If puffins are your thing, come and visit us in Maine sometime!

Last year I did a 7 day cruise to the southern Caribbean. I didn’t think I was a cruise person since I like to be an active and independent traveler, but as you point out I now see the convenience of a moving hotel. Every day I did a full excursion or exploration, just using the ship for dinner, recharge, and rest. While others sat around on the boat all day, it is nice to cover multiple places without the hassel of moving or transit.

We did the same–we were among the last 10 people out in port each day of the cruise, and had a really satisfying experience seeing Norway via the cruise. In fact, it was much more satisfying than I imagined it could be.

These trip reports are exactly what I’ve been looking for! We booked the Norway/Iceland cruise next summer for our honeymoon. I’ve had similar concerns about not being able to travel/sightsee. I want to be able to relax, but I don’t want a leisurely vacation! Pulpit Rock is going on our “must do” list for sure. Thank you for all the planning details. I am very much looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip!!

There are plenty of puffins, whales, and icebergs here in Newfoundland!

What insane blogger said that was easy?! I’m with Sarah! I’d definitely go with the intense side of moderate.

Exhaustion aside, it was probably my favorite day of the cruise and the company was top notch! 🙂

Butter Brickles, on Nordic FIRE, with another scorching hot take!

So, no Anorexic polar bears. but between the troll paraphernalia and oil rigs, you have confirmed that at least 2/3 of Maelstrom is a correct representation of Norway!

That looks like a great hike. I wish the weather had been better for you, but the pictures are still pretty.

Is the towel animal Constantine from the muppets?

I’ll definitely have a rant on Maelstrom/Spirit of Norway later in the report, so stay tuned for that (or not).

Lol on the Constantine comment. I think it’s a penguin?

“Now, I had fresh and totally different clothes to wear that evening…like a RED flannel shirt!”

You´re killing me!!! hahaha this is great!!! looking forward to read the next chapter.

I was led to believe every man in Norway looked like Chuck Norris (or a viking) and had a closet full of flannel. I was misled. 😉

Loving your trip reports. Can’t wait for all of the rest. I don’t really have a desire to do the Norwegian cruises, but it’s still fun to read about. Before my first cruise, I didn’t think I’d actually end up being a cruiser. I only went because my daughter really wanted to go on a Disney cruise. This…”the convenience of going back to the ship for dinner and transit to the next port—as opposed to checking out of a hotel and taking our luggage on a train” is why I decided I love cruising. We have done 2 cruises and have 3 more booked.

By the way, “If you know English good” should be…If you know English well! 🙂

Ummm…. never mind.

Great report, and beautiful photos as usual. Cove Cafe is the best – we’ve been fortunate enough to sail the Dream, Fantasy and Magic, and the CM’s and the coffee are always terrific. If you ask, they’ll give you a card – buy 5 get one free. Love that!

Godt Brød was easily my favorite part of Norway, and I can taste the School Bread now! So sorry you didn’t see any puffins either, I’ve been back to Norway twice and I’m still 0/2 on puffin sightings. Guess I’ll just have to go back

In Alesund, there’s actually a puffin island that’s supposedly covered with thousands of them. We briefly considered visiting, but the logistics were a bit much.

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Disney Magic: A Frozen Cruise to Norway’s Fjords

Author: [email protected]

Published on: 05 May 2019

Updated on: 11 May 2022

Who said Disney was just for kids? A Frozen-themed cruise to Norway’s fjords aboard Disney Magic is the perfect chill-out for grown-ups, too

Sipping a glass of Moët, I’m about to embark on a champagne brunch, even though it’s only 10am. I’m surrounded by marble, Venetian glass and panoramic views of the ocean.

All I have to do is stroll out of my private dining room to explore the buffet, which is piled high with all manner of foodie temptations including cheeses, seafood and caviar. But I mustn’t overdo it. Next stop is a dash to the ship’s atrium to meet Mickey Mouse himself (well, this is a Disney cruise, after all).

I’m on Disney Magic – one of the fleet’s four ships – heading to Norway’s fjords on a seven-night Frozen cruise from Dover. Naturally, there are activities galore for babies, toddlers, kids and teens – but let me tell you, this is no childish adventure and the ship is definitely not just for children .

The House of Mouse has grown up (Disney is 96 in October) and while it’s still first class at entertaining children with its diverse range of characters, movies, theme parks and cruise ships, the brand has got its recipe for adults just right, too.

As well as the five-star Senses Spa & Salon, with its range of luxurious treatments including a couples’ room for massages and Elemis facials à deux, Disney Magic also offers the serene, adults-only Quiet Cove Pool and café, plus late-night dancing at Fathoms nightclub and live piano and cocktails at Keys.

To enjoy these very grown-up attractions, all we need to do is (whisper it!) get rid of our kids. And that turns out to be easier than we’d thought. After rushing to wave at Mickey in a mobbed daily meet-and-greet, our 10-year-old daughter is drawn like a magnet to the cookie-making class in Oceaneer Lab – one of two kids’ clubs for her age group – while our 16-year-old son can’t wait to dump his embarrassing parents and decamp to the Vibe teen club.

Although he has his own keycard to our shared stateroom, he only returns there to go for dinner with the family (‘as long as my friends don’t see me’) and then again at 3am to ‘crash’. Our daughter’s clubs supply never-ending activities, including ga-ga ball, parachute games and ‘Super Sloppy Science’, so my husband Alexio and I are left blissfully alone to explore.

With her striking black hull, decorated with gold and topped with two red funnels, the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic harks back to the great age of ocean liners. And her interiors, with their glamorous, Art Deco-inspired design, are a stunning combination of nostalgia and modernity.

There’s a dazzling choice of entertainment venues, too, and we head to Keys, a bar inspired by the Sunset Boulevard piano joints of Hollywood’s heyday. Here the music is as lively as the super-strong cosmopolitans; the decor is retro-cool and the service is flawless. But after a second cocktail (we don’t get out much without the kids) it’s time to collect the family for dinner.

There are three main restaurants on Disney Magic , and thanks to the line’s ‘rotational dining’ policy, guests get to savour each one twice during a week-long cruise. Alexio and I are impressed by Lumiere’s, with its deliciously Gallic menu (the French onion soup is amazing), while the kids both love Rapunzel’s Royal Table, where we get to meet characters from the Disney movie, Tangled.

Rapunzel, who celebrates her birthday here every night, becomes instant BFFs with my daughter – they bond over their long hair – while my son thinks the giant (and frankly quite scary) Snuggly Duckling Thugs are hilarious. But nothing is as magical as Animator’s Palate, where the restaurant and the waiters are all part of a show in which Disney’s iconic characters come to life.

It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle when the black-and-white restaurant explodes into colour, with plenty of surprises along the way (I won’t spoil them for you, but sharpen up your drawing skills before you go). The food is pretty magical, too, and my pasta parcels, filled with truffle-scented cheese, are a melt-in-the-mouth delight.

The gastronomic highlight, however, is Palo – the Venetian restaurant named after the long poles used by gondoliers – where my Italian husband enjoys a feast of prawns, crab, tuna and scallops, all so perfectly cooked that he declares it buonissimo.

Arriving at our first port of call, we’re up early to walk the cobbled lanes of the Danish capital, Copenhagen , and visit the famous Tivoli Gardens. One of the world’s oldest leisure parks, this charming attraction inspired Walt Disney to create the first Disneyland in California (he visited several times, and no doubt rode the 1914 wooden ‘Roller Coaster’, which was among the first of its kind and is still in service today).

Leaving the boys to sample this vintage thrill-ride, my daughter and I wander through the delightful gardens. The day rushes by in a riot of screaming and laughing on more rides, including the world’s largest carousel, before we head back to the ship.

There’s no time to relax, however. Before dinner we catch a show in the Walt Disney Theatre, and then the children vanish and we head to After Hours, the adults-only entertainment zone. Meanwhile, the ship sails on towards Norway, where tomorrow we will enjoy a Frozen adventure of our own.

Oslo looks a picture as we stroll through the pretty streets towards the Ice Bar, a cocktail venue with a difference. Here, everything is carved out of the frozen stuff, including the bar and even some of the customers (life-size human statues, dotted here and there). It’s breathtakingly beautiful and we stay for as long as we can, only leaving when my nose turns red and my husband’s teeth begin to chatter. (For more on what to see and do in Oslo, read our guide ).

The following day brings more Norwegian fun . The boys head off for a high-octane RIB boat adventure in Kristiansand – a compact city dubbed the Pearl of the South because of its warmer climate and palm-fringed beach – while my daughter and I choose a more sedate ride on the Setesdalsbanen vintage railway.

Over a five-mile stretch of narrow-gauge track, its steam loco and wooden carriages offer an enchanting ride back through history. Docked at Stavanger next morning, we take a boat trip to Bakers’ Paradise, a seaside inn and trading post on a rugged island.

Here we feast on giant Norwegian waffles with fruit and sour cream – delicious – before embarking on a two-hour cruise through spectacular Lysefjord, where we stop to feed the nimble goats that magically cling to the sheer cliff face, easily catching the bread we throw to them.

At Pulpit Rock, one of the most famous spots in Norway , we gaze skywards to see where Tom Cruise performed one of his famously dangerous stunts while filming Mission: Impossible – Fallout . It was all in a day’s work for the Hollywood star, who clambered 2,000ft above the chilly waters of Lysefjord. Tourists can do the same, if they’re fit and brave enough, but don’t attempt it if you suffer from vertigo.

That night the ship turns back towards Dover, but another sea day lies ahead before we arrive home. That means we have time to visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to give our very own Princess a makeover (she emerges suitably sparkly and wearing a crown).

As we sip our cocktails that evening, gazing through giant portholes while the sun slides over the horizon, it’s the perfect ending to our Frozen adventure. If you’re looking for a magical family holiday that’s cool for discerning grown-ups too, Mickey and friends have just the thing.

For more information, visit disneycruise.disney.go.com .

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Which cruise should I take: Disney or Norwegian?

By Heidi Sarna

Cruiseline.com

Standard Cabins 

There’s nothing typical about Disney’s standard cabins: They’re huge and have two bathrooms, a bedtime game changer for families. Norwegian’s tiny cabins — some less than 130 square feet — are smaller than just about every other line’s. 

Disney's spacious standard cabins (left) are a huge perk for families. 

Our Pick:  Disney. This one is a no-brainer: Disney’s standard cabins are the best at sea.

Specialty Cabins

Disney started with a great cabin model and has stuck with it through four ships with very few tweaks (one tweak is its animated portholes for inside cabins). Meanwhile, Norwegian has created some innovative choices as of late: New studio cabins for singles have access to a private lounge, while the suites in The Haven concierge-level area get great amenities, including a private pool, hot tub, gym, and butler. And the line’s spa cabins get free access to the thermal suite.

Our Pick: Draw. Disney excels at big and functional, but Norwegian is getting really creative these days.

When Norwegian rolled out its groundbreaking Freestyle Cruising® program more than a decade ago, fixed dining times and assigned tables were scrapped — and eating on a cruise ship hasn’t been the same since. Most ships in Norwegian’s fleet have more than 10 dining choices, some free and others charging from $15 to $49 a person. (That $49 gets you dinner at Geoffrey Zakarian’s Ocean Blue restaurants, which dazzle parents on a night out.) You’ll also pay a la carte prices for cupcakes and cannoli in a bakery helmed by  Buddy Valastro, TLC’s “Cake Boss.”  

Disney’s family-friendly venues, however, bring theater into the dining experience, incorporating digital technology in the décor, along with flamboyant themes (think tropical birds and lush gardens) to keep kids entertained while they wait for their next course. To balance this, the French food in Disney’s adult-only restaurant, Remy, is exquisite.

Our Pick:  Draw. Disney’s got plenty on the menu (and complimentary, unlimited fountain soda is a great perk), but Norwegian fires back with its sheer number of eating outlets.

Entertainment

Disney’s musicals are excellent, incorporating its beloved characters with original story lines and impressive special effects, from animation to acrobatics. The line’s deck parties and fireworks displays include stunts and special effects no other cruise line can match. Norwegian has a fireworks show on its newest ships and puts a lot of thought and effort into its shows fleetwide: The funny and family-friendly Blue Man Group and Second City® performances get raves. A big difference between the two lines: Norwegian has casinos; Disney doesn’t. 

Our Pick:  Draw. What these two do is different, but they both do it really well.

Norwegian ships have a lot going on for people who like to burn a few calories while having fun: The newest vessels have climbing walls, ropes courses, sports courts, and bowling alleys. Meanwhile, Disney’s got game shows and trivia contests. Both cruise lines show movies on giant indoor and/or outdoor screens and offer big water slides that have all ages lining up for a thrill, as well as multiple pools (though Disney’s family-friendly one is so small, it fills up quickly, and the quieter option is adult-only). The toddler splash park on Disney’s two newest ships is great for this often overlooked age group, and older kids and adults can’t resist a go on the water coaster ride that zips you up, down, around, and over the side of the ship.

Our Pick:  Norwegian. Its newest ships go all out with sporty flair that includes much more than water features. 

Itineraries

Disney does three- to 14-night Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii routes, while Norwegian offers those choices plus long itineraries to South America, a week in Bermuda, and two-night sailings to nowhere.

Our Pick:  Norwegian. The line’s reach is farther as it has more ships going more places.

All four Disney ships and Norwegian’s newest have massive drop-off playrooms divided into sections by age, with Disney also offering a drop-off nursery for ages 3 months to 3 years (for a pricey $9 an hour) and impressive teen rooms with indoor and outdoor space. Both have character partnerships for photo ops, breakfasts, and special events: Nickelodeon® characters on Norwegian, and Mickey and crew on Disney. Disney’s movies and musicals are kid pleasers, as are Norwegian’s bungee trampolines on its newest ships. On its two latest ships, Disney’s water coaster is a big hit, and so are features like a giant plasma movie screen in the Oceaneer Club, with real-time animated appearances by Disney characters.

Our Pick:  Disney. It wrote the book on family fun, and its nursery and private Bahamian island just can’t be beat.

Our Pick:  Disney. Sure, this line costs more, but if you can afford the difference, it’s worth it for families traveling with children.

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Disney Cruise vs. Norwegian Cruise: Which Cruise Line Is Better?

Choosing the right cruise line is one of the most important aspects of planning a cruise vacation. Two popular options, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, provide a range of entertainment, dining, and activities tailored to various preferences and budgets. This article will explore the Disney cruise vs. Norwegian cruise experience, examining the fleet, pricing, itineraries, destinations, onboard activities, dining options, and suitability for different age groups. We aim to inform you about the distinctions between Disney and Norwegian cruises, ensuring you make the best choice, whether traveling with young kids, adults, or your entire family.

About Disney Cruise Line

Fireworks at Sea on a Disney Cruise Ship | Image © Disney

The following are some of the key features of a Disney Cruise Line vacation:

• Disney Cruise Line, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, expertly merges the magic of Disney with thrilling cruise experiences.
• Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with high-quality entertainment and a wide array of activities for all ages.
• Specially designed ships cater to guests of all ages, offering engaging children’s programs and peaceful adult-only spaces.
• There are character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style productions, movie screenings, themed deck parties, swimming pools, and exciting water slides.
• Embark on memorable journeys to sought-after destinations, including the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.
• Gain exclusive access to charming Disney destinations like Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
• Explore unique local attractions, experiences, and excursions through the Port Adventures program.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Prima | Image © Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd

Here are some of the highlights of a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation:

• Norwegian Cruise Line, part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings family, offers an energetic and versatile vacation experience.
• A wide selection of entertainment, dining, and activities is available to guests.
• Travel in style aboard modern ships, complete with children’s programs, enriching activities, thrilling water sports, and tranquil adult-only retreats.
• Sail to captivating Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe destinations.
• Enjoy dazzling live performances, as well as engaging educational programs.
• Select from various shore excursions tailored to different interests and age groups.

Are you interested in learning more about Disney Cruise Line vs. Norwegian Cruise Line vacations? Want to know how much each option will cost? Connect with The Vacationeer for a free, no-obligation price quote and free help booking your cruise!

In-Depth Comparison: Disney Cruise vs. Norwegian Cruise

Choosing the perfect cruise line for your vacation can be challenging. To assist you in making the best choice, we present an extensive comparison of Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. This analysis will examine key factors such as fleet size, pricing, itineraries, destinations, onboard activities, culinary experiences, and overall suitability for children, adults, and families.

Fleet Size and Design

Disney Wonder | Image © Disney

Disney Cruise Line operates a fleet of five ships: Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , and Disney Wish . These ships are designed with a magical atmosphere in mind, featuring Disney-themed décor, spacious staterooms, and a wide array of amenities.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a more extensive fleet of 19 ships , offering various sizes and experiences. Their vessels are designed to provide a modern, stylish, and comfortable atmosphere, focusing on flexibility and personalization.

The Disney Cruise Line is known for its premium experiences and exceptional service, which come at a higher price . It also offers unique Disney entertainment and access to exclusive destinations, such as Disney’s Castaway Cay.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a budget-friendly vacation experience, emphasizing flexibility, diverse entertainment, and an extensive range of dining options. Their pricing structure accommodates a range of budgets, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

Evaluating prices between Disney and Norwegian can be tricky, given their distinct offerings and cruise experiences. Consequently, direct comparisons aren’t as straightforward. Disney Cruise Line might feature higher initial fares, yet it encompasses more onboard entertainment and premium experiences. In contrast, Norwegian Cruise Line’s lower pricing may appeal to travelers looking for a more flexible and modern cruise experience without Disney themes and exclusive experiences.

When choosing a cruise, you should consider your preferences, budget, desired destinations, onboard activities, entertainment, and dining options. Working with a knowledgeable travel agent can be invaluable in making an informed choice and finding the best deals, as they can help you navigate the various options and promotions.

Both cruise lines offer opportunities for savings , such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s frequent promotions or Disney’s Last Minute cruises , onboard credit, or Florida resident discounts on Disney cruises from Florida . By taking advantage of these options, you can ensure you select the cruise line and itinerary that best suits your needs and budget.

Get A Free, No-Obligation Price Quote.

For unbeatable pricing on Disney and Norwegian cruises, rely on The Vacationeer , a top travel agency with expertise in both cruise lines. The Vacationeer can address questions on various topics, such as tipping and alcohol policies on Disney cruises , dining experiences on Norwegian cruises, the best cruise line for kids , and more. They can help you find the perfect itinerary that suits your preferences, budget, and schedule.

As one of the highest-rated Disney travel agencies and a Diamond-Level Disney Authorized Vacation Planner, The Vacationeer has extensive knowledge of Disney Cruise Line. They can offer up to $1000 in Disney cruise onboard credit , which can be used as free money for extras not included in the Disney cruise fare .

Furthermore, as a Norwegian Cruise Line specialist, they provide exceptional service at competitive rates if you choose Norwegian. Their expertise will help you make an informed decision between various cruise lines. Whether it’s your first cruise or your 50th, with guidance from The Vacationeer , you can embark on your dream cruise vacation, confident that you’ve made the best choice for your preferences and budget .

Contact The Vacationeer today for more information – their expert advice is free !

Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a variety of experiences catering to diverse preferences. Disney cruises typically span three to eleven days , with some extended cruises available. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line features a broader range of lengths, typically from 3 to 15 days, with most cruises falling within the 7-15 day range.

Cruises from both lines often include multiple stops at different destinations, along with some days at sea. However, there are shorter Disney cruises that exclusively travel to Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

When selecting a cruise, it’s essential to consider your preferred destinations, especially on longer voyages. Both cruise lines present unique routes and ports of call, so carefully evaluating your options will help you make the right choice.

The itinerary you choose also affects the travel documents you need. Depending on your cruise’s location, you’ll need the appropriate paperwork, such as a visa, immunization record, and passport for a Disney cruise or a Norwegian cruise.

Reach out to The Vacationeer to help you plan your cruise, whether it’s a shorter Disney Cruise or an extended Norwegian Cruise. Their expertise ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Destinations

Disney Cruise Line offers family-friendly cruises to popular destinations such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Hawaii , Alaska , and Europe . Recently, Disney has ventured into faraway places like Australia and New Zealand. Disney Cruise Line passengers also enjoy access to exclusive destinations like Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island , where they can experience a tropical oasis infused with Disney magic.

Conversely, Norwegian Cruise Line presents a broader array of destinations , encompassing the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Alaska, Europe, Asia, and even world cruises. There’s also a private destination, Great Stirrup Cay.

Norwegian’s extensive selection ensures travelers can easily discover a cruise that aligns with their interests and desires.

For more information about all the ports of call you can visit, contact The Vacationeer .

Onboard Activities

Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its family-centric activities and enchanting Disney-themed experiences. Guests onboard can enjoy character meet-and-greets, themed deck parties, Broadway-style shows like Frozen and Aladdin, and interactive experiences such as trivia, animation workshops, and scavenger hunts. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line offers state-of-the-art health clubs and luxurious spas for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Conversely, the Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of activities for all ages . Guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including ThrillPlex activity zones, live music, comedy acts, casinos, educational programs, themed parties, and interactive game shows. Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line boasts luxurious spas, advanced fitness centers, and engaging activities like art classes, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations.

Dining Options

Disney Cruise Line presents a variety of inclusive dining options to suit the tastes and preferences of all its guests. Utilizing a unique rotational dining system, passengers can savor diverse themed restaurants with distinct atmospheres and menus, such as the enchanting Lumiere’s, ocean-themed Triton’s, or vibrant Tiana’s Place . From upscale fine dining venues to laid-back buffet-style eateries like Cabanas, there is something for every palate.

Additionally, Disney Cruise Line offers character dining experiences at Animator’s Palate and adult-only specialty restaurants , such as Palo and Remy, which boast exquisite culinary masterpieces and a refined ambiance (for an additional fee).

Norwegian Cruise Line also delivers an extensive array of included dining options. The main dining rooms provide both conventional and flexible dining schedules, catering to varying mealtime preferences. Travelers can opt for casual dining choices, including buffets, poolside grills, and pizzerias like La Cucina.

For those interested in a specialty dining package (extra fee), Norwegian Cruise Line offers a range of restaurants featuring diverse cuisines, such as steakhouses like Cagney’s , sushi bars including Wasabi, and Italian trattorias such as La Trattoria.

Best for Kids: Disney Cruise vs. Norwegian Cruise

Disney Cruise Line excels in providing a magical environment for children, complete with a wide range of activities and entertainment options. Kids can interact with beloved Disney characters, be captivated by Broadway-caliber shows and movies, participate in themed parties, and enjoy water play areas featuring pools and slides.

Kids love Disney Cruise Line’s Oceaneer Club | Image © Disney-Pixar

Age-specific kids’ clubs like the Oceaneer Club (ages 3-10), Edge (ages 11-14), and Vibe (ages 14-17) ensure safe and engaging spaces for children to socialize and take part in exciting and interesting activities. Disney’s ships also provide group babysitting and playtime at It’s a Small World Nursery for children under three.

In comparison, Norwegian Cruise Line presents an assortment of activities and youth programs that will keep them entertained. The Splash Academy (ages 3-12) encompasses arts and crafts, movies, video games, themed nights, and water-based activities like pools and splash zones. The Entourage program (ages 13-17) offers a dedicated area for teens to mingle, engage in activities, and attend exclusive parties.

Overall, Disney Cruise Line is the best choice for kids due to its unmatched Disney-themed entertainment, tailor-made experiences for younger guests, and age-specific kids clubs. The enchanting atmosphere amplifies the appeal for children, making it an unforgettable experience.

Though a worthy alternative, Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t fully capture Disney’s immersive magic and doesn’t match up. However, Norwegian Cruise Line still accommodates families by offering a diverse array of enjoyable activities and dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, ensuring a fun vacation for everyone.

Best for Adults: Disney Cruise vs. Norwegian Cruise

Despite being known for its family-oriented atmosphere, Disney Cruise Line also offers a variety of adult-exclusive activities. Guests can relax in serene retreats like the Quiet Cove Pool and luxurious Senses Spa & Salon or explore adult-only dining and lounges like Remy, Palo, Skyline, and Cove Café.

My wife and I recently sailed on the Disney Wish, where we particularly loved the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge . This immersive, adults-only bar serves themed cocktails and provides panoramic views of iconic Star Wars locations.

No wretched hive of scum and villainy here! Hyperspace Lounge offers amazing views.

We also enjoyed the adult areas of Castaway Cay , dining at Palo, and attending fitness classes.

While we appreciate the family-centric ambiance and Disney theming, it was easy to slip away to the adult-only areas whenever we wanted.

Conversely, Norwegian Cruise Line is recognized for its diverse adult-centric amenities and sophisticated atmosphere. The Spice H2O, an adults-only retreat, offers a serene space for relaxation, while the Mandara Spa provides indulgent treatments. Norwegian also presents gourmet dining experiences like Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse and unique bars and lounges like the Ice Bar and Sugarcane Mojito Bar.

Evening entertainment options include Broadway-style shows, live music, and a vibrant casino.

Both Disney and Norwegian offer a great cruise experience for adults . Focused on relaxation, refined entertainment, and diverse dining, Norwegian targets an older audience. Disney blends family charm with exclusive adult spaces, creating a unique experience.

Bottom Line : Choose Norwegian Cruise Line for sophistication and its diversity of amenities; opt for Disney Cruise Line for a magical adventure with adult-only escapes.

Best for Families: Disney Cruises vs. Norwegian Cruises

When comparing family-friendly cruise experiences, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line both offer exceptional vacations tailored for guests of all ages. Each cruise line provides unique activities, entertainment, and dining options that cater to families. However, one stands out as the ultimate choice for an unforgettable family cruise vacation.

Disney Cruise Line excels in creating a magical atmosphere for families , with enchanting character encounters, captivating Broadway-style shows, and engaging activities for all ages. The cruise line features family-friendly dining options, such as Animator’s Palate, where interactive elements bring the dining experience to life. Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, serves as a tropical haven with activities for everyone, including water play areas, snorkeling, bike rentals, and character meet-and-greets.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line accommodates families through its youth programs and family-oriented activities. While it may not deliver the same immersive magic as Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian offers unique experiences like the Splash Academy and Entourage, dedicated youth and teen spaces, and family-friendly entertainment options such as live shows and interactive game shows.

Ultimately, Disney Cruise Line is the best cruise line for families seeking a magical, all-inclusive experience. With its unique blend of Disney-themed entertainment, character interactions, and family-focused activities, Disney Cruise Line solidifies its position as the premier cruise line for family vacations.

Though Norwegian Cruise Line provides commendable options, it does not quite achieve the same level of enchantment that Disney Cruise Line offers, making Disney the top choice for families.

Best Overall: Disney Cruise vs. Norwegian Cruise

Choosing between Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line depends on individual preferences, as both cruise lines provide unique and memorable experiences tailored to different types of guests.

Disney excels in catering to families with children and Disney fans, offering a magical and immersive adventure complete with character meet-and-greets, Disney-themed activities, and exceptional service. Disney Cruise Line is the top choice for families and kids , ensuring delightful experiences and lasting memories for everyone.

However, Disney cruises can be more expensive than other cruise lines , and their itineraries often focus on popular and family-friendly destinations. Consequently, Norwegian Cruise Line might appeal more to budget-conscious travelers, couples, and adults seeking a versatile cruise experience without Disney theming. Norwegian boasts a wide range of destinations, onboard activities, and dining choices, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable vacation without compromising quality and service.

That said, adults can still find plenty to enjoy on a Disney cruise , especially if they appreciate the charm of Disney vacations. Disney Cruise Line features exclusive adults-only spaces, premium dining options, and various entertainment options catering to an older audience.

Ultimately, the best choice between Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line depends on your preferences, travel companions, and budget. Both cruise lines offer exceptional vacation experiences, each with its unique attractions.

Overall, we lean towards Disney Cruise Line due to its distinct charm that creates unforgettable memories for travelers of all ages . However, your choice may differ.

Please consult a cruise line expert such as The Vacationeer before finalizing plans.

Start Planning Your Dream Cruise Today!

If you’re considering booking your Disney cruise or Norwegian Cruise, look no further than a reputable and experienced travel agency like The Vacationeer . They have the expertise to answer your questions, assist you in selecting the perfect itinerary, and ensure you receive the best pricing available for either cruise line. As a Diamond-Level Disney Authorized Vacation Planner, they offer unparalleled service and competitive prices, including up to $1000 in Disney cruise onboard credit.

Are you interested in exploring other cruise options? The Vacationeer will help you compare pricing and discover the best itineraries at the lowest price. As cruise specialists, they can answer all your questions and advise you on Disney Cruise vs. Norwegian, Disney Cruise vs. Royal Caribbean , Disney Cruise vs. Carnival , Disney Cruise vs. Princess Cruise , and more. They can also assist you in planning a Disney World vacation or finding the best Sandals Resort or best Beaches Resort .

Regardless of your preference, reach out to The Vacationeer today and begin planning the cruise vacation of your dreams. With their expert advice, you’ll confidently navigate the Disney Cruise vs. Norwegian Cruise decision and find the perfect match for your unforgettable adventure. Contact The Vacationeer for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable your dream cruise can be!

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My First Disney Cruise – Everything I Loved and Hated (Honest Photo Review)

For YEARS I’ve wanted to try a Disney cruise and last week I finally did it.

I’ve just disembarked the Disney Magic and I thought I knew what to expect from a Disney cruise, I’ve been cruising since I was a child with other cruise lines but this cruise was the biggest culture shock ever.

Every couple of hours I would find something new that I didn’t expect at all, some of which were really great surprises and some things I really didn’t like at all. 

I was definitely skeptical when I booked this cruise. I’d heard amazing things from my friends who love Disney but I just didn’t see how a Disney cruise could be worth the price.

This cruise was the most expensive cruise I’ve ever paid for and it was 3x what I usually pay when I cruise. 

I was worried that I’d feel as though I wasted that money and although I’d heard about how amazing the food was and the service but I wasn’t sure if this was better than the other cruise lines that I know and love, would it be 3x better to justify the cost? Or if it was just a case of paying a premium for the Disney brand. 

Why Did I Decide to Book a Disney Cruise?

When I saw that a Disney ship was coming to the UK though, I thought this was my chance. I’ve been curious about it for years and although I didn’t think I was the target market for a Disney cruise. I wanted to find out who was. 

The Disney cruise experience started before we even got to the port.

When I booked this cruise, Mickey Mouse phoned me to welcome me on board when I boarded the ship, Mickey and Minnie were there to welcome us too.

Mickey and Minnie Welcomed us Onboard 

Usually when you embark on a cruise you might be handed a glass of something bubbly but you’re pretty much left to your own devices, you can just wander off and explore the ship but on the Disney Magic when you board, your family name is announced and Mickey and Minnie do a dance.

It was a great start to the cruise because it really kind of set the scene, there was never any doubt what cruise line you were on and the kids seemed to love it. 

The crew do this same kind of welcome show over and over again for embarking guests and afterward we were sent on to do our muster drill.

The Muster Drill Was Completed Next

The muster drill is a compulsory safety drill that has to be completed on cruises where they tell you about things like what would happen in an emergency and how to put on a life jacket.

The muster drill was completed on our phones and Disney have an app that you use to do most things onboard.

The app was pretty good overall. There are definitely other cruise lines with better tech and better apps but that isn’t really the point of a Disney cruise. 

We went onto find our muster station and had to scan the sign with our phones. Mum’s phone was having none of it but luckily we could complete the muster drill for both of us on my phone.

The crew onboard were really really helpful and they would have helped us to do the muster drill if we got stuck or if you don’t have a phone I’m sure they’d have an alternative.

I Loved The Promenade Deck

Our muster station was this big promenade deck and this quickly became one of my favourite places onboard, I love a promenade deck where you can walk all the way around and I think it’s good to note the extra safety precautions like the glass here to stop any little children from trying to climb between the bars.

The Disney Magic Was Built in The 1990s

The Disney Magic was built in the late 1990s and that makes her pretty old by cruise ship standards.

She’s also pretty small, for the time she would have been a large cruise ship but now the world biggest cruise ship is almost 3x the size of the Disney Magic.

I have to say I did love not having far to walk to the top deck and wherever I was, I was never far from my cabin which was good but personally, I’m a fan of the big cruise ships.

That is a personal preference though and I’m sure many people cruising with Disney prefer the smaller ship size.

If you’re cruising with young children I doubt you want to be having to go 15 decks up to get the buffet, that isn’t a problem on the Disney Magic though. 

The thing that’s more important to me than the age and the size of a ship, is how the spaces work and if they’ve been well looked after by the cruise line. I’ve been on some ships from the 1980s and 1990s, which were in much better condition than newer ships. 

After completing our muster drill, we went to the top deck to take a selfie with the funnel. I feel as though that’s a thing you have to do on a Disney cruise and I actually managed to find some sunshine briefly for the photo which was a miracle. It’s the Disney magic I guess! 

Soda is Included on The Pool Deck

Wandering around the top of the ship I realised that this is where you could get free soda from.

On Disney cruises soda and tea & coffee are available in the buffet and on the pool deck free of charge. If you order a soda from a bar it’ll cost you money, so I made good use of it and I drink a lot of soda and we grabbed one to start exploring the ship.

On the top deck there is a swimming pool, waterslides, sports court and lots of seating. 

Theres also an adult only pool too and we did find that there were a few adult only areas onboard, which I thought I may need to retreat to at some point. 

I was a bit worried that I would be totally overwhelmed by this Disney cruise. When I cruise I usually cruise to relax. I don’t have any children myself but I decided to embrace all things Disney, I was only cruising for 3 nights but I don’t really think I understood at that point what I was actually getting myself into. 

We Went in Search of Food (Of Course)

One of the most important things about cruising for me, is eating and by the time we got onboard we were pretty hungry. We headed to the buffet but it was closing so we decided to grab a hotdog and fries from the poolside grill. 

The buffet was closed a lot more than I would expected and sometimes lunch would only be open from 12-2 and then the buffet wouldn’t reopen until around 6pm which I found really strange.

On most other cruise lines the buffet rarely closes at all, if it does, on some cruise lines like MSC the buffet is open for 20+ hours a day. 

The buffet was a nice big space with lots of seating and when we did manage to eat in the buffet though the food was great, just more of it would have been nice. 

Room Service is Free on Disney Cruises

The room service is free though, which is good. I ordered a pizza and some cookies which was nice, on some cruise lines you do have to pay for room service.

If you order drinks through room service they’ll cost you money though so if you are doing this, run up to the pool deck to get some soda and bring it to your room, that’s what I did. Luckily because the ship isn’t very big, it was never far to go. 

We Had a Balcony Cabin

We went next to find our cabin and I’ve never had a cabin quite like it. One thing that Disney seem really good at is giving out upgrades. I booked an oceanview cabin and was upgraded to a balcony cabin.

Most of the people I spoke to onboard had either been given an upgrade or had paid to upgrade their cabin, the sailing I was on was at reduced capacity so it may have something to do with that. 

I’m usually more of an inside cabin kind of person but they weren’t available to book when I booked this cruise. Disney cruises almost always sell out very fast and that’s one of the reasons they can charge as much as they do. 

The cabin was pretty big and our balcony was a really nice size. There were lots of surprises in here, like me having to sleep on the sofabed and the toilet being in a different room.

Disney do ‘Rotational Dining’

After exploring our room and wandering around the ship it was dinner time. When it comes to dining, Disney do something that no other cruise line does.

On most mainstream cruise lines you’ll either have fixed time dining or flexible dining where you just show up the restaurant when you’re hungry. 

On Disney everybody has a fixed time for dinner and it’s not just your time thats set but actually the restaurants you eat in too.

Disney calls this ‘rotational dining’ and basically, you are assigned a different restaurant each night and your waiters and everybody else in that restaurant follow you to the next restaurant. 

I thought that it worked really well and our waiters knew that I was drinking Coke Zero throughout the cruise, so I never even had to order a drink, it just arrived like magic (see what I did there)!

I love the soft drinks being included in with meals and because our cruise was only 3 nights, we never had any kind of dress codes or formal nights, I wore jeans to dinner everyday which made a nice change.

The service was really good and the waiters would take the time to talk to the kids. Some of our dining experiences were much better than others but the best was the first we had in Animator’s Palate.

Animator’s Palate Was a Great Dining Experience

I’ve never ever had a dinner quite this one and I don’t know if I would have believed it if it was described to me. When we came into the restaurant, everything was black an white and when we sat down we were given a piece of paper and a pen and told to draw a character. 

After we had finished our food, the animations came to life and danced around the restaurant. It was really clever and fun and it was definitely the dining highlight of the cruise.

The Food Quality Was Good

The food was good and I liked that there were multiple veggie options available.

Having cruised recently with other cruise lines like Princess and Celebrity, I’d say that the food was about the same in quality.

To find out what’s included in a Disney cruise (almost all the food and lots more) check out this post: What’s Included on a Disney Cruise? – Food, Activities and Exclusions

The Theatre Shows Were Great (If a Little Overwhelming)

After dinner we went onto the theatre and really I think this is what a Disney cruise is all about. We watched Tangled the musical and it was great, it was definitely of broadway quality and no expense was spared.

The team of singers and dancers were all very talented, the set design was amazing and in other shows they even had things like bubbles and fake snow. 

A word of warning though, I did find the theatre to be quite overwhelming. I had kids kicking me from behind, toys being dropped on me, kids were running around the back and it was hard to see through everybodies’ Mickey ears. 

I did talk to a few people when I was onboard and after I got back, they said that I should have picked the late dining seating and therefore gone to the earlier shows because there would be less children on that schedule.

I didn’t really think about that before but it does make sense.

I understood that I was on a cruise line mostly aimed at children and because I cruised out of the school holidays, most the children onboard were between about 2-5.

I didn’t expect the kids to sit still throughout dinner and the show but its definitely worth being aware of. My mum was hit by a Thor hammer, whipped with a Rapunzel braid, you name it, the kids were a bit wild and it did get very, very loud at some points. 

If you’re a parent though, or a child, it must be nice to be able to see a theatre show without having to worry about the kids making too much noise.

Top Tip: Buy Mickey Ears Pre-Cruise!

I will say I did feel a bit out of place without any Mickey ears! If you are taking a Disney cruise definitely get some before you go.

They only had one type left in the gift shop and for $40 I decided against it. You can get great ones online before you go though and lots of people had personalised ears.

If you want to wear custom T-shirts and things that is totally cool on a Disney cruise. Lots of people had matching Mickey ears, T-shirts, bags, you name it. I’ve never met cruise guests that are so passionate about their cruise line.

If you’d like to learn more about Mickey Ears, check out this post from a Expedition Hopper which explains what they are for, who wears them, and where to buy them: Everything You Need To Know About Mickey Ears

Disney Cruisers Decorate Their Cabin Doors

It was intense but really cool to get to talk to people from the Disney crowd, Disney fans always are very friendly and they decorate their cabin doors like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s incredible. 

Below are a couple of my favourite examples from the ship.

These magnets can be bought on Etsy here: Disney Cruise Door Magnets.

Disney do Towel Animals and Chocolates on the Pillow

When we came back to our cabin we found a towel animal waiting for us and a chocolate on the pillow.

10 years ago you’d find that most cruise lines would do towel animals and chocolates on the pillow but this is definitely a thing that the majority of cruise lines have stopped doing recently.

I personally quite like it and the chocolate on the pillow was good too.

As I went to sleep in my sofa bed I felt pretty content and happy with my first day onboard, I still had some questions though that I needed answering.

What would the daily schedule be like on a sea day? Would there be many activities for adults and would I be able to eat enough cookies to make back the cost of the cruise fare? 

Breakfast Options Onboard (I Found Mickey Waffles!)

The buffet was open until 10.30 for breakfast which was good because I’m not an early riser and we also went to the sit-down restaurant another day for breakfast because I was told that I HAD to try the Mickey waffles.

I did try them, and they were good, very very sickly sweet with this pink sugary stuff but it was nice to try them. Maybe that was why the kids on board were so hyper, they started their day with Mickey waffles!

The Daily Schedule

Despite the bad weather, plenty of people went for a swim and they constantly showed different Disney movies on the pool TV. They’d also show movies in the theatre and there were lots in the cabin to watch too, if you could get the little TV to work that is. 

The daily schedule on the sea day was made up almost entirely of waving at characters, Disney trivia and Disney movies.

Sometimes the schedule would look like: waving, waving, bingo, waving, waving, selling something, beer tasting, waving, waving, drawing, waving. (A real example from my Disney cruise).

I did my fair share of waving on this cruise and it was cool to see all of the Princess and Marvel Characters.

COVID Social Distancing Measures Were Still in Place

It was a little bit strange because there are still COVID social distancing rules in place, so nobody could put their arms around Mickey Mouse or hug Thor but it is what it is, not much can be done about that. 

One thing that I missed on the daily schedule was live music, there was a little bit but I’m more used to cover bands and singers being around the ship.

Of course, we did have the Disney music being played through the speakers, all day but for me personally, I’m a big fan of sitting in a big lounge with a band playing and I didn’t find any big lounges really, or much live music. 

There Are Kids Clubs For Kids of All Ages

Most of the kids would be enjoying extra activities in the kids clubs of course. Most cruise lines have kids clubs and I actually went to the kids clubs with Norwegian Cruise Line when I started cruising, I loved it so I’m sure the kids on this cruise did too.

They have kids clubs for kids of all ages and they get to meet the characters and do crafts and dance and everything. 

An Interesting Discovery on The Promenade Deck!

When wandering around the promenade deck, I came across this area which I thought was so cool. I’ve never seen anything like this just open to the public before but that’s the nerdy ship side of me coming out.

The promenade deck was also the jogging track so people would be running and walking around here in the evenings and day times. 

Frozen at Sea – A Pool Deck Party

Despite the cold UK weather, Disney did manage to put on a show called Frozen at Sea.

This was like a festival, but Frozen themed and for kids on the top deck by the pool. Anna and Elsa sang and even Olaf came out to see everybody.

There was fake snow, lots of people dancing and it was cool to see everybody having such a good time. It was freezing though, I imagine this would have been quite different in the sunshine. 

Adult Only Activities and Areas

In the evening there would often be adult-only trivia which did sometimes have non-Disney themes, there was a 90s music trivia at one point that I remember and a few other things.

There are only a couple of places onboard that are adult-only and we didn’t really spend much time there. I’d prefer to be out and about seeing what’s happening on the ship, than spending too much time in the pub.

If I was on an cruise line that included drinks, or I had a drinks package, this might have been different.

There isn’t much late night entertainment happening on a Disney cruise, so we would usually watch a movie before bed in our cabin, which was nice.

Disney cruise ships don’t have casinos and they don’t have drinks packages. To find out what else Disney cruises don’t have, check out this post: You Won’t Find These 9 Things on a Disney Cruise

Who Are Disney Cruises For?

I spoke to quite a few people onboard and since I’ve got home, who LOVE Disney cruising.

They all said to me that they cruise with Disney because of the Disney community and how well the staff take care of them and their children. 

I came at this cruise from a cruise perspective, as opposed to a Disney side and I had great fun finding out who Disney Cruises are for, but personally when I look at the cost and what I could get for the price on other cruise lines, it just doesn’t add up for me. 

It really confirms my point about there being a cruise line for everybody and not every cruise line being for everybody. Life would be very very dull if we all liked the same things.

To put it into perspective, my next cruise is over double the length of my Disney cruise, it includes flights to Spain, transfers, luggage, all gratuities, and all-inclusive drinks, a ship I much prefer personally and is quite a bit cheaper than my Disney cruise. Over double the length and cheaper. 

You’ll never get the Disney magic or Disney entertainment or anything Disney on other cruise lines though, so it’s difficult to compare, and really it’s just a case of if that’s worth the price to you.

For me personally, no. For many many other people, absolutely yes. 

One thing that I did find strange, and it seems like even Disney cruisers find this strange, is the way that Disney do tipping. To find out how that works and why I was so confused to find this in my cabin, check out this video:

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Disney Cruise Line vs Norwegian Cruise Line

Monday, April 15th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Disney Cruise Line
• Best for families and kids at heart of all ages
• Six ships in the fleet
• Sails primarily in the Caribbean, with summer destinations in Alaska and Europe
• Very clean and family-friendly atmosphere: no casino, entertainment prior to 10PM kept very "PG"
• Exceptional clubs for children, pre-teens, and teenagers
• Two private islands in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point
• Broadway-caliber entertainment
• Excellent themed dining
• Marvel and Star Wars-themed cruising on some sailings
• Sterling safety record

It's no surprise that Disney cruises are the #1 pick for families traveling with children, but it's an excellent choice for the young at heart too. The attention to detail and service provided onboard are legendary, from the rotational themed dining and Broadway-caliber shows to the pirate deck party complete with fireworks. Whether you want to relax on Disney's private islands or catch the world premiere of the latest Marvel movie while at sea, there's no shortage of magic when you sail with DCL. This is one of our favorite cruise lines, with or without kids in the travel party.

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Best for large-ship sailing, especially in Alaska
• 18 ships in the fleet
• Ships accommodate anywhere from 1,900 to 4,000+ passengers
• Private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay
• Exciting amenities on board, like go-kart tracks and climbing walls
• No required or recommended gratuities
• Freestyle cruising plus "Free at Sea" promos can make your cruise flexible and affordable

Norwegian Cruise Line, or NCL, offers sailings to destinations around the world plus exciting entertainment and flexible amenities. NCL is suitable for cruisers of all ages and adventure levels, and it's one of the only non-luxury class cruise lines that doesn't require gratuities (or even recommend them at any particular amount). While being on a ship with 2,000-4,000 other passengers might not appeal to some vacationers, NCL's large ships make it easy to eat, play, and relax in any way you want.

More Cruise Line Reviews

• Royal Caribbean

• Celebrity Cruises

• Virgin Voyages

• Viking Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Princess Cruises

• Holland America

• MSC Cruises

• Carnival Cruises

The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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I only book a Disney cruise if it's going to the company's private island, Castaway Cay

I've taken eight Disney cruises, and I always book a sailing that stops at  Castaway Cay .

Castaway Cay is the company's private island and I love its adults-only beach area.

You can buy exclusive merch on the island and see Disney characters in special themed costumes.

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record highs this year, but not all itineraries are created equally — especially if you're looking to sail with Disney Cruise Line.

Over the past decade, I've taken eight Disney cruises with my family and friends. When I book, I always make sure Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is on the port of call.

Here's why you might want to do the same.

I love that the ship docks right at the island, so there are no tender ships involved

One of the biggest perks of Castaway Cay is that the ship docks right at the island.

Some other cruise line's private islands, like Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, don't have a dock, so cruisers must take tender ships (small boats) from the cruise ship to the island.

I hate taking tender ships, which can feel like a bit of a time sink, so this is a big bonus to me.

Getting around the island is easy with the complimentary tram

Castaway Cay is about 1,000 acres — though not all of it's developed — so it can take a while to talk to and from the ship to different spots on the island.

Fortunately, the island has a complimentary tram that I always use to get around the island.

The tram takes cruisers from a station near the ship to two other tram stops for the family beaches, and one tram stop at the adults-only beach .

This makes getting around the island with all of my beach gear easy.

Speaking of gear, at Castaway Cay, cruisegoers can borrow free towels as soon as they get off of the ship. There are plenty of towel-return stations around the island, so I also never have to carry wet, sandy towels back on the ship.

I always stop to see the Disney characters in their cute beachwear

I enjoy seeing the Disney characters on the ship, but love seeing Mickey and his pals even more at Castaway Cay.

Characters usually meet in the morning from around 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., but exact times can always be found on the Disney Cruise Line app.

The best part about seeing the characters is that the lines to take pictures with them are never long. On a recent sailing, I saw Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto all in 30 minutes. That would never happen in a Disney park.

And if you're a fellow character hunter like me, Mickey and the gang all have Castaway Cay exclusive outfits, which are adorable and make for great family photos.

I always take advantage of every chance to hang out at the adults-only beach

One thing I love about Disney Cruise Line and Castaway Cay is that there are plenty of adults-only spaces where kids are strictly not allowed. On the island, that spot is Serenity Bay Beach.

This peaceful chair-lined beach is a quiet spot away from the family beach, where I can sit back and enjoy the view or take a chair down to the water and let the waves crash over me.

Plus, just off Serenity Bay Beach is a fun beachside bar serving up drinks and snacks.

There's also the adults-only lunch spot where I always enjoy a beachside barbecue. My favorite things on the lunch menu are the ribs and macaroni salad .

Before returning to the ship, I send a postcard from the island and check out the special merchandise

I always make a point to stop in at the various shops near the family beach to see the Castaway Cay merchandise. On a recent trip, the shops had everything from spirit jerseys and T-shirts to Christmas ornaments and swimsuits.

And, before I head back to the ship, I stop at the Castaway Cay post office to send postcards back home.

The postcards I use can be found in the desk drawer of Disney Cruise Line staterooms, and are free to take. If you don't want to send the cute postcards off, you can also keep them as souvenirs.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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Imagine working side-by-side with industry leaders in your field of study. Imagine building upon the skills you've learned in the classroom within a family of legendary brands passionate about creating world-class experiences on a global scale. Now, imagine yourself in a paid Disney Internship.

Intern, Retail Marketing - Jul to Dec 2024

Job summary:.

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognised by audiences everywhere for entertainment, information and inspiration. Innovation, imagination and inclusion are at the core of Disney, defining the experience that we deliver as well as providing the foundation of our success. The scope of our business, combined with global growth and collaboration result in an inclusive employee experience characterised by continuous learning, development and achievement.

Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) is the business segment that brings stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 product categories. The Regional Marketing Intern would provide on-ground execution and administrative support to the Local marketing team.

This role will gain exposure in the planning and execution of marketing and communication and activities, collaborating across other lines of businesses in Disney in the delivery of integrated consumer product marketing initiatives in Thailand.

The role will be responsible for the marketing campaign execution of the celebration phase towards the Event  campaign. The position will be providing advice on the planning and implementation of digital and retail campaign ideas and will be coordinating all aspects of operational workflows and deploying this campaign and have all assets and information to successfully deploy this campaign locally.

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• Proficient in MS Office, Adobe Photoshop and Keynote
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

About Consumer Products Games & Publishing:

Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world. Disney shines in the travel industry with six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Plus, Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's publishing brands; one of the world's largest licensors of games across all platforms; and Disney store locations around the world and on the web.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Walt Disney Thailand Company Limited , which is part of a business we call Consumer Products Games & Publishing .

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7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Southampton

What's included in the price of a disney cruise.

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Explore the port’s rich maritime heritage at SeaCity Museum
• Get a glimpse into home life through the years at Tudor House and Garden
• Enjoy self-guided walks, including the Titanic Trail and the city’s medieval walls
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
• Hike to Pulpit Rock
• Explore the Old Stavanger’s wooden house settlement
• Discover world-class murals on Nuart Street
• Board the Town Train for a round-trip tour of Central Alesund
• Hike to the top of Mount Aksla for stunning seaport views
• Delve into the city’s history at the open-air Sunnmøre Museum
• Chill out at Briksdal Glacier and take in the pristine scenery
• Cross the Via Ferrata Loen on a hike to Mount Hoven
• Pick up a troll figure or wool knitwear while shopping in the village
• Visit Norway’s national monument and a legendary royal burial ground
• Experience live re-enactments of Viking history and culture
• Shop and relax at cozy cafés along Norway’s longest pedestrian street

Reader's Digest

Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: May 5, 2023 | Last updated: July 10, 2023

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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