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For Disney fans, setting sail aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship can be a dream come true. Yet, the planning process can be intimidating for first-time cruisers. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide to help alleviate that pressure.
Plus, if you want someone to handle the planning for you, our friends at Be Our Guest Vacations are always happy to help—free of charge!
Understanding Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line Ships
These are the ships you will need to choose from:
- Disney Wish
- Sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida
- All itineraries are Bahamian, which can include Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay
- Disney Treasure
- Sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida
- Itineraries are based on the East and West Caribbean islands and can include Tortola, St. Thomas, and Disney’s Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay
- Disney Destiny
- Sets sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Itineraries for this ship are also in the Bahamas and Caribbean, which can include Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay
- Disney Adventure
- Sets sail from Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore
- This ship focuses on on-board activities and, at present, does not have ports of call
- Disney Fantasy
- Sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, but has also had sailings from Southampton, UK
- Often, the ports of call are in the Caribbean or the Bahamas, including Castaway Cay
- Disney Dream
- Sets sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but will also sail from Southampton, UK, starting in 2026
- Sailings on this ship take place in the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean, including Castaway Cay
- Disney Wonder
- Sets sail from Vancouver, Canada, San Diego, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, or Sydney, Australia
- Itineraries aboard this ship vary wildly from Alaskan itineraries, Mexican Riviera cruises, Hawaiian excursions, and South Pacific sailings
- Disney Magic
- Sets sail from Galveston, Texas, Port Canaveral, Florida, Vancouver, Canada, or San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Itineraries include the Bahamas, Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), and Alaska
What’s Included?
Part of the magic of a Disney cruise is all the inclusions you can expect. Your journey is largely paid for when you book your cruise. Think of it like booking a Walt Disney World vacation with a dining plan; most of your meals are covered.
A booking on a Disney cruise includes:
- Your stateroom
- Most food and beverages
- Room service
- Buffets
- Most table restaurants
- Soft drinks, coffee, and tea stations
- Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
- On-board entertainment and activities
- Visiting ports of call
What is not included on a Disney cruise:
- Separate excursions at ports of call
- Alcohol
- Specialty drinks such as smoothies or specialty coffees
- Snacks or food purchased at shops on board
- Signature restaurants such as Palo or Remy
- Spa or salon services
- Wi-Fi (unless otherwise noted)
- On-board babysitting services
On-Board Gratuity
Although most restaurants are included with your ship fare, tipping is not. So it’s good to remember to tip your servers or room service crew during your cruise. Disney recommends a gratuity of $16 per guest per night. Pre-paid gratuities can be applied to your reservation and will be split between the crew members who serve you.
However, Disney recommends $27.25 per guest per night for guests staying in Concierge Staterooms or Suites. That gratuity would include the concierge crew in addition to other servers.
On-Board Entertainment
In true Disney fashion, Disney Cruise Line ships are chock-full of entertainment and activities to keep every day magical. While there are ports of call to spend the day, you can easily spend a day enjoying the amenities on board, too.
Broadway-caliber shows take the stage, with different shows depending on which ship you’re on.
- Disney Magic
- Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic
- Tangled: The Musical
- Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story
- Disney Wonder
- Disney Dream
- Beauty and the Beast
- Disney’s Believe
- The Golden Mickeys
- Disney Fantasy
- Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
- Disney’s Believe
- Frozen, A Musical Spectacular
- Disney Wish
- Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
- Disney The Little Mermaid
- Disney Seas the Adventure
- Disney Treasure
- Beauty and the Beast
- Disney Seas the Adventure
- Disney The Tale of Moana
- Disney Destiny
- Disney Hercules
- Disney Seas the Adventure
- Frozen, A Musical Spectacular
- Disney Adventure
- Disney Seas the Adventure
- Remember
On-Board Activities
On top of the on-board entertainment, there is always fun to be had on a Disney cruise. From the kids and teen clubs, character meet-and-greets, pool time, nightclubs, lounges, fireworks, and deck parties, you will have something to do all day long. Or you could relax and do nothing, the choice is yours!
2027 Itineraries
Although there is still plenty of time to book Disney cruises for the rest of 2026, bookings for summer 2027 are about to be released. They will be released in stages until finally opening up to the general public on February 23, 2026, starting at 8 a.m. EST.
Spring 2027 bookings are already available.
Some of the forthcoming summer sailings include:
- Disney Adventure: Sailing from Singapore for 3-night and 4-night all-at-sea itineraries from January through August 2027.
- Disney Fantasy: 4-night and 5-night Bahamian and Caribbean sailings, plus the 10-night Southern Caribbean itinerary.
- Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder: Alaska sailings departing from Vancouver. Both ships will offer 7-night sailings. The Disney Magic will also offer 6-night and 8-night options.
When you’re ready to set sail, be sure to contact our friends at Be Our Guest Vacations to make the process even easier.
Are you excited to go on a Disney cruise? Let us know on social media!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest month to go on a Disney cruise?
It depends on what sailing you’re looking at; however, there are generally a few windows for cheaper Disney cruises. This can include late January, early February, early May, September, and early November. The summer months are often the most expensive.
What is the 5 year rule for Disney cruises?
The 5 year rule applies to Castaway Club loyalty members. In order to maintain membership, members must book or complete an eligible Disney cruise within five years of their last sail date.
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