If you’re looking for a truly magical cruise experience, look no further than Disney Cruise Line. Sailing since 1998, this enchanting cruise line offers Broadway-quality shows, world-class dining and their own private tropical island! Bringing families and friends together, a Disney cruise creates life-long memories with endless activities to enjoy onboard.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Disney Parks & Resorts or it’s your first Disney experience, a Disney Cruise has something for everyone. Plus, with so many incredible itineraries to choose from, you can enjoy an unforgettable cruise whilst visiting extraordinary destinations!
Read on to find out about the top 10 Disney Cruise Line highlights, from the spellbinding family entertainment to the popular meet and greet experiences!
1) Sail Direct from Southampton in 2023 and 2024!
Disney Dream is setting sail from the UK once again in summer 2024! Their 4-night round trips are back by popular demand, along with brand-new 3-night and 5-night itineraries. Get ready to explore captivating beaches, cultural treasures and culinary adventures at sun-splashed ports in France, Belgium or Spain.
2) Watch Captivating Live Performances in the Walt Disney Theatre
Additionally to live performances, on Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy within the Buena Vista Theatre, families can enjoy a Movie PremEAR (an exclusive first showing at sea of a new Disney movie) or a 3D movie at sea. Similarly, On Disney Wish, guests can enjoy a new release or a classic Disney movie in either the Wonderland Cinema or Neverland Cinema.
3) Feel the Thrill of the AquaDuck
Designed by Disney’s Imagineers, the AquaDuck combines the exhilarating physics of a rollercoaster, with the fun of a waterslide. The first water coaster at sea, it’s located on deck 12 on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Twisting and turning, this thrilling slide spans 765 feet of tubes, including transparent sections. You’ll forget you’re on a cruise ship as you slip and slide on this rip-roaring coaster and take in breathtaking ocean views!
4) Enjoy a Swashbuckling Adventure on Pirate Night
One of the fun events that Disney Cruise Line offers onboard is the Pirate Night. Perfect for the whole family, you’ll enjoy a night of swashbuckling adventures, jaw-dropping special effects, theatrical displays and more. Feel immersed and captivated from start to finish as you dress up in your pirate costume, are greeted by cast members with an “Ahoy there” and see the ship transformed!
Offered once per sailing across all of the Disney fleet, you can expect themed fun all day long from pirate-related activities throughout the ship to seeing Mickey and the gang dress up in their pirate outfits. And when evening comes, you can expect themed meals in the main dining rooms before an exciting dance party on the pool deck and a show that will make you feel like a true pirate of the Caribbean.
See Captain Jack Sparrow and his band of pirates take over the ship and delight guests with a performance unlike any other! The night ends with an extraordinary fireworks show* that’ll have you in awe from start to finish.
5) Relax and Unwind on Disney Castaway Cay
Disney’s private island that’s located in the Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay is a tropical destination reserved exclusively for those on a Caribbean or Bahamas Disney cruise. The moment you arrive in this breathtaking destination, you’ll be in awe of the activities and sights you can see.
Whether you’re looking to take on a thrilling water sport, such as a jet boat tour or parasailing or you’re simply looking to unwind in a tranquil spot for the day, Disney Castaway Cay has it all. With beautiful tropical weather and the signature Disney hospitality, it makes for a wonderful stop off and is visited by Disney Dream, Disney Wish, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy.
Some of the top highlights on Disney Castaway Cay include:
- Castaway Family Beach - a beautiful beach in the heart of the island; with plenty of opportunities to enjoy snorkelling (there are two trails to choose from, the Discover Trail and the Explorer Trail where you’ll see plenty of marine life), swimming and kayaking! There’s even a gazebo that’s host to lively music and the chance to play a game or two of volleyball!
- Pelican Plunge - slip and slide down these 2 twisting water slides and splash into the turquoise waters below.
- Serenity Bay - an adults-only area, this secluded bay is perfect for those looking for some rest and relaxation. Whether you retreat yourself to a serene open-air cabana massage or sip on a tantalising frozen drink at the Castaway Air Bar, Serenity Bay is the ultimate place to visit whilst on Disney Castaway Cay.
As well as activities throughout the island, there’s also plenty of delicious dining options available that will suit the whole family! From Cookie’s BBQ serving up tasty BBQ favourites and desserts to Serenity Bay BBQ that offers scrumptious steak delights, you won’t go hungry during your trip to Disney Castaway Cay. And for when you want to purchase a souvenir to remember your time there, you’ll have the option of 2 shops featuring an array of Disney Castaway Cay gifts.
6) Treat Yourself to a Decadent Meal at Remy
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a decadent romantic meal, Remy is a must-visit during your Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy cruise.
Offering guests a luxurious, adult-only specialty dining experience, you can delight in delicious French fare, with a menu that’s been created by the talented Chef Arnaud. Featuring seasonal ingredients, this epicurean experience has multiple courses from succulent meat dishes to tantalising seafood delights.
Alongside specialty dining at restaurants like Remy, guests can take advantage of Full Board Dining onboard Disney Cruise Line. With themed main dining restaurants onboard the entire Disney fleet, convenient quick-service dining and buffets, alongside other delicious options, the whole family are catered for.
For example, onboard Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, there is Animator’s Palate; a main dining restaurant serving up an array of tantalising dishes and the chance to meet Disney Characters. And onboard Disney Wish, there is Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure and the Worlds of Marvel offering live entertainment and decadent dining options.
7) Meet Some of Your Favourite Disney Pals!
Disney Characters love to cruise too! Keep an eye out for Mickey and pals —plus your favourite Disney Princesses. Available on all of the Disney Ships, you can meet them in a range of locations across the ship from the kids clubs, to the restaurants and even on their private Caribbean island, Castaway Cay! Be ready to wave hello and snap a selfie!
There’s also additional Character appearances in the ‘Til We Meet Again Party (on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) and the See Ya Real Soon Party (on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) that are held at the end of the cruises before disembarkation.
8) Enter Immersive Worlds in Disney’s Oceaneer Club
Available across the Disney fleet, Disney’s Oceaneer Club is a kids club suited for children aged 3-10 years old. Not only does this club give the little ones the chance to interact with their favourite Disney Characters, but to explore multi-themed areas filled with plenty of surprises along the way!
Showcasing the magical world of Disney, there are storytelling sessions, interactive activities, arts and crafts and more that’s created especially with kids in mind. Each of the Disney fleet has different theming for the Disney Oceaneer Club.
For example, on Disney Dream kids can reach infinity and beyond in the captivating Andy’s Room filled with Toy Story themed activities, Pixie Hollow that showcases the magical world of Tinker Bell and the Millennium Falcon that will fully immerse them into the Star Wars universe.
9) Exclusive Adult Only Spaces and Dining
Retreat to the Quiet Cove Pool area—an expansive onboard oasis featuring adult-exclusive swimming, whirlpool spas and a tranquil wading pool—for a tantalising mix of relaxation and refreshments. Or keep shipshape at the onboard fitness centre. Not forgetting an evening escape to an adult only dining venue!
10) Staterooms Designed with Families in Mind
Looking for a relaxing retreat or an extravagant suite? All staterooms feature innovative comforts and modern amenities for families looking to travel the high seas in high style.
Top highlights of Disney accommodation specifically with families in mind
- Privacy curtains
- Extra storage including under bed space
- Divided bathrooms with separate sinks in most staterooms make getting ready easier for everyone.
For those who want a truly luxurious and unforgettable Disney cruise experience, the Concierge-level staterooms are guaranteed to please. Within each of these spacious rooms, there is a living area, large private verandah and a variety of exclusive amenities.
Top highlights you’ll receive when booking a Concierge Stateroom include:
- Priority boarding and disembarkation
- Access to the exclusive Disney Concierge Lounge
- Access to the Private Sundeck
- Priority cabana reservations on Disney Castaway Cay
- Priority seating at live shows
- Exclusive character meet and greets
The Concierge level staterooms include:
- Concierge 1 Bedroom Suite with Verandah
- Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah
- Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah
- Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah (Disney Wish)
- Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah (Disney Wish)
- Concierge Wish Tower Suite
The Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite and the Concierge Wish Tower Suite are the two most spacious staterooms available. The Concierge Wish Tower Suite is not only located within the funnel above the top decks, but can sleep up to 8 guests, features magical decor inspired by Moana, has a spacious living room, 2 main bedrooms, a grand spiral staircase and 4.5 bathrooms amongst other incredible amenities.
Book a Cruise on Disney Cruise Line Today
There are so many extraordinary amenities, activities and features found amongst the Disney Cruise Line fleet. So whether you’re travelling with your partner or your family in tow, you’re guaranteed a truly enchanting holiday.
Book your Disney Cruise Line cruise today and experience a getaway that will create memories that last a lifetime.
Discover Disney Cruise Line's latest ship, Disney Treasure, setting sail in 2024!
Disney Cruise Line has also recently announced extraordinary 2024 sailings from Southampton- offering 3, 4 and 5 night itineraries.
*Some itineraries do not include fireworks and/or Pirate Night.
copyright: © 2023 Disney. All Rights Reserved. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. Slinky® Dog © Just Play LLC.
