Essential Tips for Your First Disney Cruise

August 18, 2024

Essential Tips for Your First Disney Cruise

Dreaming of a Disney cruise? Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure! If you’re a first-time cruiser, there’s plenty to consider to make the most of your magical vacation. Let’s dive into essential tips and tricks to ensure your Disney cruise is everything you’ve imagined and more.

Worried about cramped quarters on your first Disney cruise? Fear not! Disney Cruise Line staterooms are designed with families in mind. In fact, they’re known for being some of the most spacious in the industry. Even the smallest inside stateroom on a Disney ship is larger than the average inside cabin on other cruise lines. So, relax and enjoy your magical vacation knowing you’ll have plenty of room to spread out.

Need more space? Upgrade to a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with a verandah. These rooms offer a generous 268 square feet of space, perfect for families of four. Plus, Disney Cruise Line goes the extra mile by offering staterooms that can accommodate up to five guests – a rarity in the cruise industry!

Disney Cruise Line also prioritizes family convenience with its split bathroom design. This innovative layout features two separate bathrooms – one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower and sink. No more morning rush to get ready!

One of the highlights of many Disney Caribbean and Bahamas cruises is a visit to the private island paradise, Castaway Cay. Thanks to a specially designed dock, guests can typically step right off the ship and onto the island’s pristine beaches. However, while rare, there are instances when weather conditions or ocean currents make docking impossible. The captain always prioritizes guest safety and will make every effort to reach Castaway Cay, but alternative plans are in place if necessary.

There’s also the opportunity to stop at Disney’s newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point offers a window into the rich culture, warm hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty of The Bahamas. Dig your toes into the blush-sand shoreline, dive into the vivid blue waters and be mesmerized by stunning vistas of the shimmering Caribbean Sea, stretching endlessly into the horizon.

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of destinations, from the sunny Bahamas and Caribbean to the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska and Europe. With such diverse climates, it’s essential to check the weather forecast before your cruise. Packing accordingly will ensure you’re prepared for whatever adventures await.

Wondering what kind of entertainment awaits you on a Disney cruise? You’ll be thrilled to know that the magic of Disney’s parks extends seamlessly to the high seas. Each Disney ship boasts a stunning Walt Disney Theater, where you can enjoy world-class Broadway-style shows. These incredible performances are included in your cruise fare, adding another layer of enchantment to your vacation.

Disney Cruise Line offers a unique dining experience with its rotational dining system. You’ll enjoy a different main restaurant each night, and the best part is that your dedicated servers will rotate with you. They’ll get to know your family’s preferences and create a personalized dining experience. You’ll quickly feel like part of the Disney Cruise Line family!

Indulge in the convenience of room service on your Disney cruise! Most room service items are complimentary and can be delivered right to your stateroom whenever you desire. While the food is on the house, it’s customary to tip your server about $1 per item.

Disney Cruise Line is more than just a family vacation. While the magic is undoubtedly geared towards kids, adults are equally catered to. The ships offer a perfect balance of family-friendly fun and adult relaxation.

Unwind in exclusive adult-only areas, including dedicated pool decks, serene spas, and stylish lounges. Enjoy sophisticated entertainment and savor gourmet dining at upscale restaurants like Palo, an Italian-inspired gem found on all ships, or the French-inspired Remy, available on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Disney ensures that adults can truly escape and recharge while their kids are having the time of their lives.

One of the biggest perks of a Disney cruise is the incredible dining options included in your cruise fare. With a vast array of delicious choices, it’s easy to indulge and enjoy multiple entrees or sweet treats. However, this culinary abundance can also lead to unexpected weight gain.

To stay healthy while cruising, focus on making mindful choices. Opt for lighter options, limit desserts, and stay active. Each ship offers a fitness center for workouts, but even simple activities like walking or taking the stairs can help you maintain your wellness goals. Remember, balance is key to enjoying your cruise while taking care of yourself.

While most of your Disney cruise experience is included in the price, gratuities are an exception. Don’t worry about doing the math; Disney recommends a convenient $14.50 per person, per night. This amount is distributed to your dining room server, assistant server, head server, and stateroom host. Feel free to adjust this amount based on your level of service.

Keep in mind that there are additional gratuities. An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs, beverage purchases, wine, deck service charges, and spa treatments.

Seasickness worries before your first Disney cruise? Many people stock up on Dramamine, Bonine, and SeaBands, but you might be surprised to find that you don’t need them. Disney ships are designed for stability, and most passengers don’t experience any motion sickness. However, if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s always a good idea to bring medication and take it before any symptoms start.

Meeting Disney characters is a highlight of any Disney cruise! While you’ll still need to wait in line for character meet-and-greets, the lines are typically shorter than at the parks. Plus, Disney Cruise Line offers exclusive character experiences, like dining with Princess Tiana at Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder or meeting Rapunzel at her restaurant on the Disney Magic. You might even have a surprise encounter with a character in the hallway or elevator!

Most cruise lines won’t allow you to bring your own alcohol on board. They tend to offer their own beverage packages that they want guests to purchase. Disney Cruise Line, however, allows guests to bring a certain amount of alcohol on the ship! Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Already dreaming of your next Disney cruise? Book your next adventure while onboard and enjoy a 10% discount! Take advantage of this special offer and secure your future magical vacation. Please note that some blackout dates may apply.

Dreaming of a Disney Cruise? Let me help you turn that dream into reality! As a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, I offer complimentary assistance in planning your magical vacation. Contact me today to start creating unforgettable memories!

Essential Tips for Your First Disney Cruise 1

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

Author
Recent Posts

Sara

Sara is a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency. She lives in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids. Due to her extreme dislike of winter, she travels often to warmer destinations during the colder months. She visits the Disney parks and resorts frequently with her family and loves helping other families plan magical vacations. Contact her here for help with your vacation!