Since 1998, Disney fans have been able to enjoy a Disney holiday at sea with Disney Cruise Line. For those who have never sailed on a Disney Cruise, it can be difficult to understand exactly what is included when you sail.
To help you decide if a Disney Cruise is for you, we've put together this handy guide to explain just what is included in the price of your Disney Cruise and why they are such great value - you really do get a lot for your money!
What is Included
Your State Room
Let's start with the obvious, your accommodation is included in the price of your Disney Cruise Line holiday. You can choose different types of Staterooms at different price points, the cheapest being a Standard Inside, then Oceanview (with a window), Verandah (with a balcony), right through to Suites with Concierge Services. You can also choose where you’d like to be located, Midship, Forward or Aft and on which deck. Or, if you don’t mind where you are on the Ship, it is often cheaper to book a Guaranteed Stateroom where Disney choose your location.
Most Staterooms sleep 3-4 people with some larger Family Staterooms for up to 5 people and larger Suites. You can also book connecting Staterooms for larger groups or if you’d like a bit more space. Most Staterooms have a double bed plus a sofa which converts into a single bed and an upper bunk (murphy bed) which pulls down from the ceiling. Your Stateroom host will set everything up for you during the turndown service each evening. All of the Staterooms except the Standard Insides have a great split bathroom set up with the toilet and washbasin in one room and the bath / shower in another. This makes it much easier for everyone to get ready.
(Most) Dining & Food
If you're going on a cruise, there is a big chance you're in it for the food.
On a Disney Cruise Line ship, you'll find their unique rotational dining at three of the amazing Table Service restaurants. This means you’ll rotate to a different restaurant each evening and your amazing servers will come too! You'll find these restaurants are typically highly themed to Disney animation, characters, or films, and they’re an experience and a meal. Some have characters, some have a show, and the food is often themed too.
Quick Service and buffet options can also be found onboard every Disney Cruise Line ship. Plus, there is All You Care to Enjoy soft-serve ice cream, unlimited soft drinks, and poolside eats available. Your Disney Cruise Line holiday also includes 24-hour room service.
All your meals are included, and that does mean if you want two starters, a main, and three desserts, you can have just that! In fact, you'll find that it's often encouraged, especially if it looks like you're struggling to choose. Kids can also order from the adults’ menu and adults from the kids’ menu.
Entertainment
All Disney Cruise Line ships include amazing entertainment options to keep you busy while you sail.
Each ship has Broadway-style shows as the headliners. Some tell classic Disney stories in a new way, and others have original Disney productions like the Golden Mickeys. These extravagant performances feature sets, live performers, and truly uplifting music that will sweep you away.
Other Entertainment on board includes cinemas that play both new and classic Disney films, live music, trivia quizzes where you can win medals and prizes, mixers for adults and families, and specialty parties. The Sail Away Party features on every voyage and there is usually another themed party such as a Pirate Night. Some cruises also host specialist days at sea such as Marvel and Pixar.
And if you’re looking for character experiences, you’ll find them in a variety of meets and appearances throughout the ships!
Finally, the pool areas are all free. There is an adults only area and a splash zone as well as slides and pools for all the family. These are usually situated near funnel vision (a large video screen) so you can enjoy a movie while you swim or sunbathe!
Kids Clubs
Kids Clubs on board the Disney cruise ships are incredible. They have characters visit, interactive activities and crafts. It's like all the fun parts of school if it was in Disney. They include options for babies (with a charge), preschoolers, kids, tweens, and teens. Your kids are looked after by trained Cast Member caregivers, so you don't need to worry about safety. Your child is signed in and out and wears a band so they can't get lost. Kids can stay all day or for a short period while the adults participate in adults-only activities or meals, and they generally run from about 9:30am to 10pm.
Bars & Lounges
And what do we do when our little ones are enjoying the kids clubs? Why you experience the onsite bars and lounges! While you may have to pay extra for the alcoholic drinks, you can enjoy the entertainment in the form of live music, trivia, and much more for free! Some bars & lounges are adult only in the evening.
Stop at Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point
If you're taking a cruise that stops at Disney owned property such as Castaway Cay and from 2024, Lighthouse Point, this excursion is included in the price of your sailing. While there your beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and dining are all complimentary. You’ll also find entertainment, teen and kids clubs and activities, a splash zone, hiking trails, and a complimentary 5K “fun run”.
Phew! That is a lot included in the price. So much Disney magic and you don't have to add on a dining plan or park tickets!
What is not Included
Flights & Ground Transportation
While here at Fairytale Holidays we can put together a bespoke package including your transport to the cruise ship (be that flights or transfers), it isn't typically included in the base price of your cruise.
Speciality Dining
On board your Disney Cruise Ship you'll find some restaurants not included in the rotational dining and these are classed as speciality dining. You'll discover one or two adult-only restaurants such as Palo or Remy, and you may have a character-themed event for children such as the Royal Court Royal Tea Party on board the Disney Dream. These can be booked at an additional fee for an extra special experience.
Alcoholic & Speciality Drinks
If you wish to enjoy an alcoholic drink or a speciality coffee, these cost extra and are outside the "all you care to eat" dining offered on board. There are also tastings and mixology classes available to adults at an extra cost.
Spa, Salon and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Spa treatments, visits to the salon, and the fantastic Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are all at an extra cost and available to be booked prior to sailing.
Port Adventures
While you may disembark the ship at port, you can pay extra for a Disney organised excursion or tour. This is a great way to see the places you're visiting. And of course, any food you purchase at a port of call will be extra as it's not associated with Disney Cruise Line.
None of these additional costs are mandatory, but they are great ways to make your Disney Cruise Line sailing extra special!
If you're interested in hearing more about Disney Cruise Line packages with Fairytale Holidays get in touch with us today
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