Many people plan their cruise out a while in advance taking into consideration destination, ports of call, itinerary and time of year- rightfully so! When I took my very first cruise, we didn’t consider anything- we said, it’s a great price, it’s Disney, it’s soon, let’s do it! While my Disney cruise was AMAZING and I enjoyed every single bit of it, I do wish I had more time to prepare and know more about what Disney Cruises have to offer. Here are some of the things I wish I knew before our cruise on the Disney Dream.
DCL Navigator App
When we first got onto the ship, we were completely lost! While in a sense, it was nice because we looked at everything with a sense of wonder and exploring a ship was a great experience, we did feel like we lost valuable time on a short 3 day trip. The navigator app is an amazing tool that allows you to look at the schedule of events and locations onboard the ship for your entire stay. You can see which events are scheduled or available for different age groups. This is where I was able to find a toddler activity every morning for my daughter and some arts and crafts activities during the day. We were lucky enough to make it to those on the last day of the cruise. This is where we were also able to find our dinner time and location since you are scheduled to go to a different restaurant each evening. Another great thing we were able to look up on the app were the times the characters were going to be out and where! We were also able to see which movies were playing on the pool deck. I felt like such a pro and was ready for more by later in our second day. I only wish I had more time! As I look to our next cruise, I know exactly what to prepare for, what to look for and how to use the navigator app. It is such a wonderful tool for the things I listed and so much more!
Know more about the ship
There is so much information and blogs out there about cruises, I know I would have used some resources to get a little more acquainted with the layout of the ship and where things are in order to not feel so lost on the ship. On our first day, we did get lost a few times before finding our restaurant for dinner (which we arrived late to because we weren’t familiar with the Navigator app!). Don’t get me wrong, after the first day and exploring the ship and getting familiar with using the app, it’s very easy to make your way through the ship. Not to mention the cast members who go above and beyond making you feel right at home and are readily available for any questions or directions you may need!
Choosing an earlier boarding time
When you complete online check-in ahead of time (highly recommended!), you are able to choose a boarding time. When I checked in, we had a variety of times available to choose from. When faced with this decision, we easily decided on a later boarding time to give us time to arrive at the port since we were driving into Port Canaveral from Miami. By choosing a later time, we realized we wasted time that could have easily been enjoyed onboard. By the time we boarded, people were already enjoying themselves in the pool and having lunch, which we missed due to late boarding time! Even if you’re flying in, it’s highly recommended to fly in the night before, so if you have a choice of when to board, make it earlier so you enjoy the ship sooner!
In retrospect, I do think having a travel advisor would have been very beneficial for something like a cruise where there is so much to do. I know I could have done the work myself, but I would have been much more comfortable talking to someone who is an expert on cruises and everything they have to offer. I would have been much more prepared and could have enjoyed the cruise right off the bat! Now that I’m a professional travel advisor, specializing in Disney destinations, I learn as much as I can so that my clients can avoid the mistakes I made! I can’t wait until our next cruise!
Vianey George-Homestead, FL
Travel Advisor
Hello! My name isVianeyand I am a Travel Planner with Living With The Magic Vacations! Disney magic has always had a special place in my heart. From simply watching the movies as a little girl, to Disneyland trips any time we visited family in Southern California. The magic has carried over into my adult life when I first visited Disney World in 2015. Since then, I have gone back year after year for different purposes- honeymoon, weekend getaways, runDisney events, family trips, a bachelorette and now I get to share the magic with trips to Disney World with my 2 year old daughter. Each trip has been unique and unlocked many special “core memories” that I will cherish forever. I’ve experienced Disney through many lenses and I’m so excited to help you plan your own trip, whatever the purpose may be!
Trying to decide whether a cruise is your next vacation? Here are my top 5 reasons why your next vacation should be on board a cruise ship!
To unplug from social media and the internet. Sometimes screen time can go unnoticed because we are so used to it in our daily life. While on a cruise you’re more likely to step away from phones, TVs or computers. This feels amazing to disconnect and be present.
Endless ocean views. The sounds and essence of the ocean is something that is truly remarkable. What’s better than waking up to amazing ocean views and relaxing at night to the sunset above the ocean. You never know you may catch a glimpse of sea life.
Shore excursions. Nothing is better than waking up multiple times in a week or a couple days in a new city. While you are in these new cities you have the opportunity to explore excursions. These activities can be from hiking to water sports and shopping to so much more. Each new destination has something new and great to offer.
Exploring Multiple New Cities on a Budget. Can’t decide on a destination to pick? Cruising allows you to visit multiple destinations in one vacation. Which makes it a cost-effective way to visit multiple cities!
Great for the Whole Family. There are so many onboard activities as well as entertainment for every age. There are also many food and drink options that will be sure to satisfy everyone’s palate. Enjoying new cities as a family and really being immersed in a new culture is a great way to bond and make memories.
There are many more reasons why cruises are an amazing vacation. Best of all it’s a great way to experience new adventures and make the best memories!
Deanna Wasleyfrom Rochester, NY!
Travel Advisor
Hi there! My name is Deanna and I’m a travel advisor with Living With The Magic Vacations! I’m a Disney and Universal enthusiast as well as a mother to three beautiful daughters who love to explore the world. I love to learn new things, explore, and meet new people. Planning vacations brings me so much happiness; it’s safe to say that I love all things travel. When I’m not planning vacations, you can find me hanging out with my family, on a new adventure, or researching new destinations. I’d love the opportunity to learn about you and your family, to share my expertise and give you the most amazing experience. Let’s plan something magical!
Europe Embrace the spirit of adventure, discovery and wonder when you drop anchor at some of our new and returning ports in Europe—including Mykonos, Greece; Hamburg, Germany; and Catania, Italy. Itineraries include 3-, 4- and 5-night sailings from the United Kingdom to Spain, Portugal, France and Belgium. Or take off on a 5-, 7-, 9-, 11- and 12-night sailing throughout Greece and the Mediterranean, Iceland and the Fjords, Northern Europe and the British Isles.
Alaska Embark on an unforgettable voyage to the last frontier! Explore stunning glaciers, hike through lush forests, spot wildlife in their natural habitats and perhaps even catch a glimpse of majestic humpback whales during a magical 5-, 7- or 9-night Alaskan cruise departing from Vancouver, British Columbia. Sail to some of North America’s most resplendent landscapes, including Juneau, Ketchikan and—depending on your itinerary—either Skagway or Icy Strait Point.
Caribbean Surrender to the swaying palm trees, blue-water bliss and endless sunshine of such dreamy locales as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Lucia or Antigua on a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 10-night Caribbean cruise packed with sun, fun and unique island adventures. Snorkel amid tropical fish, zip-line through jungle or explore ancient Mayan ruins. Most cruises include a stop at Disney Castaway Cay—and depending on your itinerary—our Bahamian island retreat, Lighthouse Point.
The Bahamas Soak up the laid-back pleasures of island life on a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 10-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Your magical journey drops anchor in sun-kissed ports of call that may include a stop at Nassau, Disney Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point. From stingray encounters, fly-fishing and parasailing to celebrating the arts and culture of The Bahamas, there’s something for everyone.
Transatlantic Set sail from sunny Port Canaveral on a 13-night transatlantic adventure to cosmopolitan Barcelona—featuring stops in Portugal and Spain. Explore the culture and natural beauty of the Iberian Peninsula, from whale watching in Ponta Delgada and touring historic landmarks in Lisbon to wine tasting in Cadiz, kayaking in Cartagena and browsing Europe’s largest farmers market in our newest port, Valencia. Plus, enjoy all the non-stop fun and relaxation while at sea.
Adventures by Disney Escapes Discover the perfect getaway when you add on a pre- or post-trip to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Create a lifetime of family memories when you travel with Disney-trained Adventure guides to dazzling European cities like London, Rome or Barcelona on 3- or 4- day Escapes. See London’s Crown Jewels, partake in Barcelona’s flamenco artistry and explore Rome’s iconic sites like the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and more.
BONUS: In June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will debut its newest Bahamian destination on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point. Cruises aboard the the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will visit this vibrant beach retreat designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with sustainability and conservation at its core.
Cuising with Disney is a different animal than taking a trip to the parks. Here are 5 things you might not think to pack for your Disney Cruise Line vacation.
Battery-Operated Lights – If you’ve never been on a cruise, you might not know that the cabins can be pitch black without the lights on, especially if you are in an inside cabin. You can pack a couple of the battery-powered press-on lights to keep in your bathroom, so if someone has to get up in the middle of the night to go, they can easily find it, without turning on all of the lights and waking the entire cabin.
USB Splitter – Power strips are not allowed on cruise ships. They can overload the circuit and possibly cause a fire, so they are banned. There are plugs in your room but there might not be enough for all of the electronics we have these days. You can bring a USB splitter that turns one USB plug into 2, 3 or 4 more USB outlets. This is a great way to get your phones charged all at once.
Suction Cup Toothbrush Holder– This one sounds weird, I know. Cruise cabin bathrooms aren’t the largest spaces, and they really don’t have a ton of counter space. By bringing a toothbrush holder that suctions your bathroom mirror, you can save a bunch of counter space and keep everything tidier.
Laundry Pods – This might not be something you bring traveling with you normally, but it could come in handy on a cruise. The cruise ships all have laundry facilities and do sell detergent, but it does add an extra cost. If you bring your own pods, they are easy to pack and throw in with the wash. If you find yourself out of clean clothes on a cruise, doing laundry is just about your only option since there aren’t many places to shop while at sea.
Cups – Yep, you read that right. Disney Cruise Line offers free soft drinks on the pool decks all day and night. But, the cups they have to fill are small. To avoid having to leave your perfect spot next to the pool, bring a large cup with a lid on it, bonus points if it is insulated to keep the ice longer! You won’t be able to fill these cups up directly from the fountain, you will have to use the clean paper cups Disney provides to fill yours, but this will keep your drinks full and cold much longer!
SARAH TICKNER - KANSAS CITY, MO
Travel Advisor
Sarah is a travel advisor from Kansas City, MO. She grew up as a fan of Disney but only made it to the parks once as a child. But ever since her and her husband decided to get married in Disney, they have made up for her lack of trips as a kid. The obsession really started when she was hired as a Cast Member for the Disney Store. Ever since that time, she has made about 8 trips and stayed at 10 of the Disney resorts, with a goal of staying at all of them someday. Being a Cast Member allowed her to bring Disney Magic to those who may not have had a chance to experience the magic at the parks.
Book a Disney cruise by February 17, 2023 and pay only half of your required deposit on the day you make your reservation. See Important Details below.
This offer is valid on any new reservation for select Disney cruises departing between June 19, 2023 and May 31, 2024 that does not require final payment at time of booking. Remaining balance will be due at time of final payment.
Embark on a tropical cruise to the Caribbean or The Bahamas—or choose from one of our other fun-filled itineraries to Alaska, Europe, Mexico and beyond. With exciting voyages sailing from Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California and New York, there’s no better time to cast off with Disney Cruise Line on that family vacation.
Important Details Regarding the 50% Off the Required Deposit Offer:
Remaining balance due at time of final payment.
Valid for new bookings only on select sailings booked through February 17, 2023.
Valid on select cruises sailing between June 19, 2023 and May 31, 2024 that do not require final payment at time of booking.
Not valid on Disney Wonder sailings departing October 3, 2023 through March 1, 2024.
This offer is valid from December 19, 2022 through February 17, 2023.
US and Canada only.
No code is needed.
Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.
Not valid on categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT, VGT), suites or Concierge-level staterooms.
Rates are in US dollars.
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
We are so excited to announce that starting December 15th, we will be able to book our clients on some amazing Disney Cruise itineraries in early 2024! By booking early you’ll get the lowest price available, an early selection of staterooms and more time to make advance payments!
Bookings open to the public on Dec. 15, 2022. guests that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:
Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Monday, Dec. 12, 2022
Gold Castaway Club Members: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022
Bookings open to all Guests: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022
Sun-Drenched Getaways from South Florida
The Disney Dream will begin early 2024 with an assortment of three- and four-night getaways to the Bahamas and five-night vacations to the western Caribbean, all of which will feature classic Disney Cruise Line experiences such as Broadway-style shows, innovative dining, character encounters and fireworks at sea.
All sailings from Florida will include a stop at Castaway Cay, a picturesque private island oasis reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. Located in the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, Castaway Cay provides the ultimate escape with something for everyone in the family, including adventure, relaxation and quality time.
Tropical Vacations from Central Florida
The Disney Wish will kick off 2024 with three- and four-night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Cruise Line’s home port located just one hour from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Cruises aboard the Disney Wish combine enchanting entertainment and numerous Disney Cruise Line firsts, bringing to life Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars stories around every corner of the vessel.
Also from Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will continue seven-night sailings to the white-sand beaches of the eastern and western Caribbean. Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit Tortola and St. Thomas, while western Caribbean itineraries will feature the ports of Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica. Every Disney Fantasy sailing also includes a stop at Castaway Cay, along with several days at sea, giving the family more time to enjoy all the fun and relaxation offered on board.
Caribbean Adventures from Texas and Louisiana
The Disney Magic will have two limited-time engagements in Galveston in early 2024. After ringing in the New Year from the Lonestar State, the ship will embark on Caribbean adventures ranging in length from four to six nights through the end of January. Upon returning for another month-long stint between March and April, the ship will sail cruises ranging from four to seven nights to the western Caribbean during the popular spring break period.
New Orleans will welcome the Disney Magic back for a second consecutive year in February 2024 with four-, five- and seven-night cruises to the Caribbean. The Big Easy is the perfect city to extend a vacation either before or after a cruise to enjoy jazz and jambalaya in the city that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.”
Mexican Escapes from California
After returning from its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, the Disney Wonder will arrive in San Diego, California in March 2024 for three- to seven-night voyages to Mexico, including the Baja peninsula. Known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and saltwater adventures, families can visit some of Mexico’s most prized destinations, including Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, along with stops to the inviting shores of Catalina Island off the California coast.
