Five essential things you need to know about Disney cruise ships

Ever since the giant Disney corporation brought its enchanting brand of magic to the high seas aboard Disney Cruise Line (DCL) in 1998, with Captain Mickey Mouse at the helm, it’s been plain sailing.

The Disney fleet has since grown to five mid-size ships (with more to come) which resemble floating versions of the entertainment giant’s famous theme parks, fun-packed with full-on entertainment programs.

Disney’s cruise ships are a bit like floating versions of its theme parks.

Elegant decor and classical styling brings an upscale feel that gives a nod to the golden age of sea travel, building on Disney’s appeal, which extends beyond youngsters, who make up its natural audience, to grown-ups who can enjoy the surprisingly-extensive child-free areas on each ship. On-board attractions – water-coaster rides, nightly Disney-themed musicals, artwork that bursts into life and a real-time talking turtle – exemplify the innovative twists this legendary brand is renowned for.

Such frills translate into cruises that are generally higher priced than other family-friendly lines, but such is the cost of tapping into a world where onboard experiences are sprinkled with fairy dust.

1. Where does Disney cruise?

The line’s mainstays are the Caribbean and the Bahamas, which can be twinned with stays at Florida’s Walt Disney World. These particular cruises invariably include calls to the line’s private island Castaway Cay, where Mickey and pals don their beach shorts to spread the fun feel ashore with boat rides, barbecues, beach sports and snorkelling.

Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas. It is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Last northern summer marked the opening of its second Bahamian retreat, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. The Mediterranean and northern Europe are other key areas for summer cruising with Frozen-style voyages to the Norwegian fjords, Scandinavia and around the UK.

The arrival of Disney Wonder last summer marked the first time a Disney cruise ship had come to Australian waters. Its season was so successful its return was announced only a few weeks later, and it returned last month.

Disney Fantasy will be based in Southampton, UK, next year for sailings from three nights upwards to Channel ports, around the UK, Norway, Scandinavia, France and Spain.

Disney Wonder arriving in Sydney last year.

There are also cruises to Alaska from Vancouver and to America’s West Coast, Mexico and the South Pacific.

The upcoming Disney Adventure will be based in Singapore for at least five years from 2025 for voyages around South-East Asia. There are also plans for a Disney ship to homeport in Japan from 2029.

2. Who does it appeal to?

It could be argued that Disney is the ultimate family cruise line, standing out as truly family-centric rather than family-friendly for putting youngsters and their parents at the heart of everything it does.

The line takes infants from six months upwards, catered for with nurseries and play areas. Children’s facilities are varied and numerous, with imaginative kids’ clubs and cool teen hangouts, along with game shows and competitions aimed at the entire family. On deck are waterslides and giant poolside screens showing Disney movies.

Marvel Super Heroes like Spider-Man are onboard for heroic encounters.

Disney adds its inimitable feel to sailings in a way that no other line does, with personal touches when guests step aboard and are publicly announced and greeted by an applauding guard of honour made up of crew or “cast members”.

One of the biggest attractions and causes of excitement is the appearance of Disney characters around the ship, while regular character meet-and-greet sessions are another guaranteed crowd-puller.

Such is Disney’s appeal that it also attracts couples and friends, who enjoy the overall attractions of the ships, but can retreat to the sophisticated adult-only bars, restaurants, pool and spa areas.

3. The Disney Cruise Line fleet

Disney Magic (2713 passengers)

Staterooms on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are designed with nautical decor.

DCL’s first ship set the scene with its smart black hull, red funnels and Art Deco interiors, albeit with nautical twists and hints of Captain Mickey incorporated into designs. It also pioneered Disney’s family-friendly cabin staple of split en suites with a bath/shower room and separate loo. Highlights include the high-speed AquaDunk waterslide and Twist ’n’ Spout slide, AquaLab water play area and family pool.
Sails to: Bahamas, Caribbean

Disney Wonder (2713 passengers)

Disney Wonder is the first Disney cruise ship to visit Australia.

Having launched in 1999, this ship is virtually identical to its older sister and has also been revamped with art nouveau interiors. The three main restaurants are Animator’s Palate, Triton’s from The Little Mermaid, and Tiana’s Place inspired by The Princess and the Frog. The French Quarter Lounge carries a New Orleans vibe. There is a Twist ‘n’ Spout waterslide but no AquaDunk.
Sails to: Australia, South Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii

Disney Dream (4000 passengers)

Launched in 2011, this ship came with new attractions including AquaDuck, a water-coaster that snakes around the top deck, while Animator’s Palate is even more magical with Crush, an animated turtle who converses with diners. Inside cabins have “virtual portholes” showing real-time footage from outside, spiced up with appearances of Disney characters. There’s adult-only French gourmet restaurant Remy, a fancy champagne bar called Pink and the Skyline bar with a changing cityscape backdrop.
Sails to: Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords

Disney Fantasy (4000 passengers)

Disney Fantasy cruising into New York.Credit: Getty Images

Virtually identical to Disney Dream, this ship was launched in 2012. The main difference is the decor, which is more art nouveau rather than Disney Dream’s art deco styling. Others include a different themed water play area and a different show in Animator’s Palate where, instead of Crush the turtle, diners can design their own animated characters that come to life on the screens.
Sails to: Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe

Disney Wish (4000 passengers)

Launched in 2022, it ushered in more modern styling and was the first Disney ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). New features included the AquaMouse water-coaster ride and interactive family experience Disney Uncharted Adventure. New dining options include Arendelle, a Frozen-themed “dining adventure”, a Marvel cinematic dining experience and 1923 (the year Walt Disney Studios was founded) evoking the glamour of Old Hollywood.
Sails to: Bahamas, Caribbean

Disney Treasure (4000 passengers)

Disney Treasure launches next month.

Due to launch in December 2024, this ship is most similar to Disney Wish, but will be inspired by Disney stories such as Aladdin, Coco and Zootopia, with one of the three main restaurants, Plaza de Coco, a theatrical dining experience based on the film. The AquaMouse water-coaster ride comes with a new storyline, while the adult-only Periscope Pub takes its inspiration from the Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Sails to: Caribbean, Bahamas

Disney Adventure (6700 passengers) and Disney Destiny (capacity not yet announced)

Both ships are due to join the Disney fleet in 2025, with Disney Adventure based in Singapore for five years. A third new ship has been slated to join the fleet from 2029, based in Japan year-round.
Sails to: Asia (Disney Adventure). Disney Destiny destinations have not yet been announced

4. Access for guests with disabilities

Disney ships offer specially adapted accessible staterooms, including ones on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure that have built-in communication features for guests with hearing disabilities. Most guest areas are accessible for wheelchair users, and pool lifts can be arranged in advance.

5. Loyalty program

The Castaway Club has four tiers, based on the number of sailings taken. Benefits include advance booking benefits, discounts and a complimentary dinner.

This piece was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.