Cruise review: Disney Treasure

Disney's newest ship is a bounty of fun for Mickey fans and regular cruisers alike.

Jennifer Ennion

less than 2 min read

December 18, 2024 - 9:51AM

Escape

1/8

Finding Treasure

Disney's newest ship, Treasure, has set "sail" in the Bahamas, and the juggernaut has nailed the balance between cartoon classics and stylish cruising. Although the 4000-passenger Treasure will pull in Disney fanatics, there is more to this ship than a dancing Donald. As the sixth vessel in the fleet (and a sister ship to Disney Wish, launched in 2022), Disney Cruise Line has paired features they know cruisers love with new spaces bound to be hot favourites.

2/8

Facilities

As one of Disney's larger ships, Treasure is overflowing with colourful, themed spaces to explore that favour old-world charm and adventure, rather than garish decor. Take Skipper Society lounge, with its led-lighting, marble benches, and ceiling foliage creating Jungle Cruise vibes, and Wonderland Cinema with its subtle design nods to the film's talking door knob and Cheshire Cat. The most exciting addition to the Treasure is The Haunted Mansion Parlor (pictured), the first Disney cruise facility based on a theme park attraction as opposed to a film. The haunted parlour is everything you'd want it to be, with paintings that blink, fish frames that sing, and outlandish menu offerings, including the Ghostly Retreat with Creepy Crawly Cola and an eyeball gummy.

Disney fans will also be happy to see the Aqua Mouse waterslide has returned, although the Mickey cartoon playing at the start is different. Other highlights include the two-level Walt Disney Theatre, the peaceful adults-only pools and lounge, and the fairy floss-pink Jumbeaux's Sweets ice creamery and patisserie.

3/8

Entertainment

The reason Disney remains popular is because it nails entertainment time and again, generation after generation. The standard is equally as amazing at sea as it is on land, with Disney Treasure wowing passengers in every lounge, restaurant, theatre and play space. The standout of the cruise is the retelling of Moana; the puppetry and set design is phenomenal, and the performance may bring a tear to your eye. There are also shows on the top deck, with Disney's classic characters and a wreck of pirates putting on high-energy performances you won't want to miss. During the daytime, there's a giant screen playing modern films, such as Encanto, and although the kids love it, parents may wish for a little less screen time for their young ones.

4/8

Kids' clubs

It's great to see the youth clubs on Treasure have been given plenty of attention, with the Oceaneer Club (for 3-10-year-olds) a sprawling multi-room area that can be reached via a transparent tunnel slide. The club features Star Wars- and Marvel-themed rooms for the older kids, and Beauty and the Beast rooms for the younger ones. There is also a nursery onboard (pictured), along with a club for tweens and another for teens, plus a communal Hero Zone with air hockey tables, basketball, ping pong and, on occasion, an inflatable obstacle course.

5/8

Dining

There are two specialty restaurants on Disney Treasure but both are adults-only (and an extra charge), so you likely spend most of your meal times in Worlds of Marvel, Plaza de Coco and 1923 (pictured), named after the year The Walt Disney Studios was founded. The interactive Marvel restaurant is based on Guardians of the Galaxy, with baby Groot and Rocket "talking" to diners via multiple screens. When they're not talking, you can play trivia with the screens via glowing lamp-like buzzers on each table; children are mesmerised and some parents may be thankful for the digital babysitter (although it does limit dinner-time conversation). Live singing and theatrics are at the heart of Plaza de Coco, a Mexican restaurant that's a gorgeous riot of rainbow bunting. When it comes to cuisine, you will find the best in 1923, a traditional upmarket offering with lobster tail, venison and ratatouille on the menu.

6/8

The suites

The majority of Treasure's rooms can be connected, so families and friends can cruise together comfortably. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (where I slept) has a queen bed, and during the evening the lounge is converted into a single, with a pull-down single bed above. The staterooms also have a small balcony, plenty of space for luggage, a dressing table, and a separate shower and toilet. There are accessible rooms, too.

7/8

The itinerary

Disney Treasure is currently based at Port Canaveral, Florida; she will travel on seven-night voyages to Eastern and Western Caribbean. Stops may include the private Castaway Cay (pictured), in the Bahamas, where you will find a beautiful white-sand beach, a water obstacle course and waterslides.