disney cruises Archives

June 24, 2019June 18, 2019

Disney Reveals 2020 Fall Cruise Schedule

Disney Cruise Line cruises are a big favorite among families. With the added magic of Disney and all of the exciting characters, there are so many events and activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. Plus, Disney is known for its above-quality customer service and satisfaction. If you’ve been dreaming of giving a Disney cruise a try, you’re in luck! They recently revealed their 2020 fall cruise schedule, which also highlights plenty of holiday cruise experiences. Now is the time to start planning ahead for your family vacation.

For those seeking a holiday cruise experience, there are Halloween and Christmas offerings. The Halloween on the High Seas cruises set sail in September and October while the Very Merrytime cruises sail in November and December. These cruises visit several destinations including the Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, and Canada. All announced journeys will take place on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Magic ships.

Here are some example itineraries and dates that have been announced for fall 2020:

Departing October 2 aboard the Disney Magic: 2020 10-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Dover England to New York

Departing November 16 aboard the Disney Wonder: 2020 14-Night Very Merrytime Seas Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego to Galveston

Departing October 19 and October 26 aboard the Disney Fantasy: 2020 4-Night Halloween on the High Seas Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departing November 1 aboard the Disney Wonder: 2020 5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego

Check out the full lineup and fall 2020 itinerary. Once you see the magic on and off ship, you’ll quickly see why so many individuals and families choose to book a Disney cruise experience. Check out our insider tips and our Disney 101 article before booking your trip.

April 16, 2019April 15, 2019

Disney Cruises 101

If you’re planning the most magical cruise on the sea, there are a few things you’ll need to know. Follow our top Disney Cruise tips, and you can expect smooth sailing with your favorite Disney characters.

Get the Disney Cruise Planning Tools.

Both the vacation planning video and e-brochure provide an excellent overview of destinations, ships, restaurants, activities and more.

Cruise During the Off Season

Disney rarely offers discounts on cruises, so if you’re looking to save money, journey during the offseason. Generally, January, early February, May, September, and October draw fewer crowds which mean better prices. Also, watch for “last minute restricted fares.” Available when regularly priced cruises don’t fill up, these fares are typically released 1-2 months before the sailing date. If you’re flexible with planning “restricted” are a great option, but book as soon as you see them as they often sell out quickly.

Ask About “Secret” Verandah Rooms

Certain rooms on Disney ships offer a little more bang for your buck. While not officially classified as verandah rooms due to obstructed views, these staterooms do feature balconies. Ask your Disney Cruise agent about these staterooms; Disney’s Magic & Wonder rooms 6134, 6634, 7120 and 7620; Disney’s Dream & Fantasy rooms 8022, 8164, 8520, 8662. There are even “secret” connecting staterooms on all ships. Folding back the dividing panel in these rooms connects the verandahs. And, while there are no guarantees, you can always ask for an upgrade at the port when you check in.

Make Reservations In Advance

To ensure you get your preferred times and activities, book spa treatments, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, popular character breakfasts, babysitting, and the adult-only restaurants in advance. Don’t forget to register for the kid’s club online as well, but remember your cruise does need to be paid in full to take advantage of advanced reservations.

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Let the countdown begin. The newly redesigned app lets you access vacation information, send messages to your party once on the ship and even count down the days to your Disney Cruise with the built-in cruise countdown.

Stay in the Port City Before Your Cruise

Avoid any unforeseen delays and stress by arriving the day before your cruise and staying in a hotel near the port. This is also a great way to add on a few Disney days. Often less expensive than booking separately, combining park days with a Disney Cruise cuts down on costs. Ground transportation is available for an additional fee. Speak to your Disney cruise representative for details.

Request a Call from Mickey or Minnie

Get the kids excited about their upcoming cruise by requesting a call from their favorite characters. From the Disney cruise website, login to your reservation and just choose the date and time you want your child to receive the call.

Become A Castaway Club Member

Become a Castaway Club Member from the moment you sail on your first Disney Cruise. Silver membership begins with your first Disney Cruise. Complete five cruises and become a Gold Member, while 10 or more Disney cruise vacations earn you Platinum status. Membership entitles you to exclusive offers, reservations for port adventures and dining, a dedicated Castaway Club phone line, welcome aboard gifts and much more.

Beverage Options

Soft drinks are available at meals and the beverage stations on each included at no extra charge. While Disney Cruise Lines does not offer daily alcoholic beverage packages, they do provide discounts for bottles of wine during dinner. If you do not finish the bottle, your server corks the wine for your meal the next evening.

Check Out Inside Tips For Your Next Disney Cruise

These tips should get you started on planning your Disney Cruise, but for even more great pointers, check out our post Tips For Your Next Disney Cruise.

April 13, 2019August 2, 2019

Three Spectacular Pools on Cruises to Mexico

When you’re heading to the Mexican Riviera on a cruise, make sure you’re choosing a ship that has dedicated space for relaxation and pool time. Only a few cruise lines have gone above and beyond to create unique pool experiences for their guests so you could be enjoying poolside drinks, a few hours of sunbathing, and even live music on the pool deck. If pool-time is a must on your next cruise, make sure to check out these three spectacular pools.

MSC Seaside

When you’re heading off to Cozumel or other destinations around Central America, you’ll want to spend some time at the South Beach Pool and Forest Aquaventure aboard the MSC Seaside ship. The ship promises plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the sunshine as you take in views of the Caribbean Sea. The South Beach Pool is designed in front of a tower of rooms, just like a Miami high-rise. You can take in views of the ocean while you relax in the shimmering blue pool or relax on one of the white beach loungers on the pool deck. For family-fun, make sure to head to the the Forest Aquaventure, which is a themed outdoor waterpark, complete with water slides that run off and back on to the ship.

Disney Wonder by Disney Cruise

In addition to the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool, the cruise ship has three themed pools the whole family can enjoy. Goofy’s Pool is where kids and parents can enjoy some water activities together. The AquaLab is home to water slides for younger kids and The Quiet Cove Pool offers some private relaxation with soothing lights and a spa-like ambiance on board.

Princess Cruises Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess was designed with relaxation and exhilaration in mind. The adults-only Sanctuary is designed with private pool experiences for couples, the perfect place to destress and get away from it all. You can also enjoy movie screenings under the stars on the pool deck and luxury amenities throughout the ship.

March 21, 2019June 5, 2019

Our Favorite Ships to Sail in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Sea is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. These are some of the best options to sail through the Caribbean and discover all that it has to offer.

Seabourn Odyssey

The Odyssey features 229 sophisticated and elegant suites that are available in four styles Owners, Penthouse, Veranda, and Ocean view. These luxury staterooms offer a variety of conveniences such as walk-in closets, whirlpool tubs, wet bars, interactive flatscreen TVs, large vanities and make-up mirrors. The ship offers a full-service beauty salon, card room with daily games, and a fitness center with personal trainers available. Onboard dining includes four restaurant choices, a casual bistro, a lavish buffet, a seafood and steak grill, and al fresco patio. The Sky Bar serves tropical cocktails and the Observation Bar features coffee, tea, and after dinner drinks. If your idea of a wonderful get away is luxury and quiet at sea, this is a can’t-miss experience.

Disney Fantasy

The Disney Fantasy offers an exclusive Concierge Royal Suite with a veranda and Art Deco decor. The suite offers two marble and tile bathrooms one featuring double sinks, a whirlpool tub, and a rain shower. Staying on the concierge deck allows priority check-in, access to a private lounge and sundeck, as well as concierge services during your cruise. The ship offers boutique shopping at Tiffany & Co. as well as a spa, salon, and fitness center. Dining options are endless with fifteen onboard restaurants, two favorites are Remy and Palo featuring French and Italian cuisines. Onboard entertainment includes sneak previews of new movies, deck parties, musicals, the one of a kind Aquaduck water coaster, and five pool areas. When traveling with kids, this is a must!

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas

The Oasis offers two-story loft suites as well as balcony suits with a choice of central park or boardwalk views. The loft suites have two dining areas: a wet bar and a private balcony with a jacuzzi. The ship features twelve restaurants with dishes from all over the world, seven cafes, and seven themed bars. Onboard activities include shopping, gambling, zip-lining, rock climbing, FlowRider surfing, and a variety of games at the sports court. For a unique experience, don’t miss the high flying acrobatic shows at the Aqua theater. The ship also has an ice rink and ice dancer performances, Broadway shows, a comedy club, and outdoor movies to round out the perfect time at sea in the Caribbean.

March 1, 2019May 21, 2019

Our Favorite Family-Friendly Cruises

Every family deserves a getaway, but where do you find an all-ages vacation? These three cruise lines have mastered the art of family time and are ready to take you away.

Disney Cruise Lines

Disney cruises offer fun for the entire family on their unique interactive ships; these “theme parks at sea” offer entertainment and activities on all levels. Children of all ages will find fun in the Kid’s Clubs which are divided into age-specific groups for optimum interaction. Each ship has themed play areas resembling movie sets like Andy’s room in Toy Story, Monsters Academy from Monsters Inc., and Marvel’s Avengers Academy complete with a S.H.I.E.L.D. command post where kids can virtually interact with Avengers. Kids Club Labs feature animation and sound studios along with karaoke, computers, and video games. Children can transform into their favorite princesses, knights, sea captains, and pirates at the onboard Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique. As for the adults, there are nursery and babysitting services available, and adult-only lounges, pools, and restaurants. The entire family can enjoy a Pirates of the Caribbean deck party and movie theaters. Cabins are spacious and offer a bath and a half to accommodate everyone, and dining onboard includes staff to entertain the youngsters and even cut their food if necessary so mom and dad can relax and enjoy their meals.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival cruises offer a wide variety of children and teenage friendly activities. The Camp Ocean kids club for ages two to eleven specializes in marine-themed games and activities while the Circle C and Club 02 provide entertainment for ages twelve to seventeen including dance and pool parties, PlayStation and Xbox consoles. There is an onboard Build-A-Bear Workshop which offers a complimentary stuffed animal experience. A game show is hosted onboard, The Hasbro Game, for passengers to compete against one another. Several family options are available for daily activities like the twenty-two-foot jumbo outdoor movie screen, three-story IMAX theater, adventure ropes course, mini-golf, basketball, and foosball. The onboard waterpark is home to multiple slides, pools, and splash areas to accommodate all ages.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian cruises accommodate every family member from age six months up. The Splash Academy kids club has an arts and crafts option along with karaoke and video games. Play areas onboard include a small cinema and a circus school where kids learn juggling and other talents. For teens, the ships offer the Entourage space consisting of air hockey, couches, TVs, and video games. At night the Entourage turns into a teen-only night club. The whole family can participate in rock climbing, repelling, ropes courses, bowling, and water park activities. When parents are ready for adult time they can leave the kids in safe hands at the nursery, port play, or late night fun zone.