Introduction: Set Sail on a Disney Cruise in 2024

Are you ready for the ultimate Disney Cruise adventure in 2024? Start planning your big Disney Cruise vacation now! From budgeting to itinerary planning, we’ve got all your Disney Cruise questions answered right here.

Why Choose a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruises are a fantastic alternative to Disney Parks vacations. They offer a more relaxing experience while still providing the magic of Disney. To make the most of your Disney Cruise, you need to know what to expect aboard these ships and how to maximize your time and money.

The Disney Cruise Fleet

Currently, there are five Disney Cruise ships: the Magic, the Wonder, the Dream, the Fantasy, and the newest addition, the Wish. In 2024, a sixth ship will join the fleet. Each ship offers all-inclusive dining, activities, spas, lounges, kids clubs, and unique experiences.

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Before making your initial down payment, download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This app is essential for managing reservations, booking activities, making payments, and checking in for your cruise. During your cruise, the app will help you communicate with cast members, view dining information, check entertainment schedules, and more.

Best Time to Set Sail

Seasonal Tips

• Bahamas and Caribbean: September offers lower crowds and cheaper rates but is also hurricane season.
• Mediterranean: November marks the start of the low season, ideal for budget-friendly trips.
• Europe: May and October are best for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Alaska: May and September offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
• Hawaii: Disney Wonder offers a 10-night Hawaiian cruise in September.
• Australia and New Zealand: December to February is the warmest season.

Castaway Club Membership

Once you make your first down payment, you join the Castaway Club. Benefits include exclusive onboard gifts, early access to new itineraries, and early booking for excursions and ship experiences.

Membership Tiers

• First-Time Guests: 75 days before sailing.
• Silver Members (1-4 sailings): 90 days before sailing.
• Gold Members (5-9 sailings): 105 days before sailing.
• Platinum Members (10-24 sailings): 120 days before sailing.
• Pearl Members (25+ sailings): 123 days before sailing.

Choosing Your State Room

Disney Cruise Line offers various stateroom options:

• Inside Staterooms: The most affordable option.
• Ocean View Staterooms: Include a porthole.
• Ocean View with Veranda: Includes a balcony.
• Concierge Staterooms: Offer premium amenities and services but come at a higher cost, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the cruise duration and ship.

Destinations for 2024

Dream Destinations

• The Dream: Offers 3-4 night getaways to the Bahamas and 5-night vacations to the Western Caribbean.
• The Wish: 3-4 night voyages to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay.
• The Fantasy: 7-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
• The Magic: Limited engagements in Galveston, Texas, and New Orleans.
• The Wonder: Voyages to Mexico from San Diego.

New Private Island: Lookout Key at Lighthouse Point

Opening in summer 2024, this new destination in the Bahamas features an adults-only beach, family water play area, themed kids club, and more. The Magic will kick off its preview sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, in June 2024.

Booking Tips and Tricks

Avoiding Crowds and Saving Money

• Book during shoulder seasons for cheaper rates and fewer crowds.
• Consider weekday sailings to avoid weekend crowds.
• Keep an eye on the weather, especially during hurricane season, and consider trip insurance.
• Decide between regular cruises and themed ones, such as Pixar Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, Thanksgiving at Sea, Very Merrytime Cruises, and New Year’s celebration cruises.

Disney Cruise State Rooms

Spacious and Luxurious Accommodations

Disney Cruise state rooms provide extra space and comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests. Many rooms feature adjoining doors and verandas, allowing families to spread out and enjoy their vacation without feeling cramped.

Concierge Level Rooms

For those seeking an elevated experience, the concierge level rooms accommodate five to seven guests. These rooms offer luxurious finishes, large living areas, and private verandas. The new Disney Wish ship boasts additional Royal Suites, some with a second level connected by a spiral staircase.

The Ultimate Disney Wish Experience

The Wish Tower Suite

The Disney Wish features the Wish Tower Suite, a two-story Moana-themed penthouse located within one of the ship’s funnels. This suite includes two main bedrooms, a children’s room, a library that converts into a bedroom, four and a half bathrooms, an open dining area, a spacious pantry, and a bar. The spectacular views make this suite a true paradise at sea.

Booking Your Disney Cruise

Early Reservations

To ensure the best accommodations, book your Disney Cruise early. Popular rooms, such as Ocean View and Veranda rooms, fill up quickly. Early booking increases your options and ensures you don’t have to settle for less desirable accommodations.

Required Documentation for Boarding

Essential Travel Documents

Before setting sail, gather all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth boarding process. US citizens need an original valid passport or passport card. Alternatives include a state-issued birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Keep these documents in your carry-on bag for easy access.

Staying Connected and Budgeting Onboard

Internet Packages

Disney Cruise offers Connect at Sea internet packages based on your online needs. Pay for the data you use, allowing you to stream movies, read emails, and stay connected while at sea.

Gratuities and Additional Expenses

Budget for gratuities, starting at $4.50 per night per state room guest. This includes infants and children. Prepay gratuities online through your navigator app account or adjust the amount onboard. Additional costs may include parking at the Disney Cruise Line garage and souvenir purchases.

Dining on Disney Cruise

All-Inclusive Dining Options

Disney Cruise offers a variety of dining options, including buffets, food courts, and themed rotational dining rooms. Enjoy all-inclusive dining at three restaurants aboard your ship while your servers rotate with you, ensuring personalized service.

Specialty Dining and Drinks

While many dining options are included, some specialty drinks and desserts are available at an additional cost. Enjoy free soda on Disney Cruises, a unique perk compared to other cruise lines.

Exciting Entertainment and Activities

Free Entertainment

Disney Cruise offers a wide range of free entertainment, including Broadway-style performances, character meet and greets, trivia competitions, pool games, and deck parties with fireworks.

Premium Activities

For a fee, enjoy premium activities such as Bingo, spa services, and wine, beer, and cocktail tastings. Book excursions ahead of your trip to experience the best of your cruise’s ports of call.

Youth and Teen Clubs

Oceaner Club and Oceaner Lab

Kids aged 3 to 12 can explore the Oceaner Club, featuring immersive rooms like Star Wars and Marvel Superhero Academy. The Oceaner Lab offers creative spaces for crafting and experimenting.

Edge and Vibe

Pre-teens (ages 11-14) can hang out at Edge, a space designed for their age group, while teens (ages 14-17) enjoy Vibe, a laid-back area with games, music, and activities.

It’s a Small World Nursery

For children aged 6 months to 3 years, the It’s a Small World Nursery provides a safe and fun environment. Book ahead to ensure a spot, as space is limited.

Upcoming in 2024: The Disney Treasure

A New Ship Joins the Fleet

In December 2024, Disney Cruise Line will introduce the Disney Treasure, celebrating Walt Disney’s love of adventure. The ship features a stunning atrium and rotational dining, including the new Plaza de Coco theatrical dining experience.

Costs and Savings Tips

Cruise Pricing

Prices for a Disney Cruise vary based on factors such as travel dates and room type. A 3-4 night cruise in an inside state room can range from $2,000 to $3,000 for a family of four. For a more luxurious experience, budget up to $7,000 for a seven-night trip in an ocean view veranda state room.

Saving Money

Book early for lower rates, as Disney Cruise Line has tiered pricing. Consider using a travel agent to find the best deals and receive bonuses such as onboard credit.