What’s Included on a Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line is an amazing experience that guests love. Here’s a look at what is included when you book a Disney Cruise, and what is not.
What Is Included:
Here is a look at the wonderful things that are included with the fare price on Disney Cruise Line.
Entertainment
All Disney Cruise Line ships include fabulous entertainment options. Broadway-style shows are the main draw. These extravagant performances use sets, live performers, soaring music, and props to tell classic (and new) Disney stories.
Ships also have theaters in which they play both first-run and classic Disney films for the whole family. And if you’re looking for characters, you’ll find them in a variety of meets and appearances throughout the ships!
Then there’s the live music, trivia, mixers, and specialty parties — we’re talking a sail away party and pirate night typically on every voyage!
Plus, Disney boasts that its Cruise Line is the only cruise line that puts on a fireworks show — right onboard the ships!
Accommodations
Of course your accommodations are included in the price of your Disney Cruise Line vacation. These accommodations include a split bath and privacy curtain (in most rooms) to make getting ready a little more efficient. There’s also decent storage (under-bed storage is key for luggage) and in-room movies at your fingertips.
Also included is twice-daily housekeeping, including nightly turn-down service (and usually some creative towel animals!).
Stop at Castaway Cay
Ports of call are a draw for cruise fans, and Disney’s private island — Castaway Cay — is included in your Disney Cruise Line voyage. Castaway Cay inclusions are convenient; beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and dining are all complimentary.
You’ll also find entertainment, teen and kids clubs and activities, a splash zone, hiking trails, and a complimentary 5K (sign up on board). Plus there’s tram transportation from the dock to the beach, so you can relax on your way to relax.
Food
Dining is often a main event on a cruise, and Disney Cruise Line is no exception. Every ship has rotational dining at three fabulous Table Service restaurants. These restaurants are typically highly-themed to Disney animation, characters, or films, and they’re an experience.
Quick Service and buffet options can also be found onboard. Plus, there’s All You Care to Enjoy soft-serve ice cream, so you’ll want to load up on that. Poolside eats are also available, and a Disney Cruise Line vacation includes 24-hour room service (and, yes, you can order Mickey Ice Cream Bars).
Youth Clubs
Because the Disney Cruise Line is a Disney entity, you know they’ve got fun for the kiddos. Youth Clubs include options for babies, preschoolers, kids, tweens, and teens. These clubs are highly themed with activities, toys, entertainment, and trained Cast Member caregivers.
Kids can stay all day or for a short period while the adults participate in adults-only activities or meals (like the add-on dining experiences at Palo).
Nightclubs and Lounges
Disney is known for being family-friendly, and grown-ups are family, too, right? That’s why Disney Cruise Line ships feature nightclubs and lounges for the over-21 set.
These spots offer adult beverages (for an added fee) and entertainment in the form of live music, trivia, and more. (There are some tastings and mixology options for a small cost as well.)
Pools and Recreation
What’s a good cruise without some relaxation and fun in the sun (on the sea!)? Disney Cruise Line ships offer several pool options — including the quiet Cove Pool for adults) and splash zones and water play for the kiddos. If you’re looking for a thrill, check out the ships’ waterslides.
In addition to pools, voyages include fitness centers and activities like miniature golf and basketball on a Sports Deck!
Characters
It really wouldn’t be a Disney Cruise without the most beloved of all: Disney Characters. Guests will encounter favorites like Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, and the big cheeses themselves, Mickey and Minnie.
What is NOT Included:
There are still some things that guests have to pay extra for, although none of it is mandatory.
Airfare and Airport Transfers
Once guests get onboard there is a lot of complimentary options, but getting there is not part of the cruise fare. If a flight is needed that will have to be purchased separately and so will getting from the airport to the cruise port.
Both can be included with a package, but better deals can often be found separately. For those coming from Orlando International Airport, for instance, Happy Limo can shuttle guests to their cruise ship.
Specialty Dining
Each Disney Cruise Ship has at least one extremely high-quality dining experience. Palo, serving Northern Italian cuisine, is found on all ships while Remy, a French experience, is on the Dream and Fantasy. These restaurants are adults only and require an extra fee.
Alcoholic Drinks
Speaking of adults only, any alcoholic drink will have to be purchased separately.
Spa Treatments
Any treatments such as massages, manicures, or acupuncture will require an additional fee.
Excursions
Shore excursions are a great bonus of a cruise, getting to explore different places around the world, but they are not included in the base cruise fare. Guests are allowed to depart the ship without paying, but cruise ports are not always in the most interesting locations.
