5 Best Disney Cruise Ships for Your Next Family Adventure

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST DISNEY CRUISE SHIP FOR YOUR FAMILY? I CAN HELP WITH THAT!

There is no question that cruising has gained popularity in the travel universe in the last several decades. But gone are the days of cruises catering to older adults with no kids.

Cruising has become much more family-friendly, not only when it comes to Ports of Call and excursions, but also with cruise ship amenities. And nobody does family travel better than Disney!

In this guide you will find:

• A Breakdown of Each of Disney’s Cruise Ships
• The Best Things to Do on a Disney Cruise
• An Overview of Disney’s Two Private Islands

So let’s dive in and check out my list of the Best Disney Cruise Ships to consider when booking a Disney Cruise for your next family vacation!

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5 Best Disney Cruise Ships

Disney has a track record for creating family-friendly, magical theme parks. A little over 2 decades ago they decided to expand to the cruise industry. What started with just a single ship has grown into a whole fleet. The newest of these ships is about to set sail this winter!

Read on for my breakdown of the best Disney cruise ships and all that each ship has to offer!

1. Disney Wish

One of the newest ships from the Disney Cruise line is the Disney Wish. It set sail for the first time in the summer of 2022! It has quickly become a fan favorite among Disney cruise ships!

Staterooms

The staterooms on Disney Wish are no ordinary staterooms! I love how innovations equip each stateroom to ensure the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. The staterooms on the Disney Wish also feature artwork and subtle touches that celebrate iconic animated films and characters that Disney fans have grown to love!

There are 4 categories of staterooms to choose from on the Disney Wish: Concierge, Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside.

The Concierge level will have you living extravagantly with first-class amenities. The Royal Suite with Verandah is a 2 story suite that is inspired by the elegance of Sleeping Beauty. Choose between the Princess Aurora Royal Suite or the Briar Rose Royal Suite. Each suite boasts 2 main bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a private verandah with a whirlpool tub, a large living area, an open dining room, and a pantry stocked with water and sodas.

TRAVELISTA TIP: Staying in a Concierge Suite also gives you access to the Concierge Lounge area of the ship where you will get the VIP treatment!

Restaurants

Disney Wish is home to the first-ever Frozen-themed, theatrical dining experience. You will travel to the Kingdom of Arendelle, where Queen Anna and Kristoff are celebrating their engagement. Take in the festive music as you partake in hearty Norwegian-inspired cuisine.

For the little superheroes in your party, you can dine at the Avengers: Quantum Encounter where you can enjoy a worldly-inspired menu from classic American to rich African fare. Use an interactive Quantum Core located at your table to join Ant-Man and the Wasp on an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds all around you.

Amenities

The Disney Wish is full of the most interactive and innovative amenities found in the cruising world, which makes it one of the best Disney cruise ships!

Kids can be real Disney Imagineers by joining the Imagineering Lab. Through hands-on activities, they get a unique behind-the-scenes peek at how the magic is made. They can even try their hand at creating their own roller coaster-style attraction. Then they get to climb into a specially designed capsule to test it out!

And for the adults, pamper yourselves at the elegant Palo Steakhouse, an adults-only restaurant inspired by Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast. Dine on a delicious selection of premium steaks and prime Italian dishes. Adults can also escape to the Quiet Cove. This onboard oasis features an infinity pool, bar, and poolside lounge that spans an entire section of the ship’s upper decks.

Ports of Call

The inaugural season of the Disney Wish had it sailing only to the Bahamas to start. Don’t let the limited itineraries get you down, one special treat for guests of the Disney Cruise Line is the ability to visit Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay is no ordinary island in the Caribbean. Castaway Cay is specifically outfitted for family leisure. Ample sprawling beaches, water play areas, snorkeling lagoons with sea life, scenic walking trails, open-air dining locations, and souvenir shops make Castaway Cay a favorite for Disney cruise-goers.

TRAVELISTA TIP: Still not sure a Disney Cruise is worth the hype? Check out my post Is a Disney Cruise Worth It? to help you decide!

2. Disney Dream

The first of the Dream Class Disney Cruise Ships, the Disney Dream is one of the best Disney Cruise Ships!

Staterooms

Verandah Class of rooms on the Disney Dream are designed with private balconies and sweeping sea views. These accommodations are perfect for families of three to five people.

Disney Cruise Line thought of everything when designing these staterooms as a home away from home! These rooms include a sitting area with a couch and TV, a split bath with a vanity, sink, and shower in one section, and a tub in another part of the bathroom. Another bathroom has a private vanity, sink, and toilet. It is a great space to call home while cruising the seas!

Restaurants

From gourmet delights to casual fare, dining on the Disney Dream truly has something for everyone! You can feast at the Royal Palace and be treated like a king or queen in your own Disney fairytale. Guests will be treated to a mouthwatering meal of French and American cuisine while surrounded by the picturesque setting of classic Disney heroines.

For your casual dining options, you will find your favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the boardwalk-style, Cabanas. You can also enjoy a burger or pizza at Flo’s Cafe. If you are in the mood for a frozen treat, try Frozone Treat or Eye Scream.

TRAVELISTA TIP: You can grab a late-night snack from the comfort of your own stateroom with the complimentary, 24-hour in-room dining option.

Amenities

There are an almost endless amount of entertainment and recreation opportunities while sailing on the Disney Dream! Watch fireworks at sea, live shows like Beauty and the Beast, or the latest movie releases in the on-ship theater. You can also be greeted by your favorite Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie!

Adults can spend the day relaxing at Senses Spa & Salon before heading over to The District, the adults-only part of the ship. The District is home to the bars Skyline and Pink, a sports pub named 687 Pub, and even a club called Evolution.

Children will love the larger-than-life spaces created at the youth clubs and tweens can hang out at Edge, where videogames and movies are available just for them. And for the teens in the family, Vibe offers a place to mingle, dance, and enjoy karaoke with new friends.

Ports of Call

The Disney Dream will have you setting sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean in style! With warm weather and white sand beaches, you will love taking in the beauty and culture of the area. Explore Nassau with its Old World colonial charm, unique shopping, and fresh-caught seafood.

3. Disney Fantasy

The Disney Fantasy is a vessel designed with longer retreats in mind. You’ll find countless activities, eateries, and entertainment to partake in while you set sail on one of the best Disney Cruise ships!

Staterooms

The staterooms aboard the Disney Fantasy are designed with the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.

The Verandah class of staterooms allows you to breathe in the ocean air from your own private balcony. Choose from the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah or the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. Both provide spacious quarters, but the Deluxe Family stateroom can sleep up to 5 guests with a queen bed, single sofa sleeper, wall pull-down bed, and an upper berth pull-down bed.

If you are trying to keep your costs down, then maybe an Inside class of stateroom will suit your needs. The Inside staterooms have more space than you’ll find in the same class of other cruise lines but with that little bit of Disney touch! Even though you are in an Inside room, you will be able to see real-time ocean views through Magical Portholes in each room. The rooms are designed with a sitting area with couch, TV, and desk; a heavy privacy curtain that separates the sitting and sleeping areas; and a full bathroom with vanity, sink, shower, and tub!

Restaurants

On the Disney Fantasy, you will find a variety of dining choices. From restaurants with menus inspired by romantic destinations to restaurants with magical themes, there is something for everyone. And using Disney’s Rotational Dining, you will get to “rotate” to one of three different restaurants each day of your cruise.

The Animator’s Palate is a main dining restaurant that also includes a unique dinner show starring your favorite Disney characters! You will step inside a colorful restaurant filled with everything you would expect to find in an animator’s studio. The menu boasts a fusion of Pacific Island, Asian, and fresh Californian foods.

As you dine, enjoy a visit from some of your favorite Finding Nemo friends through digital animation and puppetry. And try your hand at drawing your own character and then watch it come to life and be part of the show!

Amenities

There is never a dull moment on the Disney Fantasy! Like most of the other ships in the Disney Cruise Line, you can enjoy fireworks at sea, character appearances and first-run movies while aboard the Disney Fantasy. But on the Disney Fantasy, you can also take in the hit Broadway-style productions of Aladdin and Frozen: a Musical Spectacular.

For some fun in the sun, take a thrill ride on AquaDuck, the wild water coaster with a twisting transparent tube. Kids can also have hands-on fun at the water play station known as AquaLab.

Adults also have access to the Quiet Cove Pool and Satellite Falls.

Ports of Call

Disney Fantasy sets sail to multiple destinations in the Caribbean. The western Caribbean destinations will find you landing in Costa Maya, Mexico where you can explore the pyramids of Chacchoben and the largest reef in Mexico, Banco Chinchorro.

When landing in the eastern Caribbean, you may find yourself exploring St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Spend the day on breathtaking beaches, shopping, golfing, and enjoying a variety of water sports in the natural beauty the islands have to offer.

4. Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder is one of the Classic Disney Cruise Ships in Disney’s fleet. I think that its combination of classic cruise design and modern innovations makes it one of the best Disney cruise ships to sail on!

Staterooms

Staterooms on any Disney cruise ship are designed with families in mind, and Disney Wonder is no exception! From cozy retreat to extravagant suite, Disney Wonder has a stateroom that’s perfect for your family!

The Concierge-level suites offer 1 or 2-bedroom suites with private verandahs. High-end finishes like marble, granite, and warm wood help create the feeling of luxury in these suites. Combine that with signature Concierge services from pre-arrival through your cruise stay, and you will be sailing in the lap of luxury on Disney Wonder.

If the Concierge level isn’t exactly in your budget, don’t worry, there is so much more to choose from! Disney Wonder has the most charming Oceanview staterooms! With roomy quarters and classic nautical motifs, Oceanview rooms allow you to admire the ocean scenery from your private room while still being in close proximity to restaurants and nightclubs.

Restaurants

We love the themed main dining options on the Disney Wonder! Dine “under the sea” at Triton’s featuring both American and French cuisine. You will be immersed in the underwater kingdom of the Little Mermaid when dining at this elegant restaurant named after her father.

Or if you have another Disney princess in mind, take in a meal at Tiana’s Place while being serenaded with live jazz music. You’ll feast on Louisiana-inspired Creole and Cajun cuisine that will be sure to make your mouth water!

Amenities

Children ages 3-12 years old can interact with their favorite Disney characters at Disney’s Oceaneer Club. The main gathering place inside of the Oceaneer Club is the central library.

From there, kids will adventure to 4 themed play spaces: Andy’s Room, a multi-level play area based on the Toy Story movies; Marvel Super Hero Academy, a top-secret command post where kids can craft and play games; Disney Junior, a play area full of Disney Junior pals; and Frozen Adventures, where they will join Olaf for a singalong and games.

Ports of Call

The Disney Wonder sails primarily on the West Coast of the United States. There are a variety of ports of call including Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, and Baja Mexico.

My absolute favorite port of call for the Dinsey Wonder would have to be Alaska! There is nothing like taking in the scenic grandeur of Alaska and doing it Disney style! You will get to explore historic ports like Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. You can even book additional Port Adventures that will give you a firsthand look at life in the rugged Alaskan wilderness!

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5. Disney Magic

The Disney Magic combines classic cruise ship nostalgia with modern amenities and adds Disney-level service which is why this ship rounds out our list of best Disney cruise ships.

Staterooms

Staterooms on Disney Magic range from standard inside staterooms all the way to concierge-level 2-bedroom suites!

Don’t let the thought of standard inside staterooms get you down. We know cruise ships are not generally known for their spacious rooms. Still, if you are booking a standard inside stateroom you may be pleasantly surprised to find that an inside stateroom on Disney Magic is more spacious than the same class of stateroom on other cruise lines. And if you are more interested in taking advantage of all of the amenities on board than you are relaxing in your room, you may find that a standard stateroom fits the bill perfectly!

An oceanview stateroom with a verandah may be the perfect stateroom for your family if you plan on spending a little more time relaxing in your own space. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom sleeps five people and has a sitting area with a couch, TV, and desk. But the real selling point for this stateroom is the private verandah! Spend your days and nights enjoying ocean views in between taking advantage of ship amenities and port-of-call excursions!

TRAVELISTA TIP: Family size, budget, view, and square footage are all things to take into consideration when choosing the perfect stateroom for your family!

Restaurants

Dining options on the Disney Magic make it one of the best Disney Cruise ships! From main dining to casual dining to adult-exclusive dining, there is something for everyone and every occasion!

A meal at Rapunzel’s Royal Table is a great treat for the little princess in your life! Your dining experience is a celebration of Rapunzel’s birthday and her return to the Kingdom of Corona. Throughout dinner, you will be dazzled with lots of singing and dancing as well as an appearance from Flynn Rider and Princess Rapunzel herself!

If you want to enjoy an adult-exclusive meal then Palo is the restaurant for you! Palo is named after the long poles used by gondoliers in Venice, and the name is fitting because you will find the most delicious Italian cooking at Palo! And for an additional fee, you can choose a wine pairing to go with your meal.

Amenities

Clients often ask, “What is there to do on a Disney cruise?” And my answer? There is so much! There are so many options when it comes to both entertainment and recreation while sailing on Disney Magic!

Watch live shows in the Walt Disney Theater, take part in karaoke and game nights, be greeted by your favorite Disney characters, and enjoy fireworks at sea.

Adults can enjoy some pampering at Senses Day Spa & Salon while the kids spend the afternoon at Disney’s Oceaneer Club. And the whole family can come back together to splash in Goofy’s Pool or take a thrilling ride on the onboard water slide, the AquaDunk.

Ports of Call

With so much to do on Disney Magic, it is easy to forget that you will also be heading for some of the most beautiful ports of call in the world! The Disney Magic has a great variety of cruise destinations including the Bahamas and their own private island called Castaway Cay, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Transatlantic cruises, New England/Canada destinations, and many ports of call in Europe!

TRAVELISTA TIP: Castaway Cay is the 2019 Crusie Critic Destination award winner for Best Cruise Line Private Island!

Bonus: Disney Treasure!

Disney Cruise Line enchants the seas once again with its latest addition, the Disney Treasure. This new vessel offers an unparalleled experience for families and Disney enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into what the Disney Treasure brings to your next family vacation!

Staterooms

The staterooms on Disney Treasure are more than just a place to sleep—they’re an extension of the magical experience onboard. Every room is meticulously themed, reflecting Disney’s renowned attention to detail and storytelling. Whether you choose a Concierge Suite for its luxurious amenities and exclusive access to private areas of the ship or an Oceanview room for stunning sea views, each stateroom delivers comfort and whimsy. Families especially appreciate the cleverly designed spaces that maximize comfort and privacy.

Restaurants

Dining aboard the Disney Treasure is a journey through culinary magic and storytelling. Families will be delighted by the “Coco”-themed theatrical dining experience, a vibrant fiesta celebrating the beloved film. For adults seeking a unique and immersive experience, the ship introduces The Haunted Mansion Parlor. This adult-only lounge is inspired by the iconic Disney attraction, offering a mysterious and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for sipping cocktails and unwinding. The combination of themed dining and lounges ensures that every meal onboard the Disney Treasure is an unforgettable adventure.

Amenities

The Disney Treasure is a floating wonderland of entertainment and relaxation. The ship debuts Disney The Tale of Moana, a Broadway-style musical that brings Moana’s story to life in spectacular fashion. Alongside this, the ship features amenities for all ages, including interactive play areas for children, tranquil lounges for adults, and pools and theaters the whole family can enjoy.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The ship also includes the AquaMouse water attraction, complete with a brand-new storyline that immerses riders in a whimsical Disney adventure as they splash and swoop through the water.

In true Disney Cruise Line fashion, the Disney Treasure offers a variety of clubs and activities tailored for children, tweens, and teens. The Marvel Super Hero Academy is a highlight for young guests, giving them the chance to train and interact with their favorite superheroes. The Walt Disney Imagineering Lab offers a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain of Disney’s creative process, inspiring the next generation of dreamers and doers.

These, along with other themed areas and activities, make the Disney Treasure a floating wonderland of fun and imagination for all ages.

Ports of Call

The Disney Treasure will debut with 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Western Caribbean cruises include stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Jamaica, while the Eastern Caribbean cruises explore the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Each journey also includes a visit to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

What is the Difference Between the Classic Disney Cruise Ships and the Newer Disney Cruise Ships?

There are currently 6 active ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. These ships can be broken down into two classes of ship: the Classic Disney Cruise Ships and the Dream Class Ships.

The Classic ships consist of the original Disney Cruise Line Ships: the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. The Dream Class are the four newest ships: the Disney Treasure, Disney Fantasy, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Wish. So other than age, how are these two classes of Disney Cruise ships different?

✔️Size and Capacity – the most obvious difference between the two classes of ships is their physical size. The Dream Class of ships are longer, wider, and heavier than the Classic Disney Cruise Ships. The physical size difference is most apparent in the lobbies, but there are also more passenger decks on the Dream Class ships as well.

✔️Staterooms – For the most part, the basic layout, size, and feel of the staterooms are the same across both classes of ships. The biggest difference for inside staterooms however is the addition of virtual portholes in all Dream Class ships. The TVs on the Dream Class ships have On Demand which is a convenient feature.

✔️Itineraries – Another huge difference between the class of ships is the itineraries. The Disney Wonder is the only ship that will fit through the Panama Canal, so it sails on any West coast itineraries, while the Magic is the go-to ship for Europe itineraries in the summer. The Dream Class ships stick with their usual itineraries out of Port Canaveral, visiting primarily the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Best Things To Do on a Disney Cruise

You will never be at a loss for things to do on a Disney Cruise Ship! There are so many things to take in for kids, adults, and the whole family.

For the Kids. Each Disney Cruise Ship has something for the kids in mind! The “It’s a Small World” Nursery is a place for the youngest cruisers to play games, make crafts, and watch movies. Disney’s Oceaneer Clubs allow children ages 3 to 12 years to take part in so many adventures! From playing in Andy’s Room to flying the Millennial Falcon to creating their own rollercoaster; the Oceaneer’s Club keeps kids coming back for more!

For the Teens. Disney hasn’t forgotten about the tweens and teens in the family! Edge Youth Club is a special place for tweens to watch movies, play games, create arts and crafts, and just hang out. And for the teens, Vibe is the place to be! A haven for teens to relax during the day and have dance parties at night, Vibe is the exclusive club for teen travelers.

For the Adults. And what do the adults do while the kids are enjoying their activities? They participate in the adult-exclusive amenities! Disney Cruise Ships offer adult-exclusive restaurants and lounges, beverage tastings, champagne bars, and pubs. At night some of these venues turn into nightclubs with music and dancing! The adults in the family can also access adult-exclusive spas and pools as well.

For the Whole Family. When you think Disney you think family fun. So what are the things that the whole family can enjoy together on a Disney cruise? There are tons of restaurant selections including main and quick dining. Characters will spontaneously appear to greet cruisers. Pools and water slides offer a refreshing activity. Even nightly fireworks and live shows also are available for families to enjoy together.

Disney’s Private Islands

Embarking on a Disney cruise offers more than just a journey across the sea; it’s a ticket to paradise with stops at Disney’s exclusive private islands. These slices of heaven provide a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making them a highlight of any Disney cruise itinerary.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is a tropical utopia reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. This idyllic retreat is famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and an array of activities for every age and interest.

Families can enjoy a day of snorkeling, biking, and kayaking, or simply relax on the sun-kissed beaches. For those seeking a more serene escape, Serenity Bay, an adults-only beach area, offers a tranquil haven with hammocks and a dedicated bar. Kids will be thrilled with Pelican Plunge, a water play area complete with slides and water cannons.

Castaway Cay encapsulates the perfect blend of Disney magic and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable day for all.

TRAVELISTA TIP: Check out all of the features of Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay HERE.

Lighthouse Point

Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination, is now welcoming cruisers! Located on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, this retreat showcases the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Guests experience the same level of detail and enchantment that Disney is known for. With pristine beaches, fun activities for the whole family, and opportunities to connect with vibrant Bahamian culture, Lighthouse Point offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and Disney charm.

Best Disney Cruise Ship: Frequently Asked Questions

There are so many things to consider when you are booking a Disney Cruise! Read on to see some of the frequently asked questions when considering which is the best Disney cruise ship for your next family vacation!

Which Disney Cruise is Best for Adults?

The first frequently asked question is which Disney cruise is best for adults. While there are no Disney cruises exclusively for adults, there are lots of adult-only amenities found on all of the Disney Cruise Line ships. If you are looking for a more adult-only vibe, you may choose to consider the ports of call that might cater better to adults. An Alaskan or Mediterranean cruise might offer just the adult-exclusive feel you are looking for.

What is the Best Location on a Disney Cruise Ship?

Does it really matter where your cabin is located on a Cruise ship? I tend to think so, but it all comes down to personal preference and how you like to vacation.

If you are cruising to relax and enjoy a slower pace, you may want to find a cabin that is tucked away from all of the busiest amenities. Plan on going from sun up to sundown? A room closer to the action would be perfect for you. Cabins on the back of the ship tend to have the best views. Midship cabins offer more stability and are best for those who are prone to seasickness.

How to Book Your Disney Cruise

If you are ready to set sail on your own Disney Cruise there is no better time than the present!

There are many things to consider when booking your Disney Cruise. The time of year, your ship of choice, and your itinerary are all big things to decide on. You will also need to decide which kind of stateroom will best suit your family’s needs. Which location on the ship you would like to be on could be a factor as well.

Because booking a Disney Cruise has so many working parts, the best way to get started is by contacting a Disney vacation planner. Click the box below and we can get started planning the most magical Disney Cruise for your next family vacation! And remember, when booking a Disney Cruise with me, my services are always free!

Final Thoughts: Best Disney Cruise Ships

As you can see, Disney has changed the cruising industry a bit in the last several decades! And with this list of Best Disney Cruise Ships, I know you will find the perfect ship and itinerary for your family’s next vacation!

Happy Sailing!

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