In the realm of luxury travel, The Pursuitist, as the ultimate insider, has scoured the globe, delving into the richest, most tantalizing, and uniquely refined experiences the world has to offer. Our quest for excellence has led us to magical kingdoms and fantastical realms, out on the high seas aboard some of the world’s most opulent cruise lines. Today, we unveil a ranking of the most magical of family vacation experiences: Disney Cruise Line’s fleet. Based on unparalleled guest service, imaginative storytelling, legendary Disney magic, and awe-inspiring entertainment, we present to you the top five best Disney Cruises, with the astounding ‘Disney Wish’ clinching the top spot.
Disney Wish
Disney’s newest cruise ship, the ‘Disney Wish,’ stands as the epitome of luxury family travel. This marvelous nautical vessel is an encapsulation of all things Disney — imbued with elegance, extravagance, and enchantment.
Dining: The culinary experience on board ‘Disney Wish’ is a gastronomical adventure that leaves no stone unturned. ‘Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure’ treats guests to a theatrical dining experience featuring their beloved characters from ‘Frozen,’ while ‘Worlds of Marvel’ serves a cinematic dining spectacle with the Avengers. For an adult-exclusive dining experience, there’s ‘Palo Steakhouse,’ where you’ll indulge in the finest steaks, seafood, and world-class wines.
Entertainment: The enchantment never wanes on ‘Disney Wish,’ thanks to a plethora of entertainment options. The mesmerizing ‘Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular,’ the riveting ‘Walt Disney Theatre,’ and the high-tech ‘Hero Zone’ are just a few of the options that cater to every age and interest.
Experiences and Routes: With a wide variety of routes, ‘Disney Wish’ sails through the Caribbean, offering guests turquoise waters and pristine beaches. The Disney private island, Castaway Cay, is a frequent stop, offering a unique, immersive Disney beach experience.
Pursuitist Tips: Booking for Disney Wish should be made well in advance due to its popularity. Plan your onboard activities, dining, and entertainment options before setting sail to make the most of your trip.
Key Takeaways:
- Embark on a culinary journey with diverse dining options.
- Engage in a variety of entertainment experiences.
- Explore the Caribbean and Castaway Cay.
- Plan and book this hot cruise in advance.
Disney Fantasy
In second place, we have the elegant ‘Disney Fantasy.’ A marvel of maritime engineering, this cruise ship invites guests to immerse themselves in the grandeur of classic Disney storytelling.
Dining: Dining on ‘Disney Fantasy’ is a blend of themed dining and casual fare. Signature restaurants like ‘Animator’s Palate’ offer a unique combination of fine dining and Disney magic, while ‘Cabanas’ is a laid-back buffet-style restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
Entertainment: From the Broadway-style spectacle ‘Disney’s Believe’ to the pirate-themed deck parties, ‘Disney Fantasy’ offers a dizzying array of entertainment options.
Experiences and Routes: With various routes through the Caribbean and a pit stop at Castaway Cay, the cruise provides plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Pursuitist Tips: Opt for dining rotations to experience different restaurants and take advantage of the Kids Clubs to enjoy some adult-only activities.
Key Takeaways:
- Enjoy a blend of themed dining and casual fare.
- Take part in a variety of onboard entertainment options.
- Explore various routes through the Caribbean.
- Utilize the Kids Clubs for some adult-only time.
Disney Dream
Third on the list is ‘Disney Dream.’ This vessel offers the classic Disney Cruise Line experience, combining the company’s signature storytelling with a host of modern amenities.
Dining: From the undersea wonder of ‘Enchanted Garden’ to the decadence of ‘Remy,’ ‘Disney Dream’ offers a myriad of dining options to satisfy all culinary desires.
Entertainment: ‘Disney Dream’ is a haven for entertainment, offering original Broadway-style productions, first-run movies, and immersive kids clubs that transform every moment into a magical one.
Experiences and Routes: Sailing to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay, ‘Disney Dream’ provides guests with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and explore exotic locales.
Pursuitist Tips: Book your tickets for ‘Remy’ in advance and reserve your spot for popular shows as early as possible.
Key Takeaways:
- Experience unique and diverse dining options.
- Indulge in a range of entertainment activities.
- Sail to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay.
- Book your dining and entertainment experiences early.
Disney Magic
The venerable ‘Disney Magic,’ a ship that set the standard for all Disney cruise ships to follow, ranks fourth on our list.
Dining: ‘Disney Magic’ offers a mix of dining experiences, from the elegance of ‘Lumière’s’ to the vibrant atmosphere of ‘Animator’s Palate.’
Entertainment: ‘Disney Magic’ is all about classic Disney charm, offering a range of Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, and themed deck parties.
Experiences and Routes: ‘Disney Magic’ offers varied routes including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean, giving guests a taste of international travel.
Pursuitist Tips: To maximize the experience, plan for shore excursions, especially on European routes.
Key Takeaways:
- Enjoy classic and themed dining experiences.
- Participate in traditional Disney entertainment.
- Explore varied routes including Europe and the Caribbean.
- Plan for shore excursions for an enriched travel experience.
Disney Wonder
Finally, we have the ‘Disney Wonder,’ a vessel imbued with the timeless charm and enchantment that are synonymous with Disney.
Dining: ‘Disney Wonder’ offers everything from the princess-themed ‘Triton’s’ to the New Orleans-themed ‘Tiana’s Place.’
Entertainment: The ship features an array of entertainment options, from the Broadway-style ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular’ to the dazzling ‘Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic.’
Experiences and Routes: Sailing along the Pacific Coast, through the Panama Canal, and to Alaska, ‘Disney Wonder’ offers a range of awe-inspiring routes.
Pursuitist Tips: Take advantage of the ship’s spa and adult-only areas for some relaxation amidst all the fun.
Key Takeaways:
- Indulge in varied and themed dining experiences.
- Enjoy a host of entertainment options.
- Experience diverse routes, including the Pacific Coast and Alaska.
- Utilize the spa and adult-only areas for relaxation.
How to take a Disney Cruise 101:
Planning Your Cruise:
- Choose Your Cruise: Begin your journey by choosing the cruise ship and itinerary that suits your desires and preferences. Disney Cruise Line offers a plethora of options, from shorter 3-4 night Bahamian cruises to longer 7-night cruises through the Caribbean or Alaska, or even transatlantic or Panama Canal cruises. Each of the ships — Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder — offers different experiences, so research beforehand to pick the one that appeals to you the most.
- Book Your Cruise: Once you’ve decided on a cruise, it’s time to make the booking. You can book a Disney Cruise through Disney Cruise Line directly on their website or over the phone, or through a travel agent. You’ll be asked to choose a stateroom category — inside, oceanview, verandah, or concierge — and make a deposit.
Getting to Your Disney Cruise:
- Arrange Transportation: Most Disney cruises depart from Port Canaveral in Florida, Miami, or other locations such as New Orleans, Galveston, and San Diego. Disney Cruise Line also offers some departures from Europe and Canada. You’ll need to arrange transportation to the departure port. If you’re flying, book a flight to the nearest airport and then consider Disney’s ground transportation to get you from the airport to the port, or use a taxi, rideshare service, or rental car.
- Check-In: Once you arrive at the port, you’ll go through a check-in process at the Disney Cruise Line terminal. You’ll need your cruise documents, passports or other ID, and the credit card you plan to use for onboard charges.
- Board the Ship: After check-in, you’ll wait in the terminal until your boarding group is called. Then, you’ll walk up the gangway and onto the ship.
Onboard Your Disney Cruise:
- Explore the Ship: Once onboard, take some time to explore the ship, familiarize yourself with the layout, and check out the various restaurants, entertainment venues, pools, and other facilities.
- Planning Activities: Most of your meals, shows, and activities are included in your cruise fare, but some experiences like adult-exclusive dining, spa services, or port adventures need to be booked separately. Plan your activities for each day, keeping in mind that dinner seating, showtimes, and character meet-and-greet schedules may vary.
- Enjoy Your Cruise: With everything in place, all that’s left to do is to enjoy your cruise! Attend the scheduled activities, enjoy the onboard amenities, and make the most of your time at sea and in port.
Disney cruises are designed to provide a magical experience for guests of all ages. By following this basic 101 guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your voyage and can focus on creating unforgettable memories.
The Cost of a Disney Cruise:
The overall cost of a Disney Cruise can range from $1,800 to $7,000 per person, depending on the length of the cruise, type of stateroom, and time of year. These prices include meals, most entertainment options, and certain onboard activities. However, spa treatments, adult-exclusive dining, alcoholic beverages, and shore excursions cost extra.
To get to your Disney Cruise, you can book a flight to the port city and then take a taxi or a shuttle to the cruise terminal. Alternatively, Disney offers ground transportation services from selected airports for an additional cost.
Pursuitist Tips: To save money, book your cruise during the off-peak season. Also, consider booking your flights and ground transportation independently to find the best deals.
Key Takeaways:
- Costs vary depending on various factors.
- Plan your transportation to the cruise terminal.
- Consider booking during the off-peak season to save money.
Pursuitist Final Take:
When it comes to combining opulence with immersive storytelling, no one does it quite like Disney Cruise Line. Each of their cruises offers a unique blend of luxury and whimsy, promising a journey filled with gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. As the luxury travel insider, The Pursuitist has seen the world, but nothing compares to the enchantment of a Disney Cruise. So, whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, remember: Disney magic is just a cruise away.
