Are you dreaming of your next vacation but not sure where to go? Or have you been thinking about a cruise, but don't know if it's right for you? I'd like to walk you through just a few of the reasons why cruises can be an amazing option for you -- and why Disney cruises in particular are a cut above.
To start, cruises are more popular now than they've ever been. In fact, cruise passenger numbers in 2023 exceeded pre-pandemic levels, and this trend is expected to rise. Cruise lines around the world are feverishly building new ships just to meet this growing demand! With modern amenities, diverse destinations, and an increasing focus on sustainability, cruises are an increasingly solid choice for a dream getaway. And from families to couples to solo adventurers, Disney cruises elevate this experience to new heights.
As of early 2024, Disney Cruise Line operates five ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Wish. Later this year, they plan to launch the Disney Treasure, with the Disney Adventure and Disney Destiny to follow. Destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, the Mediterranean, Australia and the Pacific, Transatlantic cruises, and many more besides. New itineraries will likely be added with the new ships as well. Disney ships boast a classic ocean liner-inspired design, with sleek lines and art deco and nouveau touches, and a wide range of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options. Let's explain some of what makes Disney special.
The Kid Stuff
Disney is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, and Disney Cruise Line is no exception. The very moment you board, the crew announces your family by name, and you're greeted by a welcoming reception and a host of Disney characters. Every menu has a wide range of kid-friendly options, from the famous chicken tenders to a large selection of more adventurous, but still accessible, options for expanding palates. Broadway-style performances and themed deck parties present high-impact spectacle, and will scratch the itch for singing along to Disney tunes.
Pools and waterslides are also plentiful on a Disney cruise! Catering to a kids (and grown-ups!) across a wide age range, you can enjoy everything from a Toy Story-themed splash pad, to a playground filled with leaky buckets and spraying pipes built by Donald Duck and his nephews, to waterslides that race around the entire top deck, or plunge three stories in a high-speed thrill. The AquaMouse water coaster even incorporates original Mickey Mouse cartoons, for the first ever Disney attraction at sea.
Even with all of that, the one thing Disney does the absolute best among the major cruise lines, are their kids clubs. Three different clubs cover separate age ranges: The Oceaneer Club / Oceaneer Lab, for kids 3-10, Edge for 11-14, and Vibe for 14-17. Each of these has their own dedicated spaces, Disney-trained counselors, activities, and atmosphere. There's also the "it's a small world" nursery for those little passengers under 3; this is the only one of the kid's club options that requires an additional fee. Dance parties, treasure hunts, movies, video games, exclusive takeovers of pool spaces, sports decks, and water slides, private teen swimming areas and sun decks, and exclusive club space on Disney's private islands, are just a few of the possibilities your kids can dive into.
What makes these clubs so great is that parents can relax knowing that their kids are well taken care of and entertained by Disney-trained youth counselors, so they can slip away for a bit of grown-up time (more on that next!) without worry or guilt. Counselors are always immediately available by text, and the club spaces are just steps away from the rest of the ship, so when you're relaxed and ready, you can pick up your kiddos and get right back into family time.
The Adult Stuff
So, great: lots of family-friendly appeal! But what about the grown ups? Disney cruises also cater to adult travelers seeking luxury and sophistication, whether you're a couple looking for a romantic getaway, to solo travelers looking for adventure.
I'll start by noting that you can immerse yourself as much or as little as you want into the "Disney" aspect of a Disney cruise. If you're the kind of adult who also wants to get your picture taken with Cinderella, the crew will be thrilled to accommodate! If you'd rather relax and enjoy some peace and quiet with nary a Mickey ear to be seen, they have you covered there too.
The fleet boasts a range of upscale accommodations, including concierge-level staterooms and spacious suites, up to and including a growing range of Tower Suites: ultra-deluxe two-story confections perched inside the forward funnel, that sleep up to 8. Adult-only areas like the Cove Pool or Serenity Bay provide quiet retreats where adults can relax in the sun and sea without youthful intrusion, and the tranquil Senses Spa & Salon provides world-class services and treatments for the best in relaxation and rejuvenation. Some ships, like Disney Wish, have special facilities like Hook's Barbery, where gents can get a shave and a treat from the secret whiskey bar.
There are dozens of nightclubs and lounges across the fleet, from the casual O'Gill's Pub to the jazzy Soul Cat Lounge to the out-of-this-world experience at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. Many of these also offer beverage tasting experiences, led by expert bartenders and sommeliers. And for those guests who want to explore beyond the (many, exceptional) included dining options, the ambience, luxury, cuisine, and service of Remy, Palo, or Enchanté create truly showstopping meals. A personal favorite: after the kids have breakfast, get them settled with their favorite counselor at the kids' club, get a little dressed up, and enjoy some rare couple time at a Remy brunch, as you look out over the sea from the top of the ship!
And More!
We haven't even touched on the unlimited soft serve ice cream, or the private cabanas on both of Disney's exclusive islands, or the included 24-hour room service, or the port adventures as you trot around the globe. There's a lot more to a Disney cruise, and a lot more reasons to consider one for your next vacation! Drop me a line at chris@secondstaradventure.com if you have questions, or dive in and book a free consultation if you want to know more! I'd love to help find the perfect itinerary for you!
