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Disney Cruise Line

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6.0

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: March 4th, 2022
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The Good

  • Discounts and deals
  • Great amenities
  • Entertainment for all ages

Discounts and Deals

Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and onboard entertainment are covered in the price of the cruise fare. Residents of Florida and military personnel are eligible to receive special cruise rates. Each cruise kicks off with a dance party with beloved Disney characters. Disney characters make frequent appearances throughout the length of the cruise. Also, shipboard crew members receive extensive instruction needed to perform their duties and to take timely preventive or corrective action when necessary.

Great Amenities

Amenities include youth-oriented pools, miniature golf course, and basketball and volleyball courts. An onboard fitness center is available for guests over 18 years of age. At night, live shows and film screenings are provided. All ships host a Pirate Night featuring a themed dinner, deck party, and fireworks. Captain Hook and his pirate friends will come swinging in onboard the ship, singing and putting on a show for guests. Standard amenities found on all cruise ships include:
  • Staterooms
  • Youth Activities & Clubs
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
  • Pools
  • Nightclubs & Lounges
  • Spa and fitness

Entertainment for all Ages

Teenagers can play video games and babysitting services are available until midnight during the cruise. Teens can also participate in supervised parties free from adults. There are a number of themed bars, lounges, and nightclubs for the over 21 crowd to enjoy. Adults can relax kid-free at the secluded Quiet Cove Pool located on every ship or book a soothing treatment at the onboard spa.

Destinations

In recent years, Disney has expanded their reach allowing their guests to see different areas all over the world. With an increasing number of ships in their fleet, Disney is able to take families to new regions. These destinations include the following:
  • Alaska
  • Bahamas
  • California Coast
  • Canada and New England
  • Caribbean
  • Disney's Castaway Cay
  • Europe
  • Hawaii

Dining Options

Dining options are different than other mainstream cruise lines. Guests are not assigned to a specific restaurant or seating time based on room selection. Guests are allowed to rotate among the three main restaurants and still keep the same table mates and waiters. Adult-only restaurants are available for those who need some time away from children. You can also select between two different seating times upon boarding the ship.

Vacation Protection Plan

The Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan covers your family for certain unexpected circumstances and emergencies-both before and during your vacation. This plan includes travel insurance benefits underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company and a 24-hour helpline.
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The Bad

  • Service fees
  • No gourmet cuisine options
  • Adult-only restaurants cost extra

Service Fees

There are no casinos, but bingo is available. Do not expect peace and quiet, as most activities are geared for energetic and boisterous children. Many onboard activities cost extra and can add up quickly. Offshore excursions are not included in cruise fare. Medical facilities are onboard, but services provided incur extra charges. Also, prices vary dependent on the number of people, date selected, and length of cruise. Vacations to all locations vary between $7,000- $10,000 for a family of four. Additional charges on services can be anticipated as well. Service fees are charged for the following:
  • Meeting Facilities
  • Photography
  • Shopping

No Gourmet Cuisine

Do not expect gourmet cuisine. Disney Cruise Lines exclusively feature All-American dining with kid friendly choices. Meals and beverages are included in the price of the cruise. However, soft drinks purchased at bars will incur separate costs. Children who are not potty-trained are not allowed in the pools. They may splash in the nearby fountain area in swim diapers.

Adult-only Restaurants Cost Extra

Adult-only restaurants incur extra charges. Dinners cost $25-$75 depending on selection. Men are required to wear dress pants and shirts or jackets and women are required to wear slacks and nice shirts or dresses be allowed into these restaurants. Reservations may be required.
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The Bottom Line

If you are looking for the ultimate in family-friendly entertainment, Disney Cruise Lines is an excellent cruise choice. Fun activities are available for all ages. For those seeking a quiet and relaxing experience Disney Cruise Line may not be the best option.
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Star Rating

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4.8

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138 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

85%

4 grade

12%

3 grade

2%

2 grade

1%

1 grade

0%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Michael Silver Washington, DC

My wife, myself, and our two teenage sons took a cruise in late June, aboard the Dream. We ahd an amazing time! The teen club, Vibe, was a big hit with our sons, and they spent all their waking hours either at the club, or with friends they made there. On Castaway Cay, they went on a teen only excursion with many of these same teens, enjoying a fast rigid hull inflatable boat ride out to a reef where they went snokeling, and were able to view wild dolphins, sharks, barracuda, as well a myriad of colorful tropical fish! The food at the rotating venue restaurants was fantastic! My wife and I enjoyed the Broadway style shows, the bars, and of course the on shore excursions! We would definitely recommend Disney Cruise Lines, and plan on taking another family cruise! (Yes, it WAS very expensive!)

11 years ago

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Brayden Ibert Houston, TX

My family and I went on a Disney cruise last summer and it was amazing. The staff always wanted to help, had smiles on their faces, and made you feel welcomed. The ship was clean and comfortable for the price. I’m definitely going again.

6 years ago

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JDWain Tallahassee, FL

the Disney Cruise Lines are amazing, especially if you have little ones with you. There is so much to do and the staff members are second to none. Taking a Disney cruise is one of those things everyone should do once but probably only once because of the cost. much more expensive than a normal cruise line would be-but hey its Disney!

6 years ago

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Amber Saratoga Springs, UT

While expensive, Disney Cruise line is possible the best Cruise I have gone on. Not only is it great for the little kids, it is amazing for the teenagers and adults too. Their ships are beautiful and so clean. The food is amazing. I would go for every family vacation if I could afford it.

8 years ago

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Zabsanti New Orleans, LA

The Disney cruise line provides one of the best services I've ever seen. Their waiters are very responsive, their house keeping is very keen to spotless cleaning, and their room services are very polite.

6 years ago

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Shari Evers Lehi, UT

I think there’s high expecrations for anything Disney. Of course the magic was there and customer service was impeccable. It always is!! But just like everything else Disney the wallet hurts a little afterwards!

8 years ago

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KC Riverton, UT

The only cruise I've ever gone on was a Disney Cruise. Everything was so clean and well done. We loved the food, service, pools....and my kids LOVED the kids club. Definitely a great trip if you have young kids that are into the characters. The Castaway Cay was the best stop by far. That said, it was pretty expensive.

6 years ago

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Andrea Smith Idaho Falls, ID

Our family had a great time on our Disney Cruise. They ship was clean and beautiful, the food and entertainment were great, and the ports of call were lovely. We especially enjoyed the day at Disney's own island in the Caribbean because the beach wasn't crowded and it was beautiful. It is especially catered to families with children.

8 years ago

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Katlyn Hockman Houston, TX

Their cruises are a little over priced and arent too great for 15-20 year olds but the tend to be very family friendly and great for younger kids and their parents.

6 years ago

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Amanda Salt Lake City, UT

My first Cruise was a Disney Cruise over five years ago. I loved it all!!! I’ve been on Princess cruise lines and Disney’s cruise line was far superior. Disney’s was definitely more expensive but worth it!!

6 years ago

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Cam McClellan Magna, UT

If your kids love Disney like mine, you have to go on. Disney cruise. They are more money than regular cruises but our kids were in heaven seeing the shows and characters all the time.

6 years ago

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Doug Foerch Libertyville, IL

A great cruise line. They go overboard in providing customer service. They do everything very well. It is expensive though.

5 years ago Edited October 19, 2021

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Amanda Montebello, CA

I went on a 16 day Disney cruise and enjoyed being able to go through the Panama Canal. There were a lot of things to do both on and off the ship.

6 years ago

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Mark falkner Riverton, UT

Best cruise line ever. They do things right and super classy and everything g looks well built. Expensive AF though.

6 years ago

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amy rex ,

Took the Merrytime Christmas cruise. I loved everything about it, except the price

6 years ago

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Makayla Manus Gulfport, MS

So magical. The employees are absolutely wonderful and it's so much fun. Overall just really great.

6 years ago

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Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

Known as a larger cruise line reflecting the quality and services of the Disney resorts

6 years ago