Disney Cruise Line
4.8
6.0
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
LAST UPDATED: March 4th, 2022
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.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.The Bottom Line
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Cyndi Eisele Burns Oviedo, FL
We have been on multiple Disney Cruises and have never been disappointed. We also have cruised Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean but Disney is our favorite..until maybe now. Anytime we have had an issue with Disney (which isn't very often) they have been responsive and taken care of the situation, until now. We purchased the insurance through Disney and my father was not able to go due to illness. This was in march of 2015. The insurance has been stalling and giving us the runaround since then. I am extremely disappointed in Disney since this is the company they endorse for their insurance. The claim we have is valid and well documented but yet we are still getting the run around. So buyer be ware.
11 years ago
