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Disney Just Bought the World’s 7th-Largest Cruise Ship, the 1,122-Foot ‘Global Dream’

Disney just bought a ship as big as one of its blockbuster movies.

The entertainment conglomerate announced earlier this week that it had purchased Global Dream , the sister ship of what was expected to be the world’s largest cruise ship before it was scrapped because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Disney will now finish building the infamous boat’s sibling, with a goal of completing construction by 2025.

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Global Dream has been sitting unfinished at the former MV Werften shipyard in Germany since the shipbuilder filed for bankruptcy earlier this year because of the pandemic. Disney plans to work with another of the country’s shipbuilders, Meyer Werft , to finish the construction of the boat. Once complete, the ship will be renamed and decorated with the Mickey Mouse-inspired colors found on the rest of Disney Cruise Line ships, according to a press release.

No amenities have been announced yet, but the company said the ship will feature “innovative Disney experiences along with the dazzling entertainment, world-class dining and legendary guest service that set Disney Cruise Line apart.” The ship, which will be based outside of the US, will also be one of the first fueled by low-emission green ethanol.

The finished boat will have room for 6,000 passengers and around 2,300 crew members. That would make it smaller than its sister was expected to be— Global Dream II was supposed to have room for 9,000 passengers—but the 208,000-gross-ton boat will still be the world’s seventh largest and the largest in Disney’s fleet. The conglomerate did not reveal how much it paid for the Global Dream , other than to say it was secured at a “favorable price.”

“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said in a statement.

No matter what happens to the ship, it will be a better fate than befell its sibling. Global Dream II was also in the process of being built by MV Werften when the company declared bankruptcy. Earlier this year, the project was scrapped entirely, despite having already cost $1.4 billion, according to Jalopnik . Nearly a quarter of a billion dollars would be required to complete construction, which might explain why no one has attempted to salvage the project.

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Inside Disney’s Strange Decision To Buy a GIANT Cruise Ship

By Sara McOmber 1 Comment

The brand-new Disney Wish cruise ship just had her maiden voyage in the summer of 2022, but Disney has apparently already moved on to the next ship in the company’s fleet. And no, we don’t mean the Disney Treasure .

Disney just bought a HUGE cruise ship called the Global Dream at a price that some experts are calling ridiculously low. However, the bargain deal doesn’t completely explain what appears to be a very strange choice. Let’s take a closer look at Disney’s recent purchase.

First, here’s a little bit of background about what’s going on.

Disney Bought a Big Ship

OK, so the Global Dream might be more than just a “big ship.” In fact, it’s one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and it’s bigger than Disney’s largest ship (the Disney Wish) by 64,000 TONS. German finance and news site Capital reported that Disney purchased the ship for 40 million euros (about $41.5 million US dollars ).

While $40 million sounds like quite the price tag to most of us, that’s a shockingly low price for a cruise ship. Originally, the Global Dream was estimated to cost 1.8 billion euros (about $1.87 billion US dollars), which means that Disney got the ship for less than 3% of the estimated price.

The Global Dream is 75% completed , so Disney will have some work to do before it’ll be ready to sail. Disney was the only buyer interested in purchasing the ship,

According to The Maritime Executive , “The liquidator for the shipyard had been seeking a buyer for the cruise ship preferring a company that would complete the ship in Germany to also provide employment for the workers of the closed shipyard in Wismar.” Some other interested parties dropped out of the picture, and Disney completed the purchase, agreeing to finish the ship in the Wismar shipyard with Meyer Werft (the original owner) supervising the project.

Why the Global Dream Was For Sale and Why Disney Bought It

So why was the Global Dream sold for such a low price? Capital reports that the shipbuilder MV Werften went bankrupt at the beginning of 2022, so the company was unable to complete the ship. A couple of other cruise companies (such as the Swedish Stena Group) expressed interest in purchasing the ship initially, but the negotiations ultimately fell through.

©TradeWinds

As a result of the failed negotiations, Disney was the only interested group, and the company had little choice but to accept their offer. The insolvency administrator said, “Disney offered the highest purchase price. It’s the price of taking that entrepreneurial risk .”

As to why Disney purchased the ship, the obvious reason appears to be the ridiculously low price tag . If the ship was expected to cost $1.8 billion and ended up selling for $41.5 million, Disney got the Black Friday deal of the century. The purchase price was only 2.2% of that expected $1.8 billion , so Disney saved serious cash compared to the cost of building a new ship from scratch.

CNBC reports that “the average cost of producing a cruise liner” is about $617 million , but the price of larger cruise ships (like the Disney Wish) is “estimated to cost closer to $1 billion .” The Global Dream is significantly larger than the Wish, so that price is looking better and better.

Speaking of the ship’s size, that was likely another reason that Disney was interested in the vessel. According to The Maritime Executive , with the acquisition of the Global Dream, “ Disney will become only the third cruise line to have a ship over 200,000 gross tons . The Global Dream potentially will be the industry’s eleventh largest cruise ship, behind two classes of ships owned by Royal Caribbean International and a new class of ships being launched by MSC Cruises.”

Concept art of the Global Dream ©Traveller.com

The Global Dream will have a capacity of 6,000 passengers and 2,300 crew (according to Travel Weekly ), which is 2,000 more passengers and 745 more crew than the Wish can hold. Travel Weekly reports that “ the ship will give Disney a huge capacity bump at a time when the line is already growing.”

What’s WEIRD About It

Now you’ve got the gist of this situation: Disney bought a huge ship at a (relatively) tiny price, and that ship can seriously increase the Disney Cruise Line’s capacity. Makes sense, right? Actually, there are a couple of things about this purchase that still seem very strange .

First of all, Disney’s acquisition of the Global Dream comes right in the midst of some other huge cruise plans. Right now, Disney is in the middle of building 3 Triton-Class ships , one of which is the recently-debuted Disney Wish . The other 2 will come out in 2024 and 2025, including the Disney Treasure and another yet-to-be-officially-named ship. (Before you ask, Disney has said that the Global Dream will NOT become the 3rd of this Triton Class set .)

Disney Treasure ©Disney

However, the Global Dream is expected to be finished around the same time as that 3rd and final Triton Class ship , in 2025. Travel Weekly reported that “Two ships are on order and slated to enter service by 2025, the same year Disney expects the renamed Global Dream to debut. Disney said the additional ship will not impact its delivery plans.” The timing sounds like it could be tricky, as Disney will attempt to complete and release 2 new cruise ships in the same year.

Disney Treasure Grand Hall Concept Art ©Disney

In addition to the busy schedule, Disney also has to deal with the risk of buying a different company’s ship. Capital reported that “ Disney will accept the ship without warranty claims and will complete and rebuild it at its own risk and expense.” Disney will be working to complete the ship in Wismar, which will involve changing some existing elements on the ship to better fit the company’s needs.

Capital expects that it will cost another $1.04 billion for Disney to finish the ship . So although Disney got a bargain price on the 75% completed ship, that final 25% is going to be pricey . In a recent report filed with the SEC, Disney stated, “Disney Cruise Line will incur the cost to complete construction with total costs anticipated to be less than our recent fleet additions .”

Aside from completing the ship, Disney will need to “Disney-fy” the existing parts, which will mean repainting the hull “for the traditional black and gold Disney livery with the Mickey Mouse logos” and likely removing the casino that’s already onboard.

Travel Weekly posed the question as well: “Another question is how Disney will inject its brand personality onto a vessel that was 75% completed for a different cruise line .” Although the ship is going to be finished at the MV Werften shipyard, it will still be overseen by Meyer Werft, who built the Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Wish cruise ships.

What’s the Plan Now?

Disney will continue to work on the ship and hopefully meet their 2025 deadline. Once the ship is finished, it will likely be based outside of the U.S. Travel Weekly said, “ The Dream was built for the Asian market, and agents who sell Disney predict the ship would do well there given that the region already supports several Disney theme parks.”

Tokyo Disneyland

The Disney Cruise Line currently does not have any sailings to Asia, so this would open up a whole new area of the world for the company. We’ll have to wait and see what the ship will end up looking like and where it will go!

We’ll continue to watch for more updates from Disney, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news.

Click here to learn more about the Disney Cruise Line.

What you need to know about disney cruise line, learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

What do you think of Disney’s decision to buy the Global Dream? Let us know in the comments.

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Disney buys world’s biggest cruise ship destined for scrapyard

Mega-liner, which cost $1.8bn to build, has been on market for 10 months, article bookmarked.

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The world’s biggest cruise ship has been bought by Disney after 10 months on the market, saving it from being sold for scrap.

The 9,000-passenger, 20-deck vessel, Global Dream II , was designed with an outdoor waterpark and a plush cinema, but has never left the dock.

Built by German-Hong Kong business MV Werften, it was abandoned after the company filed for bankruptcy in January 2022.

Disney confirmed on Wednesday that it had bought the vessel for “a favourable price”, though the company did not disclose the sum.

“Disney cruise ships provide the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

The entertainment giant said it planned to “reimagine” the Global Dream II before it officially joins Disney Cruise Line in 2025, working with MV Werften to complete the vessel at their Wismar shipyard.

The mega-liner reportedly cost $1.8bn (£1.51bn) to build.

Along with sibling ship Global Dream, it would have been the world’s biggest cruise ship by passenger capacity.

In June MV Werften administrator Christoph Morgen told a press conference that the ship would be scrapped for parts.

Mr Morgen said that the company’s shipyard in Wismar had been sold to Thyssenkrupp’s naval unit, which will use it to build military vessels.

One of the issues in reselling the Global Dream vessels is that they were designed for the Asian market, according to German cruise magazine An Bord .

It reported that the “cabin, deck and propulsion system” of the ships would need considerable changes before they would be suitable for use in Europe or North America.

In October, Royal Caribbean announced plans for a new cruise ship which, when built, will be the largest liner in the world by size.

The Icon of the Seas will launch in January 202, overtaking the Wonder of the Seas, another Royal Caribbean cruise liner that currently holds the title .

The Wonder of the Seas can accommodate 6,988 passengers - more than 2,000 fewer than the Global Dream II - but measures 362m long and 64m wide to Global’s 342m length and 46m width.

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Disney Buys Unfinished Sister of Scrapped 'World's Largest Cruise Ship'

Global dream ii, the world's largest cruise ship by passenger count, was scrapped before it ever set sail. disney cruise line just purchased its twin..

Disney Cruise Line has announced it’s bought what is expected to be the world’s largest cruise ship when it is finished. Global Dream, the sister ship to the now-scrapped Global Dream II , has been sitting partially finished since German-Hong Kong shipbuilder MV Werften went bankrupt earlier this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Disney says it will work with Meyer Werft, another German shipbuilder who the mouse has worked with before, to finish the yet-to-be-renamed Global Dream. It’s expected to set sail sometime in 2025 with a capacity of around 6,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members. That’s down from the 9,000 passengers Global Dream II was expected to be able to carry. Sadly, that will take Global Dream out of contention for “world’s largest cruise ship” itself.

When it’s done, Global Dream will become the seventh-largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage.

We previously reported that Global Dream II cost about $1.4 billion to get to the point it was when it was scrapped, and it would have taken another $230 million to complete it. Unfortunately, we do not have word on exactly how much Disney paid for its sister or how much it will cost to complete. However, the company does say it was a “favorable” price.

The mouse says the 208,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be the first in the cruise industry fueled by green methanol. Disney says it’s one of the lowest emission fuels available for this sort of application.

Exact amenities on the ship are yet to be announced, but its sister was expected to have an outdoor waterpark, movie theater, 20 decks and a 1,122-foot monastery. Time will tell if Disney’s completed Global Dream will have any of that.

Global Dream, or whatever Disney decides to call it, will become the company’s eighth (and largest) cruise ship.

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Disney Cruise Line Finalizes Purchase of Mega-Ship, the Global Dream

• by John Frost
• November 16, 2022 December 14, 2022

Update : According to news outlet capital.de, Disney Cruise Lines paid roughly $42 million for the Global Dream mega cruise ship. That’s a massive discount of 97% below what the ship was originally projected to cost.

The ship is only 75% complete though, Disney is projected to spend more than $900 million finishing the ship. Captain Mickey and team will have to add in DCL’s famous level of detail and rework some of the top-deck features that weren’t targeting Disney’s typical audience of passengers.

Disney is also expected to convert some of the staterooms into other spaces as the announced guest capacity for the ship was 6,000 but the Global Dream was originally planned to host 9,000 guests.

What sort of features would you like to see on the Global Dream when it sails again, with a new name, in 2025?

Original story below

In order to expand the Disney Cruise Line vacation experience to new international locations, Disney has been negotiating to acquire a mega cruise ship that was only about 75% complete when the original company went bankrupt. The cruise ship then known as the Global Dream will be finished in Wismar, Germany, by Disney and the prestigious Meyer Werft shipbuilding business.

“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

As the company that was building the ship went into insolvency, Disney was able to get a good deal from the creditors. So even with the cost of expected upgrades and new finishes, it will be a quick and affordable way to bring the Disney fleet to 6 ships.

Disney is working with Meyer Werft to complete the construction at that MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany. Meyer Werft is the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish and is scheduled to build two sister ships to the Disney Wish.

The ship will be given a new name and have some of its features redesigned by the world-famous Walt Disney Imagineers. As you can see in the concept art above, the exterior will be adorned in the iconic, Mickey Mouse-inspired colors of the fleet, complete with signature red funnels.

Some of the original concept art for the Global Dream reveal that the top deck was originally planned to be very much like an amusement park at sea, which would be a big departure from the Disney Cruise Line experience, so we expect a lot of changes to happen there.

Plus Disney Cruise Lines are known for their interior theming and attention to detail when it comes to the guest experience from the cabin and its furnishings to things like carpeting and those character based touches.

Disney Cruise Line expects the passenger capacity to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members. The Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Wish currently hold around 4,000 passengers. At a huge 208,000 gross tonnage that would make this ship the 7th largest cruise ship world-wide if it were sailing today.

The new ship, which Disney plans to base outside of the United States, will be updated to include Disney quality experiences along with the usual dazzling entertainment, world-class dining and legendary guest service that guests expect from Disney Cruise Line.

The ship was originally intended for the waters of China and The Walt Disney Company has expressed interest in finding a home port for one of its ships closer to its patrons in nations like Japan and China. So that would be our guess as to a final destination.

The ship will be among the first in the cruise industry to be fueled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available. While it’s not emission free, perhaps Disney will buy carbon offsets to make it a net-zero carbon ship. That would be great for the battle against climate change.

Disney has said the new ship is scheduled to set sail in 2025.

Previously : Disney rumored to be rescuing Global Dream after company building it went bankrupt .

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Table of Contents

About Disney Cruise Line cruises

Disney cruise line prices, disney cruise line loyalty program: castaway club, what is the best disney cruise line ship.

Disney has a massive global footprint across its theme parks, films and merchandise. And it doesn’t stop there. Among its many offerings is the Disney Cruise Line, whose fleet of five ships sails all over the world.

Family-friendly but with adults-only areas, Disney cruises offer some of the most comprehensive cruise options around. Let’s break down everything there is to know about the Disney Cruise Line, including pricing, destinations and its loyalty program.

You can always expect some magic from Disney, and there is no exception when sailing on Disney Cruise Line. Although its fleet is small, it offers a high-end, family-friendly experience for guests. Here’s a quick overview of Disney Cruise Line’s key features.

Cabin types: Disney Cruise Line offers all the usual cabin types, including inside, oceanview, verandah and concierge-level rooms . Disney Cruise Line’s cabins are larger than average and designed for families, with split bathrooms and privacy curtains. Their largest rooms can accommodate up to seven guests. 

Main U.S. routes: Disney has several departure points from within the United States, including options from San Diego, New York City, Miami, and Galveston, Texas. However, its most frequent departures are from Port Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida, to the Bahamas and the Caribbean or from Vancouver, British Columbia to Alaska.

Loyalty program: Disney Cruise Line offers the Castaway Club to repeat guests. It has four membership levels — Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl. The first level is earned by completing a single cruise. 

» Learn more: Disney Cruise Review — Mickey at Sea Gets an A+

Disney Cruise Line destinations

Although Disney currently operates only five ships, the cruise line still manages to cover most of the world. Here are the locations you can currently sail on a Disney cruise:

New Zealand.

Pacific Coast. 

Panama Canal.

South Pacific. 

Transatlantic. 

Cruises are available in a variety of lengths, from three nights up to 15 nights.

Disney cruises tend to be more expensive than the average cruise. Currently, for example, the cheapest cruise departing from Port Canaveral is a three-night trip to the Bahamas, which costs $1,958 for two guests.

And you’ll pay more to take a "special occasion" Disney cruise. The same three-night Bahamas cruise sailing during Disney's Silver Anniversary at Sea starts at $2,345 for two guests.

When it comes to timing, standard logic applies. The high season will cost more, especially during holidays and the summer break.

The cheapest rate we found — the previously-mentioned $1,958 — is for a cruise in late January, a time when those with school-aged children might have trouble getting away. Meanwhile, the most expensive period for this cruise takes place over the Christmas holiday and rings in at $3,737 for an inside stateroom.

For all destinations, if you’d like to save money, avoid peak periods and search all available dates to find the lowest rates . This is true even on less popular cruises, such as those sailing up to Alaska .

The cheapest cost for two guests to Alaska from Vancouver is $2,983 in mid-September, while the same cruise will cost you $4,607 if you sail over the Fourth of July holiday.

One-way positioning cruises — that is, those that end in a different location from where they started — are often much cheaper per night than standard round-trip cruises.

What’s included

Disney cruises are more inclusive than most cruises. You don’t, for example, need to pay extra for soft drinks on a Disney cruise like you would on Norwegian Cruise Line . You’re also entitled to complimentary room service 24/7, unlike on Virgin Voyages, where you'll be charged a $5 fee for each delivery.

Here are more inclusions you can expect.

Live, high-quality entertainment.

Large staterooms (designed for parties of up to three guests).

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (on most Bahamas and Caribbean cruises).

Upscale restaurants, quick-service dining, poolside snacks and room service.

Adults-only lounges and pool areas.

Waterslides (on some ships).

» Learn more: How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Disney isn’t known for its loyalty programs. For example, there is no frequent traveler program associated with staying at one of its resorts or frequenting its parks. However, Disney Cruise Line rewards repeat customers with various benefits, including a complimentary specialty dinner, free photo downloads and an exclusive terminal check-in area.

Castaway Club levels

The Castaway Club levels are Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl.

How to earn : Sail on one cruise.

Best benefits : Book cruises one day before the general public, online activity planning 90 days before sailing, check in 33 days early, exclusive terminal check-in.

How to earn : Sail on five to nine cruises.

Best benefits : Book cruises two days before the general public, online activity planning 105 days before sailing, check in 35 days early, onboard reception, special discounts. 

How to earn : Sail on 10 to 24 cruises.

Best benefits : Book cruises three days before the general public, online activity planning 120 days before sailing, check in 38 days early, complimentary specialty dinner.

How to earn : Sail on 25+ cruises. 

Best benefits : Book cruises four days before the general public, online activity planning 123 days before sailing, check in 40 days early, complimentary unlimited digital photo package. 

» Learn more: Which is cheaper, Disney World or a Disney cruise?

The Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship and certainly its best. It just launched in the summer of 2022. Among its many amenities, guests can find the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. It’s a 760-foot water slide filled with show scenes, lighting, music and more that touches down into a lazy river.

The Disney Wish also has dedicated areas themed for "Frozen," the Marvel Universe and "Star Wars."

In addition, the Disney Wish has all the regular amenities you’d expect on a Disney cruise, including live entertainment, pools and spacious staterooms.

Disney Cruise Line does not offer free Wi-Fi. Instead, it has three levels of packages from which to choose:

Stay Connected: $10 per day for the entire cruise or $12 per day for a 24-hour period.

Basic Surf: $20 per day for the entire cruise or $24 per day for a 24-hour period.

Premium Surf: $30 per day for the entire cruise or $36 per day for a 24-hour period.

These packages are available on the Disney Wish, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. The Disney Wonder still operates on the old data-usage Wi-Fi packages.

Most of your daily expenses, including your food and non-alcoholic beverages, are included when sailing on a Disney cruise. However, if you’d like specialty drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to pay extra. Gratuities are not included, and Disney Cruise Line's recommended tip is a minimum of $14.50 per guest, per night.

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer the standard drink package other cruise lines offer. Drink packages allow you to pay a flat-rate price and drink as much alcohol as you’d like.

Instead, you’ll either pay per drink or purchase bundled quantities onboard. It’s also possible to purchase a specialty beer mug at the pub onboard, which can then be refilled across the ship. Much like Disney’s popcorn buckets, your beer mugs entitle you to cheaper refills on all your beer.

In the past, Disney Cruise Line required that you be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 before sailing, but this is no longer the case. Guests departing from the United States are not required to do either, though the cruise line highly encourages you to get vaccinated before sailing.

Most of your daily expenses, including your food and non-alcoholic beverages, are included when sailing on a Disney cruise. However, if you’d like specialty drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to pay extra. Gratuities are not included, and

Disney Cruise Line's recommended tip

is a minimum of $14.50 per guest, per night.

(Top photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

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How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost? 2024 Pricing Explained

The Disney Wish will sail its inaugural season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from its new home port of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of Disney-themed ships with all-inclusive cruises traveling all over the world. Disney Cruises often Broadway-caliber dinner shows, Disney lounge-themed experiences, character meet and greets, and other themed experiences. Disney Cruises also offer amazing amenities and luxurious upgrade options for guests looking to sail in style. So this also begs the question, what does a Disney Cruise cost? 

If you're new to the experience of cruises, it also helps to understand how cruises are typically priced and what cruise lines mean by all-inclusive voyages. Keep reading for our full breakdown of Disney Cruise costs including amenities, inclusive options, and optional upgrades. We have experienced a variety of Disney Cruises plus we have the experience of helping guests budget for their Disney vacations whether it's for Disneyland, Walt Disney World or a Disney Cruise Line experience. 

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

Disney Cruise Cost Pricing Explained 

Let's start by covering the details of how Disney Cruise costs are calculated between room pricing and cost per person. 

Disney Cruise Room Pricing

All Disney Cruise costs are priced based on two adults in the stateroom (room on the ship). This means that one adult traveling with a child (ages 3-12) is the same price as two adults (13 and up) in the room. Children ages 0-2 pay 50% of the child rate.

After the two adult prices, the third and fourth passengers in the stateroom are charged a lower rate. If you are traveling alone, Disney Cruise Line will charge you 100% of the second adult’s cruise fare (not including port fees and taxes) in addition to the full fare for the first adult.

Pricing Per Adult

It is simply impossible to determine exactly how much a person will pay without looking at several different factors. We are going to break these factors on Disney Cruise cost down for you.

Then, we will help you gauge pricing on a budget to pricing with no limits, and everything in between, so that you have an accurate idea of what you can expect to pay for your Disney Cruise itself. We will also show you a full Disney Cruise Scenario with estimates on what you may need to include for a Disney Cruise. Finally, we detail some ways to save money if you are interested in sailing on a Disney Cruise.

Disney Cruise Savings! Up to $300 Onboard Credit When You Book! Contact our travel sponsor, Get Away Today, and save big on your Disney Cruise. They'll give you up to a $300 onboard cruise credit when you book your trip with them in addition to the discounts they can secure. Request a quote for all the best options for your travel period – Request a FREE quote >

Which Disney Cruise Should I Do?

The first couple of factors to consider when deciding to book a Disney Cruise and cost are where you want to go and what ship you want to sail on.

Disney Cruise Ships

Disney currently has 6 signature cruise ships with more on the way.

The newest cruise ship available right now is the Disney Wish, but the Disney Treasure begins sailing in December of 2024, and it is almost time to start booking!

Each Disney ship is decked out from bow to stern in immersive Disney experiences. The experiences are going to differ depending on the ship, where it is sailing to, and if it is a themed expedition or not.

Ships Sailings

• Disney Magic : Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal
• Disney Wonder : Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, South Pacific, New Zealand & Australia
• Disney Dream : Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Bermuda, Transatlantic Cruises
• Disney Fantasy : Caribbean and Bahamas
• Disney Wish : Bahamas
• Disney Treasure : Caribbean

Disney Cruise Cost Factors

There are a few factors that will impact the cost of a Disney Cruise like time of year, location of the cruise, plus the Disney Cruise ship chosen.

Time of the year

Disney prices their cruises based on peak seasons. The more in-demand the cruise sailings are, the higher the pricing.

The first peak season is the most expensive. Think about when children are out of school, June – August. There is an increase in demand for ships and sailings, so the pricing also goes up. Alaska, and the Caribbean, are usually priced high during this time. Europe and the Panama Canal are usually only offered during these peak seasons.

Holidays are another popular peak season. The Bahamas and the Caribbean are going to be more expensive during these times because families will want shorter cruises, which are offered to these two locations.

Off-season bookings will be cheaper, but keep in mind, that the weather may not be as cooperative depending upon the location you are sailing to.

When choosing locations for your cruise, a cruise to the more remote destination Alaska is going to cost more than sailing to the Bahamas from Florida.

Europe and the Panama Canal are usually only offered in the summer, which can drive up the price of the cruise.

When deciding on what you want out of your cruise, guests can choose from different night lengths.

Disney currently offers cruises in 1-3, 4, 5-6, 7 8-13, or 14+ lengths. The longer you cruise, the more expensive the cruise is going to be because more amenities are included and paid for in the cruise cost.

Specialty Cruises

Disney offers specialty cruises throughout the year. Each of these specialty cruises is going to include extra events, entertainment, dining specialties, and more that are factored into the higher costs.

Guests can book a Pixar Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween High Seas, and Holiday-themed cruises.

Stateroom type

There are four different types of staterooms guests can book on the cruise ships. A stateroom is the cruise equivalent of your hotel room.

The most luxurious accommodations on the cruise and the most expensive. Each room has a large private verandah (balcony) and premium amenities and services included. Prices for this type of hotel room will be the most expensive out of all rooms on the ship costing upwards of $6,000 for a trip.

The most spacious non-concierge staterooms are in the Verandah category. Each room comes equipped with a private verandah (balcony), some with partial views of the ship and ocean. The space and balcony are worth the price increase if you are sailing on a longer cruise. This category is the second most expensive type of room to choose from and also tends to sell out the quickest. Pricing tends to start around the $3500 total mark for most cruise lengths and destinations. 

The oceanview room has more space than an inside room and also includes a porthole or two to be able to see the ocean. This is a great middle price on the cruise where you can still see the ocean passing by, but you don’t have the balcony to walk out on. This type of room falls in the middle pricing category. The cheapest cruises will come in around $2800 total but can go much higher depending on the length and destination.

The base accommodations feature no outside viewing as the rooms are on the inside of the ship. However, Disney provides a scenic porthole display of different images to make it not feel as claustrophobic. These will be the absolute cheapest rooms due to not having an actual window or balcony. If you want to go on a Disney cruise, but your family is on a strict budget, these rooms will be the cheapest, averaging around the $2,000 – $4,000 range. 

Transportation To Port

By far the biggest factor that will vary for each family going on a Disney cruise is the transportation to the Departing Port.

You will need to provide your own flight, take a train, or drive to the port that you are leaving from. This cost is going to vary widely depending on where you live versus where you need to leave from.

We also recommend arriving the day before the cruise is set to depart so there are no delays in boarding the ship at your arrival time. This is going to cost a night at a nearby hotel, which adds to the overall budget for your cruise.

Disney has ports in the following locations:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Vancouver, Canada
• Auckland, New Zealand
• Barcelona, Spain
• Honolulu, Hawai’i
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Melbourne Australia
• Southampton, England
• Brisbane, Australia
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Sydney, Australia
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• New York, New York
• San Diego, California
• Galveston, Texas

Certain cruises only depart from specific locations. You can filter this when you are searching to book your cruise.

When planning your destinations for your cruise, it is helpful to know where you are going to sail from. The majority of the Bahamas and Caribbean cruises are going to leave from the two ports in Florida, but they also depart from Texas. The Alaskan cruises sail from Vancouver, Canada.

The cheapest way to book transportation is to filter the cruises by which port is closest to you and see which destinations are available. Or, you can filter by destination and then see which ports are the closest to you to help keep costs down.

Keep in mind that if you drive to the port, this will be an additional cost to park your car at the port as well. The fee will be nightly similar to an airport.

What is Included in the Disney Cruise Cost Base Price?

A big question is what do I get for the price tag I see on the Disney Cruise Line website?

When booking your Disney Cruise, you are not just paying for a hotel room like many other vacations. You are paying for an all-inclusive Disney Experience . For every Disney Cruise booked, you can expect the following accommodations, activities, and amenities.

Room type chosen

Guests can choose from 4 different stateroom types:

• Concierge – Most expensive and most luxurious
• Verandah – Popular and mid-level pricing
• Ocean View – Mid-level pricing
• Inside – Cheapest book and smallest rooms

Three rotational table-service dining restaurants Buffet (for breakfast and lunch) Quick service bites

24-hour room service Unlimited soft serve ice cream Unlimited coffee, tea, and soda available on deck and at table service restaurants

On Ship Activities

Broadway-quality shows (original Disney products or live acts) Fireworks at Sea (available on most itineraries) Character meet and greets Movie screenings (first-run and popular Disney movies) Pools, waterslides, splash zones, and wading pools Gym and fitness center

Kids’ clubs

Disney’s Oceaneer Club (3 to 12 years old) Disneys’ Oceaneer Lab (2 to 12 years old) Edge (11 to 14 years old) Vibe (14 to 17 years old)

What is Not Included in a Disney Cruise?

While Disney Cruises is great at including a lot of amenities in the total trip cost, there are a few extras that you may want while sailing on your ship.

• Port Excursions
• Premium desserts
• Premium coffee (at the Cove cafe)
• Meals at the adult-only Palo and Remy
• Gratuities – can be prepaid
• Wireless Internet Access
• Baby Nursery (6 months -3 years)

All of these items should be considered when pricing out your Disney Cruise so that you do not have any unexpected costs.

Menus for restaurants are available on the Disney Cruise Line Website, so you can see if you want to eat somewhere not included in the base price.

Port Excursions are also booked ahead of time, so you can prepay these items and include them in the final cost of your cruise.

Gratuities Explained

On a cruise ship, it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of exceptional service. Disney recommends a gratuity amount of $14.50 USD per night, per stateroom Guest, including infants and children or $15.50 USD per night, per stateroom Guest for concierge and suites.

Pre-Paid Gratuities are distributed to the Crew Members who take care of you in the following roles:

• Dining room server
• Dining room assistant server
• Dining room head server
• Stateroom host

Easily pre-pay gratuities online to create a carefree, all-inclusive experience by visiting My Reservations in your Disney account and following the prompts for Pre-Paid Gratuities. If you do not pre-pay before boarding the ship, Disney automatically charges your onboard account the suggested gratuity amount. Once on the ship, you can adjust the amount of your Pre-Paid Gratuities by visiting Guest Services prior to the end of your cruise.

Pre-Paid Gratuities do not include the following gratuities, which are either included in the charge or based on your discretion:

• Extras added to rotational dining meals such as alcoholic beverages
• Adult dining locations such as Remy, Palo, Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, which are not part of rotational dining
• Food or drink in shops and outdoor or poolside eateries
• Room service
• Port Adventures
• Senses Spa & Salon
• Concierge Lounge Team—Guests staying in Concierge accommodations are recommended a gratuity amount of $8.00 per night, per stateroom Guest
• Any other additional services
• An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, deck service tabs and spa services. All gratuities can be charged to your onboard account.

Disney’s Private Islands

When sailing on a Disney Cruise, one of the locations you will visit on your travels during a Bahamian cruise is one of Disney’s Private Island’s Castaway Cay and coming soon Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Castaway Cay is the perfect beach getaway. Amenities on the island include

• A family beach
• Serenity Bay (18+ beach)
• Teen Hideout
• Game Pavilion
• Sports Beach
• Snorkeling Lagoons teeming with sea life
• Water play areas
• Walking trails
• Open-air BBQ dining locations serving complimentary meals
• Free transportation around the island
• Character appearances
• Boat rentals

Disney’s new island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will have similar amenities to Castaway Cay! We can’t wait to see what the island holds.

Breakdown of Pricing

This section of our article is going to take a look at the specific pricing of specific cruises to help estimate Disney Cruise cost. The three most popular Disney Destinations are the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Alaska, so that is what pricing we are going to focus on.

Disney Cruise On a Budget

If you really want to go on a Disney Cruise and stick to a budget, the 3-night and 4-night cruises are going to be the best option. Depending on how far from your destination you are traveling, the amount of time on the ship versus in a port will vary. The Bahamas destinations are going to offer more time in ports where Caribbean cruises will be more time on the boat.

The cheapest room option on a cruise is always the interior room. However, these rooms don’t have actual windows and can make a very tight space for a family of four, which we are basing all of our pricing on. If possible, spring for at least an Oceanview room where you are guaranteed at least one actual window.

Another way to stay on budget is to adjust the dates. In the tables below, you will see different dates and different ships will provide cheaper options. Cruises during February, August, and September tend to be cheaper, similarly to a Walt Disney World Vacation, whereas cruises during holiday seasons (Spring Break, Christmas, New Years, Halloween, etc.) are going to be more expensive.

3- Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

• 4 Guests – 2 adults, 2 children
• Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point & Nassau, Bahamas

4 – Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

• Disney Castaway Cay & Nassau, Bahamas

4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• Sailing to Progreso, Mexico

4- Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

• Sailing to Cozumel, Mexico

5- Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

• Sailing to Cozumel, Mexico & Progreso, Mexico

The cheapest Alaskan cruise is about the price of the Concierge Level for other Disney Cruises.

7 – Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

• Sailing to Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska

Mid-Range Disney Cruise Pricing

A 5 – 6 day cruise is a great mid-price range budget. Typically with these cruises you will have enough time to explore the ship while also getting at least two, if not three days in a port of call to explore your destination.

For the longer 5-6 day cruises, we recommend the oceanview or verandah rooms. To keep the budget down and get to experience more for your money, avoid booking the concierge rooms at these middle price points.

Another great way to spend your money is to book one of the themed cruises. Guests can book the Marvel Day at Sea, a Halloween Cruise, or a Merry Christmas Cruise. The prices are going to be higher for these themed cruises even if they are only 5-6 days long, but you get a lot more special activities.

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

5- Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

• 4 guests – 2 adults, 2 children
• Sails to George Town, Grand Cayman & Disney Castaway Cay

No Restrictive Budget Pricing

The longer cruise you book, the more ports you can stop at and the greater chance you have to stretch your days at sea to fully explore all that the ship has to offer.

The longer the cruise, guests can also experience more themed Disney nights and formal nights as well. This can make the cruise an extra special vacation due to all of the extra magic you are receiving.

Our recommendation for rooms on a cruise any longer than 5 days is to book at least a verandah room if not the concierge rooms. This is going to provide the most space for the times when you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship.

In addition to the longer cruise, specialty cruises can also be booked during peak times if you don’t have an incredibly restrictive budget.

7 Night Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Inaugural Cruise from Port Canaveral

• 4 Guests, 2 adults, 2 children
• Sailing to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point; Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Castaway Cay; Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, 2 Days at Sea

7 – Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

• Sails to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman & Falmouth, Jamaica

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral (Pixar Day at Sea)

• Sailing to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; & Disney Castaway Cay

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• Sailing to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; & Disney Castaway Cay

10 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• 4 Guests, 2 adults & 2 Children
• Sailing to St. John's, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point; & Disney Castaway Cay

9- Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

• 4 guests, 2 adults & 2 children
• Sailing to Ketchikan, Alaska; Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Victoria (British Columbia), Canada

Sample Disney Cruise Pricing

With so many options, numbers, and things included, it can be difficult to tell what a cruise actually costs.

This section is going to show a sample scenario to give you a better idea of what a cruise would actually cost your family.

Cruise Picked: 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Destinations: Disney Castaway Cay & Nassau, Bahamas

Dates: May 13-17, 2024

Ship: Disney Magic

Guests: 2 Adults, 2 Children (ages 6 & 3)

Stateroom Type: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Deck: Forward, Deck 5 Room: 5018

Total Stateroom Price: 4,011.72

Ship Highlights

Entertainment.

• Live Shows: Tangled: The Musical, Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story
• Fireworks at Sea
• First Run Movies
• Character Greetings
• Daily Activities – karaoke, game shows, bingo

Main Dining

• Animator’s Palate – Unique Dinner show starring Disney characters
• Lumiere’s – American and French Cuisine
• Rapunzel’s Royal Table

• Duck-In Diner
• Pinocchio’s Pizza
• 24 hour room service
• Palo (Adult Only Restaurant) – extra cost

Recreation Kids

• Marvel Super Hero Academy – Disney Oceaneer Club
• Edge – club for tweens
• Vobe – club for teens
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – extra cost
• Pools: AquaLab, Goofy’s Pool, Nephew’s Splashzone, AquaDunk

Recreation Adults

• Keys- nightclub with live music
• Fathoms – late night dancing
• Quiet Cove Pool
• Full-service Gym
• Senses Spa and Salon – extra cost

Extra Costs on Ship & Ports

• Alcohol Gratuities: $14.50/ per night/ per person
• WiFi: $16-$42/ day
• Castaway Cay Rentals : Snorkel Gear, Floats, Rafts, Bicycles, Kayak, Paddle Boat

Extra Costs Outside of Cruise

• Hotel Room in Fort Lauderdale: $180-$230
• Parking at Port : $20/ per day

For the oceanview cruise stateroom, gratuities, hotel, parking, and WiFi, you would pay $4,621.72.

Disney Cruise Line Discounts

Disney cruises can be expensive, but there are ways to save money.

The best way to save money is to book as soon as you know when you want to sail.

Cruises price rooms by tiers – the earlier you book, the lower the cost.

Special Pricing

Sometimes Disney will offer special pricing for Florida residents, military personnel, travel agents, and cast members.

They may also offer Kids Sail Free to families with children.

Travel Agencies can also offer promotions if you book through them in the form of Shipboard Credit. While on the ship, you can use this credit for spa treatments, merchandise, photos, and more. Be aware these credits expire at the end of your cruise.

Final Thoughts

A Disney Cruise is an exceptionally personal vacation that allows your family to customize the trip that fits what you want and need. With each ship featuring new shows, themed restaurants, amazing kid areas, and specialty adult-only sections, there is a multitude of opportunities that a Disney Cruise ship offers for a vacation – not to mention the amazing destinations. 

Unfortunately, because Disney provides so many different ships and opportunities, it is difficult to narrow down the exact price that a cruise will cost your family. One thing for sure is that you can't put a price on the magical memories that will be made on your Disney Cruise vacation. 

Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

Are you ready to plan your Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Vacation? Make sure you are subscribed to our FREE newsletter for up-to-date planning information, exclusive offers and deals, and news about your upcoming trip! For now, also make sure to check out our other related articles!

• Disney Cruises 2025 DATES & Guide – Start Planning Your Sailing Now!
• 2023 Disney Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Pack & What Not to Bring
• Disney Cruise Line Christmas Entertainment and 2024 Itineraries
• Your First Disney Cruise: Top Ten Tips to Enjoy a High Sea Adventure with Disney Magic
• Disney Cruise Line Shares New Announcements Regarding Future Growth

The cost of a Disney Cruise varies depending on the time of year, the Disney Cruise ship, and location.

Yes, only alcohol and some adult only dining experiences are not included.

Yes, all your meals are included in the cost of your cruise!

Kids are charged a cheaper child rate on Disney cruises.

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Jessica Miller

Jessica is a full-time high school teacher and a part-time writer. She is also a full-time mom! When she isn't working, she loves to take vacations with her family to Disney.

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Disney Cruise Line names its newest cruise ship

I t was bound to happen sometime, but Disney Cruise Line waited until its last of three new sister ships to name one Disney Destiny.

The sister ship to Disney Wish, which debuted out of Port Canaveral in 2022 and the soon-to-debut Disney Treasure arriving in Central Florida this December, the third ship in what was originally called the Trident class had its keel laying ceremony Wednesday at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

It won’t start sailing until 2025, and its home port has yet to be named, but among the details revealed for what will be the eighth ship in the cruise line’s fleet was the theme of the vessel, “Heroes & Villains.”

As such, the filigree artwork for the bow will be of Minnie Mouse wearing a superhero-style outfit complete with a cape.

The cruise line said among the characters from which it will mine features on board will be classic Disney animation films, “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.”

Disney of course owns plenty of good vs. evil intellectual property including Star Wars and Marvel.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager for the cruise line, in a press release. “As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising.”

Just like Disney Wish and Treasure, Disney Destiny will be powered by liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel that’s part of the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce emissions.

All three are the 144,000 gross-ton, 1,254-stateroom vessels but still targeting the 4,000-passenger capacity of its older ships, 2011’s Disney Dream and 2012’s Fantasy. The line’s first ships are the smaller Disney Magic that debuted in 1998 and Disney Wonder in 1999. They come in at 84,000 gross tons with 875 staterooms.

The line also is finishing construction for an Asia-bound cruise ship named Disney Adventure that will be the largest in the fleet at 208,000 gross tons.

Disney Wish became the line’s first new ship in more than a decade. It continues to do short three- and four-night Bahamas sailings while Disney Treasure will pick up seven-night trips to the Caribbean.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

I saved every receipt — here’s how much it actually costs to go on a Disney Dream cruise

One of the best things about cruising is that you can pay for a cruise months in advance, forget how much it costs, and then board the ship on embarkation day blissfully ignorant of how much you paid to get there and ready for vacation spending.

While I'm not one to keep a tally of every dollar I spend on trips, it's sometimes nice to know exactly how much I've spent, down to booking a hotel the night before a cruise, drinks on board the ship and purchases in port. So on one of my recent Disney Cruise Line sailings on the Disney Dream cruise ship, I saved every receipt to figure out how much my family and I actually paid for the vacation.

Having that information is important, not just for me when I'm ready to plan my next cruise with Mickey and the gang, but so you can budget appropriately for your next Disney Dream cruise. Let's face it — Disney Cruise Line vacations are expensive, but the memories made on the ships are priceless.

Is it possible for families on a budget to afford a Disney cruise? The short answer is yes, but there is some strategy involved. Here's how much our Disney Dream cruise really cost for a family of three.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Disney Dream cruise costs

Before I dive into just how much my trip cost, let me give you some background.

The pricing for this cruise is based on my family of three adults. A cruise with kids will likely have a different balance of expenses.

Our transportation to the embarkation port of Miami is not included since the expense can vary greatly depending on how you choose to get to the port. We drove since we live in Florida, but not everyone is lucky enough to live within driving distance of their departure port. I did include all the other costs from our trip, including a pre-cruise hotel stay, the actual cruise fare and dining at specialty restaurants on board.

My family and I were not super strict with our budget, but we also didn't splurge on everything. We did treat ourselves to a few meals at the adults-only restaurants on Disney Dream and a few cocktails each day, but we never went overboard with extras in the ports of call. Checking our onboard account each morning through the Disney Cruise Line app made it possible for us to have a fun vacation without emptying our bank accounts.

Related: 26 Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock

Cruise booking

Our biggest cost on this trip was the cruise fare because sailings on Disney Dream are not cheap. Even if you avoid the specialty restaurants, skip excursions in each port and stay in one of the cheaper cabins, you'll still spend a few thousand dollars just to get on board.

For three adults sharing a cabin, Disney Dream vacations currently start at $2,317, including taxes and fees, and that's for a three-night sailing to the Bahamas in 2024. If you're planning a longer cruise or a European cruise, it will cost significantly more, especially during peak times when kids are out of school or during a themed sailing.

Because of how expensive Disney cruise sailings are, I always look for deals, either a Florida resident offer or a discount on a select sail date.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Our Disney Dream cruise was a five-night Halloween on the High Seas sailing, with a Florida resident discount for three people booked in a balcony cabin (which Disney calls a verandah stateroom). The total cost of the cruise, including taxes and fees, was $2,497.28.

Total for cruise booking: $2,497.28

Pre-cruise hotel accommodations

I always suggest that people arrive in their embarkation city or a city nearby at least the day before a cruise. This relieves the stress of having to get to the ship on time in case of flight delays or blocked roadways.

The night before my Disney Dream cruise, my family and I stayed at Disney's Vero Beach Resort, which is a little over halfway from our home in Jacksonville, Florida, to Miami.

We used Disney Vacation Club points to book an "Inn-Standard View" room, which was big enough for the three of us. The room cost us 16 points, so we technically didn't spend any money on booking a hotel the night before. Unless you have points to spend, don't forget to budget for lodging before or after your cruise, as needed.

Total for hotel: $0

Pre-cruise meals

The night before our cruise, we decided to eat out in Vero Beach at American Icon Brewery. Everyone in my family got a local beer to try, then we shared an appetizer, and everyone got their own entree. The meal set us back $106.55.

While Disney's Vero Beach does have an on-site restaurant, we enjoy getting out in the city and trying a local place. American Icon Brewery was fun, and the food and service were both great.

Related: 14 things you should do before every cruise

For breakfast the morning of our cruise, I brought muffins that I made at home for my family to enjoy. The room included a coffee maker and Keurig coffee pods, so we drank that with our light breakfast. Disney's Vero Beach Resort does serve breakfast at its onsite restaurant, but we needed to hit the road early to get to our 11 a.m. port arrival time, so the muffins and coffee were a perfect easy breakfast.

Total for dinner: $106.55

Parking at the port

Parking at any cruise port can add a large amount to a cruise vacation. For five nights, parking at PortMiami was $110. We paid for this as we were leaving the parking deck rather than upfront.

Total for parking: $110

Specialty dining on board

Disney Dream has two adults-only specialty dining restaurants onboard, Palo and Remy. To dine at either restaurant, cruisers should get a reservation in advance through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. If you can't secure a reservation before the sailing, ask about walk-up availability for either restaurant once on board. Just be sure to head straight to the hostess desk outside of Palo and Remy as soon as you board the ship (even before eating lunch) because any open reservations will be snapped up quickly.

My family always eats at Palo for brunch on a Disney cruise, and this time was no different. The meal is a high-end table service option that starts with your choice of a charcuterie board or chilled seafood platter, plus a delightful spread of bread. The menu is also filled with entrees like house-made pizzas, plate-size Mickey waffles, made-to-order pasta and elevated egg dishes like frittatas.

The meal for the three of us cost $170. My dad also ordered Palo's signature bloody Mary, which tacked on another $12.39 to our meal.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

On this cruise, for the first time ever, my family and I dined at Remy, a French-inspired restaurant that was worth every penny. To start, we were served a welcome cocktail called The Collette, which is named after the female chef in the Pixar movie, "Ratatouille."

Then we were presented menus that were divided into two prix-fixe options, one that leaned more French and one that leaned more high-end American. I chose the French menu, while my parents chose the American menu. The meal overall was fantastic and was worth the $462.50 for the three of us.

Total for specialty dining: $644.89

Specialty drinks and alcohol

One thing that sets Disney Cruise Line apart from other family-friendly cruises is that it doesn't offer all-inclusive drink packages . Passengers must purchase all beverages on board at the per-drink price, though drink prices on Disney ships can sometimes be slightly cheaper than similar libations on other big-ship lines. Plus, soda is included in your cruise fare.

Disney Cruise Line also allows passengers to bring your own wine or beer on board at every port , while other cruise lines restrict guests to one bottle of wine at embarkation only. Not only does this policy allow you to potentially save money on beverage costs, but you can enjoy interesting brews and vintages from the places you visit.

Every night, my family went to happy hour at the adults-only bar Meridian, which is located between Palo and Remy. This spacious bar has large windows that overlook the sea and two outdoor patios with seating. Cocktails for five nights at Meridian cost my family of three $179.67.

Other places to have a specialty cocktail or coffee on Disney Dream include the Cove Cafe, Skyline, Pink and 687. At these other bars, my family spent $122.16.

While we enjoyed all of the bars and lounges on the ship, Meridian was easily our favorite and not just because of the view. The Cast Members who work in this bar are top-notch and learned our cocktail preferences quickly. By night two, they were shaking up off-menu cocktails that they knew we would enjoy.

Total for drinks: $301.83

Disney Cruise Line allows guests to prepay their onboard gratuities for their stateroom host and their service team in the dining room. This charge came to $72.50 per guest.

On top of the standard gratuities, we chose to give an extra $20 to our dining room server, assistant server and head server, plus our stateroom host , all of whom get a portion of the prepaid gratuities. At the end of our cruise, we also gave the two bartenders in Meridian an additional $20 in cash for all of their hard work throughout the week and for making our vacation special.

Total for gratuities: $337.50

While I'm not normally one to get a souvenir from a cruise ship, I couldn't resist making a few purchases on Disney Dream.

My favorite Disney character, Sorcerer Mickey, is the stern character on the ship, so a lot of the Dream-branded merchandise has this variation of Mickey on it. And since this was a Halloween cruise, I found some spooky souvenirs in the stores, too. I dropped $118.97 on merchandise.

Total for souvenirs: $118.97

Related: 11 things you should never buy on a cruise ship

On most cruises, my family and I opt to explore the port on our own versus buying excursions . It saves us money, and we can head back to the ship whenever we want. On this cruise, our ports of call were Grand Cayman and Disney's private island , Castaway Cay.

Because we've visited Grand Cayman previously and it's not our favorite cruise port, we stayed on the ship that day to enjoy the less crowded pool decks and a nice lunch inside one of the main dining rooms.

On our Castaway Cay port day, we did get off the ship but didn't opt for any of the island's excursions, instead heading to the adults-only beach, Serenity Bay. We also enjoyed lunch at the adults-only beach, which is included in the overall cruise cost.

If we were going on a cruise to destinations we had never been to before, like a Disney cruise to the Mediterranean or Alaska , we would likely opt to do Disney-sponsored excursions, which are often a few hundred dollars per person per excursion. And if your family has never been to Grand Cayman, you might want to book a tour to explore the island or one of its attractions.

Excursions: $0

Spa services

One of my favorite areas on any Disney cruise is the Senses Spa and its Rainforest Room. This area of the spa features multiple shower experiences, saunas, a row of heated lounge chairs and two private hot tubs. The best part is that the lounge chairs and the hot tubs are in a glass-enclosed space, so you can see the ocean or ports while using the facilities.

On this five-night sailing, my mom and I booked a "couples rate" to be able to come and go from the Rainforest Room as we wanted throughout the cruise. The total cost for that was $187.62. My mom also opted to get a massage on the cruise, which cost $209.42.

Total for spa services: $397.04

What it really costs to go on a Disney Dream cruise

For three adults sharing one cabin on a five-night Halloween-themed sailing on Disney Dream, the total cost came to $4,514.06. That equals out to each person paying $1,504.69 for the trip, or $300.94 per person, per day.

To put that in perspective, our five-night Disney cruise was a similar cost on a per-person, per-day basis to TPG's Summer Hull's three-day trip to Walt Disney World .

Based on our trip, here's the major breakdown of Disney Cruise Line trip expenses:

• 55.3% cruise fare
• 2.4% pre-cruise hotel and meal
• 2.4 % parking
• 14.3% onboard dining
• 6.7% drinks
• 7.5% gratuities
• 2.6% souvenirs
• 0% excursions
• 8.8% spa services

A Disney cruise can be an affordable way to take a Disney vacation, especially if you're willing to forgo upcharges such as concierge rooms and pricey excursions in ports of call. On my family's Disney Dream cruise, we kept our daily expenses to just over $900, though it's very easy to rack up a folio bill for thousands of dollars a day more. If you want to stay within a certain budget, be sure to try as many money-saving hacks as possible to keep the cost in check.

A Disney vacation will never be cheap, but with some planning and flexibility, it is possible to take a Disney cruise without draining your bank account.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise news
• Cruise Industry
• DCL-Disney Cruise Line reveals details of Disney Destiny at...

DCL-Disney Cruise Line reveals details of Disney Destiny at Meyer Werft ceremony

DCL-Disney Cruise Line has disclosed initial details regarding its upcoming vessel , the Disney Destiny , marking a significant construction milestone with a keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on March 20, 2024.

Embracing the maritime tradition of keel laying for auspicious beginnings, the Disney Destiny, a vessel steeped in legends and lore, is gradually taking form.

The design concept of the Disney Destiny, akin to her sisterships the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure , revolves around the theme of "Heroes and Villains." Drawing inspiration from cherished Disney narratives, characters, and theme park attractions, the cruise promises to offer guests a transformative experience, encouraging them to embrace their own journey on each remarkable voyage.

Collaborating closely, the DCL and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were motivated by the intrinsic dichotomy present in every iconic Disney tale. They sought to infuse the ship with this dynamic interplay of light and darkness, urging characters and guests alike to realize their true potential.

Throughout the ship, guests will encounter a myriad of heroes and villains from beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios classics such as The Lion King, Hercules, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians. These iconic characters will come to life through immersive spaces, captivating experiences, and engaging entertainment, enriching the voyage for all aboard.

In a continuation of the cherished DCL tradition, Disney unveiled exquisite filigree artwork adorning the bow of the new ship. Depicting Minnie Mouse in a courageous stance, donned in heroic attire, the illustration captures her valiant spirit as she leads guests towards their destined adventures, her cape billowing gracefully in the ocean breeze.

Disney Cruise Cost Per Person

Disney Cruise costs per person can vary depending on the time of year, the length of the cruise, and the specific ship and itinerary. A Disney Cruise is typically a bit more expensive than a comparable cruise on another line, thanks in part to the premium experience offered. On average, the price per night per person is between $300 and $700 (based on double occupancy) depending on the time of the year and the location. The package includes the price of the room, food, and entertainment. There are, of course, outliers — especially for longer cruises in peak season at popular destinations.

The cheapest way to book a Disney Cruise is often by booking early and taking advantage of special promotions. You can also save money by sharing a room with another person or family. In this article, we will give an overview of the factors that affect the price of a Disney Cruise and the benefits of booking a Disney Cruise .

Would you rather talk with a cruise planner? It’s free!

Factors That Affect the Price of a Disney Cruise

There are several factors that affect the price of a Disney Cruise . Here are just some of the things that affect the cost of your cruise.

The first factor is the time of year you will sail – prices are typically higher during peak vacation times, such as summer and winter break.

The second factor is the length of the cruise . A longer cruise, of course, costs more than a shorter cruise. In some cases, longer cruises may be cheaper per day than shorter ones, but longer cruises do include more ports of call, which can increase the cost of the trip due to port fees.

The third factor is the destination . Disney Cruises go to destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska , and Europe , and each destination comes with a different price. 

Fourth, the type of room you book matters. Rooms with balconies or special features like concierge service usually cost more than standard rooms. The average costs vary, but here’s an example range for a 3-night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral in July 2025, with two people in one stateroom:

• an Inside room costs at least $3,044 ($507.34 per person per night)
• an Oceanview room costs at least $3,188 ($531.34 per person per night)
• a Verandah room costs at least $3,380 ($563.34 per person per night)
• a concierge room costs at least $5,414 ($902.34 per person per night)

Fifth, you’ll be charged based on who is in the room . The first two people in the room always pay the adult rate, regardless of age (and solo travelers must pay a supplement to cover the “missing” second person). Additional passengers in the same room pay different amounts based on their age group . For example, here are the charges for each passenger in a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom on a 3-Night Bahamas Cruise in April 2025:

• First two adults: $1,215 each ($405 per person per night)
• 15-year-old: $651 ($217 per night)
• 7-year-old: $624 ($208 per night)
• 2-year-old: $349 ($116.34 per night)

Another factor in the price is when you book . Like airline tickets, stateroom prices can change over time based on demand. Even if the price of a room remains steady, cheaper room categories may be booked earlier (leaving only more expensive options to be booked). Book early for the best shot at a low price per night.

Want to find the exact per-person price for your dream cruise?

Benefits of Booking a Disney Cruise

In addition to the high quality of service and attention to detail that Disney is known for, there are several other benefits to booking a cruise with Disney Cruise Line. First, most dining on your cruise is included, which can save you hundreds of dollars on your overall vacation cost.

Second, all-inclusive Disney Cruises offer unique experiences that you won’t find on other cruise lines, such as character meet-and-greets, private island access, and exclusive shows and events.

Third, all of Disney’s cruise ships are playfully themed throughout, with little Disney touches and innovations around every corner. Whether you choose the Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , or Disney Wish , you’ll feel right at home on one of these amazing vessels. And more ships are being built , too!

Finally, Disney Cruises are very family-friendly and offer a wide range of activities for all ages. From kids’ clubs to adult-only dining, there is something for everyone on a Disney Cruise.

Disney Cruises Cost Versus Royal Caribbean

There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing a cruise line, but one important factor is cost. So, how does Disney Cruise Line stack up against Royal Caribbean?

Let’s compare Disney and Royal Caribbean prices for the following:

• 3-night Bahamas Cruise
• Visiting Nassau and the cruise line’s private island
• Sailing March 7, 2025
• Interior stateroom

Disney cost per person, per night: $387.67

Royal Caribbean cost per person, per night: $285.67

Cruise prices typically include your onboard accommodations, meals, and entertainment.  While Disney Cruises tend to be a bit more expensive than other cruise lines, they offer a unique vacation experience that you can’t find anywhere else. For example, Disney has a private island that is only available to their guests, and they also offer special shows and events not available anywhere else.

If finding a more affordable option is the most important factor, Royal Caribbean International might be a good choice as long as you’re OK with missing out on all the extra magic that Disney brings. Royal Caribbean does offer all-inclusive pricing and a wide range of activities and amenities, such as an adults-only pool area, a casino, and a variety of restaurants.

When comparing Disney Cruises versus Royal Caribbean cruises, Di sney is more expensive than Royal Caribbean, but we feel that Disney is worth the additional cost.  That said, both cruises offer a unique and memorable experience.

Considering a Disney Cruise? Contact The Vacationeer !

These expert Disney travel planners will help you find the lowest possible cost per person and even give you a free Onboard Credit — up to $1,000 to use while you’re onboard the ship!

Even if you’re cruising with Disney for the first time , they’ll make you feel like an old pro!

They offer free, no-obligation quotes and they never charge any planning fees for their services!

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What’s Included in a Disney Cruise? And What Costs Extra?

Posted on Published: 01/16/2024

I’ve always loved cruising on the Disney Cruise Line, and have found it to be especially convenient that so much is included in the fare. While these aren’t entirely all-inclusive vacations, cruises can be an easier way to budget for a vacation. However, it’s important that you know what is included in a Disney Cruise and what costs extra before planning your vacation. That way, you’ll have an idea of what to budget.

Note that many of these things are optional. So, you’ll only incur these expenses if this is something you choose to purchase/experience. It’s possible to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses beyond the cruise fare if that’s what you prefer

This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. We received some complimentary/discounted Disney Cruises but paid our way many times. All opinions are my own.

Check prices for your Disney Cruise here.

Short on time? Here’s a high-level description of what’s included and what isn’t.

What’s included in a Disney Cruise? And What Costs Extra?

Food on a disney cruise.

Most food is included on your Disney Cruise. Unlike some cruise lines, there isn’t a specific main dining room. Instead, Disney Cruise Line offers a rotational dining system where you’ll visit all three separate themed restaurants throughout your sailing. These meals are included in the price of your sailing.

In addition to these three main restaurants, there are lots of other places to get food during your trip. These include the buffet (Cabanas or Marceline Market), quick-service restaurants, pizza, soft-serve ice cream, and room service (most items). If your trip includes a day at Disney’s Castaway Cay, your lunch there is included.

Some specialty food, however, costs extra. The adult-only restaurants ( Palo, Remy, and Encante ) are specialty fine-dining restaurants at an additional cost. These are great meals, however, and are worth visiting for a special experience. Make your dining reservations in advance because they do get booked early.

The cruise ships also offer some additional specialty food that costs extra. Popcorn and packaged snacks cost extra, as do the specialty desserts and gelato at the various premium dessert shops on the ship (including Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats and Inside Out: Joyful Sweets).

Beverages on the Disney Cruise Line

Compared to other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line includes many different beverages. You can get fountain soda, filtered water, standard tea, and regular coffee at no cost while onboard. If you bring your refillable water bottle on board, there are refill stations you can use to keep it filled.

There are, however, some beverages that cost extra. These include alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and specialty coffee. Even if you are a coffee drinker, you can get your fill with the coffee that is included in your cruise.

Unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line does not offer an all-inclusive beverage package . Instead, you can purchase a six-pack package of beer or hard seltzer or a package of several wines. These packages are easy to buy on your first day, with no need to pre-book. There are also bundles of bottled water that can be purchased through room service.

Alcohol can be brought on the ship with you, but only up to a certain limit. Currently, guests can bring up to 2 bottles of wine or champagne (up to 750 ml bottles) or 6 beers. These must be packed in your carry-on bag, not the checked bag, and a corkage fee applies if bringing it to a restaurant.

This page on the Disney Cruise Line website has all of the details.

Staterooms on the Disney Cruise Line

Within your stateroom, you’ll have some amenities that can make for a comfortable and safe stay. These include an in-room safe, a hairdryer, and split bathrooms with toiletries (one room with a sink and shower and the other with a sink and toilet).

There are no irons in the rooms, but an ironing/laundry room is available to guests. If you want to do your laundry, there is a fee for soap, the washers, and the dryers.

Entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line

As you’d expect from the Disney Cruise Line, entertainment is top-notch. Luckily, this entertainment is included in the cost of your cruise.

When you are on the ship, you’ll be able to look at the Disney Cruise Line app to see all of the entertainment options. This includes large-scale, Broadway-style shows in the main theater, as well as first-run movies in the movie theater. In addition, other movies are shown on funnel vision by the pool deck.

The ship also offers character interactions throughout your sailing. You can find the schedule for these in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

Most of these are similar to character greetings at Disney Parks, where you’ll wait in line to meet the character. There are some, including the Royal Gathering, which is included but does require a reservation. On some ships, there are some additional character experiences, like Olaf’s Royal Picnic, that cost a significant amount extra.

Other entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line ships include musical performers, animation classes, magicians, game shows, trivia, and karaoke. Except for Bingo, all of these are included. While you can watch Bingo for free, you have to pay to play the game.

Port Excursions including Castaway Cay

Does your cruise include a day at Castaway Cay? If so, there are some fees for various port excursions and rentals on Castaway Cay. Items with fees include bike rentals, cabanas, the stingray excursion, waterbikes, snorkel trips, float and tube rentals, glass bottom boats, paddle boats, parasailing, kayaks, and more.

But, if you don’t want to spend any money, you can still enjoy a day at Castaway Cay. Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas are offered at no cost. There’s also plenty of entertainment offered, in addition to the beach.

If you are visiting other ports, not owned by Disney, you’ll have to purchase your shore excursions. The ship is always open, however, so if you want to save money, you can always stay on board (or choose to just walk around the port).

Port Transportation on the Disney Cruise Line

You’ll need to travel to the port for the start of your cruise vacation. Whether you park at the port, take a Disney Cruise Line bus, or utilize private transportation, you’ll have to pay for that separately. Where DCL transportation is offered, it’s optional and is offered at an additional price.

Ship Activities on the Disney Cruise Line

There are so many different activities and amenities on the Disney Cruise Line. These include splash areas, water slides, water rides like the AquaDuck and AquaMouse, sports decks, and pools . These activities and amenities are included in your cruise fare and don’t cost extra.

There are some activities on the ship that do cost more, however. These include the spa, the salons, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. There is no casino on the Disney Cruise Line ships, but Bingo is available. You’ll need to purchase your Bingo cards, and pre-sales are usually open in advance of the games.

The kids’ clubs on the Disney Cruise Line are world-class offering themed areas for popular Disney-owned movies like Star Wars and Toy Story. Kids can go into these clubs throughout your cruise, as no additional cost.

If you are cruising with babies, there’s also the It’s a small world nursery. Reservations are required, and there is an additional fee for this service.

Gratuities on the Disney Cruise Line

Like most cruise lines (except for Virgin Voyages), you’ll pay gratuities separately on the Disney Cruise Line. It is possible to pre-pay them when you purchase your cruise, which is a nice option if you want to make your cruise as all-inclusive as possible.

WiFi on the Disney Cruise Line

App messaging while on the ship is free. You can use the app to communicate with others in your party whenever you’d like, without purchasing Wi-Fi. In addition, iMessage is also free.

If you’d like to have WiFi, that is a separate purchase and is optional. I usually forgo WiFi and instead use my cell phone provider’s international day pass when I’m in port.

Photos on the Disney Cruise Line

If you’d like to have photos taken while you are on board, there are plenty of photographers. You can purchase these photos separately, or there are packages available to get all of your photos at one cost.

MagicBands have come to the Disney Cruise Line (in the form of the DisneyBand ). They aren’t required, and if you want one, they cost extra.

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Hands-Free Meets the Sea with DisneyBand+!

Eligible Guests on select sailings aboard the Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Dream and—starting with its March 19, 2024 voyage—the Disney Wonder are invited to purchase DisneyBand+!

What is DisneyBand+?

DisneyBand+ is a waterproof wristband designed to enhance your Disney cruise experience.

From boarding the ship on embarkation day and accessing your stateroom, to charging specialty food and merchandise to the payment card on your stateroom folio and beyond, DisneyBand+ adds convenience, fun and more magic to your cruise!

Disney Cruise Line Designs

Boarding made easier.

Hands-Free Convenience with Magical Surprises

Plus, your disneyband+ is:.

Enjoy All the Benefits of Purchasing Before Your Cruise

After purchasing your band.

I purchased a band. Now what? You're all set! Wear your band on the embarkation date and it will be activated for shipboard use by one of the terminal agents at check-in.

If you are using a band previously used in the theme parks, make sure it's linked to your account. If it appears in your account, you're ready to set sail! If it does not appear, select the "Link" button.

Learn more about DisneyBand+ and our safety and privacy policies by reviewing our frequently asked questions and helpful tips.

Protect Your Trip »

The 8 best alaska cruises for families.

Plan your next family vacation to explore the boundless beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime family or multigenerational vacation. With unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures that you won't find anywhere else in the world – not to mention scenic cruising days on the ship to spend time together – this special experience will stay with you forever.

For an extended vacation in the 49th state, consider booking a cruisetour. This combined cruise and pre- or post-cruise land tour option is offered by many of the larger cruise lines. The tours visit some of the top attractions in the state , such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and often include picturesque rides into Alaska's remote wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad. Some tours also head north to Fairbanks and visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (or both, in some cases). You can choose between fully escorted adventures or laid-back options to explore on your own, depending on what works best for your family.

Ready to book your Alaska adventure? These eight cruise lines offer excellent family-friendly excursions ashore , plus plenty of onboard activities to keep both kids and parents entertained during days at sea.

Find your perfect cruise

Princess Cruises: 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay

Departure city: Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2024 cruise season brings Princess' 55th-anniversary sailing to The Great Land, and the line is offering more than 150 Alaska voyages between April and September. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay itinerary northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , is available on dozens of dates this season on Grand Princess , Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The sailing includes stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord in Alaska. If you prefer a smaller ship, choose Grand Princess or Sapphire Princess, which hold 2,610 and 2,680 passengers (double occupancy), respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Princess accommodates 3,560 guests at double occupancy.

The Princess Cruises North to Alaska program features immersive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the 49th state. Guests can sample fresh local seafood and meet famous Alaskans such as Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod dog race. In Skagway, families can meet some of the newest sled dogs and their handlers during Puppies in the Piazza on the ship. Younger cruisers and teens can participate in the Alaska Explorers Youth Program in partnership with Glacier Bay National Park and the Discovery Channel, which includes activities like the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Sort Challenge.

The North to Alaska program also partners with Discovery and Animal Planet to feature onboard exhibits about Alaska, as well as curated excursions like the White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure in Skagway, which was created by a train historian. Back on the ship, kids and teens can hang out with other young cruisers their age at Camp Discovery's Treehouse (ages 3 to 7), Lodge (8 to 12) or Beach House (13 to 17). In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' Alaska mascot: Stanley the Bear. You might even find him during story time at the kids clubs wearing a captain's uniform or destination-themed costumes, such as lumberjack gear in Ketchikan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Alaska – Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Departure city: Seattle, Washington

This seven-day round-trip voyage from Seattle is available on Norwegian Bliss from April to September during the line's 2024 Alaska season. The sailing includes the ports of Sitka, Juneau , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan (Ward Cove), plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia , before disembarking in Seattle. Norwegian Bliss can carry 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and 4,266 passengers at maximum capacity.

The entire family will enjoy excursions like the Whale Watching & Bear Search tour in Icy Strait Point, while thrill-seekers of all ages will want to book an adrenaline-pumping ride down the mountain on the massive ZipRider zip line. In Ketchikan, take a hike through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where you might catch glimpses of wildlife like black bears or bald eagles. You can also head offshore from Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed ship from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," to pick up the day's bounty of king crab and search for marine wildlife along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Plenty of family activities and entertainment options are offered on this Norwegian Cruise Line ship, including the Bliss Speedway, a two-level racetrack at sea; laser tag; mini-golf; an interactive aqua park with waterslides that zip above the side of the ship; a video arcade; and live entertainment. You'll also find kids clubs designed for younger children and teens , as well as adults-only escapes like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O. When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of casual fare for hungry kids at venues like the Garden Café buffet, American Diner and The Local Bar & Grill.

Disney Cruise Line: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

This seven-night itinerary aboard Disney Wonder departs round-trip from Vancouver on several voyages throughout the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. The weeklong Disney Cruise Line sailing includes glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Plus, you'll enjoy plenty of Disney fun on board, with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-quality shows, and entertaining activities and venues for kids and adults alike.

Many of the ship's nautical-themed staterooms are designed with families in mind and feature a "split bath" concept and extra under-bed storage for suitcases. Disney Wonder can hold 1,750 passengers at double occupancy and 2,700 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship's unique rotational dining venues include an "under the sea" adventure at Triton's, a dinner show with Disney characters at Animator's Palate and Southern specialties with jazz music at Tiana's Place. For a night out sans kids, adults can savor a quiet evening with northern Italian cuisine at Palo or nosh on casual pub fare at Crown & Fin Pub. Younger sailors will find age-appropriate spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab, tween venue Edge, and teen club Vibe.

Disney's excursions also offer family fun ashore – especially in Skagway. Try panning for gold with Disney characters like Donald Duck, then feast on baked Alaska salmon at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. You can also take an extended six-hour tour by boat into Alaska's deepest fjord, Lynn Canal, then hike through the rainforest to reach your canoe for a wilderness safari at Glacier Point. For a bucket list splurge, reserve a spot on the helicopter flightseeing tour that includes dog mushing on the Denver Glacier with a team of Alaska sled dogs.

Holland America Line: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America's Koningsdam will sail the line's seven-day Inside Passage itinerary more than 20 times between April and September in 2024. This round-trip voyage embarks in Vancouver and includes multiple days of scenic cruising. You'll sail through the Inside Passage for two days; through Tracy Arm Inlet, where you can disembark for a shore excursion; and through Glacier Bay, where the Junior Ranger Program is a highlight for kids. The ports of call on this itinerary are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Koningsdam features dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, two bathrooms and extra closet space. The ship carries 2,650 guests at double occupancy and 3,194 passengers at maximum capacity. A wildlife expert on the ship helps guests spot Alaska's incredible marine and land animals through announcements and during daily programs. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, moose, brown bears and other wildlife. While in the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, you'll want to take the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to explore glacier-covered mountains, jagged cliffs and the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. surrounding the fjord. On a high-speed catamaran, you'll get up-close views of the Sawyer Glaciers and have potential sightings of harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and more.

Back on board, Holland America Line 's kids club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for young cruisers ages 3 to 17 – including children who may need certain accommodations. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly options for dining on Koningsdam, including Lido Market, New York Pizza and the poolside Dive In grill. During the cruise, look for themed evenings in the Lido Market like salmon bakes or seafood boil pop-up dinners, which are in line with Holland America's commitment to serving certified sustainable and traceable Alaska seafood. An Alaska brunch is also offered once during the voyage in the main dining room; you'll enjoy dishes highlighting ingredients from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

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Royal Caribbean International: 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas for the seven-night Alaska Adventure Cruise, sailing round-trip from Seattle . This itinerary is available on several dates between May and August 2024 and features stops in the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an afternoon call in the Canadian city of Victoria. While there, book an off-roading excursion through the coastal rainforest that includes a zip line adventure. Or, take a self-guided tour through Victoria's famed Butchart Gardens and the tropical Butterfly Gardens filled with wildlife.

Quantum of the Seas – which holds 4,180 passengers at double occupancy and 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity – is one of the two larger Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2024 (Ovation of the Seas is the other). As such, it offers abundant activities and entertainment for families at sea. On board, guests can experience Ripcord by iFly (the only skydiving simulator at sea) and take in snow-capped mountain views from the FlowRider surf simulator or atop the ship's rock climbing wall. Other onboard activities include bumper cars, an escape room, an arcade, pickleball and The Silent Party (a dance party where everyone wears headphones).

At mealtime, kids will have plenty of choices for casual and quick bites, from carefully crafted hot dogs at the Dog House and specialty pies at Sorrento's Pizza to around-the-clock snacks at Café Promenade and grab-and-go fare at The Café@Two70. When the little ones want to play or chill out with kids their age, Adventure Ocean offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, teens can meet other 13- to 17-year-olds at the Hideout Hangout.

Carnival Cruise Line: 7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Departure city: Juneau, Alaska

Carnival's 2024 Alaska season runs from May to September, with the 7-Day Alaska from Seattle itinerary available every month during that time. The round-trip sailing aboard Carnival Luminosa stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. You'll enjoy scenic cruising in Victoria and through Tracy Arm Fjord. You'll also have one "fun day at sea" to check out the activities and entertainment on the ship, which offers a double occupancy capacity of 2,260 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,826 passengers.

Younger sailors ages 2 to 11 can join in on ocean-themed games, songs and programming at Camp Ocean, while tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can participate in destination-focused activities at See the World. Club 02 is a designated space for guests ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, play sports and video games, and more. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies together at Carnival Seaside Theater and watch live musical productions at Playlist Productions. When it comes to dining on Carnival , families will have a choice of several casual restaurants to satisfy finicky eaters, including Pizzeria del Capitano, The Carnival Deli, Lido Marketplace and Swirls for soft serve ice cream. For a special night out, make reservations at the Steakhouse, which costs extra but offers reduced prices for children 11 and younger.

When going ashore, Juneau offers many family-friendly excursions – some of which you may not have the chance to experience anywhere else in the world. The Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery takes guests airborne by bush plane over the five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. After the ride, you'll land in the Taku River at the historic Taku Lodge, which sits across from Juneau's largest glacier, the Taku Glacier. At the lodge, you'll feast on a bountiful meal featuring homemade side dishes and one of the best-known local seafood specialties, Alaska king salmon.

Celebrity Cruises: 7 Nights Alaska Hubbard Glacier

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's seven-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier itinerary is available on nine voyages between May and September 2024. The Celebrity Solstice (which holds 2,852 guests at double occupancy) sails round-trip from Vancouver and stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. You'll have two days of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and around Hubbard Glacier. While in Icy Strait Point, book a guided nature walk excursion along the "Trail of the Bears" in the bush country of the Spasski River Valley. During your search for Alaska's coastal brown bears, you'll also learn about the Tlingit culture and community in Hoonah, and perhaps even see Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Back on the ship, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program entertains children, tweens and teens ages 3 to 17 with four different age-appropriate programs: Shipmates (ages 3 to 5), Cadets (ages 6 to 9), Captains (ages 10 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17). The customizable activities change every cruise and are based on the interests of the participants. Celebrity also offers autism-friendly activities and services for families on board.

When it comes to dining options on the ship, families will find kid-friendly selections on the in-room dining menu and at the main restaurant. For quick casual fare, head to the buffet-style Oceanview Café or to the Mast Grill for burgers and other grab-and-go bites. If you want healthier dishes, the Spa Café offers homemade energy bars, acai bowls, turkey wraps and other light choices.

UnCruise Adventures: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

If you prefer a small-ship cruise experience without the bells and whistles of some larger vessels, UnCruise offers adventure-style cruises to Alaska on its fleet of safari- and expedition-style ships. With these intimate cruises, you and the kids (ages 8 and older) can get up close to glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's vast wilderness directly from the ship via Zodiacs and kayaks. You may even see wildlife from a short distance away along the shoreline, as UnCruise vessels are able to sail into smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The line's Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise features two full days in pristine Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, which holds a maximum of 76 passengers. Here, guests can hike along remote coastlines amid old-growth forests, view sea life up close and go birding at South Marble Island. You'll also have the opportunity to see several tidewater glaciers, go kayaking in the Keku Islands and explore Neka Bay on Chichagof Island. Another highlight is a visit to Glacier Bay Lodge at Bartlett Cove, the only hotel accommodations in the 3.3 million-acre national park. The seven-night itinerary departs round-trip from Juneau and is offered between April and September 2024.

The full itinerary includes stops in Icy Strait and Neka Bay; Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; Chichagof Island (which boasts the world's largest population of brown bears per square mile); Frederick Sound; and Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glaciers. During the weeklong cruise, you'll have narration by expert onboard guides and embark on some of the most memorable adventures your kids will ever have in Alaska's remote wilderness.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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