disney dream cruise photos

Disney Dream Decks and Cabins

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• Deluxe Interior
• Deluxe Oceanview
• Family Oceanview
• Deluxe Verandah
• Family Verandah
• Concierge Family Verandah
• Concierge Bedroom Suite
• Concierge Royal Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabins Check

Built in 2011, the Disney Cruise Line Disney Dream cruise ship weighs 130K tons and has 1250 staterooms for up to 3500 passengers served by 1458 crew . There are 14 passenger decks, 9 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 37 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Disney Dream showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Disney Cruise Line Disney Dream

Last Drydock: Aug 2020

LIVE SHIP TRACKING

STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

CONCIERGE ROYAL SUITE

Floor Diagram Concierge Royal Suite

Sleeps up to: 5 2 Cabins Cabin: 898 sqft (84 m 2 ) Balcony: 883 sqft (83 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

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More Info [+/-]

Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, important size information, stateroom cabin perks, more diagrams of this cabin type.

CONCIERGE BEDROOM SUITE

Floor Diagram Concierge Bedroom Suite

Sleeps up to: 5 19 Cabins Cabin: 536 sqft (50 m 2 ) Balcony: 86 sqft (8 m 2 )

 Accessible Info [+/-]

CONCIERGE FAMILY VERANDAH

Floor Diagram Concierge Family Verandah

Sleeps up to: 5 20 Cabins Cabin: 263 sqft (25 m 2 ) Balcony: 43 sqft (4 m 2 )

FAMILY VERANDAH

Floor Diagram Family Verandah

Sleeps up to: 5 389 Cabins Cabin: 256 sqft (24 m 2 ) Balcony: 43 sqft (4 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

DELUXE VERANDAH

Floor Diagram Deluxe Verandah

Sleeps up to: 4 472 Cabins Cabin: 203 sqft (19 m 2 ) Balcony: 43 sqft (4 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

FAMILY OCEANVIEW

Floor Diagram Family Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 5 108 Cabins Cabin: 241 sqft (23 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

DELUXE OCEANVIEW

Floor Diagram Deluxe Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 4 91 Cabins Cabin: 204 sqft (19 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

DELUXE INTERIOR

Floor Diagram Deluxe Interior

Sleeps up to: 4 19 Cabins Cabin: 204 sqft (19 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Interior

Sleeps up to: 4 131 Cabins Cabin: 169 sqft (16 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Disney Dream Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Disney Dream Quick Stats

Big picture disney dream decks.

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Disney Dream Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• Disney Dream DECK DRAG
• Disney Dream Cabin Check

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Practical Tips for Traveling with Babies, Toddlers & Kids |

Kids On A Plane

Photo Tour of the Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Post last updated March 12, 2019

The Disney Dream cruise ship sails around the Bahamas (we chose a 5 day 4 night cruise as our first family cruise in 2013 and did the exact same cruise a second time in December 2018) and is one of the most beautiful cruise ships we’ve been on.

This is the ship that got us hooked on cruising with Disney.

Decorated in Art Deco style, the Disney Dream has 14 decks with the most popular (and busy) being the Deck 3 and Deck 11.

Everyone boards the Disney Dream cruise ship with cast members announcing your arrival “Welcome _____ family!” followed by a short round of applause and cheers.

It made the kids feel special and I will admit it, I kind of felt like I was part of the royal family. HA!

Disney Dream Deck 3 – Lobby & Atrium

Deck 3 is the lobby and atrium area of the ship. There is a bar, 2 restaurants, guest services and concierge, gift shops, the theatre on this deck and several character meet and greets take place here.

The stunning chandelier (see the hidden Mickeys?)

The hallway that leads to the gift shops and theatre.

Midship Elevator Entrance (more hidden Mickeys).

Princess Meet & Greet in the Atrium

Disney Dream Deck 11 – Pools, Cabanas & Counter Service Dining Options

Aquaduck and Nemo’s Reef, an adult only pool and bar section, several counter service dining options -think ice cream, pizza, chicken fingers, sandwiches – and a drink station are all on Deck 11.

Cabanas is an indoor/outdoor dining area which serves buffet style breakfast and lunch and is decorated like a cabana with colorful awnings, seagulls from Finding Nemo and 2 mosaic tile walls.

One of the two mosaic tile Finding Nemo scenes inside Cabanas. My photo doesn’t do it justice!

The spa and salon is also located on Deck 11 (there are some treatment rooms on Deck 12 as well) but I don’t have any pictures as I didn’t spend time there – next cruise maybe!

The Sail Away Party as well as the Pirate Party on the last night take place on Deck 11 as well.

Deck 3 and 11 is where we spent most of our time during our 5 days at sea as did many families with young children. Very relaxing and quiet on port days but quite busy on non port days.

Have you cruised on the Disney Dream? We’d love to hear what you thought about this Disney cruise ship!

About Cheryl - Kids On A Plane

Cheryl daydreams about exploring the world with her family often and will travel for good food, lattes and theme park rides that don't require her to go too high in the sky. She's afraid of heights!

April 1, 2013 at 11:43 am

Wow! Looks amazing. Can’t wait to do this someday!

April 4, 2013 at 2:30 pm

It was a gorgeous ship indeed, Candace. My first time sailing with Disney and I didn’t really know what to expect but when we boarded I was blown away.

April 3, 2013 at 2:57 pm

What a great tour! Disney doesn’t miss a thing! Their attention to detail is amazing. I can only imagine how great the actual cruise itself is!

April 4, 2013 at 2:32 pm

The cruise was amazing especially for those who are Disney fans or ones with younger children. I know it probably isn’t the best cruise option for everyone but for my family’s first attempt at cruising, it was perfect.

April 4, 2013 at 10:38 pm

What a beautiful looking ship!!! It doesn’t look like your on a “boat” at all. Quite amazing. I’ve never been on a cruise but would love to take Princess Peach when she’s a bit older. I think I would love the Princess meet and greet.

April 5, 2013 at 4:58 pm

Someday we will get on a Disney Cruise! It sounds really wonderful and I know the kids would love it. Now just need to save my pennies (and nickels and dollars 🙂 )

April 5, 2013 at 5:04 pm

Love your photos. The Disney Dream looks like an amazing ship. I love how Disney has incorporated the Hidden Mickey’s in cruising, just as the theme parks.

April 5, 2013 at 5:37 pm

Gorgeous! You never think of a cruise ship as a work of art, but they really are!

Thanks for linking up!

April 5, 2013 at 10:26 pm

OK I NEED to go to that Princess Meet & Greet.

It should go without saying that I also need to dine in that restaurant (preferably BEFORE Finding Dory), but I just typed it.

So jealous you were there, but so happy I get to see photos!

April 6, 2013 at 4:14 am

Love these photos and it makes me wish I was sailing on the Dream soon. I love the Art Deco style. I remember being announced when we got in and felt so special too 🙂 That is such a great photo of the Princesses lined up. That chandelier is gorgeous!

April 8, 2013 at 11:32 am

I’m not huge on cruises, but would like to do a disney cruise. they have down to a science entertaining both kids and adults.

April 8, 2013 at 8:58 pm

Eileen, I totally agree – Disney has perfected it! We are a cruising family (well my husband and I were prior to kids) so going on a Disney one was just over the top for us.

April 21, 2013 at 12:48 pm

Thanks for sharing the pictures, would love to go on a Disney Cruise on day

October 4, 2013 at 7:44 pm

Man, I always wanted to go on this cruise as a kid!

October 23, 2013 at 2:48 pm

What a dream vacation!!! Thanks for sharing!

October 23, 2013 at 4:17 pm

This Disney “city” on the water is absolutely amazing. How could you not have just a fabulous time on it. I can’t imagine being a child on that vacation.

October 23, 2013 at 4:29 pm

These photos are amazing! My girls would LOVE this cruise!!! I’ve never been on one but we need to plan one soon!

October 23, 2013 at 5:43 pm

I love cruises! I remember going on my first one when I was 10. I’ve been on a whole lot since then and always want to go on another. I’ve never been on a Disney cruise, mostly since I feel like they are just for families and as soon as I have mine you betcha we are looking into a Disney trip.

October 23, 2013 at 10:12 pm

You’d be surprised how many adults go without kids, Casandra! We saw a few!

October 23, 2013 at 6:57 pm

I’ve never been on the Disney cruise ship, but always heard great things. Your pictures are amazing!

October 23, 2013 at 8:47 pm

I want to go on a cruise!! Doing a Disney Cruise with my grandkids would be so much fun!! Looks like a beautiful ship!!

October 23, 2013 at 9:08 pm

OMG totally jealous!! My kids (mostly me) would love this!!

October 23, 2013 at 9:10 pm

That is so beautiful, exactly what you would expect from Disney

October 24, 2013 at 1:54 am

wow, how cool is that? I’d love to go on this cruise.

October 24, 2013 at 3:00 am

Wow! No way! I’ve never heard of this. Where have I been! This looks amazing!

October 24, 2013 at 3:34 am

WOW it looks like an incredible cruise – it’s my dream to go too!

October 24, 2013 at 4:58 am

I am sure this would be a vacation the kids would surely enjoy. Most of all, should I get the chance to get on this cruise, I would be a kid all over again. I am such a big Disney fan!

October 24, 2013 at 5:41 am

My daughter’s biggest dream is going on this cruise, it is gorgeous! Love art deco. Awesome photos, this post just makes me want to run out and get tickets. I had no idea the boat was so beautiful.

October 24, 2013 at 11:47 am

Love the photos, especially that chandelier..so gorgeous 🙂

October 24, 2013 at 3:25 pm

Wow, this looks amazing! Of course I’m terrified of boats though!

October 28, 2013 at 9:22 am

I can’t wait until my daughter is a little older so we can do things like this.

December 7, 2013 at 11:19 am

My 3 daughters would absolutely love this cruise. Maybe one day!

September 13, 2014 at 7:39 am

Oooh those lights! I LOVE THEM. Beautiful ship and so fun because it’s Disney! I have never been on a cruise before but this one looks very tempting

November 15, 2015 at 9:59 am

I am very excited that some year, I might actually go on a Disney Cruise. I’m scared, though, that the boat would be shaking. Will it be? Anyway, it seems really fun so I’m excited!! I’ve never been on a boat or cruise ship.

[…] Next Up: A photo tour of the Disney Dream […]

[…] was a wide selection of foods at the buffet (Cabanas on Deck 11) for breakfast and lunch during our cruise and our servers were very accommodating at dinner if we […]

[…] they get thirsty at night, no problem! Their water bottle is in the room and you don’t have to trek to Deck 11 to get something to […]

[…] I’m not completely sure what they were up to while we were at Palo but something tells me our two kids were on the lookout for some Disney characters with their grandparents. […]

Disney Dream Cruise Ship Review & Overview

This post takes a look at the Disney Dream to offer and overview, photos, some tips for those setting sail on this Disney Cruise Line ship. As we’ve already covered a lot of the basics of cruising with Disney in our Top 10 First-Timer Disney Cruise Line Tips and Guide to the Disney Cruise Line posts (both of those links open in new tabs and we’d advise reading them for planning purposes), we aren’t going to spend as much time fixating on high-level aspects of the Disney Dream that are already covered in those posts. Instead, we will highlight what’s unique to the Disney Dream, and contrast the boat to the other ship on which we’ve cruised: the Disney Magic.

In some ways, this post is a Disney Dream v. Disney Magic cruise ship comparison, but the problem with that is the matchup is more lopsided than Tatum v. Simpson; the Disney Dream would win pretty much across the board. Even after being re-imagined, the Disney Magic feels like a first generation product on which Disney learned a lot of lessons. Don’t get me wrong, I really loved our first cruise on the Magic, but it’s clear that the initial foray into cruising taught Disney a lot, and it iterated on subsequent ships to make the experience much better.

To be sure, the Disney Magic is no slouch. All of Disney’s ships bring a lot to the table in terms of style and detail, and have an incontrovertible sense of “Disney” about them, but the Magic feels much better suited for short cruises. If the Disney Dream is any indication, the Magic’s younger siblings are the more compelling option for any itinerary that includes a day at sea or more time on the ship, in general.

The biggest thing you need is, well, that. It’s bigger. The Disney Dream is significantly larger than the Disney Magic, with 151 more feet in length. While you’ll definitely notice the added length as it gives the newer ship a bit more breathing room, both ships have a similar feeling of intimacy. This difference isn’t like going from Disneyland to Walt Disney World (and not just because both cruise ships are well-maintained), but the size difference is noticeable.

The Disney Magic is approximately 964 feet long, as compared to the Disney Dream’s 1,115 feet. To give those numbers a little perspective, the Magic is approximately double the height of modern day Godzilla , whereas the difference between the two ships is slightly more than 1954 Godzilla. (I’m sure that perspective was incredibly helpful.) The only question that remains is whether the ships produce more than Godzilla’s 1 billion-plus daily liters of urine ? (With all of that unlimited soda, my money is on the cruise ship guests!)

Another difference comes in terms of dining. Across the board, we think both ships are very good in this department. The main table service and buffet options are Cabanas (buffet), Royal Palace, Enchanted Garden, and Animator’s Palate. If you haven’t cruised on the Disney Dream in a few years, some of these names might be new to you.

Animator’s Palate is the quintessential Disney restaurant on all of the Disney Cruise Line ships, the one you see touted on television specials and in advertisements, and the classic example of Disney “magic.” I gushed over the Disney Magic version of Animator’s Palate in our review , and all of that praise applies here, as well. The Disney Dream ups the ante on the experience with actual interaction from Crush a la Turtle Talk. It’s a can’t miss experience, regardless of whether you have kids or not.

Out of the other two “main” table service restaurants, we liked Enchanted Garden the best. This is supposedly inspired by the Palace of Versailles’ famed gardens, which is…a stretch. It feels more like Crystal Palace with Art Nouveau flourishes in place of the Victorian ones, plus more overt references to gardening.

Nonetheless, the atmosphere of dining in a fancy sorta greenhouse thing with moody lighting makes for excellent ambiance, and the food is very good. In fact, we think the food is good regardless of where you go. While the food at each of these restaurants is relatively safe and Americanized, safe and high-quality are not mutually-exclusive. Not only that, but the service (again, across the board) on the Disney Dream is exceptional.

On the higher end, Disney Dream definitely gets the edge. While we loved our experiences at Palo for dinner and brunch of the Disney Magic, Remy takes fine dining to the next level with an even swankier restaurant, with a $85 per person upcharge for dinner here.

We were fine with the $25 (now $30) upcharge for Palo, justifying it on our first cruise by virtue of the great offseason deal we got on the cruise coupled with a relatively low surcharge. However, $85 (then $75) is a bit more of a pill to swallow. Once you account for the amount you’re already paying for a dinner at one of the regular restaurants, which is built into the cost of the cruise (no, it’s not “free”) and then add that to the cost of Remy, the price is fairly staggering.

We certainly don’t begrudge those who want to try it ( here’s a great Remy review if you want to know more ), but just keep in mind that you’re in Victoria & Albert’s territory once you account for the built-in dining cost. Maybe we’ll give it a try someday…after we revisit V&A’s.

On the nightlife front, we think the Disney Dream similarly has the advantage. This is largely thanks to Skyline Bar, which is to adults what Animator’s Palate is to kids. Get a few drinks in you, and you’ll probably believe you’re in all of those different cities as the bar’s backdrop changes.

Joking aside, this adults’ district is more effective because it features environments where people actually want to spend time (like Skyline), and because these spaces are significantly smaller. Normally, small plus cool is a recipe for disaster with Disney offerings, as it means long waits and big crowds. That’s not really the case on Disney Cruise Line, as (in our experience) the boats become pretty quiet in the evening hours. That means the cavernous entertainment areas in After Hours on the Disney Magic feel empty, creating a poor atmosphere, which encourages people to leave quickly.

By contrast, there’s a palpable energy to Skyline, Pink, and District Lounge thanks to the spaces being more inviting, which encourages people to stick around. Both have self-fulfilling prophecies of sorts, albeit in opposite directions. We’re actually a bit surprised After Hours on the Magic hasn’t been re-imagined to something more like these bars, as it seems like there’s more than enough space for it. Perhaps the bigger issue is demand, or lack thereof?

Then there’s the AquaDuck, the 765 feet long water slide that you ride on rafts for 1-2 people. Do I really have to state the obvious here? This is awesome. While the re-imagining of the Disney Magic added the AquaDunk to those ships, that’s a pale imitator that is too short. This is both exhilarating and oddly relaxing. It’s like a tamer version of Crush ‘N’ Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon, but you can enjoy the view and the ride isn’t as rough. Highly recommended first thing in the morning.

Aside from that, the pool scene is pretty comparable on both ships. The Disney Dream has Donald’s Pool, Mickey’s Pool, Nemo’s Reef, and the adults’ area, Quiet Cove. There are some differences in terms of the layout of the pools, and we think it’s noteworthy that the hot tubs in Quiet Cove offer ocean (or port) views that make them particularly appealing.

We felt the staterooms on the Disney Magic made a great use of space, and the same holds true for the staterooms on the Disney Dream. Previously, we had a verandah room and this time the room was an inside room (the virtual portholes are a nice touch for those who don’t want to splurge for an outside room), so it’s not really possible for a fair head-to-head comparison. (Also, the Disney Dream room was an ADA room.)

The rooms certainly don’t feel like you’re trapped in a sardine can, but your mileage may vary on that depending upon how much time you spend in your stateroom. With so much to do and see on the ship, it’s hard to justify spending much time in the room. Even “relaxing” activities like reading, working, or having a cup of coffee are all better enjoyed in common areas on the ship. In our experience, there are plenty of quiet corners and places to relax away from the crowds.

Without question, my favorite element of the Disney Cruise Line ships is the grandiose atrium lobbies, complete with their resplendent chandeliers. The first time we stepped foot on the Disney Magic, it was like some sort of time warp took us to a Disneyfied version of the Titanic.

The centerpiece of this is the Art Deco chandelier that was custom designed for the Disney Dream in Northern Italy and measures 22 feet diameter at the ceiling plate and comes down 13 feet from the ceiling. It is 24kt gold plated with a total of 88,680 Swarovski crystal beads. Make sure to take plenty of photos of this thing, as the pro-rated cost of this fancy chandelier is approximately $26.89 for the life of the ship. (And you wondered why Disney cruises cost so much as compared to the competition! 😉 ).

In terms of entertainment, you have the Walt Disney Theatre, which presents 3 different shows, each of which come in at just under an hour in duration. There’s the character-montage, with a heartwarming moral lesson in Disney’s Believe , the ever-popular Golden Mickeys awards show, and Villains Tonight. You’ll want to make time for each of these shows–although we think the writing isn’t the greatest in any of them, they are still well-worth seeing, especially if you’re a big Disney fan wanting a theme park-esque “fix” from the cruise.

As far as the highlights of the Disney Dream that are different from our past experience on the Disney Magic, that about covers it. Obviously, there’s a lot more entertainment than what we’ve covered–and much of that varies from cruise to cruise (consult your Personal Navigator for that).

If you want to see a first-run Disney movie during your cruise, the Buena Vista Theatre plays them throughout the day. Just remember that your waking per-hour cost of a cruise is probably higher than a movie ticket, which makes seeing movies on a cruise about as effective at “saving money” as paying $80 for a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket in order to trick or treat.

Beyond that, there are tons of other activities, from shopping to spas, to sports. From basketball to shuffleboard to ping pong to volleyball and more. There’s also a robust Fitness Center with a variety of machines, plus aerobic and yoga classes.

Shortly after we sailed, the Oceaneer’s Club for kids was totally redone ; the highlight of this re-do is a Star Wars play area that looks like the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon.

Overall, there’s a lot to like about the Disney Dream, and it really feels like a second-generation cruise ship, with Disney having learned from the Disney Magic and Wonder, and incorporating that into the design of the Dream. Although many of these differences are subtle, everything about it just feels like a “2.0” experience. Again, we want to reiterate that this isn’t a knock on the Disney Magic by any means. We were blown away by our first experience setting sail with Disney (and I was not expecting it to suit my personality at all), and it’s not as if the Magic is rough around the edges or some sort of slouch. The Disney Dream just slightly better. Because of that, we would definitely recommend it over the Disney Magic–but not by such a significant margin that you should weigh the ships more heavily than the itineraries. With that said, all things being equal, we’d give the nod to the Disney Dream. If you’re able to justify the price (or can find an off-season deal), Disney Cruise Line delivers on the Disney quality, and offers the “Disney Difference.”

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, we’d really appreciate it if you’d share it via social media to help spread the word. We put a lot of work into making this site a helpful planning resource, and hope it’s useful to you! 🙂

YOUR THOUGHTS

Have you ever set sail on the Disney Dream? What do you think of it? If you’ve sailed other ships, how do you think it stacks up to those? Any other tips to add or recommendations? If you have questions or thoughts, please share them below and we’ll try to respond!

Written by Tom Bricker

We just took our first cruise on the Disney Dream a couple months ago and there was so much to see and do! I am interested in the new ships coming out for our next cruise.

First and last time with Disney had to be last group to book excursions and on the first day we could book 2 out the 3 excursions were sold out so thank you Disney for screwing first time cruisers with your line should be on first come first serve basis anyone ask me I will tell go to a different cruise line thank you again Disney for me being a first and last time passenger

I just did cruise check-in, and Remy is now $125 per person. Just wanted to give you a heads-up!

We have only sailed on the Wonder. Having been on a ship of each size, how is it at Castaway Cay? Does it feel crowded with 4000 people vs 2000 people? Thanks!

We sailed on the Fantasy almost exactly a year ago (May 2015), and it’s a very similar ship to the Dream. I hadn’t sailed on a Disney ship in almost 10 years so I really didn’t remember the older ships, though I know we have sailed on the Magic. I have to say, we loved the Fantasy. You are spot on with the adult spaces — they work better because they are smaller, and fewer people tend to use them.

Whenever people hear we have sailed with Disney I always get the “but so many kids!” question. To that end, I think Disney is actually one of the best cruise lines for adult cruising. Since they know there are so many kids, they are extra vigilant about keeping adult-spaces truly for just adults. We were in one of the bars one night watching a hockey game and a mom came in with her two kids (maybe 8 and 10?). They were being perfectly well-behaved, but a bartender still came over and asked them to leave since it’s an adults-only space. I was really impressed. Even though they were being fine, what if they weren’t? I was happy that they kept the precedent across the board, with no exceptions, and I could trust my spaces to have no kids if I chose not to be around them (and please, the kids have SO MANY fun spaces to occupy that are just for them!). Adult pools and bars were diligently kept kid-free, and I really appreciated that as a childless adult.

As for Remy, omg. Definitely on par with V&A. We did it on our cruise and while the bill was, ah, quite expensive, it was amazing and so worth it. Service, food, views…it was incredible. Definitely go at sunset or at least for a bit while the sun is up for amazing, amazing views. We did brunch at Palo and dinner at Remy. If we could only do one, I would chose Remy.

When did you and Sarah go? Recently, or is this based on an older trip?

Thank you for all of your terrific posts. I’ve really enjoyed reading them over the past couple of months. Did you by any chance use your computer on your cruise? We have a family business that requires us to work on our vacations and I was curious about whether you had trouble with internet access.

Hey Tom, the Fantasy is the latest ship, not the Dream, so the Dream is benefiting from the ideas that went into Magic and Wonder.

Great Post! At the end you said that the Dream learned the mistakes made on the Magic and the Fantasy. Did you mean the Wonder? The Fantasy came after the Dream, it’s sister ship. Best Wishes!

”the Magic feels much better suited for short cruises.”

It’s an interesting perception of the Magic. I have felt the opposite. We spent three weeks on the Magic sailing Norway and Iceland last year and felt that the Magic was perfect for longer cruising. I say this because you get your Disney fix in the evenings and can spend that time relaxing after a destination heavy itinerary. This is especially beneficial after having previously caught flights all over Europe. Cast members also then became close friends in this longer and intimate environment.

When sailing the Caribbean or Bahamas I can see why the ship needs to be the destination as the ports are, in my opinion, less exciting. The Magic’s itineraries in Europe are port focused and therefore you don’t quite need the bells and whistles that the Dream and Fantasy have (don’t get me wrong, I love bells and whistles). If you’re sailing the Magic to the Caribbean then I’d I agree that the Dream class may offer something more.

I think I can reduce my point to this: With port intensive itineraries a longer cruise on the Magic/Wonder is fantastic as the ports are the destination.

For the Bahamas and the Caribbean the ship is the destination and perhaps a week is about the right time.

I think you’ve nailed it. When the ship is the destination (such as it is in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, where the ports of call are rather ho-hum and a large portion of the manifest has literally “been there, done that”), the ship needs to have extended bells and whistles. But when the destination is Europe, Alaska, or the Panama Canal (though Panama transverse cruises tend to have a lot of sea days), the smaller, more intimate ships are, I think, the perfect size: accommodating without being overwhelming.

That’s an interesting perspective, and having never done one of those longer itineraries, you are probably much more qualified to offer an opinion than I am. My assumption was that more time on the ship (in terms of days) meant a bigger ship would be preferable. I never considered that there are certain longer itineraries that ‘wear you out’ with much more interesting port destinations.

Thanks for sharing that!

Can you make me one of those fork sculptures?

The Dream was the first ship my wife and I ever said on (our first cruise ever), and we were immediately hooked. The ship is just beautiful – I think one of the best designed spaces I’ve seen anywhere, forget the fact that this thing is floating at sea. Since then we’ve been on all 4 other Disney ships, and I think the design of the Dream is still my favorite. That said – I think the title of best Disney ship probably goes to the Fantasy, the Dream’s younger sibling. They took everything great about the Dream and upped the anti with an additional show in Animators Palate for the longer 7 night sailings, as well as a few tweaked spaces to make it better for the long hauls (the Fantasy sails 7 nights sailings only, while the Dream alternates 3/4/5 night sailings, but never gets to 7 nights so they never have the additional show).

Side note – At the end you say the lessons learned from the “Magic and Fantasy”… I think you mean Magic & Wonder as those are the two older ships. The Fantasy is the newest ship in the fleet.

Yes, I was wondering if he meant the Magic and Wonder, too, instead of the Fantasy…Glad I’m not the only one. 😉

We sailed on the magic a few years ago, loved everything except the kids pools..they were tiny, therefore VERY crowded. Is the Dream better in this area?

Whoops! meant the Magic!

in its favor, the Wonder does have Clara Oman,..

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Disney Dream: Everything You Need to Know

Disclaimer: this Disney Dream Cruise Ship page includes affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

Disney Dream Cruise Ship - The Ultimate Guide

Img: Flickr

Considering a Disney Cruise on the Dream?

This is the most comprehensive guide to Disney Dream Cruise Ship information on the Internet. Real information to make your voyage on Disney Dream as magical as it can be!

Table of Contents

• Disney Dream Staterooms

Disney Dream History

Disney dream deck plan.

• Disney Dream Dining
• Disney Dream Entertainment
• Disney Dream Pools
• Disney Dream Sports
• Disney Dream Shopping
• Disney Dream Concierge
• Other Onboard Services
• Disney Dream Ports of Call

About the Disney Dream

After the success of the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder , Disney Cruise Line decided to add to their fleet.

On January 26, 2011, the Disney Dream made her maiden voyage as the third Disney Cruise Line ship.

Image: Disney Cruise Line

How Big is the Disney Dream?

Disney Dream weighs over 130,000 tons and it is 1115 feet in length. The ship is the same size as the Disney Fantasy , which was introduced to the Disney Cruise Line fleet at the same time as the Dream.

CAPACITY Passengers: 4000 Staterooms: 1250 Crew (aka "Cast Members"): 1400

The Crew-to-Passenger ratio equals out to one Cast Member for every 2.8 guests!

Disney Dream Facts & Trivia

• The Disney Dream is 1,115 feet which is longer than the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and longer than the height of New York City’s famous Chrysler Building
• The interior is decorated in art deco style, characterized by geometric designs and bold, solid colors
• Each of the 4 DCL ships has a unique statue in their atrium lobby. Disney Dream’s Statue is Donald Duck
• Jennifer Hudson is the Godmother of the Disney Dream
• The ship horn whistles the first line of 7 different Disney tunes
• The Dream was the first ship to have a water roller coaster at sea, known as the Aquaduck!
• The Disney Dream’s atrium lobby chandelier is 24kt gold plated and sparkles with 88,680 Swarovski crystal beads. The chandelier is 22 feet in diameter and hangs down 13 feet from the ceiling
• The stern (back end of the ship) features Sorcerer Mickey
• The bow (front end of the ship) features Captain Mickey

Image: Flickr

As you read this page, refer back to this map of Disney Dream deck plan often to familiarize yourself with the different locations of Disney Dream's attractions. Click it to enlarge.

Source: Disney Cruise Line

Want the Disney Dream Map?

Is that included, disney dream dining, main dining, about disney dream restaurants.

Like the other ships in the DCL fleet, the Disney Dream features "Rotational Dining."

To mix up your dinner dining enjoyment, guests rotate between three main restaurants, offering a  unique dining experience every night. Your server, assistant server and rest of dinner staff will move with you.

Here are the Disney Dream restaurants that are part of the rotational dining.

Enchanted Garden

As you enjoy dinner in a setting that evokes a French conservatory, the ceiling will change colors, beginning with a bright blue color to represent day time, progressing to a golden red hue to mimic the setting sun, finally culminating in a sparkling starlight. 

The light fixtures near your table actually "bloom" during your meal. It's the subtle effects of this dining room that make it charming.

Royal Palace

Disney's imagineers have designed the Royal Palace to feel like you're playing an important part of a Disney fairytale.

The design is a reflection of settings from movies like Snow White , Sleeping Beauty , and Beauty and the Beast.

The wall murals are classically gorgeous. Spend a moment to gaze at each one.

Animator's Palate

Disney animations come to life in our favorite of the main dining rooms. Heck, everyone loves it. We won't give away too much here, but check out my Animator's Palate tips here - make sure to read tips #43-46.

Casual Dining

You'll probably become very familiar with Cabanas on your cruise, because it is the main buffet restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (for those who prefer to skip their rotational dining or are late to their Main Dining seating). So much variety here, they serve snacks, appetizers, desserts and entrees of every kind. Various selections will change from meal to meal, while others are constant fixtures on the menu. If you find a favorite dish, (Mickey Mouse pancakes anyone?) this can be comforting for finicky eaters, especially your little ones.

EYE SCREAM TREATS

Every kid's dream come true: all the ice cream you can eat. And it's FREE! Hey, it's vacation, so I say go ahead and indulge your craving while on your Disney Cruise.

Along with soft-serve ice cream, you'll find plenty of toppings. My kids may have gone just  a little overboard with the all-you-can-eat (okay me too) but hey...it's vacation!

FROZONE TREATS

There are three food stations as part of Flo's walk-up eatery: Luigi's Pizza, Fillmore's Favorites, Tow Mater's Grill.

Here you will find chicken, burgers, and pizza. It's a nice spot to grab a quick bite if you don't want to wander too far from the pool.

SENSES JUICE BAR

Just like its name implies, purchase fruit & vegetable juice combinations. Found next to Senses Spa and Salon.  Additional fees apply.

VANELLOPE'S SWEETS & TREATS

If the free soft-serve of Eye Scream or ice cream & desserts from Cabanas aren't decadent enough for you, check out the goodies at Vanellope's.

Candy, waffle cones and gelato, and plenty of baked treats are available for additional fees.

BEVERAGE STATION

The beverage station on Deck 11 is a popular place!

Why? Because the drinks here are FREE. Drink options include water, soda, juices, coffee, tea, milk, fruit punch, lemonade, and hot cocoa.

The bars and lounges on board will charge you extra for sodas, but it is free here. Check out tip #48 on my Disney Cruise Tips to enjoy more free soda.

ROOM SERVICE

Brought to your stateroom

Disney Dream's room service menu is surprisingly large. The options are available at any time of the night or day.

To get more advice about Disney Dream room service, read tips 54-59 of my 101 Disney Cruise Tips .

Exclusive Dining

Looking for an adult only meal? Or something that will make your little one beam for days on end? The Disney Dream offers exclusive dining opportunities to fulfill those wishes.

Image: Brownie Bites

This is a signature Disney dining  experience and it is available only for adults.

In our opinion, the Northern Italian menu is worth the premium fee you pay for it. When you top off the delicious kids-free meal with gorgeous seascapes, you have a brunch or dinner to remember.

Reservations are required and there's a dress code as well, please  refer to our Disney Cruise packing list for suggestions on what to wear.

This is the Disney Dream's finest dining experience and it is available only for adults.

Dinner at this Parisian themed restaurant is made up of multiple tasting courses. Remy also offers a champagne brunch, a 5-course dessert menu, and Petites Assiettes de Remy featuring small plates and fine wine (only available on the first night of your cruise).

As with Palo, reservations are required and the dress code is mandatory.  Refer to our Disney Cruise packing list for clothing suggestions.

Royal Court Royal Tea

Deck 3 at Royal Palace

Little princes or princesses (3 to 12) can join their favorite Disney characters for a tea party. While this tea party has an additional fee, it includes a chance to meet one-on-one with the princesses and take home a few royal gifts.

DISNEY DREAM ENTERTAINMENT

Every evening on the Disney Dream, an exciting entertainment event will be put on in the Walt Disney Theatre.

Guests get to witness performances that are truly Broadway-level in quality. Also frequenting the stage are musicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, hypnotists, or comedians. Sometimes they put up a feature movie on a massive screen. The movie is usually a Disney-owned film that is new or due to theaters.

The Walt Disney Theatre is located on Decks 3 and 4 Forward.

Beauty & the Beast

It's a tale as old as time, but we love watching it over and over. Especially when it is set as an enticing musical production.

In this musical, t he characters from the live-action Beauty and the Beast film are portrayed by real-life actors on stage. If you know the movie, you'll get to sing along with the familiar songs.  This show is only shown on Disney Dream and nowhere else in the DCL fleet.

The Golden Mickeys

Celebrate classic Disney movies. It's a Hollywood-worthy award show.

Disney's Believe

Deck parties.

Sail-Away Celebration

Pirate Night

Put on your eye patch, peg-leg and a swashbuckling pirate outfit to prepare for a full day of pirate activities , character meet and greets, and DCL's best deck party.

The night will finish with a bang, as Disney Dream's crew sends fireworks into the night sky.

Note: some sailings (like some Alaska) don't have fireworks displays.

Seasonal Celebrations

Character greetings.

Meet and Greets

I guess we're just big kids, because some of our favorite moments on a  Disney Cruise is meeting our favorite characters.

Pack an autograph book ( see our packing list ) and see how many signatures you can collect.

They mix up the times and characters to meet each day, so keep your eye on the DCL app each day.

Free Ticketed Events

These events require tickets (they're free at online checkin):

• Frozen Meet and Greet
• Princess Gathering
• Heroic Encounters
• Star Wars Character Experience

Tickets are limited so reserve them during online checkin . If they are sold out, visit Guest Services as soon as you get on the ship; there are often tickets available there.

Character Breakfast

On select 7+ night cruises, you can eat breakfast with Disney and Disney Junior Characters. They go from table to table, posing for photos, giving high fives, and saying hi.

Tickets are FREE, but they are limited. Again, you'll want to jump on these during online check-in .

Just For Kids

IT'S A SMALL WORLD NURSERY

OCEANEER CLUB & LAB

BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOUTIQUE

Adults Only (18 and up)

BON VOYAGE BAR

DISTRICT LOUNGE

MERIDIAN LOUNGE

Sandwiched between the Palo & Remy restaurants, this is the Dream's martini bar. There is both outdoor and indoor seating. Note: there is a dress code, so check the details before heading in.

Yep, the Disney Dream has a sports bar! With many big TVs, this is a good place to watch a big game at night. Cooked to order appetizers are available at an extra charge.

This wine and champagne bar is designed to look like the inside of a champagne bottle.

See if you can find the pink elephant from Dumbo inside the wall lights.

CURRENTS BAR

SENSES SPA & SALON

More family fun.

Midship Detective Agency

This interactive game will take you all over the ship trying to solve a fun mystery.

On Deck 5, pick up a badge at the kiosk. You'll get clues that lead you to artwork around the ship that comes to life when you wave your badge at it.

There are various stories and randomized possible endings.

The whole family is welcome to party the night away at the D Lounge. We have had some legendary Karaoke moments here as a family. Music, games and live entertainment are just a few of the attractions you’ll find here.

Buena Vista Theatre

Funnel Vision

Funnel Vision is a giant screen that shows Disney movies while you chill on Deck 9 or swim in Goofy’s Pool.

Called “Funnel Vision” because it’s mounted onto the forward funnel of the ship.

It's a huge LED screen, totally state of the art.

DISNEY DREAM POOLS

Mickey's Pool & Slide

Shaped like a Mickey head, this freshwater kids pool is just 2 feet deep, making it a safe place for little ones (ages 3 and up) to splash.

Close by is spiraling Mickey's slide. The slide is approximately "one deck tall" and is available to kids 4-14 years old and in the range of 38"-64" tall.

Donald's Pool

Rectangular in shape, Donald's pool sits directly in front of the big Funnel Vision screen. It will be a busy hub on days at sea, with deck chairs surrounding it.

Truly a Disney innovation, the AquaDuck was the first "roller coaster at sea".

To ride, start at Deck 12, climb a flight of stairs to Deck 16 (the highest point you can reach on the ship.)

Sit down in an inflatable plastic raft and get launched for a wet ride through a 765-foot-long clear tube track that will have you circle the ship.

Single riders must be at least 54" tall, but children that are 42" tall can ride with someone ages 14 and up.

Image: Youtube

Nemo's Reef

Splash pad with a fun Finding Nemo theme for kids ages 3 and under. Water spurts all over; coming up from the floor and jetting from replicas of characters from the movie.

Funnel Puddle Pool

Quiet Cove Pool

This adult-only area is reserved to be a quiet sanctuary for grownups to escape the kids...err, relax and unwind. It's much quieter and they serve cocktails. Must be age 18+.

Satellite Falls

My escape literally every day at sea. I took a book and loved just gazing out at the endless horizon of sea. A shallow pool surrounded by comfortable deck chairs - with your choice of sun or shade. Must be age 18+.

DISNEY DREAM SPORTS & RECREATION

Running Track

Image: TouringPlans.com

Shuffleboard

Goofy's Sports Deck

Fitness Center

Disney dream shopping, sea treasures, tiffany & co..

Img: Disney Cruise Line

Mickey's Mainsail

Vista gallery.

Shutters: The Onboard Photography Shop

DISNEY DREAM CONCIERGE

Concierge lounge.

Concierge guests will enjoy this luxurious, chic escape from the rest of the ship.

The Concierge Level Lounge allows guests to access the internet, drink a cocktail, watch news or sports on a huge TV, and partake of complimentary beverages and food served throughout the day.

Concierge Sundeck

Connected to the Concierge Lounge, you'll find a sundeck available only to Concierge level guests.

Head up a short flight of stairs from the Lounge and you'll find a premium sunbathing location unavailable to the rest of your shipmates. Perched above the Quiet Cove Pool, it's a quiet area for sunning and relaxing.

It has plenty of shade if you want or sun if you prefer in comfortable chairs. You can also step out onto Satellite Falls if desired, and simply pop back into the private area. If you want a quick snack, just walk the steps down to the Lounge.

Towels and sunscreen are provided.

OTHER ONBOARD SERVICES

Health center.

The Health Center is available when you're feeling sick, need first aid or have a medical emergency.

The clinic keeps regular daily hours to offer care for non-emergencies. If you have an emergency, the ship has a doctor and nurse on call 24/7.

Tender Lobbies

Guest services.

Got a question or request? This is your place. I have found the crew that manages Guest Services to be very responsive and caring. 

They can help you make spa appointments or dining reservations, plan your vacation by explaining activities, ship amenities, and the ship schedule.

Questions with your bill are handled here. You may also request a free crib or diaper genie here. Book these when you first arrive to make sure you get one.

Port Adventures Desk

Onboard sales desk.

Plan and book future Disney Cruises. Why would you book a Disney cruise while on a Disney cruise, you ask? You’d be surprised by how many people do!

It’s all about the perks. It’s pretty much the only way to get a Disney cruise for a discounted price.

Here’s the low down:

• 10% discount on prevailing rates on your next cruise (concierge-level excluded)
• Stateroom credit of $100 (3-6 nights) or $200 (7-night cruises or longer)
• Reduced Deposit on 7-night sailings or longer

You don’t have to decide on a date while on the ship. Just put a $250 deposit down as a placeholder for a future cruise and sail within the next 24 months.

Laundry Facilities

Decks 2,5,6,7,8

The Dream’s self-serve laundry facilities are located on the following decks:

• Deck 2 Forward
• Deck 6 Forward
• Deck 7 Forward
• Deck 9 Forward
• Deck 10 Mid

Or if you prefer, full-service laundry and dry cleaning is available as well. Just contact Guest Services for pickup.

DISNEY DREAM PORTS OF CALL

Disney Dream Ports of Call 2018

Disney Dream is scheduled to visit the following destinations in 2018:

• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Castaway Cay (Disney's Private Island)

Disney Dream Ports of Call 2019

Disney Dream is scheduled to visit the following destinations in 2019:

Disney Dream Ports of Call 2020

Disney Dream is scheduled to visit the following destinations in 2020 :

• Miami, Florida

• CruiseMapper

Disney Dream cabins and suites

Disney dream staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Disney Dream cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Disney Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Disney Dream cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Concierge Royal Suite

Layout (floor plan), concierge 1-bedroom suite, concierge family balcony cabin, deluxe family balcony cabin, deluxe balcony cabin, navigator cove balcony cabin, deluxe oceanview family cabin, deluxe oceanview cabin, deluxe inside cabin, standard interior cabin, disney dream cabins review.

Of all Disney Dream cruise ship cabins, 88% are outside (including 21 Suites, 881 Balcony rooms, 191 Oceanview), and 150 are Inside (19 of which are Deluxe). The number of all cabin categories is 31, including the "Guaranteed" categories VGT-Balcony, OGT-Oceanview, and IGT-Inside.

Follows the review of MS Disney Dream staterooms as furniture, amenities and included (complimentary) services:

All Disney Dream rooms have queen bed (ample under-bed storage space, Posturepedic Sealy mattresses, deluxe bedding sets /Egyptian cotton linens), wardrobe, bathroom (vanity, sink, bathtub, shower, hairdryer), H20+ spa products (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizing body butter), living area (separated by curtain, sofa, desk, built-in drawer dresser), 22-inch HDTV, iPod station, refrigerator, safe, direct-dial phone (voice mail), full mirror, individual air-conditioning. Some staterooms have additional upper/bunk bed (Pullman) for 4th person.

All Disney Dream Suites enjoy the following perks (bonus amenities and services): Disney theme artworks, marble bathrooms, upgraded bath products, robes/slippers), luxury mattresses and bedding sets (incl feather duvets, pillow menu), daily food (canapes, fruits), console gaming table, 2 large HDTVs, BlueRay/DVD /CD player (with media library), board games, priority services (check-in, Disney Dream cruise itinerary ports of call tendering), access to exclusive areas (Concierge Lounge and sun deck), free Internet, pre-dinner cocktails. Suite passengers also enjoy concierge services: (Disney cruise shore excursions booking, specialty dining-nursery-spa reservations, special requests, private parties/celebrations planning and assistance, in-room dining (all main restaurants menus).

All balcony rooms feature a private veranda with sliding doors (kid-proof locks), plexiglass railings, outdoor deck furniture (2 chairs, 1 small table). Categories 6A-6B have wall balconies, while categories 5A-5B-5C are with plexiglass. Staterooms 5188 and 5688 (deck 5 aft location) are with very small (triangle-shaped) balconies. Family Verandah rooms (category 3A are with concierge service) have a queen (or 2 twin beds), a hidden bunk bed, larger living area (double sofa /convertible), split bathroom. Category 4E-Family Deluxe (deck 5 location) are with expanded balconies (twice bigger than normal balconies) but are open to views from above.

Royal Suites have a master bedroom (plus hidden in the wall double pull-down and single pull-down bed), master bathroom (dual sinks, closet, whirlpool bathtub), large living room, dining area (pantry, wet bar), guest bathroom (shower, sink, WC), floor-ceiling windows, wrap-around private balcony (whirlpool bathtub).

1-Bedroom Suites have a master bedroom/bathroom, living room (double sofa bed /convertible), dining room, guest bathroom, expanded balcony.

Oceanview cabins have large-size Porthole Window. Of those, categories 9C-9D are with obstructed view (due to lifeboats). Of the Family Oceanviews, category 8A is the largest.

MS Disney Dream cabins tips

"Secret Balcony cabins" (aft on decks 5-7-8-9) are in Category 7A but with a slightly obstructed view due to deck location (at the ship's stern). They are the last in the rows of categories 5 and 6. Their balconies are with Plexiglas railings and some have connecting door (to an adjacent category 5 or 6 balconies).

There are 2 aft-facing (numbers 5188 and 5688) rooms with no obstructed view but very small balcony (triangular). Being too small for a chair, they have built-in benches (sitting 2 people). Each cabin connects to an adjacent handicap 9A room (numbers 5186 and 5686), but the balconies are not connecting.

With minor obstruction are numbers 8022 (connecting), 8164, 8520 (connecting), 8662, 7022, 7170 (connecting), 7520, 7668 (connecting), 9012, 9152 (connecting), 9164, 9512, 9652 (connecting), 9664. With significant obstruction are numbers 5024, 5524, 6178 (connecting), 6678 (connecting), 7182, 7680, 8176 (connecting), 8674 (connecting). With small balconies are numbers 5188 and 5688 (both connecting).

"Connecting Balcony cabins" are most adjacent balcony staterooms (excepting on deck 10 / with steel dividers). These balconies can be connected by folding back their dividing panels. To connect these balconies, contact your cabin attendant; to unlock the divider. Once opened, these pairs of rooms share a long (double) balcony. If you have group-booked cabins, you can unlock all dividers and make a very long one.

Category 8A (Deluxe Family Oceanview) are all 12 staterooms with 2 large porthole windows but without split bathrooms. Four of these 8As are also known as “mini-suites” because are oversized and wall-divided into 2 (not completely separate by curtain or door) rooms. The “mini-suite” 8As have triple occupancy and no split bathroom. Their bathrooms are small (sink, WC, bathtub/shower). These cabins are with 2 TVs (facing the bed and the single sofabed). They are also connecting (max capacity 6 persons). Cabin numbers are 5020-5022 (connecting) and 5520-5522 (connecting).

Another eight 8As feature open-floor plans. They are also oversized and laid out as an L-shaped room (no divider).  Their capacity is 4 persons, and some cabins have a support (floor-ceiling ) pole in their center. Bathrooms are large and square-shaped, no split and without bathtub (have curtained shower). The open-floor 8As numbers are 5018, 5518, 6012, 6014 (connecting, support pole), 6016 (connecting, support pole), 6510, 6512 (connecting, support pole), 6514 (connecting, support pole).

Some decks 11 and 12 staterooms in categories "1-Bedroom Suite" and "Concierge Family Oceanview" are with larger balconies due to deck location (“hump” of the ship). Larger balcony Suite numbers are 11002, 11006, 12000, 12006, 12012, 12506, 12512. Larger balcony Concierge Family numbers are 11004, 12008, 12010, 12508, 12510.

Suite 12000 is located between both Royal Suites. A hallway leads to a foyer with doors connecting to Royal Suites, then is Suite 12000's entry door. This suite has the biggest balcony in its category and faces forward. However, its balcony's outer part is not private (can be seen from Deck 13 above).

Disney Dream ship's smallest (and cheapest) "cabins for families of 5" are Category 8 ("Deluxe Family Oceanview"). However, it's always cheaper to book 2 connecting cabins (Category 11 "Standard Inside"). Also, consider the option of booking 2x Category 9 ("Deluxe Oceanview") or 2x Category 10 ("Deluxe Inside") cabins (larger and with 2 full bathrooms).

For families of 6+, the only option is booking 2 cabins as none of the ship's categories accommodates more than 5 passengers (suites included).

"Cabin upgrade" is an option when you book a low-priced "guarantee" category and hope for a category upgrade. Booking “guarantee” stateroom means you get at least this category, but you're not assigned to a specific cabin, Disney just guarantees you a room (at this category rate) and waits to see how the bookings go. As most people book the cheapest cabins, they often sell out. In such cases, Disney may offer cabin upgrades to passengers with first booked lower fare, thus making cheaper cabins available for new customers. You can also request a cabin upgrade upon check-in (at the cruise terminal). Depending on bookings, Disney sometimes upgrades cabins for a fee, but it's usually less expensive than if that category was originally booked.

This page is integrated with CruiseMapper's  Disney Cruise Line secrets, tips, and tricks .

Disney Dream cabin and suite plans are property of Disney Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Disney Cruise Photo Package – What You Need to Know

Sharing is caring!

If you’re about to, or thinking about going on a Disney cruise, you may be wondering which is the right photo option for you! 

Disney cruises offer several different photo package options, and to help you out, I have put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know, including;

• An overview of Disney cruise photographers
• How to find your Disney cruise photos
• Whether the Disney cruise photos are any good
• How to buy Disney cruise photos 
• How much the packages cost
• The Disney cruise photo book
• How to get the most out of your Disney cruise photo package.

Let’s get into it!

Disney Cruise Photo Package Overview

Here is our complete guide to all the options of the Disney Cruise Photo Package to help you decide if it is worth it.

Learn some things along the way which will help you make the most out of your Disney Cruise Photo Package.

Disney Cruise Photographers

Even in the Disney cruise port terminal, you will have your first chance to have a picture for your Disney cruise photo package.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be there for you while you are waiting to board.

When you board a Disney cruise the first thing you do is hand your Key To The World Card to be swiped to show you have entered the ship.

I have to confess I am not the most enthusiastic person about stopping for that embarkation photo.

However, it is often the very best one we have taken for the cruise. I know that feeling of just wanting to get on board the ship as soon as possible, but take a couple of minutes to stop for a photo and you will be glad that you did.

Photographers are everywhere on the ship.

Every character greeting you go to you will find a photographer. You can always use your own camera. However, there will also be a professional on hand.

They also set up lots of photo backgrounds around the ship.

You can even have your photo taken with the captain on certain sailings!

You can see which backgrounds they are setting up so you can choose which one you like.

The lines for photography on a formal night on a Disney cruise are always the longest.

If you want a formal night photo be aware that you may be standing in line for quite a while.

101 Disney Cruise Tips You Need To Know

How Do You Find Your Disney Cruise Photos?

Disney Cruise Line makes it very easy for you to see your photos.

On every ship (exepct Disney Wish) on Deck 4, there is a Shutters photo area.

There you will find digital kiosks where you can view your photos.

All you need to do is swipe your Key To The World and all the photos which are in their system will be displayed.

How do they know who you are?

They have a digital facial recognition system which in theory puts all of your photos in your account so that you can view them on the kiosk.

I say in theory because it doesn’t always work.

If you think that photos are missing the Shutters staff can help you find them. Just inquire at the desk.

Another way to make sure that your photos definitely make it into your account is to hand the photographer your Key To The World Card.

This then links the photos with your account.

All of your Disney cruise photos used to be printed out.

This is not the case anymore.

They have gone fully digital and your photos are all available to view on the Shutters kiosk.

This is located on Deck 4 of all of the Disney ships (except Disney Wish).

Join my Disney Cruise Group for Tips and Free Giveaways!

Are The Disney Cruise Photos Any Good?

Photos are of course an amazing way to capture the memories of your Disney Cruise. My house is filled with photos from past cruises.

The photographers are generally good. Not outstanding.

However, given that they are working quickly and often with very large parties, they do a good job. They have the advantage over you in that they have worked out the lighting and the best angles.

You really should have as many photos taken as you can just so you can see which ones you like.

Having said that I am not a big fan of the backgrounds that Shutters use sometimes.

The borders around the photos are often just not to my taste.

Unfortunately, you do not have the option to choose to remove or change the borders. I am not sure why in the age of digital ease but you get what you are given with the borders.

I am sure that one day soon that will change but at the moment there is no option to choose a different one.

It’s great also that you actually get a complete family or group photo.

I know that there are such things as selfie sticks but nothing beats a great photo of the whole family having fun on a Disney cruise.

If Minnie Mouse is with you then that’s even better!

How Do You Buy Disney Cruise Photos?

There are a number of ways that you can buy Disney cruise photos.

If you know you are going to want a Disney cruise photo package then the best way is to purchase it online before you sail on your cruise.

You can do this up to 48 hours before you sail. See below for prices and the Shutters website.

You can also buy a package or individual photo at any time that the Shutters desk is open. Just like anything on a Disney cruise, the amount will be charged automatically to your onboard stateroom account.

What you absolutely must do is purchase the photos that you want whilst you are still onboard your Disney cruise.

Once you have left the ship it is too late.

There is no going back to reorder!

My advice is to choose whatever photos you want prior to the last evening on the ship.

If you try and buy on the last evening of your cruise you are going to be with crowds of people and wait in a long line.

Just really try and avoid it.

That is not how you want to spend the last evening on your cruise.

Disney Cruise Line Photo Package For More Than One Stateroom

This is where people get very confused.

However, it’s simple if you break it down!

Often families or groups stay in more than one stateroom on a Disney cruise

They want to know how to make the Disney cruise line photo package work most economically for them.

The general rule is that it is one package per stateroom. Say you have one stateroom with your kids and the grandparents have a separate stateroom.

This is a pretty common setup on a Disney cruise.

However, you can’t combine a Disney Cruise Photo Package with two staterooms (with certain exceptions I will explain below).

Say for your embarkation photo you have a group photo with all the family. Parents, kids, and grandparents. Just the parents get the package.

The picture will show up in the parent’s and the grandparent’s accounts on the Shutters kiosk.

Facial recognition or the swiping of the Key To The World will make sure they know who you are.

However, if the parents have bought a package they can get it for their account. The grandparents can’t.

If the grandparents decide to get a photo of just the two of them it will not be on the account if just the parents bought it for their stateroom.

Remember. It’s about the stateroom – if you don’t have someone in the photo who has a package it will not be included in the package.

However, if the grandparents decide to get a photo with the kids, that photo will be included on the parent’s stateroom account.

It’s all about who is in the photo.

The package is exclusive to the stateroom but just so long as someone from that stateroom is in the picture and you have bought a package, it will be available as part of what you bought.

There is an exception.

A lot of families travel with parents in one stateroom and kids in another. Just so long as there is one person over 18 in each stateroom this is allowed.

The exception for kids being in another stateroom is for any “children” aged under 21. This is a great exception if you are traveling with older offspring as well!

If you have 2 or more staterooms and your children aged 17 or under are in a stateroom they will be included in the package. That’s easy.

How does this work?

Let’s say Dad is in one room with the 5-year-old and Mom is in the other stateroom with the 12-year-old. If Mom or Dad had a Disney cruise photo package linked to their stateroom, pictures from both staterooms would be included.

To make sure this works you do have to visit Shutters on the first day of your Disney cruise. They can explain what the position is.

There is another way to get a discount if your family is traveling in 2 staterooms. The first stateroom can buy the Disney cruise photo package online.

Then once you get on board the second stateroom family can buy the package at a 50% discount.

However, this isn’t quite as good as it sounds.

This is 50% of the onboard price. Therefore you do not get 50% off the online discounted rate. You get 50% off the higher price onboard. It is still a discount. Just perhaps not as great as it seems at first.

How Much Do Disney Cruise Photo Packages Cost?

When it comes to the price of the Disney cruise photo packages, there are several different options. 

The first option is to buy individual prints. This is where Disney will print your selected photos for you, which you can take as a keepsake from your magical cruise. 

Alternatively, rather than receiving hard copies of the photos, you can opt for the digital option. This means you choose which photos you would like to buy, but they are sent to you digitally for you to print how you wish. 

Typically, both the digital and photo prints are billed similarly. The prices for the different options are as follows; 

Furthermore, if you do not wish to select just a few photos from your cruise, you can opt for a length of sailing Disney Cruise Photo Package!

This package gives you access to every single photo you take while on board on a USB, which can be exceptional value for money if you end up taking many photos. 

If you pay for your package before your sailing, you can expect the following prices:

However, if you pay onboard, the prices will be slightly higher: 

Disney Cruise Photo Book

Another great option is the Disney Cruise Photo Book.

The price if you buy it online at Our Cruise Photos is $139.95.

If you purchase it onboard it is $149.95

There is also a Shipping Charge of $10 for the Continental United States, Alaska & Hawaii.

All other countries are $15.

You can add up to 34 photos to your Disney Cruise Photo Book.

This is a really good way to make sure that you get a good selection of your Disney cruise photos to keep.

It’s a lot of fun putting together your Disney Cruise Photo Book. You can do this at the Shutters kiosk.

It’s easy to change photos in and out of your Disney Cruise Photo Album and arrange them on the page as you want to. Don’t leave this until the last moment.

The Shutters area on the Disney ships is very crowded on the last evening. Don’t leave it that late.

I suggest that you keep looking at your photos every day so you know what is there and start arranging them in the Disney Cruise Photo Book. You do not want to be leaving all of this to the last evening of the cruise.

Shutters will be crammed full of people on the final evening and you may feel pressured to get it done. It’s a lot easier to do it a bit at a time. You can always rearrange things if you get photos that you prefer.

I actually think that the Photo Book is a reasonable option as you do get to have a lot of printed memories for a reasonable price. However, if you prefer to put your pictures on display this is obviously not the best option as they are all in a book.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Disney Cruise Photo Package

A Disney Cruise Photo Package is pricey. There is no denying that. Some people think it is an amazing value. Others think it is a huge expense. Only you can decide which view is your view.

However, if you do decide to get the Disney Cruise Photo Package there are ways to make it more valuable.

By getting more photos taken.

It is one thing to pay $349.95 for 10 photos on a USB but quite another if you get 100 photos!

How can you maximize the number of photos in your Disney Cruise Package? There are so many photo ops you really can go all out and maximize it.

We have heard of guests having 800 photos on a 14-night cruise.

Not sure if you would actually get a chance to sleep if you were having your photo taken that many times. However, it definitely is possible.

The secret is planning.

You know that every day on the cruise there will be photographers out setting up backgrounds.

Go and take a walk before the first seating of dinner and see what your options are.

Arrive early so you minimize the time spent in line.

Sometimes the photographers will be in your rotational dining room .

They always suggest what pictures they take.

For instance, they may say a photo of you as a couple, as a family, and then separate photos of the children.

Ask for what you want. If you want extra ones tell the photographer.

It is not going to take much extra time, but it will mean that you get more photos in your account.

Disney photographers are even found on Disney Castaway Cay . 

You may be floating along in your inner tube in the ocean and see a photographer approach. Go and seek them out.

If you want a family photo then set one up.

Photo of you and your significant other? Ask for one.

The photographers want to sell as many photographs as possible so they are happy to oblige.

In my experience, a lot of people ignore them on Castaway Cay. So go for it. You may get a great Castaway Cay picture for your Disney Cruise Photo Package.

Character greetings are often the best chance you have to get a really great photo for your Disney Cruise Package.

Every day the character greetings are posted on the Navigators App.

If you want to be even more organized and plan further in advance use the Disney Cruise Navigator App so that you can see where the characters will be more than one day in advance.

Mickey and Minnie appear most often in lots of different costumes. I love the Golden Mickeys costumes for Mickey and Minnie.

However, if you want to have your photograph taken with one of the more minor characters, say Peter Pan or Captain Hook this takes a little more planning as they don’t appear as often.

If you have your heart set on a photo with Captain Jack Sparrow he appears on Castaway Cay as well as on Pirate Night.

You do need to plan ahead to seek out the Disney characters which appear less often.

It is so much easier to get a picture with a Disney character on a cruise than at Disney parks.

You can wait for less time.

In air-conditioned comfort.

Make the most of it and get as many photos as you can.

Then the value of the Disney Cruise Photo Package really kicks in.

Will you be buying a Disney cruise photo package? Let me know in the comments below.

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Monday 22nd of April 2024

I just inquired about the photo book. I was told that they no longer offer it pre cruise price of $139. We love the photo book. We have purchased the photo books on our last 4 cruises.

Wednesday 14th of February 2024

You forgot to mention the "Magic Photos" I did several on my Disney Cruise & loved them. You night feel a bit silly holding your hands out but you never know what or who will be in them later. And the multi pic is cool too

Monday 1st of January 2024

Thank you for all the information! Do you know if you have a Disney Annual Pass with the photo package, does it apply to photos taken on the Disney ships? Or will I have to buy a totally a separate photo package for on board?

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Glad that you enjoyed the information! The parks and cruises are separate so even as an Annual Pass Holder you will have to purchase a separate package for the cruise. You may like to join my Disney Cruise Facebook Group for lots more information about all aspects of your cruise https://www.facebook.com/groups/309675872918213

Friday 27th of October 2023

I am confused - do you have to buy the package before the cruise, or can you pose for photos, see if you like any of them, and then buy a 10-photo package?

You can buy the package up to 3 days before the cruise to get a discount. If you buy it on the cruise the price is higher. However way you buy it if you see the photos and you don't want a package any more, and you haven't downloaded any photos , you can go to Shutters on the ship and ask to cancel the package.

Tonya Moctezuma

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

Single mom, so I’m never in any pictures. So I will be buying the unlimited package, so I can have lots of photos of me and my kids.

Local News | Photos: Scenes from the 2024 Woodward Dream Cruise

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Here is a look at all the fun and the classic cars cruising along Woodward Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Photos by A’sante Lucas for The Oakland Press.

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Check out some of the best photos from the 2024 Woodward Dream Cruise, which took place along Woodward Ave. on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Five essential things to know before you board a Disney cruise ship

E ver since the giant Disney corporation brought its enchanting brand of magic to the high seas aboard Disney Cruise Line (DCL) in 1998, with Captain Mickey Mouse at the helm, it’s been plain sailing. 

The Disney fleet has since grown to five mid-size ships (with more to come) which resemble floating versions of the entertainment giant’s famous theme parks, fun-packed with full-on entertainment programmes.

Elegant décor and classical styling brings an upscale feel that gives a nod to the golden age of sea travel, building on Disney’s appeal which extends beyond youngsters, who make up its natural audience, to grown-ups who can enjoy the surprisingly-extensive child-free areas on each ship. On-board attractions – water-coaster rides, nightly Disney-themed musicals, artwork that bursts into life and a real-time talking turtle – exemplify the innovative twists this legendary brand is renowned for.

Such frills translate into cruises which are generally higher priced than other family-friendly lines, but such is the cost of tapping into a world where onboard experiences are sprinkled with fairy dust.

1. Where does Disney cruise?

The line’s mainstays are the Caribbean and the Bahamas, which can be twinned with stays at Florida’s Walt Disney World. These particular cruises invariably include calls to the line’s  private island Castaway Cay where Mickey and pals don their beach shorts to spread the fun feel ashore with boat rides, barbecues, beach sports and snorkelling.

This summer marked the opening of its second Bahamian retreat, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. The Mediterranean and Northern Europe are other key areas for summer cruising with “Frozen”-style voyages to the Norwegian fjords, Scandinavia and around the UK.

Disney Dream has been based at Southampton this summer and will be replaced by Disney Fantasy next year for sailings from three nights upwards to Channel ports, around the UK, Norway, Scandinavia, France and Spain.

There are also cruises to Alaska from Vancouver and to America’s West Coast, Mexico , and the South Pacific.

This winter will be the line’s second season in Australia and New Zealand, while Disney Adventure will be based in Singapore for at least five years from 2025 for voyages around south-east Asia. There are also plans for a Disney ship to homeport in Japan from 2029.

2. Who does it appeal to?

It could be argued that Disney is the ultimate family cruise line, standing out as truly family-centric rather than family-friendly for putting youngsters and their parents at the heart of everything it does.

The line takes infants from six months upwards, catered for with nurseries and play areas. Children’s facilities are varied and numerous, with imaginative kids’ clubs and cool teen hangouts, along with gameshows and competitions aimed at the entire family. On deck are waterslides and giant poolside screens showing Disney movies.

Disney adds its inimitable feel to sailings in a way that no other line does, with personal touches when guests step aboard and are publicly announced and greeted by an applauding guard of honour made up of crew or “cast members”.

One of the biggest USPs and causes of excitement is the appearance of Disney characters around the ship, while regular character meet and greet sessions are another guaranteed crowd-puller.

Such is Disney’s appeal that it also attracts couples and friends, who enjoy the overall attractions of the ships, but can retreat to the sophisticated adult-only bars, restaurants, pool and spa areas.

3. The Disney Cruise Line fleet

Disney magic  (2,713 passengers).

DCL’s first ship set the scene with its smart black hull, red funnels and Art Deco interiors, albeit with nautical twists and hints of Captain Mickey incorporated into designs. It also pioneered Disney’s family-friendly cabin staple of split ensuites with a bath/shower room and separate loo. Highlights include the high-speed AquaDunk waterslide and Twist ‘n’ Spout slide, AquaLab water play area and family pool.

Sails to: Bahamas, Caribbean

Disney Wonder (2,713 passengers)

Having launched in 1999, this ship is virtually identical to its older sister and has also been revamped with Art Nouveau interiors. The three main restaurants are Animator’s Palate, Triton’s from the Little Mermaid, and Tiana’s Place inspired by The Princess and the Frog. The French Quarter Lounge carries a New Orleans vibe. There is a Twist ‘n’ Spout waterslide, there is no AquaDunk.

Sails to: Alaska, Hawaii, South Pacific

Disney Dream (4,000 passengers)

Launched in 2011, this ship came with new attractions including AquaDuck, a water-coaster that snakes around the top deck, while Animator’s Palate is even more magical with Crush, an animated turtle who converses with diners. Inside cabins have “virtual portholes” showing real-time footage from outside, spiced up with appearances of Disney characters. There’s adult-only French gourmet restaurant Remy, a fancy champagne bar called Pink and the Skyline bar with a changing cityscape backdrop. 

Sails to: Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords

Disney Fantasy (4,000 passengers)

Virtually identical to Disney Dream, this ship was launched in 2012. The main difference is the décor which is more Art Nouveau rather than Disney Dream’s Art Deco styling. Others include a different themed water play area and a different show in Animator’s Palate where, instead of Crush the turtle, diners can design their own animated characters that come to life on the screens. 

Sails to: Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe

Disney Wish (4,000 passengers)

Launched in 2022, it ushered in more modern styling and was the first Disney ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). New features included the AquaMouse water-coaster ride and interactive family experience Disney Uncharted Adventure. New dining options include Arendelle, a Frozen-themed “dining adventure”, a Marvel cinematic dining experience and 1923 (the year Walt Disney Studios was founded) evoking the glamour of Old Hollywood.

Disney Treasure (4,000 passengers)

Due to launch in December 2024, this ship is most similar to Disney Wish, but will be inspired by Disney stories such as Aladdin, Coco and Zootopia, with one of the three main restaurants, Plaza de Coco, a theatrical dining experience based on the film. The AquaMouse water-coaster ride comes with a new storyline, while the adult-only Periscope Pub takes its inspiration from the Disney film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Sails to: Caribbean, Bahamas

Disney Adventure (6,700 passengers) and Disney Destiny (capacity not yet announced)

Both ships are due to join the Disney fleet in 2025, with Disney Adventure based in Singapore for five years. A third new ship has been slated to join the fleet from 2029, based in Japan year-round.

Sails to: Asia (Disney Adventure). Disney Destiny destinations have not yet been announced

4. Access for guests with disabilities

Disney ships offer specially-adapted accessible staterooms, including ones on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure that have built-in communication features for guests with hearing disabilities. Most guest areas are accessible for wheelchair users and pool lifts can be arranged in advance.

5. Loyalty programme

The Castaway Club has four tiers, based on the number of sailings taken. Benefits include advance booking benefits, discounts and a complimentary dinner.

This piece was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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I thought river cruises were just for retirees, but a Disney river cruise proved me wrong

Editor's Note

When my Gen X and younger friends ask me about river cruises, I always tell them to stay away. River cruises are wonderful vacations, but they're targeted at retirees, not families with kids. Each day, you'll dutifully follow a flag- or sign-carrying guide to World War II memorials and local cathedrals — your ever-present Quietvox headset marking you immediately as a tourist. River cruises are like bus tours, just on the water, and geared toward the pace and interests of older couples.

But that was before I signed up for an Adventures by Disney Rhine River cruise.

We might have stopped at the same French, German and Dutch cities as other river cruises, but the vibe was completely different. In the Black Forest, I whooped and hollered as my alpine toboggan sped around stomach-dropping curves. In Strasbourg, I got an upper-body workout canoeing through the city's canals, and in Cologne, I visited a chocolate museum with lots of samples.

Even better? My entire family came with me, allowing me to introduce my kids to several countries in Europe with activities that appealed to them, on a ship filled with other families and knowledgeable guides that would ease our travel.

Apparently, river cruising can actually appeal to younger travelers.

If you didn't know that a Disney river cruise was a vacation option, you're not alone. Disney's oceangoing cruise ships are better known. Your friends and family members have likely considered or even booked a vacation on one of Mickey's floating resorts, full of fabulous kids clubs, adults-only escapes and numerous opportunities to hobnob with princesses and your favorite Disney characters. Shorter sailings out of Florida or California make these cruises easy to pair with theme park vacations at Disney World or Disneyland.

Adventures by Disney isn't always about the water. The brand's escorted-vacation arm mainly offers land-based explorations of places like Wyoming and Paris, but also partners with river cruise line AmaWaterways to run multigenerational-family-friendly cruises on the Rhine, Seine and Danube rivers. These trips offer all the attention to detail and magical moments you love from Disney, but with a more refined vibe and a tiny fraction of the Mouse. The Disney guides on board will take the stress out of vacationing while also bringing all the fun.

If you've fantasized about floating down European waterways and introducing your kids to new countries in a hassle-free way, but are looking for more active excursions and like-minded shipmates, Adventures by Disney might be the vacation you didn't know you needed.

I spent a week in July with my husband and two kids (ages 10 and 13) on an Adventures by Disney Rhine River cruise. From our experience, here's how Disney does river cruising differently.

Everyone age 5 and up is welcome

The under-8 crowd on our river cruise was small ... but mighty.

They were always the first people on the dance floor after dinner, even though it was well past their regular bedtime. They proudly helped the guides hold their "paddles of power" signs high in the air for the rest of us to follow along. They were the clear favorites of the ship's wait staff, who made them flowers out of napkins and masks and swords out of paper.

Adventures by Disney recommends its cruises for travelers ages 8 and up, but everyone over 5 is welcome. Nearly one-third of the guests on our 160-passenger ship were under 18, with a handful of college-age young adults mixed in. Most were traveling with their parents, but a few were in multigenerational or skip-gen groups with their grandparents.

Our shipmates included several adult couples and friend groups traveling without children, which I wasn't expecting. They tended to be Disney adults — members of the Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line devotees or folks who had vacationed with Disney with their children or grandchildren and appreciated the Disney service.

This age mix is not the typical river cruise passenger base. Whenever our ship berthed next to a ship from another company, I saw mainly gray-headed couples.

If you love Disney or its attention to detail, but you don't want to sail with kids, know that Adventures by Disney offers adults-exclusive food and wine and Oktoberfest cruises on specific dates.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

The ship is designed with families in mind

Disney doesn't just charter river ships — it partners with AmaWaterways to create a family-friendly environment on the European waterways. The family-owned cruise line even built a few river ships with its Disney passengers in mind.

Unlike most other ships sailing the Rhine, Seine and Danube, our ship, AmaLucia, has cabins and suites that can accommodate more than two travelers. Some cabins have a connecting door, so families of four or five can create a shared space. Others are triples with an easy chair that transforms into a single bed. Suites have pull-out sofa beds.

AmaWaterways' unique twin balcony setup — a true balcony just large enough to fit two chairs plus a French balcony adjacent to a small sitting area — creates space for those bed chairs and the connecting doors. My daughter was a big fan of sitting on our balcony to read, and I doubt she would have gotten as much pleasure from an open window or door inside the cabin.

AmaLucia also has one amenity that most other river ships don't have — a pool.

It's small and only 3 feet deep, but you'd be wrong if you thought it wasn't the main hangout for many of the kids on board. My daughter said the pool was half sunscreen by the end of the trip, but that didn't stop her and her new buddies from heading there every afternoon they could. The giant chess set behind it on the sun deck was also a gathering spot for the young teens.

The chefs on board make sure to have kid-friendly meal options special for the Disney river cruises. I doubt the regular AmaWaterways passengers consume as many chocolate cornflakes as my son did each morning. (They might not even be offered sugar cereals!) A kids menu each night at dinner included pasta (buttered noodles were a big hit), burgers, chicken tenders and hot dogs. One day when we came back to the ship for lunch, we ate in the casual dining space behind the lounge because pizza was on the menu.

On many days, we had the option to eat lunch in town or head back to the ship for a buffet lunch. If your kids are willing to be adventurous, you can all try the local cuisine, but if they're not, you have the option of going back to the ship for more familiar fare. Or, you can do like my family and eat giant scoops of gelato for lunch rather than sitting down to a meal.

Adventure Guides hold your hand and entertain your children

Most river cruises have a cruise manager who will organize tours and answer questions. Adventures by Disney sailings employ up to five Adventure Guides (the number is based on passenger count) who wear many hats and bring the service level on the ship up a notch.

The guides perform the cruise manager role — hosting briefings each evening to explain the next day's schedules and options, shepherding guests on and off buses, liaising with local guides, and answering guest questions. But they go above and beyond. When the lunch options on our Black Forest tour changed to something my family doesn't eat, our guide Gina proactively reached out to find an alternative and made certain that our family got the special meals we ordered.

The Adventure Guides are not technically youth staff, and they don't always plan kids activities during time spent on board. But they make a point to engage with the younger travelers. They host at least two Junior Adventure dinners, where they supervise a kids buffet so parents can enjoy an adults-only meal in the ship's restaurant or Chef's Table, and run a movie night one evening in the lounge.

They also distract kids during more adult-oriented excursions so parents can participate rather than wrangle children. On our cruise, one 6-year-old reported that her favorite excursion was the wine tasting because she got to drink juice and play with the Adventure Guides, who had whisked all the kids into a courtyard away from the adults. The guide on our tour of the Van Gogh Museum also took a young cruiser aside to help her with a scavenger hunt so her parents could listen to the local guide talk about the art; she also asked my son about the books he was reading, and patiently listened while he talked a mile a minute about this favorite fantasy series.

The Adventure Guides also know the best local treats to try ("spaghetti" ice cream in Heidelberg, chimney cakes in Rudesheim) and where to find them. They can give recommendations about activities during free time in town, but don't expect them to personally tour you around.

Guides hail from a mix of backgrounds; our fearless leaders were Americans Amanda and Gina, French Hugo and Clement, and German Susanna. All are chosen for their knowledge of the cruise area and the local language, but many also have experience working in Disney parks around the world. They come to the job with excellent people skills (Amanda has a psychology degree; Gina worked as a teacher) and an understanding of the Disney brand philosophy when it comes to creating magical family experiences.

While we loved all the guides, I found that the American guides were perhaps the best at understanding the needs of American tourists, but the European guides brought a local perspective to the places we visited. Clemente told a moving tale about discovering how his grandmother's family in Normandy had hidden Jewish families during WWII, and Susanna told funny stories about driving in Germany.

Excursions are varied and active

The biggest appeal to me of an Adventures by Disney river cruise was the excursions. Instead of endless walking tours and history lessons, we could choose from more active and hands-on tours.

In the Black Forest, we raced down a hill on alpine toboggans before visiting an open-air museum where the kids churned butter and decorated wooden whistles. In Strasbourg, France, we canoed through the canals before a macaron-making event on the ship, and in Rudesheim, Germany, we took a cable car to the top of the hill. In Cologne, we visited a chocolate museum.

More adult-minded tours were offered for cruisers traveling without children or for families willing to split up for the day. Several winery tours were offered, as well as a jovial pub crawl in Cologne to try German beer. More relaxed tours included a short trip to the village of Riquewihr in France that inspired Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and a canal boat ride instead of the canoe in Strasbourg.

After some of the organized activities, passengers had free time in a city like Heidelberg or Cologne with multiple bus options back to the ship. Tired children or grandparents could return early, while more intrepid sightseers could stay all afternoon. In several ports, passengers could walk from the ship into town to do their own exploration or enjoy dinner off the ship. The flexible schedule worked for both independent travelers and those who wanted their hands held.

Most river ships carry bicycles for guest use, and AmaLucia had a fleet of adult-sized bikes we could borrow. Adventures by Disney makes sure to bring aboard a few kid-sized bikes and helmets, which allowed us to go biking with our 10-year-old in Rudesheim.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

The Disney touches are sweet and subtle

A life-sized Mickey Mouse did not cruise with us; no princess made an appearance. Still, you never forgot you were on a Disney-run cruise.

Music from the Disney songbook was always playing in the background in the ship's lounge, and Disney movies were shown on a few nights. Ratatouille made an appearance at the macaron-making event, and the afternoon tea service included Mickey-shaped cookies.

But there were two Disney traditions throughout the cruise that the whole ship loved. Each evening, a stuffed Captain Minnie doll was handed off to a new passenger, who had to take her on adventures (and keep her safe) the following day. At the evening recap, Minnie's minder would have to recount her adventures and choose which passenger would travel with her the following day. (On our cruise, Minnie loved riding the bus and always made sure to wear her seat belt.)

The other much-anticipated daily event was the presentation of the day's pin. Each day, the Adventure Guides handed out Disney-character pins related to the day's destination and activity with slogans like "Rendezvous on the Rhine." Some we found on our pillows, along with our turndown chocolates, while others were distributed on the tour bus or at the evening recap. My usually too-cool-for-school kids would get anxious when evening came around and we hadn't gotten a new pin.

You can attach the pins to a lanyard, hat or backpack, or save them to trade at Disney pin-trading events on land and sea.

Your kids will make friends

My kids are not social butterflies. They tend to be shy in big groups of kids and prefer to hang out alone or with us when we travel. My daughter is always hesitant about going to the kids club on ocean cruise ships; my son goes exclusively to play video games and not to talk to other tweens.

So I was not sure what to expect from the kid and teen social scene on board.

To my surprise and delight, my 10-year-old daughter made friends on day one with a 14-year-old girl in our group. They sat on the bus together and shared a toboggan on their first ride. Although my daughter wasn't thrilled about attending the Junior Adventurer dinner, she was willing to go because her friend was there. That friend introduced her to some of the other kids, so that by the last night my daughter was inviting other girls her age to play giant chess on the sun deck.

My son didn't make any specific friends, but he met all the young teens at the first teen dinner. When they got bored, the teens would knock on all the other teens' doors, including my son's, and invite everyone to play Roblox in the lounge or chess up on deck. Sometimes they would run through the hallways knocking on doors or try to play pranks on each other, but as far as I could tell, they were being inclusive and not forming exclusive cliques.

The trip is all-inclusive

Adventures by Disney river cruises aren't cheap. Prices start at $5,799 per adult or $5,199 per child under age 12, so upward of $21,996 for a family of four sharing two cabins. But you get a lot for your money.

All of the excursions are included; unlike other river cruises, there are no tour options you need to pay extra for. The guides would hand out tickets or tokens to try a local coffee for free or to gain entrance to a windmill, rather than letting those things be add-on costs.

All meals on the ship are included, including the multicourse Chef's Table, as well as select meals during longer excursions. Wine, beer and soft drinks are always included at lunch and dinner (as well as sparkling wine and fresh juices at breakfast). You can also enjoy free cocktails during a daily Sip and Sail happy hour, with mocktail options for the kids.

Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, airport transfers and taxes are also included.

We mainly spent money on lunch or treats off the ship, as well as one dinner in Amsterdam when we were docked overnight, but on all of those occasions, we could have eaten on the ship if we wished. During free time off the ship, we also chose to pay for a few activities on our own, such as climbing to the top of the cathedral in Cologne and riding the funicular in Heidelberg all the way to the top (our Disney-included castle ticket included the cost to ride the lower funicular). AmaLucia offers a spa and salon, and guests can book treatments for an additional cost.

Bottom line

River cruises aren't the perfect vacation for all families. They're not cheap, and days are busy with morning tour departures at 8 or 9 a.m. and often jam-packed days of sightseeing. You're constantly surrounded by other people, sharing tables at dinner or buses to activities, and that can be overwhelming for some families.

However, if you want the ease of one home base, prescheduled meals and activities, and the support of knowledgeable guides as you introduce your kids to the joys of overseas travel, a Disney river cruise can be the ideal way to travel. It's a familiar environment from which to explore foreign countries, with just the right amount of fairy dust to make your vacation magical. And unlike typical river cruises, Adventures by Disney cruises are built to appeal to kids, teens, parents and grandparents alike.

Now when my friends express interest in a river cruise, I don't have to burst their bubble. I can tell them they've got options for family-friendly adventures on the Rhine, Seine and Danube.

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Tom Cruise Was ‘Protective’ of Gina Gershon While Filming Her First Sex Scene, Even When She ‘Kneed Him’ in the Face: ‘I Just Broke His Nose’

By Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

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Gina Gershon appeared on “Watch What Happens Live” and was asked by host Andy Cohen if she ever hooked up with Tom Cruise . The two actors starred together in 1988’s “Cocktail,” where Gershon remembered nearly breaking Cruise’s nose during the filming of a sex scene. The moment just so happened to be Gershon’s first time shooting a love scene in a movie. The actor said Cruise “totally” took care of her while filming.

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Gershon, meanwhile, was more of a newcomer to Hollywood movies at the time. Her fame increased in the 1990s with acclaimed performances in “Bound,” which Gershon recently revealed she was told not to do as the movie centered on a lesbian relationship. The actor said on the  “It Happened in Hollywood” podcast that her agents told her specifically that she “can’t play a lesbian” because it would tank her Hollywood career.

“It was a great script and I could tell they were incredible directors, but my agents were like, ‘We will not let you do this movie. You are ruining your career. You will never work again,’” Gershon said, adding that her agents said they could no longer represent her if she took the part.

Watch Gershon’s full appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” in the video below.

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To access purchased photos in your photo gallery after your cruise, log into your disneycruise.com profile and select “My Cruise Photos” under the Already Booked section.

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