Disney Cruise Line Rated "World's Best Cruise Line" by Travel and Leisure
The readers of Travel + Leisure have spoken! For the third consecutive year, they’ve ranked Disney Cruise Line as the Top Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in the publication’s World’s Best Awards 2021 readers’ survey.
The readers of Travel + Leisure have spoken! For the third consecutive year, they’ve ranked Disney Cruise Line as the Top Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in the publication’s World’s Best Awards 2021 readers’ survey.
And speaking of accolades, did you know readers of the Uni=official Guide ranked me a “Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent” since 2015?
When it’s time to plan your Disney cruise, be sure to contact me for special offers, onboard credits and excellent customer service.
For example, this month I’m offering a chance to win a Disney Cruise Line Gift Basket plus a chance to win a $300 onboard credit voucher! Drawings will be held on September 26, 2021.
Want to do a Land and Sea package where you combine Walt Disney World plus a Disney cruise? Click here
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
New Details on the First Ever Disney Attraction at Sea
Snow on a Cruise Ship? Disney Cruise Line Reveals Splashtacular New Adventure on AquaMouse, First Disney Attraction at Sea
When Disney Cruise Line announced the Disney Wish a few months ago, we were introduced to AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea.
Disney Cruise Line already shared details about the ride’s original show “Scuba Scramble” — inspired by “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts —which will immerse Guests in a hilarious underwater adventure with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse through show scenes and special effects.
Guests aboard the Disney Wish can experience AquaMouse in summer 2022.
Today, we have more details on what you can expect on the ride.
“Swiss Meltdown,” where Mickey and Minnie will invite Guests on a mountain sledding excursion that will inevitably (and hilariously) go awry.
Splashtacular New Adventure Coming To AquaMouse On The Disney Wish | Disney Cruise Line
When the sun comes out and the snow begins to melt, you’ll be off on a frantic dash to the mountaintop while trying to avoid obstacles like avalanches, leaky rock walls and waterfalls.
The story is inspired by one of the Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” shorts, “Yodelberg.”
Here’s a first look at the posters for both fun-filled excursions! These will be showcased in the attraction queue to let our Guests know which adventure is being featured each day of their voyage.
You can experience AquaMouse when the Disney Wish sets sail in summer 2022! Keep an eye out for more details about Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney Dream Sets Sail on August 9, 2021
Disney Cruise Line will resume sailing to the Bahamas on August 9, 2021. Here’s a helpful video that explains more.
The Disney Dream will once again set sail to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida starting on August 9, 2021. 3 and 4 night cruises will stop at Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.
Disney Cruise Line will sail to Castaway Cay starting August 9, 2021
Disney Cruise Line: Know Before You Go:
Initially, 3 and 4 night sailings will not stop at Nassau, only Disney Castaway Cay. 4 night sailings will make 2 stops at Castaway Cay.
The Disney Dream will stop at Nassau, Bahamas beginning in September 2021.
Guests ages 2 and older are required to wear a face covering on the ship and at Disney’s terminals, except in designated areas and situations.
Travel protection is required for all passengers age 2 and up for cruises through December 31, 2021.
Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-trip and embarkation testing requirements (unless arriving from outside the United States) and travel insurance requirements.
All Guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (at the Guests’ expense) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date.
All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid test provided by Disney, in the terminal prior to boarding and comply with other health and safety requirements. The $65 test fee will be charged to the folio of all Guests 12 years and older.
I recommend that you take a moment to watch this helpful video that explains more about the Disney Dream returning to sea:
Did you know that clients who book a Disney Cruise with me get a onboard credit? Check out my Disney Cruise Line Offers Page for more information.
You can also request a Land & Sea quote from me where you can visit Walt Disney World Resort plus enjoy a Disney Cruise.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish Sample Rates
See how the Disney Wish compares to rest of the fleet plus sample pricing.
The Disney Wish—Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship sailing to The Bahamas in Summer 2022 will promise enchantment everywhere you turn. See how much a cruise on the Disney Wish will cost and take a closer look at the stateroom categories.
Disney Wish Grand Hall
How Does the Disney Wish Compare to the rest of the Disney Cruise Line Fleet?
You’ll notice that the Disney Wish is about the same size as the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy but has a number of new amenities that make it unique.
Disney Wish | Disney Cruise Line
Number of Passengers
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder 2,713
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy 4,000
Disney Wish 4,000
Number of Staterooms
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder 875
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy 1,250
Disney Wish 1,244
Ship Length
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder 984 ft.
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy 1,115 ft.
Disney Wish 1,119 ft.
Number of Staterooms by Category on the Disney Wish
Inside Staterooms 121
Oceanview (portholes) 178
Verandah 945
There are 902 connecting staterooms for families traveling together. Dividers on the balconies can be removed, creating one large outdoor space.
Disney Wish | Disney Cruise Line
Rooms on the Disney Wish
As with all the Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Wish was designed for families with plenty of space to spread out and ample storage.
Disney Wish Stateroom Categories
Disney Wish Standard Inside Staterooms
Inside staterooms Sleep up to 3 or 4 guests with a queen bed, convertible sofa, pull down bed and an upper berth. Inside staterooms have a single bath with no view of outside. This is the most economical stateroom category.
DIsney Wish - Inside Stateroom
Disney Wish Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms
These spacious accommodations sleep 3 to 4 guests with a porthole view of outside, but no verandah. Staterooms have a queen bed and sitting area with convertible sofa. Staterooms that sleep 4 also have an upper berth and a pull down. Approximately 218 square feet. These are moderately priced staterooms but in many cases, a verandah stateroom isn’t much more.
Disney Wish - Oceanview Stateroom
Disney Wish Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms
Sleeps 4 - 5 guests with a porthole view of outside. Staterooms that sleep 5 have an additional pull down bed. Deluxe Family staterooms feature a split bath with a shower on one side, and toilet on the other, allowing your family to get ready faster. Approximately 237 square feet.
Disney Wish Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms
Sleeps 3 to 4 guests with a queen bed, sitting area and a convertible sofa. Staterooms that sleep 4 also have an upper berth, single pull down bed. Approximately 243 square feet.
Disney Wish - Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms
Sleeps 4 to 5 guests. Staterooms that sleep 5 have an additional single wall pull down bed. These staterooms feature a split bath with shower on one side, and toilet on the other. Approximately 284 square feet. Spectacular oceans views and a private verandah.
Concierge Staterooms and Suites
Two 1-story Royal Suites
Two 2-story Royal Suites
One Tower Suite located in the forward funnel
Disney Wish - Princess Aurora Royal Suite
All concierge rooms and suites include early boarding, access to dedicated areas on the ship and elevated services during the cruise. The concierge lounge offers a kids area, adult lounge and bar, complimentary food and beverage throughout the day, a private sun deck with pool and whirlpool and forward-facing views.
How much is a cruise on the Disney Wish?
The Disney Wish will alternate between 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney Castaway Cay.
June and July are considered peak seasons so fares are significantly higher than August and September.
Disney Cruise Line fares skyrocket anytime schools are on recess, mainly summer and major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Spring Break is a factor too but not all communities have the same week off from school.
Hint: Disney Cruise Line pays particular attention to spring break schedules in New York, Georgia and Texas.
Some of the cheapest months to take a Disney Cruise are September, October and November but there’s a catch.
Late August through November is hurricane season in the Caribbean which can disrupt cruise itineraries or even cause cancellations. But this is one of most popular times to book a cruise and you can save big.
If your cruise is impacted by a storm, your travel advisor will help you reschedule your cruise.
Sample Rates for the Disney Wish
(based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children ages 5 and 10)
My clients who book a cruise enjoy an onboard credit, based on the total cost of the stateroom price. View the onboard credit schedule.
3 Nights Early and Mid-July 2022
Inside Stateroom $4,672
Oceanview $4,816
Verandah $5,106
Concierge $6,899
4 Nights Early to Mid-July 2022
Inside Stateroom $6,498
Oceanview $6,689
Verandah $6,904
Concierge $9,306
3 Nights Mid-to-late August 2022
Inside Stateroom $3,522
Oceanview $3,653
Verandah $3,814
Concierge $5,179
4 Nights Mid-to-late August 2022
Inside Stateroom $4,678
Oceanview $4,750
Verandah $4,974
Concierge $9,878
3-Night Mid-September 2022
Inside Stateroom $2,984
Oceanview $3,109
Verandah $3,271
Concierge $4,435
4-Night Mid-September 2022
Inside Stateroom $3,473
Oceanview $3,640
Verandah $3,864
Concierge $5,871
Where does the Disney Wish sail to?
The Disney Wish will sail to The Bahamas and Disney Castaway Cay starting in June 2022. It will replace the current Disney Dream itinerary. The Dream will relocate to Miami.
Disney-Wish - Arendelle A Frozen Dining Adventure
Imaginative Dining Options
There will be 3 main restaurants participating in Disney Cruise Line’s exclusive rotational dining experience as part of your evening entertainment. These restaurants will be located on decks 3, 4, and 5.
Disney Wish - AquaMouse
Attractions at Sea on the Disney Wish
AquaMouse, the first Disney attraction at sea, is a water coaster where riders are transported into a Mickey Mouse animated short using special effects and lighting. Eventually, riders will splash down into a lazy river.
To learn more about the Disney Wish and to get a your quote for a Bahamas sailing, contact me today!
Click here for a Land & Sea Quote that offers a visit to Walt Disney World Resort and a Disney cruise.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Port Canaveral Cruises Likely to Restart in Mid-July
CDC says cruises may be able to resume starting in Mid-July. Disney Cruise Line posts offers for early August 2021
USA Today has reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a letter to the cruise line industry, including Disney Cruise Line, about possibly letting cruises set sail in Mid-July.
Disney Cruise Line posts offers for Early August 2021 Bahamian Cruises
“We acknowledge that cruising will never be a zero-risk activity and that the goal of the CSO’s phased approach is to resume passenger operations in a way that mitigates the risk of COVID-19 transmission onboard cruise ships and across port communities,” said Aimee Treffiletti, head of the Maritime Unit for the CDC.
The letter also said no test cruises would be necessary if 98% of crew members and at least 95% of passengers are vaccinated.
CDC spokesperson Caitlin Shockey gave a more specific timeline. Cruises could begin passenger voyages from the United States in mid-July, depending on cruise lines' pace and compliance with the CDC's Framework for Conditional Sailing Order.
Disney Cruise Line is planning to restart Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral starting in early August, 2021. I already have special offers posted on the Disney Cruise Line page where travelers can save 25% on fares.
If you have any questions about a Disney cruise from Florida, contact me here or use the comments below.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney Cruise Line Discount Offers
Today I updated the Disney Cruise Line Discount Page with several new ways to save money on your next Disney Cruise.
New Disney Cruise Line Discounts
Disney just announced an 50% off deposit on 4-night or longer cruises for sailings between June 20, 2020 and May 31, 2021. But you must book by Feb 14, 2020.
There are also several Disney Cruise Line discounts available on select cruises for late winter 2020 and early spring 2020.
For more information on these Disney Cruise Line Discount, check out the Disney Cruise Line Current Offers Page.
Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish
Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s 5th Ship
The ship’s atrium will be a bright, airy and elegant space inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale. A beloved hallmark of Disney Cruise Line, it has been a tradition to adorn the back of our ships with an iconic character that reflects the theme of each vessel. For the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Our favorite artsy princess, paintbrush in hand, uses her enchanted hair to suspend herself as she decorates the stern of the ship with the help of her feisty sidekick, Pascal. Spirited, smart, curious and above all, adventurous, Rapunzel embodies the wish and desire to see and experience the world.
Disney Wish
Disney also shared details on its second tropical destination in The Bahamas, which will be located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. The new destination will celebrate both the stories of The Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself.
Disney’s Lighthouse Point
Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
Disney Cruise Line - Halloween on the High Seas
Halloween on the High Seas voyages with Disney Cruise Line are jam packed with fun for the whole family. And the best part is all of it is included in your' cruise fare! Get a closer look in this video
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Disney Cruise Line Has 3 New Ships on Order
Disney Cruise Line is planning not two, but three new ships in the next phase of expansion. By the time these three ships are sailing, Disney will have nearly doubled the size of its fleet!
Last year, I told you that two new ships were going to be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany with scheduled completion dates of 2021 and 2023. This additional ship will be built at the same shipyard and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Disney Dream Secrets You Probably Didn't Know
The Disney Dream dwarfs the nearby buildings when in port.
If you've been on the Disney Dream you know just how big this ship really is. On my last voyage my son and I were playing the Midship Detective Agency game and there were a few times where I honestly couldn't tell which side of the ship I was on nor which direction I was headed. And let me just say I'm very good with navigating, I never have pull the car over and ask anyone for directions. My wife will attest to that.
So here are a few tips I learned to help you navigate the Disney Dream while onboard. Plus, I thought it would be fun to include a few fun facts and secrets.
If the room plaques have a fish on them you're on the port side of the ship. If you see a starfish, you're on the starboard side of the ship.
These maps in the carpet help you determine which direction you are walking. If you're facing north, you are walking to the front. See those nautical flags? They spell out the name of the ship in signal flags.
Even More Secrets
Disney first got into cruising by partnering with Premier Cruise Line and the Big Red Boat. But there were too many guest complaints about customer service. But Disney was able to establish that there was indeed a market for cruising and in 1994, Disney Cruise Line was born.
The Disney Dream can accommodate 4,000 guests.
Head up to Deck 13 and 14 midship, you'll find an overlook deck.
The Disney Dream isn't black, it's actually blue - Monica Blue to be exact. The color was inspired by a pair of pants worn by a Cast Member at a meeting. Yes, her name was Monica!
The Disney Dream is actually blue, not black.
If you look at the Disney Dream, you won't many many straight lines. Curved lines help give the ship a beautiful design. The design team did everything they could to avoid making it look like a floating milk carton.
The Disney Dream cost more to build than the Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship.
Pub 687 is named for the Disney Dream's working title while it was being built. It's bad luck to call a ship by it's name until it is completed. The Disney Dream is the 687th ship to be built at Meyer-Werft Shipyard in German to is was known as "Project 687" respectively.
The AquaDuck was originally supposed to be a lazy river attraction but engineers studied the design and thought it would make the ship top heavy.
Why did Disney register their fleet in the Bahamas and not the United States? American maritime law requires that 70% of the crew be American. The cruise line industry prefers non-American crew members to save money on salaries. But don't let that fool you, the crew members on the Disney Dream are absolutely amazing.
With the ships being registered in the Bahamas, Disney is required to have its fleet stop in the Bahamas at least once a year.
When a Disney ship goes to drydock for refurbishment, the crew is put to work supervising vendors, hauling trash, running keys, and standing by on fire watch.
>> View the Disney Cruise Line Offers Page
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
PRICE INCREASES AT THIS FAVORITE DISNEY RESTAURANT
Effective Nov. 4, 2016 on the Disney Dream and Nov. 5 on the Disney Fantasy, the price of Remy will increase from $85 per person to $95 per person for dinner, from $55 per person to $60 per person for brunch and from $50 per person to $55 per person for dessert offering.
Disney Cruise Line Gets High Marks
Cruise Critic Names Disney Cruise Line Best for Families and Dining in 2016 Editors’ Picks Awards.
Cruise Critic, a leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has named the winners of its 9th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, citing Disney Cruise Line as the “Best for Families” and “Best for Dining.”
Awards were selected by Cruise Critic’s global team of experts who cover the cruise industry extensively throughout the year, and use their combined knowledge to select the award winners. For more information and a full list of Editors’ Pick Awards winners, visit CruiseCritic.com.
Since first setting sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has received more than 250 distinguished awards from the travel industry praising all aspects of the operation.
>> Disney Cruise Special Offers
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Must-See Disney Cruise Line Voyages in 2017
Summer 2017 itineraries have been released with ports of call across Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. Booking begins on April 14, 2016.
Alaska
Coast through hypnotic landscapes during your 5- , 7- or 9-night journey to charming towns, including Skagway and Ketchikan—select cruises include a peek at Hubbard Glacier and a stop at Icy Strait Point.
Northern Europe
Drift across crystal blue waters and explore scenic cities like St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm. Plus, stroll through the storybook-like streets of Amsterdam during a new 10-night sailing from Copenhagen to Dover.
Norwegian Fjords
Glide past mystical fjords and colorful coastal homes on a 7-night adventure from Copenhagen to 4 Norwegian towns. Or take a 10-night roundtrip from Dover, England, which whisks you to Iceland, Scotland and a pair of captivating Norwegian port cities.
British Isles
Traverse the spectacular Inner and Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland on a 12-night roundtrip adventure out of Dover that travels to ports of call throughout England, France, Germany and Ireland.
Mediterranean
Spice up your summer with a roundtrip cruise from Barcelona. Itineraries ranging from 5 to 10 nights invite you to roam the bustling streets of picturesque cities in Spain, Italy and France. And you can reflect on each one's distinct character as you recharge at sea.
Transatlantic
Delve into the rich history of several port cities—including the newly added Portland, England (Stonehenge) and Amsterdam, Netherlands. There's a bounty of sights for you to discover over the course of your 15-night sailing.
Southern Caribbean
Take rest and relaxation to the next level when you choose a brand new 10- or 11-night itinerary from Port Canaveral that transports you to idyllic islands like Aruba, Barbados and Curacao—each boasting a diverse array of land and sea activities.
Eastern Caribbean
Surround yourself with crystal blue waters, powder-soft beaches and nonstop family fun on a 6- to 7-night cruise leading you to treasured islands like Tortola, St. John's and Castaway Cay.
Western Caribbean
Soak up the natural beauty and vibrant cultures of 3 tropical ports of call—Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica—during a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Port Canaveral that includes a fun stop at Castaway Cay.
Bahamas
Navigate your way to the tropical shores of Nassau and Castaway Cay. Plus, enjoy an extra dose of Disney's private island-a series of 4- and 5-night "double dip" cruises grants you 2 fun-filled stops at this beloved retreat.
Baja
Celebrate something special with a weekend jaunt from San Diego to Ensenada—a captivating city known for its stellar surfing conditions, innovative cuisine and legendary hot springs.
Panama Canal
Savor top-notch amenities aboard a 14-night coast-to-coast cruise that takes you through the world-famous Panama Canal and calls upon 4 blissful port cities in Mexico and Columbia, before you land in San Diego.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.
Star Wars Day at Sea
Returning in early 2017, Disney Cruise Line Guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during Star Wars Day at Sea.
New Star Wars Experience Coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2017
Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive and intergalactic entertainment, including a deck party and fireworks display, exclusive event merchandise, and specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage items.
Characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will also be onboard for interactions, photos and also may be seen patrolling the decks. And, in “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skill in a final face off with Darth Vader.
Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy seven-night cruises sailing from Port Canaveral on Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8 and 15, 2017.
Departing Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1 and 15, 2017, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Departing Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; March 11, 25; and April 8, 2017, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.
Many consider Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort the best hotel at Disney World. Here’s why.