If you are a regular cruiser or considering your first cruise, you have likely heard about Disney’s loyal cruise following. The popularity of Disney’s cruise line might seem out of place for a company that was first known for its animation and theme parks. But in 1996, Disney expanded its brand to include a cruise experience. Twenty-four years later, Disney is ranked as the World’s Best Cruise Line by Travel and Leisure. Disney even unseated Cunard, a 180-year-old British-based cruise line, for the industry’s top cruise line pick. Disney Cruise Line was also named #1 Large Ship Line by Conde Nast Traveler in 2019. So, what is unique about a Disney cruise that creates such loyal cruisers and top rankings? Here is my list of 13 reasons (and a few extras particular to Disney fans) that sets Disney apart from other cruise lines.
1. Cleanliness
Before the pandemic, cleanliness was a top priority for Disney Cruise Line. As many people now know, the CDC has a program primarily aimed at controlling the outbreak of GI (gastrointestinal diseases) on board cruise ships known as the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). The results of the CDC’s unannounced inspections as part of the VSP can be viewed on the CDC’s website. Disney’s four ships have consistently ranked as the cleanest or second cleanest in the industry. It’s never been more important to choose a cruise line that has a history of sanitation and prevention of infectious disease for its passengers. When you approach a dining room, you must sanitize your hands. It isn’t optional. When you take your children to the kids clubs, they also must sanitize their hands. Disney has even made it fun in specially designed hand washing stations that rinse and clean hands.
2. Something for everyone
No one does kids clubs better than Disney, but children’s activities are only a party of the cruise line;s focus. Disney masters creating experiences for adults, children, tweens, teens, grandparents, couples, and families. Activities on board and at port, themed spaces, excursions, adult-only areas and activities, kids-only areas, theaters, and first-run movies are some . There is truly something for everyone to do and enjoy on board and at port.
- nursery – for a nominal extra cost (less than $10 per hour), Disney has a nursery for infants
- complimentary kids, tweens, and teens clubs with activities, characters, and counselors with extended hours so adults can enjoy their own time too
- adult-only pools, restaurants, pub, and clubs in additional several adult-only activities
- family pools and water slides
- first-run movies (some in digital 3D)
- Broadway-style musicals and live performances
3. More is included in the base price
A Disney cruise prices may seem higher up front, but that is because more is included than many other cruise lines. For example, an assortment of soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages are available all day on the pool deck and in dining rooms. Meals at the main dining locations and 24-hour room service is also complimentary. There is no additional charge for premium menu selections such as steak or lobster. Order as much as you like and it is included. A soft-serve ice cream cone station located on the pool deck is also complimentary, as well as snacks and quick service food options. The kids clubs are also complimentary (not including the nursery) and so too are many activities such as first-run movies and live shows.
4. Food and Dining
The food quality, selection, and service is excellent. Special attention and care is given to anyone with food allergies and vegetarian options are offered. Service for dinner in the main dining rooms is also provided by the Disney specific rotational dining plan. You rotate dining rooms, but your server remains with you during your cruise and pays attention to all your special requests. They will remember how you like your steak and what drinks you often order. A variety of food choices are available to cater to the gourmet pallet to less adventurous, picky eaters in your party. At an additional cost, you can also participate in the adult-only fine dining options at Remy or Palo.
5. Spacious Cabins
Disney is known for some of the most spacious cabins among cruise lines. Disney’s cabins also incorporate a beautiful, modern design and optimize space for storage under beds, closets, bunk beds, and even tables accommodate storage for multiple passengers so you do not feel cramped in your room.
6. Cabin options
Disney offers more rooms with verandas and creatively designs inside rooms with a porthole that makes you feel connected to the outside, and even incorporates some characters. Verandas are also equipped with safety features to keep younger passengers safe, but do not interrupt adult passenger enjoyment.
7. Split bathrooms
If you are traveling with more than one person in your cabin, you need a split bathroom. A split bathroom allows one person to shower in one separate room and another person to use the mirror and counter for getting ready in another separate area. Getting ready is much quicker and less hassle with split bathrooms. Also, most split bathrooms come with a tub that makes it easy to bathe children.
8. Entertainment
Each Disney ship has a signature Broadway-style show, in addition to other live shows while on board. No extra ticket is required. More than one show time is available per night. Our family was in awe of the quality of the storytelling, acting, costumes, and sets. There are themed deck parties that you can also attend, as well as first-run movies in the ship’s theater (complimentary), in addition to lounges, night clubs, and cafes. You won’t be able to do everything on one cruise.
9. Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney’s award winning private Bahamian island. Many itineraries include a stop (or two) at Castaway Cay. You can begin your day with a 5K on the island or spend your time relaxing with the family, on the adult-only beach (and dining), or there are even youth club activities on the island. Lunch is served at one of two dining facilities and it was our favorite dining option. The island also has several activities including bike rentals are available, in addition to various excursions. The water is beautiful and calm, hammocks are available throughout the beach area, and lounge chairs are plentiful. It all culminates in the perfect beach day. When you walk back to the ship, you are greeted with a refreshing beverage, cool towel, and a foot shower. The perfect end to the perfect beach day.
10. Spa, Salon and Fitness Center
Each Disney ship has a spa that offers next-level treatments and services, including massages and facials. A salon can also provide haircuts and up dos, as well as manicures and pedicures. If you want work off some cruise indulging, a well-equipped fitness center lets you keep up with your work out routine on your own time or special classes are offered.
11. The Service
The hospitality and service of Disney cruise crew members is impeccable. It is not uncommon for return cruisers to request a certain dining host or hostess (for rotational dining). Crew members go above and beyond to make your vacation the best experience possible. There is a sadness that lingers in the air when it is time to disembark. Crew members are friendly, helpful, and feel like family.
12. The Details
Ultimately, all of the reasons that make a Disney cruise so magical stem from Disney’s main strength: the details. Disney focuses on the details and then gets them right most of the time. The ship’s design, service, and activities are all thoughtfully procured to create an unforgettable experience.
13. Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies
- Final Payment: For sailings through August 2021, your Client is able to make their final payment until up to 60 days prior to sailing.
- Cancellation Fee Schedule: For sailings through August 2021, the cancellation fee schedule has been temporarily relaxed.
- Cruise Date Flexibility: For any sailings booked by March 31, 2021 scheduled to sail on or before August 31, 2021, your Client can change their sail date up to 15 days prior to departure.
- Flexible Refund Policy: Within 14 days of the sailing, booked Guests with COVID-19-related health concerns (symptoms or exposure) can receive a full refund without Disney-imposed cancellation fees or apply their cruise fare toward a future sail date.
Bonus Reasons
Disney knows its audience and fosters their loyalty. To do that, Disney offers a few things to keep their biggest fans coming back for cruises too, including:
- Themed cruises – in addition to Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve cruises, Star Wars and Marvel themed cruises give fans more of what they want
- Special character interactions – on board or on Castaway Cay, special character interactions only available on a Disney cruise appeal to die-hard Disney fans
- Shopping – Disney fans cannot resist amazing merch! Disney delivers with unique, cruise-only merchandise that will leave fans needing an additional suitcase (which you can of course purchase on board)
Disney really does find a way to cater to everyone. A Disney cruise will appeal to anyone who appreciates great customer service, quality experiences, foodies, spa lovers, and travelers just looking to relax and unwind.
Disney has created an amazing vacation experience on its cruise line with even more reasons to take a Disney cruise vacation. Extended final payment, relaxed cancellation policies, and cruise date flexibility help you book with confidence. Disney Cruise Line offers several itineraries to global destinations, from numerous ports, and on five ships, including the new Disney Wish setting sale for the first time in June 2022.
If you are interested learning more about a Disney Cruise Line vacation and how I can help you plan a magical vacation, contact me for a FREE quote. As a Disney Travel Agent I do receive a commission for booking your vacation, but at no additional cost to you! I also offer an onboard credit when you book your cruise with me! I look forward to talking with you and getting your vacation on the calendar.
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