Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line sails in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, and a few other destinations. If you’ve ever researched cruise prices, then you have probably noticed that Disney tends to be a bit more expensive. If three other cruise lines have basically the same itinerary, why would you pay so much more for Disney Cruise Line? There’s no way it’s worth that much extra. I thought the same thing until I went on one. Purely for research purposes, of course.
The ships are beautiful. They’re styled after those from the era when transatlantic voyages were constant. Meanwhile, the colors are very specific – that’s actually not a black hull, it’s dark blue. The yellow lifeboats? Mickey yellow. They are literally designed to evoke nostalgia.
Sure they don’t look like dreadnaughts, but what else? The moment you walk on board, you enter into the atrium and cast members announce your party like guests at a ball. Disney cast members are known for being incredible, but those on a Disney Cruise are truly amazing. Our waiter, Artadana, already knew our names at first dinner. Incidentally, I still remember his name years later because he told us that his name is normally “Artadana”, but on Pirate Night, he’s “Arrrrtadana.” It’s highly encouraged for you to tip at the end of all cruises and in the case of DCL, no matter how much we left, it never felt like enough.
Castaway Cay is another highlight of DCL. Yes, other cruise lines also have private islands. But on other islands, you have to take a tender between the ship to the island. Disney ships moore directly at the island. (Hint – if you want a good view of Castaway Cay from your oceanview stateroom, get one on starboard side). On some islands, it costs money to use, well, anything. Lounge chair? Money. Water slide? Money. Nearly nothing is included in your cruise fare. With Disney, there are certainly some special shore excursions you can book, but lounge chairs, hammocks, a snorkeling lagoon, and all the play areas are included. So is most of the food on the island.
Maybe you’re thinking “I don’t want to be stuck on a ship with all those kids!” But let me tell you: the kids clubs on DCL are so good that the kids actually like them and stay there. Obviously there were kids around on the pool deck, but I was constantly amazed that there weren’t more. Additionally, there are multiple adults-only areas that are enforced, including an adults-only beach on Castaway Cay.
One of my other personal favorite things about DCL ships is something they don’t have – casinos. Not only is it a huge space I don’t use, but on some ships, smoking is allowed in the casino. And depending on the ship’s design, that smoke can cover the entire interior area including the atrium, shops, and restaurants. DCL also doesn’t do drink packages the same way many other cruise lines do, which means no long long lines at the bar, no trying to get your money’s worth and drinking when you don’t actually want it, and no rowdy passengers.
To view this e-brochure in a new tab, simply use this direct link, which also has my contact information: https://www.disneytravelcenter.com/eb97d46d6b/