How to Plan A Disney Cruise
My family enjoys going on Disney cruises. Everyone finds something to love about Disney cruises, from our youngest child to our middle and high schoolers and adults. We often reminisce about our most recent trip, and everyone asks when we will take our next cruise.
Disney cruises are an excellent choice for busy families. The kids’ clubs are enjoyable, and there’s plenty to do for everyone. Whether you’re a newbie or a regular cruiser, there are some things you should know before your first Disney cruise.
Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Disney Cruise!
How to Plan a Cruise
Planning a Disney cruise may seem overwhelming, but it’s easy with the help of a travel planner. With the right travel agent, you can get a free, no-obligation quote and have someone to guide you. Planning a Disney cruise can be a fun and exciting process! Here are some steps to get started:
Get a Passport
You will need a valid passport for most Disney cruise itineraries. There are a few exceptions with close-loop cruises to the Bahamas. You can use a birth certificate to show citizenship on those cruises. Otherwise, you will need a valid passport until 6 months after your cruising date.
Choose Your Dates
Choose a week or month for your Disney Cruise and visit the Disney Cruise Line website to view available dates and itineraries. Remember that prices and availability may differ based on the time of year and your selected cruise.
Set Your Budget
Disney cruises can be expensive, so it’s crucial to establish a budget and adhere to it. Consider the cruise fare, airfare, hotel stays, transportation to and from the port, and any extra activities or excursions you intend to partake in.
Decide Your itinerary
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries, including cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, and more. It’s essential to research each itinerary and choose the one that best fits your interests and schedule. Keep in mind that select itineraries are only available during certain times of the year.
Book Your Cruise and Select Your Stateroom
Once you have finalized your dates, budget, and itinerary, it’s time to book your Disney cruise. Your travel agent will assist you in securing your preferred cruise and stateroom. Disney Cruise Line provides various stateroom categories, such as inside staterooms, oceanview staterooms, balcony staterooms, and suites. Consider the type of room you desire and the space you require.
Plan Your Activities and Excursions
Disney Cruise Line offers various onboard activities and excursions at each port of call. To secure availability, it is advisable to book popular experiences such as character meet-and-greets, spa treatments, and shore excursions in advance.
Prepare for Your Trip
Before you leave for your cruise, pack everything you need, including appropriate clothing, travel documents, medications, and personal items. You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected situations. Each sailing typically has specially themed nights, such as Pirate Night or Formal Night. If you’d like to participate, planning is a good idea.
Join a Facebook group for Your Sailing.
We participated in Fish Extender and Pixie Dust gifting on our first cruise. Fish Extenders and Pixie Dusting are unique to Disney Cruises but are not official Disney activities. To learn more about Fish Extenders, click here. It was amazing to return to our room and find gifts from complete strangers at our door!
All about Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, operates five ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and the upcoming Disney Treasure. It offers themed itineraries, including Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, and European cruises. The cruise line’s private island, Castaway Cay, is a popular destination, offering activities for all ages. Onboard, guests can enjoy kids’ clubs, character experiences, adult-only areas, and rotational dining. Disney Cruise Line has received numerous awards for its family-friendly cruises and exceptional service.
Disney Cruise Line is an excellent choice for families with children. Kids can enjoy activities at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab, while tweens and teens have their own dedicated spaces. Guests can meet Disney characters, watch movies, and enjoy various sports and entertainment options. This variety of activities makes Disney Cruise Line an excellent choice for families with children.
Working with a Travel Agent
When planning your Disney Cruise, select a travel agent who specializes in helping clients plan and book Disney vacations. They can assist with trip planning, ticketing, itinerary planning, special requests, concierge services, and cost-saving strategies. Jessica Lieb is a travel agent with ET Family Travel who specializes in family vacations, especially Disney.
