A Disney World Resort vacation is not just for children, and the same can be said for a Disney Cruise.

Disney Cruise

The ships in the Disney Cruise Line rival those of other lines in disney cruiseterms of amenities, activities, staterooms, and more. There many onboard activities for children, teens, and adults. A number of well-organized shore excursions ensure that your entire trip will be exciting and memorable.

The Ships

The Disney Cruise line includes four ships.

Every ship is full of the thoughtful and fun details that you would expect from a Disney cruise ship. The dining options are rated highly in the cruise industry. There are several pools, including one for children only and another for adults only.

One of the newer ships in the fleet is the Disney Dream. With each new ship, Disney finds ways to improve the experience of every guest. The Disney Dream was designed to imitate details found on ships during the golden age of cruising. This amazing ship includes many firsts in the industry. One of the most fun is the virtual porthole.

The virtual porthole allows guests who are staying in an inside cabin to have a view of where they are via cameras that stream live video to a screen (shaped like a porthole, of course!) in their cabin. The video is in real-time, so even guests without an ocean view can catch a glimpse of the view.

Read more about the available onboard activities in the section below called “The Activities”.

The Disney Fantasy visits Castaway Cay. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Disney Fantasy visits Castaway Cay. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

When you choose a Disney Cruise, you have plenty of options when it comes to destinations. The options in the Disney Cruise Line itineraries include warm weather getaways, European elegance, and Alaskan adventure. Below is a list of some of the possible destinations of a Disney cruise ship.

  • Alaska
  • Bahamas
  • Caribbean
  • Europe
  • Mexican Riviera

While all of the destinations are fabulous, two of the most popular Disney cruise destinations are the Bahamas and the Caribbean. A possible reason for that is the chance to visit Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay

You might have thought that you had to be wealthy to enjoy spending time on a private island, but when you cruise with Disney, that is exactly what you will have the chance to do! Castaway Cay is a private island that is owned by Disney, and is for use only by Disney cruisers. Disney’s private island has everything that you will need to enjoy a variety of activities including:

  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle-boating
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Open air massages
  • Beach barbeques

There is also a supervised children’s area with lots of fun activities. This allows the kids to have a great time while you get a massage or go for a run on one of the nature trails. There are also guided group hikes, glass bottom boat rides, parasailing, jet-ski excursions, and more!

It is easy to see why the chance to visit Disney’s Castaway Cay is one reason so many choose the Disney Cruise line over the others.

The Disney Magic at sea. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Disney Magic at sea. Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

While the destination is certainly important for any cruiser, it is important to remember that the onboard activities are just as important to your overall cruise experience. Some cruise lines are much better than others at providing onboard activities that are fun and exciting for guests of all ages. Disney, not surprisingly, is at the top of the game when it comes to onboard activities for their guests.

As is the case at Disney resorts, the main goal of the staff is to make sure that every single guest has the time of their lives. Whether the guests are 2, 25, or 85 there is plenty for them to do and see while onboard a Disney cruise ship.

Each ship is a bit different, so you will need to check on the amenities of the specific Disney ship that you book to see which activities they offer. Below are some examples of what you will find onboard Disney cruise ships.

Activities for Children

Disney knows children! They have taken years of experience as the leader in children’s entertainment and found ways to bring that same fun on board every Disney cruise ship.

  • Animation classes – kids can learn some of the tricks of bringing drawings to life
  • Flubber –  a science lab where kids can work on the next great inventions
  • Pajama party – these fun events are separated into appropriate age groups and feature close supervision and lots of activities
  • Goofy Files – learn about crime solving and solve an onboard mystery
  • Cooking classes
  • Computer lab
  • Royal Ball – just for little princes and princesses

Activities for Teens

Many teens like nothing more than spending time with others who are the same age. Each Disney ship has designated “teen only” areas. These spaces are well-supervised by Disney staff who are able to keep the atmosphere light and fun. Teens can enjoy such activities as:

  • Teen only dance parties
  • Mickey Mania trivia games
  • Ship Factor – a game featuring a blindfolded obstacle course

Activities for Adults

Just as much thought went into the amenities and activities for adults as they did for children. Because every Disney cruise has child care options, adults will have plenty of time to enjoy activities and areas such as:

  • Nightclubs
  • Bingo
  • Weight loss classes
  • Spa treatments

Activities For Families

Of course, while it is fun to have activities for each age group, on a family vacation it is also important to spend time together as a family! For that reason, there are also many activities that are intended to promote all ages spending time together.

  • Family talent shows
  • Family karaoke nights
  • Family dance parties

With so many fabulous destinations, four amazingly appointed cruise ships, and a seemingly endless array of onboard activities for all ages, it is easy to see why Disney Cruise Lines are one of the most popular in the industry.

With many cabin options, you will be able to find a cruise that fits most any budget. Choose a Disney cruise for your next family vacation and create memories that will last a lifetime.