15 Great Tips for Your First Disney Cruise

Have you been wondering what it would like to take a cruise, but don't want to give up your Walt Disney World Vacation? Then why not travel by land and by sea! A 3 or 4 night "starter cruise" on the Disney Cruise Line is the perfect way to break your family into a whole new world of Disney magic. If the siren's song of the sea is calling to you, here are 15 tips to make your starter cruise the best ever.


15 Tips For Your First Disney Cruise


1) Plan early. Prices on the Disney Cruise Line almost always only go up. Book your cruise as far in advance as possible for the best deal, it's easy to change your dates at a latter time if necessary. All 3 & 4 night Disney itineraries from Port Canaveral stop at Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's Private Island Castaway Cay, with the 4 night cruises offering a day at sea.

2) Book a stateroom with a balcony. Yes, they're more expensive - but you're planning early so you're going to grab a great deal and have plenty of time to save, right? It's your starter cruise, do it right.

3) Make sure you fly in at least one day before your cruise departs, ships don't wait for flight delays. This is one of the big reasons I always book my time at Walt Disney World before my cruise.

4) Get Your Passport and Other Identification in order well ahead of time. You will need to have all of your identification documents together and in order before you check in online. For first time Disney cruisers online check-in happens 75 days before embarkation. You can read more about passports in our previous article Do I Need A Passport For Travel To The Bahamas and Caribbean?


Do I Need A Passport For A Disney Cruise?


5) Book your shore excursions through Disney at your 75 day mark. Though it's possible to get a better deal booking shore excursions independently, if anything happens and the ship can't make Port you will lose that money. It's rare, but it does happen. I learned that one the hard way.

6) Eat at Palo or Remy. These adult only restaurants are worth the upgrade, though not everyone's palate will be adventurous enough for Remy. Even if you're cruising with the kids take some time to indulge in these delicious grown-up dining options. Make your reservations when you book shore excursions, however be aware that you can sometimes snag a reservation on ship if they're all booked up in advance.

7) Make sure you have the essential of home you'll need in your cabin. Pack a small medicine kit with the basics so that you have them in room. I always include peppermint or ginger chews just in case the seas get rough. I also suggest a small power strip to provide additional outlets, and some battery operated tea lights. These make fantastic nightlights for the bathroom. *update* Small power strips are no longer allowed on DCL.

8) When planning your wardrobe, don't forget to pack something fun to wear for Pirate Night and the optional Dress Up Night!


Don't Forget to Pack A Costume for Pirate Night


9) Make sure you pack your swimsuit and anything else you may need (like medications) in your carry-on as well. Though your stateroom should be available shortly after 1:00pm, your luggage may not arrive until after 5:00pm.

10) Unlike most other cruise lines, the Disney Cruise Line allows you to bring alcohol onboard - as long as it fits within your carry-on bag. Packing a few mini bottles to indulge in can save money when alcohol onboard costs a premium.

11) Arrange for an early Port Arrival Time. Though Disney Transportation is a tempting convenience many frequent Disney cruisers prefer to arrive at the port early. Scheduling your Port Arrival Time for around 11:00am will help you fight the crowds of later arrivals. Once you board you'll be able to eat lunch on the ship, and enjoy many fun activities before you set sail.

12) Go to the shows. The evening entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line is phenomenal. Broadway-style productions include original music and Disney classics woven into fun tales of adventure and dreams with the kids of comedy appeals to both youth and adults on different levels. Don't forget to take advantage of ship tours, mixology classes, and a wide range of enrichment activities.


Castaway Cay Is A Private Island Done Well


13) Explore Castaway Cay. I'm not a fan of beaches, and my impression of other cruise lines private islands was less than favorable - but this is Disney and Castaway Cay is beautiful. Get off the ship and explore Castaway Cay, even if it's only for a portion of the day. There's a lot to do and see on this tropical paradise, take a jet ski excursion or pet the stingrays.

14) Make the Most of Room Service. Room service (for non-prepackaged snacks) is included in the cost of your cruise so use it to your advantage. Have a pot of coffee delivered to your stateroom while getting ready in the morning, or have cookies and milk delivered before you get tucked in for the night. Room service is a fun way to splurge and make the most of all the Disney Cruise Line has to offer.

15) Re-book onboard. I know this is your starter cruise, and you're not 100% sure about the whole thing yet, but tuck some money aside so that if you love it you can re-book before you leave. Just like Walt Disney World's bounce back rates you can get a pretty good deal for your next cruise if you book while you're still on the ship.

Oh - and hey! Don't let anyone tell you differently, the Disney Cruise Line Is Made for Grown-ups! It's perfectly to escape on Disney Cruise without your kids. Do you have a question about taking a Disney Cruise? Head on over to our member forums and chat with out friendly cruise experts!