disney magic cruise norway

Norwegian Fjords Disney Cruise Line Report – Day 3

Day 3 of our Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard the Disney Magic had our first port stop, in Stavanger, Norway ( click here to read our report on day 2 ). I’m going to do this installment of the cruise report a bit differently, with mostly planning-oriented info regarding port recommendations, followed by our anecdotal account of what happened. (This is to make things easier for me when I compile this all into a Norway Disney Cruise Line Planning Guide.)

Before we start into that, I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about our port days. One thing that gave pause about doing Norway with Disney Cruise Line was the time in each port. When traveling, I like to burn the candle at both ends, and be in control of my own destiny. Usually, this means being up for sunrise, sunset, and night photography.

No matter how we toured Norway (in the summer at least), being up for all of those things would not be possible–it’d mean 2-3 hours of sleep per night! However, the windows of port time would be tested by our plan for Stavanger. There were a few things I wanted to do in Stavanger, and not enough time to do them all…

Stavanger is a fascinating city because it has a rich history with commercial fishing, but has transformed in the last ~50 years to become Europe’s oil and energy capital.

In 1969, the first Norwegian oil field was discovered at Ekofisk south in the North Sea, which made the Stavanger region a key player in the Norwegian economy. The oil industry in the region has made locals and Norway quite wealthy in the process (Norway’s wealth management and fiscal policies are themselves fascinating, albeit beyond the scope of this report).

Today, Stavanger seems to be a blend of old and new, with a small town university feel and also features modern and old world charm. It’s a town we would’ve visited on the Norway in a Nutshell tour, too.

There would be no sleeping in this particular morning. I was up at 5:30 a.m., and quickly got ready before heading up to the top deck to watch the ship arrive into Stavanger.

I expected a large crowd for this, but there were only a handful of other guests up this early. My gain, I suppose.

We saw a lot of rocky islands like this, and I was always on the lookout for puffins when we cruised past. Spoiler: we saw 0 puffins over the course of the entire trip.

Oh well, guess that means we have to go back to Norway…

As with many of these port cities in Norway, Stavanger has a compact layout and is easily walkable. For the majority of things you might want to do in port, there’s no need to rent a car, use a taxi, or rely on the various forms of public transportation. There is one notable exception to this, which we’ll cover below.

My top things were the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (yes, really–it sounds really fascinating!), Norwegian Canning Museum , Old Stavanger , and hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) .

Based upon my research, we could do both museums and Old Stavanger, or Pulpit Rock and nothing else. While the museums sound fascinating, Pulpit Rock was the clear winner for me.

Disney Cruise Line offers a Port Adventure for hiking to Pulpit Rock, but the goal of the Norwegian Fjords cruise for us was to save money over what a non-cruise trip to Norway would cost, so that was out.

Instead, I did some research and found what appeared to be a relatively easy way to do this hike on your own via public transit.

That’s what we ended up doing, and if you’re visiting Stavanger on a future cruise, I’d highly recommend it.

Disney Cruise Line’s Port Adventure is (in my opinion) overpriced for minimal added convenience–you’re paying for peace of mind since they are less likely to leave you if you’re on an “official” Port Adventure.

The threshold question before that, though, is whether hiking to Pulpit Rock is for you. This is a moderately intense, 4.4-mile hike with an elevation gain of ~1,000 feet. There is no scrambling involved, nor is the hike unsafe at any point (aside from the ledge at Pulpit Rock).

Despite Disney Cruise Line requiring guests be 12 years or older, the hike is appropriate for people of all ages who are physically fit to a reasonable degree. You will need hiking shoes, and I’d also recommend athletic attire and a hydration pack.

I’d also recommend a thin, waterproof and windproof jacket (think GORE-TEX). You won’t need any insulating layer because you’ll be on the move.

As far as strategy for getting from the cruise port to the trailhead, we’d recommend purchasing a Tide Ferry & Bus ticket and doing it yourself. With that ticket in hand, be ready to get off the ship 15 minutes before the official ashore time and run to the ferry, which is about 12-15 minutes away.

We were ashore by 7:45 a.m. and the first ferry was at 8 a.m. We literally ran through Stavanger (along with a couple dozen others), and made it onto the ferry at 7:58 a.m. The boat left promptly at 8 a.m. Running was of the essence, and if we were cleared to go ashore just 2 minutes later, we would have missed the ferry.

There was another ferry at 8:40 a.m. that others, including Disney’s Port Adventure, caught, but I think making the 8 a.m. ferry provides a huge advantage.

Not just that 40 minutes, but also in terms of crowds on what can otherwise be a busy (and narrow) path. I’d hazard a guess that we saved over an hour of time of by virtue of catching that first ferry.

From the ferry, Tide has buses that are synchronized, so it’s a simple matter of stepping off the ferry and lining up for the bus. All told, the ferry and bus take around 70 minutes to get you to the Pulpit Rock trailhead. From there, the hike is roughly 4 to 4.5 hours roundtrip (about the same amount of time up as down, albeit less intense down), plus however long you want to spend up at Pulpit Rock.

Due to the above time constraints and transportation schedules, it’s advised that you begin the descent from Pulpit Rock by 12:30 p.m. in order to make the last bus. Tide is one of two bus services operating at the trailhead–if you’re tight on time, you may have to purchase a ticket for the other bus. No big deal.

While we encountered many people on the cruise who fretted about having to turn around before making it to Pulpit Rock, or worried about worst case scenarios involving paying for a taxi from the trailhead to the cruise port.

These hypotheticals are unlikely. You should have an adequate window to make it up there whether you’re on the first or second ferry, so long as you’re in reasonably good shape.

Ultimately, I would highly recommend the hike to Pulpit Rock to anyone visiting Stavanger, Norway. I love to hike, and have done some incredible hikes in the Canadian Rockies, Yosemite National Park, Swiss Alps, and many other locations.

I would put the hike to Pulpit Rock among the top 5 hikes I have ever done. It’s a fun experience, and even though it’ll consume most of your time in Stavanger, the hike is well worth it.

Alright, with that generalized planning info out the way, let’s spice things up with an anecdote about our experience. Joining us (or perhaps we were joining them?) on the hike by Stephen and Tammy Whiting, who has a lot of great posts about cruising on TouringPlans .

We’ve “internet known” Tammy for close to a decade, which probably sounds creepier with air quotes around it, but whatever. ( Also–she took many of the photos of Sarah and me in this post, so credit to her for those photos.)

Hiking with them definitely improved the experience. More importantly, it also would’ve helped from a strength in numbers perspective had we encountered Norway’s infamous anorexic polar bears that were featured in Maelstrom.

Frequently, I use “we” and “I” interchangeably on the blog when conveying our/my experiences. If you know English good, you might find this perturbing. (No one ever claimed this was the paramount of the written word.)

When I refer to past hikes above, I mean my experiences. Sarah enjoys hiking and has gone on a few hikes with me, but she’s more casual about it. Details about strenuousness and dangerousness of hikes I do are sometimes omitted when I tell her the stories from my hikes. (Just kidding, dear. 😉 )

I mention this because Sarah and I have different opinions on the strenuousness of the hike to Pulpit Rock. I’d describe it as moderate, whereas she’d describe it as intense. Thankfully, she found a blog that described the hike as “easy” while we were researching the trip. To the badass Norwegian who thinks this hike is easy, I am eternally grateful. I think Sarah would have been discouraged from doing the hike had she read more about its intensity. On Page 2 , I’ll share our experience with the hike, its intensity, and the rest of our day in Stavanger and evening back on the Disney Magic.

Written by Tom Bricker

Great review of the hike. I was one of those running to the ferry for the 8am departure. THe hike was great and I agree that it was great being there early, the hike down was indeed much more packed. I would love to camp up on pulpit one day. I imagine the sunrise would be spectacular from up there.

That’d be awesome, but my worry would be that you wouldn’t even get a sunrise. I’d hazard a guess that they only see a sunrise about 25% of the time or so! (Regardless, it’d be cool.)

“It also “sold” me on cruising as legitimate form of travel, rather than just a leisure vacation on a boat.”

For this reason, I highly recommend a Hawaiian cruise. You can see so many islands in a short time as you cruise between them at night! 🙂

Loving this trip report! Now I’m itching for a Norwegian cruise. 🙂

Tom, found your blog via Facebook. I can’t tell when you published your Norway trip blogs, but I’m interested in the rest of your Norway cruise, as we’re cruising there in August 2017. Thanks for the tips so far!

Part 4 should be out later today. Thanks for reading!

Just in case he does not see this- he was just on this cruise! He was doing some updates on FB while there. Have fun on yours. Tis is our next big adventure I think!

Your experience with the bus is exactly why we hate Disney transportation at the parks. I know a lot of people are all for it, but we’ve had that exact scenario happen more than once and it is infuriating.

Thanks for the info! I want to do the hike but my kids wouldn’t be able to, so my husband would watch them. Would you consider the hike safe for a solo female traveler? Also, would there be an easy place to “meet up” with my family after the hike?

It’s completely safe for a solo female traveler (the path has no dangers and is full of people), and there’s a ‘lodge’ of sorts (it’s pictured in the post) at the trailhead, so it’d be easy for family to meet you there.

I’m really enjoying this trip report. We have family in Southern Norway and it’s been 9 years since we’ve visited. Your pictures are taking me down memory lane (: We have also been looking into doing a Disney cruise, so I was wondering if these ports are always the ones the Norwegian cruise stops at. Thanks!

P.S. The traditional Norwegian dress Minnie is wearing is called a Bunad (boo-nahd)!

Thanks for the info on Minnie’s dress. I had no idea!

The picture of you eating the school bread is my favorite – natural Tom. Way to go Sarah on capturing a picture of Tom that looks natural… not sitting with food, but becoming one with his food.

“Becoming one with my food” is something I do a lot. 😉

Great trip report from Pulpit Rock, happy that Sarah joined you for the hike.

And I love Godt Brød! They are more expensive than some other bakeries, but I think it’s great and like to support them when I can. I appreciate that they care about the quality of ingredients, and I LOVE knowing that what I buy was baked in that very bakery over night by professional bakers (sadly not something to take for granted other places).

If puffins are your thing, come and visit us in Maine sometime!

Last year I did a 7 day cruise to the southern Caribbean. I didn’t think I was a cruise person since I like to be an active and independent traveler, but as you point out I now see the convenience of a moving hotel. Every day I did a full excursion or exploration, just using the ship for dinner, recharge, and rest. While others sat around on the boat all day, it is nice to cover multiple places without the hassel of moving or transit.

We did the same–we were among the last 10 people out in port each day of the cruise, and had a really satisfying experience seeing Norway via the cruise. In fact, it was much more satisfying than I imagined it could be.

These trip reports are exactly what I’ve been looking for! We booked the Norway/Iceland cruise next summer for our honeymoon. I’ve had similar concerns about not being able to travel/sightsee. I want to be able to relax, but I don’t want a leisurely vacation! Pulpit Rock is going on our “must do” list for sure. Thank you for all the planning details. I am very much looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip!!

There are plenty of puffins, whales, and icebergs here in Newfoundland!

What insane blogger said that was easy?! I’m with Sarah! I’d definitely go with the intense side of moderate.

Exhaustion aside, it was probably my favorite day of the cruise and the company was top notch! 🙂

Butter Brickles, on Nordic FIRE, with another scorching hot take!

So, no Anorexic polar bears. but between the troll paraphernalia and oil rigs, you have confirmed that at least 2/3 of Maelstrom is a correct representation of Norway!

That looks like a great hike. I wish the weather had been better for you, but the pictures are still pretty.

Is the towel animal Constantine from the muppets?

I’ll definitely have a rant on Maelstrom/Spirit of Norway later in the report, so stay tuned for that (or not).

Lol on the Constantine comment. I think it’s a penguin?

“Now, I had fresh and totally different clothes to wear that evening…like a RED flannel shirt!”

You´re killing me!!! hahaha this is great!!! looking forward to read the next chapter.

I was led to believe every man in Norway looked like Chuck Norris (or a viking) and had a closet full of flannel. I was misled. 😉

Loving your trip reports. Can’t wait for all of the rest. I don’t really have a desire to do the Norwegian cruises, but it’s still fun to read about. Before my first cruise, I didn’t think I’d actually end up being a cruiser. I only went because my daughter really wanted to go on a Disney cruise. This…”the convenience of going back to the ship for dinner and transit to the next port—as opposed to checking out of a hotel and taking our luggage on a train” is why I decided I love cruising. We have done 2 cruises and have 3 more booked.

By the way, “If you know English good” should be…If you know English well! 🙂

Ummm…. never mind.

Great report, and beautiful photos as usual. Cove Cafe is the best – we’ve been fortunate enough to sail the Dream, Fantasy and Magic, and the CM’s and the coffee are always terrific. If you ask, they’ll give you a card – buy 5 get one free. Love that!

Godt Brød was easily my favorite part of Norway, and I can taste the School Bread now! So sorry you didn’t see any puffins either, I’ve been back to Norway twice and I’m still 0/2 on puffin sightings. Guess I’ll just have to go back

In Alesund, there’s actually a puffin island that’s supposedly covered with thousands of them. We briefly considered visiting, but the logistics were a bit much.

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Disney Cruise Mom Blog

I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

Guest Trip Report: 10 Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland on the Disney Magic, Day 1

October 28, 2018 by Disney Cruise Mom 2 Comments

This is a guest trip report written by Carol, who sailed on the most recent 10 night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland on the Disney Magic on August 16, 2018.  You can start the trip report from the beginning by clicking here .

Day 1: Boarding the Disney Magic

After spending 3 amazing days in Copenhagen it was time to start our cruise!  We took a taxi from our AirBnB to the Copenhagen port the morning of embarkation day.  For us, staying in an AirBnB and taking a taxi was the easiest way to get to the port.  Some of the hotels had bus transportation to the port, so depending on where you stay it is useful to check into the different options of transportation.  Being this was our first platinum cruise, we were excited to be able to board the ship early so we got the to port early as well.  We had never departed from the port in Copenhagen before so weren’t sure what to expect.  We had to go through the standard security screening, of course, show passports and put our carryons through x-ray machines.  Once through the initial screening, the port is very plain.  Unlike Port Canaveral that has TV’s showing cartoons, models of the ships, check-in for the kids clubs, DVC area for members, and always a character with a line waiting for pictures, the port at Copenhagen is much quieter and laid back.  While there was a character (we saw Minnie), there is none of the other amenities that Port Canaveral has.  It is basically just an area to check in for your cruise and wait to be called to the ship.  We did look into a stateroom upgrade – we had a stateroom with a porthole on deck 2 and were able to secure an upgrade to a room with a veranda on deck 6 for a very reasonable price to our pleasant surprise!  This got our cruise off to an excellent start!  I had been worried about being on deck 2 as I am prone to seasickness and had never stayed on such a low deck before.  Plus, my husband LOVES to be able to look at the ocean, even if it is just for 10 minutes a day.  All in all, the upgrade worked well in our favor.

Quickly we were on the ship and exploring the many areas.  We ate lunch in Cabanas (as we always do) and then we proceeded to check out the Oceaner’s Lab and Club.  On the Magic, the Oceaner’s Club has a Marvel themed area with Marvel’s Avenger’s Academy being of one of the main activities.  They also have Andy’s Room and Pixie Hollow.  The Oceaner’s Lab is themed like Captain Hook’s pirate ship and kids can even virtually navigate the ship!

After we explored the different areas on the ship, our stateroom was available, so we went and put our carry on luggage away.  Some of our luggage began to arrive so we started to unpack.  My son and husband decided that this was the only day when it might be nice enough to swim so they went for a dip in the pool.  My daughter and I did some unpacking and then went to hang out on the pool deck with them for a little while.  Then we had to get ready for the mandatory safety drill .  Before we had to go to the safety drill, we had received all of our luggage.  Since we upgraded our stateroom, some of it had been delivered to our old stateroom, but we managed to get it all up to our new stateroom and mostly unpacked before the safety drill.

Then we went to the mandatory safety drill , which is the same every time, but important to attend, of course.  Immediately following the safety drill is the Adventures Away sail away party on deck, which is always fun and to which we go to on every cruise.  It always has the cruise staff dancing and singing, and usually the cruise director, which on this ship was Leslie (who was great!!!) and of course, the world-famous Disney Characters!

After the deck party, we watched us sail out of Copenhagen.  It was really beautiful: we saw wind turbines and sail boats, and gorgeous scenery.  It was peaceful and enjoyable watching us sail out of port, and later we were treated to an absolutely gorgeous sunset.

One of my favorite things about cruising with Disney is my towel animal every night (and the chocolates on my pillow).  Here is our first towel animal of this cruise:

Our stateroom host, Dom, made sure we had everything we needed and kept us entertained with his amazing work on his towel animals all cruise long.

We had late dinner this cruise, which for this itinerary was 8:30 pm.  This meant we had the opportunity to see the show first.  At this time, Disney is still doing what many people call “1 1/2” showings of their big shows, which means that on one night they will show a major production twice, opposite the 2 dinner seatings, and the next night they will show it once, in between the dinner seatings.  The theory is that this gives people more choices of what to see and when.  On the first night of our cruise they were showing Twice Charmed, which is one of their “big” productions between dinner seatings, but were also showing it again the next night opposite your dinner seating, and were also running a game show called “The Inside Out Game” opposite our dinner seating.  Our kids wanted to see this, so we went.  It’s a family game show based on the movie Inside Out, and has 2 families answering questions based on the feelings used in the movie.  It’s fun to watch and was a good time for all.

Our first dinner was at Animator’s Palate.  This is my absolute favorite restaurant on every ship so I was very excited to start here.

Our servers for this cruise were Steve and Widi and they were excellent!  Our head server was Simone and he was amazing!  We had such a great team this time!  Our first meal was good, and we headed off to bed well fed, tired and ready for our first day in Norway.

Up Next: Day 2 – Kristiansand, Norway

Click here to visit Carol’s blog about her family’s travels all over the world.

October 28, 2018 at 12:33 pm

Thanks for the information on the port. Did you notice where to get a cab? We’ll be getting off instead of getting on in Copenhagen. Also thanks for the upgrade heads up.

November 6, 2018 at 9:55 pm

I didn’t know where to get a cab, but we got one to the port very easily and the port isn’t very large so I would imagine there would be cabs waiting outside. I am glad you are finding the information helpful!!!

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Disney Magic: A Frozen Cruise to Norway’s Fjords

Author: [email protected]

Published on: 05 May 2019

Updated on: 11 May 2022

Who said Disney was just for kids? A Frozen-themed cruise to Norway’s fjords aboard Disney Magic is the perfect chill-out for grown-ups, too

Sipping a glass of Moët, I’m about to embark on a champagne brunch, even though it’s only 10am. I’m surrounded by marble, Venetian glass and panoramic views of the ocean.

All I have to do is stroll out of my private dining room to explore the buffet, which is piled high with all manner of foodie temptations including cheeses, seafood and caviar. But I mustn’t overdo it. Next stop is a dash to the ship’s atrium to meet Mickey Mouse himself (well, this is a Disney cruise, after all).

I’m on Disney Magic – one of the fleet’s four ships – heading to Norway’s fjords on a seven-night Frozen cruise from Dover. Naturally, there are activities galore for babies, toddlers, kids and teens – but let me tell you, this is no childish adventure and the ship is definitely not just for children .

The House of Mouse has grown up (Disney is 96 in October) and while it’s still first class at entertaining children with its diverse range of characters, movies, theme parks and cruise ships, the brand has got its recipe for adults just right, too.

As well as the five-star Senses Spa & Salon, with its range of luxurious treatments including a couples’ room for massages and Elemis facials à deux, Disney Magic also offers the serene, adults-only Quiet Cove Pool and café, plus late-night dancing at Fathoms nightclub and live piano and cocktails at Keys.

To enjoy these very grown-up attractions, all we need to do is (whisper it!) get rid of our kids. And that turns out to be easier than we’d thought. After rushing to wave at Mickey in a mobbed daily meet-and-greet, our 10-year-old daughter is drawn like a magnet to the cookie-making class in Oceaneer Lab – one of two kids’ clubs for her age group – while our 16-year-old son can’t wait to dump his embarrassing parents and decamp to the Vibe teen club.

Although he has his own keycard to our shared stateroom, he only returns there to go for dinner with the family (‘as long as my friends don’t see me’) and then again at 3am to ‘crash’. Our daughter’s clubs supply never-ending activities, including ga-ga ball, parachute games and ‘Super Sloppy Science’, so my husband Alexio and I are left blissfully alone to explore.

With her striking black hull, decorated with gold and topped with two red funnels, the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic harks back to the great age of ocean liners. And her interiors, with their glamorous, Art Deco-inspired design, are a stunning combination of nostalgia and modernity.

There’s a dazzling choice of entertainment venues, too, and we head to Keys, a bar inspired by the Sunset Boulevard piano joints of Hollywood’s heyday. Here the music is as lively as the super-strong cosmopolitans; the decor is retro-cool and the service is flawless. But after a second cocktail (we don’t get out much without the kids) it’s time to collect the family for dinner.

There are three main restaurants on Disney Magic , and thanks to the line’s ‘rotational dining’ policy, guests get to savour each one twice during a week-long cruise. Alexio and I are impressed by Lumiere’s, with its deliciously Gallic menu (the French onion soup is amazing), while the kids both love Rapunzel’s Royal Table, where we get to meet characters from the Disney movie, Tangled.

Rapunzel, who celebrates her birthday here every night, becomes instant BFFs with my daughter – they bond over their long hair – while my son thinks the giant (and frankly quite scary) Snuggly Duckling Thugs are hilarious. But nothing is as magical as Animator’s Palate, where the restaurant and the waiters are all part of a show in which Disney’s iconic characters come to life.

It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle when the black-and-white restaurant explodes into colour, with plenty of surprises along the way (I won’t spoil them for you, but sharpen up your drawing skills before you go). The food is pretty magical, too, and my pasta parcels, filled with truffle-scented cheese, are a melt-in-the-mouth delight.

The gastronomic highlight, however, is Palo – the Venetian restaurant named after the long poles used by gondoliers – where my Italian husband enjoys a feast of prawns, crab, tuna and scallops, all so perfectly cooked that he declares it buonissimo.

Arriving at our first port of call, we’re up early to walk the cobbled lanes of the Danish capital, Copenhagen , and visit the famous Tivoli Gardens. One of the world’s oldest leisure parks, this charming attraction inspired Walt Disney to create the first Disneyland in California (he visited several times, and no doubt rode the 1914 wooden ‘Roller Coaster’, which was among the first of its kind and is still in service today).

Leaving the boys to sample this vintage thrill-ride, my daughter and I wander through the delightful gardens. The day rushes by in a riot of screaming and laughing on more rides, including the world’s largest carousel, before we head back to the ship.

There’s no time to relax, however. Before dinner we catch a show in the Walt Disney Theatre, and then the children vanish and we head to After Hours, the adults-only entertainment zone. Meanwhile, the ship sails on towards Norway, where tomorrow we will enjoy a Frozen adventure of our own.

Oslo looks a picture as we stroll through the pretty streets towards the Ice Bar, a cocktail venue with a difference. Here, everything is carved out of the frozen stuff, including the bar and even some of the customers (life-size human statues, dotted here and there). It’s breathtakingly beautiful and we stay for as long as we can, only leaving when my nose turns red and my husband’s teeth begin to chatter. (For more on what to see and do in Oslo, read our guide ).

The following day brings more Norwegian fun . The boys head off for a high-octane RIB boat adventure in Kristiansand – a compact city dubbed the Pearl of the South because of its warmer climate and palm-fringed beach – while my daughter and I choose a more sedate ride on the Setesdalsbanen vintage railway.

Over a five-mile stretch of narrow-gauge track, its steam loco and wooden carriages offer an enchanting ride back through history. Docked at Stavanger next morning, we take a boat trip to Bakers’ Paradise, a seaside inn and trading post on a rugged island.

Here we feast on giant Norwegian waffles with fruit and sour cream – delicious – before embarking on a two-hour cruise through spectacular Lysefjord, where we stop to feed the nimble goats that magically cling to the sheer cliff face, easily catching the bread we throw to them.

At Pulpit Rock, one of the most famous spots in Norway , we gaze skywards to see where Tom Cruise performed one of his famously dangerous stunts while filming Mission: Impossible – Fallout . It was all in a day’s work for the Hollywood star, who clambered 2,000ft above the chilly waters of Lysefjord. Tourists can do the same, if they’re fit and brave enough, but don’t attempt it if you suffer from vertigo.

That night the ship turns back towards Dover, but another sea day lies ahead before we arrive home. That means we have time to visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to give our very own Princess a makeover (she emerges suitably sparkly and wearing a crown).

As we sip our cocktails that evening, gazing through giant portholes while the sun slides over the horizon, it’s the perfect ending to our Frozen adventure. If you’re looking for a magical family holiday that’s cool for discerning grown-ups too, Mickey and friends have just the thing.

For more information, visit disneycruise.disney.go.com .

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Tag Archives: Norway

Personal Navigators: Disney Dream 7-Night Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords from Southampton – September 3, 2023

Personal Navigators, and other details from the Silver Anniversary at Sea 7-Night Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords from Southampton. The Disney Dream set sail from Southampton on September 3, 2023.  At the end of February 2023, Continue Reading →

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Personal Navigators: 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Dover – September 4, 2022

Personal Navigators, and other details from the  7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Dover. The Disney Magic set sail from Dover, England on September 4, 2022. During this cruise, the ship was under the control of Continue Reading →

Personal Navigators: 11-Night Norway, Iceland and Scotland Cruise from Copenhagen ending in Dover – August 17, 2022

Personal Navigators, and other details from the 11-Night Norway, Iceland and Scotland Cruise from Copenhagen ending in Dover. The Disney Magic set sail from Copenhagen, Denmark on August 17, 2022. During this cruise, the ship was Continue Reading →

Disney Magic’s 2022 Iceland, Norway, and Scotland Cruise Itinerary Modified Again – Overnight Stay in Reykjavik Returns

Disney Cruise Line is once again altering the Disney Magic’s August 17, 2022 11-Night Norway, Iceland, and Scotland Cruise from Copenhagen to Dover. The Disney Magic’s scheduled stop in Isafjordur, Continue Reading →

Disney Magic’s 2022 Iceland, Norway, and Scotland Cruise Itinerary Modified

Disney Cruise Line is altering the Disney Magic’s August 17, 2022 11-Night Norway, Iceland, and Scotland Cruise from Copenhagen to Dover. The Disney Magic’s originally scheduled visit to Olden, Norway, Continue Reading →

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Disney Magic

Cruise line Disney Cruise Line

• Galveston (Texas)
• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
• Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)
• San Juan (Puerto Rico)
• New Orleans (Port NOLA Louisiana)

Disney Magic current position

Disney Magic current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 25.74166 N / -76.73591 W) cruising en route to BSELE>USPEF. The AIS position was reported 30 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Disney Magic

Disney Magic current cruise is 4 days, round-trip Bahamian Cruise From Fort Lauderdale . The itinerary starts on 08 Aug, 2024 and ends on 12 Aug, 2024 .

Specifications of Disney Magic

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Disney Magic Itineraries

Disney magic review, review of disney magic.

The 1998-built MS Disney Magic cruise ship is Walt Disney 's first (oldest) liner with sistership Disney Wonder (1999).

The vessel (IMO number 9126807) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 308516000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

DCL-Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (shipowner). The company was incorporated in 1996 as "Magical Cruise Company Ltd". Walt Disney also owns the Bahamian private island Castaway Cay (exclusive port of call - for Disney ships only) and an exclusive Cruise Terminal at Port Canaveral (Orlando Florida) . Disney cruises are marketed as "family vacations" and feature unique and exclusive activities, such as costumed Disney Characters, adults-only deck areas, dedicated facilities for teens, kids and infants-toddlers, signature (trademarked) shipboard facilities and activities, themed live entertainment.

The 1750-passenger ship Disney Magic provides some of the best sea travel vacation experiences. And just like all Disney businesses, the ship's primary market are families with small children (mostly kids younger than 8) - the major revenue provider for the Walt Disney company. However, on Disney Magic, you'll also find many passengers traveling without kids.

The ever first Disney ship, Magic was launched in 1998 to serve the special preferences of a new generation Disney package vacation fun fans. The Disney Magic ship design resembles the 1920's luxurious ocean liners, but what really makes this vessel worthy of its Disney name are all the Disney characters, special facilities, and unique fun activities on-board, along with the greatest kids programs at sea, the most Magic-al deck parties, and excellent service.

The CLIENTELE consists almost entirely of USA and Canada Disney cruise fun fans. The new Disney approach to children by age-related activities and specially dedicated onboard venues makes all ships mostly appealing for multi-generational travelers.

Disney Magic DRESS CODE - day casual and evening resort casual, meaning for men - jackets (no ties) and pants, and for women - summer dresses (no swimwear-shorts-jeans in the main restaurants at dinner). All Disney Magic 7-day sailings include one formal and one semi-formal night.

Disney Magic TIPS (totaling US $12 PP per day, automatically charged to guests' shipboard accounts), given to $8 waiters (dining room server $4, assistant server $3, head server $1) and $4 to cabin attendants. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is included on all bar drinks and onboard service areas.

Decks and Cabins

Most Disney Magic staterooms (877 total, in 22 grades) are 225-260-ft2 Balconies. The ship has 22 Suites, 362 Balcony, 235 Oceanview and 256 Inside cabins. The largest accommodations are Royal Suites (845 ft2 / 79 m2 plus 185 ft2 / 17 m2 terrace).

The ever-first Disney ship Magic boasts elegant Art Deco decorations of public spaces and a most affordable luxury in all its staterooms, of which even the standard cabins are designed as mini-suites (separate bedroom and living areas).

All Disney Magic cabins are designed with families in mind - some of the most spacious and most elegant at sea, and of course - with "Mickeys" everywhere. Cabins are quiet and offer comfortable privacy, appealing to both families and people traveling without youngsters. Even the standard Disney Magic cabins boast a separate bedroom and a living area (common to mini-suite accommodations of other brands), 2 beds convertible to a queen, the living room including a convertible sofa (an option for 3rd single bed); many cabins also have bunk beds (for a 4th person).

Disney Magic family cruise cabins for families of 5 have a Murphy bed. Plenty of drawers, a closet with sliding doors, a desk-dressing table, a smart HDTV, electronic safe bos, 2 portable "Wave Phones" (with texting capabilities and coverage throughout the ship and on Castaway island).

A unique feature of all Disney cruise cabins are the split-bathrooms ("bath and a half" configurations) - one with a toilet and a sink, the other with tub-shower-sink (the cheapest insides with a single bath 1 sink). Decent bathroom amenities (soap-shampoo-conditioner-lotion), a hairdryer.

All Disney Magic suites are located on Deck 8 and feature concierge service, deluxe design elements, huge Jacuzzis, better quality mattresses and large verandas (among the additional amenities are robes, slippers, and a vanity pack).

The boat has 11 decks , of which 6 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Disney Magic dining options include 3 main restaurants with the most fun rotational dining scheme (whatever the restaurant, your table number is the same, as well as companions and servers), a traditional 2-seating (at 5:45 and 8:15 pm, the earlier cater to the youngest kids). The traditional "Lumiere's" restaurant is decorated Art Deco (French menu), the "Animator's Palate" boast special light effects and video LED screens, and the "Carioca's" is a Caribbean-themed dining room with the most fun waiters and decorated in beautiful bright colors (this restaurant is also available for breakfast-lunch buffets).

The Disney Magic ship food experience features ample portions (everything is on-board made), with several choices of salads and fresh vegetables, a great variety of seafood, meats, pasta, and naturally, a separate kids menu is available.

Casual dining onboard is called "Cabanas" (a buffet restaurant, located high up and aft (overlooking the stern, a great outdoor dining option). Deck 9 offers 3 fast-food stations - the "Pete's Boiler Bites", the "Pinocchio's Pizzeria" and the "Daisy's De-Lites".

Specialty dining options are offered at "Palo" (an adults-only fine restaurant (costs extra, located on Deck 10; reservations are required, it's a relatively small venue, so early booking is advisable). Italian (Med) cuisine, including superb fish and seafood dishes, the brunch here offers Champagne and cold buffet with seafood and meats, great salads and desserts, and hot made-to-order selections (eggs-meat-fish).

The room service menu is simple (cold sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, burgers, lasagna, pizza, cookies), the service is fast, and suite guests enjoy hot breakfast and dining room meals options. Free drinks (Coca-Cola products) are also available at meals and at the 24-hour drink pavilion (Deck 9 aft).

Follows the complete list of Disney Magic restaurants and food bars.

• Lumiere's Restaurant (471-seat forward Dining Room; with two open Dinner servings - 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m. and 8 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; on 7+ day cruises features Gala Dessert Buffet)
• Carioca's / Parrot Cay Restaurant (471-seat aft Dining Room with South American and Brazilian specialties for dinner)
• Animator's Palate Restaurant (471- seat aft Dining Room, animator's studio design, features favorite Disney-character dinner shows; serves complimentary drinks; Rotational Dining with two fixed Dinner seatings - at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.)
• Cabanas (self-service complimentary restaurant with American cuisine, pasta, sushi)
• Pinocchio's Pizzeria (outdoor complimentary restaurant, poolside)
• Pete's Boiler Bites (fast food outdoor eatery; Lunch and Dinner)
• Daisy's De-Lites (outdoor fast-food eatery, poolside)
• Palo (116-seat Italian specialty restaurant; adults-only, reservation-only; aft location; bookings via the internet or on board).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Disney Magic ship public rooms are nothing short to amazing. The "Walt Disney" Theater has a capacity of 977 seats and offers live performances and huge Disney productions (like Broadway-style musicals and classy review shows) on a 2-deck-high rotational stage. The "Buena Vista" Theater is smaller (showing Disney movies). Most of the ship's public spaces are on Decks 3-4-5. The most famous are: the Promenade Lounge (family-friendly, great music), Studio Sea (game shows, exhibitions, karaoke), the Atrium (a great place to meet Disney characters for an autograph, the place for the Captain's cocktail party and for Disney pin trading), 3 shops (on Deck 4 are "Mickey's Mates" (Disney memorabilia and postcards) and "Treasure Ketch" (logos, jewelry, watches), and the duty-free "Up Beat" is on Deck 3 (perfumes, liquor). The pool deck's adult section has a coffee house - the Cove Cafe (specialty coffees, bar drinks).

Like all Disney ships, the Magic has no casino (there's bingo with good jackpots). One of the features that make the Magic ship a special place to be is the deck parties, the highlight being "The Pirates in the Caribbean" Party - a great, most attended by all age groups themed Disney ship cruise fun.

Naturally, most of the shipboard entertainment is Disney themed (like the goldies "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story", "Villains Tonight!" and the "Disney Dreams") with all the feature Disney characters). And there are Disney movies, including first-runs (shown in the ship's two theaters "Buena Vista" and "Walt Disney") and Disney 3D movies.

In lounges and clubs, there are numerous family activities during the day - dance parties, bingo, pirate quests, shuffleboard and video games tournaments, all kinds of contests, pool games, family karaoke, dance lessons, talent shows. Between dinner times, there is a short family-friendly cabaret show, with its adult version after hours.

Most of the adult-themed activities are at night for guests ages 18-25, like "Match Your Mate", "Singles' Mingle" and "College Club Social". The Magic ship's adult-only daytime programs are 3: the "Navigating the Seas" series (lectures and video info about the ship), the "Disney Behind the Scenes" series (about the "know-how" of Disney specials - from food to entertainment) and the "Art of Entertaining" series, all of which are at no additional charge (for wine tastings there's a $12 charge, $15 for martini and margarita tastings).

MS Disney Magic kids cruise programs are the main reason for the Disney Magic line's high loyalty guests ratio. Designed with families in mind, there are several huge areas onboard, designated for kids with activities for every age level. All kids ages 3-10 have access to 2 interconnected club areas - the Oceaneer's "Club" (7-10 yo) and "Lab" (8-12 yo).

Kids clubs occupy an enormous space resembling a pirate ship, with PCs and TV monitors cloaked in treasure chests, and fun activities like cooking classes, games and contests, food-fests and pool parties. "Edge" is the tweens' club (11-13 yo) with PC and PS games, arts and crafts, and a bridge simulator for navigating a ship. The teen-only area (14-17 yo) is called "Vibe" (located in a funnel midship) - a special lounge with huge couches, flat TVs and video games, other hit activities are the dance parties and the karaoke. All kids programs (age 3+) are complimentary.

"It's A Small World" ship nursery (babies 3 months to 3 years of age) is at an additional cost of $6 per hour ($5 for the 2nd child). An online service allows guests to order from over 1,000 "Babies Travel Lite" products in advance of their sailing (delivered to their cabin). All services are also available on Castaway Cay. All Disney children counselors are college educated, well experienced and attentive.

Follows the complete list of Disney Magic lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Walt Disney Magic Theatre (977-seat, 3-decks high; offers live shows, aerial acrobatics performances, grand-style productions, 3D movies; with two evening shows - at 6:15 pm and 8:30 pm)
• Magic's Atrium (3-deck high central ship area, featuring custom-made carpet, new furnishings, art deco chandelier, grand piano, and large portholes, with "Helmsman Mickey" bronze statue)
• After Hours/Beat Street (3 clubs' entertainment district, adults only after 9 p.m.; Fathom, Keys and O'Gill's Pub)
• Fathom Lounge Disco & Nightclub
• Keys (adults-only piano bar, features handcrafted cocktails)
• O'Gill's Pub (sports bar, with large TVs and live music)
• Mickey's Mates; Mickey's Mainsail (Disney brand logo shops for postcards, souvenirs, DVDs, toys, clothes, games)
• Sea Treasures (duty-free crystal, brand jewelry, watches, precious stones, Disney merchandise, underwear, sport, and swimming apparel); Quacks (Disney logo swimwear, T-shirts, towels)
• Up Beat (duty-free brand jewelry, perfumes, liquor, and tobaccos); Treasure Ketch (duty-free shop); Whitecaps (Disney logo goods)
• Promenade Lounge (104-seat family venue with full bar service, specialty coffees, and drinks; with the Internet Cafe)
• Studio Sea (game shows, exhibitions, karaoke)
• Buena Vista Theatre (268-seat 4D cinema, features 3D movies, Dolby Surround 7.1, and Dolby 3D movie technology)
• Preludes Bar (quick wait-service snacks and beverages bar)
• Shutters PhotoShop (photo packages, accessories, photographic services); Vista Gallery
• D Lounge Bar & Nightclub
• Vibe Disco & Club Lounge (teens only)
• It's A Small World Nursery (for 3 months to 3 yo infants and toddlers; reservations required)
• Magic's Oceaneer Club (kids 3-12 yo; with four play areas with themes from Disney films); Magic's Oceaneer Lab (play area for kids 3-12 yo)
• Senses Spa & Fitness Complex (with Treatment Salon, Roman Bath, Sauna, Relaxation Room; Fitness Centre /health and wellbeing seminars; Beauty Salon)
• Senses Spa Villas (private suites with own hot tub, private verandah, Roman bed with canopy, open-air shower)
• Quiet Cove Pool (adults only pool, served by Cove Bar; with 2 Whirlpools)
• Cove Cafe (adult-only, with large LED TV screen; Wi-Fi spot)
• Signals Bar (adults-only bar for snacks and beverages, poolside)
• Eye Scream Treats Bar (complimentary ice cream, poolside)
• Frozone Treats (iced fruit smoothies bar, poolside)
• Eye Scream Treats (Monsters Inc themed ice cream parlor)
• Goofy's Family Pool; Mickey's Pool; Nephews' Splash Zone; AquaDunk Water Slide; AquaLab (kids interactive water play area)
• Quarter Masters (video games arcade)
• Edge Lounge (11-14 yo teens-only club area, with a giant video wall, interactive games, Internet)
• 24x14ft Outdoor LED movie screen
• Wide World of Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer)
• Radio Studio (live radio programs for Disney Magic itinerary-related news and onboard events)
• Outlook Bar (retreat area with a piano and full bar; hosts weddings receptions).

Following drydock 2023 refurbishment, Disney Magic now has a new venue - Soul Cat Lounge, themed after Disney's computer-animated film "Soul" (2020).

The Soul Cat Lounge (near Rapunzel's Royal Table restaurant/aft on deck 3) is designed to resemble Half Note Lounge from the movie (Joe Gardner's favorite music spot). The venue is music-themed, with a classic NYC jazz club ambiance and an interior featuring brick walls, wooden accents, comfortable leather seating (surrounding a stage for live music performances in the evenings), Pixar-themed artworks (record labels, concert posters, portraits of Dorothea Williams and her bandmates), music-themed design elements (record players, instruments, Joe Gardner's hat). Table-side are served local brews, signature cocktails (made with New York spirits), a selection of mocktails, brand coffees, sodas, zeppoles (Italian fried doughnuts).

The new production show "An Encanto Celebration" allows guests to engage in music, crafts, and storytelling alongside La Familia Madrigal (family from the Encanto movie). The experience includes meeting and taking photos with Mirabel and Bruno, a sing-along of Encanto songs, creating movie-inspired butterflies and flower crafts. During the show, guests can also enjoy a selection of Colombian beers, cocktails, sodas, film-inspired mocktails.

Itineraries

Disney Magic itinerary program is based on Caribbean and Bahamas roundtrips departing from PortMiami Florida USA , all visiting the DCL's private Bahamian island Castaway Cay .

In September 2020, the liner had planned a European (UK and Ireland) season with 7-day roundtrips from homeport Dover visiting Plymouth , Cork , Liverpool , Greenock , Dublin .

Following the Coronavirus crisis, for summer 2021 (June-September), the ship was scheduled to operate cruises-to-nowhere (mostly 2-3-night plus limited 4-night roundtrips) from homeports London-Tilbury , Liverpool , Newcastle , and Southampton . These unique for DCL itineraries (called "Sea Staycations") were open for booking by UK residents-only and without any call ports.

In fall 2022 the ship operated 7-day NYC to Bermuda (Kings Wharf) itineraries. Since November 2022, Disney Magic is homeported in Galveston Texas for short-breaks (4-night and 5-night) to Mexico's Cozumel and Progreso .

On February 18, 2023, started Disney Magic's homeporting in NOLA/New Orleans Louisiana . The program (run though April 10th) was based on 4-5-6-day roundtrip Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel (4-day), Cozumel plus Costa Maya (5-day) and Cozumel plus Grand Cayman/George Town Harbour (6-day).

Photos of Disney Magic

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Other Disney Cruise Line cruise ships

• Disney Adventure
• Disney Destiny
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Treasure
• Disney Wish
• Disney Wonder

Disney Magic Wiki

The Walt Disney ship Magic is company's first-ever liner, followed by sistership Disney Wonder . Each vessel is 40% smaller in size compared to the 2 newer Disney ships Dream and Fantasy . The inaugural cruise/Maiden Voyage started on July 30, 1998. Ship's Godmother was Patricia Disney (1935-2012) - wife of Roy Edward Disney (1930-2009) who was a senior executive (Vice Chairman and Chairman) for The Walt Disney Company in the period 1954-2009.

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 5989) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (model 16ZAV40S) with total power output 58,25 MW. The propulsion system is diesel-electric.

Fun fact is that MS Disney Magic held the record for paying the highest-ever regular Panama Canal passing toll (exactly USD 331,200). However, the record was beaten later by the Princess Cruises ship Coral Princess (USD 400,000).

Outside, the vessel looks like an ocean liner from the early-20th century. Interior decorations are influenced by both Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. On Magic debuted many of Disney's Marvel superheroes - a really thrilling experience for the youngest passengers.

Disney Magic refurbishments review

Disney Magic was last drydock-refurbished in 2023 (April 15 thru May 4) at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport .

The 3-week refurbishment included general maintenance works and machinery overhauls, as well as renovation of passenger cabins and public spaces. During the drydock, the Concierge Lounge was redesigned and all concierge staterooms (plus the Royal Suites) were completely refurbished with new fixtures, furniture, artworks.

A new music-themed venue (decorated in themes from Disney's computer-animated film "Soul"/2020) was created - Soul Cat Lounge (aft on deck 3). Also were introduced new movie-themed entertainment programs for families as well as the "An Encanto Celebration" production show (themed on Disney's animation film "Encanto"/2021).

During drydock 2023 was also installed shore power connectivity  allowing the ship to plug in and use the port city's power grid electricity for all onboard services while berthed.

Drydock 2019

During the refurbishment in 2019 were added Rapunzel's Royal Table (themed restaurant/aft on deck 3), the teen club was transformed, Cove Cafe (adults-only venue) was redesigned and Club Disney Junior (lounge part of Disney's Oceaneer Club) was added.

Also was redesigned the Rainforest Room in the adults-only Senses Spa (steam and hydrotherapy).

Drydock 2015

The refurbishment in 2015 (September 5-18, in Cadiz) was for extensive renovations (restaurants, bars, spa, atrium, staterooms, kids area), Dream-class concepts (waterslide starting near the funnel's top and swinging out over the side of the ship), lighting/audio upgrades.

The project also included general maintenance works and propulsion system upgrade.

Drydock 2013

The list of deck plan changes after the ship's 6-week long drydock 2013 refurbishment in Cadiz Spain (September 7 through October 10, at Navantia's Puerto Real Shipyard) included:

• AquaDunk (new waterslide), AquaLab (interactive water play area with the Twist n’ Spout waterslide)
• Animator’s Palette restaurant (ex-Studio C) with new flat TVs, lights, walls, speakers
• new Carioca’s (Brazilian-themed restaurant replacing Parrot Cay)
• new Cabanas (replacing Topsider Buffet, hugely enlarged)
• Palo (renovations- new fixtures, glass artwork, stone floor)
• Mickey’s Mainsail (new shop)
• (Deck 3) After Hours district now with the Fathoms (disco club), Keys (piano bar, replacing Cadillac Bar) and O’Gills (Irish pub)
• expanded Senses Spa (by 725 ft2), now with Barbershop, Chill Spa and Smile Spa
• shop upgrades (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Anna & Elsa’s Boutique)
• "It's a Small World Nursery", "Nephews"
• renovated and redesigned passenger rooms (elevated beds for more storage space)
• Lobby Atrium changes (2nd staircase removed, the Chihuly chandelier replaced with an Art Deco one)

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab changes - now with Marvel's Avengers Academy (the first on a Disney ship), Andy's Room (now has the Slinky Dog slide, Mr. Potato Head and Hamm the piggy bank), also changed are the interiors of the rooms Pixie Hollow, and the Mickey Mouse Club.

The Edge (teen club) was relocated (from deck 2 to deck 9), its area was expanded and the amenities there were enhanced (new gaming stations, dance floor).

Also were conducted general maintenance of all mechanical systems, hull and interior painting, piping, propulsion system upgrade (for reducing fuel consumption). 400+ contract workers were employed for all the refurb jobs.

Service history/itineraries review (1998-2016)

Follows the ship's concise service history (former itineraries):

• [1998-2005] 7-day Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida
• [2005-2012] relocated to San Diego CA
• [2012-2013] relocated to NYC New York and sailing from there to the Bahamas, Canada/New England
• [2013 June] relocated to Europe ( Barcelona ) for the summer season, also receiving a 6-week extensive refurbishment. After the 2013 Transatlantic crossing started departures out of Miami FL , later was repositioned back to Orlando.

In 2016, Disney deployed the Magic ship in Europe. For the first time ever, Disney offered UK cruise departures (from Dover England) to ports in Baltic Sea (incl Norwegian Fjords), Iceland, UK (British Isles). Throughout 2016 summer, the ship operated in the Western Mediterranean (leaving from Barcelona ). After that followed a 12-day Transatlantic repositioning to NYC for round-trip cruises to Canada (5-6-day to New England - Saint John NB and Halifax NS) and 8-9-day to Florida-Bahamas (visiting Port Canaveral, Nassau, and the private island Castaway Cay).

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

I s a voyage on a Disney Cruise Line ship on your bucket list? You'll find a growing number of options when it comes time to pick an itinerary.

While the cruising arm of Disney has long focused mostly on voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with year-round sailings to those destinations out of Florida, it also now offers a relatively wide range of seasonal sailings to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda, Europe and Canada.

The family-friendly cruise brand, notably, is expanding its footprint worldwide as it adds four new vessels in quick succession.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Already, the first of those ships, the 2,508-passenger Disney Wish , has arrived, boosting the size of the Disney fleet from four ships to five and allowing for more departures to the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

Two more sister vessels to Disney Wish are due to begin sailing in 2024 and 2025, respectively, allowing for further expansion in Disney cruise itineraries. In addition, the line has yet another new vessel coming in 2025 that isn't related to the other three. Called Disney Adventure, it's a one-off vessel originally designed for an Asian line , and it'll sail in Asia (perhaps catering mostly to Asian travelers; Disney has been mum so far on the target audience for it).

All these new ships arriving in quick succession will likely mean not just more departures to destinations where Disney Cruise Line is established but also sailings in new regions. For example, Disney has never before offered Asia sailings.

Here are our picks for the five best Disney cruise destinations you can visit with your family.

Caribbean and Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line's top destination has always been the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Since its founding more than two decades ago, the brand has based the bulk of its fleet in Florida to offer sailings to the islands. Port Canaveral, which is just an hour away from Disney's Orlando-area theme parks, has always been its biggest hub.

The line is particularly known for three- and four-night cruises out of Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas. These short getaways let families get a taste of Disney cruising that some Disney fans pair with a stay at Disney World.

The cruise line also regularly offers seven-night sailings out of Port Canaveral that visit Caribbean islands like St. Thomas and Tortola.

Related: First look at Disney Wish in photos

In recent years, Disney has also built up its Caribbean and Bahamas cruise offerings from other ports in Florida — initially Miami and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale. The ships the line has based in these ports typically offer four- and five-night sailings to Castaway Cay and one other port, such as Cozumel or Grand Cayman.

In addition, Disney is offering a growing number of Caribbean sailings out of Galveston, Texas, and New Orleans.

For 2024, the line will have four of its five ships — Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy — sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of one of the above ports, with their home bases often shifting between them.

Disney Wish, which is Disney's newest ship, will be based in Port Canaveral year-round to operate the line's classic three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas. These voyages are designed to be paired with a visit to nearby Disney World for a longer Disney vacation.

Disney Fantasy will also sail out of Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean year-round, offering longer voyages.

Disney Dream will spend the start and the end of the year sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, with a stint in the middle of the year (from May to October) sailing in Europe.

Disney Magic will take Disney Dream's place sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale from May to October. During the early and late months of the year, it'll sail out of Galveston.

Come 2025, Disney will have four ships — Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Magic — sailing three- to five-night getaways from Florida to the line's Bahamian destinations, including its new private beach destination Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and its long-open private island Disney Castaway Cay. Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will operate the trips from Port Canaveral, while Disney Dream and Disney Magic will sail from Fort Lauderdale.

Before taking up residence in Florida in April 2025, Disney Magic will also offer three months' worth of sailings out of Galveston, Texas, to Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman.

All of the 2025 sailings are already open for bookings.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Disney has cut back on voyages out of San Diego for 2024, after increasing its San Diego departures sharply in 2023. But it still offers several trips to Mexico out of the city on Disney Wonder.

For 2024, the 1,754-passenger vessel will offer a mix of three- to seven-night sailings to Mexico during March and April. Shorter three- and four-night sailings typically feature calls at Ensenada, Mexico, and California's Catalina Island. Seven-night sailings include calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

The big factor driving Disney's cutbacks on sailings out of San Diego in 2024 is its new focus on voyages out of Australian ports. Disney Wonder will spend much of January and February sailing out of Australian ports and then return to the region in October for another season of Australia trips.

Disney offers a wide variety of itineraries in Europe every summer, from Mediterranean voyages out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), to Northern Europe sailings out of Southampton, England.

Ranging from seven to 11 nights, Disney's Europe voyages each year typically take place on a single ship that sails from multiple home ports throughout the season. For 2024, that ship will be the 2,500-passenger Disney Dream. The line has yet to announce which of its ships will go to Europe in 2025.

Typical for the shorter itineraries the line offers in Europe are seven-night sailings out of Civitavecchia to the Greek Islands. These sailings stop in Mykonos, Santorini and Crete in Greece, as well as Naples, Italy.

Related: 17 tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line

A longer, 11-night itinerary starting in Civitavecchia and ending in Barcelona includes calls at Piraeus (the port for Athens), Santorini and Mykonos in Greece; Messina (on the island of Sicily), Naples and Livorno in Italy; and Toulon, France.

Among Northern Europe itineraries, Disney offers focused, weeklong sailings to Norway with calls at the Norwegian ports of Alesund, Nordfjordeid, Eidfjord and Stavanger.

Disney does not have a large presence in Alaska. The line sends just one ship to Alaska each year. Family-friendly cruise rivals Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, by contrast, each send three ships to Alaska each year, and Norwegian Cruise Line sends five vessels to the destination.

Still, Disney fans won't feel like they're missing out. The one vessel Disney sends to Alaska each year, the 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder, stays for nearly the entire summer season, from late June to mid-September and offers a distinctly Disney take on The Last Frontier.

Always beginning and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia, and lasting seven nights, Disney's Alaska sailings typically include stops at three of these four Alaska ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point (which three vary by departure date). Itineraries also include a visit to Stikine Icecap, which is south of Juneau.

Related: 5 reasons Disney cruises aren't just for kids

These are fairly typical ports for an Alaska cruise. But the (extra-charge) activities that Disney has organized for the ports aren't always the same as what other lines offer.

As one might expect for Disney, the line has crafted some of its shore excursions in Alaska ports with special Disney touches, such as Disney character appearances at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake tour in Ketchikan. (Having done this one myself, I will say, for the record, that it's a little hokey; but it does get you a Disney character fix if that's your aim.)

Another shore excursion with a Disney touch is the outdoor Family Scavenger Hunt at Icy Strait Point, where participants join a local guide on a hunt for items such as clam shells and native plants, as well as a "special surprise" with a Disney theme.

Unlike many lines, Disney does not offer one-way sailings to Alaska from Vancouver or Seattle that can be paired with add-on land tours to create an extended sea-and-land Alaska vacation — something known as a "cruisetour." If that's what you're looking for, and you want to stick with a family-friendly line, you might want to consider the one-way cruisetour offerings from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Related: The ultimate Alaska cruise guide

Disney typically offers at least one and sometimes several cruises to Bermuda each fall, ranging from quick, five-night trips to longer, eight-night sailings.

For the year just ending (2023), the line offered four such sailings, and it's offered even more than that in certain years. Alas, for the coming year (2024), Disney currently does not have a single Bermuda sailing scheduled — a bit of an anomaly.

That said, we would expect Disney to bring back its Bermuda sailings for 2025 or 2026. It's been such a mainstay of the brand.

So ... stay tuned.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Bottom line

Family-friend Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small cruise brand, with just five ships (one of its biggest rivals in the family cruise market, Royal Caribbean, has 26 vessels). But that doesn't mean its itinerary choices are limited. The line offers regular sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Bermuda and Europe.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Europe Cruises

3-night france cruise from southampton.

Soak in the maritime heritage, scenic beauty and cultural delights of France’s Normandy region during a round-trip voyage from Southampton to Cherbourg. Discover picturesque gardens, historic architecture and coastal scenery. Or head to the beaches of Normandy to explore the region’s WWII past. While at sea, delight in world-class entertainment, themed dining, imaginative kids clubs and more.

3-Night Belgium Cruise from Southampton

Discover the fascinating maritime history of Southampton, England before setting sail on a 3-night, fairy-tale adventure to Belgium. Drop anchor in Zeebrugge, the breathtaking capital of West Flanders. In Bruges proper, be greeted by an enchanting town square with soaring towers and carillon chimes, romantic tree-lined canals and splendorous architectural treasures dating from the 12th to 18th centuries—including many fine examples of gabled buildings from the Hanseatic League era. Those looking for surf and sand will appreciate the miles of white-sand beaches the region has to offer. While at sea, delight in freshwater pools, imaginative kids clubs, adult escapes and world-famous Disney entertainment.

4-Night Spain Cruise from Southampton

Depart from historic Southampton to one of Spain’s stunning port cities. Depending on your itinerary, drop anchor in La Coruña and explore the historic Tower of Hercules, stroll the beautiful waterfront and savor Gallaecian cuisine. Or chart a course to Bilbao, where the world-famous Guggenheim Museum and tasty small bites called pintxos await. On board, delight in some at-sea time overflowing with magical amenities, live shows, themed dining and world-famous Disney hospitality at every turn.

4-Night France Cruise from Southampton

Set sail for the sunny seaside town of La Rochelle in the south of France. Stroll the medieval streets and explore the old harbour, the 14th-century Town Hall and the local maritime museum, home to Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s famous boat, The Calypso. Or simply soak in some rays at Rivedoux Beach. While at sea, relax and enjoy the best of Disney, with spectacular entertainment, imaginative dining and so much more.

5-Night Spain Cruise from Southampton

Journey through the splendors of Spain on a glorious 5-night voyage from Southampton, England. In La Coruña, stroll sun-drenched streets, savor delicious seafood and explore ancient Roman ruins, including the 2,000-year-old Tower of Hercules lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your itinerary, drop anchor in either Vigo, famed for its stunning beaches, historical plazas and incredible nature trails, or Bilbao, known for its world-famous Guggenheim Museum and tasty small bites called pintxos . On board, enjoy epic pools, themed dining and spectacular Disney entertainment.

5-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona

Revel in a diverse getaway that blends first-rate amenities with extraordinary destinations. Start and end in the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona and travel to culturally rich cities in France and Italy. A day at sea gives you a chance to enjoy the lively entertainment, themed dining and fun recreational activities aboard your Disney cruise ship.

7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Southampton

Natural wonders and majestic fjords await on this round-trip voyage from Southampton, England. Stops on this itinerary include the Norwegian port towns of Mekjarvik (Stavager), Alesund, Olden and Haugesund. Hike the famed Pulpit Rock, kayak deep-blue fjords, stroll alongside pretty marinas and immerse yourself in the maritime traditions of the Hanseatic League on this truly magical adventure at sea. On board, delight in the world-class hospitality and entertainment only Disney can create.

7-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome)

Immerse yourself in the historic highlights of Rome before or after setting sail through the Mediterranean on an unforgettable Greco-Roman holiday—featuring stops in Italy and Greece. Soak up the sun on golden beaches and embrace ancient sites, architectural wonders, seaside towns and tantalizing cuisine. And with 2 days at sea, delight in sparkling pools, savor gourmet fare and spectacular entertainment only Disney can create.

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona

Experience the famed streets of Barcelona before or after you cast off to must-see Mediterranean ports of call in France and Italy. Explore cultural treasures, view Renaissance masters, walk in the footsteps of the ancients and take in the pleasures of seaside cafes and golden beaches. Plus, 2 days at sea gives you a chance to enjoy the lively entertainment, themed dining and fun recreational activities aboard your ship.

7-Night Western Europe Cruise from Southampton

Cast off for the irresistible charms of 3 western European cities during a 7-night voyage from Southampton, England. Cruise to the maritime metropolis of Hamburg, Germany—also known as the “Venice of the North”—for gothic architecture, sumptuous local delicacies, luxury shopping and museums galore. Continue to Rotterdam, your gateway to the dreamy canals, rustic bridges and colorful tulips of Amsterdam. Then drop anchor in Zeebruge, the breathtaking capital of West Flanders. Explore the fairy-tale town square in nearby Brugge, with its soaring towers, romantic tree-lined canals and splendorous architectural treasures dating as far back as the 12th century. Or settle in for a day of surf, sand and sun along the many miles of white-sand beaches the region has to offer.

7-Night Northern Europe Cruise from Southampton

Experience the fairytale charm of Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden and Norway during a round-trip voyage from historic Southampton. Drop anchor in Zeebrugge, where stunning seaside vistas, delectable chocolate and architectural marvels await. Continue to Amsterdam for picturesque canals and renowned museums. In Gothenburg, stroll the charming tree-lined streets and embrace the thrills of Liseberg amusement complex. And in Kristiansand, explore majestic fjords, idyllic villages and centuries-old traditions. While at sea, enjoy epic pool areas, Broadway-style shows, themed dining and more.

7-Night British Isles Cruise from Southampton

Indulge your senses in the natural and urban wonders of Northern Ireland, Scotland and England on this round-trip voyage from Southampton, England. From castles, churches and cottages to standing stones, rolling green hills and dramatic coastal cliffs, the British Isles offer an adventure steeped in culture and history. Shop till you drop in Glasgow, visit a whiskey distillery in Cork and walk in the footsteps of the Beatles in Liverpool. In Scotland, take off on an exciting excursion to Edinburgh to tour the city’s famed hilltop castle. Conclude your unforgettable vacation at sea standing in awe at the majesty of Stonehenge. On board, delight in magical activities, freshwater pools, themed dining and spectacular Disney entertainment.

7-Night Western Europe Cruise from Barcelona ending in Southampton

Experience the dramatic beauty of Spain and Portugal as you set sail from Barcelona to Southampton, England. Explore the best of the Iberian Peninsula, from the sparkling beaches of Valencia to the lush gardens of Vigo to the vibrant dining scene in La Coruna. This itinerary also includes a stop in Lisbon—a city that blends winding streets and ancient architecture with a lively urban vibe. On board, delight in 2 fun-filled days at sea with all the world-class amenities and hospitality you’ve come to expect from Disney.

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona ending in Civitavecchia (Rome)

Depart from Barcelona to sun-soaked Marseilles—one of the oldest cities in France’s Provence region—for historic architecture, cosmopolitan charm and undeniable joie de vivre . Continue on to ports of call in Italy, stopping at Genoa, Livorno, Naples and Civitavecchia, where Milan, Florence, Pisa, ancient Pompeii and Rome linger at your fingertips. Sprinkle in 2 days at sea in between all the action for a dash of onboard fun, magic and relaxation!

8-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Southampton

Natural wonders and majestic fjords await on this round-trip voyage from Southampton, England. Stops on this itinerary include Zeebrugge, Belgium and the Norwegian port towns of Nordfjordeid, Haugesund, Stavanger and Kristiansand. Hike the famed Pulpit Rock, kayak deep-blue fjords, stroll alongside attractive marinas and immerse yourself in the maritime traditions of the Hanseatic League on this truly magical adventure at sea. On board, delight in the world-class hospitality and entertainment only Disney can create.

9-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome)

Set sail on a classic voyage that departs from Civitavecchia to 5 breathtaking ports in the Mediterranean. Experience charming beaches, landscaped gardens and inviting taverns in Greece—plus, must-see archeological wonders like the Acropolis in Athens. In Italy, walk the ruins of Pompeii and wander through the charming cliff-side town of Sorrento. And in Kuşadası, explore the ruins of Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s best-preserved cities. You’ll also have 3 fun-filled days at sea to delight in freshwater pools, Broadway-style shows, Character encounters, themed dining and more.

12-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) ending in Barcelona

Depart from Civitavecchia (Rome) en route to the breathtaking city of Barcelona, Spain. Along the way, explore ancient history in picturesque Greece at Santorini, Piraeus (Athens) and Mykonos. Drop anchor on the Turkish coast to explore the Byzantine ruins of Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s best-preserved cities. Sail on to Italy and the historic ports of Naples (Pompeii), Messina (Sicily)—plus a stop at Valletta, Malta’s famed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relish 4 fun-filled days at sea—complete with sparkling pools, live shows, themed dining, Character encounters, kids clubs, adult escapes and more.

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Imagine working side-by-side with industry leaders in your field of study. Imagine building upon the skills you've learned in the classroom within a family of legendary brands passionate about creating world-class experiences on a global scale. Now, imagine yourself in a paid Disney Internship.

Intern, Digital & Social Media Marketing, Disney+ & Studios - Jan to Jun 2025

Job summary:.

Wherever you are in the amazing world of Disney, you are contributing to the stories of our iconic brands, recognised by audiences everywhere for entertainment, information and inspiration. Innovation, imagination and inclusion are at the core of Disney, defining the experience that we deliver as well as providing the foundation of our success. The scope of our business, combined with global growth and collaboration result in an inclusive employee experience characterised by continuous learning, development and achievement.

The Integrated Marketing team at Disney Southeast Asia is responsible for the creative advertising, research, media, publicity, and promotion of movies and shows released in cinemas and on our streaming service, Disney+ / Disney+ Hotstar in the region.

Our portfolio of brands include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, 20th Century, National Geographic, and more, providing unprecedented access to the company’s incredible slate of feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, renowned classics and short-form content.    

Integrated Marketing’s Digital team leads organic and paid activity across owned, earned and paid social and digital channels with thumb-stopping social content, high-impact digital advertising, insights-driven strategy planning, robust data & marketing technology integrations as well as openness to innovation. Our mission is to drive brand and title awareness, social buzz, and achieve business goals for movie ticket sales and Disney+ subscriber retention.

We are looking for a Digital & Social Media Marketing Intern. The candidate will gain exposure and understanding to the planning and execution of social media and digital campaigns for our movies and shows in cinemas and on Disney+, inclusive of social calendar planning and publishing, agency briefing, media strategy and planning, as well as campaign reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the team to develop social media plans/calendars for our movies and shows
• Coordinate social content and asset rollouts, reviews and approvals
• Support in campaign briefing, communications and alignments to agencies
• Participate in ideation and scripting for publicity content featuring our talents as applicable.
• Support in paid media strategy and planning, regularly checking campaign performance to identify opportunities for paid amplification and recommending optimizations
• Learn performance data analysis using campaign dashboards and reports to derive actionable insights
• Participate in the organization of social contests and coordination with Influencers where required
• Contribute to social coverage of marketing events where required
• Coordinate with Disney’s other teams and Partners for cross-business campaign support
• Stay up to date with emerging trends and behaviours on social and digital channels, sharing inspiration with the team
• Participate in any other ad-hoc projects as assigned

Internship Requirements:

• Currently an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's degree
• Still an undergraduate and not yet graduated during the internship period
• Must be available for full-time internship commitment (Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm) between January to June 2025
• Indicate your internship availability (start and end date) in your resume
• Indicate your expected graduation date in your resume
• Indicate your marketing portfolio link in your resume and application (if any)  

*Please apply to this job posting only if you are available for a full-time internship during the stated period. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Requirements:

• Currently an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Media, Business or a related field
• A social- and digital-native, passionate about social media platforms, content creation and digital marketing
• Interest or fan mentality for movies and pop culture in general. Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel is a plus
• Experience in digital advertising, influencer marketing, marketing dashboards and/or data analysis is a plus
• Proficient in MS Office, Google Doc tools, and Keynote. Adobe Photoshop is a plus.
• Working knowledge of social media management tools such as Meltwater or Sprinklr is a plus
• Highly self-motivated and meticulous
• Ability to adapt quickly to a constantly evolving organizations, and to thrive in a fast-paced working environment
• Strong team player; possesses good interpersonal skills with a high level of enthusiasm in collaborating in cross functional teams
• Adopts a challenging and questioning approach, proposing information and solutions in creative ways
• Passionate team player with a never-ending curiosity
• Self-starter that needs minimal supervision in motivating himself/herself, always looking for opportunities to contribute to our projects.
• Ability to prioritize workload to meet competing deadlines and manage stakeholder expectations
• Strategic thinker with good communications skills
• Creative mindset with the ability to leverage on data to develop strategy/decisions
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

About The Walt Disney Company (APAC):

For over 70 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining consumers in Asia Pacific – and enriching people’s lives. Today’s consumer can discover new branded experiences in many ways and in many markets from Australia, New Zealand, Mainland China, Japan, Korea to Southeast Asia.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) , which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Company (APAC) .

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