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Ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line: What to know about each of DCL’s cruise ships before you book

Which disney cruise ship is right for you use this in-depth guide to help you decide.

A pioneer in family vacation ideas at sea, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is known for its family cruises that set sail to destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Australia. With themed kids clubs and hangout spaces, Broadway-caliber productions, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences, all of the Disney cruise ships offer a fully immersive storytelling experience from ship to shore.

After cruising onboard all five Disney cruise line ships ( Disney Magic ,  Disney Wonder ,  Disney Dream ,  Disney Fantasy , and  Disney Wish ), I’ve learned that each Disney cruise ship is unique and offers a different experience for families of all sizes, friend groups, solo travelers, and couples . So if you’re thinking about setting sail on the high seas with Captain Mickey but haven’t quite decided on which ship yet, I can help.

Use this in-depth guide to every Disney cruise ship to learn what’s different (and what’s the same) about Disney’s cruise ships, including which one is the best choice for your family.

Editor’s note : Disney’s sixth ship, called Disney Treasure , will set sail in December 2024; its seventh ship, Disney Adventure , will sail around Southeast Asia beginning in 2025; and its eighth ship, Disney Destiny , will sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida starting November 2025.

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1. Disney Magic

It may be the ship that launched it all in 1998, but the Disney Magic doesn’t feel old or outdated in any way. With a 2,713-passenger capacity, it’s one of the smallest and most charming in Disney’s fleet. In fact, if you’re booking your first cruise vacation , this Disney ship’s relatively small size works to its advantage because it’s less likely to feel overwhelming to those who are new to cruising.

Staterooms on the Disney Magic

Disney Magic has 613 outside staterooms (229 with an ocean view and 384 with a verandah) and 262 inside staterooms. Each cabin has nautical decor, with deep blues, reds, and wood tones. Disney Magic ‘s staterooms also feature Disney’s signature split bathroom (one with a toilet and sink and the other with a shower and sink). 

Dining on the Disney Magic

Disney’s rotational dining format on the Disney Magic has cruisers traveling through three different themed restaurants. As you move from restaurant to restaurant, your service staff moves with you so you get to know them (and vice versa) over the length of your Disney cruise vacation.

1) Animator’s Palate

One of the most popular restaurants among the Disney cruise ships is Animator’s Palate. This restaurant is part dinner and part show. Throughout your meal, the dining room will change from black-and-white sketches of famous Disney characters to colorful animations. As you dine on California- and Asian-inspired dishes, the room will fill with color. On cruises that are seven nights or longer, guests will get to be part of the show with Animation Magic. At the beginning of dinner, everyone is given a piece of paper and is told to draw a self-portrait. At the end of dinner, the drawings are magically animated and dance across the screens of the restaurant. 

2) Lumiere’s

Exclusive to the Disney Magic, Lumiere’s is located in the ship’s atrium and has a subtle Beauty and the Beast theme. The menu leans more French-American, with dishes like escargot, duck confit, and roasted lamb. While there’s no real “show” inside the dining room, be sure to get up and walk around. There’s a large mural of Belle and the Beast near the back of the restaurant that’s great for photos. You can also pop into the restaurant on sea days between meals if you want to take a look or enjoy a peaceful and less crowded lunch here. 

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3) Rapunzel’s Royal Table

A major highlight of rotational dining on the Disney Magic , and my favorite restaurant on the ship is Rapunzel’s Royal Table. The Tangled -themed restaurant brings guests in to celebrate Rapunzel’s birthday with characters from the movie. The dinner-and-a-show concept applies here, and if you’re lucky you may even get to meet some of the ruffians from the Snuggly Duckling as they come to your table.

4) Casual dining options for everyone

The main buffet on the Disney Magic is Cabanas, which serves breakfast and lunch. The dishes vary by day, but mainstays for kids include chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, and fries. The Disney Magic has three other quick-service options: Duck-In Diner, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, and Daisy’s De-Lites. This is where you can find quick options like burgers, cold sandwiches, pre-made salads, and pizza.

5) Palo (Adults Only)

The only adult-exclusive restaurant on the Disney Magic is Palo, which serves an Italian-inspired brunch and dinner. Brunch is a more casual affair compared to dinner, though both meals are excellent. Dinner is served every night and brunch is available on sea days. If you’re on a shorter three-night sailing on the Disney Magic , brunch may also be served on a port day, just check the onboard schedule. Advanced reservations for both meal services are required.

What to do on the Disney Magic

There’s so much to do on the Disney Magic that you’ll never find yourself bored. Each night there’s live music in the Atrium Lobby. The Walt Disney Theatre is where you can find live original productions like Tangled: The Musical . Over at the Buena Vista Theatre, you’ll be able to catch a Disney movie, including films that are currently playing in theaters at home. 

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Kids will enjoy splashing around at the family pool or the AquaLab on the outside decks and playing with new friends at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab. Teens have a dedicated space just for them with Vibe teen club. 

Adults looking for a place to get away have spaces built just for them, like After Hours, an adults-only area where there are three bars and lounges to enjoy. Don’t skip the adults-only entertainment in this area, where game shows, karaoke, and more take place each night. This was a highlight of a recent sailing on the Disney Magic for my friends and me. The spa and Rainforest Room are good places to relax. There’s also a beautiful pool and coffee bar where you can just enjoy being on vacation. 

Who will love the Disney Magic

Families looking for a smaller ship with fewer guests, or those who really love the movie Tangled are the perfect audience for a cruise on the Disney Magic . 

2. Disney Wonder

Disney Magic ‘s sister ship is the Disney Wonder, which sails to Alaska and Australia. Like the Disney Magic , this Disney Cruise Line ship fits just 2,713 passengers, so it feels intimate and exclusive compared to the larger cruise ships in Disney’s fleet. 

Staterooms on the Disney Wonder

Staterooms on the Disney Wonder have the same nautical flair as those on the Disney Magic . Families traveling with kids will find that there’s plenty of space to unpack and store clothes and empty suitcases. When the day is done, everyone can climb into a cozy bed, whether it’s a traditional bed, a couch that transforms into a bed, or a bunk that pulls down from the ceiling. 

Dining on the Disney Wonder

Disney’s signature rotational dining service continues on the Disney Wonder with three highly themed restaurants that you can experience throughout your sailing. 

1) Animator’s Palate

The Disney Wonder version of Animator’s Palate is one of the highlights of any sailing. While the menu is similar to the same restaurant on the Disney Magic , the overall experience here is slightly elevated. Stick around until the end of the dinner service for a special surprise from a famous mouse during the Drawn to Magic show, which takes place on every cruise, no matter the length.

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2) Tiana’s Place

Tiana from the Disney animated movie The Princess and the Frog has her own New Orleans-themed restaurant on the Disney Wonder called Tiana’s Place. The restaurant serves creole and cajun cuisine while Princess Tiana and a live band known as the Crawfish Crooners keep guests entertained throughout their meal. 

3) Triton’s

Though it’s named after the Little Mermaid’s father, kids may find Triton’s on the Disney Wonder less exciting than the other two main dining rooms because there’s no show or interactive elements. The menu in Triton’s is French-inspired, but for kids (or picky adults) there’s always an old standby like chicken tenders. Triton’s is also open for lunch service for those who wish to be waited on rather than stand in the buffet line. 

The main buffet on the Disney Wonder is Cabanas, which hosts breakfast and lunch every day. For quick meals that are not buffet-style head to deck nine, where you can find Pete’s Boiler Bites, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, and Daisy’s De-Lites, which serves hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and deli-style sandwiches. 

The only adults-only restaurant on the Disney Wonder is Palo, an Italian-themed restaurant that overlooks the ocean. Palo is known for its decadent brunch and date-night-worthy dinner. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made before stepping aboard the Disney Wonder on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App . 

What to do on the Disney Wonder

Families traveling together on the Disney Wonder can enjoy entertainment like trivia and games in the D Lounge, or step outside to play together in the family pool or the Wide World of Sports deck. After dinner, enjoy an original production inside the Walt Disney Theatre or a movie inside the Buena Vista Theatre. 

Kids will find endless fun inside the two main kids clubs, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. Older tweens and teens have a club of their own to hang out at as well. Adults looking for some alone time without kids can explore the After Hours area, which has three lounges, each of which hosts games and dance parties well into the night. 

Who will love the Disney Wonder

Those looking to explore Alaska will want to book a cruise on the Disney Wonder . And families who want a taste of Disney Cruise Line without being overwhelmed by the size of the ship will enjoy the Wonder too.

3. Disney Dream

The third ship to join the DCL fleet was the Disney Dream in 2011. The Dream is a beautiful ship that can hold up to 4,000 passengers, but it never feels too crowded.

Staterooms on the Disney Dream

The staterooms on the Disney Dream are spacious and well thought out for families, with ample storage space and the same split bathroom concept that’s featured on the other DCL ships. There are just over 900 verandah staterooms, along with 199 ocean-view staterooms, and just 150 inside staterooms. 

Dining on the Disney Dream

Three beautiful main dining rooms, two adult-exclusive restaurants, and a plethora of casual dining options are on the Disney Dream . Like all Disney cruise ships, Disney Dream employs a rotational dining model for dinners.

While the same drawing theme as DCL’s other Animator’s Palate restaurants is evident on the Disney Dream , the show element is very different. On the first night dining in this version of the restaurant guests are greeted by Crush from the Pixar movie Finding Nemo as he teaches everyone how to speak like a turtle. 

2) Enchanted Garden

Themed after the gardens of France, Enchanted Garden is an elegant restaurant that transforms from afternoon to evening in the course of the meal. At its center is a pretty fountain with a cute Mickey on top that adds to the charm of the space. Dishes here are contemporary American with items like tuna and avocado tower, roasted pork tenderloin, and chocolate torte. If you’re seated near the center of the restaurant, watch the custom flower lights above you “bloom” throughout the evening.

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3) Royal Palace

Step into the opulent Royal Palace, where French fare is served alongside portraits of classic Disney princesses. This main dining restaurant features dishes like escargot, cheese-topped French onion soup, and herb-crusted lamb. Royal Palace is open for lunch, with a menu that rotates daily so you can enjoy something other than Cabanas (one of the cruise ship’s casual dining options) if desired. 

Serving breakfast and lunch, Cabanas is the main buffet on the Disney Dream . Near the back of the buffet, guests will find an omelet station for breakfast and a carving station for lunch. Other quick service options can be found at Flo’s Cafe, which is themed after the Cars franchise. Here there are three walk-up windows (Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill, and Fillmore’s Favorites), where guests can get a quick lunch of pizza, sandwiches, and salads. There’s also a Monsters Inc. -inspired ice cream station on deck 11. 

5) Remy (Adults Only)

Luxurious Remy is one of the two adults-only restaurants on the Disney Dream . The French restaurant is inspired by the Pixar movie Ratatouille, and you can even see a glass sculpture of Remy as you walk into the intimate dining space. The menu is divided into three parts: two tasting menus, and one a la carte menu. Those with a sweet tooth will also want to look into Remy’s dessert tasting, which features an entire service made up of decadent treats.

6) Palo (Adults Only)

The version of Palo on the Disney Dream is an Italian escape where adults can indulge in everything from parmesan chicken at brunch to perfectly cooked steaks at dinner. The restaurant boasts panoramic views of the ocean paired with impeccable service. 

What to Do on the Disney Dream

This Disney cruise ship has many spaces for everyone in the family to enjoy. Together, families can see live shows in the Walt Disney Theatre or movies in the Buena Vista Theatre. The D Lounge is a great spot to play a round of trivia, and Goofy’s Sports Deck is where you can find a mini-golf course. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the AquaDuck water coaster where part of the track hangs over the side of the ship. 

Kids have their own spaces with the it’s a small world nursery, Disney’s Oceaneer Club, and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab. Teens can hang out in Vibe and tweens will enjoy Edge. 

Adults looking to get away from youngsters will want to go to the District, where five different lounges and bars are ready to welcome you with a drink and plenty of fun. Between Palo and Remy there’s another lesser-known bar called Meridian where bartenders whip up everything from classic martinis to smoked old fashioneds. I found myself at Meridian on more than one occasion on a recent sailing on the Disney Dream.

Who will love the Disney Dream

Adults traveling together will enjoy the ample amount of space dedicated to those over 18 on the Disney Dream .

4. Disney Fantasy

The Disney Fantasy is the sister ship to the Disney Dream . While both Disney cruise line ships have a passenger capacity of 4,000 and many of the venues are the same, they have a completely different feel.

Staterooms on the Disney Fantasy

Of the Disney Fantasy ‘s staterooms, 1,100 are considered outside staterooms with an ocean view or verandah and 150 are inside staterooms. The rooms have a classic nautical feel with a split bathroom and plenty of places to store clothes and other cruise necessities. 

Dining on the Disney Fantasy

The Disney Fantasy has plenty of dining options to please everyone in your traveling party. Like the other ships in the DCL fleet, Disney Fantasy has rotational dining for dinners.

1) Enchanted Garden

Similar to the Disney Dream , Enchanted Garden on the Disney Fantasy is themed after a French garden with effects that make it seem like the sun is setting over the garden while you dine. 

2) Animator’s Palate

A fixture on the four classic DCL cruise ships, Animator’s Palate is one of the restaurants on Disney Fantasy as well. Here guests are able to animate their own characters and watch them come to life on the screens around the restaurant. No matter which version of the restaurant you experience on the different Disney cruise ships, the menu is basically the same, and a must-try dish is the truffle pasta appetizer. I like to order the truffle pasta as my entree on occasion. Just ask your server for a larger entree portion while you’re ordering your meal.

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3) Royal Court

Like Royal Palace on the Disney Dream , Royal Court serves a French-inspired menu in a castle-like setting. The restaurant features dishes like a rack of lamb, spinach soufflé, and a rich French onion soup. For a more relaxed afternoon, the restaurant is open for lunch where you can sit and enjoy a meal that’s outside of the hustle and bustle of the casual dining experience at Cabanas. 

Cabanas buffet welcomes everyone for a casual breakfast and lunch, while Flo’s Cafe is ready to serve up burgers, pizza, and sandwiches at lunchtime. And don’t forget the all-you-can-eat soft-serve ice cream from Eye Scream. 

On the Disney Fantasy , Remy is a small French restaurant where the food is just part of the experience. The dining team is there to ensure your adult-exclusive meal is perfect. From a welcome cocktail to a cheese course that’s plated right in front of you, no detail is overlooked. 

The other adult-exclusive restaurant on the Disney Fantasy is Palo. The stunning dining room is modeled after the gondolas of Venice, though the menu at the restaurant features dishes from multiple regions of Italy. 

What to do on the Disney Fantasy

Like the other Disney cruise ships, the Disney Fantasy has a movie theater and a live production theater. Outside on the pool decks, families can enjoy the AquaDuck water coaster or AquaLab play area.

The kid’s clubs are an exciting place that children won’t want to leave, though adults can get in on the fun during open houses that take place throughout the sailing. 

Adults looking for some entertainment just for them will want to venture into Europa, an adults-only district with five themed bars and lounges for guests over 18. And while there is an adult pool on deck 11, if you journey up to deck 13, you’ll find another adults-only sundeck that is rarely busy. Just be careful if you’re going up to deck 13 because it can be very windy up there on sea days, and I’ve had drinks tip over on tables when I wasn’t holding the glass.

Who will love the Disney Fantasy 

Multigenerational families will enjoy the ship and all that it has to offer for families to do together. Alternatively, if you’ve wanted to sail around Europe and the Mediterranean, the Disney Fantasy takes guests to those destinations during the summer and early fall.

5. Disney Wish

The Disney Wish joined the fleet in 2022, marking a new chapter for DCL in which the overall Disney cruise ship design and layout is a big departure from the original four ships.

Staterooms on the Disney Wish

Staterooms on the Disney Wish are elevated compared to the four original Disney Cruise Line ships. Each room is themed after a Disney princess movie, like The Little Mermaid , Moana , or The Princess and the Frog . Cabins still have the split bathroom concept, though the shower and sink bathroom has a sliding glass door for the shower instead of a curtain. 

There are 1,254 staterooms, of which 1,133 are outside staterooms and 121 are inside staterooms. The Disney Wish has a 4,000 passenger capacity. 

Dining on the Disney Wish

Rotational dining on the Disney Wish brings three new restaurants to the DCL experience and takes the dinner-and-a-show model to new and fully immersive heights.

1) Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure

The Frozen -themed main dining room, called Ardendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, is part dinner and part theater-in-the-round. The menu features dishes inspired by the cuisine of Norway, though the real star is the show itself, which follows Queen Anna and Kristoff’s engagement party with plenty of dancing, singing, character interactions, and some spectacular special effects.

2) Worlds of Marvel

The Wish ‘s Worlds of Marvel restaurant is an interactive dinner-and-a-show experience unlike anything on the other Disney cruise line ships. Here the menu has dishes inspired by locations in the Marvel Cinematic Universe such as New York and Wakanda. Marvel super heroes Ant-Man and the Wasp (and a few surprise characters) appear on screens around the dining room throughout dinner as the storyline progresses. Be sure to stay until dessert so you don’t miss the live in-person finale with a certain kid from Queens, New York. 

The more elegant of the three main dining rooms is 1923, which is divided into two smaller dining areas dedicated to Walt and Roy Disney, respectively. Both feature sketches, paintings, and models of animated Disney characters. With fresh California cuisine highlighted you’ll be able to enjoy everything from perfectly cooked steaks to fresh tuna. This is a great spot to have a date night with your partner if you don’t want to splurge for one of the adult-only restaurants. Just drop off any kids you may have brought with you at the kids club and enjoy an elevated dinner for two.

Marceline Market replaces Cabanas as the breakfast and lunch “buffet option” on the Disney Wish , though it’s more of a fast-casual restaurant than a buffet since you don’t serve yourself. As you walk into Marceline Market you’ll find various food stations where salads, customizable pasta, and of course kid-friendly options are all plated for you by Cast Members. Marceline Market is open for breakfast and lunch as a buffet. I love that I can get great charcuterie boards here, and then take them out to the deck to enjoy the view or as a snack while watching a movie in one of the theaters.

Outside on the upper decks, you can enjoy Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods, which are all quick service options featuring BBQ, Mexican, pizza, burgers, and ice cream. Do not skip Donald’s Cantina, where you can build your own tacos or burritos. It’s one of the best dining options onboard.

5) Enchante (Adults Only)

Enchante is one of two adults-only restaurants on the Disney Wish . The restaurant’s menu was crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement and the decor is inspired by Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast . Meals here are an extravagant affair, with multiple courses and high-end ingredients and presentation.

6) Palo Steakhouse (Adults Only)

Palo Steakhouse is a departure from the Palo restaurants on the first four DCL cruise ships. This adults-only restaurant is inspired by Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast and features a delicious menu of steakhouse favorites and fan-favorite Palo dishes like the potato gnocchi. Palo Steakhouse is also open for brunch and features a similar menu to brunch on the four classic DCL ships.

What to do on the Disney Wish

There’s a lot to see and do onboard the Disney Wish . Families can enjoy a ride on the AquaMouse, the first “Disney attraction at sea” where guests ride on a raft and pass by scenes inspired by Mickey Mouse’s adventures as they make their way around the ship on a water coaster.

For some inside fun, get everyone together to play Disney Uncharted Adventure , an interactive game played through the DCL app, where you have to go on missions with different Disney characters to save the wishing star. 

Relax inside the Walt Disney Theatre, where you can see original performances like The Little Mermaid and Disney Seas the Adventure. There are also two movie theaters onboard where you can watch your favorite Disney movies. 

Adults have plenty of spaces that are all their own after dark, like Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge and Nightingale’s, the latter of which is inspired by Cinderella . What’s different about the adult spaces on the Disney Wish is that they are spread throughout the ship rather than clustered together in an adults-only district. My favorite spot onboard happens to be Hook’s Barbery, which turns into a whiskey lounge at night. The Cast Member who works the small bar creates custom old fashioneds for each guest and tailors the drink to the guest’s taste.

Who will love the Disney Wish

Those looking for an all-new Disney Cruise Line experience or those who have never sailed with Disney Cruise Line before will love the Disney Wish , but avid DCL fans may miss some familiar features of the other Disney cruise ships. 

6. Disney Treasure

The Disney Treasure has its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024, then do seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean during its inaugural season. The ship is inspired by the harrowing stories of adventure from Disney movies and Disney Parks around the world.

Staterooms on the Disney Treasure

Staterooms on the Disney Treasure are similar to those on the Disney Wish . Each room is themed after a Disney movie that features epic adventures, like Aladdin , The Lion King , and Finding Nemo . Cabins still have the split bathroom concept, with a tub-shower and sink in one room and a toilet and sink in another.

There are 1,246 staterooms, of which 1,133 are outside staterooms and 123 are inside staterooms. The Disney Treasure has a 4,000-passenger capacity, and 1,555 crew members.

Dining on the Disney Treasure

There’s a plethora of dining options on the Disney Treasure . From DCL’s signature rotational dining for dinner and casual eateries that satisfy everyone in the family, you’ll never go hungry.

1) Plaza de Coco

The Disney Treasure’s theater-in-the-round style restaurant is Plaza de Coco, themed after the heartwarming Pixar movie, Coco . Because the ship is doing seven-night itineraries, guests will dine in the restaurant twice, and each time see a different show. On night one, the story will unfold after the events of the movie with Miguel and his family gathering in Mariachi Plaza. On night two, get ready for a Día de los Muertos celebration where Miguel is reunited with his great-great-grandparents, Hector and Mama Imelda. Both meals will feature unique menus of traditional and modern Mexican fare.

Worlds of Marvel is back on the Disney Treasure , but this time guests will see the same show from the Disney Wish on night one in the restaurant, then an all-new show on night two. The new show is called “Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix,” and features the lovable tree-like creature from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise getting ready to throw a surprise party for fellow Guardian, Rocket. As of writing, the menu for the second show inside Worlds of Marvel has not been released.

The iconic 1923 will also be available on the Disney Treasure . The two classy dining rooms feature renderings and animations from Walt Disney Animation Studios. You will want to get up and walk around the restaurant because the glass cases will feature sketches and more from movies like Tarzan , The Lion King , and Aladdin . The menu for night one in this restaurant will likely be similar to the one on Disney Wish , with a nod to classic California cuisine, but the night two menu has not been revealed just yet.

For breakfast or lunch, you can head to Marceline Market, the buffet on the Disney Treasure, though the space really acts more like a food hall with various stations and some pre-plated dishes. Additionally, Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods near the pool serves up a culinary feast of bbq, tacos, pizza, and more from outdoor windows. I love the bbq from this area, especially the ribs, which remind me of classic Southern-style smoked ribs. You can also indulge at

The adults-only Enchate is themed after Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast . The elegant restaurant has a menu crafted by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement. The restaurant has just a few tables and can be hard to get into, so it’s best to make reservations for dinner as early as possible.

Another outpost of Palo Steakhouse is coming to the Disney Treasure . The more casual of the two adult-only restaurants is known for its Italian cuisine paired with incredible steaks cooked to order. If you’ve never tried Wagyu, this may be the time to do it since it’s some of the best steak in the world but cheaper than some high-end restaurants on land.

What to do on the Disney Treasure

The Disney Treasure has so much fun in store for families and adults traveling without kids. Families will love spending time at the outdoor pool decks, where there are multiple water features, pools, splash pads, and more. Even better, AquaMouse, the onboard water raft ride, will have an all-new short feature in the lift tunnel called Curse of the Golden Egg . The short follows Mickey and Minnie Mouse on an exciting adventure through an ancient temple.

Sarabi is going to be the spot for trivia, family games, and musical entertainment, but at night the venue is exclusively for adults to enjoy games of their own. Don’t forget about Hero Zone, a flex-space onboard, where one minute there are giant inflatable obstacle courses and the next there’s pick-up basketball.

Entertainment onboard is going to be a treat for families . Inside the Walt Disney Theater you can catch Broadway-caliber shows like the all-new production Disney The Tale of Moana , which is a retelling of the Walt Disney Animation Studios movie. Additionally, guests can catch first-run movies and old favorites in the two onboard movie theaters.

Adults looking to get away from kids will want to head to the Quiet Cove Pool, a dedicated outdoor pool and lounge area just for those 18 and older. There are also some exciting bars onboard like Scat Cat Lounge themed to the animated movie The Aristocats . Three new lounges themed to Disney Parks will also debut on the Disney Treasure: The Haunted Mansion Parlor themed to The Haunted Mansion, Skipper Society themed to The Jungle Cruise, and Periscope Pub themed to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage.

Who will love the Disney Treasure

Disney Treasure is really leaning into Disney stories that feature adventure and epic sagas. The ship is great for adults looking for a bit of nostalgia with bars and spaces themed to iconic movies and Disney Parks attractions. Alternatively, families with older children who love some of the newer Disney classics will enjoy this ship.

6. Disney Destiny

The newest DCL ship setting sail from the United States is the Disney Destiny , which will start sailing with guests on November 20, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship leans into Disney’s rich library of heroes and villains, allowing cruisers to dive into their favorite stories in an all-new way.

Staterooms on the Disney Destiny

Staterooms on the Disney Destiny are similar to those on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure , its two sister ships. Each room is themed after a Disney movie that features epic adventures, like Hercules in standard guest cabins and an Iron Man-themed Tower Suite that takes over one of the ship’s funnels. Most cabins still have the split bathroom concept, with a tub-shower and sink in one room and a toilet and sink in another.

Dining on the Disney Destiny

The Disney Destiny will feature some of Disney’s most innovative dining experiences yet. I for one can’t wait for the dinner show inside the new Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King.

1) Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King

The Lion King has some of the best music of any Disney animated movie, and those songs and iconic moments from the film are going to come to life at the new Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King dining experience. The theater-in-the-round-style dinner show will feature musicians and storytellers retelling the story of Simba as he goes from cub to king. The menu will also be themed to the movie, pleasing adults and kids.

Worlds of Marvel returns to Disney Destiny and will feature the Guardians of the Galaxy show that premiered on Disney Treasure . Get ready to jam to some of the best tunes while Groot prepares a birthday party for Rocket and you dine on out-of-this-world meals.

The classic California steakhouse-style restaurant 1923 will also be part of the rotational dining options on Disney Destiny . The restaurant will feature more than 1,000 drawings, props, and pieces of artwork from heroic sagas like Hercules , Big Hero 6 , Wreck-It Ralph , and more.

4) Casual Dining Options for Everyone

When it’s time to re-energize before your next heroic adventure, head to Marceline Market, the onboard food hall-style buffet. The space is open for breakfast and lunch, and be sure to watch out for Churro Mickey Waffles, which tend to make an appearance once a sailing for breakfast. Other quick-service options include Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods, where BBQ, tacos, pizza, and chicken tenders are on deck. I also love the complimentary soft-serve ice cream from the pool deck.

If you’re looking for one of the most impressive meals onboard, make a reservation at Enchate, the adults-only restaurant themed to Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast . The restaurant is nestled right next to The Rose, so be sure to stop in at the adults-only bar before you go to dinner for a cocktail and panoramic views of the ocean.

The second adults-only restaurant on the Disney Destiny is Palo Steakhouse. The restaurant serves a sea day brunch and dinner every night. It’s best to make reservations for Palo Steakhouse well in advance of your sailing since it’s very popular. If you can’t get a reservation before your cruise, you may have some luck getting a table onboard. Just go to the reservation center first thing when you embark.

What to do on the Disney Destiny

The Disney Destiny has a lot of firsts, from the first Marvel character as the Grand Hall (atrium) statue with Black Panther to the first Marvel character gracing the back of the ship (hey, Spider-Man). Guests will also find Marvel-themed spaces around the ship, including The Sanctum, a lounge themed to Dr. Strange.

Inside the Walt Disney Theater catch a live performance of Hercules , which will feature songs from the classic Disney film. The ship will also show Frozen, A Musical Spectacular . For more entertainment, head to the onboard movie theaters to catch first-run and old-favorite films.

Kids will love going down the AquaMouse, which will debut an all-new short, Sing a Silly Song , which has Mickey and Minnie Mouse going to the peak of Villian Mountain. Of course, the kids clubs are going to be open with plenty for kids to do, from building their own rollercoaster at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab or meeting Star Wars heroes at Star Wars : Cargo Bay.

Adults looking for even more sanctuary can enjoy the adults-only pool, or one of the many themed lounges onboard where live music and evening games take place. Head to De Vil’s the 101 Dalmatians -themed piano bar on the Disney Destiny, for a cocktail and live music. Other bars include The Haunted Mansion Parlor and the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Cask and Cannon.

Who will love the Disney Destiny

Disney Destiny is great for Marvel fans or families who love Disney Villains. I also love this ship for adults traveling without kids since many of the movies that are highlighted are classics that Millennials and older generations grew up with.

Frequently asked questions about Disney Cruise Ships

1) does disney cruise line offer any themed cruises.

Disney is all about storytelling, so it’s only natural that DCL offers themed cruises and special days at sea. All of the Disney cruise ships have themed cruises, with dates and themes varying between the different ships. Disney’s themed cruises and themed days at sea are Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime, and Marvel Day at Sea.

2) Does Disney Cruise Line have a private island?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line has a private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay . On most Disney cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean, the cruise ship will stop for a day at Castaway Cay. Here you can snorkel, swim, lounge on the beach, zip down water slides, sip cocktails, enjoy a BBQ, and even participate in a special 5K road race if you are so inclined.

Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera in the Bahamas opened in June 2024 and is a sister destination to Castaway Cay. The new Disney port-of-call destination has three beaches (two family beaches plus one adults-only beach), a water play area, a local crafts pavilion, watercraft and bicycle rentals, hiking and biking trails, and more.

3) What’s included on a Disney cruise?

While DCL is not an all-inclusive cruise line , the base price of your Disney cruise covers almost everything: accommodations, meals, room service, most non-alcoholic beverages, unlimited soft-serve ice cream, live productions, movies, pools and water slides, character meet-and-greets, and kids clubs.

So, what’s not included on a Disney cruise? Airfare and airport transfers, specialty restaurants (generally the adult-only dining spots on Disney’s cruise ships), gratuities, alcoholic and bottled beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments. Some snacks are also available for purchase, though most food is free.

4) Will DCL be adding even more new Disney cruise ships?

Disney Cruise Line is not done adding to its fleet! The Disney Treasure will set sail in December 2024, the Disney Destiny will debut in November 2025, and the Disney Treasure will set sail from Singapore in 2025. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line recently announced a new cruise ship sailing around Japan in partnership with Oriental Land Company. At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, it was announced that three more ships would be joining the fleet soon.

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Disney Cruise Ships by Age: newest to oldest! (2024)

March 25, 2024

Hello Cruise Fans!

Today we are going to combine two different passions: the one for cruises and the one for Disney . As you may have guessed, we are going to see all Disney Cruise Line ships from the newest to the oldest .

I want to tell you right away that Disney does not have many ships , at the moment there are only 5 but several will be added in the coming years.

Below is a summary chart , and then a more detailed description of each ship.

Chart of Disney cruise ships in order of age

Disney Treasure (2024)

Disney Treasure is the new upcoming cruise ship by Disney Cruise Line . It is set to be launched on December 21, 2024 .

Although it will be the newest ship, it seems that Disney doesn’t want to increase the size much. It will have a gross tonnage of 144,000 GT and will measure 1,119 feet in length and 128 feet in width .

According to the first reports, it will be able to accommodate about 4,000 passengers and will have about 1,250 cabins .

As the name suggests, it will be inspired by the theme of adventure and pirates. I will give you more detailed news as soon as the ship officially starts sailing!

Disney Wish (2022)

Disney Wish was officially launched in 2022 and is the newest ship currently in service. With this ship, Disney changed the design idea slightly compared to the previous ones.

On “Wish” the traditional structure that divided the ship into zones was officially abandoned. Instead, all the spaces for kids, families, and adults are harmoniously integrated across several decks .

For example, kids’ zones, such as the innovative Oceaneer Club , are located on Deck 2, while adult areas are spread across decks 3, 4, and 5.

What about the cabins? On Disney Wish, they are quite spacious and well-equipped. You can find the traditional murphy beds and Disney’s signature split-bath arrangement.

The internal decor varies by deck and category. Of course, the main focus remains the artworks inspired by Disney movies.

The dining selection is very varied. There are many themed restaurants and a big buffet that is perfect for both adults and children.

The pool deck has six family pools and the AquaMouse , a first-of-its-kind water attraction at sea. We already talked about it in the article about the biggest water slides on cruises .

Disney Fantasy (2012)

Disney Fantasy was the second Dream-class ship in Disney’s fleet.

Was launched in 2012 with the idea of offering a magical cruise experience for families, especially those with young children.

The overall design remains the same, compared to the previous ships. A navy blue hull, two bright red funnels, and the inside inspired by elegant Art Deco decorations.

The real difference lies in the unique technological innovations. For example, onboard you will find “ Enchanted Art ” pieces that recognize a guest’s presence and activate for several seconds of animation.

Moreover, inside cabins, you can wave phones to communicate with other guests, and some magical portholes provide real-time views of the ship’s surroundings.

On Disney Fantasy there are also 15 unique restaurants. A very interesting thing is that there’s a rotating dining system that allows guests to experience different themed restaurants each night.

In terms of entertainment, there’s something for every age. The ship features phenomenal kids’ clubs, like the Marvel Super Hero Academy and the Star Wars Command Post .

While, for adults, the ship offers plenty of spaces and activities, including wine tastings, late-night dancing, and adults-only pools.

This ship sails primarily to the Caribbean, with itineraries that include stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay .

Disney Dream (2011)

Disney Dream was the third ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet and was officially launched in 2011 .

This ship is particularly renowned for its restaurants, It offers engaging dinner shows and high-quality food , particularly at Remy.

The Disney Dream stands out also for its wonderful design details , such as the hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the ship.

The ship also has a 1,340-seat capacity “ Walt Disney Theatre ” where different Disney shows are performed: Disney’s Believe, Golden Mickeys, Villains Tonight, and Beauty and the Beast, all of which are must-sees.

Other entertainment options, that are also perfect for adults, include first-run Disney movies at the Buena Vista Theatre, a variety of sports activities, and a well-equipped Fitness Center. Adults also have exclusive areas such as a pool, sun deck, and an adult-only restaurant.

Disney Dream itineraries primarily include the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean , with Fort Lauderdale serving as the departure port for most of the sailings​.

Disney Wonder (1999)

Disney Wonder was the second ship in Disney’s fleet. Its maiden voyage was in 1999, making it over two decades old .

Despite being a rather old ship, it is still well-maintained and has features that make it unique.

For example, an exclusive on Disney Wonder is Tiana’s Place , a Creole-themed restaurant inspired by The Princess and the Frog .

Like any other Disney ship, the entertainment options are many and all of them are perfectly themed. You will find family-friendly trivia, quizzes, and character encounters during the “Meet and Waves” sessions with Disney characters.

There are about 875 cabins on this ship with a good mix of interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, as well as concierge-class suites.

Moreover, even though it’s a family-focused vacation, Disney Wonder ensures there’s ample space for adult relaxation with the Quiet Cove Pool , an adults-only pool area, a fitness center, many spa treatments, and exclusive gift shops like Mickey’s Mainsail that has specially-designed Disney Cruise Line merchandise.

Disney Magic (1998)

Disney Magic is the oldest ship in the entire fleet . It was even launched in 1998 , so more than 25 years ago.

Over the years she has undergone several renovation and modernization processes , which make her a pleasant ship even after all these years.

The ship can accommodate about 2,700 passengers and is therefore perfect for those who prefer cruising on smaller ships .

Dining on Disney Magic is one of the best things ever. For example, you will experience the “magical dining experience” at Animator’s Palate , a restaurant that starts out black and white and becomes colorful while you eat dinner.

On Disney Magic, there’s also the themed restaurant Rapunzel’s Royal Table, inspired by the beloved character from the animated movie “ Tangled “.

For families, Disney Magic provides an exceptional kids’ club , character cameos, and a range of water slides and pools that ensure endless fun.

As we saw on the newest ship, on Disney Magic there are also many spaces for adults like an adult-only pool, bars, and a well-equipped spa.

Disney Cruise Line has currently 5 cruise ships in its fleet. The oldest one (Disney Magic) was launched in 1998 and the newest one (Disney Wish) was launched in 2022.

A new ship is currently under construction and is expected to launch at the end of 2024 .

Moreover, two other ships are currently under construction and are planned to launch in 2025. They will be Disney Adventure , which will probably be based in Singapore, and Disney Destiny which will probably be based in the US.

In sum, Disney continues its expansion on the cruise side . Will this be the new gold mine for the Mickey Mouse company ?

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Disney Cruise Ships

The Best Disney Cruise Ships

Disney Cruise Ships    |    New Disney Cruise Ships    |    Disney Cruise Overview     Disney Wish    |    Disney Fantasy    |    Disney Wonder    |    Disney Magic    |    Disney Dream |    Disney Treasure

Introducing my detailed guide to each Disney Cruise Line ship!

In one place, I have brought together everything there is to know about each Disney Cruise ship.

In this complete Disney Cruise Ship guide, you’ll learn about different stateroom categories, dining options, all the entertainment and fun, and so much more.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet consists of five ships: Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream,   Disney Fantasy, and the newest addition, the Disney Wish .

Additionally, a sixth ship, Disney Treasure , has been announced and is expected to be seaworthy some time in 2024.

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, as are the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  Both pairs of sister ships are similar in size as well as some features but they are definitely not twins.

Even though the sister’s have similarities, each of Disney’s five ships features different designs, deck plans , restaurants, entertainment, and activities onboard to make every voyage unique.

Disney Cruise Line is now well-established as a leader in the highly competitive cruise industry, having set itself apart by providing the most unique sailing experience on the seas.

Now...let's meet the ships!

The Disney Cruise Line Fleet of Ships

Use the following Disney Cruise ships comparison chart to help learn which is the best Disney Cruise ship for your vacation.

How to Use this Disney Cruise Ships Comparison Chart

You can use this handy information sheet to compare Disney ships by size, capacity, tonnage, staff, and age.

While this is all useful information to have, I highly recommend you click through the button on each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet to get a fully-detailed guide that goes way beyond the sizes of the ships.

Compare Disney Cruise Ships

Disney magic.

Image: Flickr

• Passenger Capacity: 2700
• Staterooms : 877
• Entered Service : July 1998
• Sister Ship : Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder

Img: Flickr

• Passenger Capacity : 2700
• Staterooms : 875
• Entered Service : August 1999
• Sister Ship : Disney Magic

Disney Dream

• Passenger Capacity : 4,000
• Crew : 1,400
• Staterooms : 1,250
• Entered Service : January 2011
• Sister Ship : Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

• Entered Service : March 2012
• Sister Ship : Disney Dream

Disney Wish

• Staterooms : 1,254
• Entered Service : July 2022

Disney Treasure

• Estimated Passenger Capacity : ~4,000
• Estimated Crew : ~1,400
• Estimated Staterooms : ~1,250
• Expected Maiden Voyage : 2024

Three New Disney Cruise Ships

Disney cruise line has announced three new ships.

I nspiring speculation and excitement amongst crazed DCL fans like us, Disney Cruise Line has announced they are building three new cruise ships .

Image: Disney Parks

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What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship?

We compare and rank to find the best disney cruise ship.

When you combine  cruises  with  Disney , something magical happens! Below we compare the five Disney Cruise Line ships to help you decide which one is best for your next getaway. So, what is the best Disney Cruise ship? Without further ado, here is our list of the top 5!

Ships in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet

The latest industry numbers indicate that Disney Cruise Lines have a 2.3 percent share of the worldwide cruise ship market. With additional ships soon to be added to the roster, we should only expect Disney will increase its market share over the coming years.

Disney Cruise Line has 5 active ships, with multiple additional Disney cruise ships expected to be added by 2025.

Here is the current DCL fleet:

• Disney Magic
• Disney Wonder
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Wish

A sixth ship, Disney Treasure, joins the fleet in late 2024. The Disney Destiny is expected to launch in November 2025. Disney has also announced the purchase  of the partially-constructed  Global Dream  for conversion to a new Disney ship, the Disney Adventure (launching in 2025). And still another five ships are due between 2027 and 2031, bringing the fleet size to 13.

Castaway Cay  is a tropical paradise located in the Bahamas and is an  exclusive port-of-call for Disney cruise guests. Disney owns the island, so you won’t compete with non-Disney guests for reservations. In addition,  Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera is another exclusive port-of-call.

There are lots of similarities between these Disney ships. Each one has its advantages and its magical experiences. That said, some of the entertainment, dining, amenities, activities, and destinations vary from ship to ship.

Want personalized advice on which ship is best for your vacation?

Best Disney Cruise Ships

Each of Disney’s cruise ships has its own unique history and defining characteristics. Here is our list of the best Disney cruise ships, ranked!

1. Disney Wish Cruise Ship

Disney Wish Overview

Disney Wish  is the newest Disney Cruise ship, launched in the summer of 2022. For its inaugural season, the ship focuses on 3- and 4-night Bahamian itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral (FL), with visits to Disney’s Castaway Cay and Nassau.

This ship has a length of 1,119 ft and a gross tonnage of about 144,000. The Disney Wish has 1,254 staterooms and boasts an onboard Guest capacity of 2,508 (at double occupancy) and 4,000 (max occupancy). In addition, 1,555 Crew Members keep the ship running. Disney Wish currently has no sister ships – it is the first in a series of three so-called “Triton Class” Disney ships (the two sister ships are expected to be introduced in 2024 and 2025).

While we admit that the newest isn’t always the best, that’s certainly  not  the case here. Instead, the Disney Wish has quite simply  changed the game  when it comes to cruising.

Disney Wish Dining

Disney Wish offers three rotational dining restaurants, two of which offer a sort of “dinner and a show” experience.

At  Arendelle – a Frozen Dining Adventure , you’re an honored guest of Queen Anna and Kristoff as they celebrate their engagement with Norwegian-inspired cuisine and live musical performances from Elsa and Olaf.

On another night, you’ll experience  Worlds of Marvel , which offers a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with a little adventure in the form of Ant-Man and the Wasp demonstrating Super Hero technologies.

Finally,  1923  offers a dining experience steeped in the golden age of Hollywood. Named after the year the Disney brothers founded their first studio, you’ll enjoy the flavors of California while surrounded by relics of the early days of animation.

For those seeking an elegant (upcharged) experience, try  Palo Steakhouse  for dinner — or drop into  Hyperspace Lounge  for an intergalactic drink. And with casual dining options such as  Marceline Market  and even places to grab a Taco or some BBQ, you’ll never go hungry onboard the Disney Wish!

Disney Wish Entertainment

Disney Wish onboard activities include Disney’s first-ever “attraction at sea” called the “ AquaMouse ,” a sort of waterslide meets raft ride meets roller coaster. Live shows include Disney’s  The Little Mermaid  and  Disney’s Aladdin . And, of course, there’s a vast array of movie, nightclubs, pools, pubs, a Walt Disney theatre, and more!

Disney Wish Activities for Kids

Disney Wish offers plenty to keep the kids entertained. Train at  Marvel Super Hero Academy , visit  Star Wars Cargo Bay  or build your own coaster at the  Walt Disney Imagineering Lab .  Edge  and  Vibe  cater to tweens and teens, while  it’s a small world nursery!, Toy Story Splash Zone  and  Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck  is waiting for the tiniest travelers.

Set Sail on the Disney Wish with The Vacationeer !

2. Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship

Disney Fantasy Overview

Disney Fantasy  – the sister ship of Disney Dream – was launched in 2012 as Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship. Guests can choose between a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise. This ship has a length of 1,114.8 ft and a gross tonnage is 129,750. Like Disney Dream, the Fantasy has an onboard guest capacity of 2.500 (double occupancy) and 4,000 (max occupancy) with a crew of over 1,400.

Routes:  Port Canaveral, Florida; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St Thomas; US Virgin Islands; Castaway Cay, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica.

We love Disney Fantasy , and so do other Guests!

Disney Fantasy Dining

Disney Fantasy offers Rotational dining between the always entertaining dinner show named Animation Magic at its  Animator’s Palate  restaurant. The ship’s other  dining locations  include the magical Enchanted Garden and the fairytale dining room of  Royal Court . In contrast, the casual dining options include  Cabanas , Flo’s  Café , and snacks at  Eye Scream  and  Frozone Treats . The Northern Italian cuisine of  Palo  and French-inspired  Remy provide a few upscale and intimate options for adults.

Disney Fantasy Entertainment

Disney Fantasy onboard activities include a “water roller coaster” called the “AquaDuck,” the nightclub district called Europa, several pools, pubs, theatres, and more!

Disney Fantasy Activities for Kids

Like the other Disney cruise ships, Disney’s Fantasy has plenty of individual and instructor-led activities geared to kids of all ages.

3. The Disney Magic

Disney Magic Overview

Disney Magic was the first Disney cruise ship that had its maiden voyage on July 30, 1998, and has been in service ever since. It boasts a length of 984 ft, a gross tonnage of 83,338, and has 11 public decks, 875  staterooms , a crew of 945, and enough capacity for 2,700 guests.

The interior of Disney Magic is decorated in an Art Deco style, while the ship’s exterior color scheme is black, red, and white with 20 yellow lifeboats (matching the colors of Mickey Mouse). Disney Magic’s horn blasts a tune from Disney’s famous “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The ship’s Godmother is Patricia Disney, the wife of Roy E. Disney.

Routes : 4 Night Caribbean Cruises; 5, 6, 7, and 8 Night Western Caribbean Cruises; 2, 3, 4, and 8 Night Bahamian Cruises; 4, 5, 7, 9, and 12-night Mediterranean Cruises; and Special Cruises

Simply put, Disney Magic is… magical!

Disney Magic Dining

Disney Magic  offers two dining times – early and late. The Disney Cruise Line uses something they call “Rotational Dining” to ensure that guests have a chance to experience each of the ship’s themed restaurants. Regarding dining options, Disney Magic has several restaurants, and all three participate in the Rotational Dining schedule. Disney Magic’s dining locations include Lumiere’s (themed after Beauty and the Beast), Rapunzel’s Royal Table (inspired by Disney animated movie Tangled), and Animator’s Palate. In addition, Disney Magic’s  Palo restaurant  is located on the aft deck. It serves Northern Italian fare at dinnertime (18+, seats 130 guests).

Disney Magic Entertainment

The fun never stops on  Disney Magic .  There are live Broadway-style shows with your favorite Disney characters, fireworks, character meets, and movie theaters with first-run and Disney movies. The Walt Disney Theater and the Buena Vista Theater, karaoke, games, several pools, and a variety of Disney-themed deck parties, including Pirates Night and Sail-Away Celebration. The ship also boasts a massive LED screen called “Funnel Vision” and numerous lounges and bars (including  O’Gills Pub ). Keys piano bar, the Promenade Lounge, D-Lounge, and the adults-only Fathoms.

Disney Magic Activities for Kids

Disney Magic hosts a variety of  kids’ clubs  to keep the youngsters entertained, including:

-It’s a Small World Nursery is a play area for infants .

– Oceaneer Club  and the Oceaneer Lab are geared towards kids ages 3 to 12 years old. Activities include themed activities, computer games, experiments, costume dress, and more.

-The Edge is an interactive area where younger guests play (ages 11-14).

-The Vibe club is strictly for teens and offers video games, Internet, TV, music, Internet access, and social activities.

Need Help Deciding Which Ship to Pick?

4. Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Disney Dream Overview

Disney Dream  is the 3rd  Disney Cruise Line  ship operated by The Walt Disney Company and has been active since 2011. The ship currently sails three-day, four-day, and sometimes five-day cruises to the  Bahamas . It has a capacity of 2,500 (double occupancy) or 4,000 passengers maximum and has a crew of 1,458. Disney Dream is 1,114 ft in length and has a gross tonnage of 83,000.

Routes : With the arrival of the Disney Wish, the Disney Dream is no longer primarily based at  Port Canaveral, Florida.  It now offers 3, 4, and 5-night Bahamas cruises from Port Miami , along with multiple European itineraries of 4-11 nights departing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Copenhagen, and Southampton.

Overall, the Disney Dream is fantastic. It’s not our absolute favorite, but there’s really not much to complain about.

Disney Dream Dining

Disney Dream has Rotational dining where you will get to experience 3 different restaurants each night of your cruise. The ship is home to a “state-of-the-art” dinner show at  Animator’s Palate , a classic Disney fairytale feast at  Royal Palace , and  Enchanted Garden  set in a serene conservatory setting. For a more casual dining experience, head to  Cabanas  for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or check out the pizza, chicken, burgers, and salads at  Flo’s Café . For a delicious icy treat, head to  Frozone Treats , or  Eye Scream  (an ice cream shop). The Italian-inspired Palo and the French-inspired  Remy  are both high-end, adult-only dining options. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

Disney Dream Entertainment

Disney Dream onboard activities include digital sports simulators, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a full-sized basketball court, a volleyball court, a pitch, and a walking track.

Disney Wonder is also home to a “water roller coaster” called the AquaDuck, Mickey’s Slide, and has three pools, including the quiet cove pool. The ship also boasts two theaters: the Walt Disney Theater (live Broadway-style performances) and the Buena Vista Theater (first-run Disney movies).

Disney Dream Activities for Kids

Like the other Disney cruise ships, Disney’s It’s a Small World Nursery, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, Goofy’s Sports Deck, and Vibe are geared to kids of all ages.

5. Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Disney Wonder Overview

Disney Wonder  is the second ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and made its maiden voyage in August 1999. She is constructed in a nearly identical fashion to Disney Magic. However, the ship’s interior is decorated in the Art Nouveau style rather than Art Deco. Disney Wonder has 11 public decks, 875 staterooms, a crew of roughly 950, and can accommodate 2,400 passengers. This Disney cruise ship has a length of 974 ft and a gross tonnage of 83,000.

Routes : The routes include Alaska , Hawaii , Australia/New Zealand, and the USA’s West Coast

Still an excellent cruise ship (despite our ranking).

Disney Wonder Dining

Disney Cruise Line uses a dining rotation where guests rotate to a different restaurant each night. Guests are seated at the same table number – with the same table guests and wait staff – for every night they are on board. This creates less confusion and a friendly commodore among the guests.

Disney Wonder has three main restaurants:  Triton’s ,  Tiana’s Place,  and  Animator’s Palate .  Triton’s  features French cuisine in an Art Deco dining room,  Tiana’s Place  serves southern cooking with live jazz music, and  Animator’s Palate  is a dining show offering contemporary cuisine and Disney characters. The other main dining rooms and food options include  Cabanas , a buffet-style restaurant for breakfast and lunch and a casual eatery for dinner, a sandwich and salad shop called  Daisy’s de-Lites ,  Pinocchio’s Pizza , and the adult-oriented Palo, where Italian-inspired food and décor are complimented with live music.

Disney Wonder Entertainment

Some of the entertainment and lifestyle highlights of Disney Wonder include Crown & Fin Pub, an adults-only British-style pub, Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, and the relaxing and rejuvenating Senses Spa and Salon. Check  here  for a list of all onboard activities.

Disney Wonder Activities for Kids

Like Disney Magic, Disney Wonder offers the Oceaneers Club and the Oceaneers Lab for children ages 3-10. The Club provides several TVs, costumes to play dress-up, a slide, and some counselor-led activities. The Lab is geared towards the older age ranges and offers video games, TVs, computers, cooking classes, and more.

How to Book your Disney Cruise and Receive Onboard Credit

Ready to book your Disney Cruise? Do you have any questions?  The Vacationeer  can help!

The Vacationeer offers something called “onboard credit” as a free  bonus/incentive  for booking through their agency. Onboard credit is essentially  free money  – linked to your stateroom account – that can be used to pay for nearly anything on your Disney ship or in Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. This includes drinks, meals, merchandise, activities, spa treatments, gratuity, and more.

Ask your travel agent about onboard credit  before booking a  Disney Cruise line vacation. If they don’t offer it, then hang up and find one that does! We can tell you that The Vacationeer offers the most competitive onboard credit in the business and doesn’t charge you a single penny to use their services!

See  the Vacationeer’s  Onboard Credit promotion  and our  Disney Cruise Onboard Credit  page, then  get a free quote  today!

The Vacationeer can also help you plan and book your Disney cruise on their newest Disney cruise ships – the  Disney Wish .

Best Disney Cruise Ship for Adults

While there are no Disney cruises exclusively for adults, there are plenty of dining options, bars, excursions, and perks geared towards adults on each cruise.

The Disney Dream is our pick for the  best Disney cruise ship for adults . It offers the cosmopolitan Skyline lounge, an upscale travel-themed lounge called The Meridian, the Italian restaurant Palo, the French fine-dining of Remy, a Quiet Cove for adults, the relaxation and rejuvenation of Senses Spa , and port excursions that cater specifically to adults.

Where is the Best Location on a Disney Cruise Ship?

The best location on a Disney cruise ship for the best views (widest vistas) is the very front or the very back of the ship.

The best location on a Disney cruise ship if you are prone to getting seasick is the center part of the ship because you’ll feel the least movement there. Specifically, try to reserve Deck 6 Midship on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Deck 6 or 7 Midship on the Disney Wish, and Decks 7 and 8 Midship on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

What is the Best Deck on a Disney Cruise Ship?

The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) have better views, but the ship will sway the most the higher you go. So it’s really just personal preference.

What is the Best Side of a Disney Cruise Ship?

If you sail out of Port Canaveral and stop at Castaway Cay, the  starboard side is the best side of a Disney cruise ship  because it faces the beach of Port Canaveral, where you can wave to everyone on the beach as the ship sets sail. The starboard side is also  usually  the side that faces  Castaway Cay  when the ship is docked there (though this will always depend on conditions at the time of docking). The starboard side is the right-hand side of the vessel, while the port side is on the left.

Enjoy your Disney Cruise!

We hope our Best Disney Cruise Ships RANKED article gives you some suggestions.

For more Disney information, please see our  How Much Do Disney Cruises Cost ,  Last-Minute Disney Cruise ,  What’s Included and What Isn’t , Best Cruise Lines for Kids ,   Disney Cruise Customer Service ,   Why Use a Disney Travel Agent ,  Disney Payment Plans ,  Disney Transportation Map ,  and  Disney World Tips   articles.

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a fantastic vacation out at sea!

Get Free Help Planning Your Cruise

If you need help planning and booking your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation, contact our friends at   The Vacationeer .

Their services are always helpful and totally  free of charge !

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List of Disney Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

Disney Cruise Line currently has five cruise ships in their fleet offering magical vacations to the most popular destinations on earth including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Here is a list of every Disney cruise ship from newest to oldest.  This list will be updated as Disney expands their fleet over the next few years.

Disney Wish

Disney Wish is the newest cruise ship from Disney Cruise Line and the first of a new class of three vessels.  Disney Wish entered service in 2022 and is the largest ship in Disney’s fleet at 144,000 gross tons.  The ship can carry 4,000 passengers in a little over 1,250 cabins. The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Captain Minnie, Cinderella, and Rapunzel and Pascal.

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy is the second Dream class ship from Disney Cruise Line and entered service in 2012.  The 129,690 gross ton cruise ship can carry up to 4,000 guests. The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Sorcerer Mickey, Mademoiselle Minnie, Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse.

Disney Dream

Disney Dream was the first Dream class ship and entered service in 2011. It was the cruise ship to feature an aqua coaster on the top deck.  It is 129,960 gross tons in size and carries up to 4,000 passengers.  The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Captain Mickey, Admiral Donald, and Sorcerer Mickey.

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder entered service in 1999 as the second ship in Disney’s fleet. The 84,000 gross tons ship carries up to 2,700 passengers in 875 staterooms. The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Steamboat Willie, Ariel, Donald and Nephews.

Disney Magic

Disney Magic was Disney Cruise Line’s very first cruise ship.  The vessel entered service in 1998 and the 84,000 gross ton ship carries up to 2,700 guests.  The bow, atrium, and aft characters are Sorcerer Mickey, Helmsman Mickey, and Goofy.

View Best Prices on Cruises on Disney

Disney Cruise Line currently has three more cruise ships that will be added to their fleet over the next few years. Two of the cruise ships will be sister ships to Disney Wish. Disney Treasure will debut in 2024 and an unnamed vessel in 2025.

Also in in 2025, Disney Cruise Line will be adding their largest cruise ship to their fleet.  The cruise line recently purchased the massive 208,000 gross ton Global Dream that is 75% completed.  Disney will modify and finish the ship before it enters service in a few years.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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Disney Cruise Line

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

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Disney Cruise Line fleet

Disney adventure, disney destiny, disney treasure, disney wish, disney fantasy, disney dream, disney wonder, disney magic, review of disney cruise line.

DCL-Disney Cruise Line (disneycruise.disney.go.com) is a passenger shipping company, subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Incorporated in 1996 as Magical Cruise Company Ltd, the company is headquartered in London City (England UK), with operational headquarters in Celebration (Florida USA).

Currently, DCL owns and operates six ships ( Treasure , Wish , Fantasy , Dream , Wonder , Magic ), plus the private island Castaway Cay Bahamas (exclusive port for Disney-owned vessels).

Actually, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) was created in 1995 when The Walt Disney Company commissioned the liners Magic (1998) and Wonder (1999) from Fincantieri Italy . With the newbuilds DCL ended the ship charter arrangement with Premier Cruise Line (1983-founded/2000- defunct ). In the 1980s, Disney contracted Premier Cruises to provide passenger shipping services, with voyages leaving roundtrip from Florida ( Port Canaveral/Orlando City ). Back then, Disney's travel packages were marketed as "family cruise vacations" and featured costumed Disney Characters. The fleet project (building two new liners by Meyer Werft Papenburg Germany ) was announced in 2007. Disney Dream was introduced in 2011, Disney Fantasy - in 2012, Disney Wish - in 2022.

DCL's current President is Jeff Vahle.

In July 2022, DCL increased the recommended onboard gratuities (by US$1 per day per passenger) to US$14.50 pp (most staterooms) and US$15,50 pp (concierge suites).

In July 2023, DCL increased the cost of dining at the ships' optional adults-only restaurants (Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Enchante, Remy). Specialty restaurants' charges are per person.

• (fleetwide) Palo now costs $50 for both brunch and dinner.
• (ship Wish) Palo Steakhouse costs $50.
• (ships Fantasy and Dream) Remy costs $80, dinner costs $135, dessert costs $65.
• (ship Wish) Enchante costs $80 for brunch, $65 for dessert, Passion costs $125, Collection costs $195.
• Tasting seminars' charge pp (including Mixology Class) was raised in April from $25 to $45 pp.

DisneyBand+

In 2022, on Disney Wish ship DCL introduced the "DisneyBand+" - a water-resistant wristband similar to Walt Disney World's MagicBand+. In 2023, the device was implemented fleetwide.

Before the voyage, passengers can utilize the technology for a smoother embarkation. Upon arrival at the cruise port, they can use the band for check-in (by scanning the device) which expedites the ship boarding process.

Once on the ship, the DisneyBand+ serves as a stateroom key, eliminating DCL's old key cards.

The device can be also used for paying for food and beverages (at dining venues) as well as merchandise (at the onboard shops) which eliminates the need for credit cards. On Castaway Cay, just like on the ship, the DisneyBand+ can be used for shopping or purchasing drinks.

DisneyBand+ is sold in several designs and 50+ different styles. Prices start at US$35 (solid colors), while themed bands cost US$45 (plus tax). To ensure timely delivery, DCL recommends purchasing the wristbands at least 45 days prior to the voyage's departure date.

Customers who already have MagicBand+ (from Walt Disney World) can use it as a substitute for the DisneyBand+.

New ships 2022-2031 (DISNEY TRITON-Class)

In October 2022, the German broadcaster NDR aired an interview with Christoph Morgen (GHK's MV Werften's insolvency administrator) stating that the unfinished (~75% completed) 9000-passenger liner Global Dream/Disney Adventure (originally ordered by Genting Hong Kong for Dream Cruises ) could be acquired by DCL and delivered/inaugurated in 2024-Q4.

• Global Dream's construction was suspended in January 2022 when MV Werften filed for bankruptcy.
• While the possible purchase price was not mentioned, the previously stated shipbuilding cost was EUR 1,6 billion.
• DCL's purchase interest was not officially announced, but on October 4th, Reinhard Meyer (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister of Economics, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labor) mentioned "confidential negotiations" with a possible byer and that completing Global Dream will secure the employment of MV Werften Wismar 's ~950 former employees.
• Industry experts commented that with Global Dream Disney might enter the Asian market.
• On November 16, 2022, DCL officially confirmed Global Dream's acquisition.
•  The ship's new name (Disney Adventure) was revealed on September 9, 2023. Disney Adventure is planned to start revenue operations for DCL in 2025, with homeporting in Singapore and voyages in Southeast Asia (year-round deployment).

In early March 2016, DCL announced plans to build three new liners (the company's ever-largest) and signed a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft Gmbh (Germany's largest shipbuilding company). The new vessels are slightly bigger than Fantasy and Dream .

Disney's three newbuilds were scheduled for deliveries in 2022 ( Wish ), 2024 ( Treasure ) and 2025 ( Destiny ).

DCL officially announced the plans to build 3 new vessels on July 15, 2017. When launched/operational, with them Walt Disney will nearly double its current fleet. The boats' builder is Meyer Werft ( Papenburg Shipyard ). The announcement was made by Bob Chapek (Walt Disney Parks and Resorts company's Chairman).

The new vessel's interior design, facilities and itineraries are still in development. What is known so far is that they will be LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas) and from one series (same-designed), with GT-tonnage 144,000 tons (larger than the originally announced 135,000 GT) and max passenger capacity 2500 (1250 staterooms). This design is slightly larger than Disney's previous largest units (Dream-Fantasy). The first liner will be named Disney Wish (2022-Q2). The names for the second and third units are yet to be announced.

On the March 9th/2018-released exterior rendering was shown Disney's traditional black-white-red hull color scheme. New is the superstructure's golden flair. Between the funnels is the top-deck waterpark with slides. Balcony cabins are located midship, which provides larger accommodations for passengers.

DCL also revealed that the new liners will be all homeported in Florida - in Miami (Destiny) and Port Canaveral (Wish, Treasure).

On August 10, 2024, during D23 2024 (Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase), Josh D’Amaro ( Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products) announced that DCL's fleet will be expanded to 13 vessels. The 4 new ships (ordered from Meyer Werft Papenburg) will be larger/newly designed/modified and are planned for deliveries between 2027 and 2031 .

New Disney ship in Japan

On July 9, 2024, DCL-Disney signed an agreement with Oriental Land Co Ltd (OLC) for year-round Disney cruises in Japan. Oriental Land Company Ltd (aka Oriental Land/1960-founded, subsidiary of Keisei Electric Railway Company) owns and manages the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu (Chiba Prefecture, Honshu Island).

Under the agreement, OLC will build and operate a Disney-branded cruise shipping business in Japan, planned to start in 2029-Q1.

The introduction of a Japan-based Disney ship will provide Japanese Disney fans with the unique opportunity to enjoy Disney-themed voyages, featuring signature entertainment, dining, and services, the whole year round.

Constructed by Meyer Werft Papenburg, the vessel will be similar/sistership to Disney Wish, with volume ~140,000 GT-tons, LNG-powered, with ~1250 passenger staterooms.

"Adventures by Disney" cruises to Antarctica

For 2021, DCL planned to introduce its first cruises to Antarctica and for 2023 its first Galapagos voyages, all via chartered ships. Both "expedition ship travel" options are offered by DCL's tour subsidiary "Adventures by Disney", and are Disney's ever-first expedition voyages.

Disney's Antarctica program is via a ship charter deal with the French premium travel brand Ponant Cruises .

Eventually postponed to 2023 (due to the COVID crisis), DCL's Antarctic program offers sailings visiting the Antarctic Peninsula (12-day/11-night itineraries via Drake Passage ) and with an overnight in Buenos Aires Argentina before the charter flight to Ushuaia Argentina (homeport).

In Ushuaia start and end the Antarctic voyages on the Ponant vessel Le Boreal ( max passenger capacity 264). Before boarding, tourists spend 2 days touring the area around Ushuaia (Patagonia). A sightseeing tour visits Tierra del Fuego NP and includes a train ride on the Southern Fuegian Railway (aka "Train of the End of the World"/the world's southernmost functioning railway) in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego Province.

DCL cruises to Antarctica include several days of exploration - landings and coastal cruising by Zodiacs (large-capacity rigid inflatable speedboats) that all Ponant ships carry onboard. An optional premium kayaking tour is also available for booking, as well as the 3-night hotel/4-day Buenos Aires guided tour package "Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise" (pre-cruise stay in Argentina's capital city).

Adventures by Disney recommends on Antarctic voyages children to be at least 12 years old and restricts bookings to minimum age 10 years due to "the duration of the trip, potential for extreme weather or sea conditions and the amount of physical activity involved".

Fares for Disney's first Antarctic cruises (2023) started at USD 12800 (EUR 10740/GBP 9180) for adults and USD 11500 (EUR 9560/GBP 8247) for children, with double occupancy. Deals are inclusive of two domestic flights (Buenos Aires-Ushuaia-Buenos Aires), 5-star hotel stay (at Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta Hotel), 31 meals total (11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners). DCL's Antarctic expedition experience features professional services by a team of naturalists, Disney-trained tour guides, Special Guests, Zodiac excursions and landings, shipboard activities (for adults and kids). International flights (to/from Ezeiza International Airport) are not included in cruise fares.

Bookings opened on November 12, 2021.

"Adventures by Disney" cruises in the Galapagos Islands

Adventures by Disney's Galapagos cruise program was inaugurated in 2022, with prices from USD 6300 (EUR 5290/GBP 4518) for adults and USD 5600 (EUR 4700/GBP 4016) for children, with double occupancy.

Disney's Galapagos Islands program is based on the chartered boat Galapagos Legend (1963-built, max passengers 110). Adventures by Disney limits Galapagos bookings with a min age 12-years-old.

DCL's Galapagos deals are inclusive of a 9-day/8-night package (roundtrip cruise itinerary with two domestic flights Quito-Baltra-Quito), 23 meals (8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners), 1-night Quito hotel stay (pre-cruise). International flights (to/from Wyndham Quito Airport) are not included in cruise fares.

Disney Galapagos cruise itinerary includes Quito City (hotel/Day1), Baltra Island (ship embarkation/Day2), South Plaza Island (Day3/morning guided Wildlife Walk), North Seymour Island (Day3/guided hiking tour and snorkeling), San Cristobal Island (Day4/Pitt Point debarkation, guide Coastline Tour-hiking-sea kayaking-snorkeling, Cerro Brujo Beach), San Cristobal Island (Day5/visit to Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve's breeding center, hiking to Cerro Tijeretas Hill, visit to Organic Farm & Restaurant), Espanola Island (Day6/Gardner Bay debarkation, guided hiking-swimming-snorkeling, hiking Suarez Point), Floreana Island (Day7/morning Walk Tour, guided swimming-snorkeling, visit to Post Office Bay, playing soccer with the cruise ship's crew, guided tour to Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown nad Champion Islet), Santa Cruz Island (Day8/visits to Charles Darwin Research Station, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Centro de Educacion Basica Oswaldo Guayasamin, Quiman Valle Coffee Farm, guided boat tour to Ballena Bay and Eden Islet), Baltra Island (ship debarkation, flight to Quito).

"Adventures by Disney" cruises in the Mediterranean/Adriatic

In October 2022 were announced DCL's first Adriatic Sea voyages (two 8-day itineraries on PONANT's ship Le Bougainville ) scheduled for 2024.

Disney's "Adriatic Expedition Cruise" itinerary is roundtrip from Venice City (Italy) visiting 7 Adriatic ports - in Croatia (Korcula, Primosten/Krka National Park, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj) and Montenegro (Kotor).

From Croatia (Rovinj) are organized bus tours to Slovenia for visiting Postojna Cave Park's Postojna Cave. Other excursion options include kayaking along Pakleni Islands (off Hvar Island's coast), bicycling in Hvar City's Stari Grad, and catamaran touring Montenegro's Boka Bay.

Up to 6 professional tour guides accompany Disney's cruise tourists and lead all activities (shipboard and ashore). Onboard adults-only activities feature cocktail workshops and fitness classes. 

Junior Adventurers (12 years old and under) can enjoy their own special programs that are led by the adventure guides, such as navigation lessons, a pizza party, a "Pirates of the Adriatic" swim party, and a "Dalmatian Dash" scavenger hunt.

Departures were scheduled for June 25 and July 2, 2024.

General public bookings opened on October 27, 2022. Priority bookings opened on Oct 24th.

"Adventures by Disney" river cruises

In Europe, Adventures by Disney partnered with one of the world's largest river cruise companies - AmaWaterways - offering its loyal customers river cruisetour deals on voyage-chartered boats.

A "voyage charter" is when the vessel (and its crew) are hired for a specific voyage (departure date and custom itinerary). The charterer (Disney) pays the shipowner (AmaWaterways) on a lump-sum basis (single payment) while the shipowner is responsible for paying port taxes, fuel costs and crew costs. The cruise charter specifies a laytime (period) for loading and unloading the Disney-provided (exclusive) passengers.

On the chartered from AmaWaterways riverboat, Disney provides its passengers with all-inclusive deals (accommodation, meals, entertainment, shore excursions) including an immersive and pro-active onboard and ashore program curated by Disney's family travel experts. A team of Disney Adventure Guides includes English-speaking professional storytellers who review the visited destinations (port cities, towns, land tour sites and attractions).

For season 2021, the mainly family-themed "Adventures by Disney" were part of Disney's ever-largest river cruise program - a total of 30 departures/itineraries on Danube and also in France (Seine, Rhine, Rhone). Traditionally, select voyages were exclusively reserved for families without kids, being themed on Food and Wine and Oktoberfest (with German beer tastings). New in 2021 was Disney's Rhine River program that included Papenburg where was offered an exclusive tour to the MEYER WERFT shipyard where MS Disney Wish was under construction at the time.

For April 2025, Adventures by Disney scheduled the launch of two new routes in Holland and Belgium. Both voyages are 7-day-long, roundtrips from Amsterdam and feature visits to windmills, famous museums, canal cruising, and beer and food tastings.

Disney ship cruising experience

Among the best family lines, with the most family-friendly cruise ships, and some of the most attractive cheap all-inclusive family cruise packages, The company is the world's leader in family cruising. "Disney World land and sea" packages are industry's best kids cruise deals for the Caribbean, operated with signature land resorts and large and modern liners.

Disney Cruise Line is a unique enterprise designed to provide the industry's best family ship travel vacation experiences. Disney offers regular departures from Florida USA to Eastern Caribbean (mostly to the Bahamas) from its own cruise terminal at Port Canaveral - just a few minutes away from Disney's capital city Orlando and world's best Disneyland Park. Among the special voyages are the Alaskan itineraries (leaving from Seattle and Vancouver Canada) during the Disney summer and the Panama Canal transition cruises on repositioning between Alaska and Caribbean.

All Disney ships are family-friendly. Each boat features a Walt Disney Theater (resembling Broadway house) and Buena Vista Cinema (for Disney movies). Studio Sea (TV sound stage and forum for G-rated live shows) is available on Magic and Wonder. Similar venue (named "D Lounge") is on Fantasy and Dream. "Disney Digital 3-D" (on Magic and Wonder) is a cinema experience with lasers, streamers, fog and lighting effects.

The main swimming pool areas on all Disney boats are geared toward families. There is a pool for kids (with 200-ft Mickey waterslide) and small sprinkler tub for toddlers. Adult-only pools are also fleetwide feature, though on the larger ships they encompass several decks.

The AquaDuck water park (Fantasy and Dream) is one of the first-ever watercoasters on a cruise ship. Located on top-deck, the slide has a transparent, acrylic tube propelling riders (on rafts) up and down 4 decks of the ship. At one point, the slide swings out 13 ft off the ship's side, 150 ft above sea level.

Palo restaurant is a boutique eatery on every Disney ship, offering Italian traditional cuisine. The Remy restaurant serves premium French dishes (on Fantasy and Dream) and comes with the highest at sea surcharge for dining - USD 85 pp.

The adults-only spa features rain forest steam room. The adults-only nightclubs on board are named "Route 66" (on Wonder), "Europa" (on Fantasy), "The District" (on Dream), "Beat Street" (on Magic). Another popular for adults venues are sports pub and dance club. The following link is to CruiseMapper's Disney secrets, tips, and tricks .

Disney ships' kids and teen programming

Company's kids' program is professionally organized and run by highly-trained and certified youth counselors. On each cruise liner are offered pre-scheduled daily character meetings, themed breakfasts, animation workshops, parades, firework shows. Onboard nurseries are named "It's a Small World" (on Fantasy and Dream) and "Flounder's Reef Nursery" (on Magic and Wonder). The ship nursery provides complimentary childcare for infants (ages 12 weeks-3 years) with toys and supervised fun activities. Nurseries feature indoor porthole windows (semi-transparent one-way mirrors) allowing parents to peek without being seen. For a fee is available online pre-ordering of baby supplies (via the brand partnership with "Babies Travel Lite").

Ship's "Oceaneer Club" spans nearly an entire deck. It is a supervised program for kids aged 3-7 yo (split into age groups 3-4 and 5-7). "Oceaneer Lab" (for kids split into age groups 8-9 and 10-12) offers hands-on science experiments, ship-wide scavenger hunts, themed deck parties (with Disney costumes provided), high-tech interactive programs. Children ages 11-12 can compete in marine biology game show and send to friends digital postcards.

Teens (aged 13-17) have private clubs (named "Stack" and "Aloft") fitted with plenty of chairs and couches, and offering MP3 listening stations, latest video games, popular board games, and magazines, teen bars (dispenser-served smoothies and soft drinks). On Fantasy and Dream teen are in 2 age groups - 11 to 13 (at "Edge") and 14 to 17 (at "Vibe", with an outdoor sundeck with hot tubs).

After boarding, kids are automatically enrolled in children's programs on Castaway Cay, which feature bike riding and supervised games by age group, private island experiences (Disney characters appearances are scheduled several times daily).

Most Disney cabins have bath-and-a-half - the second bathroom has a sink, toilet, vanity, the full bathroom has a sink, tub/shower, and toilet.

Shipboard facilities

Spa and Fitness Facilities

• Senses Spa & Salon (Dream and Fantasy)
• Vista Spa & Salon (Magic and Wonder)
• Fitness Center (all ships)
• Goofy's Sports Deck: (Dream and Fantasy) - an open-air centre with golf course, sports simulators, basketball-volleyball court
• Wide World of Sports (Magic and Wonder) - an open-air centre with basketball court, ping-pong tables.

Onboard Theatres (all ships)

• Buena Vista Theater - first-run movies, 3D cinema, top-notch equipment, plush seats
• Walt Disney Theater - live performances, Broadway-style themed Disney shows, movies.

Youth Clubs

• Disney's Oceaneer Club (all ships) - supervised themed activities ages 3-7
• Disney's Oceaneer Lab (all ships) - themed activities ages 8-12
• Edge (all ships) - teens-only, video games, TV, Internet
• Vibe (all ships) - teens-only, with a sundeck and a pool
• D Lounge (Dream and Fantasy) - family lounge and nightclub
• Studio Sea (Magic and Wonder) - family activities center
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Fantasy) - a kids make-up salon
• Arr-cade (Dream and Fantasy) - arcade (all ages)
• Quarter Masters (Magic and Wonder) - arcade (all ages)
• Flounder's Reef Nursery (Magic and Wonder) - themed after "The Little Mermaid" (ages 3 months to 3yo)
• It's A Small World Nursery (Dream and Fantasy) - 3 months to 3 years.

Shipboard Nightclubs and Lounges

• 687 - sports bar (Dream)
• Bon Voyage - family bar (Dream and Fantasy)
• Cadillac Lounge - piano bar (Wonder)
• Cove Cafe - adults-only (all ships)
• Currents - cocktail bar (Dream and Fantasy)
• District Lounge - nightclub (Dream)
• Diversions - sports pub, karaoke (Magic and Wonder)
• Evolution - disco club (Dream) - family during the day, adults-only at night
• O'Gills Pub - Irish themed sports bar (Fantasy)
• La Piazza - adults-only (Fantasy)
• Meridian - adults-only (Dream and Fantasy)
• Outlook Cafe - adults-only (Wonder)
• Pink - adults-only (Dream)
• Promenade Lounge (Magic and Wonder)
• Rockin' Bar D - music club (Magic), family (dailyy), adults-only (nightly)
• Sessions - piano bar (Magic)
• Signals - adults-only (Magic and Wonder)
• Skyline - adults-only (Dream and Fantasy)
• The Tube - adults-only nightclub (Fantasy)
• Vista Cafe - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• WaveBands club - family (day), a dance club at night (Wonder)
• Waves - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• Ooh La La - adults-only, Victorian furniture (Fantasy)

The FUN Pools (swimming pools)

• AquaDuck - 4 decks high water coaster (Dream and Fantasy)
• Donald's Pool - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• Goofy's Pool - family, incl 2 whirlpool spas, a toddler pool with splash zones, 7,3x4,3m LED screen on the forward funnel overlooking the pool (Magic and Wonder)
• Mickey's Pool - kids-only, 1 deck high slide (all ships)
• Nemo's Reef - kids area (Dream and Fantasy)
• Quiet Cove Pool - adults-only (all ships).

In March 2015, Disney Cruise Line introduced the "Mickey Check" meals fleetwide.

• Disney's "Mickey Check" is used throughout Disneyland Resorts and Walt Disney World at various locations. The mark is also on Disney-licensed food products. It is a part of "Disney Magic of Healthy Living" commitment (launched 2006) to make healthy eating simpler and more fun for families. These meals are offered in the onboard rotational (main dining room) restaurants.
• To receive "Mickey Check", food must be nutritious and meet the Walt Disney company's Nutrition Guidelines (created by leading child health experts) for levels of saturated fat, calories, sugar, and sodium. A "Mickey Check" kids' meal includes 3 or more nutritious food groups (vegetables, lean protein, whole grains), has zero trans fats and limited added sugar.

Since November 2019, on all Disney ships provide to their crew complimentary texting (sending and receiving unlimited text messages) on devices with iOS and Android operating systems.

Disney private island Castaway Cay (Bahamas)

Castaway Cay is a Bahamian private island leased by Disney Cruises. It serves as an exclusive port of call for Disney ships. Castaway Cay (formerly Gorda Cay) is located close to Great Abaco Island. In 1997, Walt Disney Company bought a 99-year island lease from the Bahamian Government (set to expire 2096), giving the company substantial control over the cruise ship passenger experience on the island.

In early August 2017 was announced that Disney is looking to buy a second Caribbean private island to be developed as an exclusive port of call for the company's new cruise ships. The reason for a new private island destination is that Castaway Cay has the capacity to handle ships with capacity up to 875 cabins, otherwise it becomes too crowded. Such a "private island" option emerged in 2016 with Egg Island (Bahamas). However, those plans were abolished after some environmental studies showing that the island's ecosystem would not sustain the planned development.

New Disney private island in the Bahamas (Eleuthera)

On October 19, 2018, The Bahamas officially issued a tentative preliminary approval of Disney Cruise Line's plan to build and exclusively operate a private cruise port ( Lighthouse Point ) on Eleuthera Island's southern tip. Project's developer will be the Walt Disney Company subsidiary Disney Parks and Resorts. The plan is for developing a land sized 746 acres (302 hectares / 3 km2) that Disney agreed to purchase. The new Disney ships-only port will have a dedicated pier (capacity 1 vessel), boat marina, shops, restaurants, passenger walkways through forests and around salt ponds.

Disney's new port project will create around 150 permanent local jobs plus various entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamian residents. However, The Bahamas Parliament must officially agree to the plan once all terms and conditions are agreed and proper environmental testing is conducted.

In early-March 9, 2019, Bahamas allowed Walt Disney to acquire (purchase) the resort property Lighthouse Pointe (at Grand Lucayan, Freeport) from Meritage Hospitality Group Inc (US company / restaurant operator). The property will serve as Disney's new cruise port (land area 190 acres / 77 hectares / 0,77 km2) that also doubles as "entertainment facility" (during no-ship days). By this project, Disney will invest between USD 250-400 million to develop the property as Castaway Cay. As part of the deal, Disney agreed to donate property's southernmost point (land value USD 6,3 million) to the Bahamas Government for a national park.

Core elements of Disney's new Bahamas port project include low-density development, sustainable design, free public access, economic opportunities for Bahamians, overall workers ratio 80-20% (Bahamian-other workers) during project's construction phase, creating 150 permanent jobs (with health benefits) for Bahamians after project's completion. Construction will start after the Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Plan are reviewed and Gov approved.

Currently, on Eleuthera island is located the Carnival Corporation -owned (via ist subsidiary Princess Cruises ) private island resort Princess Cays .

New Disney cruise cancellation policy

Since September 2018, Disney has a new final payment and cruise cancellation policy.

• Final payments for passengers booked in standard staterooms on itineraries with lengths 1- to 5-nights is due 90 days prior departure. The old policy required 75 days prior to departure. By the new policy, cancellation fees start at 89 days (customers also lose their cruise deposits). At 44 days, customers lose 50% of their payment, at 29 days - 75%, at 14 or fewer days - 100%.
• For passengers booked in standard staterooms on itineraries with lengths 6-nights or more, payment is due 120 days prior departure. The old policy required 90 days for itineraries between 5 and 9 nights. By the new policy, customers cancelling 56+ days prior departure lose their cruise deposit. Customers cancelling between 55-30 days - lose 50%, those cancelling between 29-15 days - 75%; those cancelling 14-days/less - 100%.
• For customers booked in concierge cabins and suites on itineraries 1 to 5 nights, final payment due date remains 120 days prior departure. On itineraries 6+ nights, final payment is due 150 days prior departure.

The company also eliminated final payments and cancellation fees for holiday cruises - voyages that include July 4th, Christmas, New Year's Eve or Thanksgiving Day.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, DCL-Disney suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all 4 liners) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

DCL cruise operations resumed in 2021 with the ships Disney MAGIC (July 15/UK cruises to nowhere from Southampton/Oct 28 starts Caribbean from Miami), Disney DREAM (Aug 9/Bahamas from Port Canaveral), Disney FANTASY (Sept 11/Bahamas from Port Canaveral), Disney WONDER (Nov 5/Panama Canal from San Diego to Galveston), Disney Wish (June 17, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Bahamas from Port Canaveral).

• DCL's Alaska 2021 program (Disney Wonder from Vancouver) was canceled. DCL's Europe 2021 program (Disney Magic) was canceled.
• Disney Magic's mini-season in Europe-UK (Around Britain itineraries) was for UK residents only.

All affected bookings received full monetary refunds, including on prepurchased through Walt Disney packages and services. With rebooking is offered 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) transferred to the new booking which must be made within 15 months of the canceled voyage's departure date. Without rebooking is provided full (100%) monetary refund.

Itinerary of Disney Cruise Line

By 2025, DCL-Disney Cruise Line's fleet will double its size following the introduction of two newbuilds (now on order/under construction) . To be deployed mainly in the USA-Caribbean, the new boats will be homeported in Miami ( Disney Destiny ) and Port Canaveral ( Disney Wish , Disney Treasure ).

DCL operates "Disney Cruise Line Terminal" in Port Canaveral Florida - the homeport for the liners Fantasy and Dream. Disney Magic is homeported in Miami Florida , Disney Wonder is homeported in Galveston Texas and San Diego California plus Vancouver BC Canada (to Alaska).

DCL offers various destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Panama Canal , Canada, and New England, Alaska, Pacific Coast USA, as well as Transatlantic crossings on repositioning. Most itineraries are roundtrips to The Bahamas, Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. During summer, Disney Wonder operates on Alaskan cruises from Vancouver. All DCL cruise itineraries to The Bahamas visit DCL's private Caribbean island CASTAWAY CAY (located north of Nassau ) as an exclusive port of call.

Since November 2023, Disney Dream is homeported (for the first time) in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA) . The new homeporting follows the ship's European deployment (Mediterranean from Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome, and UK-Baltic from Southampton). The 4- and 5-night itineraries visit ports in The Bahamas (Castaway Cay, Nassau) and Western Caribbean (Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman).

In 2023 (February 18th thru April 10th) Disney Magic was homeported in NOLA/New Orleans Louisiana . The program 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).

"Adventures by Disney" expedition voyages

DCL's subsidiary "Adventures by Disney" offers expedition-type cruise vacations via chartered ships.

The program started in 2022 and currently offers sailings in the Galapagos Islands (chartering Galapagos Legend ), Antarctica , and Europe/Mediterranean (chartering two PONANT ships - Le Boreal and Le Bougainville).

Adventures by Disney's 2024 schedule currently lists the following itineraries/departure dates:

• "Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise" departures in 2024 - March 17-25, June 9-17, July 14-22, August 7-15, December 18-26.
• "Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise" - departures in 2023 (December 17-28) and 2024 (February 17-28)
• "Arctic Expedition Cruise" departure in 2024 (July 1-10)

All "Adventures by Disney" cruises are English-speaking and served by professional tour guides.

(NEW) "Adventures by Disney" river voyages in 2025

On January 19, 2023, Adventures by Disney opened for booking two new river routes (scheduled for launch in April 2025) visiting popular port cities in Holland and Belgium.

Both voyages are 7-day-long, roundtrips from Amsterdam and feature visits to windmills, famous museums, canal cruising, and beer and food tastings (chocolate, cheese, waffles).

The "Discover Holland and Belgium Tour" itinerary's ports are Amsterdam, Utrecht , Rotterdam , Ghent , Brussels , Antwerp , Kinderdijk , Gouda , and Bruges . It includes a Rotterdam Pilgrim walking tour, a visit to Utrecht's Museum Speelklok and Castle de Haar, and an exploration of Brussels' influence on comic books. There's an adult-exclusive departure for this itinerary.

The "Tulip Tour" (inaugural departure on April 13, 2025, ship AmaLucia) visits Amsterdam, Hoorn , Middelburg , Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam , Kinderdijk, and Schoonhoven . Highlights include a visit to Keukenhof Gardens/Lisse and the Floralia Brussels (flower show at the Grand Bigard Castle).

The "Discover Holland and Belgium Tour" is scheduled for AmaStella ship (chartered in the summer) and AmaViola (chartered for the holidays), starting from June 28, 2025.

Prices for children started at US$4900, for adults at US$5500.

DCL cruise itineraries 2024-2025-2026

DCL has two year-round homeports in Florida USA (including its first full season out of Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ) and also operates voyages leaving roundtrip from California, Louisiana, and Texas.

Disney Dream commences in early 2024 with sailings to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean. Passengers can choose from 3- and 4-night getaways to the Bahamas and 5-night vacations to the western Caribbean, featuring classic Disney experiences like Broadway-style shows, character encounters, fireworks at sea, and innovative dining. All sailings from Florida include a stop at Castaway Cay , a private island oasis reserved exclusively for DCL guests. Located in the Bahamas' turquoise waters, Castaway Cay offers the ultimate escape for everyone, with relaxation, adventure, and quality time with the whole family.

Disney Wish is kicking off 2024 with 3- and 4-night journeys to Nassau (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) , Disney's homeport located just 1 hour from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Voyages aboard Disney Wish combine numerous Disney firsts and enchanting entertainment, bringing to life Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars stories.

Also from Port Canaveral, Disney Fantasy continues 7-night sailings to the beaches of the eastern/western Caribbean. Disney guests on eastern Caribbean voyages visit Tortola BVI and St. Thomas , while western Caribbean itineraries feature the ports of Grand Cayman , Falmouth (Jamaica) , and Cozumel (Mexico) . Every Disney Fantasy sailing also features a stop at Castaway Cay, as well as several days at sea.

Disney Magic has 2 limited-time engagements in Galveston Texas early 2024. After ringing in the New Year , the ship is expected to embark on Caribbean adventures ranging from 4 to 6 nights through the end of January. Upon returning for a month-long stint in March-April, the Magic ship will sail voyages ranging from 4 to 7 nights to the western Caribbean during the spring break period. New Orleans (Port NOLA) welcomes Disney Magic back for a 2nd consecutive year in February 2024 with 4-, 5- and 7-night cruises to the Caribbean. Families have the opportunity to arrive early/extend their vacation to enjoy jazz & jambalaya in the city that inspired "The Princess and the Frog."

After her return from an inaugural season in Australia & New Zealand, Disney Wonder is due to arrive in San Diego California in March 2024 for 3- to 7-night cruises to Mexico, including Baja peninsula. Popular for its vibrant culture, saltwater adventures, and stunning beaches, families are able to visit some of the most prized destinations in Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas , Ensenada , Puerto Vallarta , and Mazatlan along with stops on the shores of Catalina Island (Dominicana) off the California coast.

In March 2023, DCL-Disney Cruise Line announced the inaugural dates/select itineraries for its brand-new island destination in The Bahamas, headlining a season full of new and passenger-favorite itineraries around the world in the summer of 2024. Along with the first voyages to Lighthouse Point , families are able to choose cruise vacations to bucket-list destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, northern Europe, and Alaska.

In June 2024, Disney debuts its newest Bahamian destination on Eleuthera Island at Lighthouse Point. Passengers sailing aboard Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) can discover a vibrant beach retreat infused with the energy of Bahamian artistry and a commitment to conservation.

A 7-night inaugural voyage aboard Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) on June 8th allows passengers to be among the first to see the crystal-clear waters of the new destination at Lighthouse Point. The ultimate Disney island destination itinerary features 2 stops at Lighthouse Point and a day at Castaway Cay . On June 6th, a 3-night preview voyage on Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale offers a sneak peek of Lighthouse Point.

After the inaugural voyage, Lighthouse Point is to be a featured port of call on select 3-, 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas and the Caribbean on Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale. The itineraries vary stops between Lighthouse Point/Castaway Cay, with 5 special departures including both Disney island destinations.

In the summer of 2024, Disney Dream returns to premier European destinations in the Greek Isles, British Isles, the Mediterranean, and popular locales in Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords.

The sailings feature a number of new ports of call (Valencia, Haugesund, and Hamburg), along with 3 Mediterranean destinations that return for the first time since 2014: Catania, Kusadasi, and Valletta.

Mediterranean and Greek Isles voyages from Barcelona (Spain) and Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy) range from 5 to 11 nights, while northern Europe and the British Isles cruises offer itineraries anywhere from 3 nights to one 12-night journey that includes the Norwegian fjords, 3 days in Iceland and an overnight in Reykjavik (Iceland) .

Cruises to Alaska from Vancouver BC Canada return on Disney Wonder from May through to September 2024, with 5-, 7- and 9-night sailings.

Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish are due to sail to islands throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean in the summer of 2024. All voyages on the Port Canaveral-based liners feature a visit to Castaway Cay.

Disney Wish features 3- and 4-night Bahamian vacations, while Disney Fantasy sails to popular ports in the eastern & western Caribbean on 7-night cruises. One 5-night Disney Fantasy cruise in July takes families to Nassau with 2 stops in Castaway Cay, while a 10-night southern Caribbean journey gives families another chance to visit Lighthouse Point with additional visits to Antigua, Castaway Cay, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Tortola.

Disney Adventure ship starts revenue operations for DCL in 2025, with homeporting in Singapore and voyages in Southeast Asia (year-round deployment).

In June 2024, DCL unveiled two exciting seasons of itineraries, covering voyages from fall 2025 to spring 2026.

The fleet, including  Disney Fantasy ,  Disney Wish ,  Disney Treasure , and  Disney Dream , is due to visit Disney Cruise Line's signature island destinations,  Disney Castaway Cay  and  Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , ensuring voyages filled with quintessential Disney magic.

The itineraries feature tropical sailings from the Pacific Coast and Gulf of Mexico in late 2025 and early 2026. Additionally, the  Disney Wonder embarks on a 3rd season of voyages across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific from October 2025 to February 2026.

As part of Disney Cruise Line's themed sailings, families can look forward to creating memories on beloved holiday cruises, including Halloween on the High Seas and  Very Merrytime sailings  in September, October, November, and December 2025.

Summer 2025 itineraries (Europe & Caribbean)

In its debut summer season in Europe, Disney Fantasy sets sail from Barcelona Spain and Civitavecchia-Rome Italy , from May to late July. Itineraries (ranging from 5 to 12 nights) explore picturesque Mediterranean ports, including a special 12-night voyage to the Greek Isles.

From late July to September, Disney Fantasy is homeported in the UK  (Southampton England)  visiting popular destinations in Spain, Norway, and the British Isles.

Disney Wonder's Alaskan program is based on roundtrips from Vancouver BC Canada , and scheduled for May through September. Passengers can marvel at Alaska's stunning natural beauty and explore destinations such as Juneau ,  Skagway , and  Ketchikan .

In summer 2025, four Disney ships operate from Florida, with three departing from  Port Canaveral  and one from  Fort Lauderdale .

Disney Treasure ship offers 7-night Caribbean itineraries to Castaway Cay ,  Tortola BVI ,  St Thomas USVI ,  Falmouth Jamaica ,  Grand Cayman , and  Cozumel .

Disney Magic ship from Port Canaveral offers 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas and DCL's private islands.

Disney Dream ship from Fort Lauderdale offers 3- to 5-night voyages to  Nassau , Castaway Cay, and Cozumel.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Dream visit  Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point  (Disney's new Bahamian private resort,) in summer 2025. Some itineraries group both exclusive ports (Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay).

Disney Wish ship from Port Canaveral has scheduled 3- and 4-night roundtrips to Nassau and Castaway Cay, while the Disney Dream will operate from Fort Lauderdale on similar routes.

(animal cruelty) The Faroe Islands cruise boycott

In 2014, Disney was the first of all three (for now) cruise ship companies (followed in 2016 by AIDA and Hapag-Lloyd) that banned Faroe Islands (a Danish territory) as destination part of their North European itineraries.

The boycott is due to the island nation's traditional mass slaughter of pilot whales each year. The protected by Denmark gruesome practice of killing whales is called "Grindadrap Grind". Locals use motorboats to drive a pod of whales into a harbor. The defenseless animals are dragged to the shallow water and brutally slaughtered by locals armed with knives (16-19 cm / 6-8 inches long) while their families cheer them on. The killing party even rip out baby whales from their mothers.

The Faroe Islands have a population of ~50,000 and kill each year 1000+ pilot whales. You can see the cruise ship schedule of Torshavn - Faroe's most visited port. All cruise lines with scheduled visits to the Faroes are accused of supporting the brutal whaling practices. Whaling is still officially approved and carried out by the "civilized" countries Japan, Norway, and Iceland, killing over 2000 whales each year and trading in whale products.

Disney's response was to the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act" by the local government, which continues to allow pilot whales to be culled or massacred. It also empowers local authorities to imprison (for up to 2 years) people found guilty of impeding these whaling activities - despite all the international condemnations.

Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace are among the largest organizations taking direct actions against the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act". Most of the available online haunting images of slaughtered whales lying in a sea of blood are released by these organizations.

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Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Here's what you need to know about the five Disney cruise ships, including the new Disney Wish.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Disney Magic

Disney wonder, disney dream, disney fantasy, disney wish.

There's plenty that sets Disney Cruise Line apart from its competitors — and not just the endless soft-serve ice cream, family-friendly staterooms, or being able to hug Mickey Mouse on your way to a Disney princess-themed restaurant. All five Disney cruise ships are elegantly designed and provide high-end services. With the best activities to keep kids entertained throughout the day, along with relaxing escapes for adults, Disney cruises offer plenty for the entire family.

Disney Cruise Line's loyalty program, Castaway Club, offers members exclusive benefits before and during their sailings.

From immersive dining adventures to Disney's first-ever attraction at sea, these ships present truly magical vacations that visit a number of exciting destinations. Disney Cruise Line's ports of call include places in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and, of course, Disney's private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay. And depending on when you cruise, you may be able to pick from themed itineraries for Halloween and Christmas. Here's what you need to know about Disney cruise ships, including the newest vessel, the Disney Wish .

Meet the Expert

As  Travel + Leisure' s on-staff Disney expert, I visit Disney theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships several times every year. I most recently experienced the magic of Disney Cruise Line on the inaugural sailing for the Disney Wish in 2022.

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Class: Magic Class

Number of Staterooms: 875

As the original Disney Cruise Line vessel, the Disney Magic retains its charm while embracing a collection of modernizations and upgrades to feel good as new. This ship established Disney as the best cruise line for families , read on to see why.

Onboard Entertainment

Three Broadway-style shows are performed on the Disney Magic : "Twice Charmed," a twist on the Cinderella story; "Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic," an original show with cameos by characters like Peter Pan and Aladdin; and "Tangled: The Musical," Disney Magic’s signature show featuring stunning sets and beloved songs from the film.

In addition to nightly live entertainment throughout the ship, families can take in Marvel, Pixar, Disney, and Star Wars films currently in movie theaters at the full-size Buena Vista Theatre. On the outdoor upper decks, the Wide World of Sports offers basketball and ping pong, a selection of pools and hot tubs, and the famed AquaDunk water slide.

Exclusively For Kids

Whisk down a Slinky Dog slide in the "Toy Story"-themed Andy’s Room area, join the Lion Guard, or learn hero-worthy lessons from Thor within a Marvel Super Hero Academy — it’s all part of Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to children ages 3 through 12. There are even more exciting Disney experiences throughout Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Vibe teen club, and Edge tween club, all included with Disney Cruise ship sailings. (“It’s a Small World” nursery, which charges a nominal hourly rate, is also available for younger children.)

Experiences For Adults

Disney cruise ships are covered in high-end decor and thoughtful design that feel more classy and less kid-focused, but select adults-only experiences, including exclusive lounges and pools, still thrive. A collection of bars called After Hours has live music nightly at Keys, a ‘50s piano bar, and an opportunity to catch up on sports at O’Gills Pub, while Palo, a higher-end restaurant that requires a surcharge and reservation, is the ultimate date night. Don’t miss the “rainforest room” in the Disney Magic ’s Senses Spa, as well as adult beverage tasting seminars.

Disney Magic Dining

Guests on the Disney Magic cruise ship will rotate between three restaurants nightly. Rapunzel’s Royal Table provides a themed night of lively music, revelry from some Snuggly Duckling denizens, and an appearance by Rapunzel and Flynn Rider within a lantern-lined ballroom. Animator’s Palate is surrounded by mementos from Disney and Pixar animated films that “come to life” throughout dinner, and Lumiere’s channels the elegance of "Beauty and the Beast ."

Casual meals can be had at Cabanas or ordered via 24-hour room service on board the Disney Magic . Otherwise, stop by Duck-In Diner for hot dogs, chicken fingers, or a shawarma sandwich or enjoy a quick lunch at Pinocchio’s Pizzeria.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Castaway Cay, Disney's Private Island

Inaugural Year: 1999

A trip aboard the Disney Wonder can lead to familiar tropical escapes as well as a memory-making Alaskan vacation, with all the Disney cruise goodies included on board. Repeat cruisers love this vessel for its smaller size, which makes for a more intimate trip.

Disney cruise ships are famous for their nightly shows. "Disney Dreams — an Enchanted Classic" and "The Golden Mickeys" feature best-of-the-best Disney characters and music, but "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular," which brings Anna and Elsa's story to life with Broadway-style costuming and design, is a Disney Cruise Line favorite.

When you’re not enjoying Disney cruise activities like viewing Star Wars and Marvel films currently in theatres or playing ping pong and basketball at Wide World of Sports, there are plenty of pools, hot tubs, and AquaLab water play areas to enjoy on the outer decks. There’s even Disney Wonder’s Pixar Pals Party, a fun-filled celebration with characters from "Toy Story," "Up," and more, exclusively offered on Alaskan sailings with Disney Cruise Line.

Kids ages 3 to 12 can get up close to characters they love, dancing with Woody in a "Toy Story"-themed area, taking hero training with Captain America within Marvel Super Hero Academy, or building their own Mickey Roadster Racers in a Disney Junior games area on board the Disney cruise ship, as older kids enjoy their own slate of activities in Vibe teen club and tween hang The Edge. (There is also babysitting available for small children within the “It’s a Small World” nursery at a small fee.)

Make a reservation for Palo , an adults-only restaurant serving dinner each night and brunch on most sea days, or break for a pint at Crown & Fin Pub or a cocktail at Cadillac Lounge, housed within the Disney cruise ship’s After Hours section. There are also adults-only pool and outdoor areas on the Disney Wonder cruise ship, beverage seminars, and the Senses Spa’s “rainforest room”.

Disney Wonder Dining

Grab a slice at Pinocchio’s Pizzeria by Goofy’s Pool, a snack at Pete’s Boiler Bites, or some healthy fare at Daisy’s De-Lites — or hit the buffet at Cabanas, located on four Disney cruise ships. Dinner rotations bring diners to a new restaurant each night: Enjoy the flavor and fun of New Orleans at "The Princess & The Frog"-themed Tiana’s Place ; the elegant "The Little Mermaid" - inspired Triton’s ; or Animator’s Palate, which begins black-and-white and grows to be surrounded by color with a surprise at the meal’s end.

Related: Disney Cruise Secrets and Tips You Should Know Before You Go

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Class: Dream Class

Number of Staterooms: 1,250

This Disney cruise ship boasts variety shows like "The Golden Mickeys," an onboard spectacle celebrating Disney’s famed films and songs with plenty of character appearances, but its live rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" remains a signature show of Disney Cruise Line with its unfathomable sets, costumes, and performances.

Families can take in a round of outdoor mini golf on Goofy’s Sports Deck or stay inside to play Midship Detective Agency, a trio of interactive games featuring Muppets, Mickey Mouse, or Cruella de Vil. There’s plenty of aquatic fun to be had on this Disney cruise liner as well, with Nemo’s Reef for littles, an array of pools, and the AquaDuck, an onboard “water coaster” with views of the surrounding ocean, which is a Disney Cruise family favorite.

Packed with interactive features and themed spaces, Disney’s Oceaneer Club allows kids ages 3-12 to play in a "Toy Story"-themed room, explore Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell, and take a simulated flight on the Millennium Falcon. There are also activities with characters, like Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends, which lets young children play games alongside their favorite Disney characters, and more experiences within Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, tween hangs in Edge, and Vibe, a teen club with its own private pool.

Unwind at Senses Spa or indulge in upscale dining at Palo and Remy , both of which are exclusive to adults on board. (Be sure to make a reservation in advance.) Grab an after-dinner drink at Meridian, or head to The District for a bottle at Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar or drinks at Skyline, Pub 687, District Lounge, or Evolution.

Disney Dream Dining

Passengers on the Disney Dream will rotate between three different dinner eateries: elegant French fare at Enchanted Garden ; storybook fine dining at Royal Palace ; and a fully-immersive Animator’s Palate, bringing together the animated film libraries of Disney and Pixar for a meal filled with intrigue and surprise.

Order room service, hit Cabanas or Flo’s Cafe, a trio of Cars -themed eateries with chicken fingers and cheeseburgers, or grab a healthy smoothie at Senses Juice Bar or a special dessert at Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats for an additional fee.

Inaugural Year: 2012

Flex that vacation muscle at Disney Fantasy’s pools, including Nemo’s Reef for children and rides on the AquaDuck, a hybrid water slide and roller coaster with 765 feet of tubes above the top deck.

Uncover a hidden world of fun with Midship Detective Agency, an all-ages interactive game utilizing screens and props hidden throughout the ship. Watch current releases in the on-board Buena Vista Theatre or play basketball or experience VR sports simulators at sea on Goofy’s Sports Deck. At night, Disney Fantasy offers live shows including "Disney’s Believe," a narrative with visits from "Cinderella," "Mary Poppins" and " Peter Pan;" "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular;" and "Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular," the Disney ship’s headlining show.

Kids ages 3-12 can learn mystic arts from Marvel’s "Doctor Strange" in the Marvel Super Hero Academy, sing and dance with "Toy Story’s" Woody in Andy’s Room, encounter real Stormtroopers at the Star Wars : Command Post, or enjoy kid-friendly activities with Mickey Mouse and friends. There’s endless inventive fun across Disney’s Oceaneer Lab and Club, and for older kids, at Edge and Vibe clubs.

Whether you’re shopping around the ship, grabbing a gin and tonic at Meridian — or taking a beverage tasting seminar to learn more about them — there’s loads for adults to do. The Disney cruise ship offers two adults-only restaurants: Palo, which serves elegant Italian dishes, and Remy, a French coursed menu experience. Plus enjoy Europa, a collection of stylized bars including Ooh La La champagne bar and La Piazza, an Italian bar reminiscent of a carousel.

Disney Fantasy Dining

Three restaurants aboard this Disney cruise ship means something different every night, whether it’s the fairytale-inspired Royal Court , beautiful Enchanted Garden, or Animator’s Palate, which utilizes real-time interaction with a popular "Finding Nemo" character. Quick eats can be found at Cabanas restaurant and Flo’s Cafe, while fanciful sundaes at Sweet on You and shakes at Senses Juice Bar are worthwhile upgrades. (Cove Cafe, with its Mickey cappuccinos, is also a must.)

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Triton Class

Number of Staterooms: 1,254

The first ship in Disney Cruise Line's Triton class, the Wish will be joined by the new Disney Treasure , set to debut in late 2024.

Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Wish , is packed with brand-new entertainment for all ages. The AquaMouse — Disney's first-ever attraction at sea — and Toy Story Splash Zone provide aquatic fun; two cozy theaters show new and favorite Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars films; and the Walt Disney Theater features Broadway-style shows, including a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," "Disney Seas the Adventure," and "Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular."

Exclusively for Kids

At Disney's Oceaneer Club on the Wish , kids ages three to 12 can live out their Marvel and Star Wars adventures in the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars : Cargo Bay, and join their favorite princesses in Fairytale Hall. In the new Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, they can discover Imagineer secrets and design their own coaster. Edge and Vibe offer organized fun for older kids.

Experiences for Adults

The Disney Wish pulls out all the stops for adults, with lots of magical experiences just for them. Star Wars : Hyperspace Lounge offers intergalactic sips inspired by galaxies far, far away, The Bayou has a "Princess and the Frog"-themed menu in a beautiful setting, and The Cove includes an adults-only pool and bar. The ship also has a Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, a stunning restaurant offering a multi-course dinner that we think is totally worth the splurge. The Disney Cruise Line favorite Senses Spa is also on this ship.

Disney Wish Dining

In addition to the truly exceptional adults-only restaurants, the Disney Wish offers some delightful onboard dining for the whole family. 1923 serves California flavors in a space inspired by Old Hollywood; Worlds of Marvel features the escapades of Ant-Man and the Wasp; and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure is an immersive experience with singing, dancing, and visits from everyone's favorite Frozen characters. Casual dining is available at several venues throughout the ship, including Marceline Market and Mickey and Friends Festival of Food.

Related: T+L's Review of the Disney Wish

Related Articles

Disney Cruise Line Ships by Size and Age

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Disney Cruise Line is a top choice among family cruisers. Disney cruise ships offer an authentic Disney experience with fun for the whole family on the high seas.

The cruise line offers itineraries in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Alaska. If you sail with Disney, I highly recommend itineraries with stops at their private island, Castaway Cay. 

Below, we’ll look at Disney’s fleet of ships, from the smallest to the biggest ship and the youngest to the newest.

Table of Contents

Disney Cruise Ships by Size

Disney’s cruise ships have a lot to offer. In addition to meeting Mickey Mouse, Elsa, and other Disney characters, their ships feature fireworks at sea, spacious cabins, adult-only spaces, elegant decor, incredible dining options, and more.

Disney’s cruise ships aren’t the behemoth vessels sailing for Royal Caribbean or Carnival .

But don’t let that stop you.

Disney cruises are known for their family-friendly offering and incredible entertainment. Disney’s newest Triton-class of ships are on par with some of the mid-sized cruise ships.

Below, you’ll find a list of Disney’s cruise ships by size:

Disney Cruise Ships by Age

Disney has one of the oldest fleets in the cruise industry. DCL’s first vessel, Disney Magic , launched in 1998, shortly followed by Disney Wonder in 1999.

Though most cruise lines strive to innovate with new cruise ships released yearly, Disney seems to have taken a more traditional route. Their ships strongly focus on classic fun for the whole family, with the familiar splash of Disney magic you expect to find from the “House of Mouse.”

However, that is changing with the addition of Disney Wish in 2022. Wish became the first new cruise ship for the line in ten years. The new ship introduced many new thrills, including Cinderella’s Castle at Sea, Worlds of Marvel’s cinematic dining experience, Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, A reimagined kids club, and clever new uses of technology to bring magic to “passengers.”

There are three more Disney cruise ships on order, two more Triton-class vessels, and a Global-class cruise ship purchased from the now-defunct Genting Cruise Lines. 

Below, you’ll find a list of Disney’s cruise ships, from the newest to the oldest:

Disney Cruise Ship Classes

Disney Cruise Line currently has three ship classes:

Disney Cruise Ships on Order

Disney Cruise Line currently has two Triton-class ships on order and a third Global-class vessel. The two new vessels are expected to arrive in July 2024 and August 2025. Disney Adventure, the Global-class cruise ship, is set to launch in late 2025.

What is Disney’s Largest Ship?

The largest Disney cruise ship is the Disney Wish at 144,000 GT.

The vessel’s design is spacious and accommodating, with more passenger space than previous Disney ships. Although Disney Wish is 12% larger than the preceding Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , the new ship carries the same passenger capacity of 4,000.

What is Disney’s Smallest Ship?

At 83,000 GT, Disney Magic is the smallest and oldest Disney cruise ship.

The 964-foot Magic carries only 2,713. The cruise ship is also the shortest, with only 11 decks, compared to 15 on Disney Wish . Despite her small size, the ship is a favorite among guests, often receiving outstanding reviews from satisfied passengers.

How Many Ships Does Disney Cruise Line Have?

Disney Cruise Line has five cruise ships in operation, with three more under construction.

Disney’s cruise ship fleet includes Disney  Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , and Disney Wish . Two more Triton-class ships are currently under construction, with expected delivery in July 2024 and August 2025. A third, Global-class cruise ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2025.

What is the Newest Disney Cruise Ship?

The newest Disney cruise ship is Disney Wish , which debuted in July 2022.

Disney Wish is the first Triton-class vessel with two sister ships on order.

What is the Oldest Disney Cruise Ship?

The oldest Disney cruise ship is the Disney Magic .

Disney Magic was the first vessel in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet and entered service in 1998. Although the ship is over 20 years old, it receives regular updates and refurbishments to keep it fresh for passengers.

Are New Disney Cruise Ships Better?

Newer Disney cruise ships feature better technology, more activities, modern facilities, and updated decor. While old vessels are refreshed every three to five years, they don’t compare to the amenities and features offered by newer cruise ships.

After sailing on the Disney Wish, it’s hard to compare the older vessels, as they lack many new and exciting amenities on the newer Triton-class vessel.

Besides technology, the most significant difference between old and new Disney cruise ships is the vast number of Disney properties represented on the ship. While all Disney cruise ships feature Mickey Mouse, only the latest cruise ships feature themed amenities and characters from Frozen, Marvel, and Star Wars.

What Was the First Disney Cruise Ship?

The first Disney cruise ship was Disney Magic , which launched in 1998. Disney spent several years trying to strike a deal with Royal Caribbean or Carnival. However, the talks didn’t lead to any partnerships, so the company formed Disney Cruise Line.

Disney Magic was the first cruise ship to enter service for the new cruise line, with Disney Wonder following in 1999.

Marcello De Lio

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Disney Cruise Ships: Smallest to Largest

Doug Parker

• September 12, 2023

Disney cruise ships stand as far as cruise ships go. With over 25 years in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line appeals to both first-time cruisers and Disney enthusiasts.

Keep reading to learn about Disney Cruise ships, their unique features, and adult activities onboard.

The Evolution of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has come a long way since its first ship in July 1998, marking its 25th anniversary in July 2023. The first voyage of the Disney Magic set sail from Port Canaveral, marking a new and thrilling chapter for Disney.

Following the success of Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder embarked on its maiden voyage in 1999, and Disney has since added more ships to its fleet.

The latest acquisition, Disney Adventure, was recently acquired and is expected to debut in late 2025, with Singapore as its home base. 

Disney Cruise Ships by Size

The Disney Cruise Line fleet currently has five ships, one under construction and one undergoing renovations.

From smallest to largest, the fleet consists of : 

• Disney Magic 

Disney Wonder

Disney dream, disney fantasy.

• Disney Wish
• Disney Treasure is currently under construction
• Disney Adventure is currently under construction 

Disney Magic

• Launched: 1998
• Size: 83,969 GRT
• Shipyard: Fincantieri in Italy 
• Length: 984 feet 
• Passenger capacity: 2,713
• Passenger staterooms: 875

The first and oldest cruise ship, Disney Magic , had its first voyage 25 years ago on July 30, 1988. The cruise set out from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas.

Not only was this the flagship for Disney when it launched, but it was also the first vessel to visit Disney’s private island in The Bahamas called Castaway Cay .

Although all Disney ships are great options, some exclusive features on Disney Magic make it stand out. 

Other than bragging rights to say you sailed on Disney’s first-ever cruise ship , you will also be able to experience the AquaDunk. At this thrilling water slide, you will stand on a platform with anticipation, waiting for it to release and send you plunging three stories. From personal experience, you will keep wanting to go back. 

RELATED: Disney Cruise Line vs. Carnival Cruise Line, Which is Better?

Disney Magic is also the only Disney cruise with itineraries visiting Europe, with transatlantic voyages heading to Greece, Spain, the British Isles, and Norway. The Disney Magic is also the only ship that includes the Avengers Academy, allowing fans to fly with the one and only Iron Man. 

While a cruise with Disney is an excellent experience with your kids and for teens with kids clubs and the Oceaneer Club, if you’re hoping for some time away, there are plenty of adult-only amenities you can check out.

On deck 9, you will find the Quiet Cove Pool, or you can also enjoy some me time at the adults-only spa, Senses Spa & Salon. Palo is the perfect spot for date night, giving you an adults-only high-end dining experience with some of the best signature pizza and sparkling wine.

After dinner, you can head to the Fathoms nightclub, Keys Piano Bar, or O’Gills Irish Pub. 

• Launched: 1999
• Size: 84,130 GRT
• Passengers staterooms: 875

The second cruise ship to join the Disney fleet, the Disney Wonder , was on August 15, 1999, initially sailing for 3-4 nights to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. It now has an extensive range of itineraries with cruises heading to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, and Hawaii. The ship will sail to Australia and New Zealand starting in October 2023.

When boarding the Disney Wonder, you will be welcomed by a bronze Princess Ariel and The Little Mermaid decor. On the bow, you will find Steamboat Willie Mickey.

For an exciting meal, you can head to Tiana’s Place for dinner and a show featuring Princess Tiana herself. 

On the Disney Wonder, the adult district “After Hours” has a collection of 18+ venues and lounges. You can enjoy a beer at Crown & Fin Pub, dance the night away at Azure Nightclub, or enjoy a unique evening at the Cadillac Lounge, a unique lounge with a retro automotive vibe. 

• Launched: 2011
• Size: 123,000 GRT
• Shipyard: Meyer Werft in Germany 
• Length: 1,115 feet
• Passenger capacity: 4,000
• Passenger staterooms: 1,250

The third ship of the Disney fleet, the Disney Dream , first set out from Port Canaveral on January 26, 2011, to the Bahamas. Disney Dream is tied with the Fantasy for the 2nd largest ship in the Disney fleet.

Each voyage on the Disney ships is unique and exciting. While the Disney Dream is the sister ship and shares many commonalities with Disney Fantasy, they still have some features that make them unique.

Aboard the Disney Dream, you will find Admiral Donald Duck, and the stern character is Sorcerer Mickey. With a golden atrium, you will be in awe of the Swarovski crystal chandelier. 

To enjoy quality time without the kids, you can head to the adults-only area aboard the Disney Dream, “The District.” The District is themed based on taking guests on a virtual journey to various cities worldwide.

Each lounge reflects the ambiance of different cities, from The District Lounge resembling sophisticated lounges in New York to Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar transporting you to Paris. 

• Launched: 2012
• Size: 129,750 GRT
• Shipyard: Meyer Werft in Germany
• Length: 1,114 feet 

Setting out for the first time on March 31, 2012, the Disney Fantasy’s maiden voyage was from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, with a capacity for 4,000 passengers. At 1,114 feet long, the Disney Fantasy has a gross registered tonnage of 129,750. 

Disney Fantasy has a unique theme of art nouveau with an incredible statue of Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse in the lobby.

On Disney Fantasy, you also have the option to book a Pixar-themed cruise on specific dates available. Pixar Day at Sea is a fantastic experience offered only on Disney Fantasy to have a one-of-a-kind experience with all your favorite Pixar monsters, toys, and characters. 

Disney Fantasy’s adult-only district, “After Hours,” has unique features to enjoy some time away from the kids.

Inspired by the London nightlife scene, “The Tube” has a vibrant and energetic setting for dancing, “Skyline” showcases panoramic views of famous skylines from all over the world, and Irish Pub “O’Gills” is the perfect spot to grab a beer and get to know other cruise goers. 

Disney Wish (Triton Class)

• Launched: 2022
• Size: 144,000 GRT
• Length: 1,119 feet 
• Passenger staterooms: 1,254

As of 2023, the fifth and newest ship in service is the Disney Wish, embarking on its maiden voyage in July 2022. This is the first Disney ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), a much cleaner burning fuel. 

The Disney Wish was named after the Make-A-Wish foundation and named all children a part of the organization, the godchildren of the ship.

This is the first in the Disney fleet to showcase Minnie as the bow medallion character, and guests can meet her in her captain’s uniform. The ship also features a water roller coaster called the Aquamouse.

RELATED: Disney Wish Dining Guide by Venue

While on the other Disney ships, the adults-only area is grouped into a specific district, the Wish has 18+ venues. With two adult-only restaurants, Remy and Palo, you can sit back and relax while enjoying a child-free meal.

You will find a Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge on one part of the ship, the Triton Lounge on a different deck, and a Star Wars-inspired lounge on another.

While many adult-only venues exist, Disney Wish spread them apart, making a unique change from the past ships’ layouts. 

You can also visit the Hyperspace Lounge, a Star Wars-themed lounge offering the world’s most expensive cocktail at $5,000 . 

Disney Treasure (coming in December 2024 )

In September 2022, Disney announced their new ship, the Disney Treasure . The ship is estimated to start services in 2024 as part of the Wish class. It has a gross registered tonnage of 144,000, and at 1,114 feet, it can hold 4,000 passengers. 

Set to debut in December 2024, Disney Cruise Line’s new ship , Disney Treasure, aims to bring the enchantment of Disney theme parks to the high seas.

Inspired by Walt Disney’s love for travel and adventure, the ship will feature a variety of themed eateries, attractions, and accommodations that draw from iconic Disney World and Disneyland rides and areas. 

Among the unique offerings are a Periscope Pub inspired by the classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” attraction, a Jungle Cruise-themed lounge called Skipper Society, and a luxurious two-story Tomorrow Tower Suite.

Disney Treasure will offer seven-night Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral in Florida.

Disney Adventure (Coming in late 2025)

• Size: 208,000 GRT
• Shipyard: MV Meyer Werften
• Length: 1,1122 feet 
• Passenger capacity: Approximately 6,000

Originally named the Global Dream, Disney purchased the ship after Genting Hong, the original company, declared bankruptcy. Disney reportedly bought the ship for 40 million euros but plans to invest 1 billion euros into renovations. 

It is currently undergoing renovations at Meyer Werft. Disney plans to run itineraries with the new ship homeporting in Singapore . It has a capacity for 6,000 passengers and is sure to be one of Disney’s most iconic ships in the fleet yet.

What is the difference between the Disney Cruise ships?

Disney cruise ships offer a variety of design layouts and amenities that are specific to each ship, including distinct restaurants, entertainment, dining rooms, staterooms, activities, and beloved characters that can be found throughout the vessel.

Which Disney cruise ships are bigger?

The Disney Wish (144,000 GRT) is the largest cruise ship in the Disney fleet. However, upcoming vessel Disney Adventure (208,000 GRT) will surpass its size.

Which is the smallest Disney cruise ship?

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are the smallest ships in the Disney fleet, being 40% smaller than the Disney Wish.

What makes Disney cruise ships so unique? 

You will not find a casino on any Disney cruise ship. Every Disney ship has rotational dining, meaning you’ll never have two of the same dining experiences back to back. Disney also offers these nights like Pirate Night and Masquerade Night, which is topped off by evening fireworks at 9:00 p.m. 

Why are Disney Cruises so expensive?

Disney cruise ships are expensive because of the exceptional entertainment, dining, larger staterooms, and premium experiences that come with the Disney brand. Every sailing includes meet-and-greet opportunities with Disney characters, themed parties, rotational dining, and an evening capped off with fireworks.

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The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Disney may be a giant in the vacation business, thanks to its many theme park and resort complexes around the world. But in the world of cruising, it's a relatively small player.

Disney's 24-year-old cruising arm, Disney Cruise Line , only operates five vessels — a small fraction of the number you'll find in the fleets of cruising's best-known brands. The world's two biggest cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, by comparison, have 26 and 23 ships in their fleets, respectively. MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have 19 and 18 ships, respectively.

If you're thinking about going on a Disney cruise, it's relatively easy to get a handle on your ship options — much easier than it is at a line like Royal Caribbean.

At first blush, you only have to figure out the differences among five different ships. But, in fact, it's even easier than that because the five vessels can be bunched into just three groups. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

Each of these groups — known as "classes" in cruise industry lingo — is made up of ships that were constructed around the same time to the same basic design.

An introduction to Disney Cruise Line ships

As noted above, Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small player in the cruise world — even smaller than it might at first appear.

Not only does Disney have far fewer ships than the big cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian that dominate the cruise business, but Disney's ships also aren't as big as the biggest ships operated by those brands, and they don't carry as many passengers.

That makes Disney Cruise Line an even smaller brand, relative to the big lines, on a passenger capacity basis.

For instance, cruise giant Royal Caribbean has about five times more ships than Disney. But on a passenger capacity basis, based on double occupancy, Royal Caribbean is about 10 times larger than Disney Cruise Line.

That said, Disney's cruising division is getting bigger, fast. After going a decade without adding a new vessel, Disney Cruise Line is in the midst of building three more ships. The first of the new vessels, Disney Wish , just began sailing this summer, and two sister ships are due to begin operating in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The new ships, which collectively are known as the Wish class, are nearly doubling the line's size when measured by passenger capacity.

The Wish class is one of the three classes of ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Disney's two oldest vessels, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, make up its Magic class. Disney's two next two vessels, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, make up its Dream class.

Related: 17 tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line

Ships in class: Disney Wish (2022); Unnamed (coming 2024); Unnamed (coming 2025).

Size: 144,000 tons.

The Wish class is the shiny new thing at Disney Cruise Line, with the first vessel in the series (Disney Wish) having just arrived in July. At 140,000 tons, Disney Wish is only a tad bigger than Disney's last two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. But it has a whole new array of Disney wow on board, from a Star Wars-themed " hyperspace lounge " that offers a "window" view of passing starships to Marvel- and "Frozen"-themed restaurants.

First looks: Disney Wish's new 'Frozen' dinner show | Disney Wish's new Marvel-themed restaurant

In addition, cabins on the ship include seven ocean-view rooms located over the bridge, a first for Disney Cruise Line. The rooms have extended living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow and out across the ocean. If that isn't enough, there also are four Royal Suites with a Sleeping Beauty theme, two of which feature a two-story floor plan.

Designed with families in mind (as is the Disney way), Disney Wish's cabins are built with lots of extra berths for kids. While its 1,254 rooms can hold 2,508 passengers at double occupancy (the way most cruise lines measure passenger capacity), it can sail with as many as 4,000 passengers when every pull-down bunk and pull-out sofa in cabins is filled.

The top deck of Disney Wish also is particularly family-friendly, with such attractions as a new-for-the-line high-tech water ride called the AquaMouse. Other notable new features on Disney Wish are a reimagined Oceaneers Club (the area for kids ages 3 to 12 on Disney ships) where children can enter via a slide. The Oceaneers Club also offers a Marvel Super Hero Academy where kids can design (and virtually fly) in their own super suit.

TPG has posted an extensive array of first-look reviews and guides of Disney Wish in the wake of its unveiling, including:

• Exclusive first look: Peek inside the new Disney Wish
• 7 things about Disney Wish that surprised us
• 9 things you'll only find on Disney Wish
• Yes, there's a $5,000 drink on Disney Wish — but it's more than a drink
• Why Disney Wish isn't just for kids

Disney Wish is just the first of three new Wish Class ships that Disney Cruise Line will roll out by the end of 2025. The ship currently is sailing a year-round series of three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral (near Orlando, Florida).

Dream Class

Ships in class: Disney Fantasy (2012); Disney Dream (2011).

Size: 129,690 tons.

Disney's Dream Class ships — Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy — are not all that much smaller than Disney Wish, and they also feature several over-the-top attractions, such as the 765-foot-long AquaDuck water coaster that encircles the main pool deck of the vessels.

Designed as a ride that parents can do with their little kids (read: fun, but not too scary), the AquaDuck is a two-person raft ride through a transparent acrylic tube raised up above the pool deck on stilts. If you're an engineering type, you'll be amazed as much by its construction as the experience.

Both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also are home to a kiddie waterslide, a deck-top kiddie play area and several pools. The ships' insides are loaded with huge children's play areas, family entertainment and even an adults-only zone packed with bars and clubs.

The children's areas include such Disney movie-themed pizzazz as a Marvel Super Hero Academy area and a "Star Wars" command post.

The two Dream Class ships also are known for windowless inside cabins that still have an ocean view, thanks to "magical portholes" that offer a real-time glimpse of the outside. These portholes actually are screens built into the walls of the cabin to give the illusion of a porthole view.

If the above idea sounds a little hokey, it is. But the illusion is surprisingly real. The addition of the screens really changes the feel of the rooms. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were the first two cruise ships in the world to offer such virtual windows in normally windowless inside cabins — an idea since copied by Royal Caribbean.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

For many years, Disney based both Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream in Port Canaveral, the line's main Florida port. But with the arrival of Disney Wish, the line has moved Disney Dream to Miami for most of the year. Disney Dream is operating short sailings out of Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean, while Disney Fantasy is devoted to longer Caribbean sailings.

Both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy — like all Disney ships — cater heavily to families when it comes to cabin configurations. In many cabins on the ships, you'll find extra pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas that will allow for four or even five people to stay in a single cabin.

All the extra bunks can make for some confusion when comparing the passenger capacity of the ships to vessels at other lines. Both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are designed to hold 2,500 passengers, based on double occupancy — that is, with two people per cabin. But with every pull-down bunk and pull-out sofa filled, the total occupancy of the ship jumps to 4,000.

In another major nod to families, most cabins on the Dream Class ships (and on the Wish Class and Magic Class ships, too) have two bathrooms — one with a sink and a toilet, and one with a sink and a shower or tub. This is something you rarely see in the cruise world, and it's designed to make it easier for families sharing a room to get ready in the morning.

Magic Class

Ships in class: Disney Wonder (1999); Disney Magic (1998).

Size: 84,000 tons.

While more than a decade older than the Dream Class ships and more than two decades older than Disney Wish, Disney's two Magic Class vessels still feel up to date, thanks to major makeovers in recent years.

An overhaul of Disney Magic brought such cutting-edge features as the AquaDunk, a 37-foot-tall body slide that careens over the side of the vessel. Disney Magic also got a new outdoor kiddie fun zone called AquaLab. An overhaul of Disney Wonder brought a new French Quarter Lounge with New Orleans-inspired live entertainment and drinks.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have multiple pool areas and indoor children's zones that cover almost an entire deck, plus multiple indoor restaurants (in Disney tradition, passengers — and their waiters — rotate each night among three main restaurants) and lounges. They also have large showrooms for nightly Disney-themed shows.

Still, overall, the Magic Class ships have a more intimate feel than the Wish Class or Dream Class ships, in no small part due to their smaller size. The difference in size is quite noticeable. At around 84,000 tons, the Magic Class ships are about 42% smaller than Disney Wish and 35% smaller than the Dream Class ships.

Because they offer fewer and smaller attractions and venues than the newer Wish Class and Dream Class ships, Disney Cruise Line typically uses Disney Magic and Disney Wonder for its more destination-intensive itineraries — trips where you're going to spend much of your time off the ship and onboard amenities are less important.

Disney Magic, for instance, is the ship that Disney sends to Europe every summer for itineraries that are all about exploring cities such as Barcelona and Rome (reached via the port of Civitavecchia, Italy). Disney Wonder is the ship Disney sends to Alaska each summer; it's also recently been assigned to spend much of its time sailing out of San Diego to Mexico.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder hold 1,754 passengers at double occupancy. With every pull-down bunk and pull-out sofa filled, the capacity for both ships jumps to 2,713.

Like the Wish Class and Dream Class ships, the Magic Class ships boast lots of cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families.

Bottom line

The Disney Cruise Line fleet is relatively small and easy to understand. For now, there are just three classes of vessels with a total of five ships. If you're looking to experience the most advanced, modern, amenity-filled ships in the Disney fleet, you'll want to look at the Wish Class or Dream Class vessels. But the Magic Class vessels are wonderful ships, too. Among their pluses: They offer more intimacy than the other ships and a broader range of itineraries.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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• What to pack for your first cruise

Disney Cruise Ships by Size [2024] with Comparison Chart

By jeremy camosse may 2021.

All Disney Cruise Ships by Size, from biggest to smallest. See how your DCL ships stacks up on the list!

Below you'll find a complete list of Disney Ships by Size . From their smallest ship, the Disney Wonder, to the largest Disney cruise ship duo, the Disney Wish and Treasure.

While some cruise lines differ in size by a factor of 5x between their biggest and smallest ships, Disney has less variance . It also has significantly fewer ships.

Once completed, the Disney Treasure will be the fleet's 5th ship. Compare that to Carnival and Royal Caribbean's massive fleets (totalling roughly 60 ships).

However, the difference in size between the Wish Class of ships vs Dream Class is worth noting. The Wish and Treasure are roughly 72% larger than the Wonder and Magic! If you're in the "bigger is better camp," you'll want to opt for the Wish Class.

Here at Gangwaze, we don't discriminate when it comes to our Disney ship size. Sometimes we need a bit more breathing room. Think... big family reunions. While other times we prefer a cozier cruise.

First, a little clarification is needed before checking out our sizing chart below. We're comparing Disney cruise ships by size using the metric, " Gross Tonnage ." This always causes a few shoulder shrugs in our community. We're not simply talking, "weight." The definition is a bit nuanced. And by "nuanced, we mean "boring." Here it is nonetheless.

GROSS TONNAGE

A nonlinear measure of a ship's overall internal volume. Gross tonnage is calculated based on the moulded volume of all enclosed spaces of the ship and is used to determine things such as a ship's manning regulations, safety rules, registration fees, and port dues, whereas the older gross register tonnage is a measure of the volume of only certain enclosed spaces.

Hey, wake up! So why do we use this measurement to determine Disney Ship Sizes? As noted above, it's used for safety rules and whatnot. As such, it's the standard across this cruise line and all others. Every passenger cruise ship will have this measurement . That makes it easy to compare ship size across ship, class, cruise lines and more.

Ok, we're done with today's course on maritime verbiage. Here's the good stuff.

Below you'll find all Disney ships ranked by size (in Gross Tonnage). Additionally, you'll find a number of other stats in our ship list. These include ship length, beam, draft, passenger count, and a few others for your viewing pleasure.

Disney Cruise Ships by Size

Largest to Smallest

Your experience on any of the above ships will be consistent. You'll find the same cast of characters and many of the same dining venues and attractions. With Disney, you really can't go wrong.

When choosing our next DCL vacation, we tend to look at factors other than size . More importantly, there are varying itineraries, departure ports, cruise lengths, pricing and more. You can click through any of the ships below to find our pricing page.

Here's a menu of all Disney Ships by Size. Click on any for quick access to ship stats for that vessel.

Disney Ships List

Listed by Size (largest to smallest)

Disney Ships

• 1) Disney Wish
• 2) Disney Treasure
• 3) Disney Dream
• 4) Disney Fantasy
• 5) Disney Wonder
• 6) Disney Magic

Below we've listed all Disney Ships by size, including a bit more info. You'll find the following metrics: gross tonnage, ship length, year built, total staterooms on board, passenger capacity, and crew members.

Disney Wish

1) disney wish size.

The Wish has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 144,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,119 feet ( 341 meters) in length and falls in line as number 1 among the 6 active ships that make up the fleet. Disney Wish is included in Disney’s Triton Class. At full capacity, the Disney Wish holds 5,458 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,458 staff members. The Wish total number of staterooms is 1,239 .

Disney Wish Size & Stats

• Gross Tonnage : 144,000 GT
• Length : 1,119 ft (341 m)
• Beam : 135 ft (41 m)
• Draft : 28 ft (9 m)
• Max Speed : 28 mph (24 kn)
• Year Built : 2022
• Years Served : 2022-Present
• Capacity : 4,000
• Crew Members : 1,458
• Total on Board : 5,458
• Total Staterooms : 1,239
• Flagged Country : Bahamas
• Ship Cost : 900 Million
• Status : active

To see how this compares, click through to see Disney Wish age and stats vs all Disney ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for Disney Wish Deck Plans .

Disney Treasure

2) disney treasure size.

The Treasure has a construction date of 2024 and a total size of 144,000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,119 feet ( 341 meters) in length and falls in line as number 2 among the 6 active ships that make up the fleet. Disney Treasure is included in Disney’s Wish Class. At full capacity, the Disney Treasure holds 5,555 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,555 staff members. The Treasure total number of staterooms is NA .

Disney Treasure Size & Stats

• Beam : 128 ft (39 m)
• Draft : 27.2 ft (8 m)
• Max Speed : 26 mph (23 kn)
• Year Built : 2024
• Years Served : Future-2024
• Crew Members : 1,555
• Total on Board : 5,555
• Total Staterooms : NA
• Ship Cost : 1,000 Million

To see how this compares, click through to see Disney Treasure age and stats vs all Disney ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for Disney Treasure Deck Plans .

Disney Dream

3) disney dream size.

The Dream has a construction date of 2011 and a total size of 129,690 gross tons. The ship measures 1,115 feet ( 340 meters) in length and falls in line as number 3 among the 6 active ships that make up the fleet. Disney Dream is included in Disney’s Dream Class. At full capacity, the Disney Dream holds 5,458 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,458 staff members. The Dream total number of staterooms is 1,250 .

Disney Dream Size & Stats

• Gross Tonnage : 129,690 GT
• Length : 1,115 ft (340 m)
• Beam : 137 ft (42 m)
• Draft : 27 ft (8 m)
• Year Built : 2011
• Years Served : 2011-Present
• Total Staterooms : 1,250

To see how this compares, click through to see Disney Dream age and stats vs all Disney ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for Disney Dream Deck Plans .

Disney Fantasy

4) disney fantasy size.

The Fantasy has a construction date of 2012 and a total size of 129,690 gross tons. The ship measures 1,115 feet ( 340 meters) in length and falls in line as number 4 among the 6 active ships that make up the fleet. Disney Fantasy is included in Disney’s Dream Class. At full capacity, the Disney Fantasy holds 5,458 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,458 staff members. The Fantasy total number of staterooms is 1,249 .

Disney Fantasy Size & Stats

• Max Speed : 25 mph (22 kn)
• Year Built : 2012
• Years Served : 2012-Present
• Total Staterooms : 1,249
• Ship Cost : 950 Million

To see how this compares, click through to see Disney Fantasy age and stats vs all Disney ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for Disney Fantasy Deck Plans .

Disney Wonder

5) disney wonder size.

The Wonder has a construction date of 1999 and a total size of 84,130 gross tons. The ship measures 964 feet ( 294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 5 among the 6 active ships that make up the fleet. Disney Wonder is included in Disney’s Magic Class. At full capacity, the Disney Wonder holds 3,658 passengers. That includes 2,713 cruise vacationers and 945 staff members. The Wonder total number of staterooms is 875 .

Disney Wonder Size & Stats

• Gross Tonnage : 84,130 GT
• Length : 964 ft (294 m)
• Beam : 106 ft (32 m)
• Draft : 25 ft (8 m)
• Year Built : 1999
• Years Served : 1999-Present
• Capacity : 2,713
• Crew Members : 945
• Total on Board : 3,658
• Total Staterooms : 875
• Ship Cost : 350 Million

To see how this compares, click through to see Disney Wonder age and stats vs all Disney ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for Disney Wonder Deck Plans .

Disney Magic

6) disney magic size.

The Magic has a construction date of 1998 and a total size of 83,969 gross tons. The ship measures 984 feet ( 300 meters) in length and falls in line as number 6 among the 6 active ships that make up the fleet. Disney Magic is included in Disney’s Magic Class. At full capacity, the Disney Magic holds 3,658 passengers. That includes 2,713 cruise vacationers and 945 staff members. The Magic total number of staterooms is 876 .

Disney Magic Size & Stats

• Gross Tonnage : 83,969 GT
• Length : 984 ft (300 m)
• Year Built : 1998
• Years Served : 1998-Present
• Total Staterooms : 876
• Ship Cost : 400 Million

To see how this compares, click through to see Disney Magic age and stats vs all Disney ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for Disney Magic Deck Plans .

The Treasure and Wish both weigh in at 144k gross tons, topping the list of largest ships in the fleet. These two are significantly bigger than the opposite end of the spectrum. The Magic and Dream tip the scales at 84k.

The Dream and Magic each measures 84k gross tonnage. These two will offer a more intimate experience when compared to the Wish class of ships.

The fleet consists of six ships varying in tonnage from 144k to 84k. The average gross weight is 119k gross tons. The average length is 956 feet.

The price of a Disney cruise isn't directly correlated with size. You won't find that the bigger the ship, the more the cost. Nor will you find the opposite. You won't necessarily pay less for the largest Disney ship vs the smallest. It will all depend on the specific itinerary. To get a sense of pricing, please click through any ship above and you'll see detailed pricing statistics.

We hope that the above list of Disney Cruise Ships by size helped you to find your ideal ship.

If interested, we also have a post showing Disney Fish Exchange Gifts Disney Fish Exchange Gifts. The FE program is a ton of fun. These are time-tested, kid-approved gifts they'll love to get.

Everything we know about Disney Destiny, coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2025

F or a hero to actually become a hero, they often need a villain. You'll find plenty of both types of iconic Disney characters on Disney Destiny, poised to set sail in 2025.

The ship goes beyond fairy-tale princesses and Marvel superhero spaces with venues like the first-ever piano lounge dedicated to Cruella de Vil and a "Pirates of the Caribbean"-themed pub where perhaps the more villainous types might spend their time.

Before we dive into all the specifics of what you'll find aboard Disney Destiny, know that it's a 144,000-ton Wish Class ship. That means it is the same size and in the same class of ships as both Disney Wish , which first set sail in 2022, and Disney Treasure , which will do so in late 2024. The Disney Wish Class ships have 1,258 cabins that, when fully utilized with every pull-down bunk and pullout sofa filled, can hold about 4,000 passengers.

Disney Wish was the line's first new ship in more than a decade. However, Disney Cruise Line is on a very hot growth streak that will see the line expand from its current five ships to 13 ships by 2031 , assuming all goes to plan.

When Disney Destiny begins sailing for Disney Cruise Line on Nov. 20, 2025, it will do so out of South Florida from Port Everglades . This is notable, as it marks the first time that a new Disney ship has utilized a port other than Port Canaveral, its initial home port.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney Destiny theme

The ship's name, Disney Destiny, might give you a huge clue as to its theme. Expect to find many spaces devoted to both the heroes and the villains. After all, it's the intersection and duality of both that are needed to propel heroes forward ... to their ultimate destiny.

Of course, your family's voyage aboard Disney Destiny isn't just about the Disney characters' stories and journeys. It's also about finding your own destiny, and the themed spaces and characters set that stage.

For example, the illustration on the bow will depict Minnie Mouse "striking a valiant pose in a heroic ensemble, her cape waving majestically in the sea breeze as she boldly leads guests toward their vacation destinies," the line has said.

In the ship's Grand Hall, you'll find a very different look and feel than the Cinderella "enchantment" vibes on Disney Wish. Instead, Disney Destiny will feature a statue of T'Challa from the "Black Panther" and a color palette all around the massive atrium that's inspired by the fictional Kingdom of Wakanda.

Even the light fixture hanging above the Grand Hall will carry that theme. It is inspired by Vibranium, a powerful, rare metal found in Wakanda. (Don't be shocked to discover it might feature a few special effects.)

Of course, no Disney ship would be complete without a character adorning its stern. Spider-Man has this honor on Disney Destiny. It marks the first time Disney Cruise Line has selected a Marvel character for this prominent position.

Disney Destiny cabins

Like the other Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Destiny will have five main categories of cabins: Inside, Ocean-view, Verandah, Concierge and Royal Suites. Expect the price to generally rise in that ascending order.

Most cabins will have Disney's signature split bathroom so multiple family members can get ready at once. Additionally, all the cabins will feature custom artwork that depicts the journeys of Disney legends from "Fantasia," "The Incredibles" and "Hercules," among other Disney films. The scenes will vary based on the room category and the type of cabin.

Some noteworthy facts about the Disney Destiny cabins include that the concierge rooms provide access to some exclusive areas and amenities, such as a concierge lounge stocked with special food and drinks, along with a sundeck just for concierge guests.

Disney Destiny will also offer seven ocean-view rooms inspired by "The Incredibles." The rooms will be located directly above the bridge and feature floor-to-ceiling windows.

Other notable accommodations will include four Hero Suites, which celebrate the heroes of "Hercules" with a design inspired by Greco-Roman architecture, colors and patterns, and IncrediSuites, which bring in the fun, bold, midcentury modern aesthetic featured in "The Incredibles" Pixar films.

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge level worth it? We tested it to find out

Destiny Tower Suite

In addition to the previously mentioned uniquely themed cabins and suites, Disney Destiny is home to another even more special suite where you can rest your head.

In recent years, Disney Cruise Line has created a new purpose for its "nonfunctional" funnel, a massive 2,000-square-foot suite that debuted on Disney Wish. This two-story funnel suite aboard Disney Destiny (with a massive two-story window) can sleep up to eight guests. The suite will draw inspiration from "Iron Man," with design elements and decor inspired by Tony Stark's industrial designs.

Disney Destiny restaurants

All of Disney's ships implement what Disney calls " rotational dining " among three different restaurants , meaning cruise passengers — and their serving team — rotate together through the three different included restaurants on each night of the cruise. Disney Destiny will offer four- and five-night sailings, so you'll get the chance to double up and visit one or two of the restaurants twice for dinner.

Disney Destiny will be home to two restaurants we've seen before on Wish Class ships and one that's brand-new.

Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King

This all-new restaurant is a savanna-inspired venue themed to "The Lion King." It will replace the "Frozen"-themed show you will find on Disney Wish and the "Coco"-themed experience on Disney Treasure.

Disney shares that on Destiny, we should expect animals and nature to come to "life" via lighting and special effects, while the window-lined back will transform into sunrise and sunset throughout the dinner.

As families dine, a colorful ensemble of live musicians and storytellers will take center stage and bring to life the music and story of "The Lion King," with performances of "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata" and "Be Prepared."

Worlds of Marvel

The Worlds of Marvel restaurant, which is on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will return on Disney Destiny. On this vessel, it will also feature "Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix," which will first roll out on Disney Treasure in late 2024. Expect Groot to plan a special birthday for his bestie, Rocket Raccoon, that includes music and trivia to round out the offerings.

Also awaiting guests on Disney Destiny is 1923, a restaurant with a California-inspired menu named in honor of the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.

Like previous iterations of the venue on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the decor in 1923 will feature sketches, storyboards and more from Disney animated movies. However, don't be surprised if design elements in this version of the restaurant place an extra emphasis on heroes and villains.

Edna A La Mode Sweets

Unique to Disney Destiny will be a sweets shop themed to the incomparable Edna Mode, "The Incredibles" fashion icon responsible for making the world's best superhero outfits.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The adults-only restaurants Palo Steakhouse and Enchante will also return on Disney Destiny. These restaurants require reservations and, unlike the rotational restaurants previously mentioned, are not included in the cost of your cruise. However, I'd say splurging on a meal at one of these spots is some of the best money you can spend at sea .

Disney Destiny bars and lounges

In keeping with its heroes and villains theme, Disney Destiny will be the first — and, so far, only — Disney ship where you will find many of its villain-inspired bars and lounges .

De Vil's piano lounge

Have you ever seen a Dalmatian-spotted piano? Well, you will have that chance on this vessel, thanks to Cruella's own De Vil's piano lounge. It will be located just off the Grand Hall, which will make it very easy to pop in before or after doing almost anything else on the ship — including dropping off your kiddos at the Oceaneer Club since this space is adults-only.

Expect a glamorous Hollywood regency-style venue with on-trend cocktails, wine and martinis that are so cool even one of the most iconically stylish villains would approve.

Haunted Mansion Parlor

Passengers can enjoy their "spirits" at the Haunted Mansion-themed parlor (both on Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny). The venue will replace the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge found on Disney Wish .

This lounge brings in the magic, humor and styling of the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction at Disney parks in the setting of a classic drawing room from the golden age of ocean liners.

Don't be surprised if some characters from the Haunted Mansion attraction, along with perhaps some of their new seafaring friends, come out to socialize while you're enjoying their parlor and its ghoulish beverages.

Related: Everything we know about Disney Treasure

Cask and Cannon

New on Disney Destiny, this pub is designed to make any "Pirates of the Caribbean" fans on board feel right at home.

Naturally, Cask and Cannon will offer an extensive rum menu, including some rare and vintage selections. Beer will also be available, including some that were developed just for this location (and served straight from the barrel, of course). Passengers will have their pick of unique options to enjoy while they watch sports and more on the pub's TVs.

The Sanctum

Another new lounge on Disney Destiny, The Sanctum is inspired by Doctor Strange's New York Sanctum and his sorcery. The space will feature a massive circular mirror behind the bar and might even hold a few mystical artifacts. Cruisers who pop in for a visit can expect a variety of surprises. The centrally located space will host activities throughout each voyage and serve alcoholic beverages and coffee.

Off the central Grand Hall, you'll also find Cafe Megara, named after the heroine of the Disney animated movie "Hercules." It will pay homage to that film's world of ancient Greek gods and heroes. The other, Cafe Merida, will celebrate the flame-haired heroine of Pixar's "Brave" with a Celtic-centered design that invokes her family's Scottish Highlands heritage, Disney has shared.

Located adjacent to Enchante and Palo, The Rose will be the ideal spot for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. The bar's atmosphere is reminiscent of the enchanted castle from "Beauty and the Beast," providing an excellent, somewhat upscale place to enjoy the view and toast to the evening ahead.

Disney Destiny activities

On Disney Destiny, you can expect to enjoy many similar amenities and activities to other recent Disney ships. This will include the kids clubs , which range from a nursery (ages 3 and under) and the Oceaneer Club (ages 3 to 10) to a tween club called Edge (ages 10 to 13), and the Vibe teen club (ages 14 to 17).

The ship will also host a Hero Zone so you can play and train for your next encounter with a villain. Here, you can take part in action-packed physical challenges and game-show-style competitions with your family. Of course, you can also head to the Senses Spa and find some time to rest and relax between adventures. Additionally, the "Rapunzel"-themed Untangled Salon and Hook's Barbery may have surprises in store as daytime shaves and haircuts turn into a happy hour.

Like sister ships Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny will feature a 760-foot AquaMouse interactive waterslide on its upper decks — but with an upgrade. It will have a fourth show with villains from the Disney Animation Archive and be backed with a soundtrack written just for Disney Cruise Line. You'll also find a variety of pools and a splash pad area for the little kids.

Two movie theaters will feature some of the latest Disney hits. Additionally, the Walt Disney Theater will showcase three Broadway-style productions, including "Frozen, a Musical Spectacular," "Disney Seas the Adventure" and "Hercules," the latter of which you'll only find on Disney Destiny.

Related: Disney cruise AquaDuck, AquaDunk and AquaMouse: What are the differences?

When will Disney Destiny set sail?

Disney Destiny will set sail on its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 20, 2025. This four-night cruise will stop at both of Disney Cruise Line's island destinations — Disney's Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point .

This will be followed by the ship's inaugural season of four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, with ports such as Nassau, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. All sailings will also include a stop at one or both of Disney's two private island destinations in the Bahamas.

How much does it cost to sail on Disney Destiny?

Naturally, how much it costs to sail on Disney Destiny varies pretty dramatically depending on when and where you sail.

To give you a sense of what to expect, for double occupancy, prices start at $2,282 for an interior cabin or $2,810 for a verandah cabin for the cheapest sailing, which is a four-night sailing in January 2025 after school is back in session. For a family of four, that same sailing would start at $3,880 for an inside cabin and $4,440 for one with a verandah.

However, on the more peak holiday sailings, the prices do jump quite a bit. During the winter holidays, around Christmas and New Year's, starting rates for sailings for a family of four can range from $8,000 to $11,000. And, of course, many sailings are in between those two pricing extremes and will set a family back $4,500 to $6,000, depending on the cabin selected.

Bookings for Disney Destiny are currently open.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY CRUISE VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Bottom line

If you find it hard to keep up with all the different ships Disney Cruise Line is rolling out, we're totally with you — but we're also here to help.

Next up to join the fleet is Disney Treasure, which will set sail very soon, at the end of 2024. Disney is also building a 9,000-passenger ship called Disney Adventure. Geared to the Asian market, the vessel will home port in Singapore beginning in 2025. Disney Destiny will follow, debuting in November of 2025. Another ship in Asia is coming in 2029, and it will be based in Tokyo .

Beyond that, the line recently announced four more ships that will join the fleet by 2031.

As you can tell, a lot is happening at Disney Cruise Line, but if it is Disney Destiny and its litany of offerings for both heroes — and villains — that you want, get ready to start booking. In November 2025, you can get on board and chart a course to your own destiny, Disney-style.

Planning a Disney cruise? Start with these stories:

• 26 Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey
• Is a Disney cruise for adults? Here are 5 reasons why I say yes
• So you think you're not a cruiser? Why this new ship may be the one to prove you wrong
• We tried a $10,000 concierge suite on Disney Wish to find out if it was worth the extra cost

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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Yahoo Finance

Is lindblad expeditions (nasdaq:lind) one of the worst cruise stocks to buy now according to short sellers.

We recently compiled a list of the 10 Worst Cruise Stocks to Buy Now According to Short Sellers . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) stands against the other cruise stocks.

The cruise industry accelerated after taking a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), ~35.7 million passengers are anticipated to set sail in 2024. This translates to 6% growth as compared to 2019. JP Morgan Research highlighted that major cruise lines enjoyed a successful 2024 wave season between January and March when operators provided the best deals. CLIA highlighted that, in 2023, the passenger volume touched a record 31.7 million, exhibiting a rise of 7% over 2019 levels.

Wall Street experts believe that travel exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are well-placed to soar on the back of a resurgence in consumer demand for travel-related activities, supported by post-pandemic recovery and changing consumer behaviors. Amidst some short-term challenges, the long-term outlook for the travel sector is positive as a result of demographic shifts and an increased preference for experiential spending.

Positive Demographic Shifts Should Be a Primary Growth Enabler

Earlier, Baby Boomers used to make up the core consumer base for the broader cruise industry. Today, however, an increased number of younger travelers continue to come on board. As per CLIA, ~73% of Millennials and Gen X travelers mentioned that they would consider a cruise vacation. Also, a renowned cruise company has recently mentioned that half of its cruise customers are Millennials or younger. This is because of rising affluence. Moreover, according to the bank’s research, the spending capacity of Millennial customers has seen an increase of ~49% since 2019. Today, the average net worth of an individual aged 40 or under sits at ~$259K.

The cruises continue to attract more first-time passengers. The cruise companies are seeing “new-to-cruise” in their 2025 bookings, with this customer category rising by more than 30% versus a year ago.

The bank believes that cruise operators are improving and modernizing their offerings to make them appealing and highlighted that key operators continue to invest in new hardware, notably mega-ships and private destinations. This has been driving more eyeballs to the broader cruise and tourism industry, accelerating new-to-cruise acquisition. CLIA recently highlighted that the cruise industry has been deploying billions in new ships and engines which give flexibility to use low to zero-GHG fuels with little to no engine modification.

Cruises Over Land-based Activities

According to a survey by the bank’s research division held in April, only ~29% of respondents have excess savings. Notably, ~45% of the respondents are expected to spend less in discretionary categories over the upcoming 12 months. This implies an increased cautious behavior even in the environment of moderating inflation.

This scenario is placing cruise voyages, that are cheaper than land-based vacations, in a strong position. Consumers are focused on value within discretionary categories. The value spread between cruises and land-based alternatives stood at 25%-30% today as compared to 10%-15% pre-pandemic. Despite higher inflation, cruise lines continue to focus on improved experiences, without compromising quality or service. This should further enhance their value.

Despite a tough consumer spending environment, both ticket and onboard prices increased over the past few months. This means that the demand backdrop is strong for the overall cruise industry. The bank’s research shows that more than 85% of tickets have been booked for 2024, with a focus now turning to 2025 and bookings already exceeding historical levels. Moreover, the industry should grow revenues by high-single digits over the upcoming 5 years, tapping ~3.8% of the global vacation market by 2028.

Our methodology

To list the 10 Worst Cruise Stocks to Buy Now According to Short Sellers, we used a Finviz screener to filter out stocks catering to the cruise business. Next, we narrowed our list of stocks by selecting the ones having high short interest. Finally, the stocks were ranked in ascending order of their short interest.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points ( see more details here ).

Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND )

Short % of Float (As of 15 August): 6.98%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) offers expedition cruising and adventure travel services.

As of 15 th  August 2024, the company’s short % of float stood at ~6.98% as short sellers believe that geopolitical headwinds have negatively impacted travel itineraries. The company’s margins remain pressured despite elevated activity. This was mainly because of lower occupancy as compared to the pre-Covid levels. Also, cost inflation led to higher expenses which have impacted its margins. On a TTM basis, its operating margin was -6.01%.

In its 2Q 2024 results, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) highlighted that higher general and administrative costs limited the gains in Lindblad segment’s Adjusted EBITDA.  These costs were led by higher personnel costs and increased royalties associated with the expanded National Geographic agreement. Considering the geopolitical issues, there can be pressures on its occupancy levels. Also, increased debt might weigh on the company’s future. As of 2Q 2024 end, its Long-term debt (less current portion) stood at $623.5 million, an increase from $621.7 million (as on December 31, 2023).

However, Wall Street experts believe that the recently announced transactions are expected to drive future growth. The company announced the acquisition of Wineland-Thompson Adventures, which expands Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND)’s land experience segment with Tanzania safari specialist Thomson Safaris, and Gibb’s Farm lodge in East Africa. Market experts believe that the main competitive advantage is its ability to provide premium experiences, as the company specializes in smaller and more expensive adventure cruises. As a result, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) has built a strong loyalty base of wealthy customers.

The company expanded its partnership with National Geographic in November 2023. It is now the only partner for National Geographic cruises until 2040. It will be with The Walt Disney Company, which is an affiliate of National Geographic, providing expansion opportunities.

B. Riley upped their price target on the shares of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) from $15.00 to $16.00, giving a “Buy” rating on 23 rd  August. As per Insider Monkey’s 2Q 2024, 16 hedge funds were long Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND), up from 15 in the preceding quarter.

Ariel Investments , an investment management company, released first-quarter 2024 investor letter.  Here  is what the fund said:

“In contrast, shares of luxury adventure travel services company,  Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.  (NASDAQ:LIND) traded sharply lower in the quarter on an earnings miss and cautious full year 2024 outlook, as geopolitical headwinds negatively impact travel itineraries. Importantly, LIND continues to deliver positive performance within its land-based segment, while management remains disciplined in not sacrificing long-term pricing for sea-based voyages to stimulate near-term demand. Looking ahead, we believe LIND’s stable land-based segment will continue to anchor the company’s profitability. We also expect the enhancement of its strategic relationship with Disney/National Geographic to provide a meaningful tailwind for multiple expansion as the company extends its market share in the expedition tourism niche.”

Overall LIND ranks 7th on our list of the worst communication stocks to buy according to short sellers. While we acknowledge the potential of LIND as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued AI stock that is more promising than Z but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock .

READ NEXT:   $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley  and  Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA ‘Has Become A Wasteland’ .

Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at  Insider Monkey .