At first glance a Disney Cruise can seem more expensive than other mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. However, once you start looking at what is included, you’ll see it’s actually a pretty good value – you’re not being nickled and dimed like you are on other cruise lines.
Here’s a summary of what’s included on a Disney Cruise:
Dining
3 Main dining rooms
This is a big deal considering how other cruise lines are moving away from traditional dining towards up-charge restaurants. DCL continues to favor the classic model but with a twist: Rotational Dining. There are three main dining rooms on each ship. You (and your table mates and serving team) rotate through the different dining rooms during your cruise for a different experience and cuisine every night.
Buffet
The buffet is open during breakfast, lunch and dinner (if you want to skip the main dining room). There is also one of the main dining rooms open each day for breakfast and lunch if you’d prefer a more formal meal.
Quick service counters
Multiple locations are available all day with grab and go items like pizza and sandwiches
Room service
Available for free, 24 hours a day with the exception of canned soda and packaged snacks (extra charge). Order warm cookies and milk before bed and coffee to be delivered as a wake up call!
BBQ lunch buffet on Castaway Cay
You won’t starve on Disney’s private island or need to bring your wallet
Soft Drinks
This is a biggie – most other cruise lines charge for soda individually or make you buy a drink package. Not Disney – you can fill up any time of day.
Soft serve ice cream
Have as much as you want – and the specialty flavors change each day. My favorite is mango!
Activities & Entertainment
Disney is an entertainment company, so you’d expect the activities and entertainment offered to be top notch. You won’t be disappointed. So much to do and see, and all included in your cruise fare:
Live theatrical productions
We’re talking Broadway-quality theater productions. Always family friendly. You’ll also see magicians, comedians and musical entertainment in the main theater.
Movies
We’re talking first run movies, and depending on when you sail you may get to see a premier before folks at home if a new Disney or Pixar movie is coming out soon.
Deck parties
No where else can you go and get to dance with Mickey and Minnie Mouse while you sail off into the sunset. On pirate night, there are even fireworks at sea!
Sports court
Want to play mini-golf? Basketball? Foosball or ping pong? Head to Goofy’s Sports Deck!
Character meet and greets
That’s right – just like at the parks (except with shorter lines) your kiddos can meet characters and princesses and get autographs and take pictures – definitely a DCL exclusive!
Kids clubs & Youth Activities
Not surprisingly, DCL’s kids clubs are second to none. The facilities are amazing and the staff are so wonderful you may have a hard time getting your kids to leave the clubs!
Lounge entertainment / family activities (game shows, trivia, etc)
All day long you’ll find something to do for adults or families in the various lounges and public spaces
Fitness Center
There is a fully equipped gym available AND very nice locker room facilities that are free of charge
Castaway Cay facilities & activities
Disney’s private island is a beautiful oasis – and you need not spend a dime to enjoy it. Beach chairs, towels, hammocks, umbrellas are all provided. You can even enjoy non-motorized water sports for free.
What’s not Included
The list of what’s included on a Disney cruise is impressive, but it’s also important to know what isn’t included, so you can budget for these expenses. Here’s a rundown of extras:
Dining
As explained above, most dining IS included, but if you want any of the below, there are charges
Palo / Remy
On all four ships, you’ll find the adults-only specialty restaurant Palo ($40/pp). On the Dream and the Fantasy, there is also a second restaurant, Remy (again it is adults-only, $90-$125pp).
Alcohol
As on other ships, alcoholic beverages are extra. Beer & wine packages are available. But the good news – you can actually bring on your own alcohol onboard in your carry-on luggage!
Specialty Coffees
Regular coffee is available free, but you can order cappuccinos and lattes, etc for an up-charge
Bottled Drinks
Soft drinks are available free from the drink stations, but if you prefer bottled or canned beverages you’ll have to pay extra for them
Packaged snacks
Candy and packaged snacks are available for purchase outside the movie theater (popcorn as well). You may also pack packaged and sealed snacks from home and bring them in.
Smoothies
While you can get soft serve ice cream for free, smoothies will cost you extra, as well as sweet treats at Vanellope’s (the Dream) and Sweet on You (the Fantasy)
Activities & Entertainment
There is tons to do for free, but some other activities you’ll need to budget for:
Port transfers
You have to get there, right? Unless you live in Port Canaveral, you’ll need to include transportation. If you fly in or come from a Disney resort, then port transfers will cost you $35pp each way. There are other options as well, and I’ll talk about that in another post. If you drive to the port, you can park there for $19/day and up (depending on length of stay)
Shore Excursions
Disney calls these Port Adventures. You can choose to do one in each port, or none at all. They vary widely in cost, but the most popular range on average from about $30 – $250 per person.
Gear rentals and excursions on Castaway Cay
You can rent snorkel gear ($34), bikes ($13), floats ($13) or all three ($46) or you can book Castaway Cay adventures like parasailing or fishing.
Nursery care (under 3)
If your children are too young for the kids’ clubs, you can pay for childcare in the nursery at $9/hour
Bingo
Games happen each day on board, and kids can play too if they are with an adult
Alcohol / wine tastings & mixology
These (obviously) adult-only activities are a fun option on at-sea days and usually run around $20-$35 per person
Spa treatments & Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Expect to pay about 50% more than you’d pay for an equivalent treatment on land at the spa. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (princess & pirate makeovers for kids) will run you $60-$195
Wifi
If you need to stay connected, you’ll pay dearly: from $19 (100mb) to $89 (1000mb) or .25/mb for pay as you go. Those megabytes add up quickly too!
Photo packages
There are many professional photo opportunities onboard. You can buy these photos ala carte ($20.95 for an 8×10) or pay for a package ($149 – $349)
Gratuities
You may add your gratuities to your shipboard account ahead of sailing or be charged at the end of sailing. The recommended amount is 13.50 per person, per night. This covers your stateroom steward and the dining room staff. If you are unhappy with your service you can speak to guest services about adjusting your amount. Many people also choose to leave more.
What do you usually spend over and above your cruise fare on your cruise vacations? Do you find Disney Cruise Line to be a good value for the cost? Leave your comment below. Interested in planning a Disney cruise? Fill out my CONTACT form for a no-obligation quote or email me at rebecca@magicaltravel.com
