Destinations / Disney / Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line Travel Guide
Disney Cruise Line costs more than other big lines, and it's the most consistent. Kids clubs, rotational dining and big stage shows are included. Adults get their own pools, lounges and restaurants. I match you to the right ship, because the newer ships feel very different from the older ones.
Disney Cruise Line
Where I'm sending people now
Wish, Treasure and Fantasy sail from Port Canaveral. Destiny and Dream sail from Fort Lauderdale. Magic is in Galveston this winter and Wonder in San Diego. Both head to Alaska in summer 2027. Disney Adventure sails from Singapore.
For the Bahamas I like late January through April for weather and non-holiday pricing. Fall is often cheaper, but it's hurricane season (June to November). Alaska sailings run in the summer.
A 4-night Bahamas cruise on the Wish for four in an inside room ran about $3,900 to $6,800 with gratuities for late 2026 and early 2027 dates. Gratuities are $16 per guest per night.
Port adventures, Palo and cabanas open 75 days out for first-timers and up to 123 days for Pearl members, only once you've paid in full. Cabanas sell out fast. Palo dinner went a la carte in late October 2026.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Most Bahamas sailings leave from Port Canaveral, so fly into Orlando (MCO), about 45-60 minutes away by Disney's bus transfer or a car service; some ships sail from Fort Lauderdale (FLL). I always have clients fly in the day before, because the ship won't wait for a delayed flight.
Getting around
You don't need a car: everything is on board or walkable at port, and Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay have trams. If you drive to Port Canaveral, the cruise terminal charges a daily parking fee.
Money and tipping
Suggested crew gratuities of $16 per guest per night (more in Concierge) go on your onboard account automatically, and bar and spa charges add 18%. Bring some cash for porters at the terminal and for tipping in Nassau.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Board at Port Canaveral, sail-away party
Day 2 Nassau, beach day or excursion
Day 3 Castaway Cay, Disney's private island
Day 4 Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point or a sea day
Day 5 Return to Port Canaveral
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Things to do in Disney Cruise Line
Where to eat in Disney Cruise Line
Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King
Plaza de Coco
Enchanté
Remy
Palo / Palo Steakhouse
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Disney Cruise Line FAQ
Which Disney ship is best for a first cruise?
The Wish, Treasure or Destiny. They're the newest US-based ships, with the best dining shows and adult spaces. The Fantasy is a good cheaper option out of Port Canaveral.
When can I book Palo, port adventures and cabanas?
75 days out for first-time guests, 90 for Silver, 105 for Gold, 120 for Platinum and 123 for Pearl. The window only opens once you've paid in full.
Is Palo still a set-price dinner?
No. Palo moved to a la carte dinner pricing fleetwide in late October 2026. Platinum and Pearl members get a $55 per-person credit toward dinner.
Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay?
I like having both. Castaway Cay is easier to get around. At Lookout Cay you walk a half-mile pier (10 to 15 minutes) to the tram, so plan for heat and slower walkers.
How much are gratuities?
Disney recommends $16 per guest per night, kids included. Concierge rooms are $27.25. Bar and spa charges add 18%.
Do I need a passport for a Bahamas cruise?
On a cruise that starts and ends in the same US port, US citizens can use a birth certificate and photo ID. I still recommend a passport in case you have to fly home from a foreign port.
What's the Disney Adventure?
Disney's largest ship, sailing 3- and 4-night trips from Singapore since March 2026. It has Disney's first roller coaster at sea, Ironcycle Test Run.
Is a new Disney ship coming?
The Disney Believe debuts December 18, 2027, sailing 4- and 5-night trips from Fort Lauderdale. More new ships are planned through 2031.