If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect family vacation, a Disney Cruise might just be the ultimate adventure for your crew! Combining the magic of Disney with the relaxation of a cruise, it’s a getaway designed with families in mind – especially those with kids of all ages!
My family and I have been on two Disney Cruise ships as of today: the Disney Wish and the Disney Magic! We sailed on the Disney Wish to Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s Castaway Cay. The Disney Magic took us to Progreso, Mexico. Both were absolutely amazing and magical, and my children lived their best life!
Non-stop Entertainment for All Ages
From the moment that you step on board, Disney Cruise Line delivers the kind of wow-factor kids will NEVER forget! Broadway-caliber shows starring favorite Disney characters, such as The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Aladdin, Minnie, and more, entertain your family each night. There are always themed deck parties. Our favorite is the Pirates’ Parlay deck party, which takes place on Pirate Night, and ends with a fireworks show! (Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line that is allowed to have fireworks in the open sea!) Combine this with character meet-and-greets that bring the magic to life for kids – a Disney Cruise is hard to beat! Kids can enjoy movies poolside all day long and under the stars each night. The whole family can participate in interactive game shows, trivia contests, and craft activities. Plus, it is always fun to spot your favorite Disney character walking through the ship’s hallways!
If you jump onboard one of Disney’s magical, themed cruises that they offer throughout the year, such as their Marvel Day at Sea; Very Merrytime Cruise; Halloween on the High Seas; Pixar Day at Sea; or the Star Wars Day at Sea, you and your family are in for an extra special treat. These themed cruises stand out by offering exclusive entertainment, rare character meet-and-greets, and immersive decorations that transform the ship into a floating celebration of your favorite stories and seasons.
My family went on one of the Very Merrytime Cruises, and it was absolutely amazing. Each night, there was an extra themed deck party. We got to watch Mickey and friends light up the massive golden tree, with the help of Santa. Santa Claus had story time with children and photo opportunities. The Disney Wish was so beautifully decorated. It truly was magical!
Amazing Kids’ Clubs (That They Won’t Want to Leave)
Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are absolute kid favorites. Designed for children ages 3 – 10, these immersive spaces feature everything from Star Wars and Marvel zones to princess makeovers and crafts with Toy Story friends. And don’t worry – it’s all supervised by trained Disney counselors. For the littlest cruisers, the “it’s a small world” nursery offers a safe and cozy space for ages 6 months to 3 years.
Disney also offers club spaces for Tweens and Teens. The Edge is a great, tech-savvy space for 11 – 14 year olds. Designed with vibrant, colorful decor and cool lounge areas, Edge features video games, music, movies, and interactive experiences tailored specifically for this age group. Friendly counselors lead daily activities like game shows, dance parties, scavenger hunts, and themed challenges that keep tweens engaged and entertained. Kids can be themselves, make new friends, and join in on exciting activities. With no parents or younger siblings allowed, the Edge gives tweens their own slice of independence – making their Disney cruise experience just as magical as the rest of the family’s.
In the Vibe, 14 – 17 year olds get to have their own hangout. At this ultimate hangout, the older kids get to find their independence, have some fun, and make some new friends. The Vibe is set in a trendy, loft-style space and features comfy lounge areas, big-screen TVs, music stations, video games, dance floors, and even smoothie bars on some ships. The club hosts daily activities, just like the Edge, where teens can participate in live karaoke, trivia contests, themed parties, and movie nights – all led by cool approachable counselors who make everyone feel welcome. Whether your teen wants to be social or just relax, the Vibe is the perfect spot for them to unwind, connect, and enjoy their own kind of Disney magic!
Relaxation for Parents, Too
While Disney Cruise Line is famously family-friendly, it also offers a world of exclusive experiences tailored just for adults. From serene escapes to sophisticated dining, adults can enjoy a relaxing, romantic, or fun-filled getaway while the kids are off enjoying the youth clubs. Adults can unwind at the Quiet Cove Pool, a peaceful adults-only retreat, or indulge in a luxurious massage at the Senses Spa & Salon. If you’re stopping at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay offers a tranquil beach setting just for adults, complete with hammocks, beachside cabanas, and ocean-view spa treatments.
When it comes to dining, adults can savor upscale cuisine at Palo or Remy, featuring gourmet Italian and French dishes, with optional wine pairings and ocean views. In the evenings, Disney Cruise Line transforms into a lively adult scene with exclusive lounges, nightclubs, and bars offering live music, dancing, karaoke, trivia, and themed parties. Add in activities like wine tastings, mixology classes, art auctions, and boutique shopping, and you’ll find that Disney cruises aren’t just for kids – they’re a perfect getaway for grown-ups too!
Dining That’s Both Magical and Easy
The thing that I feel sets Disney Cruise Line apart from other cruise lines is the rotational dining. Disney’s rotational dining system means your family rotates through different restaurants each night, but your servers stay with you – so they get to know you, your preferences, and your kids’ favorite meals! Plus, themed dining experiences keep little ones engaged, and there’s always a wide range of kid-friendly options available.
Family-Friendly Shore Excursions & Disney’s Private Islands
Many itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private islands: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Both of these islands are tropical paradises made just for families.
Castaway Cay is one of Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas, exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. Designed with families in mind, the island offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a wide range of activities for all ages – from snorkeling and bike riding to water play areas and character meet-and-greets (we got to see Captain Jack Sparrow stumbling the streets). While kids enjoy the supervised Scuttle’s Cove play area, adults can retreat to the tranquil, adults-only Serenity Bay beach for total relaxation. With a delicious island barbecue, private cabanas, and convenient tram service around the island, Castaway Cay is a highlight of any Disney cruise and delivers a perfect blend of adventure and tropical escape.
Disney’s Lighthouse Cay at Lighthouse Point, located on the souther tip of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, is Disney Cruise Line’s newest private island destination. Unlike the whimsical themes of Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay immerses guests in authentic Bahamian culture and natural beauty. The island features vibrant architecture inspired by local seashells, art installations by Bahamian artists, and daily Junkanoo celebrations that showcase traditional music and dance. Families can enjoy the expansive Family Beach, the Rush Out Gush Out water play area, and Sebastian’s Cove, a supervised kid’s club. Adults seeking relaxation can retreat to the serene Serenity Bay, an exclusive beach area with private cabanas and a dedicated dining pavilion. Guests can also explore nature trails adorned with bronze sculptures of indigenous animals, participate in cultural workshops at the Goombay Cultural Center, and savor Bahamian-inspired cuisine at various dining venues across the island.
Disney also offers shore excursions that are tailored for families – think cultural tours, beach breaks, and wildlife encounters. On our stop in Nassau, we went to Blue Lagoon Island, which was a beach day, and my family played in the beautiful, clear water. They also had an inflatable obstacle course on the water, kayaks, paddleboards, shopping, a complimentary buffet, and dolphin swims. This is just one of many excursion options that your family can take while on a Disney Cruise.
Safety & Service You Can Trust
As you’d expect from Disney, safety and attention to detail are top priorities. From impeccable cleanliness to attentive staff who go above and beyond, your family is in excellent hands every step of the way.
My Final Thought
A Disney Cruise is more than just a vacation – it’s a floating wonderland where magical memories are made every day. Whether it’s your child’s first time meeting their favorite character (and there are a lot of them on board) or your family’s first sunset at sea together, these are moments that will last a lifetime.