There are a lot of myths out there about Disney Cruise Line! To be fair, a lot of these myths apply to the cruise industry in general. Personally, Disney Cruise Line is my favorite Disney vacation. Allow me clear up the Top 5 Myths about Disney Cruise Line for you!
Disney Cruise Line is the perfect vacation, whether you are an adult, child, or anything in between! From the moment you board the ship, you are treated to the incredible customer service that the Disney brand is known for. But like any other vacation, cruising has some pre-conceived notions that you may have heard! Don’t let these “myths” scare you off.
Myth #1 – Disney Cruise Line Is Only for Families with Kids
Au contraire, mon ami! While Disney Cruise Line is definitely designed with kids in mind, thinking that it is ONLY for families with kids could not be further from the truth. In fact, Disney Cruise Line designed their ships specifically to have something for everyone.
With designated “adult-only” areas of the ship, it is easy to find the perfect kid-free oasis. There is an adult-excusive pool, coffee bar, nightclub district, and at least one adult-exclusive restaurant on board each ship (Palo on all four ships, Remy on the Dream and Fantasy!). There are also adult-exclusive activities, drink tastings, and Senses Spa!
And you may be surprised to find that the ship is not overrun with kids, even in the common areas. Why? Because Disney Cruise Line designed what is essentially a kid magnet! The Oceaneer’s Club, Oceaneer’s Lab, and tween and teen clubs keep kids busy from morning until night. (Some parents have been heard to complain that they don’t see their kids enough on a Disney Cruise!)
So don’t believe the rumors – you do NOT need kids to go on Disney Cruise Line!
Myth # 2 – Disney Cruise Line Has Bad Food
Food on cruise ships gets a bad rap. The myth is that it is all mass-produced food, eaten at a crowded buffet. But the reality is that some of my favorite meals have been enjoyed on cruise ships! The rotational dining on Disney Cruise Line means that guests get to enjoy a new dining room each night, with new menus and experiences. But your servers stay with you! This is important because they get to know you, and can make recommendations based on your preferences.
And yes, there is a buffet – but the food is actually really good! The menu changes slightly each day, and is designed to appeal to US tourists, as well as international cruisers. There is also 24-hour room service (included in the cost of your cruise), quick service locations on the pool desk offering everything from fresh fruit to pizza, and unlimited soft serve! That last one is still my son’s favorite and he is now 17…
Whether your tastes run to hot dogs and French fries, or champagne and caviar, you will find delicious options onboard Disney Cruise Line!
Myth # 3 – There is Nothing to do Except Eat
Ok, I know I just told you all about the delicious food onboard. But I promise – there is more to do on a Disney Cruise than just eat! It is a complete myth that Disney Cruise Line is all food and Mickey Mouse.
There is a daily Navigator – aka schedule -that can be accessed on the Disney Cruise Line app. They will also leave a paper copy in your room each night with the schedule for the following day. The activities are broken out into age groups so you can quickly see what is available for kids, teens, adults, and families.
On our last cruise, Sharla and I played trivia (both adult-exclusive and family versions), did crafts, enjoyed a cooking demonstration, watched a diaper dash race, and so much more! There are character meets, scavenger hunts, wine and cocktail tastings, the list goes on and on. Quite frankly – if you are bored on a Disney Cruise, that says way more about you than it does about Disney!
And all of that is just what is available on the ship. When you get into port, there are many more things to do whether you choose to explore on your own, or book a Port Adventure (shore excursion) through Disney Cruise Line!
Myth # 4 – Disney Cruise Line Is Not A Relaxing Vacation
Now that I’ve told you about the myriad activities on Disney Cruise Line, you may be ready to believe the myth that Disney Cruise Line is not a relaxing vacation. This myth has some truth to it – it does not HAVE to be a relaxing vacation. That is the beauty of a cruise – YOU decide what type of vacation you want to have!
Do you prefer to stay busy? Then by all means check out the daily Navigator and plan a full day! But if you are looking for a relaxing vacation, then you can absolutely lounge by the pool, indulge in the spa, read a book on your verandah, or whatever else you enjoy. You get to decide!
I tend to do a bit of both. My mornings and evenings are spent enjoying the activities, afternoons are for napping and reading!
And don’t forget Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay. This little slice of heaven also offers the best of both worlds! Relax by the beach, explore the island by bike, or snorkel the nearby reefs!
Myth # 5 – Disney Cruise Line Is Expensive
This Disney Cruise myth, much like myth number 4, is not so much wrong, as it is not necessarily right. Can a Disney Cruise be expensive? Yes, especially when compared with some other cruise lines. But it does not have to be! Disney Cruise Line typically includes more in their prices than other cruise lines.
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of stateroom options, and itineraries. If this is your first cruise and you want to see if it is right before before spending more, you may wish to start with a shorter Bahamas cruise, in an Inside or Oceanview stateroom. When you cruise also has a lot to do with the price! Cruising in the “off season” of January, early February or September, you can find some great prices that make a Disney Cruise Line vacation more affordable.
Using a good Travel Agent can help you find a Disney Cruise that fits your budget!
So that does it! Did we convince you? Let us know if you are thinking of taking a Disney Cruise soon! Or if you have already taken one (or many) and can think of any myths we may have missed. Let us know in the comments!
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