For more than a decade, Disney Cruise Line has been the worlds top cruise line. Headquartered in Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Cruise Line is owned by the famous Walt Disney Company , so it should come as no surprise that Disney cruise ships were the first in the cruise industry to be designed specifically for families. While Disney cruise ships attract more than half a million travelers each year, most of them families, you can still find plenty of couples and singles on any given Disney cruise ship.
Disney’s cruise ship fleet includes Disney Magic and Disney Wonder . The ship’s home is located at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal — terminal 8, in Port Canaveral. The $27 million, 70,000-square-foot facility terminal was completed and dedicated on November 17, 1997. It is the first terminal in the U.S. built to a specific cruise line’s specifications and for its exclusive use. The Disney Cruise Line Terminal is Port Canaveral’s third largest ultra-modern mega-ship terminal and it is the exclusive home of Magic and Wonder. Each cruise ship offers a wide variety of accommodations, itineraries, and activities.
Nearly identical in design and space, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature spacious staterooms Disney Magic has 875 staterooms and Disney Wonder has 874 staterooms — themed dining rooms and unique areas (of each ship) that cater to every age group including: toddlers, young children, tweens, teens, and adults. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a small child or an adult, a Disney cruise has something for everyone.
Disney cruises offer a wide variety of itineraries that will appeal to the couple seeking a fun getaway to the family seeking an extended vacation. Disney Wonder, which makes frequent sailings to Nassau, Bahamas is a popular choice for families and couples alike. Passengers have the option to choose from 3-day and 4-day cruises and packages that include either a 3 or 4 day stay at the Walt Disney World Resort prior to voyage. There are currently two special 10-day and 11-day voyages.
Disney Magic offers several itineraries including Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean cruises or special cruises that sail to Disney’s private island paradise — Castaway Cay.
While a Disney cruise offers a wide variety of exciting onboard features and amenities, one of the biggest attractions aboard Disney cruise ships is the Walt Disney Theater. Broadway caliber shows are offered nightly as well as blockbuster Disney movies, variety shows and surprise appearances by some of the most popular Disney characters today. In addition, Disney cruises feature the Buena Vista movie-theater, themed deck parties, shopping galore, ping pong, shuffleboard, lounges, basketball courts, Studio Sea and even Internet service!
Pricing and Reservations
Prices for Disney cruises tend to fluctuate, so it is nearly impossible to predict exactly how much a Disney cruise will cost. One of the most important things to consider first is the time of year as this will affect how much or how little passengers will spend. The busiest time of the year is of course, summer. During the summer months expect to pay more and during spring and fall, expect to find killer deals on Disney Cruises.
Disney cruise prices are typically based on 2 adults (shared room). Passengers traveling with a child will still pay the price for two adults. After the initial two-adult price, 3rd and 4th passengers will pay a lower rate. If passengers over the initial two are under 13, the rate may range from $229 – $429 for a 3-day cruise, $329-$529 for a 4-day cruise and $349 – $749 for a 7-day cruise. This price includes land/sea vacations and varies greatly based on season.
If you are planning to book a Disney cruise, it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. Several months in advance is your best bet as the full amount for a Disney cruise is due 90 days prior to sailing. In addition, the further in advance you book, the better the deals and discounts will be.
To book a Disney cruise aboard a Disney cruise ship, visit the Disney Cruise Line website, contact your local cruise travel agent or visit any of the following discount booking search engines to shop and compare!
Kayak.com
Expedia.com
Orbitz.com
Travelocity.com
CheapTickets.com
VacationsToGo.com