disney fantasy eastern caribbean cruise excursions

Disney Fantasy 7 day eastern Caribbean cruise review

By: Author Morgan

Posted on Published: August 31, 2023  - Last updated: October 6, 2023

Are you considering going on a Disney cruise? Here is our complete Disney Fantasy 7 day eastern Caribbean cruise review!

My family of four recently got back from a seven day cruise on the Disney fantasy cruise ship.

We are not what you would call a Disney family – we have never been to Disney World, and really have no intention of going anytime soon – and we aren’t big cruisers either as my husband and I have each taken a couple of cruises total and they were more than a decade ago each.

So, it was kind of out of character for us to plan a Disney cruise. But, our kids are three and four now, and have never been on a true vacation before.

We decided that this was going to be the summer that we went somewhere cool with them.

After throwing around a lot of different ideas – and actually booking and then canceling a trip to Yellowstone – we settled on a Disney cruise as being the most child-friendly possible option for this age.

I’m going to take a lot of time to go into very deep detail about this cruise, and I will write a lot of other articles that will dive into very specifics about the ship and our experience, but spoiler alert – we had a great time.

This cruise was, at times, stressful and frustrating, but still pretty much the best experience we could’ve possibly had considering the age of our kids, their general demeanors, and the fact that we don’t have grandparents or cousins that can travel with us and help.

But, let’s dive into all of the details of what made our Disney cruise great, some of the pitfalls, and what I would want to know if I was booking a similar cruise for my family!

Is a Disney Cruise worth it?

Before I start breaking it down, I wanted to dive into the number one question I’ve gotten from friends and family since getting back from this cruise five days ago – is a Disney cruise worth the price?

Because, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that Disney cruises can be more than double the cost of comparable cruises from other cruise lines.

Here’s the thing – I struggle telling people if certain things are worth it, because that is such a personal decision.

Would I go into debt to go on a Disney cruise? Absolutely not.

But, as someone who was able to comfortably pay for a Disney cruise, I definitely think that it is worth it to pay the extra compared to the other cruise lines.

I’m a little bit bougie, I like nice things, I’m willing to pay a little bit more for something clean, with a very friendly staff, that feels very safe and child friendly. That’s a Disney cruise.

To be fair, before we had kids, Sean and I could’ve gone to Europe and done something really nice with the amount of money we spent on the seven day cruise. Honestly, I think we spent more on this cruise than we spent on our two week Italian honeymoon in 2015.

But, everything is taken care of for you and we did have a lovely experience.

One of the really nice things about doing a cruise with little kids is you don’t have to worry about wasting money when you’re there.

And by that I mean maybe you wouldn’t normally take your kids to see a movie because you’re afraid that they would scream and cry, and wanna leave halfway through. On the cruise, who cares, it was included.

Maybe you wouldn’t normally order the scallops and the steak just to take a few bites and try them both. On the cruise, who cares, it was included.

Maybe you wouldn’t normally give each person in your family their own ice cream cone, you would normally share a cup or two. Everybody get one, they’re free.

I certainly would have never bought tickets for my kids to see a Broadway style show. But it’s low risk when they’re free, and, what do you know, turns out my kids love musicals and we went 5 times.

Soda is included and free. We don’t really drink soda, but I drank a few cokes on the trip just because they were there.

My point is that the all inclusive experience really is nice and feels very low risk and relaxing. And isn’t that the whole point of your vacation?

Here is everything I can think of sharing regarding our experience on the Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean cruise.

Booking and Planning

When doing initial research for this trip, I did a lot of googling and looking at the options for Disney cruises. We are in South Carolina and are lucky enough to be able to drive to Port Canaveral so we focused on cruises that left from that location.

There were three different Disney ships at the time that were leaving from Port Canaveral, but I didn’t really do any planning based on the ship.

Instead, I focused on the itineraries that we wanted. In this case, we wanted a seven day cruise.

I talked to a few people who thought that it was a bit aggressive to leap straight into a seven day cruise. It seems like a lot of people do a three or four night cruise as their first, especially with little kids.

But, for us, it’s over a 7 Hour drive to Port Canaveral, and Sean and I don’t work conventional jobs where we have to take vacation days or anything like that.

I found that it was about $1000 more total for a seven day cruise compared to a five day cruise, at least at the time we were booking it, and so to me it just seemed like a total no-brainer to focus on the seven day cruises.

So, the Fantasy was the only choice for seven day Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral with Disney cruise lines.

They alternate weekly between an eastern and western itinerary. We just ended up with the Eastern itineraries based off the week we were available.

It’s worth noting, and I’ll get into this later, that kids have to be 3 years old to go to the kids club and that is why we were so specific on the date that we could go on this cruise – we had about a two week window between Rory’s third birthday and the day they went back to school.

So, that was pretty much how we landed on the eastern Caribbean itinerary – it’s just what fit our schedule best.

Reservation process and tips for booking a Disney cruise

You have two options for booking a Disney cruise- you could book it yourself, or you can use a travel agent.

We booked our trip through an acquaintance of mine, who is a Disney travel agent. I reached out to her because I knew she did this and there was no cost for her services as she’s paid a fee from Disney directly.

I am implying no hate to her. She’s a very nice person, and I’m not speaking on all travel agents, because I literally only worked with this one person, but we got zero benefit from working with a Disney cruise travel agent.

She didn’t get us any discounts, we didn’t get any credits or gifts, she didn’t even really give us any tips or advice, all of my advice came from Reddit and Facebook.

So, don’t feel like you need to use a travel agent. You aren’t missing out on anything. If I were to book it again, I would just do it myself online like I do everything else.

When to book a Disney cruise

Based on my research, Disney cruises tend to sell out, especially during popular times like when kids are out of school.

They also limit each cruise on the number of kids in each age category that can be on board at a time.

They limit it so that if every single kid age 3 to 12 was at the kids club at once they would be below capacity. So it’s possible that a cruise you want to book will have open rooms but will not let you book a room if you have kids of a certain age.

All of that is to say, the earlier you can book your cruise, the more likely you are to get the room that you want for the best possible deal. It seems the prices only go up as you get closer to the cruise date.

Embarkation Day

Embarkation Day is the day that your cruise leaves the port. You will be assigned a time to get on the ship – this is based on your rank in the Disney system (first timer, silver, gold, platinum, etc for returning cruisers, or concierge for the high rollers).

Arrival at the port

Do not arrive before the time you are assigned. Maybe 15 minutes before to get situated, but they will not let you in the door before your time- they are strict on this.

We chose to drive from our hotel and park in the parking deck. At Port Canaveral it was $17 per day (including arrival and departure day) to park, working out to be just shy of $150 for the week.

Before parking, you can drop your suitcases (with a member of your group) at the curb and then drive to park.

We were shocked that there were hardly any cars in the deck – we got one of the first spots on the ground floor and there were tons of empty spots. You’ll see later that this made getting out when we got back very easy.

Once you have your suitcases ready, a porter will come to take your bags away. It was chaotic, and by the time I flagged a porter down, he straight up told me to my face that he does not work for Disney and he works for tips and held out his hand. I stood there for a moment and said “well I don’t have any cash” and he walked away.

When Sean came out of the garage, I told him, and he got out some cash. The guy took a bit and came back and took the cash and our bags. Do not leave your bags on the curb and walk away, instead be sure someone takes them away for you.

So, definitely bring cash and be prepared with a $20 for your bags. I get it, they will help whoever is paying the most. I just was not prepared for that, there was no option that I saw to do your own bag, and it kind of put a sour taste into my mouth right at the start of the trip.

Check-in process

After the porter graces you by taking your money and bag, your party will have to go wait in line to board the ship. This is, luckily, indoors and air conditioned.

Have your passports ready and be prepared to wait 30-60 minutes to get through the queue.

They took our passports, set up our room, and set up our MagicBands .

On the other side of that line, you will go through an x-ray machine and then ride the escalator up to the Mickey tunnel and the ship’s entrance.

You go through the Mickey tunnel, cross the bridge, and you are on the ship!

The cast members (that’s what they call employees) will announce your family and everyone claps for you as you enter the ship. It’s a nice touch and very indicative that Disney tries to make everyone feel special and celebrated.

First impressions of the ship

When you first enter the ship, you will be in the atrium, which is the lobby. The atrium is on the third floor and has two upper floors that look down on it. So, the atrium kind of includes the third, fourth and fifth floor of the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.

While the ship is large and beautiful, I do think that a lot of the fits and finishes are dated. The ship was built in 2012, so it’s not exactly old. Perhaps they were going for a “classic” look.

That being said, it is very very clean and well maintained. We had zero issues with messes or trash or broken anything on our trip.

Activities and events on embarkation day

On embarkation day, they suggest that everyone go up to the 11th floor to Cabanas, which is the buffet on the pool deck, and get lunch. It was about 1:00 by the time we got on and got up to the buffet, so we were glad to eat.

Expect the food to be very crowded day one. It was hard to get a table, so we brought our food out to the pool deck which had some empty spots.

You can get into your room after 2pm on embarkation day. Your keys will be stuck to the outside of your door and your luggage will come to your door by dinner time. Don’t be surprised if they don’t all come at one time as ours came in a couple batches.

Accommodations

The Disney Fantasy cruise ship, like most other cruise ships, has interior rooms, ocean view rooms, and rooms with a veranda. There are also suites, but I will not dive into those haha.

Our room was a family deluxe verandah state room, which is the largest non-suite room. This was room 8116 on the Disney Fantasy.

Size-wise, the room was just right. It has a queen sized bed, a sofa that folds into a twin bed, an upper bunk above the sofa that pulls down from the ceiling, and a 4th bed that folds down murphy style.

We used the queen and bunk beds. It did not feel too tight with a family of 4, even with the beds down, though we were thankful that our steward put the bed away each morning.

Location-wise, this room was perfect. I loved being on the 8th floor – it felt central but quiet. Being mid-ship meant we had no issues with motion or rocking. It was a great room!

My only feedback was that we had a port view, and if you had a starboard view, you would be able to watch the fireworks from your balcony! But, we loved looking at the port on docked days.

The bathroom

The other thing that this room had was a split bathroom. So, basically two separate, back-to-back bathrooms. One is a sink + toilet and one is a sink + shower.

This would be great if you had a lot of people wanting to get ready at once.

We are in a weird spot where our kids still need help with the bathroom and bathing and have zero modesty issues, so it felt very tight and closed off, but I see how this set up would be great for most families.

The verandah

I think that the verandah was the most used part of our room. We ate room service out there, drank wine in the chairs, watched the ship enter and leave the ports, and even interacted with Pluto onshore at Castaway.

I recognize that the balcony was a higher cost but whoooweee we loved it. It’s also really good if you’re a parent that needs a space to get away after your kids go to sleep.

Dining Experience

The Disney Fantasy had good food. It was by no means the best food of my life, but it was all consistently good. Some was great. A few things were bland or boring, but nothing was bad.

I will say that the best part of the food to me, as a mom home with 2 kids 24/7, is that I did not wash a dish or prepare a single thing for a week.

Even on vacation I am usually washing up a bit or cooking some meals. Nothing on this cruise! That, my friends, was priceless.

Main dining rooms and rotational dining

Disney serves their dinners in a rotational dining format. On the Fantasy, there are three restaurants that you rotate in between.

You will have to go into the Disney cruise navigator app to see the restaurant you are assigned to each night and your table number.

Your table number stays the same at every restaurant all week, as does your server and assistant server. The people at the tables around you stay the same too.

I thought this was really fun because you got to try different restaurants which each had a different style of food, and even when you went back to restaurant, it had a new menu each time.

On the seven day cruise, you get to try each of the three restaurants twice. The restaurant you go to the first night you will also go to on the middle night, which is pirate night, which has a pirate themed menu, so you will still get two menus at each restaurant excluding the pirate menu, to add up to seven total.

Learn more about each of the three rotational dining restaurants:

• Animator’s Palate review
• Enchanted Garden review
• Royal Court review

There’s also a buffet, which is called Cabanas, on the 11th floor near the pool deck.

We ate breakfast at Cabanas each day we didn’t have room service and had lunch there as well.

The food was pretty good for buffet, and there was a really wide selection of items.

My biggest complaint with a buffet is that I actually find it harder than a sit down restaurant with small kids.

It’s a tossup, because my kids don’t want to sit and wait for their food, but, they also aren’t going to carry a plate through the buffet.

We ended up having one adult go and take the kids and find a table – which could be really hard to do a peak times – and sit down.

At the same time, the other adult went and got food for the kids and then we had to alternate getting food for ourselves.

So the buffet was honestly kind of a lot of work, and there weren’t even servers bringing you drinks or anything.

They bused your table, so it’s not like you have to take your trash away at the end, but it was kind of an ordeal.

Poolside food

Additionally, there’s one more spot to get lunch or dinner, which is Flo’s Café, which had a “Cars” movie theme.

They had pizza, burgers, barbecue sandwiches, Panini’s, french fries, hotdogs, corn dogs, stuff like that. This was available for lunch and dinner.

We could eat at the pool deck or you could get it and take it into Cabanas and eat it there.

A lot of the food at Flo’s was actually at Cabanas too – my big feedback was that this spot usually had really short lines and I thought the pizza and burgers were pretty good so it was actually easier for us to grab lunch here with the small kids compared to dealing with a larger buffet at cabanas.

Room Service

Your final option for food is to order room service. Room service is free and included with your cruise, unless you order booze or some thing else premium.

However, we did tip a few dollars when we ordered room service.

Room service was clutch for early morning breakfasts when we had port activities starting at 7 or 8 AM.

I literally don’t know how we could’ve gotten the kids up, dressed, put on sunscreen, up to the buffet, fed, and downstairs by 7 AM. This way, we had food delivered between 6-6:30, ate it on the balcony, got dressed, and left.

Hot tip – you can get uncrustables pb&js delivered from room service with breakfast. We got 2 of these on each port day for the kids to snack on. It was CLUTCH when we didn’t make it back until 2pm or so.

Kid-friendly meal options

Everywhere on the ship is expecting kids. So, they have extensive kids menus and no one was upset by my kids poor behavior.

To be fair, my kids were not screaming or throwing food or anything but they also didn’t like sitting in their seats for a two hour dinner.

The kids menus contained things like:

• macaroni and cheese
• chicken strips
• pasta + red sauce
• mini burgers
• grilled cheese

The waitstaff also offered to bring the above kids items when they weren’t on the menu. They dig them up like magic from somewhere on the ship!

Also, kids can order adult food. The kids at the table next to us were elementary aged and ordered salads, steaks, and seafood off the full menu each night. The waiter actually cut the kids’ steak for him. I was very impressed by them!

I will also say that LOTS of little kids at dinner had tablets. We did not bring ours and, retrospectively, it might have helped with dinner time.

It’s not something we’ve ever done – screens at the table – and I’d prefer not too, but those kids seemed to do better than my screenless 3&4 year olds so who am I to judge.

Special dietary considerations

The menus at all of the restaurants had things clearly labeled that were vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free.

The waitstaff also made a big effort to get to know our needs and preferences. For example, I don’t eat much meat, and at first he kept pushing the steak and ribs and all these meaty things and acting perplexed when I chose tofu.

Once I explained my preference to him, he shifted his recommendations and never suggested the meat to me again. Basic, but he did a good job of it!

Onboard Entertainment

The onboard entertainment was really great on our fantasy cruise.

Broadway-style shows and performances

The musical performances on the Disney Fantasy were possibly the highlight for me. I feel like we got so much value getting to see these shows, and I was truly blown away at how much my kids not only enjoyed, but appreciated them.

Each of the three shows was shown as a matinee at 12:45, then at 6:30 and at 8:30. You go to the show that is the opposite of your dinner so if you have early dinner, you go to a late show and if you have a late dinner you go to an early show.

We went to the matinee and the late show for each show. The matinee was a great way to guarantee my kids were awake for it, and each time they enjoyed it so much they begged to go back again later that night.

My kids have never seen a live show like this before in their entire lives, so it’s not like they are used to plays or Broadway. These shows were just really good.

The shows on our ship, in order of their appearance was:

• Believe – a compilation of classic Disney songs from different movies.

Aladdin was random to me, but I made sure my kids watched it leading up to the cruise so they were familiar. Y’all. It was SO GOOD. Shout out to the actor who played Aladdin (yes I looked him up!), he was so charismatic and fantastic.

Frozen was good – though we all agreed that Aladdin was stronger. (I was surprised, since my kids generally prefer Frozen, but the leads were just stronger in Aladdin).

The Believe show was cute, but once again, the song choices were all “classic” Disney movies – most my kids didn’t know. They got excited for Tiana, but they don’t know Jungle Book, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, or many other 90s movies.

Movie Theater

One thing I don’t see mentioned enough about the Disney cruise that I want to shout out is the movie theater. They have a movie theater on board that shows Disney movies that are currently in theaters in the United States.

We were able to see Elemental. I really really wanted to see The Little Mermaid live action but the times just didn’t work with our kids schedule.

They were also showing Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan and Wendy, and some Indiana Jones something.

I was surprised that they seem to show the adult movies a lot more, and didn’t show the kids movies as much or as many times during the day.

But, if you go on a Disney cruise, definitely try and use it as a chance to catch any movie!

Deck parties and events

The ship held deck parties for sail away, which is when you leave the port on day one, pirate night when they had a little pirate show, and on the 25th anniversary they did a little Mickey show before the fireworks.

Personally, I found the deck parties lame.

They were very very crowded and I’m not one to watch Mickey Mouse dance around.

Some kids were into it, most seemed either hot and tired, or sleepy and tired, depending on the time of day.

There were some Disney adults that were really into it. I’m not gonna yuck their yum, but the deck parties just didn’t do it for me.

Family entertainment options

On the nights when there were not musical performances, there were other performers. There was a ventriloquist, a magician, and a juggler.

The only one of these that we made it to was the juggler. I’m not one to hate on artists, but I was super unimpressed with his act. My kids thought it was cool though, so I guess they were the target audience.

We did not make it to the other shows because they were at 8:30 at night and on those nights, my kids were just beat.

Port of Calls

The Eastern Caribbean itinerary included:

• Day 1: Port Canaveral
• Day 2: Sea Day
• Day 3: Sea Day
• Day 4: Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• Day 5: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
• Day 6: Sea Day
• Day 7: Castaway Cay private island
• Day 8: Port Canaveral

We loved this itinerary. Starting with Sea Days was a great way to get to know the ship.

The Virgin Islands were gorgeous with white sand and clear water.

Castaway Cay is great because everything is taken care of for you and mostly included in the cruise.

As far as the length of the cruise, we felt that 7 days was just right. I never got bored but I also did not feel rushed whatsoever.

Pool and Recreation

There are a variety of pools + water areas on the Fantasy.

The family pools

I was pretty unimpressed by the pools on the Disney Fantasy ship. There are 2 main family pools – a 3 foot deep pool and a 5 foot deep pool.

They were constantly so full with people it was like human soup, super unappealing and crowded.

We actually found a small fountain area on the side of the ship that I never found the name of – it’s next to the soda fountains – that was a huge hit with my 3 year old.

It’s worth noting that swim diapers are NOT allowed in any pools, so if your kid is not potty trained, they cannot swim at all.

There is also the Funnel Puddle in the “family area” right above the adults only pool. The fountain was never on, but my 3 year old LOVED this pool. We were always the only ones there.

It was only 6 inches deep but it was private and we ordered daiquiris and enjoyed the spot.

I felt a little awkward – it was right over the adults only section- but it was clearly marked as family pool, and I asked like 4 people and it was family friendly. It’s a hidden gem!

Adult-only areas

There are 2 adult only pools on the ship. In the very front of the ship there’s basically a 1 foot deep fountain with a seat you can sit on. We walked by here but never got in.

There is also an adults only pool with a swim up bar and 5’5″ deep section. It was nice – we went during one kids club visit – but it was very small and crowded.

Also there was a hot tub in the adults only area, but I never made it in.

Splash areas

There are 2 splash areas on the ship – Nemo’s Reef and the Aqua Lab.

My daughter LOVED Nemo’s Reef. It has all of the different Nemo fish that squirt and spray water. And, you can slide down Mr. Ray.

This was a huge hit and is what the Disney cruise should have more of – cute fun character inspired areas.

Aqua Lab is a spot where you can turn knobs and crank levers and squirt each other with water. It was fun, but it was frequently closed for too much wind.

AquaDuck water slide

The big water slide on the ship was called the AquaDuck. You have to be 42 inches to ride the AquaDuck with an adult.

My four year old was able to do it with my husband and they did it twice on the trip.

The trick is to go at low wait times, because during busy sea days, the wait can be long. They went early in the morning or later at night, because my four-year-old is not about the line.

This is the slide that goes all the way around the ship and they really really enjoyed it.

Mickey’s water slide

There is a smaller yellow waterslide that is kids only and called Mickey’s Slide.

You have to be 38 inches to ride it and have to be shorter than 5 foot five – we talked to a 12-year-old who got turned away because she was too tall.

This was a good slide and my four year-old did it twice by himself. I think he would’ve done it more if you’d had a friend with him, or if his sister had been tall enough to do it with him.

Sports and recreation options

This ship also has Goofy Golf, which is putt putt on the top deck. It was a lot of fun, we did this a few times, and my 4 year old really loved it.

There is also a basketball court, which seemed impossible to do because it was so windy.

Finally, there is a sports simulator up there on the sports deck. It’s indoors and you kick or throw actual sports balls at a screen.

You have to pay for this but it’s only like $15 for an hour, the bigger problem is getting a reservation. When we were able to sign up as first time cruisers, nothing was available.

Childcare and Kids’ Activities

The kids clubs on the Disney cruise are divided up as follows:

• 0-3 (or not potty trained) Nursery
• 3-12 Kids Club – Oceaneer’s Club & Lab
• 11-14 Edge (middle school age)
• 14-17 Vibe (high school age)
• 1820 club – for college aged >18 but too young for booze

If we are being completely honest, I was unimpressed by the kids club on this cruise. They have open houses several times throughout the cruise when adults can come and tour and check it out.

I felt that the Oceaneer’s club and lab were very screen-oriented. There were computer games, movies, and just a lot of giant TV screens on the walls. There is no playground and not a lot of toys.

They do have activities organized throughout the week, we took our kids to the kids club twice.

The first time they stayed for less than an hour and seemed to have a good time.

The second time, they stayed for one hour and when we picked them up our four-year-old son was sobbing, snot pouring down his nose, which is incredibly unlike him.

I tried to pick him up, and the woman yelled at me that I can’t touch him until he was signed out and then proceeded to sign out two other non-crying kids before signing him out while he stood there and just sobbed.

It then took them over five minutes to find my three-year-old and when they brought her out, she was crying too.

None of the employees seemed too concerned, no one, including my kids or the employees could tell me what happened, and my kids adamantly refused to go back to the kids club after that.

I heard lots of people saying that their kids didn’t want to leave the kids club. They loved it so much they even wanted to go to the kids club on the private island days and during dinner. This was not what happened for us.

Character Interactions

One of the big selling points for many people on the Disney cruise is the character interactions and the ability to get photos with characters.

I pre-paid for the photo package, so about halfway through the cruise, I decided to start waiting in these long lines to get photos with characters.

It’s worth noting that you can take pictures with the characters on your own cell phone. No problem for free.

Also, some of the best interactions that we had with characters was when we just passed them in the hallway, not waiting in a line. Shout out to Rapunzel. She was the best for this.

But, if you want to wait in line for a character that you really want to see, be prepared to line up. For example, on the second to last day, we still had not seen Stitch and my kids really love Stitch, so I waited in line 15 minutes before he was due to appear and ended up waiting for an hour total to see him.

The best strategy is definitely for one adult to grab a drink and get in line with their cell phone, and then text the rest of the group when you are close to the front of the line. This was totally cool. As long as you were doing just one group one photo you’re not really cutting the line you’ve got one spot it’s not like a ride.

Only other feedback on character meet and greets is that I think that Disney needs to take a long hard look at the characters that they feature on the ship.

It really felt to me like they were catering towards Disney adults with some of these choices.

For example, Chip and Dale were out every day. Are Chip and Dale even relevant anymore? I think not.

I would like to see Elsa and Anna, Moana, Buzz Lightyear, and more recent characters.

Here’s who we physically saw on our cruise so you can prepare your kids, so they know who these people are because my kids did not know most of these:

Classic Disney characters

• Donald duck
• Chip + Dale

All of these classic Disney characters also come out at different times wearing different outfits, such as pirate costumes or sailing clothes, so you can see them multiple times in different garb.

Other Disney Characters

• Captain Hook + Smee (pirate night only)
• Captain Jack Sparrow (pirate night only)

Cruise Staff and Service

The highlight of this cruise for me was really the Disney cruise staff, and the level of service that we were given. Everyone seemed just so genuinely happy and friendly.

Either they’re the Fakest Fakers in the world or they like what they do. Maybe it’s a mix of the two.

I will say this is a sharp contrast to customer service that we have gotten anywhere else lately and was a big relief.

I feel like this is one of the biggest things you are paying for when you pay premium for a Disney cruise – really really good service, very clean facilities, and just a very child friendly atmosphere.

Themed Experiences

There were a few themed activities on our 7 day Disney cruise.

Our cruise had two special nights – the 25th anniversary night, and pirate night.

25th anniversary night

The 25th anniversary night was because 2023 is the 25th anniversary of Disney cruise line.

They had free cocktails in the atrium before each dinner service, which was the only time we found them doing this on the whole cruise. The cocktails were kind of sickly sweet for me, so retrospectively I wish I had grabbed glasses of champagne instead of the neon blue cocktail. Regardless, it was a nice touch.

On the 25th anniversary night it was formal night, and they also did a fireworks show off the pool deck. It was nice, nothing too crazy, and it didn’t start until about 10:30 which was way too late for my kids.

Retrospectively, I wish we had a room that looked starboard so we could’ve just watch the fireworks from our balcony.

Pirate night

The other theme night was pirate night, which was about halfway through the cruise. Definitely some people went completely wild dressing up in full pirate garb.

All of the staff was talking like a pirate and really having fun with it which made it really silly.

I got this pirate gear set up for my kids and I also got inflatable pirate swords and pirate tattoos for the kids and our fish extender group, which were really fun.

My kids enjoyed getting pictures with Pirate Mickey and Minnie. These were limited costumes so the lines were very very long. Be prepared.

There was a pirate menu, which wasn’t really very stand out, and a pirate Mickey show on the pool deck after our early dinner.

They also did a Captain Jack Sparrow show around 10 p.m. followed by fireworks, but we skipped this one because the other fireworks had been such a late disaster for our kids.

Dress-up opportunities for kids

I packed two Disney costumes for each of my kids for this cruise and they did not wear them. Big waste of space. We did see a lot of little girls, wearing princess dresses, especially on the formal and semi formal nights and at the princess gathering.

I will say that lots of kids wore Frozen costumes to the Frozen show, so maybe look into what shows are on your ship and pack costumes if you have them.

Royal gathering

The princess gathering is a free event that you have to book in advance. It becomes available 30 days out from your cruise at midnight Eastern standard time. If you want to go, you need to be on your app at midnight for real. At 12:03 it was sold out.

You don’t know the times in advance, but it will be the first two days of your cruise.

This is a chance to see for princesses dedicated like a full 60 seconds with each one. You still have to wait in line, but it’s a lot shorter line.

You will see the same princesses for the rest of the cruise, this was a really easy way to see them and get autographs and start the crews out with a bang.

This is not to be confused with the paid premium tea party, which you were not going to get tickets to if you are a first time cruiser. It was sold out I think before even silver members could book excursions on our cruise.

Debarkation

After our experience getting on the ship, I expected debarkation to be a bit of a disaster. I was shocked at how well it went.

With a 5:45 dinner time, we were assigned a 7:10 AM breakfast in the restaurant where we had our final dinner the night before.

This was the only plated sit down breakfast that we went to and we had our regular waiters.

We had breakfast and were not able to go back to the room afterwards. Instead, we grabbed our carry-on bags, said goodbye and headed off the ship.

We were off the ship at 8 AM and our bags were there waiting for us sorted by the group number we were given good night before.

It was easy to grab our bags, and then we had to go through customs which was less than a 10 minute wait.

At this point, some people were hiring porters to carry their bags, and the porters literally came through customs with them. Considering the guy wanted 20 bucks to put our bags on the ship in the beginning I can’t imagine how much they were asking for for this 30 minute commitment.

Regardless, we rolled out of there with our rolly bags zero problems, straight into our car and were on the highway by 8:30 AM.

I definitely want to say that there is no problem checking our bags the night before, we were slightly worried that we might have to wait, but there was zero issue.

It was there waiting for us. The combination of checking our bags and parking in the garage made it just so super fast to get out and get going for our long drive.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

I think that the ideal audience for a Disney cruise would be a family with two elementary aged girls, who love princesses, and are independent enough to feed themselves at dinner, stay up until 11 PM for a special occasion, and are excited to meet new friends and hang out with other kids they might not know very well.

I also think that a Disney cruise would be fabulous for people with younger teens, who similarly like to make friends, and would really enjoy the independence that you could give them in the safe environment of a Disney cruise.

Also, it seems like a hit for Disney adults with cash to burn or grandparents who want to treat all of their kids and grandkids to really special trip.

We had a great time, don’t get me wrong. We will probably go on another Disney cruise, I wouldn’t be surprised if we did another one next year.

But, I think it would’ve been a lot more fun for us if we had more adults with us. Either grandparents, or preferably friends with kids pretty close in age to ours.

I think having other kids would have given our kids more confidence in the kids club and it would’ve been fun to be able to switch off with some other adults so we could do things like go to the adults only restaurant or go out after bedtime once or twice.

In conclusion, the Disney cruise is probably the most expensive way to cruise, but they sure to take care of you- it’s clean, it’s nice, it’s perfect for kids!

Any more questions about the Disney Fantasy?

Thanks for reading!

Hey there, I’m Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I’ve made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎈

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Best Disney Cruise Excursions in Bahamas, Caribbean, & Bermuda

They’re known by many names: Port Adventures, Land Adventures, Shore Excursions, Port Excursions, or Shoreside Activities. Whatever you call them, Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures all have one thing in common: they’re a great way to experience a local adventure during cruises! Depending on the destination, you might have hundreds of possibilities to choose from. So which should you choose, and which should you let sail you by? Here are our picks for some of the Best Disney Cruise Excursions in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Jump directly to the best excursions in:

• Castaway Cay, Bahamas
• Costa Maya, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Falmouth, Jamaica
• George Town, Grand Cayman
• King’s Wharf, Bermuda
• Nassau, Bahamas
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Or read on to find out more about Port Adventures and how to get them for free .

Get Free Help Planning Your Cruise and Port Adventures. Vacationeers are standing by!

What are Disney Cruise Port Adventures?

“Port Adventures” is the name Disney uses for organized off-ship activities. You can always leave the ship for free when it’s in port, and there’s never any charge to explore on your own. A Port Adventure is an optional paid experience that offers a bit more structure to your time on shore.

Whatever you’re looking for — invigorating or relaxing, cultural or touristy, complex or simple, short or long — odds are you’ll find it offered as a Disney Cruise Port Adventure.

How Much are Shore Excursions in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda?

There’s a Port Adventure for every budget. You can spend about $18 to rent a two-seater paddle boat at Castaway Cay — or you can charter a private fishing vessel for the day in Tortola, British Virgin Islands for $6,599.

Don’t let the priciest options scare you away. Many excursions fall well below $100 per-person and are quite reasonable.

We checked prices of all excursions Disney Cruise Line offered in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda at the time we wrote this article, and here’s what we found:

• $1 – $49: 103 options
• $50 – $99: 303 options
• $100 – $199: 186 options
• $200 and up: 110 options

There are plenty of great options at each of the price points, and you don’t certainly don’t have to spend a huge amount to have a good time.

If you don’t mind splurging just a little, we’ve found that $125-$250 per person should be enough to buy you a truly unforgettable port adventure in the area. Though you likely wouldn’t want to spend this much in every port, it’s worth considering at least once during your cruise. And you can take heart in knowing that excursion prices in this part of the world are much more affordable than, say, Disney Cruise excursions in Alaska or European cruise excursions.

How to Get Free Excursions on a Disney Cruise

Port Adventures are not included in the cost of your Disney Cruise , but you can still get them for free if you know how.

Book your cruise through a Disney travel agent to earn Onboard Credit  for excursions and other purchases during your cruise.

The Vacationeer offers up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit when you book your cruise through them.

Your cruise won’t cost any more than if you’d booked it yourself , and they don’t charge any planning fees .

When Do You Pay for Disney Cruise Port Adventures?

In most cases, charges for your shore excursion are applied through your shipboard account; you won’t actually pay until you settle your account at the end of your cruise. That’s great news if you’re have an onboard credit from your travel agent, because it means you can use that “free money” toward your excursions.

Now, on to our list.

We’ve picked some of the best offerings at multiple ports and across different price points.

Prices shown are per person unless indicated otherwise. Some offerings may be limited to certain itineraries or times of year.

There are many more offerings and plenty of additional ports. So if you see something that looks almost perfect, you can check out the full list of Port Adventures to find similar offerings with different options, prices, and locations.

Castaway Cay — Best Port Adventures

As Disney’s own private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay offers an exclusive Bahamian hideaway that’s open only to one Disney cruise ship a day — and no one else! There’s plenty to do for free on the island, but also a wide array of optional paid activities.

Bicycle Rentals (C04)

One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to explore Castaway Cay. Enjoy a one-hour bike rental as you explore nature paths and offshore terrain. Ride along the island’s historic (and historically dubious) airstrip and wheel your way to the observation tower for an elevated view of Disney’s Private Island.

Activity Level: Active

Requirements: Ages 3+

Duration: 1.0 hour

Cost: $13 for ages 10+ $13 for ages 3-9 Rates are per bike, per hour

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure (C13)

Enter the shallow stingray lagoon for an up-close encounter. Using a specially-designed feeding ramp and tray, your guide will show you how to place food just right in your hand to allow a stingray to glide over and gobble up their meal. You’ll also have a chance to pet one of these beautiful, often misunderstood creatures. Then, grab your snorkel to observe 60+ stingrays in a beautiful lagoon. Concerned about safety? Stingrays have no teeth, and Castaway Cay keeps its captive stingrays’ barbs safely (and humanely) trimmed.

Activity Level: Moderate

Requirements: Ages 5+ (ages 5-16 with adult 18+)

Cost: $56 for ages 10+ $45 for ages 5-9

Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage (C11)

Did you know Castaway Cay has a barrier reef? Board a glass bottom boat for a voyage beyond the protected lagoon out to the undeveloped north side of the island. You’ll stay dry as you look down through bottom-mounted windows to discover tropical fish, sea creatures, and the coral reefs that protect the island.

Activity Level: Mild

Requirements: Open to all ages. Limited seats; guests may be required to stand.

Cost: $59 for ages 10+ $39 for ages 3-9 $39 for ages 2 and under

Parasailing (C08)

Meet and mingle with fellow cruisers as you’re divided into groups and board separate boats. Soon, it will be your turn to experience an unforgettable beauty parasailing flight 600-800 feet in the air. You’ll enjoy about 5-7 minutes of flight time before being gently pulled back down to the boat.

Requirements: Ages 8+ (under age 13 must fly with adult age 18+). Age 13-19 must check in with parent/guardian. Must weigh 90-375 pounds. Tandem riders max 375 pounds combined. Tandem ride may be required.

Cost: $129 for ages 10+ $129 for ages 8-9

Get Free Help Booking Your Cruise to Castaway Cay

Considering on a Disney Cruise? Reach out to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer to make sure you don’t miss anything!

You’ll have your own dedicated agent from start to finish — no massive call centers and no waiting on hold ! Not only will they book your cruise , but they’ll also handle all your Port Adventure bookings .

And best of all, their services are completely free ! Your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself (and it might even cost less )!

So contact The Vacationeer today, and ask about their free onboard credit to spend on excursions or virtually anything else onboard the ship!

Costa Maya, Mexico — Best Excursions

Image © Disney

Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Costa Maya offers a unique mix of lush jungles and sandy beaches. With a history shaped by ancient Mayans, English pirates, and the Mexican Navy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting area of unspoiled natural beauty.

Salsa Cooking & Dancing with Beach Break (CM30)

Take a hands-on cooking class that teaches you how to make authentic Mexican salsas and guacamole. You’ll get to taste your creations afterwards (with complimentary margaritas, beers, and flavored waters) — and take recipes with you to create them again at home. Speaking of Salsa, you’ll also learn the steps of the famous dance of the same name. A bit of beach time rounds out your experience.

Activity Level: Mild, Moderate

Requirements: Ages 6+

Duration: 3.0 to 3.5 hours

Cost: $75 for ages 10+ $54 for ages 6-9

Adventure Park and Chacchoben Mayan Ruins (CM46)

Mix the ancient with the exhilarating on this multi-faceted experience. First, spend nearly two hours on an educational guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben — a renowned archaeological site. Then, move on to the purely fun-focused portion of the day at Mayá Lost Mayan Kingdom , featuring 8 water slides, a slow inner tube ride, and two zip line courses.

Requirements: Open to all ages (6+ recommended)

Advisory:  Mexico Government charges $5 USD fee for camera use in ruins. Tripod use requires a permit and payment of a fee described by Disney Cruise Line as “exorbitant.”

Duration: 6.5 to 7.0 hours

Cost: $160 for ages 10+ $155 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 2 and under

Cozumel, Mexico — Best Shore Excursions

From its earliest days of settlement by the ancient Mayans, natural beauty has drawn people to Cozumel. Over the years it has played host to everyone from pirates to refugees — and now tourists. Whether you’re seeking the stunning coral reefs or a plate of tantalizing food from one of the 100+ restaurants, Cozumel is yours to explore.

Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program (CZ48)

Take a brief ride to Sunset beach, then help a group of local nonprofit’s marine biologists restore the coral reefs of Cozumel. This activity includes hands-on restoration work, followed by recreation such as snorkeling and beach time. End the experience with a certificate of participation and a ride back to the ship.

Requirements: Ages 10+

Cost: $49 for ages 10+

A Mexican Winter Holiday and Beach Adventure (CZ92)

Set out on foot for the traditional Las Posadas nativity procession, singing carols and making decorations. Feast on sweet bread, tamales, fried codzitos, and pumpkin seed salsa. Then, spend about 90 minutes at Playa Mia Grand Beach before picking up your keepsake and returning to the ship

Requirements: Open to all ages

Duration: 4.5 to 5.0 hours

Cost: $94 for ages 10+ $79 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Dolphin and Manatee Encounter in a National Park All Inclusive (CZ04)

Visit Dolphin Discovery for a 40-minute in-water encounter with gentle and playful dolphins. Then, enjoy a brief manatee encounter along with an internationally-inspired lunch.

Requirements: Ages 3+. Ages 3-12 must book w/ adult 18+ on same CZ04. Ages 13-17 must book w/ adult 18+ on CZ04 or matching CZ25.

Advisory:  Medical restrictions apply. No cameras. No jewelry.

Cost: $114 for ages 10+ $99 for ages 3-9

Dolphin Trainer For A Day in Cozumel – All Inclusive (CZ40)

Travel to Dolphinaris to begin your dolphin training experience. Shadow professional trainers as you learn how to feed the dolphins and how to train them using hand signals. Teach your dolphin students to vocalize and jump at your request, and experience a thrilling “hang on tight” swim with one of the dolphins, followed by a flipper shake and a kiss. This experience includes lots of close contact with these amazing creatures.

Activity Level: Moderate, Active

Requirements: Ages 10+. To observe but not participate, book CZ41.

Duration: 5.0 to 5.5 hours

Cost: $255 for ages 10+

Have Questions But Don’t Want to Wait on Hold?

Falmouth, Jamaica — Top Excursions

Falmouth has come a long way from its early days as a shipment hub for sugar plantations, but still retains some of its old world charm — right down to the architecture. Its bustling days are over, but that’s just fine for a relaxing visit during your cruise. So go ahead — enjoy a plate of jerk chicken and dip your toes in the sparkling waters of this peaceful Caribbean destination.

Falmouth Dolphin Encounter (FA76)

Take a one-hour motorcoach ride along the Jamaican coastline to Dolphin Cove for an up-close encounter with friendly dolphins. Mount a shallow-water platform for a 30-minute interaction full of hands-on activity, splashes, and maybe even a dolphin “kiss” Then, enjoy the pool, whirlpool tub, or lounge chairs on the pool deck before returning to the ship.

Requirements: Open to all ages (6+ recommended). Ages 0-12 must book w/ adult 18+ on same FA76. Ages 13-17 must book w/ adult 18+ on same FA76 or matching FA78.

Advisory:  Medical restrictions apply

Duration: 5.5 to 6.0 hours

Cost: $89 for ages 10+ $69 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Sky Explorer and Dunn’s River Falls (FA11)

Travel one hour to Dunn’s River Falls — then, if you like, begin a 600-foot climb up the cascading falls (additional one hour). Then, take a short ride to Mystic Mountain where you’ll ride the Sky Explorer chairlift through dense tropical forests with stunning views of the cliffs and turquoise waters below. At the end of your 15-minute journey lies Mystic Pavilion , featuring educational and interactive history exhibits. A Jamaican-inspired lunch is included, and you can round out your visit with views from the observation tower. Take a second ride on the Sky Explorer to begin your return to the ship.

Requirements: Open to all ages (6+ recommended). Must be 36″+ tall to climb falls.

Cost: $124 for ages 10+ $69 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Bobsled Jamaica and Dunn’s River Falls (FA10)

Travel one hour to Dunn’s River Falls for an optional hike up the 600-foot falls, followed by another short ride to Mystic Mountain. Ride the Sky Explorer chairlift and explore the educational pavilion before continuing to Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica . This coaster-style attraction evokes the design of bobsleds used by the famed Jamaican Olympic team. The 3,280-foot track is specially designed to avoid disturbing the natural landscape, so expect plenty of twists and turns around ancient trees, majestic cliffs, stone outcrops, and dense rainforest canopies. You control the brakes, so your trip can be as leisurely or as thrilling as you like. Your bobsled then slowly returns back up the mountain. A Jamaican-inspired lunch is also included, and you’ll have time to take in mountaintop views from the observation tower before you head back to the ship.

Requirements: Ages 5+. Must be 42″+ tall. Must weigh 275 pounds or less.

Duration: 6.0 to 6.5 hours

Cost: $144 for ages 10+ $79 for ages 5-9

George Town, Grand Cayman — Best Port Adventures

Located on the largest of the Cayman Islands, and home to the majority of islanders, George Town is known for its lively culture. Like so much of the area, it has a rocky history of territorial disputes, hurricanes, and economic challenges. Now a British Overseas Territory, it’s a haven for tourists seeking natural beauty and great weather.

Shipwreck and Reef Snorkeling (G15)

Board a custom-built snorkeling ship and explore two different sites. First, spend about 45 minutes snorkeling the shipwreck of the Cali , a 220-foot steel schooner that sank in the 1940s. Then, snorkel a nearby reef as your guides feed the fish to bring them closer to you.

Requirements: Ages 5+

Duration: 2.0 to 2.5 hours

Cost: $54 for ages 10+ $34 for ages 5-9

North Sound Mangrove Cruise & Star Fish Point (G70)

Set out from Morgan’s Harbor, then cruise up the North Sound and the area’s Mangrove Swamp, en route to the “starfish petting zoo” at Starfish Point. You’ll have a chance to not only see — but also to touch and hold — starfish during your experience.

Activity Level: Athletic

Requirements: Ages 8+

Cost: $56 for ages 10+ $50 for ages 8-9

Atlantis Submarine Expedition (G11)

Climb down the hatch of a 65-foot, 80-ton submarine and dive 100 feet through Grand Cayman’s underwater marine park. You’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring this underwater paradise, viewing the amazing Coral Canyons through large porthole windows directly in front of your seat. A marine expert accompanies your voyage to share information and answer questions.

Requirements: Ages 4+ Must be 36″+ tall

Cost: $120 for ages 10+ $70 for ages 4-9

Find the Exact Cost of Your Dream Cruise

King’s Wharf, Bermuda — Top Port Adventures

Bermuda plays host to an eclectic mix of American, British, and West Indian culture.  Add natural attractions such as the Crystal Caves to manmade sights including the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, and one can quickly understand why Bermuda draws so many tourists each year.

Bermuda Triangle Evening Cruise (BR15)

A special treat on cruises that spend the night in King’s Wharf, this unique nighttime adventure takes takes you into the heart of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Board a 50-foot glass-bottom boat for ghostly commentary about the history and legends of the area. Underwater lights and windows reveal sea life below.

Requirements: Ages 12+

Duration: 1.5 to 2.0 hours

Cost: $75 for ages 12+

Crystal Caves and Pink Flamingos (BR22)

Descend 80 feet below the surface of the earth, traveling past limestone formations and crystalized stalactites and over underground lakes. Then, visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo to explore more than 200 species of animals. View sea creatures from nearby coastal waters, flamingoes, seals, tortoises, and more.

Cost: $155 for ages 10+ $125 for ages 3-9 $85 for ages 0-2

Haunted History Tour of St. George’s (BR41)

Take a motorcoach to St. Georges, a UNESCO World Heritage town which dates back to 1609. Enjoy dinner at Fort St. Catherine before beginning a guided haunted history walking tour. Cast members bring ghost stories to life as you explore 18th-century homes, the historic cemetery of Their Majesties Chapel of St. Peter’s Church. Conclude at the land-based replica of Deliverance , a 1600s ship that was itself built from the remains the shipwrecked Sea Venture .

Cost: $199 for ages 10+ $149 for ages 5-9

Craft Your Own Pink Sand Jewelry (BR48)

Experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes jewelry-making activity at Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery . You’ll enjoy themed pink refreshments and locally-made treats, then get hands-on while customizing your very own keepsake from the region’s famed pastel sands.

Cost: $389 for ages 10+ $239 for ages 5-9

Nassau, Bahamas — Best Excursions

Arguably the most famous port in the Bahamas, Nassau’s close proximity to the United States makes it a frequent cruise destination. Far removed from — yet still shaped by — a history marked with piracy and colonialism, Nassau is now a vibrant and colorful town welcoming millions of tourists by air and sea each year.

Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Centre (N16)

Start with a brief bus tour of the city’s architectural treasures and 200-year old pastel buildings including the Houses of Parliament and Government House. Upon arrival at the conservation center, participate in the Bahamas only authentic flamingo experience. The “Ballerinas in Pink” here have been trained to march and delight guests. Enjoy up-close and personal encounters with macaws, peacocks, snakes, turtles and more creatures in a nearly century-old stone-walled garden setting.

Cost: $69 for ages 10+ $49 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine (N42)

Take a 20-minute scenic cruise through Nassau Harbor to the marine park at Athol Island. Then, transfer to the SeaWorld Explorer for a 45-minute adventure. The vehicle remains above water but features underwater windows allowing you to view the Sea Gardens coral colony and tropical fish. Then, spend a bit of time in downtown Nassau before returning to the ship.

Cost: $69 for ages 10+ $46 for ages 3-9 $46 for ages 0-2

Graycliff Chocolatier – The Art of Chocolate Making and Factory Tour (N54)

Visit Graycliff Chocolatier for a delicious hands-on exploration of the chocolate-making process. You’ll start with a fascinating factory tour, witnessing cacao beans being ground and roasted, liquid chocolate being mixed, and molds being filled. You’ll also learn a bit about the importance of responsible farming in the chocolate trades. Afterwards, its time to dress in special hygienic clothing and try it for yourself! An expert chocolatier teaches you how to dip, glaze, and fill molds to create your own delectable chocolate treats to take home with you. And for good measure, you’ll get to sample several different kinds of chocolate during the event. Note that this is by far one of the most popular excursions in the entire region , and space is extremely limited — book as early as you can.

Cost: $69 for ages 10+ $62 for ages 5-9

Blackbeard’s Revenge Pirate Ship Adventure (N23)

Board Blackbeard’s Revenge , a replica of an 18th-century pirate ship, and sail along Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island for a pirate adventure. Your crew enacts tales from the Golden age of piracy while you learn about the area’s rich history and historic forts. Feel free to join in the pirate antics if you like. You’ll also catch glimpses of (but will kindly refrain from pillaging) celebrity mansions and super yachts throughout the tour.

Cost: $74 for ages 10+ $44 for ages 3-9 $34 for ages 0-2

Atlantis Aquaventure (N25)

Image © Atlantis

One of the more popular Nassau attractions is the renowned Aquaventure water park at Atlantis Bahamas . Your tour includes transportation for the 25-minute trip from the cruise docks to the resort and admission to its 141-are water park. Enjoy Poseidon’s Playzone, the Leap of Faith slide, Rapids River, and other water attractions during your visit. Take a self-guided tour of The Dig, view the world’s largest open-air marine habitat (home to 50,000+ sea creatures), soak up the sun on the beach, or visit the casino. Prices are a bit higher than just purchasing a day pass to the water park , in part because transportation is included.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Many attractions have height requirements.

Duration: 4.0 to 6.0 hours

Cost: $239 for ages 10+ $124 for ages 4-9 Free for ages 0-3

Want FREE EXCURSIONS on Your Disney Cruise?

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Best Port Excursions

San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and most populated city, and the oldest city under jurisdiction of the United States. More than 3,000,000 Americans call Puerto Rico home, and many more are fortunate to visit this lush island as it hosts 500 cruise ships each year. The island’s early Spanish influence is still prevalent, not only in language but also in culture and cuisine.

Bacardi Rum and Distillery Tour — Adult Exclusive (SJ55) or Children Welcome (SJ03)

Take a 30-minute ride to the Bacardi Rum Distillery, followed by an hour-long guided tour through the facilities. Learn the history of the company and its production process. Tour the Visitor’s Center and explore the ways sugarcane is converted into molasses and rum. After the tour, enjoy free time for rum tasting in the Visitor’s Center (ages 21+) and shopping in the museum. Then either return directly to the ship or spend additional time shopping in Old San Juan.

Requirements: Ages 18+ for SJ55. Ages 3+ for SJ03. Must be 21+ to drink.

Duration: 2.5 to 3.0 hours

Cost: $46 for ages 18+ $31 for ages 10-17 $21 for ages 3-9

Horseback Riding Adventure (SJ25)

Visit Hacienda Campo Rico , where your guides will demonstrate how to ride your horse. Riders and horses will be paired by previous riding ability, size, and age for a 2-hour trail ride through a scenic 2,200-acre private ranch that was once a sugarcane plantation. Ride past lagoons, through tropical vegetation, and see the Karsts Mountains and coastal plains.

Requirements: Ages 9+. Maximum weight 250 pounds.

Duration: 3.5 to 4.0 hours

Cost: $92 for ages 9+

A Flair of Spain – Paella Cooking Demonstration and Flamenco (SJ57)

Visit a local restaurant to watch the fascinating process of making Paella. You’ll then enjoy your freshly-made meal (along with a glass of Sangria for those ages 21+) and receive the recipe to take home. During lunch, an energetic Flamenco dance performance highlights your experience.

Requirements: Open to all ages (5+ recommended)

Cost: $115 for ages 10+ $99 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Caving and Body Rafting (SJ59)

Start with a 60-minute drive to a private nature reserve, observing the island’s karst (dissolving limestone) landscape in an area that was once the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival, don your protective gear and hike through an untouched jungle while learning about the Taíno people. Then, climb down into a cave for a hands-on geology lesson. After that, it’s time for Body Rafting, floating downstream by underground springs. Take a brief rest at a traditional mountain cottage until it’s time to head back to your Disney cruise ship.

Requirements: Ages 10+. Special clothing requirements apply.

Cost: $289 for ages 10+

Do I Have to Book Port Adventures Through Disney?

You don’t have to book your excursions through Disney Cruise Line, but you probably should.

Shore excursions are operated by outside companies which contract with Disney. And it’s true many of them offer a substantially similar experience — often at a lower price — when booked independently. And virtually every port has information booths right outside the dock where you can book experiences directly.

So why “waste money” booking through Disney? There are a few reasons:

Peace of mind

If you’ve booked through Disney, they’ll keep track of your experience from start to finish. This is critical if the excursion run late. Disney will hold the ship to allow straggling tours to return — or pay for you to catch up to the ship at the next port-of-call. If you booked on your own, then you’re on your own.

Flexible Payment and Refunds

Port Adventures booked through Disney are charged to your shipboard account and paid at the end of your cruise. Payment for privately-booked tours is often due in full at the time they’re reserved. Disney’s excursions are also usually fully refundable up until three days before your cruise. Privately-booked excursions might have stricter rules or simply be nonrefundable.

Automatic Adjustments

Excursions booked through Disney Cruises are exclusive to Disney passengers, so there’s no worry if the ship’s schedule changes. If the ship arrives in port late, the tour won’t start without you.

If the ship’s scheduled day in port changes, your tour will be automatically adjusted, too. And if the ship has to completely miss a port for some reason, you won’t have to pay for any excursions booked there.

Extra Magic

Not that it’s a crucial part of the experience, but Disney often nudges its tour providers into providing a few extra touches on their Disney Cruise excursions.

For all of these reasons, it’s often best for you or your travel agent to book your excursions directly through Disney Cruise Line.

Want FREE HELP from a Disney Cruise Expert?

Disney Cruise Port Adventure FAQs

Do disney cruises visit disney world.

It’s very rare for a Disney Cruise to directly include time at Walt Disney World. In the past, Disney Cruises from New York visited Port Canaveral and included a one-day Disney world ticket. But that hasn’t been the case for a few years.

You can, however, easily add a Disney World visit immediately before or after your Disney Cruise from Florida . It won’t be included in the cost of your cruise , but you can’t argue with the proximity and convenience.

Disney Cruise Line’s primary home port is Port Canaveral , about 60 miles from Disney World. Orlando International Airport services both destinations. The Disney Cruise shuttle service transports guests between the port, the airport, and Disney World.

Your Disney Travel Agent can help you price out the cost of adding some Disney World time to your Disney Cruise.

Can You Book Excursions Once You’re Onboard?

Port Adventures can be booked onboard the ship, subject to availability. Each ship has a Port Adventures desk.

Do Disney Cruise Excursions Sell Out?

Yes, it’s common for the more popular excursions to sell out well in advance. For the best chance at getting what you want, book as early as possible. There’s no wait list, but you can keep checking to see if space becomes available.

When Can You Book Disney Shore Excursions?

For those cruising with Disney for the first time , Port Adventures can be booked 75 days prior to your sail date. The booking window opens very early — midnight Eastern Time. Your cruise must be paid in full before you can book.

Repeat passengers get an early booking advantage that varies based on Castaway Club level (the number of times they’ve cruised with Disney).

Are Port Adventures Always Guided Tours?

Port Adventures take many forms, and not all of them have tour guides. A few examples include hiring a private vehicle, renting water trikes, chartering boats, or purchasing admission to local attractions.

Are Disney Cruise Excursions Wheelchair Accessible?

Disney’s cruise ships are easily accessible to those using wheelchairs, but the accessibility of experiences offered in ports-of-call can vary. It’s easy to forget that ADA regulations apply only to the United States — it’s the Americans with Disabilities Act — so it can be a bit of a shock when you arrive in another country and find that some areas are not as accessible as one might hope.

That said, Disney now partners with Accessible Travel Solutions to offer wheelchair-accessible Port Adventures in more than 25 countries. Not every excursion will be fully accessible — and while there’s certainly room for improvement — but progress is being made.

Accessible Port Adventures typically include vehicles with wheelchair lifts/ramps, attractions and tour routes with no stairs or with elevators, bathrooms with wider doors, and guides familiar with the needs of guests with disabilities. Disney maintains a list of all its accessible Port Adventures .

Best Way to Book Disney Cruise Excursions

If you’re ready to book your Disney Cruise and all your excursions, we highly recommend contacting  The Vacationeer . As  Authorized Disney Vacation Planners , their expert agents will make sure everything on your cruise is taken care of , from rooms to dining to Port Adventures.

Worried about the cost? Don’t be!  Their planning services are completely free and they’ll make sure you get the best possible price on everything .

What’s more, they’ll give you a free onboard credit of up to $1,000 to use for excursions and other shipboard spending.

Add in the convenience of having a single, dedicated travel agent from start to finish , and it’s easy to see why using The Vacationeer is the best way to book your Disney Cruise.

We hope our article has helped you understand more about Disney Cruise excursions in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda — and maybe inspired you to explore some of the amazing adventures offered in port during your cruise.

Bon voyage!

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Caribbean Shore Excursions

Shore Excursion General Information

Disney Cruise Line hand picks shore excursions (Disney Cruise Line calls them Port Adventures) to allow the guest to experience a representative selection of what each port has to offer. Shore excursions can vary by cruise depending on the season and the times the ship will be in port. Options available for your specific voyage can be found on Disney Cruise Line’s website after booking.

Port Adventures range in price from under $50 to nearly $4,000 apiece. There is an adventure for every budget. There are hundreds of options and combinations available for each cruise. While some Port Adventures require a high level of mobility, there are others that are completely handicap accessible. Most Port Adventures are run by third-party companies, but Disney Cruise Lines makes these experiences great by coordinating with the companies to ensure that the ship’s schedule aligns with the Port Adventures. This way if something goes wrong and you miss a Port Adventure you can get a full refund. Port adventures can be booked online at the time of booking your cruise and anytime after. For questions regarding your Disney Cruise call (800) 951- 3532 or contact your  travel agent .

Caribbean Excursions

While there are hundreds of available options, here is a sample of a few Port Adventures that are currently available for Caribbean destinations.

Castaway Cay

Getaway Package – This package is a 3-in-1 experience that includes snorkel equipment rental, one-hour bicycle rental, and float or tube rental.

The Wild Side Teen Adventure  – For guests 14 to 17 years of age this excursion includes bike rides, a speed boat ride, and snorkeling in the blue waters!

Parasailing – See Castaway Cay from the air with 5-7 minutes at 600-1000 feet.

Watercraft Ski Adventure (Available as Single Rider or Double Rider) – After a 15-minute safety orientation, you follow your guide on a WaveRunner while passing the Disney Cruise Line ship and heading out of the lagoon. At two stops (weather permitting), you will learn about the history of the local area before heading back to Boat Beach. Approximately 45 minutes.

Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure – Enjoy the nature of Castaway Cay as you experience the island in the following ways: nearly a 45-minute walk through the rural parts of the island while the guide shares some of the history of the area, an almost hour-long kayak adventure through the tidal zones and native mangroves, and a 30-minute swim on a deserted beach.

Costa Maya, Mexico

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins – This tour begins with a one hour ride on an air conditioned bus while learning about the Costa Maya area. Upon arrival at the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, the guide will lead you on an approximately 105-minute steady walk of around 0.8 miles. The walk is around an archaeological site and covers mixed walking surfaces including: cobblestones, uneven ground, and uphill to include stairs. The tour of the ruins is followed by the motor coach ride back to the pier.

Mini Jeep Adventure – This adventure begins with a 45-minute ride on an air conditioned bus to the Uvero Beach Club. Once there, you will meet with your bi-lingual guide for your safety instruction and training on how to use your all-terrain vehicle. (Only those 21 and over with a valid driver’s license may drive) Then, you will head out on a 75-minute adventure on the Costa Maya coastline’s primitive trails. After this adventure has come to an end, you will have the opportunity to swim in the ocean or have a light snack (extra charge) for an hour at an exclusive beach club. Another option for this one hour time is a snorkeling trip in the Caribbean waters. (Snorkeling gear is included.) Afterward, enjoy the bus ride back to the pier.

Tacos & Tequila Beach Break – Relax and indulge in this tequila tasting with family and new friends. Paired with the tequila, specialty fish tacos are prepared as well. This Port Adventure or shore excursion is offered to only guests 21 years of age or older.

Jaguar Adventure Expedition – Take a ride in the Jaguar Expedition truck that’s loaded down with bicycles and paddleboards for a day of adventure and play. Guests will start by cycling a mile and a half to Mayan Cenote where you will be ready to splash and cool off! Here you can sit back and relax or join in and enjoy the serenity of paddle boarding.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel Beach Break – A 25-minute ride takes you to the Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park where you can relax on a beach chair or play in the water. Play in the Buccaneers Bay Swimming Pool, Oasis Island Pool, and/or the Twin Twister Waterslide. The following is included in your adventure: international buffet and domestic open bar, aquatic floating sports center, kayaks, water trampolines, aquatic iceberg, paddle boats, floating mats, water bicycles, ping pong tables, volleyball and soccer courts, and an entertainment team with a kids’ club.

Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park – A 45-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carman, a 15-minute walk, and a 20-minute air conditioned bus ride will bring you to the Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park. Once you arrive, you will enjoy a 30-minute float on an underground river or have a dip in the Caribbean waters. You will also explore the archaeological site, look through a botanical garden, see a wild bird-breeding aviary, and gaze at exhibits at the Museum of Mayan Archaeological Sites. Lunch is included with this tour.

Mayan Frontier Horseback Riding Tour – The trip to the hacienda Santa Emilia is a 25-minute drive in open-air vehicle. After arriving and listening to the safety briefing, it will be time to be assigned a horse. Horses are assigned based on the height, weight, and riding ability of the rider. All equipment is provided, including the mandatory helmet. Ride your horse back through time as you visit the Mayan frontier. Tour replicas of Mayan Ruins on horseback. The trail ride is about 90 minutes long and is followed by a return to the hacienda for a refreshing beverage. While at the hacienda, you have about 30 minutes to visit the working ranch before the return to the pier.

Eco Park and Snorkel – Board an all-terrain, open-air vehicle for a 35-minute ride to Punta Sur Ecological Park. Once you are at the park, there will be stops at a crocodile-filled lagoon, an ancient Mayan structure, and the Punta Sur Lighthouse and Nautical Museum. After about 90 minutes of exploring, you will arrive at the beach. The beach portion of this tour lasts about 60 minutes with a chance to either soak up the sun on the beach or go on a beginner’s snorkel adventure.

Salsa & Salsa – After a 30-minute drive, you’ll arrive at a beachfront resort where the “dancing chef instructors” are waiting to teach salsa and salsa. To start with, the “dancing chef instructors” will take you step-by-step through making a few Mexican salsas and margaritas. Next, the dancing chefs will teach you how to dance the salsa in 4 easy steps.

Falmouth, Jamaica

Chukka Horseback Ride and Swim with Dunn’s River Falls and Lunch – This tour begins with a 70-minute drive in an air conditioned bus along the coastline to Dunn’s River Falls. Here you will have the chance to climb the 600-foot falls. Afterward, re-board the bus to continue on to the Chukko Cove Farm where you will eat a Jamaica jerk grill barbeque lunch. After lunch, it is time for the horseback ride to begin.

Dolphin Swim and Dunn’s River Falls – This tour starts out with a one hour drive in an air conditioned vehicle along the coastline to Dunn’s River Falls. You will have an opportunity to hike the 600 foot falls, and afterward, it is a quick ride to Dolphin Cove. The hiking portion of this tour, with the Sea Trek Helmet, gives the ability to walk about 15-feet underwater while the dolphins swim around you. Afterwards, there is time to experience the other activities that Dolphin Cove has to offer. There is also a Jamaican-style buffet.

Chukka’s Amazing Race  – Any fan of The Amazing Race will love this shore excursion. Enjoy solving riddles and navigating through the streets, across ziplines, and much more. Join the winner’s circle when all is done and lunch, fiesta style with jerk chicken and rum tasting.

Dolphin Cove & Dunn’s River Falls – This tour starts out with a one hour drive in an air conditioned vehicle along the coastline to Dunn’s River Falls. You will have an opportunity to climb the 600 foot falls, and afterward, it is a quick ride to Dolphin Cove. Dolphin Cove is surrounded by tropical jungle and has a variety of animals: a family of bottlenose dolphins, exotic birds, snakes, and iguanas. Interaction with dolphins is not a part of this adventure. You will have almost 3 hours to experience the different things Dolphin Cove has to offer:

• Watch the dolphins play in the Caribbean Sea
• Walk through the lush tropical jungle
• Experience snakes and iguanas
• Feed the lovebirds in the bird aviary
• Visit the touch tank display filled with exotic sea creatures
• Take in a hands-on experience on how to make unique pottery
• Watch the local wood carver bring wood to life
• Visit a replica of Jamaica’s most famous pirate “haunt”
• Watch the humorous shark show
• Watch the stingrays in their lagoon
• Enjoy a Jamaican-style buffet

George Town, Grand Cayman

Adventure To The Stingray City Sandbar  – By bus, guests will ride to Snug Harbor where you will board a 65 foot Catamaran and sail to the Stingray City Sandbar (approximately 40 minutes). Once you’ve gone over protocol enjoy swimming with these sea creatures. As you snorkel through the sandbar the instructor will bring little stingray friends to the top for you to pet for yourself. This portion to the adventure lasts about 45 minutes before heading back to the harbor, then returning to your Disney Cruise Line ship.

Nautilus Undersea Tour – The Nautilus is a semi-submarine. It floats like a boat but has an underwater view like a submarine. It does not submerge, though. The Nautilus trip lasts about 45 minutes. In the air conditioned underwater observatory, a marine expert will tell about the history of two ill-fated shipwrecks. At Cheeseburger Reef, divers will hand-feed the fish right outside your window, providing a great photo opportunity.

Key West, Florida

Snorkel, Kayak, and Dolphin Watching Adventure – Enjoy a 20 minute boat ride to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge where you will begin your 45 minute kayak adventure. Next, you will spend about 45 minutes snorkeling in shallow waters where you can see tropical marine life. After your snorkeling adventure ends, the boat will take travel to the “Dolphin Playground” where a resident pod of nearly 100 bottlenose dolphins live.

Old Town Trolley or Conch Train Tour – The trolley or train will travel through the streets of Key West. The trolley or train will pass by many different sights, including Earnest Hemingway’s house, Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant, and more.

Presidents, Pirates, and Pioneers – This is a guided 2-hour walking tour of Key West’s famous and historical sights.

Back to Nature Kayak Tour – This tour begins with a boat ride to the Wildlife Sanctuary followed by a guided 90 minute kayak adventure on “sit-on-top” kayaks. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on the boat ride back to the dock.

St. Thomas/St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel – Sail to St. John, snorkel with the turtles, and enjoy fresh bread, fruit, cheese, and champagne on the return trip.

Coral World Ocean Park – This adventure begins with a 25-minute ride to Coral World Ocean Park. After arriving, you will board the Nautilus VI, one of the most advanced semi-submarines. This 45-minute underwater ocean tour will allow you to see marine life out the viewing windows at about eight feet below the ocean surface. After the Nautilus VI, you will have about 90 minutes to explore the Coral World Ocean Park.

Best of St. Thomas Island Tour and Shopping – Tour St. Thomas in an open-air safari bus followed by an optional downtown shopping drop off.

*Note – Port adventures are operated by third party contractors who are not agents of the Disney company nor are they controlled or overseen by the Disney company. All times given are approximate times.

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Disney 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Itinerary – All You Need to Know

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One of the most popular sailings from Port Canaveral is the Disney 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Itinerary.

The Disney Fantasy sails the Eastern Caribbean itinerary alternately with the Western Caribbean sailings.

There is also one Disney Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Disney Magic for 2023.

Each of the Disney Fantasy sailings and the one Disney Magic itinerary has a port stop at Castaway Cay.

Here you can see the different Disney 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Itinerary.

Related Post: Disney Castaway Cay – What You Need to Know

What are the 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Itineraries?

7 night eastern caribbean cruise from port canaveral, florida.

• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
• Castaway Cay
• Port Canaveral Florida

Sailing on 1/21/23, 2/4/23, 2/18/23, 3/4/23 and 4/1/23

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Sailing on 1/7/23 and 3/18/23

Disney Fantasy 7 Night Eastern Caribbean

• Port Canaveral
• St Thomas (St John)

Sailing on:

• 5/13/23, 5/27/23,
• 6/10/23, 6/24/23,
• 8/5/23, 8/19/23,
• 9/2/23, 9/30/23,
• 10/14/23, 10/28/23,
• 11/11/23, 11/25/23,
• 12/9/23 and 12/23/23

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Itinerary C

7/29/23 and 9/23/23

Disney Fantasy Sailings Eastern Caribbean 2024

The early 2024 sailings have been released – these are the Eastern Caribbean Cruises that you can book with Disney.

• 1/6/24, 1/20/24
• 2/3/24, 2/17/24,
• 3/2/24, 3/16/24, 3/30/24
• 4/13/24, 4/27/24
• 5/11/24, 5/25/24

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Miami – Disney Magic

• Miami, Florida
• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

This cruise on the Disney Magic sails on July 8, 2023. This is a rare Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Disney Magic.

Want to Know More About Sailing on Disney Cruise Line?

Here are some guides to help you:

Disney Fantasy Staterooms – Which Should You Choose?

Disney Cruise Food – All You Need to Know

Is a Disney Cruise Balcony Worth the Upgrade?

What Should a Disney Cruise First Timer Know Before they Sail?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

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Disney Cruise Line Port Excursions – Discounts & Tips

LAST UPDATE: 2/14/24

Disney Port Adventures are not cheap, and they can add a significant amount to the total cost of your Disney Cruise. This page covers discounts, deals, and advice about port excursions at ports of call visited by Disney Cruise Line. We have collected our best tips and advice to help you save time, save money and have more fun when you get off your cruise ship. After all, sightseeing in exotic destinations is one of the primary reasons to take a cruise!

Thanks to Marjorie Treger and to MouseSavers.com readers Jeff Evernham and Aileen B, who contributed some great tips.

General Tips

Port safety, disney shore excursions, self-booking excursions & exploring independently, booking excursions with viator, castaway cay, lookout cay at lighthouse point, nassau, bahamas.

Other useful Disney Cruise Line information pages:

• For discounts and tips on saving money on the cruise itself , visit our Disney Cruise Discount page.
• For tips and tricks that will help you plan your cruise , visit the Planning Tips & Tricks for Disney Cruises page.
• For advice that will help you save time and get the most out of your cruise once you are onboard , visit the DCL Onboard Advice page.

If you’re not an adventurous traveler, you may want to book a Disney port excursion the first time you visit a port just to get the lay of the land, so to speak. That said, it’s pretty easy to go it alone in most of these ports, either by booking your own port adventures or just wandering. Every day in each of these ports, 3,000-18,000 cruise passengers flood the streets, so the ports are pretty good at providing services and infrastructure to travelers. And because they don’t want to risk the lucrative flow of tourism dollars, most of these places will have plenty of security in the major tourist areas. If you stay in tourist-oriented areas with lots of foot traffic during daylight hours, you may encounter vendors who are pushier than you might be used to, but safety should not be a major problem. Do read the port safety section and keep your wits about you.

A limited number of strollers are available from Guest Services while in port. They are free with a deposit. Since they are limited, don’t wait until most people have left the ship to ask for one.

Port days are a great time to take advantage of the ship’s amenities — such as the pools, spa and the AquaDuck or AquaMouse — with minimal crowds. Most people leave the ship in the morning and return in the afternoon. If you want to enjoy the ship when it’s nearly empty, reverse your schedule so you’re on the ship in the morning and in port during the afternoon. Depending on the ship’s arrival and departure times, this is easier to do at some ports than others.

If you’re wondering how busy a port will be, a great resource is CruiseTimeTables.com . Select your ship and dates, and it will show you which ships will be in port on each day of your cruise. From that, you can click on each ship name to see the details of that ship and see how many passengers it carries. Add all the passenger counts for all the ships in a particular port, and that’s the “port load” for that day. On low-load days, it will be easier to get a taxi, the tourist spots will be less crowded, etc. On high-load days, expect crowds everywhere. It’s a good idea to look at the port load on other days that month to get an idea of what’s a “normal” load. If the port usually handles 15,000 people, then a 10,000 person day might be fairly light. But in another port, their normal day might be 6,000, making 10,000 a huge crowd.

And of course, any of these ports will be busier during peak vacation times, which for the Caribbean and Bahamas is spring break (generally late March through early April) and Christmas season (the two calendar weeks that contain Christmas and New Year’s Day). During those times, you can expect major tourist destinations, beaches, resorts, restaurants, etc. to be very busy and booked up well in advance. The resorts will be full of guests, and the cruise ships will be running as full as possible. Surprisingly, summer in the Caribbean is only moderately busy, as it’s very hot, and a lot of cruise ships are in Alaska and Europe then.

If you want to get away from the tourist gloss and go a little deeper, you might ask some of the crew on the ship where they like to go when they have free time in that port. You still won’t necessarily be seeing the “real” country, but it’s a good way to find something more like a local hangout and less like a chain restaurant. Keep in mind that crew care more about things like free Wi-Fi and cheap drinks, and less about fancy décor and beautiful views.

A warning: reading this section can make you feel like it’s a mistake to leave home, which is not our intent. We don’t want people to get the impression that they’re in grave danger when they leave the ship, but it’s important to be clear-headed and travel smart. Most travelers have no real trouble, especially on organized cruise excursions and shopping in busy tourist areas. However, crime rates are quite high in some of the countries Disney Cruise Line visits, and it’s worthwhile to take some basic precautions.

In almost all developing countries, including many ports in the Caribbean, you are highly likely to encounter vendors who will call to you, ask questions, shove items in front of you, touch you to get your attention, etc. This is not a safety problem per se, it’s just much more aggressive selling than most first-world residents are used to. The vendors know that cruise ship passengers have money, and they hope to get some of that money by selling crafts, t-shirts, hair-braiding, etc. If you’re not interested in what they are selling, you should say “no thanks,” shake your head, or something equivalent, and keep walking . If you ignore them, they don’t know if you have heard them or not, and they may just get louder and closer. If you stop, they’re going to assume you’re interested. Politely making it clear that you’re not interested usually works; you want to act like someone who’s got somewhere to be. If they persist after that, stop responding and move away from them. Do not answer questions from vendors if you aren’t interested in what they’re selling. Usually these vendors are concentrated right around the cruise terminal and a few other big tourist hot spots and if you get a block or two away it gets much better. If you know that dealing with aggressive vendors is going to make you uncomfortable, you’re best off sticking with organized excursions, either through Disney, Viator or large tour operators, or hiring your own guide or driver to take you around.

We strongly recommend against doing any kind of motorized watersports excursions, such as jet-ski rental or parasailing, on a walk-up basis on any beach in the Caribbean, Mexico or Bahamas. These vendors are typically effectively unregulated, and incidents of accidents due to under-maintained equipment and/or poor safety procedures are high enough to make us uncomfortable. Any such excursions should either be purchased through Disney, Viator or some other intermediary that you trust to do reasonable vetting of the final provider. Note that the jet-ski vendors working the beaches in front of major hotels are not typically affiliated with, or recommended by, the hotels. We also recommend doing thorough research on any boat tour, fishing tour, snorkeling or scuba tours booked independently. There are plenty of good independent companies in any of the ports, but there are also lots of tiny companies that may not carry adequate insurance, may not have proper equipment maintenance, may not have proper safety certifications, etc. You should look for how long they’ve been in business, how many reviews they have on major review sites like TripAdvisor, and whether their staff have certifications from recognized organizations like PADI.

We advise not straying far from the port or other tourist areas in Nassau, Bahamas, especially at night. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but it does happen, including bold armed robberies of tour groups. Don’t just take our word for it, read the US State Department’s advisory , under Safety & Security. The vendors are also extra-aggressive here, though it dies down considerably once you get a block or two away from the cruise terminal. If you just want to shop or walk around in Nassau, we advise staying within a few blocks of Bay Street, which is the main shopping street running along the shoreline, or take a cab over to Paradise Island, where the shopping area is much less chaotic and less sketchy.

Falmouth, Jamaica  has had ongoing problems with extremely aggressive vendors near the port. While Jamaica does have serious crime problems, most of it is found in poor areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. Falmouth itself is not an especially crime-prone area. Certainly the large gated shopping area of the cruise port is completely safe to explore, as only employees and cruise-ship passengers are allowed in, and while inside the gated area you will not be accosted by sellers. However, outside the port gates there are quite a few souvenir and craft vendors on the street who buttonhole cruise passengers as they go by. Firmly and politely saying “no thanks” is generally enough to get them to leave you alone. If you ever feel unsafe, during the day there are tourist police stationed at intersections near the port, who wear white helmets, white shirts and black pants.

Crime and violence have been on the increase in Mexico for the last few years. Relatively little of the violence has been directed against tourists, but it does happen occasionally: in February 2012, a busload of people on an official excursion from a Carnival ship were robbed of all their valuables , including passports, in Puerto Vallarta. (This was a giant mess for those who lost their passports, which is why we say do not take your passport off the ship! ) Disney adjusts its port calls in response to current events and will make every effort to visit the ports that are safest. We recommend staying with a group and/or taking an official excursion when visiting Baja ports, except for Cabo San Lucas, which has had few crime problems. For Western Caribbean cruises, Cozumel is a fairly safe port.

Barcelona  is an amazing city but has a big problem with pickpockets. According to a tour guide we spoke with there, under local laws most such thefts are a hand-slapping offense (basically if the pickpocket is caught, a ticket is issued and they don’t have to worry about going to jail). Personally, we saw a lot of tourists wandering around with expensive handbags hanging open over their arms. Don’t make yourself such an obvious target and you’re likely to be fine.

Some safety tips when getting off the ship in any port:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Look on a map before leaving the ship so you know the general layout of the port and have an idea of where the ship is docked. Don’t rely exclusively on a smartphone or other electronic device for directions, since those might be stolen. Take a paper map with you so you can find your way back to the ship.
• Don’t carry your whole wallet around. We recommend getting a travelers pouch (worn inside your shirt around your neck, or around your waist inside your pants), plus a cheap wallet. Preload the wallet with a little cash and maybe one credit card, and nothing else. In the travelers pouch put more cash, a different credit card, your ID, room key, and any phone numbers you might need (see below). Don’t put the ID in the wallet, since you’ll usually need the ID to get through customs and back on the ship. If you get mugged or pickpocketed, the thieves will get some cash, a credit card (which you’ll cancel as soon as you get back to the ship), and a wallet.
• DO NOT take your passport with you when you leave the ship, unless the country requires it, or you plan to rent a car (in which case you’ll need it). If it is stolen, you will have a real problem. Very few countries require you to carry your passport around. If not having your passport with you makes you nervous, make a color photocopy of the identity page of your passport before you leave on the cruise, and carry that with you when you get off the ship.
• DO put your passport (and any other necessary documents, credit cards, etc.) in your stateroom safe when you leave the ship. If for some reason you can’t make it back to the ship, Disney will send two security officers into your stateroom, open the safe, retrieve your passport and leave it with the port agent so you can arrange to rejoin the ship or head home.
• Don’t wear expensive-looking jewelry/watches/handbags, particularly when visiting places with a lot of poverty (e.g. Mexico and the Caribbean) or that are known for pickpockets (e.g. Barcelona and Naples). It just makes you a target for thieves. Very expensive/complicated SLR cameras can also make you a target. If you have a great camera, stay in the safest areas and don’t wander too far alone.
• Write down the name and phone number of the “ship’s agent” for the port (which will be available in the Navigator app), and carry it with you. Putting it in your cell phone or other electronic device is a good backup, but put it on a piece of paper, too, in case your phone is lost or stolen. You’ll need to contact the ship’s agent if something bad happens while you’re onshore (i.e., you get sick/robbed/miss the ship’s departure, etc.) If something happens and you lose the number for the ship’s agent, call the port – they will know the agents for the various cruise lines. It would be a good idea to also have the number of the nearest US embassy or consulate and a local cab company.
• Do not take unlicensed cabs, unless the car was arranged by yourself or a trusted intermediary such as your hotel concierge or bell captain. If a random driver offers to take you somewhere, don’t take them up on it. Your best bet is to only pick up cabs at managed cab stands at ports, airports, hotels or major tourist destinations. In cities with well-regulated cab systems with clear markings, hailing a cab on the street is fine.

Disney offers a wide variety of shore excursions (which they call “port adventures”) of varying quality. In almost all cases the excursions are offered by third parties contracted by Disney. If you’re wondering whether an excursion is worthwhile, we recommend buying a guidebook that reviews them, or searching the internet for reviews on cruise sites, since nearly all shore excursions are the same ones offered to all the cruise ships. Keep in mind that there are often many tour operators offering similarly-named excursions in each port, so just because you find a fantastic review of a city tour, for example, doesn’t mean it’s the same city tour offered by Disney.

Some excursions are very popular and fill up early, so book them as early as you can . If you’re not able to get an excursion you wanted before you embark, go to Guest Services or the Excursion Desk as soon as you get onboard and see if they can add you to a waiting list. Or you can check our tips below for booking the tour on your own. Sometimes the tour or experience itself still has space, but the bus that Disney chartered is full – if  you’re willing to take a cab direct to the facility you can still do the excursion.

Booking excursions directly, instead of via Disney, can save you money and give you extra flexibility. As we mentioned earlier, the shore excursions offered at each of Disney’s ports of call are provided by third-party tour companies, with the exception of most of the Castaway Cay excursions. They are (with a few exceptions) the exact same excursions offered by every other cruise line, and are often offered directly to the public via the tour operators’ own website, or via various aggregators like Viator . In some cases the tour is cheaper when you book directly (since they don’t have to split the profit with Disney), but even if it’s the same price, booking yourself allows you to choose excursions or optional add-ons Disney doesn’t offer, or alternative times that might fit your schedule better. And of course you can choose to do tours and activities that are not offered by Disney, or just get off the ship and explore the town.

Families with kids can often save significant money booking direct! Disney Cruise Line almost always uses a standard age range for pricing port excursions: anyone 10 or older pays the adult price, ages 3-9 pay a child price and ages 2 and under are usually free (or sometimes there’s an infant price). But if you book your port excursion directly with the tour operator, you often find that they offer child discounts up to age 12 and sometimes up to age 16 or 17. Some don’t charge for kids 3 or under, or even 4 or under. That can save you a lot of money, depending on the ages of your kids. You have to book directly (or through another vendor like Viator ) to get the more generous child discounts.

Some people worry that an independent tour company might not getting them back to the ship on time. In practice, it’s extremely  rare for a tour operator to get passengers back late enough to miss their ship. Any tour company that services cruise passengers risks the wrath of a busload of incredibly angry guests if they miss their ship. You can be sure they do not want that to happen, and they will go to great lengths to avoid it. If they have a bus breakdown, they will have a contingency plan to bring in another bus or provide alternative transportation. Some third-party tour companies provide a guarantee that they’ll get you back to your boat on time or they’ll pay to get you to the next port, which tells you that they’re confident they’ll be on time. They take cruise-ship passengers around every day of the year; they’re very aware of the need to stay on schedule.

On a Disney-booked tour, the tour operator will contact the Disney ship’s agent immediately if they get into trouble, so the ship staff know what’s going on. You should do the same: if you are exploring independently or on a self-booked tour and suffer an issue that might make you late, immediately call the ship’s agent and tell them what’s happening. The name and phone number of the ship’s agent for the port is in the Navigator app, or you can call the port and ask for the name and number of the Disney port agent. The ship may wait for you if they know where you are and when you’ll be arriving; they usually won’t wait very long if they have no idea when you’ll be there.

In the very unlikely event that a tour operator doesn’t get you back to the ship before it has to leave, third-party trip insurance may cover your cost to get to the next port, via the “trip interruption,” “missed connection” or “travel delay” coverage, if the tour operator or a cab, bus, or train is delayed as a result of one of the covered events. Covered events usually include a tour operator or carrier suffering a mechanical breakdown, traffic accident or weather-related delay. Check the description of coverage of your trip insurance, or call their customer service number to see if you’re covered. Be careful; some of them only cover trip interruption or missed connections if the carrier ceases service for more than a certain amount of time, sometimes as much as 24 hours.

Most people who miss their ship departure are not on an excursion at all. They just get sidetracked while shopping or sightseeing (or drinking),  often within walking distance of the ship. When you’re close to the ship you don’t have the stress of worrying about getting a cab or whether your tour is going to leave on time, and it’s easy to stop paying attention. Another reason people miss the ship is that they mis-remember the all-aboard time. Don’t let this be you! Write down the all-aboard time, and set an alarm on your phone or watch for when you should be heading back to the ship. Something to be aware of is that if your phone connects to the local cell towers or to local Wi-Fi, it may reset its clock to local time, which might not match ship time. Make sure you know whether your all-aboard is in local time or ship’s time, and also know what time zone your watch or phone is set to. Allow 30 minutes to get through port security, plus 30 minutes for each transportation leg you have to take, in addition to estimated travel time , just in case.

Another thing to keep in mind about self-booked tours: occasionally the ship has to miss a port or arrive late because of weather or some other issue. If you have an excursion in that port that you self-booked, that tour operator’s cancellation policy applies. In our experience many tour operators will refund your money if the ship doesn’t make port, and most will wait for you or put you on a later tour if the ship is late, if they can find a way to do it. It’s definitely worth checking the “missed port” policy before you book, though. Again, your trip insurance may cover missed port excursions under “trip interruption,” “travel delay” or “missed connection;” check with your insurance provider to be sure.

No matter how you book your tour it’s a good idea to have your own contingency plan just in case. You should always have the number of a local cab company in your phone (and written on a piece of paper in case you lose your phone). And you always want to give yourself some leeway. We strongly recommend against self-booking a tour or activity that ends less than 2 hours before the ship leaves . You could make exceptions if you know the activity happens completely within walking distance of the ship, such as the lumberjack show in Ketchikan, which is literally a block and a half from the dock. Be careful though – sometimes the location given by the tour operator is just the pick-up spot; they may transport you somewhere else for the actual activity. The bottom line is that you want to have enough time to find alternative transportation back to the ship if you have to, especially if you’re just exploring on your own. When in doubt, contact the tour operator directly if you can, and ask them how much time it takes to get to and from their pick-up/drop-off points.

Viator.com is an easy, reliable way to book cruise excursions, tours and activities. Like Disney, they work with third-party operators in the various port cities. They hand-pick tour operators that meet their standards for experience, financial soundness, and customer service. They have reviews on their excursions, written by actual customers. You need to take these reviews with the same skepticism that you would with any online reviews: some people are ultra-picky, and some people love everything. But it can give you useful details about the kinds of things you’ll get to do, the kinds of problems that can arise, whether you have to take a long ride from the port to get to the tour beginning, etc.

We have been recommending Viator.com for several years and have had good feedback from readers. They often have the best prices we’ve found on shore excursions, and offer many of the popular excursions in the major ports Disney visits. In some cases they offer the exact same excursion as Disney, provided by the exact same tour company, but with a wider range of available times or more options. We have on several occasions chosen one of their excursions as an alternative to Disney’s excursions, and we’ve always been happy with the tour operators and tours.

To give an example, on our trip to Alaska on the Disney Wonder, we booked a whale-watching excursion in Juneau with Viator because it left earlier, which left us more time for sightseeing and the Mendenhall Glacier. It turns out there are about 5 big whale-watching companies in Juneau, and they all share information about whale sightings, so everyone’s boats spend most of their time in a group traveling from sighting to sighting, then occasionally splitting up to look for more whales. The boat we were on was smaller and faster than the other boats, which allowed us to reach several whale pods first, but in the end everyone saw the same whales. The bottom line: we got a basically identical (maybe a little better) whale-watching trip for about 70% of the Disney excursion price.

Here are direct links to the tours and activities pages on Viator.com for the most popular Disney Cruise Line ports, including departure ports. Note that many excellent tours that work well for cruise passengers are not necessarily listed in the “shore excursions” category. You just have to look at the start and end times of any tour you’re considering and compare to the cruise schedule. We recommend avoiding picking start times less than 30 minutes after your scheduled arrival time in port (plus any travel time needed to get from the port to the tour’s start point). And we strongly advise not picking tours with ending times less than 2 hours before the cruise’s scheduled departure time (plus any travel time needed to get from the tour’s end point to the ship).

• Nassau tours and excursions

Western Caribbean :

• Miami tours and excursions
• Cozumel tours and excursions
• Grand Cayman tours and excursions  (Remember to allow time for tendering into port)
• Falmouth, Jamaica tours and excursions

Eastern Caribbean :

• Tortola shore excursions
• St. Maarten tours and excursions
• St. Thomas/St. John shore excursions
• Vancouver, Canada tours and excursions
• Juneau tours and excursions
• Skagway tours and excursions
• Ketchikan tours and excursions

Mediterranean :

• Barcelona, Spain tours and activities
• Venice, Italy tours and activities
• Villefranche (French Riviera) tours and excursions
• Pisa, Italy tours and excursions (Note that you need to allow travel time to/from La Spezia)
• Florence, Italy tours and excursions (Note that you need to allow travel time to/from La Spezia)
• La Spezia, Italy tours and excursions
• Rome, Italy tours and excursions  (Note that you need to allow travel time to/from Civitavecchia)
• Naples, Italy tours and excursions

For other locations, go the Viator.com home page  and search for the name of the port.

Many of Disney’s Bahamian and Caribbean cruises include a day at Disney’s original private island: Castaway Cay (pronounced like “key”), which is a tiny islet in the Bahamas. For many people Castaway Cay is the best part of a Disney Cruise, as you get the wonderful white sand beaches and clear water of the Caribbean without annoying distractions like roaming vendors and hair braiders. There are plenty of beach chairs for everyone (though you may need to hike to the far end of the beach if you take your time in the morning getting off the ship), and lots of things to do or not do as you prefer.

On your Castaway Cay day, we definitely recommend getting off the ship early . Use room service to have breakfast in your cabin or head to the buffet when it opens and then get off the ship as soon after 9:00 am as you can. You’ll have your pick of chairs, no lines for character greetings and photo opportunities, and the snorkeling will be undisturbed by others stirring up the bottom.

If you’re the adventurous type and don’t want to just lie around on the beach, take advantage of the package excursions at Castaway Cay that include snorkel equipment, float/raft rental, and a one-hour bike rental. The bundle deal is not available once you leave the ship (i.e., you have to pay the individual price for each activity, which will cost more). However, MouseSavers.com reader Kelly M has this to offer: “at Castaway Cay, there is so much to do that we couldn’t get to everything. We booked four passes for the snorkel, float and bicycle package. Next time we will only book two passes and share. We ran out of time and could have easily shared two sets. We didn’t even get to pick up the bikes since we ran out of time.”

Castaway Cay has its own post office, so your stop there is a great opportunity to send postcards to your friends. All of you scrapbookers out there will want to bring an extra postcard or two to mail to yourself; they’ll receive the Castaway Cay postmark! Definitely buy your Bahamian stamps on the boat at Guest Services before you arrive at Castaway Cay, or you can buy them in Nassau if you go there first. If you do buy stamps at Castaway Cay you will need CASH to pay for the postage — it can’t be charged to your room key, and you may find that the post office has very limited hours (as in it may not open at all). If you have stamped postcards, you can drop them in the slot any time. Note that it can take quite a long time (months) for the postcard to reach home, and we have multiple reports of postcards never arriving at all.

Every visit to Castaway Cay includes a running of the Castaway Cay 5K , which is a nice way to start your day if you like running. You’ll (usually) get a souvenir medal for completing the race (though sometimes they don’t give them out, seemingly at random), a feeling of accomplishment, and an excuse to have a second helping of cookies and ice cream at lunch. Look at the Navigator app for instructions on where to meet. Usually the race gets going pretty early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Take some time to explore the public parts of the island, including the old landing strip . Disney has placed a bunch of artfully arranged flotsam and jetsam all over, including a couple of DC-3’s with Disney nose art that make a great backdrop for a group photo. Taking a walk or bike ride to the observation tower makes a nice expedition. The walkway is paved and well-marked, and there are water dispensers at regular intervals. From the top of the tower you can see the ship in the distance, the native landscape of Castaway Cay (which is admittedly pretty sparse), and some fun surprises placed here and there by Disney imagineers.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney’s newest “private island” experience , created to take some pressure off Castaway Cay and add new private beach experiences to the Disney Cruise portfolio. It has all the same basic features as Castaway Cay: a nice private beach with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, included buffet lunch, and exclusive shore activities and excursions.

Lookout Cay is not actually a separate island, but rather a private piece of land near the southern tip of Eleuthera , one of the larger Bahamian islands. However, from a practical point of view it works the same way as a true private island. It’s just easier for the locals to come to work, since they can just drive over instead of taking a boat.

Lookout Cay has something for everyone. You can snorkel, get a spa treatment, walk the nature trails, participate in Disney shore adventures, meet characters and learn about Bahamian arts and culture. As with Castaway Cay, there are a few extra-cost experiences, but most of it is FREE.

Lookout Cay is not open yet as of this writing, so a full set of details will have to wait until June 2024, when the first Disney cruise passengers will get to see it in person.

All of Disney Cruise Line’s popular 3- and 4-day cruises stop in Nassau, which is probably the single most visited cruise destination in the world. Every day, up to 18,000 cruise passengers arrive at the Nassau cruise terminal and head out to a variety of adventures, shopping, or just to the beach. The Bahamas is a former British colony with a rich history, and traces of its Georgian heyday are visible in the lovely old buildings, some dating back to just after the American Revolution.

There is plenty here for the cruise visitor, including the amazing Atlantis mega-resort, snorkeling, scuba-diving, or just lying on the beach. You can also just get off the ship and explore, though read the Port Safety notes; the tourist areas of Nassau are quite safe during normal business hours, but it’s not recommended to wander too far on your own beyond the downtown and resort areas, especially at night.

Getting Taxis in Nassau

• Atlantis & Aquaventure
• Aquaventure Tips
• Savings Tip: Aquaventure Via Comfort Suites

Nassau Beach Options

• Other Nassau recommendations

There is quite a bit to explore within walking distance from the cruise terminal, but if you want to get to the further beach and resort areas like Paradise Island or Cable Beach you’ll want to get transportation. We generally recommend taking taxi cabs. There is a water taxi to Paradise Island near the cruise terminal, but it doesn’t have a schedule; it waits until it is full, which can take a long time. And there are jitneys, which are local buses. The #10 jitney runs back and forth along Bay street from near the cruise terminal to the far end of Cable Beach, but the waits can be long, and they can be crowded and stop semi-randomly. Be sure to take the #10, which stays on Bay Street, and not the #10A, which goes through side streets and takes forever. The fare is $1.25 each way per person, cash only, no change given. Our feeling is that you have limited time in Nassau; make the most of it and take cabs. It’s a small town and very few places will cost more than $4/person to get to in a cab. Getting from the cruise terminal to the far end of Paradise Island or Cable Beach might go as high as $6/person.

You should know in advance that taxis in Nassau are not always in particularly great shape. The air conditioning may not work or the driver may not run it to save gas. The car or van itself may look well-used. The driver may stop to get gas on the way to your destination. It’s the Caribbean, and that’s pretty much the standard for cabs all over the region. Ultimately if you don’t like the look of a cab, wait for another one. If all of this sounds like it would make you uncomfortable, then don’t take cabs; book excursions with included transportation via Disney or Viator  or direct with a tour company. Disney and Viator work with large tour companies that generally use nice, clean air-conditioned vans and minibuses.

Licensed cabs say “Taxi” on the side in fancy lettering and have a taxi license plate and a meter. There are shuttles as well, mostly doing back and forth runs between the cruise terminal and Paradise Island, and they can be a perfectly reasonable option, if picked up inside the cruise terminal gates or called for you by the bell captain at a hotel. We would not recommend taking an unlicensed cab anywhere else, unless you arrange the booking yourself through a reliable transportation company. Often even if you take a licensed cab with a meter the driver will refuse to use the meter and will just quote a price, which you are free to negotiate. Just about anywhere within 15 minutes of the cruise terminal should be $4/person or less. If the driver tries to change the agreed price, just repeat the price you agreed, hand them the money and get out.

At the cruise terminal, the shuttles to Paradise Island are easy to get, but be aware that they are not organized into a well-behaved line. There is a large, chaotic area inside the cruise terminal gates with shuttle vans, van hawkers, drivers, etc. all trying to get the attention of cruise passengers. You can go to one of the counters offering shuttles, or just tell the first driver you see where you want to go. The drivers will usually want to wait until they’ve filled up their van, but that shouldn’t take long. If you want to get a personal taxi for just your party, you may want to walk outside the terminal and look for a licensed cab.

At a resort like Atlantis or the One & Only Ocean Club, just go to the bell stand out front and ask for a taxi. They’ll whistle one over, or call one if there isn’t one waiting.

If you’re somewhere else and need a ride back to the cruise terminal, if you’re near Bay Street you can just hail a taxi; there are plenty going up and down it all day. On Paradise Island, you can find taxis in any tourist spot or driving on Paradise Island Drive.

It’s normally about 15-20 minutes drive from Atlantis or other locations on Paradise Island to the cruise terminal. The far end of Cable beach is about the same driving distance from the cruise terminal in the other direction. But near the end of the day there can be significant traffic trying to get back to the terminal that can push the total travel time to 30 minutes or more, so don’t push your luck. Allow plenty of time, and remember you have to get through port security.

Atlantis & Aquaventure

Atlantis   is a truly massive resort and casino on Paradise Island, about a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminal . It’s one of the most popular destinations for cruise-ship passengers in Nassau, largely because of its massive water park, Aquaventure . It also has a very large and beautiful aquarium called The Dig, which is designed to look like you’re touring an ancient section of the mythical land of Atlantis that has been submerged and discovered centuries later by archaeologists. Atlantis is located right on Cabbage Beach, perhaps the most beautiful of all Bahamas beaches, and it has an enormous casino and lots of high-end restaurants and shopping. It’s all very impressive, but the prices are equally impressive.

Is Atlantis worth visiting while on a Bahamas cruise? It’s hard to say. Purely as a water park, we’d have to say no. If you book it through Disney, it’s about $250 for adults and $140 for kids. If you self-book and work every angle, you might be able to get access to Aquaventure for $120-$140 so per person in the peak season, or $95-$110 in the off season. Compare that to Blizzard Beach , Typhoon Lagoon or Aquatica in Orlando, all of which are $75-ish for a full-price adult ticket (even less if you use one of the many discounts available). Atlantis Aquaventure is huge and has some very neat water slides and a great rapids river called the Current, but it’s not so much better than the Orlando parks to merit the price difference. In fact, we’d say the Orlando parks are easier to navigate and better planned for practical touring. All that said, Atlantis as a whole is pretty spectacular and a unique destination. The Dig, the predator lagoons, the Aquaventure park and the art and the architecture are all unlike anything anywhere else (except maybe the other Atlantis resorts), so it’s very hard to say what it’s worth. If you have people in your party who love water parks, or love aquariums, it’s probably worth a visit. If you find the architecture intriguing, you’ll like it even better up close. But if you expect to get your money’s worth as a “theme park” experience, then it’s going to be a disappointment.

Most of Atlantis , including Aquaventure and the aquariums and other exhibits, is only open to their own hotel guests, cruise-ship guests with a day pass , or guests of the Comfort Suites next door, at least during daylight hours. Even the Royal Towers lobby is off-limits if you don’t have a wristband or the paperwork you need to get a wristband.

There are several options for visiting the paid sections of Atlantis, including several Disney-sponsored excursions. It is almost always cheaper and faster to get to Atlantis on your own. We recommend taking a cab right outside the cruise terminal, which allows you to leave immediately after docking and beat the other cruise passengers to the water slides.

You can get an Aquaventure pass on-site, when available, which includes beach and Dig access. However, when the resort is very full, such as during spring break, they may not offer walk-up Aquaventure passes, or they may sell out quickly. If you know you want to visit Aquaventure, it’s a good idea to book through Disney or use the tip below to book a hotel day room. If you just want to view the Dig or the beach, there are passes that don’t include Aquaventure available at a lower price.

These prices were correct when gathered (early 2024), but are subject to change any time, and may vary based on season and demand:

• The Atlantis Aquaventure day pass includes access to pretty much everything at Atlantis except the Dolphin adventures and the grounds and pools of the ultra-pricey Cove and Reef areas. It includes access to Aquaventure, pools, the beach, the Dig, the predator lagoons and the Royal Towers lobby. Same-day passes cost $250-275 (depending on season and whether lunch is included) for adults (13+), and $140-$160 for children (4-12). Children 3 and under are FREE with a paying adult. Note that these may sell out, especially at peak times like spring break. 
• The Discover Atlantis pass includes the Dig, the predator lagoons, and access to the Royal Towers lobby. It includes a guided tour of the Dig (which you can take or not). Same-day passes cost $55 for all ages (4+). Children 3 and under are FREE with a paying adult. We have never heard of these being sold out.
• The Atlantis Beach Day pass includes use of beach chairs and umbrellas, plus access to the Dig, predator lagoons, and the Royal Towers Lobby. Same-day passes cost $95 for all ages (4+). Lunch is not included. Children 3 and under are FREE with a paying adult. We have heard of these selling out during spring break, and possibly other times, but perhaps not as often as the Aquaventure passes.

Some (but not all) of these day passes can be purchased in advance on Atlantis’s website .

To buy a day pass in person, go to the ticket booth at the Coral Towers entrance and show your Key to the World card to prove you’re on a cruise. (They don’t want guests of other unaffiliated Bahamas hotels to be able to get access to the Atlantis facilities, which is why they need to see proof that you’re a cruise passenger.)

If you don’t want to pay for a day pass, there are a few areas of Atlantis that are free to visit , most notably the casino, shops and restaurants in and around the Coral Towers. If you just want to soak up the atmosphere, gamble, or have some lunch, you’re welcome to do so by coming in the Coral Towers entrance. You should know, though, that pretty much all of the iconic Atlantis architecture and decor is in and around the Royal Towers, which are off-limits without a pass. You can also walk outside and visit the Marina Village shopping center and the Paradise Shopping Plaza across the street, which features a local handcrafts area that is like the Straw Market in downtown Nassau, but with slightly less aggressive vendors. If you want to eat, many of the signature restaurants in Atlantis are only open for dinner, but there are quite a few restaurants open for lunch in the Marina Village, or you can walk through the conference center to the Beach Tower and eat at the Cave Grill without needing a day pass.

When you’re ready to leave Atlantis, if you have any day pass (or a room at the Comfort Suites) and thus have a wristband, just walk out the front doors of the Atlantis Royal Towers and ask them to call you a taxi or cruise terminal shuttle. There will likely be several of them waiting, and there will be a posted flat rate to the cruise terminal. If you’re just visiting with no day pass or band, you will have to pick up a taxi at the Coral Towers, Beach Tower or the Marina Village.

Aquaventure Tips & Tricks:

• Whether you book the Disney Aquaventure tour or go on your own, our advice is to ignore the guided tour of the Dig and just head straight to Aquaventure as soon as you get your wristbands. The Dig is well worth visiting, but not during prime morning hours; it stays open much later than the pools, so save your visit for later in the day when you’re tired of slides, during a mid-day break or in the last 30 minutes before you need to return. Obviously if you get there so early that they won’t let you into the Aquaventure area, congratulate yourself on your efficiency and take a turn through the Dig, or take the opportunity to check out the predator lagoons over by the Coral Tower or the murals and decorative elements in the Royal Towers lobby.
• The slides and Current usually open at 10, and the pools and Dig open at 9 . It’s a good idea to get in as early as you can to get a locker and towels and stake out some lounge chairs. If you manage to get all settled before the slides open, you can walk around and check out the lay of the land and get yourself oriented.
• In the late summer and fall, it’s not uncommon for the pools and slides to close in the mid-afternoon because of thunderstorms, and they might not open again, so it’s important to get an early start.
• The best locker and towel area is the Hospitality Center. In defiance of logic, it is in the back of the park as far as possible from the lobby and entrances. From the desk where you get the wristbands, head up the stairs to the lobby level of the Royal Towers and follow the signs to Aquaventure, and then to the Hospitality Center, or ask any staff about the most direct route. There are lockers, fresh towels, and deck chairs there, and it’s right next to a good place to enter the Current. However, we’d suggest spending the morning riding water slides, and then check out the Current once you’re tired of slides or the lines are getting long.
• The Current is not a “lazy” river. It’s a rapid river, and there are sections of it that can hurt you if you’re not paying attention, including a speed run through concrete “rocks” you could hit your head on or get a bad scrape from. If you’re paying attention, you’ll have no trouble; it’s not crazy fast. But don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just relax and float. In some sections it can look that way, but then it can speed up and start knocking you around. Think carefully before sending small children on it, or walk around and take a look at the hairier sections. There is an actual lazy river way over by the Beach Towers (which is a hike), should you want a more sedate experience.
• The concrete walkways appear to be some kind of cool-deck material, but they still can get pretty hot. Flip-flops or water shoes are highly recommended. You can wear flip-flops or water shoes on the slides, as long as they don’t have metal on them that might scratch the slide surface.
• Towels are available early in the day from big carts near the Hospitality Center. Later in the day those carts disappear but they still have towels, so if you don’t see any, just ask at the Hospitality Center desk and they’ll hand you fresh towels.
• The food and merchandise locations in Aquaventure do not accept cash. They only accept Atlantis room keys or credit cards, so make sure you bring a working credit card with you if you want to be able to get food and rent a locker.
• There is no central float and tube distribution location. Tubes are included in the price of Aquaventure , and you just grab any empty one as it floats by, or from any stack you see. There’s no point in dragging them around the park; there will be more available just about anywhere you would need one. In a few cases you have to lug your own tube up the stairs to the top of a slide, and that will be obvious, as everyone will be carrying tubes up the stairs.
• Several of the fancier tube slides can be accessed from the Current ; you just float around until you see a fork in the river, with one side leading to the “Rapids” and one to the “Power Tower.” Take the Power Tower path to get to two elaborate slides called The Drop and The Falls via a conveyor belt that carries you to the top of the Power Tower without you even having to get out of your tube. To get to the other slides in the Power Tower you have to leave the Current and walk up some stairs.
• The food from the snack bars is pretty ordinary and similar to theme-park food. If you want more exciting food, there is a full-service restaurant in the water park area called Shark Bites that serves a few Bahamian specialties like conch salad, conch chowder, and johnnycake (in addition to the usual burgers, salads and chicken strips). You could also head over to the Beach Tower and try the Cave Grill, which has a nice view of Cabbage Beach, and you could check out the sharks in the predator lagoons while you’re over there. If you have a lunch voucher it may only be good at certain restaurants, so check on that before you hike all the way over to the Beach Tower.

Savings Tip: Aquaventure Via Comfort Suites

Guests of the Comfort Suites Paradise Island   get FREE admission to the aquariums, exhibits, pools, beach and most importantly Aquaventure , just like guests of Atlantis itself. The Comfort Suites is conveniently located right next door to the Atlantis Coral Towers. Each room you book gives you up to four passes to Atlantis (one for each person in the room). The hotel has a 3:00 pm check in time, but you can “check in” early in the morning and get the paperwork you’ll need to get your Atlantis wristbands; they will be happy to tell you how to get to Atlantis. You can even check in and check out in one transaction so you don’t have to stop by on your way back to the ship, or if you’d like to use the room you can come back after 3 to shower and change before heading back to the ship.

Important note : To discourage people from waiting to book the Comfort Suites until the day their cruise ship arrives, a one-night stay booked same-day, either online or at the front desk, does not come with access to Atlantis. A one-night stay booked in advance (at least a day earlier than the arrival date), still includes access to Atlantis .  If you were thinking you’d book a room same-day because you’re worried about the ship not being able to dock, our advice would be to get travel insurance that covers trip interruption, which will reimburse any non-refundable expenses you incur if you are unable to experience part of the trip. Also, keep in mind that it’s very rare for ships to be unable to dock in Nassau. It’s the most popular cruise ship port for a reason.

In the last few years the Comfort Suites has raised the price for single-night stays considerably, and added fees that take the final price for one night to $120/person or more at times. However, if you check their web site regularly, you can sometimes snag deals in the off season, and they offer a small discount for AAA members . Kids under 16 are FREE, but anyone 16 or over is considered an adult, and there’s a $40 fee for every adult after the first one. Even at their top rates, one night at the Comfort Suites  plus cab fare is almost sure to be less expensive than getting day passes to Aquaventure or buying the Disney excursion for a family of 3 or 4, and you can book it in advance easily. For families of 5 or more, you’ll have to get two rooms unless one or more of the kids is 3 or younger ( children 3 or under don’t need a wristband to get into Aquaventure when accompanied by a paying adult, so they don’t need to be on the Comfort Suites booking ). For two adults, the Disney excursion is often the least expensive way to go, but price it out just to be sure.

You may see reports on the internet from people who were charged a bunch of surcharges at checkin, but that only happens if you book via shady online travel agencies that are booking special consolidator rates (rates for group tours) that don’t include the resort fees. If you book via the Choice Hotels web site, they are already figured into the final price you see on the final booking page. You’ll see a very large “Taxes and fees” amount added to the total, and that includes all surcharges. They will not charge you anything more when you check in to the hotel, as long as you book directly with the Choice Hotels site and list the correct number of adults and children when booking . If you see a much lower rate on another site, it probably doesn’t include the fees. As mentioned above, you don’t need to list children 3 or under if you’re only using the room to get Atlantis wristbands; you won’t need a wristband for them.

Once you check in at the Comfort Suites, ask the front desk clerks to direct you to Atlantis. The quickest way is via the back exit from the Comfort Suites. It’s about 100 yards to the entrance, and then a short walk through the shopping area to the guest services desk, where they will take your Comfort Suites paperwork and give you the wristbands you need to enter the grounds.

One nice thing about booking the Comfort Suites is that you don’t have to wait for the official Disney tour , which often leaves somewhat late in the morning. You can get off the ship immediately, get into a cab and go straight to the Comfort Suites, check in (and immediately check out, if desired) and collect your paperwork, then walk over to Atlantis and get your wristbands. If you’re off the ship at 9:30 am you can be on the water slides at 10:00 am, assuming everything goes well. It’s not hard to beat the cruise ship tour buses by 30-60 minutes. On our first trip to Aquaventure, we got off the ship 15 minutes after the ship was cleared, got a very slow cab that made several stops before getting to the Comfort Suites, got lost multiple times while walking to the guest services desk to get our wristbands, and we still beat the Disney excursion; they were arriving as we were walking away from the service desk. The second time we went, we beat the excursion bus by roughly 50 minutes, which meant almost an hour of extra water slides!

• Book a day room at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island , including full access to Atlantis and Aquaventure for up to 4 guests!

Free Beaches :

There are several public beaches in Nassau which cost nothing to visit other than transportation costs , plus of course any snacks, drinks, souvenirs, hair braiding, etc. you might purchase while you’re there. Most of the public beaches will have vendors hawking drinks, chairs, pictures, souvenirs, etc. and some of them can be pushy. Generally just politely saying “no thanks” is enough to get them to move on.

It’s very important to note that public beaches in the Bahamas do not have the same level of amenities as most public beaches in the USA . If you are used to California or Florida public beaches with bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, maybe a boardwalk, you will need to reset your expectations. In the Bahamas, as in many developing countries, there is very little public money for beaches, and (with a few exceptions mentioned below) the only infrastructure is provided by private vendors, who will charge money for access. At the more popular beaches there may be vendors who will rent you a beach chair or umbrella for a fee, or people just walking around with cold drinks for sale, but don’t expect much more than that. Also, depending on the tides and weather some of these beaches can have heavy surf and riptides, and there are no lifeguards.

• Junkanoo Beach (also called West Esplanade Beach). This is the closest beach to the cruise terminal, and is an easy walk. Just come out of the cruise terminal, turn right and follow the road along the shore (which has a few twists and turns along the way) for a few blocks past the British Colonial hotel. As the nearest public beach to the main tourism area, it’s quite busy and full of tourists and vendors. We have seen frequent reports of litter and debris, but if you can find a section that has just been cleaned and raked, it can be quite nice, and some of the vendors who have permanent shacks on the beach are very good about keeping up the area near them. The water is much calmer here than on other beaches in the area, though the view is perhaps not as nice (mostly you can see the harbor and cruise ships). There are public facilities here of varying cleanliness, again depending on how recently they were serviced. 
• Saunders Beach . This beach is just a bit further east on Bay Street from the Fish Fry area but not all the way to Cable Beach. There are fewer (often no) vendors here, and on weekdays there may not be many people here, period. There are no bathrooms or other facilities, but there are shops and some fast-food restaurants across the street. The beach has nice sand, but once you get into the water it’s a bit rocky. The surf here is not typically very strong, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so you’ll want to keep an eye on children. You could conceivably walk here, but it would be a  long walk; we’d take a taxi. If you’re trying to get away from the touristy beaches, this is the place, or Goodman’s Bay, just a bit further along Bay Street.
• Cable Beach . This is about a 15-25 minute drive from the cruise terminal, depending on which end of it you visit. Cable Beach is a beautiful beach with soft sand, but it’s hard to access the best section of the beach without paying, because that portion, while technically public up to the high-water mark, is effectively controlled by the row of hotels in front of it. The easiest public access is via Goodman’s Bay park, which is essentially part of Cable Beach. The beach at Goodman’s Bay is a less crowded beach than Junkanoo, and in fact on weekdays there may be almost no one here. On weekends there will often be some locals out and about. There are no public facilities on the beach or in the park except for restrooms that are open erratically and a children’s playground. You can walk over to the section of beach in front of Breezes, but they will shoo you away if you venture too close to the resort. At the other end of Cable Beach, near the Melia, pretty much the whole beach is deliberately designed to be inaccessible except through one of the resorts, and if you can find your way through an alley to the beach, you’ll find that essentially anything you would want to do is reserved for hotel guests. Really, if you want to spend the day at Cable Beach, a day pass is your best option.
• Cabbage Beach . This is on the north side of Paradise Island, right next to Atlantis. Cabbage Beach is a beautiful beach with a great view of the ocean, but the surf is very strong, especially in the winter, and it’s often not safe to swim. The best public beach access is about a mile away from Atlantis, next to the Paradise Island Beach Club. There are no public facilities to speak of, but there will usually be lots of private vendors around renting chairs, selling drinks, etc. The nearest public restroom is at the Marina Village, about a 25-minute walk away. You can no longer get into the Atlantis Beach Tower from the beach without an Atlantis wristband. If you decide you want a day pass, both Riu and Atlantis offer them ( see below ), but you can’t buy them at their beach entrances; they will direct you to go all the way around to the front entrance of the Riu or the front entrance of the Atlantis Coral Towers to buy one, which is about a 25-30 minute walk. The bottom line is that while the beach is technically public, the resorts in front of the beach effectively control access to most facilities and for most travelers we would suggest buying a day pass to experience this beach.

Paid Beach Day Passes :

For a more relaxing beach experience, it may be worth your while to get a day pass for one of the hotels in the area , which will generally give you access to their private beach, or to a reserved area on a public beach with beach chairs and umbrellas, plus access to the rest of their hotel including pools, bathrooms, towels, recreation equipment, etc. Lunch is sometimes included with a day pass, but be sure to read the included amenities to be sure. Note that these hotel’s websites never seem to have any information about day passes. To find out more, you must generally call the hotel directly. The Bahamas uses the US/Canada phone prefix (1), so you can direct-dial Bahamas numbers easily. It is an international call from the US or Canada, so you might want to check what your phone company is going to charge before calling. Some of these hotels also have an email address, but our experience emailing foreign hotels is hit-or-miss. Some respond immediately and some never respond. All prices below were correct when we last checked them, but are subject to change without warning.

During peak times (spring break and Christmas, most notably), the resorts will be very full and the prices may be higher. The day passes tend to sell out, so it may be hard to get one as a walk-up guest. Pre-book if possible, or get to the resort as early as you can the morning you arrive. And of course even if you get a pass during peak season, it may be harder to find an empty beach chair or snag a kayak if you don’t arrive early.

• British Colonial, Nassau is a beautiful colonial-era hotel that was renovated extensively in 2023. Its best feature is its proximity to the cruise terminal – you can easily stroll there in 10 minutes. Just exit the cruise terminal, turn right and walk along the street for about 4 blocks. They have a private beach (with a view mostly of the port and cruise ships), and a nice restaurant. They offer a beach pass for $100 for adults, $55 for children. You can buy the pass in advance from ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-605-9900
• Margaritaville Beach Resort is a new-ish resort right in downtown Nassau. It has multiple food outlets, a nice beach with a view of the cruise ships, and a small water park with a lazy river and a few water slides. It’s easy to get to – you just go out to the street, turn right, and walk along Bay Street for about 10-15 minutes. It’s just before Junkanoo Beach. A day pass is $110 for adults and $55 for children. This just includes access to the grounds, including the water park and beach area. No food or drink is included. You can buy the pass in advance from ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-603-8400
• Breezes Bahamas is on Cable Beach, and only open to ages 14+, and at times (spring break) only 18+ . This is an all-inclusive resort, so day passes include all-you-can-eat food and drink including beer, wine, and cocktails for those over 18. Walk-up day passes are $110/person, or you can buy in advance from  ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-327-5356
• Sandals Royal Bahamian is on the far end of Cable Beach, even further down than the Melia. It is an adults-only resort, so all guests must be 18+. They have by all accounts some of the nicest facilities in Nassau. This is an all-inclusive resort, so day passes include all-you-can-eat food and drink including beer, wine, and cocktails for those over 18. Walk-up day passes are at last report $115/person for 10 am – 6 pm. Direct phone: +1-242-327-6400
• Atlantis Paradise Island is on Cabbage Beach and last we checked, offers a beach day pass for $85 for all ages (4+), which includes lunch and access to the Dig aquarium (but not the pools or Aquaventure water park). Direct phone: +1-242-363-3000
• Riu Palace is also on Cabbage Beach, next to Atlantis.  It is an adults-only resort, so all guests must be 18+. This is an all-inclusive resort; day passes include all-you-can eat food and drink including beer, wine and cocktails. Day passes are available in person, or in advance for $160 through ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-363-3500
• Blue Lagoon is best known for their popular Dolphin Encounter, but you can book a beach day on their private island for $94 for adults (13+), $70 for children (4-12), including lunch. Booking directly is a little cheaper than the Disney-arranged excursion, but you’ll have to take a cab to and from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal to get to the embarkation point for the ferry to the island, whereas Disney includes all transportation and leaves from a dock near the cruise ship, so for most people booking this with Disney is the better option. More information: +1-866-918-9932
• Other day passes may be available from ResortForADay . The mix of resorts offering day passes changes from time to time, so it’s worth checking out what’s available on the date you’ll be in Nassau.

Other Nassau Recommendations

• The Fish Fry is a group of colorful restaurants and bars just a few blocks from downtown Nassau. It’s a good place to get authentic local food, including the local shellfish: conch (pronounced “KONK”). You can eat conch in many forms: fritters (which are generally heavy on the batter and light on the conch), “cracked conch” which is lightly battered and fried conch strips, tangy conch salad (kind of like ceviche), or spicy conch chowder (which has both cream and tomatoes, kind of like a cross between New England and Manhattan styles). You can also get fried or grilled grouper, snapper and other local fish. There are usually at least a few non-fish items on the menu for folks who aren’t fans of seafood. You can walk to it fairly easily in about 15-20 minutes, or take a very short cab ride. Just come out of the cruise terminal, turn right, and follow the road along the shore past the British Colonial Hilton, past Junkanoo Beach, and about two more blocks through Clifford Park until you see the row of fish joints. This is not fancy eating and may not be a good choice for picky eaters or young children (though most places have simple food like fries and chicken fingers available), but it is real Bahamian food and not expensive (at least not compared to other Nassau options), and during the day the walk is safe. You can Google “fish fry Nassau” for specific restaurant recommendations, but the competition here is fierce and tends to keep the quality up, so following your nose and checking out what other people seem to be enjoying is a good strategy.
• The Ardastra Gardens & Zoo is quite nice. It’s a small private zoo with some lovely grounds and a famous (and fairly amusing) “marching flamingos” show. Exactly how much the flamingos are “marching” versus “running away from the trainer” is debatable, but it’s all in fun and the narration doesn’t take the show too seriously. You can also feed apple chunks to Australian lorys (a kind of small parrot), who will land right on your hands and shoulders to take apple pieces. They have a wide variety of other interesting animals, including rare black swans. It’s good for a few hours, and our recommendation is not to bother with the Disney excursion that includes an overlong “island tour.” Just take a taxi there, and when you’re done, ask the Ardastra folks to call you a taxi back to the ship. You can also walk to/from Ardastra; it’s very near the Fish Fry. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Fish Fry or a 20-25 minute walk from the cruise terminal, but definitely get a map at the cruise terminal; it’s tucked in among a bunch of houses and not in an obvious location. If possible, try to time your visit so you’ll be there for a lory feeding and flamingo show; the schedule is listed on the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo website .
• The Versailles Garden and Cloisters is a lovely terraced garden on Paradise Island that contains the ruins of a French monastery. The monastery was moved from France to the US by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, and subsequently to the Bahamas by supermarket heir and developer Huntington Hartford , who thought it would look nice on the resort island he was developing. The gardens are now part of the The Four Seasons Ocean Club Resort , but a good portion is open to the public. The gardens are in a narrow strip of land that goes from the resort to the water, going down to sunken gardens and back up to the cloisters. You can easily enter the gardens from Paradise Island Drive, the main artery going east-west on the island. If you walk south from the road, you’ll pass through the cloister and eventually reach an overlook with a gazebo and beautiful view of the water. If you walk north from the road toward the resort, you’ll get to see a fair amount of the gardens, but will eventually encounter security who will turn you away if you’re not a guest of the resort. If you want to see the whole gardens including the portion near the resort, you can have lunch at the Dune restaurant (which is nice, but very pricey) at The Ocean Club, then walk out through the gardens. Keep your receipt from the restaurant just in case you walk out past a guard and then want to get back in. You can take a cab here from the cruise terminal, or walk to or from here from Atlantis, the Comfort Suites, or the Marina Village; it’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the Marina Village down Paradise Island Drive on a paved pedestrian walkway. There is also a free shuttle van between Atlantis and the Ocean Club. Ask about it at the Atlantis front desk.
• John Watling’s Rum Distillery  is built around a large and lovely renovated historic house. The highlight is a FREE self-guided walk through that tells you about the history of the location and how rum is made. The actual rum production facilities are a little underwhelming, and are basically a big warehouse full of barrels with some stainless steel tanks and equipment in the back. The rum itself is perfectly fine and makes a unique souvenir, as it isn’t easily available outside the Bahamas. There is a lounge at the end of the tour where you can buy small samples of the rum for a few dollars per pour, and a gift shop where you can buy t-shirts, mugs, glasses and, of course, rum. You can bring children on the tour (though obviously they can’t buy rum), but it’s not the most exciting thing for kids. Depending on how long you care to stay, you can spend as little as 15 minutes on the tour or perhaps as long as 45 if you love learning about rum. For us at least, the house itself and the history displays were the most interesting part.

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A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Caribbean and Bahamas: Eastern Caribbean Cruise

7-night disney fantasy cruise.

From $3,633 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $140

Disney Cruise Line

Experience a unique blend of cultures, postcard-worthy beaches and welcoming weather throughout the Caribbean, and enjoy leisure time on Disney's private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay. Days at sea aboard your magnificent Disney ocean liner are a delight unto themselves: Dive into fun daily activities, live entertainment, Character experiences and themed dining.

Included Extras

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Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

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Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card, courtesy of Costco Travel, with every Disney Cruise Line sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

Port Canaveral

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to find Port Canaveral thrilling. This is the home of the Kennedy Space Center, where you can catch a fascinating glimpse into the history - and future - of the U.S. space program. Or, take a leisurely stroll along the Cocoa Beach Pier; the shopping is great and the beach views are truly "out of this world."

Powdery white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and a sheltered yacht-filled harbor characterize the island of Tortola, where the past of the West Indies meets the present of the BVI. The largest island in the chain, Tortola offers a variety of exciting vacation possibilities. The protected anchorages at Brandywine Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Hodge's Creek Marina Cay, Soper's Hole, and Trellis Bay are ideal for boaters. Secluded palm-shaded beaches at Apple Bay, Brewer's Bay, Elizabeth Beach, Josiah's Bay Beach, Long Bay Beach, and Smuggler's Cove make for excellent swimming and snorkelling. There are also many well-equipped facilities for fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, or horseback riding. Wander through centuries-old ruins such as the Dungeon, Fort George, Fort Recovery, the Mount Healthy Windmill, and Callwood's Rum Distillery, which is still in operation, and explore Tortola's history at the BVI Folk Museum in Road Town. Main Street in Road Town, the capital city, has an array of shops and restaurants, offering everything from local spices, jams, rums, and soaps to hand-crafted jewellery, silk-screened fabrics, and local art. The cuisine of Tortola reflects the island's rich cultural mix, whether it's a four-star dinner at a converted sugar mill or a delicious West Indian roti at a pastel-painted cottage. Local delicacies such as fresh lobster, conch, spicy goat, curries, and Johnny Cakes make each meal memorable. Escape to the cool slopes of Sage Mountain National Park, where traces of the primaeval rain forest can still be seen at higher elevations. On the mountain ridge that runs thorough the island, observe local Caribbean life with its gentle rhythms, farms, settlements, and churches. At Mount Healthy National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, rock outcroppings and vertical ghuts, or dry steam valleys, expose the deep, rich earth of this volcanic island. In Road Town, the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens offer peaceful walks through pergolas and pathways covered with colorful vines, as well as a miniature rain forest and a fern house. The people of Tortola are friendly and known for their warmth and hospitality. There are a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from campgrounds to luxury resorts and private villas. Tortola is also an ideal point from which to explore the other British Virgin Islands. Regular ferries, private and crewed yachts, and planes travel daily to the other islands of the BVI.

St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie, capital and chief port of the Virgin Islands of the United States, on Saint Thomas Harbor, southern Saint Thomas Island. Rum, bay rum, woolens, jewelry, and sugar are exported. Local industries include boatbuilding, rum and alcohol distilling, and the production of handicrafts. A picturesque town built on three hills, Charlotte Amalie is a free port and a major tourist resort. Of special interest are Fort Christian, built in 1671; Beretta, the shopping area; and the Frenchtown section. Charlotte Amalie is the site of the College of the Virgin Islands and the Museum of the Virgin Islands. In 1672 the Danes founded the first permanent settlement on the site, naming it Amalienborg or Charlotte Amalia, after their queen. The city is also popularly known as Saint Thomas, which was the official name from 1921 to 1936. It became capital of the American territory of the Virgin Islands in 1917, when the former Danish West Indies were purchased.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas which serves as an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise Line ships. It is located near Great Abaco Island and was formerly known as Gorda Cay. In 1997, The Walt Disney Company purchased a 99-year land lease for the cay from the Bahamian government, set to expire in 2096, giving the company substantial control over the island. Castaway Cay was the first private island in the cruise industry where the ship docks alongside so guests do not have to tender to land. The island is still largely undeveloped, as only 55 of the 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) are being used. Castaway Cay now has approximately 60 Disney Cruise Line permanent residents who keep the island running daily; the numbers fluctuate between the busy season and off season.

Onboard the Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2012
• Year Refurbished: 2017

Double Occupancy Capacity: 2500

Building on the classic style of her sister ships, the Disney Fantasy is the fourth cruise liner in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This ship features the same attention to detail that Disney is known for, while introducing new and immersive, one-of-a-kind venues and experiences for everyone in the family.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Pool - Adults Only
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Water Slide
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Outdoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Concierge Desk
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Full-Service Spa
• Beauty Salon
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Self-Service Laundromat

Animator's Palate

Main Dining

Rotational Dining:  The Disney Cruise Line method for making sure each guest experiences each themed dining environment onboard. Every evening you dine with the same tablemates and have the same servers as you "rotate" to one of the three main restaurants: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Court. You will be given your schedule when you board, so you'll know exactly when you'll enjoy the unique atmosphere of each restaurant.

Animator's Palate:  Animator's Palate is a Main Dining restaurant located on Deck 3, Aft aboard the Disney Fantasy that serves dinner. Paying homage to the magic of Disney animation, Animator's Palate includes a unique dinner show starring some of your favorite Disney characters.

Enchanted Garden:  Enchanted Garden on the Disney Fantasy is a Main Dining restaurant located on Deck 2, Midship that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Inspired by the opulent gardens of Versailles, Enchanted Garden magically transforms from day to night.

Royal Court:  Royal Court is a Rotational Dining restaurant located on Deck 3, Midship aboard the Disney Fantasy that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Inspired by the classic Disney films Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty, the décor and atmosphere of Royal Court is especially beautiful.

Specialty Dining

Palo:  Palo on the Disney Fantasy is an Adult Exclusive restaurant located on Deck 12, Aft that boasts Northern Italian cuisine for dinner. Additionally, brunch is offered on select cruises. Reservations are required to dine at Palo and can be made online or upon boarding the ship. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Remy:  Remy is a lavish Adult Exclusive restaurant located on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Fantasy. Offering the most upscale and romantic dining experience available onboard, the restaurant serves the finest in French-inspired cuisine for dinner. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Senses Juice Bar:  Replenish and recharge at this nutritious refreshment haven near Senses Spa & Salon. Serving blended beverages bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables, Senses Juice Bar provides a vitamin-infused, protein-filled boost after a vigorous workout or massage. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Preludes:  Preludes, a snack bar located just outside the Walt Disney Theatre, serves beverages and snacks for purchase during live show performances and movies.

Casual Dining

Cabanas:  Cabanas is an indoor/outdoor Casual Dining restaurant located on Deck 11, Aft on the Disney Fantasy that serves a culinary confection of fresh food favorites. At breakfast and lunch, Cabanas offers the finest in made-to-order dining; at dinnertime, the restaurant is transformed into a table-service dining room serving Main Dining delights.

Eye Scream Treats:  Inspired by the friendly, one-eyed monster Mike Wazowski from the Disney "Pixar animated feature Monsters, Inc., Eye Scream Treats offers soft-serve ice cream with plenty of popular sundae toppings.

Flo's Cafe:  Grab a quick bite to eat at Flo's Café, located near Donald's Pool on Deck 11. Themed to popular characters from the Disney "Pixar film Cars, like Luigi's Pizza, Tow Mater's Grill and Fillmore's Favorites, this quick-service eatery serves burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, fresh fruit, salads and sandwich wraps.

Frozone Treats:  Named after the ice-creating superhero in the Disney "Pixar movie The Incredibles, Frozone Treats mixes delicious fruit smoothies.

Sweet on You:  Savor the flavors… indulge in delightfully decadent frozen desserts and other sweet treats!

Room Service:  Disney Cruise Line Room Service is available 24 hours a day for your convenience. Relax with a continental breakfast, grab a quick snack between meals or satisfy a late-night craving in the comfort of your room. Complimentary room service ensures that you can enjoy fresh, made-to-order dishes anytime, day or night.

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Features warm wood finishes, custom fabrics and carpeting, original artwork, crown moldings, genuine teak accents and a Magical Porthole for real-time views of the sea.

Standard Inside Stateroom (Category: 11C)

• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Size: 169 sq. ft.
• Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, and upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
• View: Magical Porthole with real-time views
• Custom Premium Plush Euro-top mattress
• Frette® 300-thread-count, 100%-cotton linens
• Premium bath towels
• 22" LCD flat-screen TV on swivel arm, with remote control
• iPod® docking station
• Full-length mirror
• Ample closet space
• Refrigerator
• In-room safe
• Phone with voicemail messaging
• Individual climate control
• H2O Plus® spa, bath, and shower products
• WiFi (additional fee)
• A sitting area with a couch, TV, and desk
• A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas
• A full bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and tub
• Elevated wooden bed frames for under-bed storage of suitcases and other large items
• A leather-upholstered ottoman with hollow inside storage
• Attractive yet functional cabinetry in the living area

Be on the lookout for enchanting surprises; you never know who — or what — might float by. Perhaps a beloved Disney character or even a pirate ship! And when it's bedtime, you can turn off your Magical Porthole with the simple flip of a switch.

Standard Inside Stateroom (Category: 11B)

Standard inside stateroom (category: 11a), deluxe inside stateroom (category: 10a).

• Size: 204 sq. ft.
• 22" LCD flat-screen TV on swivel arm, with remote-control
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet

Inside Stateroom with Restrictions (Category: IGT)

Category: IGT This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Enjoy a view of the ocean in this stunning stateroom. Well-designed interiors provide ample living space and a split bath.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole (obstructed view) (Category: 09D)

• View: 1 or 2 porthole windows, some with obstructed views
• A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas (in most)
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet (in all but accessible staterooms)

And to kids' delight, a mural of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy, and her brothers soaring through a starry sky reveals itself when the upper-berth bed is pulled down!

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole (obstructed view) (Category: 09C)

Deluxe oceanview stateroom (category: 09b), deluxe oceanview stateroom (category: 09a), deluxe family oceanview stateroom (category: 08c).

• Sleeps: 3 to 5
• Size: 241 sq. ft.
• Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed (in most) or upper-berth pull-down bed (in some)
• View: 1 to 2 porthole windows with built-in seating
• A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas (in all but the following staterooms: a privacy wall divider in rooms 5020, 5022, 5520, and 5522 and a vertical pole in rooms 6014, 6016, 6512, and 6514)
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and round tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet (in all but the following staterooms: rooms 5020, 5022, 5520, 5522, 6016, and 6514, which feature a full bathroom with a rectangular tub; and rooms 5018, 5518, 6012, 6510, and 6512, which feature a bathroom with a shower only)

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category: 08B)

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom (category: 08a), oceanview stateroom with restrictions (category: ogt).

Category: OGT This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Tasteful décor, an expansive view, plush bedding and a private balcony make this stateroom your home-away-from-home.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (undersized or obstructed verandah) (Category: 07A)

• Size: 246 sq. ft., including verandah
• View: private verandah
• A "split bath" (in most): a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet
• Patio furniture
• Deck lighting
• Plexiglas® or solid whitewall railings
• Childproof locks

On most adjoining accommodations, the partition between verandahs can be opened to create a larger balcony for sharing, with access between rooms. Guests may contact their stateroom host to unlock the partitions.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category: 06B)

Deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 06a), deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 05c), deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 05b), deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 05a), deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (oversized verandah) (category: 04e).

• Sleeps: 4 to 5, except Category 4E staterooms which sleep 3 to 4
• Size: 299 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed (in most), and upper-berth pull-down bed (in some)
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and round tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet (in all but accessible staterooms)

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category: 04C)

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 04b), deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 04a), verandah stateroom with restrictions (category: vgt).

Category: VGT This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Opulent suites feature a tasteful design, upgraded amenities, a private balcony, a whirlpool tub, a rain shower and a vanity mirror with a built-in TV.

Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah (Category: 01A)

• A separate bedroom
• 2 bathrooms, including a main with double sinks, a rain-style shower, and whirlpool tub
• A verandah with a whirlpool tub
• Living room
• Open dining salon
• Pantry and wet bar stocked with water and sodas
• Walk-in closet
• Size: 1,781 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: 1 bedroom with queen bed; wall pull-down double bed, and wall pull-down single bed in living room
• View: private verandah with floor-to-ceiling windows in main living space
• Premium Frette® bath towels
• 2 42" high-definition LCD flat-screen TVs (1 in the living room, 1 in the bedroom)
• Sofa and sofa chairs
• Dining table
• Elemis® Body Exotics bath, shower, and spa products
• Down Duvets: Enjoy a superlative night's sleep with the softness of genuine feather duvets, featured in Concierge main bedrooms.
• Guests of our Concierge Suites may choose from pillow options including hypoallergenic, feather, and therapeutic memory foam.
• Personal Robe and Slippers: These plush comforts are yours to use for the duration of your cruise.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Service (length of cruise)
• A whirlpool tub
• Plexiglas® railings and dividers
• Reservations (Port Adventures, Palo and Remy dining, spa treatments and nursery stays)
• In-suite dining from our concierge in-suite dining menu
• Dining reservation confirmations and changes
• Priority tendering in ports of call
• Updates to your personal itinerary
• Special occasions and celebration planning

From the Lounge, Concierge Guests can access a sun deck via a private entrance. Soak up the sun at this VIP onboard oasis and savor tranquil breezes, cooling water misters, cushioned lounge chairs, and a bar stocked with water and refreshments.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (Category: 02A)

• Wet bar stocked with water and sodas
• Size: 622 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: 1 bedroom with queen bed; double sleeper sofa, and wall pull-down single bed in living room
• 42" high-definition LCD flat-screen TV
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Service: Enjoy up to 100 MB at no extra charge. (Usage fees apply after 100 MB.)
• Plexiglas® or solid whitewall railings and dividers

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (Category: 02B)

Concierge family oceanview stateroom with verandah (category: 03a).

• Size: 306 sq. ft., including verandah
• Room Configuration: queen bed, double sleeper sofa, and upper berth pull-down bed
• View: private verandah with floor-to-ceiling windows
• A "split bath": a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower, and round tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet

• Ship Name: Disney Fantasy
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2012
• Ship Class: Dream
• Maximum Capacity: 4,000
• Number of Passenger Decks: 14
• Number of Crew: 1,458
• Officers' Nationality: International
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 199
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 871
• Total Inside Staterooms: 150
• Tonnage (GRT): 130,000
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,500
• Country of Registry: The Bahamas
• Total Staterooms: 1,250
• Suites with Balcony: 21
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 05/25/2024, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†This cruise includes a Digital Costco Shop Card that will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. To receive your Digital Costco Shop Card, bookings must be made directly through Costco Travel. Bookings made through Disney Cruise Line or the Disney onboard cruise consultant must be transferred to Costco Travel's reservation system to qualify for the Digital Costco Shop Card. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Bahamas

As to Disney's artwork, properties and logos: ©Disney

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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Nude cruise and a Taylor Swift cruise: 8 themed ships leaving Florida ports in 2024 and 2025

From swinging to Swifties, there's truly a themed cruise for everything nowadays.

Seasoned cruisers know you can take your travel up a level by boarding a themed cruise, exploring the seas with those with the same passions and interests as you.

Whether you adore the cheesy Christmas movies that come out every year or you're a hip-hop fanatic, here are some of the top-themed cruises sailing out of Florida over the next year.

Big Nude Boat

The " Big Nude Boat " cruise is an 11-day adventure set for 2025 on the Norwegian Pearl, departing from the Port of Miami on Feb. 3 and returns to the same port on Feb. 14 (just in time for Valentine's Day).

"Bare Necessities’ newest nude cruise is a private island double-dip with a brand new travel partner," the company wrote on its website .

The itinerary includes stops at the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia. Rates for an inside cabin start at $2,000 per person and go to up to $33,000 for a top room.

Guests are encouraged to park their bare behinds on towels provided on board in areas including the pool deck and the buffet area, according to the website.

"Passengers can easily follow our rule on nudist etiquette by always placing a towel down before sitting," it reads. "Remember to pack a swimsuit; not all excursions are clothing optional."

In My Cruise Era

The “ In My Cruise Era … ” is a  Taylor Swift-themed cruise  that is set to launch from Port of Miami on Oct. 21,

The cruise, on a Royal Caribbean ship, leaves for the Bahamas the day after Swift's final show of her three-day stop in Miami. According to the website, the cruise fare includes stateroom accommodations, dinner in the main dining room nightly as well as additional buffet and a la carte options around the ship. It also includes entertainment.

All aboard the Taylor Swift ship! Popstar-themed cruise sets sail in Florida next year

"This cruise is for all fans, so bring your besties, your moms and dads, your baby fans, and if you need someone to room with, post on our page and ask," the organizers wrote on the  website .

The itinerary, though not finalized and "subject to change," includes:

• " We can’t make any promises now can we babe, but you can make me a drink " Welcome Cocktail Party
• " Make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it " Friendship Bracelet Swapping
• " I don't wanna dance if I'm not dancing with you " ThemedDance Party
• " Heartbreak is the national anthem, we sing it proudly " Themed Karaoke
• " Can I ask you a question? " Taylor Trivia
• "Lately she’s been dressing for revenge " Nightly eras outfit themes

Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Cruise Line

Looking for a more family-friendly option? The Disney Cruise line has you covered.

The Disney Cruise Line will offer its " Halloween on the High Seas " cruises in September and October. Patrons can choose from sailings ranging from 3-7 days, most of which travel to the Bahamas or the Caribbean islands. The Halloween-themed cruise is offered on four of the Disney cruise ships, including the Disney Magic, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

While on board the Halloween on the High Seas cruise, AAA writes guests will enjoy magical, spooktacular entertainment every day, such as:

• Meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters, all decked out in their own Halloween costumes.
• Halloween parties with Mickey, Minnie and the whole gang.
• Ghoulish menus at every meal.

Hallmark Christmas Cruise

In case Halloween isn't your preferred holiday to spend on the seas, why not pretend you're in your own made-for-TV Christmas movie?

The Hallmark Channel, holiday season film factory, will host a Christmas Cruise that will embark on a four-night sailing on Nov. 5 from Miami. According to USA Today, passengers will be able to experience holiday cheer on the high seas, complete with cookie making, “carol-oke,” photo ops with network stars, and an exclusive movie premiere of one of the famed Countdown to Christmas films.

The Christmas cruise will take place aboard the Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship, a 965-foot Jewel-class ship.

The company announced that the cruise has already sold out, sharing to USA TODAY via email last year: "Christmas cheer filled every tier, and now the first ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise is SOLD OUT."

Rock the Bells Cruise

Hip Hop Hooray! The Rock the Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience is a four-day jam session founded by LL Cool J back in 2023. After seeing major success last year, the cruise is returning for 2024.

MCs, DJs, and producers will lead nonstop parties and live performances on the Norwegian Gem from Nov. 13 through 17. The cruise leaves from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

Some of the acts lined up for the cruise include Busta Rhymes, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Method Man & Redman, Scarface, Kid Capri and more.

Comic-Con: The Cruise

Get ready to join the CCU (Cruise Cinematic Universe). San Diego Comic-Con and Entertainment Cruise Productions have team up for Comic-Con: The Cruise . It will run from Feb. 5 through 9 of 2025.

Sailing on Royal Caribbean's  Serenade of the Seas  from Tampa to Cozumel, participants will interact with Comic-Con icons and attend nonstop activities on board, such as cosplay events, trivia, parties and more

Some of the stars who are slated to be on board include:

• George Takei
• Robb Pearlman
• Mary McDonnell

Star Trek - The Cruise

Live long and prosper! Trekkies can geek out with one another on best cruise experience in the galaxy, according to U.S. News .

Sailing on Royal Caribbean International's Explorer of the Seas, the Star Trek cruise will sail from Miami on Feb. 23-through March 2 of 2025. Passengers will head to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Belize.

"Each night of the cruise celebrates a different dimension of the Star Trek experience and, since the cruise's debut in 2017, guests have knocked it out of the park with show-stopping costumes," U.S. News writes.

Norwegian: Ultimate Disco Cruise

Dig out those old bell-bottom pants and practice your dance moves while you have time!

Norwegian Cruise Line Ultimate Disco Cruise leaves from Miami on Feb. 19 through 24, 2025. During this groovy cruise, you will travel aboard the Norwegian Pearl to ports of call such as Cozumel and Costa Maya. Awhile attending the hottest disco parties along the high seas.

AAA notes these are some of the performers and guests that are going to be on board alongside you:

• Kool & The Gang
• Original Stone City Band
• The Spinners
• Shalamar featuring Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel

When is the best time to cruise?

Here are AAA’s trend forecasts for the best times to cruise in 2024, according to the kind of cruise you choose:

• The Caribbean  is popular year-round, but spring and summer are the most popular sailing times. 
• Alaska cruise  season runs from May to September. Because this is an abbreviated period, there’s more competition for availability.  
• Weekend cruises  have gained popularity in recent years. Weekend warriors have realized the value an all-inclusive cruise compared to a weekend getaway in a big city resort. Cruise lines have recognized this growing trend and are making weekend cruises more of a priority in 2024, by mobilizing some of their newest ships to accessible ports for weekend excursions. 
• European river cruising  is now operational year-round. Because European travel is most popular during the summer, travelers can avoid the crowds and find lower priced cruises and airfares in the early and later parts of the year.

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7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral with Star Wars Day at Sea

What's included in the price of a disney cruise.

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Be a part of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort
• Take an out-of-this-world tour of Kennedy Space Center
• Window-shop and take in the scenic surf-side sights at Cocoa Beach
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
• Wander the picturesque grounds of Mount Healthy National Park
• Swim and interact with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery
• Soak up the sun and surf of Tortola's most popular beach, Cane Garden Bay
• Bask on a white-sand beach or explore the tropical terrain by bike
• Scuba dive at a marine sanctuary and observe tropical fish, turtles and rays
• Soar high over a lush rainforest canopy on a zipline adventure
• Bring the family together for swimming, snorkeling, biking, kayaking and more
• Kids can ride 2 winding waterslides and socialize inside exclusive clubs
• At a private beach, adults sip on cocktails, sunbathe and enjoy massages

Protect Your Trip »

Icon of the seas: the best dining, amenities and more on royal caribbean's new ship.

This family-friendly megaship features plenty of activities, entertainment and restaurants.

Icon of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Key Takeaways

• Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with 18 passenger-accessible decks, eight different neighborhoods and 2,805 staterooms.
• Think of Icon of the Seas as an all-in-one adventure vacation contained on a ship. Young families and energetic travelers will enjoy it most.
• Itineraries originate from Miami , sail to destinations around the Caribbean and include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island , Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you have any degree of interest in traveling or cruising, chances are you've heard the buzz around Icon of the Seas. Another record-breaking ship by Royal Caribbean International , Icon of the Seas debuted on Jan. 27, 2024, as the largest cruise ship in the world. It is epic in every sense, featuring 18 cruiser-accessible decks and stretching 1,196 feet from bow to stern.

With greatest-of-all-time soccer player Lionel Messi as the ship's godfather, the Icon of the Seas is truly iconic. Messi brought the entire Inter Miami team along for the opening ceremony and the big reveal of the team's new Royal Caribbean-sponsored jerseys. I was fortunate enough to attend this star-studded ceremony as part of the press preview sailing in the days leading up to the ship's grand debut to the public. It was everything I thought it would be and more, and nobody could have been more appropriate than Messi to send this ship on her maiden voyage.

Boarding a ship of this size can seem overwhelming, but not when you understand the layout. Icon of the Seas is broken up into eight distinct neighborhoods: AquaDome, Central Park, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Suite Neighborhood and Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families looking for nonstop fun and kid-approved eats and treats.

In addition to these public areas, there are 2,805 staterooms spread across 12 decks. Icon of the Seas' capacity maxes out at 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, but with the plethora of public spaces and variety of things to do and see, you can choose your own adventure without encountering more crowds than you want to.

Find your perfect cruise

Skye Sherman

Icon of the Seas itinerary

During its inaugural 2024-2025 cruising season, Icon of the Seas offers seven-night eastern or western Caribbean adventures from Miami, stopping at a variety of tropical destinations. All sailings include a stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas . Other destinations include Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis ; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico .

During the 2025-2026 cruising season, new destinations will include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Labadee, Haiti; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands ). All sailings will originate from Miami.

No matter your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you'll visit beautiful places – but you can expect to feel torn about spending any time off the ship, because it's just that jampacked with things to do.

Who should sail on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas appeals not so much to a demographic as to a psychographic; you're going to need to be someone who likes to live life in all caps. Royal Caribbean set out to create "the world's best vacation" contained on a ship, so Icon of the Seas is for anyone who would enjoy the combination of a beach trip, a resort stay, a water park adventure and island-hopping.

Fun-loving travelers and families with kids of varying ages will do best on this ship; it feels a little bit like Disney World with over-the-top everything and a truly massive sprawl. Older travelers who prefer a more quiet, refined experience may want to opt for a less kid-friendly ship. Still, even couples without children will find plenty of fun adult-friendly things to do and romantic places to tuck in.

The Royal Promenade can be quite loud and buzzy, but simply relocating to another onboard neighborhood can completely shift the vibe. Also, keep in mind that the ship really is huge, and walking from end to end can be a hike, so those with limited mobility or endurance might want to look into a smaller ship.

Icon of the Seas prices are high in its opening season, but cruisers with big dreams and small budgets can expect rates to drop by the time the next ship in the series debuts.

The stateroom

With a ship this overstimulating, it's imperative that your stateroom is a haven. Luckily, Icon of the Seas offers peaceful rooms, many of which feature ocean or Central Park neighborhood views. Cruise ship accommodations are stereotypically compact – even cramped – but the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in Icon of the Seas' cabins (with the exception of the windowless interior rooms) lend an airy, open feel. The cabin layouts are also optimized to provide the maximum amount of storage, floor space and comfort.

Stateroom decor is mildly nautical- and tropical-themed, with calming hues that mimic the scenery outside your window (think blues, beiges and whites). High-tech elements include smart TVs, LED mirrors and the ability to control many aspects of your room from an app.

My husband and I stayed in an Ocean View Large Balcony Stateroom, a 204-square-foot refuge from the hustle and bustle of the ship (the balcony adds another 65 to 70 square feet). This room type can sleep up to four people with a sofa bed for one or two; the room also features twin beds that convert to a king bed for couples.

My husband is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and we were comfortable in our room, even though our quarters included a large bed, a bathroom, a sofa and a desk. We loved sitting on our private balcony and watching the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean flow by.

If money is no object, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – an over-the-top eight-guest, three-story pad with a private whirlpool on the balcony, three bathrooms, a slide that connects the second and main levels, an in-suite cinema, a dining room and a kitchenette – looks epic. But keep in mind, it costs nearly $100,000 for the week.

The Sunset Corner Suites (about one-fifth of the cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, but still expensive) are also pretty sweet, with a wraparound balcony and a bed facing the sea.

Luckily, not all rooms break the bank; with four main stateroom categories (suite, balcony, ocean view and inside) and 28 subcategories, there's something for everyone.

Best amenities on Icon of the Seas

It's almost impossible to run out of things to do aboard Icon of the Seas.

For thrill-seekers, the largest water park at sea – Category 6 – features the Frightening Bolt (the tallest waterslide on a ship) and the Pressure Drop (the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise vessel).

If you've tired of the seven swimming pools, six waterslides, laser tag, mini-golf, rock climbing wall, escape room, sports courts, outdoor decks, theater, spa and all-day programming, simply take a stroll down the Royal Promenade for Las Vegas -style people-watching. The Royal Promenade has 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a Starbucks that seems to have a line no matter what time you go. The neighborhood feels a bit like a shopping mall … if a shopping mall had floor-to-ceiling ocean views made possible by the world's largest kinetic art sculpture.

The Pearl, a feat of engineering, is one of the most unique aspects of the ship's design. This art piece is actually a load-bearing structure supporting three decks, but it looks and feels like an interactive art experience designed solely for the enjoyment of guests. The multisensory immersive structure has 3,000 kinetic panels and moody ever-changing lighting. It is one of the first things guests will see when they walk on board, as it stretches from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park.

My husband and I spent most of our time at the FlowRider surf simulator – his favorite amenity – but we made sure to leave time for Taylor Swift trivia at Spotlight Karaoke and the superhuman stunts of the Aqua Theater show, a must on any Icon of the Seas voyage. The ship even has a massive ice arena called Absolute Zero for ice skating (the 20-minute sessions are complimentary) and impressive shows.

We also loved lounging in The Overlook Bar & Pods, an area at the very front of the ship (behind the AquaDome) that features two levels of floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. It felt airy and open, which can't be said about many cruise ship interiors.

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Best dining venues on Icon of the Seas

There are more dining options aboard Icon of the Seas than you can fit in on a seven-night cruise – but you can give it the old college try. Thirteen of the dining venues are complimentary, while 14 are specialty restaurants (which cost extra; fees vary). There are also 18 bars and lounges.

The best meal we experienced on the ship was at the Chops Grille specialty eatery. When we spotted Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty and a group of bigwigs at a table next to us, we knew we were in the right place. We loved sitting outside and enjoying the breezes of Central Park while we chowed down, but you can eat indoors for an elegant steakhouse experience and a view of the open kitchen and butcher's display, which shows off specialty cuts like high-grade wagyu and bone-in tomahawks.

While I'd never turn down a swanky steak dinner, grabbing quick poolside bites at El Loco Fresh and indulging in some food hall-style grazing at AquaDome Market were equally enjoyable. We also had no complaints eating several meals at Windjammer, the classic complimentary cruise ship buffet.

Even though we don't have children, we stopped into Surfside Bites for a very kid-friendly meal, complete with soft serve ice cream cones from Sprinkles (because no cruise is complete without soft serve). We didn't try anything from the open-air, lemonade stand-inspired Lemon Post bar, but its menu of cocktails and mocktails looked delicious.

And since you're on vacation, be sure to check out the milkshake bar Desserted, where the sugary creations are as photo-worthy as they are decadent. They're worth the upcharge.

Best excursions on Icon of the Seas

Depending on what's on your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you may be able to book activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, tropical jungle adventures, visits to Mayan ruins, volcano hikes, rainforest zip lining, relaxing beach days or cultural immersion tours.

Note that Royal Caribbean features the same options on many of its other Caribbean cruises; none of the excursions on offer are exclusive to Icon of the Seas.

Because our press preview sailing only visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, we did not experience any of the shore excursions. Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas was plenty of fun, even though we didn't plan anything in advance.

If we had made plans, we would have liked to check out the Up, Up and Away tethered hot air balloon, which wasn't running that day, and the overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club, which were all booked. Thrill Waterpark (which features the tallest waterslide in North America), Oasis Lagoon (the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean) and the adults-only Hideaway Beach are other highlights of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Overall impressions of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean seems to be focused on superlatives. It has the biggest, best, tallest, largest and most of everything – especially when it comes to Icon of the Seas. If you like jampacked, adventurous vacations that squeeze a lot of adventure and relaxation into one memorable week, Icon of the Seas is probably for you.

While I love seeing Royal Caribbean push the limits of what cruises can be, the ship may almost be too big for some. It's an all-out Vegas-esque vessel that feels more like a floating city; you will probably forget (more than once) that you're not on dry land.

That's not necessarily a bad thing – if Icon of the Seas looks fun to you, it probably will be – but my husband and I tend to gravitate more toward authentic, immersive, on-the-ground cultural experiences when we travel. While Icon of the Seas is a lot of things, it's not that. We had a fantastic time and have already started planning a future Royal Caribbean cruise with a group of friends and family, but we also sympathize with the anticruisers of the world. Vacationing does not a traveler make.

Still, the shows are entertaining, the service is attentive, the music is jamming, and the architecture and design are incredibly impressive. I have no real complaints and suspect that most cruisers will have the time of their lives on Icon of the Seas – exactly as the minds at Royal Caribbean envisioned when they dreamed up this iconic ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Skye Sherman has been cruising since childhood, when her parents took her on her first cruise through the Caribbean. She has sailed various ocean cruise lines, gone off the grid for a six-day riverboat expedition deep into the Amazon River and even planned a European river cruise with 48 of her closest family and friends. She's a fourth-generation Floridian and hopes to visit every country in the world during her lifetime. She covers travel and lifestyle topics for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• The Largest Cruise Ships in the World
• The Best New Cruise Ships
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Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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The Best Disney Cruises: Which Ship Line is for You (2024)

On board each ship, there’s a Disney touch around every turn. Here’s the scoop on the best Disney cruises!

Each ship offers a different set of distinctive gratuities, cast members, and magical activities.

Perhaps you’re drawn to Disney Dream’s immersive world or the Broadway-style shows on Disney Fantasy.

Maybe the unique onboard features of the Disney Magic attract you, or the adventures offered on the Disney Wonder. 

There’s also the highly anticipated Disney Wish on the horizon.

So, which one will make it to your travel bucket list? Let’s find out.

Disney Dream Cruise Review

Step aboard the Disney Dream Cruise and little ones are magically transported into a world where Disney promises that “the vacation of a lifetime will be a vacation for the whole family”.

It is one of the best Disney cruise line ships we have for Disney Cruise Line with excellent food and dining options, high‑quality live shows and entertainment, and room service available 24 hours a day.

Docking at Port Canaveral, you’ll love Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

Trust the Disney Cruise reviews, your Disney Cruise Line vacation starts here.

Exploring the Disney Fantasy

So long, Disney Dream of dreams; now, set sail another best Disney Cruise ship, The Disney Fantasy.

You could think of this as the gold standard of Disney ships, with Disney characters, Broadway-style entertainment, and posh main dining rooms.

Although the new Disney Wish has just made waves as Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Fantasy is the epitome of the Disney Cruise Line experience.

Disney Magic Ship Highlights

Consider Disney Magic, a cruise ship with 2,713 passengers, part of Disney Cruise Line.

Yet it’s also filled with Disney-exclusive attractions, including Broadway-style musical performances, flat-screen TVs, and a table-service restaurant.

And, don’t forget Caribbean cruises with excellent service.

Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for an even better experience.

Unveiling Disney Wonder

Next on our list is Disney Wonder, one of the new ships in the Disney fleet and a sister to the newest Disney cruise ship.

You’ll love the friendly cast and crew members, the rotational dining options, and the Walt Disney Theater.

With Disney Wonder, it’s all about exciting port adventures.

Get ready for a journey on the best ship, you won’t forget aboard this amazing Disney ship.

Disney Wish: What to Expect

On the horizon of your next dream vacation, Disney Wish stands proud, promising an unparalleled cruise experience.

As one of Disney’s new vessels, its maiden voyage will take you through the grand hall, hyperspace lounge, and the worlds of Marvel.

You’ll experience the frozen dining adventure, explore Disney’s Oceaneer Club, revel in adult spaces, and relish themed dining.

Disney Wish truly is an enchanting journey waiting for you.

Dining Options on Disney Cruises

After exploring the enchanting features of Disney Wish, you might be wondering about the culinary adventures that await on Disney Cruises.

From Rapunzel’s Royal Table to the Royal Palace, Animator’s Palate, and even dining options on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, the best Disney cruises cater to every personal preference.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club serves up enchanted classics , ensuring a magical dining experience for all.

Entertainment on Disney Ships

Disney ships offer plenty of entertainment, with live music and Disney films blasting on screens on the pool deck.

Dance with your favorite Disney characters at the Golden Mickeys, or meet Captain America in the kids clubs.

Dine among Toy Story sketches at Animator’s Palate, or take a stroll through Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

There’s never a dull moment aboard, ensuring your cruise is a magical adventure.

Family-Friendly Features

Disney cruise ships are equipped with plenty of family-friendly features that will satisfy every member of your family’s wishes.

Sail away with a Disney adventure and expect young children to be wowed by Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

You’ll find hot tubs, Animator’s Palate, Small World, and movie theaters reminiscent of Walt Disney World.

Disney Cruise Line Ports of Call

Disney Cruise Line’s ports of call offer a world of enchantment, transporting you to some of the most coveted destinations in the globe.

You’ll visit various locations, including Disney’s private island, Lighthouse Point, and Fort Lauderdale.

Shore excursions might include a Star Wars experience, dining at Rapunzel’s Royal Table and Animator’s Palate, or kid’s fun at Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

Specialty Cruises: Halloween and Christmas

If you’re looking to festively deck the halls (or the docks), Disney offers special cruises for Halloween and Christmas.

Picture yourself setting sail on the seven seas, celebrating the holidays at Rapunzel’s Royal Table, or re-enacting a Cinderella fantasy at Animator’s Palate.

Disney’s private island promises a treasure trove of holiday fun for years to come, especially among Disney’s Oceaneer Club kids.

Unique Disney Cruise Activities

Unique Disney Cruise ActivitiesThere are many things you’ll do on a Disney cruise that you can’t experience anywhere else, from dining at Rapunzel’s Royal Table to virtual sports simulators.

You can hang with Ariel in the Animator’s Palate or at the Oceaneer Club.

You can cruise out of San Diego, but not too far: the Disney Dream is still within touching distance of America’s finest shores.

All the same, you can sail safe in the knowledge that Disney has excellent health ratings.

Just wait until you see Disney’s private island!

Castaway Cay: Disney’s Private Island

Picture stepping off your cruise ship and onto the pristine sands of Castaway Cay, Disney’s very own private island. Here’s what awaits you:

• Serene beaches are perfect for sandcastle building.
• Adventures at Pelican Point, snorkeling amidst hidden Disney treasures.
• Mouthwatering BBQ at Cookie’s BBQ.

Isn’t it time you felt the magic of Disney sprinkled on a tropical getaway?

Comparing Disney Cruise Ships

Exploring Disney’s impressive fleet of cruise ships can be quite a challenging task.

Each ship offers a unique blend of magical experiences. But don’t fret!

Whether you’re a fan of the classic Disney Magic or the newer Disney Dream, each ship has its own flair.

You’ve got to take into account size, amenities, and character-themed experiences.

So, buckle up, it’s time to delve into the world of Disney cruises!

Booking Tips for Cruises

For those seeking the ultimate Disney cruise experience on the high seas, the Disney Cruise Line fleet offers an enchanting array of options.

From the iconic Disney treasure-filled voyages aboard the classic ships to the modern amenities and innovative features of the newer sister ships, there’s a perfect Disney cruise for every traveler. 

Here’s how you can snag a great deal:

• Book now! Early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the best staterooms!
• Look for off-peak dates: You’ll find lower prices during these times.
• Use a travel agent: They can help you navigate the best deals and discounts.

Disney Cruises

Whether your a first time cruiser, adventurer, or returning for another magical journey, the Disney Cruise Line promises a Cinderella story to come to life.

Where the enchantment of beloved characters like the Little Mermaid accompanies you on an ocean view adventure.

With virtual sports simulators and activities tailored for younger children, every moment aboard feels like an enchanted classic.

As the Disney Cruise Line continues to expand with additional ships in the coming years, the promise of royal Caribbean adventures and unforgettable memories only grows stronger.

For an insider tip, consider exploring the offerings of the best Disney ship for your specific preferences and embark on a voyage that exceeds your wildest dreams.

Get the scoop on more like this:

• 25+ Disney Nail Designs and Ideas for Short Nails
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The post The Best Disney Cruises: Which Ship Line is for You (2024) appeared first on Sarah Scoop .

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An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Personal Navigators: Disney Fantasy 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise – September 23, 2023

Personal Navigators, and other details from the Halloween on the High Seas  7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Disney Fantasy – Itinerary C . The  Disney Fantasy  set sail from  Port Canaveral, Florida on September 23, 2023. There are  additional  Personal Navigators from other sailings of this same itinerary for comparison. During this cruise, the ship was under the control of Captain Michele Intartaglia. The Cruise Director during the sailing was Stephen Cloete. 

Day 1 – September 23, 2023 –  Port Canaveral, Florida

Guests Onboard : 3:45 pm

Attire : Cruise Casual

Dinner Menus :

• Royal Court :  Royal Court
• Animator’s Palate :  Animator’s Palate
• Enchanted Garden :  Enchanted Garden

Evening Entertainment :

• Featured Act –  The Juggling & Comedy of Coney Island Chris

Day 2 – September 24, 2023 – At Sea

Attire : Formal

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular

Day 3 – September 25, 2023 – At Sea

• Movie –  Haunted Mansion

On Monday September 25th, the Disney Fantasy made an unscheduled stop at Grand Turk for a medical disembarkation.

Day 4 – September 26, 2023 –  Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Guests Ashore : 9:30 am  Guests Onboard : 5:30 pm

Attire : Pirate or Cruise Casual

• Royal Court :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Animator’s Palate :  Pirates in the Caribbean
• Enchanted Garden :  Pirates in the Caribbean

Day 5 – September 27, 2023 –  San Juan, Puerto Rico

Guests Ashore : 8:30 am  Guests Onboard : 4:00 pm

• Royal Court :  Captain’s Gala Dinner
• Animator’s Palate :  Animator’s Palate – Animation Magic
• Enchanted Garden :  Prince & Princess
• Featured Act –  The Magic & Comedy of Jon Armstrong

Day 6 – September 28, 2023 – At Sea

Attire : Halloween or Cruise Casual

Day 7 – September 29, 2023 –  Castaway Cay

Guests Ashore : 8:30 am  Guests Onboard : 4:45 pm

• Walt Disney Theatre Production –  Disney’s Believe

Buena Vista Theatre Movies

• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
• Haunted Mansion
• Hocus Pocus
• Hocus Pocus 2
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
• The Little Mermaid

Thank you  Neil R  for sharing. If you have any navigators you would be willing to share, please send me an email. If you would rather upload the files you can use our  upload form .

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2 Replies to “Personal Navigators: Disney Fantasy 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise – September 23, 2023”

It looks like the exact same Navigator was uploaded for Day 3 and Day 6 – and since they’re both full of Halloween activities, I’m guessing it’s only supposed to be for Day 6. Any chance the “real” Day 3 navigator is still out there somewhere?

Hi Michelle, I did locate the original screen captures provided in my backup files. Unfortunately, day 3 and day 6 are 2 differently named video files. As a result, I do not have a different day 6 to share.

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