What Cruise Ship Should I Sail On? What’s the Best Time of Year to go on a Disney Cruise? These are very common questions I see posted all the time. For all the overwhelmed, stressed out, Disney Cruise planners out there, here are some thoughts to help you out!
First off, the most basic question you need to ask is, “Where do I want to go on a Disney Cruise?” With 6 ships online and 3 more beginning sailings in the next couple years, Disney has branched out from their standard 5-day and 7-day Caribbean itineraries. You can sail to Australia and New Zealand, through the Mediterranean, the Baltic, down the Pacific Coast of Mexico, through Alaska’s Inside Passage, and a host of other exotic locations. When the Disney Adventure comes on line in 2025, the cruise line will open up itineraries throughout Southeast Asia. Of course Disney still offers the Caribbean Sailings that started it all, but they now offer several different sailing itineraries throughout the region. Before you ask any other questions, figure out where on the planet you want to set sail on a magical Disney Cruise.
You might consider pairing a Port Canaveral sailing with a trip to Disney World. Maybe sailing the Pacific Coast of Mexico is the perfect combination with a trip to the Original Disneyland Resort. You might possibly be interested in simply taking a Disney Cruise. Whatever your preference, you must figure out your destination first.
What Ship Should I Book?
Unless you have achieved Disney’s vaunted Pearl status having sailed on more than 25 Disney Cruises (and I know you are out there!) or you must see the Haunted Mansion Bar on the Disney Treasure, the answer to “what ship should I book” will be answered when you choose your itinerary.
If you are looking for specific amenities, there are benefits to each ship you should consider. The Magic and Wonder are smaller ships. If you want a more intimate sailing experience, these are your choices. However, if they are packed full, there are fewer quiet corners to sit and read, and the pool decks can be packed.
Maybe you want to experience the Marvel Themed Dining Room or the water slide that glides out over the open ocean, you are a huge Haunted Mansion Fan, or you absolutely love all things Tiana. Each ship has different clubs, dining themes, and activities. A quick search on the Disney Cruise Line site will help you identify what unique options inspire you.
What Time of Year Should I Go?
For many of Disney’s more exotic itineraries including, Mexico, Alaska, Australia, and Europe, cruises are offered in specific seasons. Disney moves their ships around to take advantage of the proper cruise season for each destination. After all, no one wants to brave the Alaskan winter. If you are interested in one of those season specific cruises, you will have options, but they will be clustered together in the calendar year.
The Caribbean Itineraries sail year round, so there are many more options available. Check the different options for sail dates and ports. They do vary. Also, Disney is using both Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale for cruises. If you plan on pairing your cruise with a parks trip, make sure you know which port you are sailing into. Fort Lauderdale is a 3-4 hour drive from Orlando and you’ll need a car.
Disney also offers special holiday themed sailings around Christmas and Halloween. These fun trips might be something you want to experience. On the website, they will be clearly marked. Disney also offers special cruises once or twice a year including Pixar Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, and Star Wars Day at Sea. If you have a Pixar fan, Star Wars junkie, or Marvel Maniac in your house, check these cruises out.
Disney Cruises are different prices for the same cruise depending on the sail date and special programs like the holiday themed trips. But the extra cash is worth it if you want those special experiences.
If you are worried about hurricanes, take note. Cruise ships move. We’ve been on Disney Sailings when hurricanes blow through the area. Our itinerary changed and we stayed away from the wind, waves, and rain. In fact, planning a Florida trip in the peak of hurricane season is easier on a cruise ship for this very reason.
Another thing to consider with regard to hurricanes, while the season extends from June 1 through November 30 every year, it’s most active in the August-early October time frame. Does that mean if you book a trip in July you’re safe? No. But it’s less likely that a hurricane disrupts your trip in early July than early September.
In conclusion, choose where you want to go and what you want to experience (both on and off the ship), and you will have the most magical cruise ever!