Disney Cruise Line

Over the weekend, a 5-year-old girl went overboard while on a short cruise aboard Disney Dream. Although many argued that her father played a role in her falling off the ship, authorities are saying otherwise. 

The chances of falling overboard are low. Cruise lines design their ships with high railings, surveillance systems, and other safety protocols to prevent these accidents.

As such, many claim that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the young girl to have fallen without being placed in a dangerous situation.

A young child went overboard from a Disney cruise ship returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during a 4-night sailing to the Bahamas. 

Several guests traveling aboard the Disney Dream heard "Mr. M.O.B." (the cruise line's secret code for "man overboard") on the ship's public address system, followed by crew rushing to their emergency stations. Life rings were also thrown over the side of the vessel. 

Have you ever wondered what magic at sea feels like? Then you must book a cruise with Disney Cruise Line. From the iconic fireworks to the friendly characters, nostalgic music, and the once-in-a-lifetime themed dining experiences, Disney cruises make you feel as if you are in a classic film yourself! You are genuinely treated like a main character. 

But if you are interested in maximizing your experience, continue reading to learn some tips and tricks to make your getaway even better!

Utopia of the Seas and Disney Wish are two cruise ships geared toward offering great family vacations. 

Utopia of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean's massive Oasis Class, is a floating city for all ages, offering water slides, zip lines, immersive dining experiences, and more. On the other hand, Disney Wish offers a more magical experience, combining Disney’s iconic storytelling with the convenience and fun of a cruise.

Both ships promise an unforgettable family adventure to the Bahamas, but which one is the perfect fit for your next vacation?

Today's cruise ships are impressive. They have everything from massive water parks to roller coasters, surfing simulators, and more. 

Disney Cruise Line remains a popular option for those hoping to mix classic Disney magic with a cruise vacation. However, Disney does things quite differently than other mainstream lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival. 

For example, Disney doesn't offer drink packages or flexible dining times, which isn't always ideal for those who enjoy laid-back cruises that don't revolve around three-course dinners. 

Today's newest cruise ships are all the rage with ice skating rinks, rollercoasters, go-kart tracks, waterparks, and more. However, newer isn't always better. Last year, I sailed on three old cruise ships built in the 1990s for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney, and my experiences couldn't have been more different. 

For example, my cabin aboard Vision of the Seas felt like it was stuck in the 90s with outdated decor and a noticeable lack of outlets. In comparison, my interior stateroom on Disney Magic also had a nostalgic charm but greater attention to detail. 

Taking a Disney vacation is exciting whether it's the one of the world-class theme parks or aboard one of Disney's magical cruise ships! At sea, however, you won't find endless attractions like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Expedition Everest. 

Instead, Disney figured out how to bring the excitement from one of their theme park attractions to their cruise ships with the launch of the AquaDuck on Disney Dream. This unique water coaster travels around the aft of the ship and is included in your cruise fare! 

Disney Cruise Line is set to increase the daily recommended gratuities for all passengers regardless of cabin category.

Disney will raise the daily gratuity rate to $16.00 per person, per night for standard cabins, up from $14.50, and Concierge staterooms to $27.25, up from $23.50. It is the same amount for all passengers, including children and infants. 

Disney Cruise Line is one of the pricier mainstream options, so I avoided it for years, opting for more budget-friendly lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean. 

However, growing up sailing with Disney and having fond family memories aboard Disney Magic and Fantasy, I longed for the day I'd return to the most magical ships at sea—there's nothing quite like sailing with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and your other favorite pals!