Disney Cruise Line

Welcome guest writer Sarah Cinq-Mars! Sarah's a 5th-grade teacher based in North Carolina. When she isn't teaching or being taught the latest slang by her students, she's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, playing with her 12-year-old dog, or checking out the area's newest restaurants.

I finally decided it was time to sail on my first Disney Cruise. My partner and I booked a 3-night cruise on Disney Magic, where we sailed to their new private destination in the Bahamas.

If you are someone who has been to the Disney theme parks, then it is likely that you have heard of Disney Cruise Line and vice versa! 

Fans of the Disney company are usually fans of both the theme parks and the Disney Cruise Line, or are they? During our first experience sailing with Disney Cruise Line, we spoke to several fellow passengers who remarked that they enjoy Disney Cruise Line way more than the theme parks, which we were initially surprised about. 

Growing up, I cruised with both Royal Caribbean and Disney. However, as a child, I was unaware of the difference in pricing. Now as an adult funding my own cruise obsession, I've become more conscious about seeking out the best value for my money.

This year, I sailed on two of Royal Caribbean's and Disney's oldest ships to compare their offerings. Though the price point was similar, Royal Caribbean offered the best overall value. 

I went to Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point for the first time. During my time ashore, I learned a few lessons that will enhance my experience for future visits. 

Growing up, I visited Disney's Castaway Cay on two family cruises aboard Disney Magic and Fantasy. However, I was curious about Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination, which promised a fresh take on the Disney island experience. 

The Disney Teasure was christened by Disney Cruise Line last week in New York City, with a drone show over the Hudson River in a way only Disney can do. Take a look with us, as our friends at MEI Travel had an exclusive preview of the new spaces on this ship.

As you board the Disney Treasure you are greeted by the Grand Hall. Here you will notice a distinct difference between this and other ships in the fleet. 

Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are two of the most family-friendly cruise lines at sea. From included youth programming to state-of-the-art amenities and spacious cabins, both lines are ideal for families looking to create lasting memories at sea. 

That said, there are some stark differences between the two. Royal Caribbean, for example, features a variety of activities for children, teens, and adults alike—including ice skating, water parks, rock climbing walls, and more. 

Having sailed on Disney Cruise Line as a child, I couldn't resist booking a 3-night cruise aboard Disney Magic to the line's brand-new private destination in the Bahamas.   

Launched in July 1998, Disney Magic is Disney's first cruise ship. Her sister ship, Disney Wonder, joined her one year later. Following Wonder, Disney didn't expand its fleet for over a decade until the debut of Disney Dream in 2011. 

Disney Cruise Line isn't known for affordable fares. However, when I saw a cruise advertised for less than $2,000, I didn't hesitate to email my travel agent. It was one of those rare deals that felt too good to pass up, especially for a Disney cruise to their new private destination in The Bahamas. 

In many ways, sailing with Disney Cruise Line is unlike any other line. 

Despite being part of one of the most well-known companies in the world, Disney only operates a fleet of five ships—soon to be six with the debut of Disney Treasure. Though one of the smallest mainstream lines in operation, it is known for its family-friendly activities and immersive Disney experiences.