Disney Cruise Line

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!

With only six ships currently in operation, Disney Cruise Line is one of the smallest mainstream cruise lines, and each ship is part of one of three classes: Magic, Dream, and Wish.

Disney does not have as long of a history, either. Disney Magic, the cruise line's first ship, debuted in July 1998, followed by Disney Wonder in August 1999, Disney Dream in 2011, Disney Fantasy in 2012, Disney Wish in 2022, and Disney Treasure in 2024. 

Following the fourth Wish Class ship's debut in 2027, Disney Cruise Line will launch three smaller vessels that can access more ports of call and support the company's environmental goals. 

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.

Having sailed on cruise lines such as Celebrity, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess, I knew this would be a different experience. The character parties, themed restaurants, and Broadway-style shows were nothing like I had experienced before.

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.