• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

I Was On The First Sailing Of The Disney Wish, Here Are My 10 Favorite Experiences On Board

excursions on disney cruise

  • Cruises and Sailing
  • Destinations
  • Disney Cruises
  • Types of Travel

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

For the first time in forever, the Disney Cruise Line has added a brand-new ship to its fleet. The 4,000-passenger Disney Wish is the cruise line’s first new ship in 10 years, and it was worth the wait. Disney Wish is filled with magical experiences, innovative technology, cinematic dining adventures, and immersive storytelling that brings much-loved Disney characters to life.

Joining the rest of Disney’s fleet, Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , and  Disney Fantasy , is Disney Cruise’s newest ship, the Disney Wish . This vacation experience is designed to please families and multigenerational groups as well as adults traveling without kids. This floating luxury resort is packed with boatloads of fun, superb family-friendly staterooms , and some royal suites. Disney Wish sails 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida to Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s island in the Bahamas. Guests often combine these sailings with a few days at Walt Disney World to get the best Disney vacation on both land and sea.

I was invited by Disney Cruise Line to be their guest on the Disney Wish christening cruise. Several attractions and experiences still needed a little pixie dust to be fully ready, but we were able to sample nearly all of them during our 3-night sailing.

Here are my 10 favorite experiences on the new Disney Wish :

1. Making A Grand Entrance

The dazzling Grand Hall on the Disney Wish.

There’s something special about stepping aboard the Disney Wish . The ship’s theme is “enchantment.” The magic comes alive when entering the dazzling fairytale-inspired Grand Hall. While boarding, a crew member announces your name to all those in the Grand Hall, and clapping ensues. While this occurs on every Disney Cruise Line ship, the Grand Hall’s opulent setting made me feel like I was being formally welcomed to Cinderella’s castle at sea.

The Grand Hall’s magnificent chandelier features a spectacular wishing star that comes alive at certain times through the wonders of technology. Children receive their own wishing wand upon boarding so they can make their first vacation wish when entering the Grand Hall. Make sure to return to the Grand Hall in the evening to experience the mesmerizing “Kiss Goodnight” during your  Disney Wish  cruise.

Pro Tip: Look for Disney princesses appearing on the balcony of the Grand Hall as you enter. Disney characters can often be seen in and around the Grand Hall during sailings. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for scheduled appearances. 

  • Book Now on KAYAK
  • Book Now on Expedia
  • Book Now on Booking.com

2. Feeling Like A Kid Again

Chewbacca poses at Star Wars: Cargo Bay in Disney's Oceaneer Club on the Disney Wish.

The Disney Wish is an exceptional vacation destination for kids, teens, and adults who love staying connected with their inner child. Guests become immersed in a wonderland of familiar stories and beloved Disney characters. I always look forward to seeing the magic through kids’ eyes on a Disney cruise , and the Disney Wish kid’s and teen’s clubs are out of this world. Adults will be jealous, and kids won’t want to leave.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club

Disney’s Oceaneer Club is the best cruise ship area I’ve seen for children ages three to 12. The kids club features more extraordinarily well-themed areas than ever, including Fairytale Hall, Star Wars : Cargo Bay, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck. The attention to detail in these spaces is mind-blowing, particularly in Star Wars: Cargo Bay. Children can check in to Disney’s Oceaneer Club in the Grand Hall, then slide “down the rabbit hole” directly to their club on Deck 2.

Pro Tip: Adults can access Disney’s Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Club slide at the open house on embarkation day and during select Oceaneer Club open house events throughout the voyage. Ride the slide — your inner child will love it!

“It’s A Small World” Nursery

Plus other kids’ and young adult areas.

Kids of all ages have their special place on the Disney Wish . “It’s a small world” nursery caters to young cruisers ages six months to three years, while tweens and teens have their own hangouts. Edge is for tweens aged 11 to 14 and teens aged 14 to 17 have stylish Vibe. There’s also The Hideaway, a multi-purpose area that hosts events for young adults aged 18 to 20.

3. Riding AquaMouse

AquaMouse attraction on the Disney Wish.

Disney calls AquaMouse its “first Disney attraction at sea,” and this first-of-its-kind water coaster delivers tons of family fun. As an avid lover of waterslides and coasters, AquaMouse was a must-do on my Disney Wish voyage. Based on The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse series, the ride includes 760 feet of tubes winding around the ship’s top deck, over 60 water features, special lighting effects, an entertaining cinematic show, and spectacular ocean views.

Guests board their two-seat ride raft and are conveyed through the lift hill tunnel while watching one of two new Disney animated short cartoons. Then, you’re off on a wild ride up around the ship’s upper decks, jetting up and down via speed blasters. It’s a cute ride — and you will certainly get wet. 

AquaMouse age and height requirements make the attraction accessible to many families with kids. The water ride is fun and adventurous without being too scary or overwhelming for younger kids. The Disney Wish family area also features six pools, plus a Toy Story Splash Zone for little ones.

Pro Tip: AquaMouse lines can be lengthy, so go first thing in the morning or during dinner seatings. If there are long lines, check out Chip ’n Dale’s Pool on Deck 14. It offers covered loungers and incredible views.

4. Adults-Only Restaurants

Six-later carrot cake at the Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish.

Palo Steakhouse

Palo Steakhouse is one of two exquisite adults-only specialty dining venues on Disney Wish . It’s an elegant Beauty and the Beast -inspired setting with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy booths, and spectacular views. The service and cuisine are exceptional. Our meal at Palo Steakhouse was one of the best we’ve had on a cruise and included antipasti, Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, pan-seared salmon, and butternut squash agnolotti. The tiramisu and six-layer carrot cake are decadent and delicious.

Enchanté By Chef Arnaud Lallement

The ship’s second adults-only dining experience is Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement , a celebrated gourmet restaurant created by three-star Michelin French Chef Arnaud Lallement. 

Pro Tip: There’s an additional charge to dine at both restaurants . Guests must be 18 or older, and reservations should be made as far in advance as possible.\

5. The Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party

Fireworks display on the Disney Wish during the Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party.

Disney’s parks are famed for their spectacular nighttime events, so it’s no surprise this floating theme park at sea has an amazing celebration as well. The “ Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party ” is a brand-new version of Disney Cruise Line’s pirate-themed nighttime deck party featuring live rock ‘n’ roll music, stunts, amazing special effects, and even a fireworks show at sea.

Inspired by Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, the pirate night extravaganza features Captain Redd and her pirate band along with an appearance by Captain Jack Sparrow. Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line that includes fireworks shows regularly on its voyages, and I always look forward to their dazzling displays.

Pro Tip: The fireworks launch over the Disney ship’s starboard side. We watched from Deck 12, and the views were incredible.

6. Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge   

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge bar on the Disney Wish. Space battle projected behind the window.

I couldn’t wait to experience Disney Wish’s Star Wars -themed bar at sea, and the immersive experience lived up to the hype for me. Yes, there’s a $5,000 drink on the menu, but this venue is so much more. The lounge is designed to feel like a lavish starcruiser where guests can sip creative intergalactic concoctions while enjoying the panoramic vistas of galaxies far, far away. I was completely mesmerized watching the action-packed encounters and stunning views of places like Endor and Tatooine. The viewport’s scenes blur as the ship periodically “jumps” to a new location via hyperspace, and it’s hard to get bored.

The highly themed cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks here are great. Some of our favorites included the zero-proof Temple Twist, The Golden One from the Moons of Endor, Berken’s Flow, and The Chancellor — complete with an added bubble of cinnamon smoke.

Pro Tip: This sought-after experience is currently limited to 45 minutes. Guests can make reservations using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app on embarkation day once they are on board. Families can access the lounge during the day, but the space converts to adults-only at 9 p.m.

7. Disney Wish ’s Rotational Dining

Ant-Man and the Wasp visit a table at the Worlds of Marvel "cinematic dining experience".

Disney Wish offers three rotational specialty quality dining venues for guests, including the first and only Frozen and Marvel-inspired restaurants at sea. No surcharges are involved, and your wait staff moves dining rooms with you each night.

Worlds Of Marvel

Worlds of Marvel is an interactive cinematic delight featuring Avengers: Quantum Encounter starring Ant-Man and the Wasp. The dining experience is filled with mission-intensive storytelling, Marvel-inspired menu items, and character appearances that will keep both adults and kids engaged. Each table has a quantum core, and we had fun interacting with it to help save the day.

Pro Tip: It’s great to attend the Marvel Super Hero Academy open house to get the backstory for the Worlds of Marvel cinematic entertainment show. 

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure

Celebrate the engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure . This entertaining dinner theater-type experience stars favorite characters from Disney’s blockbuster hit Frozen . Guests will enjoy the character interactions, live band, great food, and fantastic entertainers who bring the world of Frozen to life. The Nordic-style cuisine is excellent here, particularly the seafood.

Disney Wish ‘s third restaurant, 1923 , offers a classy entertainment-free dining experience where the food is the star of the show. One half of the restaurant is dedicated to Walt Disney and the other to Roy Disney.

8. Adults-Only Areas

The Bayou, an adults-only lounge on the Disney Wish inspired by The Princess and the Frog

The Disney Wish was designed to cater to adults sailing without children as well as parents and grandparents traveling with kids. As a result, there are plenty of adult-only spaces spread across multiple decks, and the cocktail lounges are superb. My favorites were The Rose, Nightingale’s, and The Bayou , a stunning magnolia-canopied lounge inspired by Disney Animation Studios’ film The Princess and the Frog .

Additional memorable adults-only spots on the Disney Wish include the Quiet Cove’s aft-facing infinity pool, the Moana- inspired Cove Café, and the Senses Spa’s Rainforest experience featuring a brand-new outdoor oasis. Purchase rainforest passes as far in advance as possible.

Pro Tip: There’s live jazz music in the evenings at The Bayou and live piano music at Nightingale’s. If you want to have more time for evening entertainment, it might be best to choose the early dinner seating.

9. Enchanting New Shows

"Disney The Little Mermaid," an original stage adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" exclusively on the Disney Wish.

Disney Cruise Line ’s entertainment is Broadway-caliber, and the Walt Disney Theatre’s immersive performances bring the magic to life. We saw previews of Disney The Little Mermaid and Disney Seas the Adventure , two brand-new shows making their debut on the Disney Wish . Both were outstanding. Guests will also be able to enjoy a reimagined adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular on future Disney Wish sailings.

Entertainment choices abound on the Disney Wish , including free first-run movie showings in the Never Land and Wonderland cinemas, shows and interactive features on the Grand Hall’s atrium stage, and programming in the new Luna entertainment hub. This wealth of indoor entertainment options will help keep families happy, even in inclement weather.

Pro Tip: Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in Disney Wish cinemas and the Walt Disney Theatre. Starting 30 minutes before show times, crew members are available at the Deck 3 entrance to the Walt Disney Theatre to assist guests to wheelchair-accessible seating.

10. Incredible, Interactive Games

An obstacle course in the Incredi-Games in the Hero Zone sports arena on the Disney Wish.

Disney Uncharted Adventure

Disney Uncharted Adventure is a first-of-its-kind interactive game played through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. We previewed this free immersive experience on our sailing, and it takes storytelling to a new level. Guests can create their own avatars then head out on themed quests throughout the ship. The multidimensional journey features augmented reality and special effects, unlocking hidden layers of magic around the ship. I loved being immersed in this adventure, and the technology is amazing.

Pro Tip: Disney Uncharted Adventure is a fantastic experience to play with family and friends. Families can play together by linking up to six mobile devices at once or team up by using just one or two devices at a time.

More action-packed games are available in Disney Wish’s Hero Zone sports arena. Don’t miss running through The Incredibles -themed inflatable obstacle course, which is featured in the ship’s Incredi-Games experience. It’s lots of fun, and it’s not just for kids. Time slots are pre-announced, so check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to see when the obstacle course will be available.

Image of Nancy Schretter

Nancy is founder of the Family Travel Network, launched in partnership with America Online. She serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association and is a consultant and frequent presenter at top travel industry conferences and events. Nancy is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. She was honored with the Family Travel Association's Mike Janes Media Member Award in 2022.

Sign up for the FREE MouseSavers Newsletter and get a monthly email with exclusive discounts!

Facebook Twitter

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.

ParkVeteran Logo

How To Book Excursions on a Disney Cruise

Ashley

Embarking on a Disney Cruise is an experience filled with magic and adventure. One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is the opportunity to explore various ports of call through exciting shore excursions, known as Port Adventures. From snorkeling in the Caribbean to exploring ancient ruins in Europe, these excursions offer unforgettable experiences for every member of the family. But how do you book these excursions? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of booking excursions on a Disney Cruise.

Booking excursions on a Disney Cruise, also known as Port Adventures, is simple. Sign in to your Disney Cruise Line account, go to “My Reservations” and click on the “My Plans” tab. Select the day on your itinerary you’d like to reserve an activity for, click “Add Activities” and browse the available Port Adventures. Choose your desired excursion and follow the prompts to complete the booking process. Remember, book early as these excursions can fill up quickly.

Understanding Port Adventures

Before we delve into the booking process, it’s important to understand what Port Adventures are. These are excursions offered by Disney Cruise Line at their various ports of call. They range from active adventures like hiking and zip-lining to culinary tours that allow you to sample local cuisine.

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of excursions to cater to different interests and age groups. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s a Port Adventure for you. Some excursions even offer exclusive, high-end experiences with VIP access and luxury transportation, known as Signature Collection Port Adventures.

How to Book Disney Cruise Excursions

Booking excursions on a Disney Cruise is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Sign in to your Disney Cruise Line account on their website or use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
  • Go to “My Reservations” and click on the “My Plans” tab.
  • Select the day you’d like to reserve an activity on your day-by-day itinerary.
  • Click “Add Activities” and browse the available Port Adventures for each port of call.
  • Choose the desired excursion and follow the prompts to complete the booking process.

Remember, it’s crucial to book early as these excursions can fill up quickly. If you’re a member of the Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club, your booking window opens even earlier, giving you a head start on securing your preferred excursions.

Excursion Restrictions and Requirements

Keep in mind that some excursions have age and physical restrictions. For instance, certain active adventures like zip-lining or scuba diving might have a minimum age requirement and require good physical health. Always check the specific requirements for each excursion before booking.

Modifying or Canceling Excursions

Plans can change, and Disney Cruise Line understands that. You can cancel your Port Adventure booking up to 3 days prior to the cruise departure date. After that time, all reservations are final and non-refundable. If you need to modify the number of participants in your excursion, you may need to contact Disney Cruise Line directly for assistance.

Tips for a Great Port Adventure Experience

To make the most of your Port Adventures, here are a few tips:

  • Research the ports and excursions: Take the time to research the ports you’ll be visiting and the excursions available. Read reviews and consider your interests and those of your fellow travelers.
  • Pack wisely: Depending on the excursion, you might need swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and more.
  • Arrive early: It’s a good idea to arrive at the meeting point for your excursion early. This ensures you don’t miss out on any part of the adventure.
  • Stay hydrated and protected from the sun: Bring water and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially during hot weather.

With these tips and information, you’re now equipped to book your excursions on a Disney Cruise. So go ahead and add a dash of adventure to your magical Disney Cruise experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i book a disney cruise excursion without having a disney cruise line account.

No, you need to have a Disney Cruise Line account to book Port Adventures. You can create an account on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Does Disney Cruise Line offer any assistance for guests with disabilities on their excursions?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line does offer assistance for guests with disabilities. However, the level of assistance varies depending on the excursion. It’s recommended to contact Disney Cruise Line directly to discuss your specific needs.

Can I book excursions once I’m onboard the cruise?

Yes, you can book excursions once onboard, but availability may be limited. It’s highly recommended to book your excursions in advance through the Disney Cruise Line website or app.

What happens if an excursion is canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances?

If a Port Adventure is canceled by Disney Cruise Line due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.

Are meals included in the excursions?

It depends on the excursion. Some may include a meal, while others may not. This information will be provided in the excursion details on the Disney Cruise Line website or app.

Related Posts

How To Volunteer For Disney Cruise

How To Volunteer for Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line

How Does Dining on Disney Cruise Line Work?

Cruises

Why a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruises

How To Get to Disney Cruise from Orlando Airport

Cruises

What Port Does Disney Cruise Leave From?

Disney Cruises

What to Pack for a Disney Cruise

About the author, ashley clayton, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Ashley is a true theme park veteran, with insights gleaned from multiple visits to every park in the US. Her goal is to provide an insider's guide to making the most of your visit to any theme park.

Cruises

When is the cheapest time to book a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruise Line

Do Disney Cruise Line Restaurants Have a Dress Code?

Disney Cruises

Where Is Disney Cruise Line Registered?

Disney Cruises

What are Disney Cruise Ships Doing Now?

Disney Cruises

Where Is Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruises

What Costs Extra on a Disney Cruise?

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

  • Plan Your Trip

How To Book Excursions On Disney Cruise

Published: December 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Georgina Kahler

  • Travel Guide
  • Travel Tips

how-to-book-excursions-on-disney-cruise

Introduction

Welcome aboard the magical world of Disney Cruise! If you’re planning a cruise vacation with Disney, you’re in for a treat. Not only does Disney offer incredible entertainment, dining, and relaxation options onboard, but they also provide a plethora of exciting excursions at each port of call.

Booking excursions on a Disney Cruise is a fantastic way to enhance your vacation and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient ruins, swim with dolphins, or simply relax on a pristine beach, Disney has something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of booking excursions on a Disney Cruise, from understanding the options available to making the reservation. We’ll also provide you with some insider tips to help you make the most of your experience. So, let’s dive in and start planning your dream vacation!

Before we get started, it’s important to note that Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of destinations, each with its own unique excursions. So, whether you’re sailing to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, or any other breathtaking location, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of excursion options to suit your interests and preferences.

Now, let’s delve into the world of Disney Cruise excursions and discover how you can make the most of your time ashore.

Understanding Excursions on Disney Cruise

Excursions on Disney Cruise are carefully curated experiences that allow you to explore the ports of call and immerse yourself in the local culture and attractions. These excursions are designed to cater to a variety of interests, ranging from adventurous activities to cultural tours and relaxing beach escapes. By participating in these excursions, you can make the most of your time ashore while enjoying the convenience and peace of mind that comes with Disney’s exceptional service.

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of excursion options at each port of call. This includes guided tours, water sports activities, wildlife encounters, historical sightseeing, and much more. The excursions are typically categorized based on their duration, intensity level, and theme, ensuring there’s something suitable for every age group and interest.

For thrill-seekers, Disney offers excursions such as snorkeling with tropical fish, zip-lining through lush rainforests, and even dog sledding on select cruises to Alaska. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can choose from beach outings, spa retreats, or leisurely sightseeing tours.

It’s important to note that Disney Cruise Line has a team of experts who carefully select and evaluate excursion operators to ensure the highest level of safety, comfort, and quality for their guests. This means that you can trust that the excursions offered by Disney are reputable and well-managed.

When choosing an excursion, it’s helpful to consider factors such as your interests, physical capabilities, and the age range of your group. Disney offers excursions suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and even multi-generational groups. Additionally, be sure to review any specific requirements or restrictions for each excursion, such as minimum age or physical fitness level.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a culture enthusiast, Disney Cruise excursions offer something for everyone. The experiences are designed to provide a balance of adventure, relaxation, and discovery, allowing you to create unforgettable memories during your time ashore.

Researching Excursion Options

Before you can book an excursion on your Disney Cruise, it’s important to spend some time researching and exploring the various options available. This will help you make an informed decision based on your interests, preferences, and the activities offered at each port of call.

The first step in researching excursion options is to review the Disney Cruise Line website. Here, you’ll find detailed information about the excursions available for each destination, including descriptions, durations, pricing, and any restrictions or requirements. Take the time to read through the descriptions to get a sense of what each excursion entails and whether it aligns with your interests.

Additionally, you can also find valuable information and tips from fellow cruisers on online forums and social media groups dedicated to Disney Cruise. These platforms can provide insights and personal experiences that may help you narrow down your choices and make a more informed decision.

When researching, consider factors such as the ratings and reviews of the excursions, the level of activity involved, and any specific highlights or attractions mentioned. Look for excursions that align with your interests, whether it’s exploring historical landmarks, engaging in thrilling adventures, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the destination.

It’s also worth considering the duration of the excursion and how it fits into your overall schedule. Some excursions may be half-day or full-day adventures, while others may be shorter in length. Make sure to account for the time it takes to travel to and from the excursion location to ensure you have ample time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Another important factor to consider is the cost of each excursion. Disney Cruise excursions vary in price, so it’s essential to establish a budget and weigh the value of each experience against the cost. Keep in mind that some excursions may include meals or additional perks, which can add value to the overall experience.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to the Disney Cruise Line directly for any specific questions or concerns about the excursions. Their knowledgeable staff can provide further details and recommendations to help you make the best decision.

By thoroughly researching your excursion options, you’ll be able to choose the activities that align with your interests, ensure a memorable experience while in port, and make the most of your time ashore during your Disney Cruise.

Booking Excursions

Once you have researched and narrowed down your excursion options, it’s time to book your chosen activities. Disney makes it easy and convenient to reserve your excursions directly through their website or by contacting their Cruise Reservation Center.

If you prefer to book online, simply log in to your Disney Cruise Line account and navigate to the “My Reservations” section. From there, you can browse the available excursions for each port of call and add them to your itinerary. Make sure to check for any specific time slots or availability constraints for each excursion.

During the online booking process, you will need to provide the necessary information, such as the number of participants and any special requirements or requests. Some excursions may have age restrictions or require participants to meet certain health or physical conditions, so it’s important to review the details before making your selection.

Alternatively, you can also book your excursions by calling the Disney Cruise Line’s Cruise Reservation Center. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can assist you in selecting and booking the excursions that best suit your interests and needs. Be prepared with your preferred excursion choices and have your booking details, such as cruise date and reservation number, ready when you call.

It’s important to note that popular excursions can fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to book as early as possible. Disney Cruise Line typically opens excursion bookings in advance, allowing guests to secure their preferred activities before the cruise departure. By booking early, you can increase your chances of securing a spot on the excursions that interest you the most.

Once you have successfully booked your excursions, you will receive a confirmation email or notification with all the relevant details. Take the time to review this information and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation or vouchers for each excursion. It is advisable to print these documents or have them easily accessible on your mobile device for convenience when disembarking the ship.

During your cruise, you will receive further instructions and details about your booked excursions through your daily cruise newsletter or the onboard excursion desk. They will provide information on meeting points, departure times, and any additional requirements or recommendations for each excursion.

By following these steps and booking your excursions in advance, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the activities and sights at each port of call during your Disney Cruise.

Tips for Booking Excursions on Disney Cruise

Booking excursions on a Disney Cruise is an exciting part of planning your vacation. To make the most of your experience and ensure a smooth process, consider these helpful tips:

  • Research in advance: Start researching excursion options as soon as possible to have a better understanding of what each activity entails and to secure your preferred choices.
  • Consider the interests and abilities of your group: Choose excursions that cater to the interests and physical capabilities of everyone in your group. This will ensure that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable experience.
  • Book early: Popular excursions can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book as early as possible. This increases your chances of securing a spot on the excursions you desire.
  • Review the details: Before booking, carefully read the descriptions, restrictions, and requirements of each excursion. Ensure that you meet any age, health, or physical fitness requirements and understand what is included in the excursion.
  • Set a budget: Determine a budget for your excursions and consider the value of each experience in relation to the cost. Remember to account for any additional expenses, such as meals or transportation.
  • Communicate any special needs or requests: If anyone in your party has specific dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, or special requests, be sure to communicate this information to Disney Cruise Line so they can accommodate your needs.
  • Pack accordingly: Depending on the excursion, you may need specific items such as swimsuits, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
  • Arrive early and be prepared: On the day of your excursion, arrive at the designated meeting point early and ensure you have all the necessary documents or vouchers. This will help you avoid any last-minute stress and ensure a smooth departure.
  • Be open to new experiences: While it’s great to have a plan, be open to new experiences that may arise during your cruise. Sometimes the unexpected can lead to incredible memories, so embrace the adventure!
  • Enjoy the journey: Remember that your Disney Cruise vacation is about more than just the excursions. Take the time to enjoy the onboard amenities, entertainment, and relaxation options as well. It’s the perfect balance of activities and leisure.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to book your excursions on a Disney Cruise and create unforgettable memories at every port of call. So, get ready to embark on an incredible adventure filled with excitement, discovery, and magic!

Booking excursions on a Disney Cruise is a fantastic way to elevate your vacation and create unforgettable experiences at each port of call. From exploring ancient ruins to swimming with dolphins, Disney offers a wide range of excursions to suit every interest and age group.

To make the most of your excursion booking process, take the time to research the available options and consider factors such as interests, physical capabilities, and budget. Booking early is crucial to secure your preferred activities, as popular excursions can fill up quickly.

When booking, be sure to review the details of each excursion, including any restrictions or requirements. Communicate any special needs or requests to Disney Cruise Line to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone in your group.

During the cruise, follow the provided instructions and be prepared for each excursion. Arriving early and having all the necessary documents will help ensure a smooth departure and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Remember, a Disney Cruise is not just about the excursions. Take the time to enjoy the onboard amenities, entertainment, and relaxation options as well. It’s the perfect balance of activities and leisure that will make your vacation truly magical.

So, whether you’re zip-lining through lush forests, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or immersing yourself in the local culture, booking excursions on a Disney Cruise will create memories that last a lifetime. Get ready to embark on an adventure filled with wonder, excitement, and the enchantment that only Disney can provide. Bon voyage!

TouristSecrets

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Disney Cruise Mom Blog

I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

How I Choose Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions: Ship-Sponsored or Independent?

Nassau, Bahamas: Blue Lagoon Beach Day (N44)

Nassau, Bahamas: Atlantis Aquaventure (N25) and Private Cabana at Atlantis (N65)

The Scoop on Nassau

Restless Native Catamaran Sail, Snorkel, Swim (BR31)

St. Thomas – Magen’s Bay Beach Break (ST-27)

Tortola/St. Thomas – Island Roots Charters

St. Thomas, USVI – Second Wind Charters

Tortola, BVI: Tour to Virgin Gorda (TT-23)

Grand Cayman: Our Day with Cayman Luxury Charters, Take 1

Grand Cayman: Our Day with Cayman Luxury Charters, Take 2

St. Maarten: Our Day with Top Secret Private Charters

St. Thomas, USVI: Our Day with Second Wind Charters

Cozumel, Mexico: Deluxe Private Yachts

Land’s End Coastal Cruise & Beach Break (CL-59)

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Las Caletas Hideaway (PV15) Part 1

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Las Caletas Hideaway (PV15) Part 2

Cabo San Lucas:  Cabo Dolphin Swim (CL23)

Cozumel, Mexico: Dolphin Discovery (CZ04)  (February 2013)

Cozumel, Mexico: Dolphin Discovery (CZ04)  (December 2017)

Cozumel, Mexico: Nachi Cocom

Kristiansand, Norway:  Lillesand by Land & Sea (KR01)

Stavanger, Norway:  Outdoor Norway – Half Day Lysefjord View Hike

Alesund, Norway:  Alesund Highlights (AL01)

Invergordon, Scotland:  Private tour with Ness Tours

London, England:  International Friends – Warner Brothers Studios Making of Harry Potter

Villefranche: Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Eze Excursion (V04)

Villefranche: White River Rafting (V30)

Livorno/Florence/Pisa: Florence and Pisa (LV06)

Olbia, Sardinia: La Cinta Beach (O10)

Civitavecchia (Rome): Best of Rome (CV25)

Naples/Amalfi Coast/Pompeii: Amalfi Coast Drive & Ruins of Pompeii (NP04)

Sicily: Palermo and Ballaro Market (PL07)

Palma de Mallorca: Palma City Tour (PM02) and Horseback Riding at Rancho Grande (PM33)

Skagway, Alaska:  DIY Jeep Tour

Juneau, Alaska:  Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

Ketchikan, Alaska:  Alaska Hummer Adventures

Pacific Coast

San Fransisco: Alcatraz

San Francisco: Small Car, Big Town Tours

New England

Bar Harbor, Maine – At Your Service Tours

Victoria, BC: Butchart Gardens & Afternoon Tea

Vancouver:  Northwest Exploration & Capilano Suspension Bridge (VC01)

St. John, New Brunswick – Go Fundy Tours

Reykjavik, Iceland:  Tours by Locals – South Coast/Golden Circle Tours

Reykjavik, Iceland:  Tours by Locals – Inside the Volcano/Blue Lagoon Tours

South America

Our day in Cartagena, Colombia

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay Cabanas #5 and #6

Castaway Cay Cabana #8 (August 2017)

Castaway Cay Cabana #8 (March 2022)

Castaway Cay Cabana #14

Castaway Cay Cabana #20

Castaway Cay Cabana #20 – Take 2

Snorkeling at Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay 5K

To view the Disney Cruise Mom Blog privacy policy, click here .

©Disney Cruise Mom Blog 2020. All Rights Reserved. Disneycruisemomblog does not claim to represent, is not affiliated with, endorsed by or officially connected with Magical Cruise Company, Limited, dba Disney Cruise Line, or their parent company, The Walt Disney Company.

Best Disney Cruise Excursions in Bahamas, Caribbean, & Bermuda -- Water trikes in front of a Disney cruise ship

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

A Disney Cruise Ship docked in the crystal waters of Castaway Cay

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

People climbing stairs at the Mayan Ruins

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

People swim in blue waters at Cozumel

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)

A person wearing a life jacket interacts with a dolphin in the water

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

A small yellow boat floats in clear waters

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

Boats floating and people swimming in the waters off Grand Cayman

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

Rock formations and cliffs jutting out into the waters of Bermuda

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)

Three silver pieces of jewelry with pink sand inlay

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

Crystal waters behind an orange and teal building

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)

Atlantis - Aquaventure - The Surge Waterslide

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

Tall stone walls protect buildings in San Juan Puerto Rico

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!

Related Posts:

Best Disney Cruise Excursions in Alaska

Share This Page: Choose Your Platform!

About the author: jackie steele.

excursions on disney cruise

Related Posts

Disney Dream Cruise Ship: Complete Guide

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

Gene Sloan

Is a voyage on a Disney Cruise Line ship on your bucket list? You'll find a growing number of options when it comes time to pick an itinerary.

While the cruising arm of Disney has long focused mostly on voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with year-round sailings to those destinations out of Florida, it also now offers a relatively wide range of seasonal sailings to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda, Europe and Canada.

The family-friendly cruise brand, notably, is expanding its footprint worldwide as it adds four new vessels in quick succession.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Already, the first of those ships, the 2,508-passenger Disney Wish , has arrived, boosting the size of the Disney fleet from four ships to five and allowing for more departures to the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

Two more sister vessels to Disney Wish are due to begin sailing in 2024 and 2025, respectively, allowing for further expansion in Disney cruise itineraries. In addition, the line has yet another new vessel coming in 2025 that isn't related to the other three. Called Disney Adventure, it's a one-off vessel originally designed for an Asian line , and it'll sail in Asia (perhaps catering mostly to Asian travelers; Disney has been mum so far on the target audience for it).

All these new ships arriving in quick succession will likely mean not just more departures to destinations where Disney Cruise Line is established but also sailings in new regions. For example, Disney has never before offered Asia sailings.

Here are our picks for the five best Disney cruise destinations you can visit with your family.

Caribbean and Bahamas

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line's top destination has always been the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Since its founding more than two decades ago, the brand has based the bulk of its fleet in Florida to offer sailings to the islands. Port Canaveral, which is just an hour away from Disney's Orlando-area theme parks, has always been its biggest hub.

The line is particularly known for three- and four-night cruises out of Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas. These short getaways let families get a taste of Disney cruising that some Disney fans pair with a stay at Disney World.

The cruise line also regularly offers seven-night sailings out of Port Canaveral that visit Caribbean islands like St. Thomas and Tortola.

Related: First look at Disney Wish in photos

In recent years, Disney has also built up its Caribbean and Bahamas cruise offerings from other ports in Florida — initially Miami and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale. The ships the line has based in these ports typically offer four- and five-night sailings to Castaway Cay and one other port, such as Cozumel or Grand Cayman.

In addition, Disney is offering a growing number of Caribbean sailings out of Galveston, Texas, and New Orleans.

For 2024, the line will have four of its five ships — Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy — sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of one of the above ports, with their home bases often shifting between them.

Disney Wish, which is Disney's newest ship, will be based in Port Canaveral year-round to operate the line's classic three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas. These voyages are designed to be paired with a visit to nearby Disney World for a longer Disney vacation.

Disney Fantasy will also sail out of Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean year-round, offering longer voyages.

Disney Dream will spend the start and the end of the year sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, with a stint in the middle of the year (from May to October) sailing in Europe.

Disney Magic will take Disney Dream's place sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale from May to October. During the early and late months of the year, it'll sail out of Galveston.

Come 2025, Disney will have four ships — Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Magic — sailing three- to five-night getaways from Florida to the line's Bahamian destinations, including its new private beach destination Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and its long-open private island Disney Castaway Cay. Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will operate the trips from Port Canaveral, while Disney Dream and Disney Magic will sail from Fort Lauderdale.

Before taking up residence in Florida in April 2025, Disney Magic will also offer three months' worth of sailings out of Galveston, Texas, to Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman.

All of the 2025 sailings are already open for bookings.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

excursions on disney cruise

Disney has cut back on voyages out of San Diego for 2024, after increasing its San Diego departures sharply in 2023. But it still offers several trips to Mexico out of the city on Disney Wonder.

For 2024, the 1,754-passenger vessel will offer a mix of three- to seven-night sailings to Mexico during March and April. Shorter three- and four-night sailings typically feature calls at Ensenada, Mexico, and California's Catalina Island. Seven-night sailings include calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

The big factor driving Disney's cutbacks on sailings out of San Diego in 2024 is its new focus on voyages out of Australian ports. Disney Wonder will spend much of January and February sailing out of Australian ports and then return to the region in October for another season of Australia trips.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney offers a wide variety of itineraries in Europe every summer, from Mediterranean voyages out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), to Northern Europe sailings out of Southampton, England.

Ranging from seven to 11 nights, Disney's Europe voyages each year typically take place on a single ship that sails from multiple home ports throughout the season. For 2024, that ship will be the 2,500-passenger Disney Dream. The line has yet to announce which of its ships will go to Europe in 2025.

Typical for the shorter itineraries the line offers in Europe are seven-night sailings out of Civitavecchia to the Greek Islands. These sailings stop in Mykonos, Santorini and Crete in Greece, as well as Naples, Italy.

Related: 17 tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line

A longer, 11-night itinerary starting in Civitavecchia and ending in Barcelona includes calls at Piraeus (the port for Athens), Santorini and Mykonos in Greece; Messina (on the island of Sicily), Naples and Livorno in Italy; and Toulon, France.

Among Northern Europe itineraries, Disney offers focused, weeklong sailings to Norway with calls at the Norwegian ports of Alesund, Nordfjordeid, Eidfjord and Stavanger.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney does not have a large presence in Alaska. The line sends just one ship to Alaska each year. Family-friendly cruise rivals Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, by contrast, each send three ships to Alaska each year, and Norwegian Cruise Line sends five vessels to the destination.

Still, Disney fans won't feel like they're missing out. The one vessel Disney sends to Alaska each year, the 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder, stays for nearly the entire summer season, from late June to mid-September and offers a distinctly Disney take on The Last Frontier.

Always beginning and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia, and lasting seven nights, Disney's Alaska sailings typically include stops at three of these four Alaska ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point (which three vary by departure date). Itineraries also include a visit to Stikine Icecap, which is south of Juneau.

Related: 5 reasons Disney cruises aren't just for kids

These are fairly typical ports for an Alaska cruise. But the (extra-charge) activities that Disney has organized for the ports aren't always the same as what other lines offer.

As one might expect for Disney, the line has crafted some of its shore excursions in Alaska ports with special Disney touches, such as Disney character appearances at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake tour in Ketchikan. (Having done this one myself, I will say, for the record, that it's a little hokey; but it does get you a Disney character fix if that's your aim.)

Another shore excursion with a Disney touch is the outdoor Family Scavenger Hunt at Icy Strait Point, where participants join a local guide on a hunt for items such as clam shells and native plants, as well as a "special surprise" with a Disney theme.

Unlike many lines, Disney does not offer one-way sailings to Alaska from Vancouver or Seattle that can be paired with add-on land tours to create an extended sea-and-land Alaska vacation — something known as a "cruisetour." If that's what you're looking for, and you want to stick with a family-friendly line, you might want to consider the one-way cruisetour offerings from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Related: The ultimate Alaska cruise guide

excursions on disney cruise

Disney typically offers at least one and sometimes several cruises to Bermuda each fall, ranging from quick, five-night trips to longer, eight-night sailings.

For the year just ending (2023), the line offered four such sailings, and it's offered even more than that in certain years. Alas, for the coming year (2024), Disney currently does not have a single Bermuda sailing scheduled — a bit of an anomaly.

That said, we would expect Disney to bring back its Bermuda sailings for 2025 or 2026. It's been such a mainstay of the brand.

So ... stay tuned.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Bottom line

Family-friend Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small cruise brand, with just five ships (one of its biggest rivals in the family cruise market, Royal Caribbean, has 26 vessels). But that doesn't mean its itinerary choices are limited. The line offers regular sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Bermuda and Europe.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • What to pack for your first cruise

Costco Travel US homepage

  • Help Center
  • 1-866-921-7925

United States

Start Searching

  • Packages  
  • Hotels  
  • Cruises  
  • Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

{"canada":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"YUL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Montreal","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"YYZ":{"region":"Toronto","city":"Toronto","dropDownDisplayValue":"Toronto, CA"}}},"YVR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Vancouver","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"WHI":{"region":"Whistler","city":"Whistler","dropDownDisplayValue":"Whistler, CA"}}},"WHI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Whistler","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"YVR":{"region":"Vancouver","city":"Vancouver","dropDownDisplayValue":"Vancouver, CA"}}},"YYZ":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Toronto","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"YUL":{"region":"Montreal","city":"Montreal","dropDownDisplayValue":"Montreal, CA"}}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"arizona":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"PHX":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Phoenix/Scottsdale","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"SDO":{"region":"Sedona","city":"Sedona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sedona, AZ"}}},"SDO":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Sedona","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PHX":{"region":"Phoenix/Scottsdale","city":"Phoenix/Scottsdale","dropDownDisplayValue":"Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ"}}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"hawaii":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"HNL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Oahu","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"LIH":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Kauai","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"KOA":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Hawaii Island","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"OGG":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Maui","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":true,"multiCity":false},"california":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"SVV":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Napa Valley/Sonoma","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"SFO":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"San Francisco","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"texas":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"SAT":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"San Antonio","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}},"AUS":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Austin","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{}}},"defaultChecked":false,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true},"europe":{"mapOfRegionInfo":{"PAR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Paris","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"},"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"}}},"AMS":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Amsterdam","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"}}},"GWY":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Galway","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"JTR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Santorini","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"}}},"JMK":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Mykonos","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"}}},"LON":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"London","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"},"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"}}},"EDI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Edinburgh","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"}}},"BCN":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Barcelona","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"AMS":{"region":"Netherlands","city":"Amsterdam","dropDownDisplayValue":"Amsterdam"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"WSI":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"West Ireland","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"FLR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Florence","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"}}},"RRO":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Sorrento","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"EIR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"East Ireland","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"}}},"SVQ":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Seville","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"}}},"DUB":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Dublin","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"SCB":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Scottish Countryside","dropDownDisplayValue":"Scottish Countryside"},"KIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Killarney","dropDownDisplayValue":"Killarney"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"MAD":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Madrid","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"MIL":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Milan","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"ROM":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Rome","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"},"SVQ":{"region":"Spain","city":"Seville","dropDownDisplayValue":"Seville"}}},"SCB":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Scottish Countryside","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"}}},"HER":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Central Crete","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"}}},"KIR":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Killarney","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"DUB":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Dublin","dropDownDisplayValue":"Dublin"},"GWY":{"region":"Ireland","city":"Galway","dropDownDisplayValue":"Galway"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"EDI":{"region":"Scotland","city":"Edinburgh","dropDownDisplayValue":"Edinburgh"},"WSI":{"region":"Ireland","city":"West Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"West Ireland"},"EIR":{"region":"Ireland","city":"East Ireland","dropDownDisplayValue":"East Ireland"}}},"ATH":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Athens","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"HER":{"region":"Greece","city":"Central Crete","dropDownDisplayValue":"Central Crete"},"JMK":{"region":"Greece","city":"Mykonos","dropDownDisplayValue":"Mykonos"},"JTR":{"region":"Greece","city":"Santorini","dropDownDisplayValue":"Santorini"},"VCE":{"region":"Italy","city":"Venice","dropDownDisplayValue":"Venice"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"}}},"VCE":{"supportedBundleRegions":[],"regionDisplayName":"Venice","cityCodeToRegionAndCityWithDropDownDisplayValues":{"PAR":{"region":"France","city":"Paris","dropDownDisplayValue":"Paris"},"ROM":{"region":"Italy","city":"Rome","dropDownDisplayValue":"Rome"},"MIL":{"region":"Italy","city":"Milan","dropDownDisplayValue":"Milan"},"MAD":{"region":"Spain","city":"Madrid","dropDownDisplayValue":"Madrid"},"ATH":{"region":"Greece","city":"Athens","dropDownDisplayValue":"Athens"},"LON":{"region":"England","city":"London","dropDownDisplayValue":"London"},"BCN":{"region":"Spain","city":"Barcelona","dropDownDisplayValue":"Barcelona"},"FLR":{"region":"Italy","city":"Florence","dropDownDisplayValue":"Florence"},"RRO":{"region":"Italy","city":"Sorrento","dropDownDisplayValue":"Sorrento"}}}},"defaultChecked":true,"multiIsland":false,"multiCity":true}}

  • Vacation Packages  
  • Hotel + Flight  
  • Hotel + Flight + Car  
  • Hotel + Car  
  • Hotel Only  

Alaska Cruise Tours:

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.

Disney Cruise Line

Family-friendly fun, experience magic with disney cruise line.

  • Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Take to the seas with Disney Cruise Line for a magical adventure.

Venture forth with Disney Cruise Line to faraway lands. Visit the sunny Caribbean, home to the famous Jack Sparrow, or head off to the fairy tale lands of Europe to visit Elsa and Anna. Disney effortlessly blends family friendly with elegance for an extraordinary experience. Let the kids take full advantage of Disney’s Oceaneer Club while the adults enjoy the tranquil spa. Try to see if you can spot all the hidden Mickeys onboard, and don’t be surprised if some of your favorite characters show up to help. Plus, receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, courtesy of Costco Travel, with every sailing.

excursions on disney cruise

Featured Deals

Disney treasure.

Disney Cruise Line Maiden Voyage Winter 2024 Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Discover Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line Europe with the Magic of Disney Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Experience Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruise Line One-of-a-Kind Venues and Experiences Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Summer Vacation Wishes, Granted

Disney Cruise Line Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas and More Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

2025 Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii and More Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Disney's Specialty Themed Cruises

Disney Cruise Line Pixar and Marvel Day at Sea Itineraries Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Alaskan Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Round-Trip Vancouver 7-Night Cruise Aboard Disney Wonder Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Round-Trip Port Canaveral 7-Night Cruise Aboard Disney Fantasy Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Very Merrytime Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Very merrytime western caribbean cruise.

Disney Cruise Line Round-Trip Galveston 6-Night Cruise Aboard Disney Magic Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

France Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Round-Trip Southampton 4-Night Cruise Aboard Disney Dream Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

Bahamian Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Round-Trip Port Canaveral 4-Night Cruise Aboard Disney Fantasy Digital Costco Shop Card Courtesy of Costco Travel

*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.

Explore Disney Cruise Line Ships

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Dream

Costco member reviews.

4.7 of 5 stars

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

As can be expected from Disney, the Disney Dream was specially designed with families in mind, combining sleek style and convenient facilities with splashes of magic and cruise-industry firsts—like the splashtacular AquaDuck, the very first water coaster at sea.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Fantasy

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.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Magic

4.6 of 5 stars

Disney Magic pays homage to the timeless style of the past while embracing the contemporary. Experience Disney's traditions of extraordinary family entertainment and superb service while you ride the waves.

excursions on disney cruise

Set your compass toward the Disney Treasure, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, where the spirit of adventure meets the daring tales of classic Disney films and Disney park attractions—sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries beginning December 2024.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Wish

Set sail aboard the Disney Wish—Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship sailing to the Caribbean and The Bahamas. On board, there’s enchantment everywhere you turn, where fantastical worlds and beloved characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars are brought to life in new and amazing ways for everyone in the family.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder pays homage to the timeless style of the past while embracing the contemporary. Experience Disney's traditions of extraordinary family entertainment and superb service while you ride the waves.

Explore by Cruise Line

Explore more travel, luxury cruises.

Sail in Style and Comfort

Ultimate Lavish Vacation Experience

Executive Member Benefits

Annual 2% Reward on Costco Travel Purchases

Additional Value in Select Packages

Rental Cars

One Additional Driver Fee Waived

Executive Members Earn an Annual 2% Reward

Ship Rating

5 of 5 stars

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

4.0 of 5 stars

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

3.0 of 5 stars

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

2.0 of 5 stars

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

1.0 of 5 stars

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

0.5 of 5 stars

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

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.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

The Mommy Mouse Clubhouse

Disney Cruise Atlantis Excursion Review

Sharing is caring!

Are you trying to decide what  Disney Cruise  excursion to take in Nassau, Bahamas? You’re in the right place! Find out my review of the Atlantis Aquventure excursion from my recent cruise on the Disney Wish.

Disney Cruise Atlantis Aquaventure Excursion Review.

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, I get a small percentage back at no cost to you! For more information see my  disclosure policy .

Disney Cruise Line Get a Free Quote call Get Away Today & mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you.

Check out prices below or get a free quote by calling 877-510-2929 and let them know Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!

My family of five recently went on a Back-to-Back cruise on the Disney Wish, where one of our ports of call was Nassau, Bahamas.

After looking through the list of excursions available during our day in Nassau, we decided to choose one of the Atlantis excursions called, “Atlantis Aquaventure (N25)”, because it was a perfect match for our boys ages 16, 13, and 9. Below, you can take a closer look at what is included and our experience.

Want to Go on a Disney Cruise?

If you’re thinking about going on a Disney Cruise for your family, I recommend booking with my travel partner, Get Away Today. They can help you find the best ship and itinerary for your cruise vacation. I have used them many times and they have the BEST customer service. Give them a call at 877-510-2929 and mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you to get the best deals!

Check Disney Cruise Prices Here.

Atlantis Aquaventure Excursion Description

So what exactly is the Atlantis Aquventure port excursion? Here is the description directly from  Disney Cruise  Line:

Wet and Wild Fun

Visit the underground aquarium of The Dig, head to the water park thrills of Aquaventure or just enjoy Atlantis’ beach. 

On this adventure you will… 

▪️Drive approximately 25 minutes through Nassau on your way to the world-renowned Atlantis Paradise Island resort.  ▪️Enter the magic of Atlantis’ 141-acre treasure: the Aquaventure waterpark. Featuring state-of-the-art water slides, river rapids, waterfalls, water holes and amazing special effects, Aquaventure is far from your usual water park.  ▪️Kids can join the fun at Poseidon’s Playzone, a new 9,000 square-foot water play fort with 40 new water play elements and an oversized 300-gallon water bucket that overflows from Poseidon’s trident onto the tower below every 5 minutes! ▪️Continue on to one of the resort’s many sublime sunbathing spots-on a white-sand beach, in the lagoon and around the pool areas.  ▪️Atlantis is home to the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, with more than 50,000 sea creatures representing 250 species. You can embark on a self-guided tour of the ruins of ancient Atlantis in The Dig, an elaborate replica of an actual archeological site. Explore a labyrinth of underground passageways brimming with large viewing windows filled with exotic marine life.  ▪️During your free time you can visit the casino, shop in the Marina Village or simply wander through the impressive lobby of the Royal Towers.  ▪️Finally, embark on a short 10-minute walk back to the bus pick-up location before beginning the 15-minute drive back to the pier. Please note that return transport is set for 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Your guides will confirm those times again upon arriving at Atlantis. ▪️Please note, tour durations and return times are subject to change due to ship schedules and itineraries.

excursions on disney cruise

What Disney Cruise Line Wants You to Know Before You Go

View important additional information to help you prepare for this exciting adventure. 

▪️This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up location, as well as a minimum of 0.5 miles of walking at Atlantis. Because of this walk, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes.  ▪️Wheelchairs need to be collapsible and are permitted in the pool and beach area but not in the waterslide area. No electric wheelchairs will be permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the bus or minivan on their own. ▪️All times and distances are approximate, subject to traffic and overcrowding.  ▪️Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride all water slides. Children less than 48 inches tall may participate at Poseidon’s Playzone water playground for children, and on the Aquaventure river systems. Children must be accompanied by an adult on a double tube, wear a life vest (provided free of charge) and be large enough to support themselves in the inner tube opening.  ▪️Waterslides are not suitable for persons physically limited or with a history of heart, neck, back or joint problems. Guests with injuries (casts, bandages, etc.) are not permitted to ride the slides.  ▪️Guests are encouraged to bring currency and credit cards to purchase extras such as souvenirs or snacks. Please note, however, that many outlets at Atlantis do not accept cash.  ▪️Lockers are available at an additional cost. Please note, however, that only credit cards, and not cash, are accepted for locker rentals.  ▪️You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants and taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.

How Much Does Atlantis Aquaventure Cost?

The price for the Atlantis Aquaventure excursion through  Disney Cruise  Line is:

  • $239 for adults (ages 10+)
  • $124 for kids (ages 3-9)
  • Free for kids (ages 0-2)

Atlantis Aquaventure in the Bahamas.

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas

The Atlantis Resort is located on Paradise Island about 2.5 miles from the cruise port. We happened to choose to do this excursion on the first part of our back to back cruise and lucked out as the Disney Wish was the only cruise ship in port that day.

For our second stop in Nassau, nine cruise ships were scheduled to be in port, which would have greatly impacted our experience at Atlantis. I recommend checking to see the number of cruise ships that will be there on the date of your visit.

excursions on disney cruise

How to Get to Atlantis from a Disney Cruise

The  Disney Cruise  Line Navigator app will tell you when and where your meeting point will be on the day of your excursion. The app will also tell you what you will need to bring with you, like your Key to the World Card, photo ID, etc.

We met at Worlds of Marvel restaurant and checked in with Port Adventure cast members. We waited for about 10 minutes, then were led as a group off the ship and through a small outdoor market. We then boarded a for a 10 minute ride you to the resort. 

A mom and a child on a bus to Atlantis from the Disney Wish.

Arriving at the Resort

When you arrive at Atlantis, a staff member will be there to help you fill out and sign a waiver on their website. You can have them fill it out for you on their tablet, or use their complimentary wi-fi to do it yourself on your phone.

After signing the waiver, you will go to the ticket booth and they will find your name on their list from Disney Cruise Line. You will be given a wrist band, then are able to enter Atlantis. You will then make your way through the shopping area and casino before arriving at the water park.

View of Atlantis from the top of the Mayan temple.

Aquaventure Water Park

The first thing we did was find a few chairs to drop off our stuff and come back to sit on during breaks from the slides. The  Disney Wish  was the only ship in port that day, so fortunately for us, there was no problem getting a nice spot in the shade next to the pool.

Water Slides

We enjoyed all of the water slides and the river multiple times. The boys favorite slide was called the Leap of Faith. This is a drop slide that starts on top of the Mayan Temple and ends by sliding through a shark tank!  We also liked the Abyss (an all dark water slide),  the Serpent Slide (a water coaster in the Power Tower), and the Challenger Slides (head-first mat slides). 

Leap of Faith water slide at Atlantis, Bahamas.

Poseidon’s Play Zone

This area is designated for little ones. It has small slides, a splash pad, and lazy river. There are also lounge chairs right next to it so parents can sit while their kids play.

Water playground at Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Aquaventure River Rides

There are also some really cool water coasters and lazy rivers. My favorite was the lazy river. But don’t be deceived, this river is only lazy some of the time! There are sections where you go into rapids and get splashed with water. 

Two kids on a water slide at Atlantis Bahamas.

Food Options at Atlantis

There are a few options for food at Atlantis. You can purchase food inside the water park, but can be expensive. We brought our own lunch from the ship (Uncrustables from room service) and got a Frappuccino from Starbucks inside the water park! We paid with a credit card so I’m not sure if cash is accepted or not.

Two kids at Starbucks in Atlantis Aquaventure in the Bahamas.

Things to Keep in Mind at Atlantis

  • It’s important to know that if you have young children, there may be some height restrictions on certain slides and rides.
  • Some water slides may not be suitable for individuals with physical limitations or injuries.
  • Bringing cash and credit cards is recommended as many outlets at Atlantis do not accept cash. 
  • Lockers are available for an additional cost, but only credit cards are accepted for locker rentals.
  • It’s also important to check the number of cruise ships scheduled to be in port on the day of your visit, as it may affect your experience at Atlantis.

A shark tank at Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Atlantis Shore Excursion Return Time

Our tour operator let us know what time be back at the bus for our short ride back to the Nassau cruise port at the end of the excursion, which was 3:30 pm. I felt that we had plenty of time on our excursion.

View of the Disney Wish in Nassau, Bahamas.

My Review of Our Disney Cruise Atlantis Aquaventure Experience

Overall, we had so much fun at our first time at Atlantis Aquaventure and would definitely recommend it to others. The water slides were fun and thrilling, the lazy river was relaxing, and the food options were convenient. Also, knowing how many cruise ships will be in port on the day of your visit and planning accordingly can greatly enhance the experience.

Two kids at Atlantis on a Disney Cruise excursion.

I felt that the price for Atlantis Aquaveture was high, but I’m glad we did. Having the Disney Wish as the only ship in port had a lot to do with this because there were minimal waits for slides and plenty of lounge and beach chairs available. However, if we had gone to Atlantis on a day with multiple ships in port, I may feel differently.

Make sure to take a look at the marine life on your way back into Atlantis. We saw sting rays and a Sawfish shark!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is worth it for the fun and unique water slides, lazy river, and food options. However, the price may be a bit steep for some.

No, you don’t have to book a Disney excursion to visit Atlantis. However, booking through Disney may offer added convenience and assistance, such as transportation from the cruise port and securing a spot in the water park. You can purchase a day pass directly from the Atlantis website and take a taxi to and from the port as well. I have also heard of people that book a room at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island right next door to Atlantis which includes 4 Atlantis Day passes, then check out of the hotel right after receiving their passes to save money. I have not personally tried this, so you might want to do more research on this before trying it.

Atlantis has designated areas for younger children and offers life jackets for all ages. However, it’s important to be aware of the height restrictions for certain slides and rides. It’s also recommended to keep a close eye on children at all times. 

There are height restrictions for certain slides and rides. It’s best to check with your tour operator or on their website before booking.

No, it is not the biggest waterpark in the world, but it does have some record-breaking slides and attractions.

Yes, appropriate swimwear must be worn at all times while enjoying the waterpark. Clothing with metal or sharp objects are not allowed on the slides. 

The length of time it takes to do Atlantis Aquaventure can vary depending on how busy the waterpark is and your personal pace. On average, it can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to fully experience all the rides and attractions. However, you are free to spend as much time as you want at the waterpark until closing time.

View of the ocean from the Power Tower at Atlantis, Bahamas.

How to Book a Disney Cruise

When booking a Disney Cruise , I always recommend using a travel agent. I use my travel partner Get Away Today , because of their high level of customer service and attention to detail. They do an amazing job ensuring my family has a great time on our cruise.

You can check their website www.GetAwayToday.com for current deals or give them a call at 855-GET-AWAY to talk to someone in person (which I highly recommend). If you do, let them know that Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you to get the best deals!

More Helpful Disney Cruise Articles

  • Disney Wish Back to Back Cruise
  • Everything We Ate on the Disney Wish
  • 25+ Disney Cruise Tips & Tricks
  • Disney Cruise Room Service Menu
  • Disney Cruise Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Experience
  • Disney Dream Cozumel Excursion

Disney Cruise Tips

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Cruise: What to Expect

Are you ready for your next Disney Cruise? We have all the information you need! From itinerary and cost, to what else is included in your vacation package! 

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Cruise Internet (Updated New Plans)

If you’re planning a Disney Cruise, you may be wondering about the best way to stay connected while you’re at sea. Disney Cruise Line offers several different internet plans, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Cruise Deluxe Family Verandah Suite (Disney Dream 8614)

I’m so excited to be giving you a tour of our Deluxe Family Verandah Suite on the Disney Dream cruise ship. Our suite was absolutely beautiful and perfect for families. It has plenty of space for all of us to relax and enjoy our vacation.

excursions on disney cruise

San Diego Disney Cruise

What is it like to take a San Diego Disney Cruise on the Disney Wonder? You’re about to find out! This article will take you through a quick tour of some of the ship’s highlights, and go through what each day is like on a 5 Night Itinerary to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. Follow along with us as we learn how this magical cruise works!

excursions on disney cruise

Day One on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Want to know what it is like to board a Disney Cruise? You are in the right place! I will show you what is required in order to board, how the boarding process works, and all about Day 1 of a Halloween on the High Seas Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream.

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Cruise Formal Night

Wondering what to wear on a Disney Cruise Formal Night? I’ve got you covered! See the most EPIC Disney themed suits for men and boys plus where to buy cute dresses for women and girls!

excursions on disney cruise

Disney Cruise Activity Schedule

Want to know what activities are scheduled on a Disney Cruise? Here is the schedule from our 4-Night cruise on the Disney Dream including screenshots from the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App!

excursions on disney cruise

What to Eat on the Disney Dream

Check out the menus for most Disney Cruise Line Restaurants!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Disney Cruise Atlantis Excursion

Family Travel Magazine

Things To Do Before A Disney Cruise

I f you are planning on taking a Disney cruise, it can be a little overwhelming to think of everything that you need to do before you leave. But preparing in advance will make for an even better experience, so check out this list of things to do before a Disney cruise, and get ready to cruise! Once you get on board, you’ll want to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and purchasing and/or clicking on some of the links (or calling the number) in this post may result in a commission paid to us at no additional expense to you. We have traveled on one media cruise and two cruises as part of Disney Social Media Moms. I’ve paid full price for thirteen additional cruises over the years.

Things to Do Before A Disney Cruise

Get your dining time booked.

The Disney Cruise Line offers two meal times – the main seating (between 5:45 pm and 6:15 pm) and the second seating (between 8 pm and 8:30 pm). The first seating fills up quickly, so if that’s what you want, be sure to reserve it early – when you book your cruise vacation.

A waiting list is available if you are unable to find the time you want. Additionally, you can request to switch meal times once onboard. However, it’s easiest to do it in advance.

If you don’t get the time that you want, don’t worry. We typically eat pretty early at home, and once ended up with the later time because we booked our cruise last minute.

It was fine, however. Because the nightly shows generally run at the opposite times as dinner, you’re either going to eat late or watch the show late. There are lots of places to grab a quick bite if you get hungry before your seating.

Plan Your Hotel the Night Before

If you are flying into your port of call, I recommend arriving the night before. That way, you won’t have to worry about flight delays and can schedule an earlier onboard time (if that’s something you’ll need to do). During our 2022 sailing, our bags were left behind in Boston. It was great to have that extra day to wait for them to arrive before boarding.

When staying overnight, you can choose to stay by the port, at the airport, at Walt Disney World (if cruising out of Port Canaveral), or somewhere else in the area.

When we cruise out of Port Canaveral, we stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport . See reviews on TripAdvisor .

During my cruise on the Disney Magic, we decided to stay near the Miami airport at a Homewood Suites. It had a free shuttle from the airport, and is a quick ride to the Miami Cruise Port. Alternatively, you could choose to stay in South Beach, right in the center of the action. We enjoyed our stay at the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse South Beach .

Book Transportation to the Port

If you are flying to your port, you’ll need to get to the port somehow. Disney shuttle buses are available for an additional fee (depending on the port), or you can rent a car and drive to the port yourself (remember that parking at the port is available, but costs extra).

Private transportation, including car services or Uber, is also an option. For Port Canaveral, I find that Disney transportation is the best option, because it’s easy and convenient. You can also book one-way transportation if you aren’t going directly back to the airport or Walt Disney World.

Check-In As Soon As You Can

When you complete the Disney Cruise check in process, you can choose your onboard time (those who book transportation through Disney will no longer choose an onboard time) and book your excursions and special dinners.

So, when can you check in to your Disney cruise? Silver Castaway Club members (one cruise) can check in 33 days before sailing, gold members (five cruises) can check in 35 days before sailing, platinum members (ten cruises) can check in 38 days before sailing and pearl members (twenty-five cruises) can check in 40 days before sailing.

If this is your first cruise, you’ll need to wait until 30 days before sailing. Since the earlier onboard times are typically taken first sure to check in as soon as possible.

Additionally, there’s a separate booking window for reserving port excursions (including the ever-popular Castaway Cay cabanas ), adult dining, and other onboard experiences. Silver Castaway Club members (one cruise) can book 90 days before sailing, gold members (five cruises) can check in 105 days before sailing, platinum members (ten cruises) can check in 120 days before sailing and pearl members (twenty-five cruises) can check in 123 days before sailing.

Why check in early? Some excursions and Palo times do book up in advance, so you’ll get the best availability by booking early. It’s also extremely difficult to get a cabana at Castaway Cay, so you’ll want to try for one as soon as you can if you want one.

When you check-in, you’ll also fill out the guest information form and the payment authorization form for your onboard purchases, and upload your passport and headshot. Be ready with all of those things for your entire family when you check-in.

Schedule Your Excursions and Any Special Meals

When your booking window opens, you are also able to book port excursions and meals at Palo and Remy/Enchante (if your ship has Remy or Enchante). Again, these are all limited, so book as soon as possible.

You are usually not charged right away – but confirm that when booking. Changes can often be made, but you’ll want to have a good idea of what you want to do and availability may be limited when you go back in to make changes.

I’d recommend doing some research on your ports of call well before your booking window opens. Decide what types of things you want to do at each location. You’ll have lots of options, from educational things to more adventurous activities. Some families may decide to do a mix of things during their cruise.

You don’t necessarily need to do an excursion at each port. Some people choose to stay onboard because the ship can be much quieter with most people gone.

You can also opt to do your own thing – by taking a cab or just walking around the port. Research that first, however, because you want to make sure it’s safe, that you won’t get lost, and that you can definitely make it back to the ship in time for all aboard.

Booking an excursion from the cruise line can be the safer option with regards to getting back on the ship before it leaves. It will also be refunded if your cruise has to miss that port for weather or other reasons.

Special Services

If you need special services on board, like a Sharps box, a communication kit (for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing), or a wheelchair-accessible room, you can fill out a form you’ll find online during the check-in process. Because my daughter has food allergies, I like to make sure that it is noted on our reservation.

You’ll also want to call if you have any special requests. Guarantees aren’t offered, but you can always request a specific dining rotation or server. On our second sailing of the Disney Fantasy, I called and requested our favorite server who we had on our first sailing.

He was still on the ship, and they were able to make sure we got assigned to him. Of course, crew members are always moving around, so there’s no guarantee that your favorite will still be on board.

If you have a specific restaurant you love, and your cruise is at least 4 days, you may want to request that you eat at that spot more than 2 or 3 times. My kids love Animator’s Palate, so we’ve asked to be assigned to that restaurant three times on a seven-day sailing.

Sign Kids Up for Youth Clubs

Disney Cruise Line’s kids’ club is free to attend, but you’ll save time by registering your children in advance. Don’t worry – you won’t have to select attendance times! Once your kids are registered and have their bands, they can go in and out as many times as you’d like.

There are also open house times on the first day where you can go in and see what the clubs are like.

Fish Extenders

Fish extenders are totally optional, but they are a really fun way to enhance your cruise. To participate, first find your cruise on Facebook and join your cruise group.

Then you can sign up for a fish extender exchange if someone is organizing one. Then, you’ll need to buy/make a fish extender to hang on the “fish” near your stateroom door.

Finally, you’ll need to make or purchase a bunch of fun little treats for your fellow cruisers.

My kids love prepping our fish extender gifts before we leave, and then always enjoy coming back to the room for a new surprise. It’s a lot of work, but can be rewarding.

Here’s everything you need to know about Fish Extenders .

Get Decorations for Your Stateroom Door

Lots of families decorate their stateroom doors before going on a Disney cruise, so check out my post on decorating your Disney Cruise Line stateroom door . You’ll want to purchase or make these decorations well before your sailing.

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 on board credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

On a separate note: For cruises leaving from Port Canaveral, we stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport .  Check prices and reviews here .

The post Things To Do Before A Disney Cruise appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

If you are planning on taking a Disney cruise, it can be a little overwhelming to think of everything that you need to do before you leave. But preparing in advance will make for an even better experience, so check out this list of things to do before a Disney cruise, and get ready to …

Planning your next Disney vacation with Castles and Cruises Travel

MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA ) - If you’ve been thinking about booking a Disney trip - and get overwhelmed by all of the choices and the planning - a travel agent may be a good option for you. Using a travel agent will not cost you any extra money, and you may even save money instead. They oftentimes get access to deals you may not even know about!

We were joined on Studio10 by Sandi Sadlock, a Travel Agent with Castles and Cruises Travel, to talk about what travel agents can do for you, common misconceptions, and also about what you should be looking for in your next trip to Disney.

If you want to get in touch with Sandi to book your next Disney vacation, you can contact her on her Facebook page.

About Sandi:

Sandi has been a Travel Agent for over 8 years. As a child, Sandi lived in Florida for several years and grew up going to Disney World. Sandi has either stayed at or visited every Disney resort on the property. In addition to Disney World, Sandi has also been to Disneyland, on several Disney Cruises, and even an Adventures By Disney Rhine River Cruise. Sandi has been on several VIP tours and has even toured the underground corridors and been in Cinderella’s Castle suite. She has also completed 5 Run Disney Half Marathons.

Castles and Cruise agents are required to graduate from the College of Disney Knowledge and keep up their certification each year. Sandi has been selected to do onsite training with Disney,  in both the classroom and resort visits to keep up with all the updates at the parks and resorts at Disney World

Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.

According to court documents, 57-year-old Michael Meyden turned himself in after being accused...

Dad drugged smoothies of 3 12-year-old girls during daughter’s sleepover, affidavit says

Desiree Holiday

Mobile police arrest a woman in connection to homicide on Seabreeze Road

Palmer's Airport Hyundai

1 dead, 1 injured in shooting at Palmer’s Airport Hyundai

YouDecide 2024

Alabama primary election results

Charles Crawford Jr.

Mobile police arrest B.C. Rain teacher for alleged having sex with student

Latest news.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Blue Wahoos announce 2024 schedule, opening day giveaways

Mobile Literacy Festival

Mobile Literacy Festival

Mobile Literacy Festival

Bay Bounce Rentals has you covered for your next event on the Gulf Coast

Mobile Symphony Orchestra’s Strings Attached

Mobile Symphony Orchestra’s Strings Attached

excursions on disney cruise

  • [ March 8, 2024 ] Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey Speaks at Indian River Colony Club to Host Citizens Academy Brevard News
  • [ March 8, 2024 ] Arrests In Brevard County: March 7, 2024 – Suspects Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty Brevard Crime News
  • [ March 8, 2024 ] Shooting Threat Made to Andersen Elementary School in Rockledge Assessed Not Credible By Law Enforcement Brevard Crime News
  • [ March 8, 2024 ] WATCH: Indiafest Set Saturday and Sunday at Wickham Park in Melbourne, Will Feature Indian Cuisine, Culture, History and Tradition Brevard News
  • [ March 8, 2024 ] Eastern Florida State College Respiratory Care Program Open House Set April 10 Brevard News

Home » Home » BREVARD HISTORY: Premier Cruise Line Pioneered Disney-Themed Voyages Out of Port Canaveral in 1980s

BREVARD HISTORY: Premier Cruise Line Pioneered Disney-Themed Voyages Out of Port Canaveral in 1980s

By Space Coast Daily  //  March 6, 2024

cruises marketed in connection with a multi-day vacation stay at Walt Disney World

WATCH: From 1985 to 1992, Premier Cruise Lines’ “Big Red Boat” partnered with Disney featuring its bright red-hulled cruise ship that operated out of Port Canaveral to provide Disney-costumed characters for the cruise line’s Bahamas cruises in connection with a multi-day vacation stay at Walt Disney World.

excursions on disney cruise

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – From 1985 to 1992, Premier Cruise Lines’ “Big Red Boat” partnered with Disney featuring its bright red-hulled cruise ship that operated out of Port Canaveral to provide Disney-costumed characters for the cruise line’s Bahamas cruises in connection with a multi-day vacation stay at Walt Disney World.

Brevard visionary businessman Bjornar Hermansen brought the multi-day cruise industry to Port Canaveral in 1984 when he and business partner, Bruce Nierenberg, began Premier Cruise Lines and partnered with The Walt Disney Co.

Prior to Disney’s entry into the cruise line industry, Premier Cruise lines hosted Disney-themed trips to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral.

Starting in 1985, the ships Majestic, Oceanic and Atlantic offered 3-day and 4-day vacations to the Bahamas.

From 1985 to 1993, it was licensed as the official cruise line of Walt Disney World and used the trademark “The Big Red Boat” based on the color scheme of some of its ships. Dolphin Cruise Lines, a company that became a part of Premier, was headquartered on Dodge Island in Miami.

Bjornar K. Hermansen, 72, an astute business person and generous philanthropist whose vision helped change the nature of Port Canaveral and the cruise industry, died this morning surrounded by family at Hacienda Del Sol, his Merritt Island home. He had battled ocular melanoma for four years.

Premier Cruise Line was formed in 1983 by A.E. “Ed” Merhige (Florida Export Warehouse/International Cruise Shops) and Bruce Nierenberg, two cruise veterans and later bought by Dial Corporation, of Dial soap fame, which then also owned the Greyhound Bus Company.

The company earned over $20 million annually on a gross revenue of $100 million during the 1980s. The successful niche that Premier served was the family cruise line, especially attractive to grandparents sailing with their children and grandchildren.

Premier was licensed to provide Disney characters on its ships, until the relationship ended in 1993. Disney then proceeded to start its own cruise ship line in 1995. On July 30, 1998, with the first voyage of Magic, a 10-year contract was signed with Port Canaveral for its home terminal. In 2002, the line added seven-day cruises and western Caribbean cruises.

After the Disney contract ended, Premier then affiliated itself with Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes characters to maintain its family-friendly image,[6] and was returned to profitability under the direction of 20-year cruise veteran Jim Naik. The company had an aging fleet of Italian-designed ships competing with newer and larger liners.

excursions on disney cruise

Premier’s parent company, Dial, sold the company after posting profits for 1995, 1996, and 1997. New owners and new leadership followed, with Larry Magnan as president in 1998.

However, the company would file for bankruptcy and cease all operations on September 14, 2000, with passengers on the still-running cruises being docked and given flights home on a first-come, first-served basis; the company’s primary lender had seized its existing fleet, which had been put up for collateral.

The older ships were designed before the current disability acts coming into effect, requiring reasonable access for persons with physical disabilities, were even envisioned, let alone enacted into law. Much later, after 1997, Premier was sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (passed in 1990) for not making accommodations for people with disabilities.

Premier ships included the Majestic (the former Sun Princess of Princess Cruise Lines), the former Home Lines flagship Oceanic, the Atlantic (another former Home Lines ship), and the Royale, a former Costa Cruises liner known then as the Frederico C. The original four ships had the prefix “Star/Ship” before their names.

During Premier’s reorganization in the mid-1990s all but the Oceanic (Big Red Boat I) were sold off. Premier then became an amalgamation of Dolphin and Seawind Cruises. Later, the Rembrandt, formerly the Rotterdam of Holland America Lines, was added to the line.

The SS Oceanic (Big Red Boat I) was still sailing until 2012 when she was sailed to Yokohama for scrapping. The Big Red Boat II, formerly Eugenio Costa, was put up for sale and was laid up in Freeport, Bahamas. She had no potential buyers and remained there until 2005, eventually being sold to the breakers and was scrapped in Alang, India in late 2005.

The Big Red Boat III, formerly Carnival Cruise Line’s Festivale, was also sold for scrap. The former Frederico C (called the Seabreeze I) was to be scrapped at India but instead sank in a storm 220 nautical miles off the Virginia coast. Lastly, the Rembrandt, formerly the Rotterdam, was purchased by the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands to be restored and kept as a historic landmark.

excursions on disney cruise

– Wikipedia contributed to this report

HOT OFF THE PRESS! February 26, 2024 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

Similar Stories

excursions on disney cruise

FEATURED STORIES

excursions on disney cruise

Click Here to Sign Up for Text Alerts

Or Signup Below For Email Alerts!

Help with Alaska Cruise excursions

My family of 4, with DS16 and DS11, are going on an Alaskan cruise aboard the Wonder in June. Any suggestions on excursions from those who have done them before? I wish we could just stay at Juneau for more than a day, as that one seems to have some of the best ones.

Has anyone done any of the dog sledding excursions, and are they worth it?

We did a Disney Caribbean cruise in 2019 and were supposed to go in 2020, but it got cancelled due to Covid. Excited to get back on one of their boats.

We didn’t do Disney for our Alaskan cruise so I don’t know exactly what excursions they offer. But generally, we had a great whale watching excursion at Juneau. If you’re stopping in Skagway I would definitely do an excursion that involves the train. It was pretty cool.

Do you like Podcasts? Rope Drop on Deck is a good one and they have a number on Alaska. I believe they had a dog sledding booked and it got cancelled so they want to go back lol. We are looking at an Alaskan cruise (not DCL) in 2025 so I also have been looking at excursions but don’t have any experience.

Other TouringPlans Resources

  • Of The Essence
  • Celebrity News
  • If Not For My Girls
  • The State Of R&B
  • Time Of Essence
  • SSENSE X ESSENCE
  • 2023 Best In Black Fashion Awards
  • 2023 Fashion House
  • Fashion News
  • Accessories
  • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • 2023 Best In Black Beauty
  • Relationships
  • Bridal Bliss
  • Lifestyle News
  • Health & Wellness
  • ESSENCE Eats
  • Food & Drink
  • Money & Career
  • Latest News
  • Black Futures
  • Paint The Polls Black
  • Essence Holiday Gift Guide 2023
  • 2024 Black Women In Hollywood
  • 2024 ESSENCE Hollywood House
  • 2024 ESSENCE Film Festival
  • 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • 2023 Wellness House
  • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
  • Girls United

5 Cruises To Take For Spring Break

5 Cruises To Take For Spring Break

If you’re interested in thinking outside the box this year regarding your spring break vacation , consider rounding up yourself, your family, or your girlfriends for a 5-star cruise trip.  

Nowadays, spring break cruises possibly offer more than hotels —given easy access to beachy locations, an array of bars and restaurants on board, and, depending on the location, water sports. What’s most appealing about cruises is there’s something for everyone: the children can enjoy waterslides and roller coasters, while the adults can soak up the sun and consume delicious craft cocktails or go out dancing, all on one ship. However, it’s important to note that specific spring break cruises usually occur during the slower travel months of March and April. 

However, given its popularity, spring break travel Bahamas , Caribbean, and Mexico cruises during peak school holiday weeks can be more expensive and crowded than in the surrounding weeks. Check out our list of the five of the top cruises you should consider for your spring break vacation . 

Royal Caribbean :

Even though college spring breakers usually gravitate toward Royal Caribbean’s shorter cruises, given their school schedules, families and couples find their programming from the Caribbean and the Bahamas just as appealing, given all of the options of the ships at sea like Harmony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. All the mega-ships boast kid’s clubs and teen hangouts, helping parents get a break. These ships have plenty of fun activities like waterslides, escape rooms, mini-golf, rock climbing walls, and carousel rides. The entire family can enjoy shows that include Broadway musicals, ice skating performances, and acrobatic events. The Royal Caribbean’s two private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti, offer gorgeous beaches and attractions. 

Carnival Cruise Line

This cruise line is popular because of the amazing, diverse destinations offered for a lower price point. The Carnival Cruise line sails to Bermuda, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Australia, and more. Their onboard activities are just as appealing, as they offer spas, sky rides, a serenity adult retreat, and gambling. The only potential downfall is that Carnival requires guests under 21 to travel with someone aged 25 or older. 

Virgin Voyages

This cruise is perfect for taking your girlfriends or significant other on, as no kids are allowed. Virgin Voyages’ ships require guests to be 18 or older to sail, and the activities on the ship have adult themes. On this cruise, you can attend a drag show and let your hair down at late-night pool parties.

Disney Cruise Line :

Consider Disney Magic or Fantasy for your upcoming vacation. Who doesn’t love Disney-themed cruises, especially parents and children? Think of this cruise to get a proper introduction to the Caribbean, as it’s a weeklong voyage throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The upside for this cruise is that the options aren’t just convenient for East Coasters. The line sails ships from Galveston, New Orleans, and San Diego for family vacations to Mexico.

MSC Cruises: 

Get some fun and the sun with a quick Bahamas cruise with a posh flair on MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica, or MSC Seashore. The ships offer three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, and attract a multinational, multilingual crowd. Also, MSC’s fares are consistently affordable relative to other cruise lines.

COMPANY INFORMATION Our Company Customer Service Essence Ventures Change Your Address Contact Us Job Opportunities Internships Media Kit SUBSCRIBE Newsletters Give a Gift of ESSENCE Magazine Tablet Edition FOLLOW US MORE ON ESSENCE Home Love Celebrity Beauty Hair Fashion ESSENCE festival ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • European Cruises

10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

These are the best Greece cruises for island hopping with ease.

excursions on disney cruise

Courtesy of Variety Cruises

With its stunning beaches, rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, a trip to Greece is always a great idea. However, since the nation is home to more than 6,000 islands — some of which are only accessible by boat — your best bet is to explore via cruise. Just take it from Rob Clabbers, Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder, who tells T+L that “Greece and the Greek isles are just the perfect destinations to explore by ship” since “a cruise allows you to see more islands and gives you a unique vantage point.” Several of the best Greece cruises also include visits to neighboring countries like Turkey and Italy, for example, which allow travelers to experience several cultures and countries in one action-packed trip. Intrigued? We don’t blame you: Ahead, check out our favorite Greece cruises for every type of traveler, along with itinerary recommendations and expert insight.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Kari Dillon is the owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, an agency specializing in theme park and cruise vacations.

Megan Guinnup is a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar

According to Clabbers, this small luxury cruise line is perfect for those who prefer “a smaller, more casual yacht-style experience.” Per the pro, the onboard vibes are best described as “upscale, but not stuffy or over-the-top.” It’s also worth noting that “each ship offers a water sports platform with kayaks, water trampolines, stand-up paddling, snorkel gear, floating carpets, and other ‘toys’ that are deployed (weather and location permitting, of course) at least once on most Greek itineraries.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Windstar’s Greece itineraries, Clabbers is quick to call out the popular Treasures of the Greek Isles voyage, which sets sail each week from May through October. Passengers can visit beloved ports of call like Mykonos and Santorini, along with “lesser-known (and less-crowded!) places like Monemvasia and Patmos.” As part of the experience, guests have the unique opportunity to feast among the ruins in neighboring Turkey as part of the line’s complimentary Evening in Ephesus “after-hours” event, which, per Clabbers, features a decadent five-course dinner accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Speaking of culinary offerings, it’s worth mentioning that Windstar is the official cruise line partner of the esteemed James Beard Foundation, which means you can expect some of the top eats at sea.

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Cruises

“A new entrant in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys offers all the style and comfort of a modern European luxury resort property on its 922-guest yacht-inspired Explora I and, launching later this year, Explora II, ” explains Clabbers. The line has taken the industry by storm, doing away with cliche cruise staples like main dining rooms, large buffets, and notoriously small staterooms. Instead, says Clabbers, guests can choose from a selection of “excellent restaurants that other companies would call specialty restaurants,” as well as “four swimming pools, each with their own vibe,” and all-suite accommodations, some of which boast private plunge pools. Per the pro, it’s worth noting that “Explora Journeys is the first luxury line that offers a dedicated youth activity program and facility year-round;” as such, it’s an excellent option for multi-generational families looking to cruise Greece in style. 

Itinerary: Sailing round-trip from Athens, the aptly named eight-night A Journey from Athens to Athens itinerary includes a mix of popular ports like Mykonos and Santorini, along with hidden-gem locales like Syros, which is famous for its neoclassical architecture, a buzzy main town, and (essentially) crowd-free beaches. The cruise also visits the serene resort town of Marmaris in Turkey before heading to its final port of call, Kos , a gorgeous Greek island known for its sandy beaches, white-washed buildings, and historical sites.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

According to Clabbers, " Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. What’s more, he says, "When you visit Greece, they are taking you to their homeland, and it shows in their passion and love of the Hellenic nation." The line offers a range of larger ships and, thus, more options between accommodations (from economical inside rooms to luxurious suites in The Retreat), itineraries, restaurants, and entertainment; as such, Celebrity is "a great option for adults and families who like more activities on their ship." 

Itinerary: The nine-night Best Of Greece itinerary cruises round-trip from Athens on select dates from May to October and takes place aboard the 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity , which Clabbers described as one of the line’s “smaller and more seasoned ships.” The first port of call is Santorini, followed by Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos. “Additionally,” says Clabbers, " Infinity   travels to Volos and Thessaloniki, ports that are not typically visited by large ships.” Kavala, located in the northern part of the country, serves as the final port of call before heading back to Athens. Here, cruisers can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and architecture — plus some seriously stunning landscapes (from lagoons and lakes to wetlands and beaches) along with lush flora and fauna.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Courtesy of Silversea cruises

Silversea offers a variety of Greece cruise itineraries, and it’s one of few truly luxe all-inclusive cruise lines. Per Clabbers, the 596-passenger Silver Moon offers all-suite accommodations and a classic small-ship feel — complete with excellent meals, beverages, and shore excursions all included in your cruise fare. Speaking of the latter, he says, “The inclusion of shore excursions also makes it easy to dive deeper into Greek culture and culinary experiences.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Silversea’s Greek itineraries, Clabbers especially recommends the seven-night Athens to Athens cruise, which “calls on highlights, but adds places like Souda Bay in Crete, Nafplion, Patmos, and Rhodes ,” where he recommends visiting the “temple ruins at Lindos, with views over the Mediterranean, and then walk in the footsteps of the Crusaders in the old town.” The cruise also stops in Nafplion, which, despite its romantic seaside setting and lovely beaches, is yet to be uncovered by most American travelers — for now, at least.

Variety Cruises

According to T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist Mary Curry , this local Greek cruise line offers its own fleet of yachts, most carrying fewer than 50 passengers. Since the ships are so small, says Curry, “you can travel a bit further off the beaten path.” Variety offers a handful of Greece itineraries, including specially themed hiking and wine cruises.

Itinerary: Travelers craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience can book the seven-night Unexplored Greece voyage, which sails round-trip from Athens. The first port of call is Ikira, a tiny island known for its hot springs that also happens to be one of the world’s Blue Zones. Then, it’s off to Patmos, known for its fascinating history and unspoiled beaches, before overnighting in Lipsi, a laid-back isle famous for its gorgeous scenery. On board, guests can taste the destination’s famous wine, Aposperitis. The fun continues in Levintha, inhabited by a single family who raises animals and runs a restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh-caught fish. After, it’s off to Amorgos, where scenic hiking and beautiful beaches abound. The next day, you’ll stop at Panagia Hozoviotissa, a cliffside monastery dating back to the 10th century, before heading to Koufonisia, which boasts majestic caves and rock pools accessible only by boat (thankfully, Variety as you covered). The final stop of the day is the serene island of Iraklia, which offers clear-blue waters ideal for swimming. After remaining here overnight, you’ll head to the final port of call, Serifos, where guests can visit a remote beach, followed by an onboard BBQ feast to refuel before heading to Chora, a fairy-tale village.

Courtesy of Ponant Cruises

This French-owned cruise line offers an impressive fleet of small luxury ships. Additionally, says Curry, “Most cabins have private balconies, and travelers who plan early are rewarded with excellent value for the money.” What’s especially unique about Pontant, explains the pro, is that they “partner with Smithsonian Journeys on select departures to offer an enrichment program of included lectures and shore excursions in each port.”

Itinerary: Curry especially recommends the seven-night Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean sailing, which will cruise round-trip from Athens in July and October 2025. The cruise calls on aforementioned spots like Patmos, Rhodes, and Amorgos before visiting Adamas in Milos, a volcanic island teeming with postcard-worthy white-washed towns and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Adamas itself is a tiny fishing port where colorful boats shimmer against the blue waters. Finally, it’s off to Mykonos and Napflion before finally disembarking in Athens.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is world-famous for its exciting onboard offerings for children of all ages — including character and superhero meet-and-greets, dining options themed after beloved Disney princesses, and live performances galore — making it a favorite for families hoping for a fun-filled Greece vacation.

Itinerary: "Setting sail aboard the Disney Dream on the seven-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles itinerary is nothing short of magical!" says Megan Guinnup , a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels . Cruising round-trip from Rome, the ship calls on Naples before exploring Greece. In addition to popular ports like Athens and Mykonos, you'll also visit Chania on the island of Crete, which offers a bustling harbor, exquisite architecture, and cobblestone streets that look like they were plucked straight from a (Disney) fairy tale. After exploring each locale, the fun continues back on board, where, per the pro, "there is enchantment everywhere — meeting beloved characters, enjoying deck parties with Mickey and Minnie, and indulging in exquisite cuisine."

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

This mega-ship line truly has it all: Flashy entertainment and onboard activities — which, depending on the ship, can include everything from water slides to zip lines — and plenty of drinking and dining offerings to appease even the pickiest eaters. Guinnup and Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, recommend setting sail aboard Odyssey of the Seas , which offers several Greek itineraries. "On board," says Guinnup, "There's a plethora of activities to enjoy, from bumper cars and roller skating to exquisite dining and a bionic bar — there's something for everyone!"

Itinerary: The seven-night Greek Isles itinerary sails round-trip from Rome with stops in Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Naples. Keep in mind that because the ship is so large, Santorini and Mykonos are both tender ports. With that in mind, Dillon recommends springing on The Key, an optional add-on that includes priority tender access so that you can spend as much time as possible on land basking in its beauty.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s adults-only line has taken the industry by storm with its innovative offerings, including 20-plus restaurants instead of buffets, an onboard tattoo parlor, adult-focused entertainment offerings, and a two-story nightclub.

Itinerary: Dillon especially recommends the seven-night Greek Island Aglow itinerary for travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only option. She continues, telling T+L, “Not only does this sail to the islands of Santorini and Rhodes, but it [also] has an overnight in Mykonos, which is world-famous for its lively party atmosphere.” As a bonus, the cruise also calls on Bodrum in Turkey, which boasts beautiful beaches, flower-filled cafes, and a bustling nightlife scene.

Celestyal Cruises

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Greece-based Celesytal Cruises prides itself on offering an authentic Greek vacation experience. Additionally, Celesytal is unique in that it offers year-round Aegean Sea sailings cruising round-trip from Athens and ranging in length from three to 14 nights. On land, Celeystal guests can choose from a selection of the line’s “Authentic Excursions,” which are specially curated, small-group, expert-led experiences designed to take travelers off the beaten path. Options — including walking food tours and pottery-making demos at a local factory — abound, depending on the particular port of call.

Itinerary: The seven-night Idyllic Aegean voyage visits Thessaloniki (which offers an eclectic combination of history, nightlife, and gastronomy), Kuşadası (a popular Turkish resort town), and Heraklion (the capital of Crete) before heading to iconic isles like Santorini and Mykonos, where the ship will remain overnight. Before returning to Athens for disembarkation, you’ll also stop in magnificent Milos.

  • Close 

Colorful Ship at Night

Hi, is Disney Cruise Line still doing Panama Canal cruises? I can’t seem to find them. ”

  • Useful 1 Useful Please Sign In to mark this question useful.
  • Save Answer Please Sign In to view your saved answers.
  •  Pinterest
  •  Facebook
  •  Email

thumbnail image for Jana

Meet the Panelist: Jana, Georgia

Related links.

Visit Disney Cruise Line to view exciting itineraries and onboard amenities.

  • Disney Cruise Line Itineraries

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please sign in now if you have not already done so., ask plandisney, discover the magic of a disney parks family vacation from one of our knowledgeable online panelists..

256 Characters Remaining

Please do not include personal information such as full names and reservation numbers in your question.

  • Relevant Tags Please select at least one tag related to your question from the choices below.

The menu below has been automatically set to the panelist you were reviewing, however, you can ask anyone on our panel.

  • Close Ask a Question Opens the Ask a Question dialog box.

Thanks for submitting your question!

You'll receive an email if your question is answered., please note.

Email communication is the only way we can notify you when your question has been answered. If you choose to opt-out of receiving emails, you will need to return to the site to check if your question has been answered.

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer .

Or you can continue browsing without updating.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Disney Cruise Line Destinations

Get ready to set sail on magical vacations full of new discoveries, adventures and cultures, with exciting destinations across alaska, europe and the caribbean just begging to be explored, western caribbean, eastern caribbean, southern caribbean, northern europe, norwegian fjords, mediterranean, british isles, mexican riviera, panama canal, pacific coast, transatlantic, south pacific, new zealand and australia, specialty cruises.

IMAGES

  1. Best Disney Cruise Excursions in Bahamas, Caribbean, & Bermuda

    excursions on disney cruise

  2. Castaway Cay Stingray, Bike and Snorkel Package

    excursions on disney cruise

  3. Cruises, Family Cruises & Disney Vacations

    excursions on disney cruise

  4. Everything to know before booking a Disney cruise to Alaska

    excursions on disney cruise

  5. Travel Bucket List: Multigenerational Travel on a Disney Cruise to Alaska

    excursions on disney cruise

  6. Cruise ship tours: Fun for adults on Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream

    excursions on disney cruise

COMMENTS

  1. Port Adventures

    Port Adventures Find a Disney Cruise View Prices Bring Every Destination You Visit to Life. Port Adventures—shore excursions that have been specially selected by Disney Cruise Line—provide you and your family with the very best each destination has to offer.

  2. Ports & Port Adventure Excursions

    A: To ensure you get to enjoy the Port Adventures excursions ... Q: Does my child need to be accompanied by an adult to go ashore? A: In general, Disney Cruise Line security guidelines require... Q: Do I have to submit a U.S. Customs Declaration Form at the end of my cruise? A: Upon your cruise's return to the United States, one adult ...

  3. 11 Things to Do on Disney Wish Excursions That I Really Enjoyed

    Disney Wish sails 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida to Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's island in the Bahamas. Guests often combine these sailings with a few days at Walt Disney World to get the best Disney vacation on both land and sea. I was invited by Disney Cruise Line to be their guest on the Disney Wish christening cruise.

  4. Disney Cruise Line Port Excursions

    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.

  5. Best Disney Cruise Alaska Excursions

    What are Disney Cruise Excursions? An excursion — also known as a "Port Adventure" on Disney cruise ships — is an organized off-ship activity. You're always free to leave a cruise ship to explore a port on your own. A Port Adventure is an optional paid experience that gives you greater access and additional benefits.

  6. Find Disney Cruise Experiences

    In addition to 2 Adventure Guides, you'll have access to unique Adventures by Disney activities, VIP opportunities and much more—all while exploring spectacular destinations and creating a lifetime of magical memories. Learn more about Adventures by Disney Cruise Experiences on your Disney Cruise Line cruise vacation. Show More Links...

  7. How To Book Excursions on a Disney Cruise

    Booking excursions on a Disney Cruise, also known as Port Adventures, is simple. Sign in to your Disney Cruise Line account, go to "My Reservations" and click on the "My Plans" tab. Select the day on your itinerary you'd like to reserve an activity for, click "Add Activities" and browse the available Port Adventures.

  8. 10 Things to Consider When Booking Excursions Through Disney Cruise

    When you're budgeting for your cruise, the cost of excursions has to be factored in. Excursions can range from $12 for the Butterfly Garden in St. Thomas to $649 for a 4 hour Alaska Hummer Excursion and everything in between. Some of them are worth every single penny. Some of them are not. 3.

  9. How To Book Excursions On Disney Cruise

    For thrill-seekers, Disney offers excursions such as snorkeling with tropical fish, zip-lining through lush rainforests, and even dog sledding on select cruises to Alaska. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can choose from beach outings, spa retreats, or leisurely sightseeing tours.

  10. FAQ: Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures

    Port Excursions (also called Port Adventures) are activities off the ship when the ship is in port. Most, though not all, port excursions are organized group activities, where you will participate in an activity or explore an area with other parties sailing on the same ship.

  11. EXCURSIONS • Disney Cruise Mom Blog

    Castaway Cay Cabana #8 (August 2017) Castaway Cay Cabana #8 (March 2022) Castaway Cay Cabana #14. Castaway Cay Cabana #20. Castaway Cay Cabana #20 - Take 2. Snorkeling at Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay 5K. Read detailed reviews of all of the shore excursions my family has done over the last several years during our Disney Cruise adventures!

  12. Best Disney Cruise Excursions in Bahamas, Caribbean, & Bermuda

    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

  13. The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

    The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line's first ship, Disney Magic. These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

  14. Disney Cruise Line destinations guide: The 5 best places its ships

    While the cruising arm of Disney has long focused mostly on voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with year-round sailings to those destinations out of Florida, it also now offers a relatively wide range of seasonal sailings to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda, Europe and Canada.

  15. Disney Cruise Line

    Costco Member Reviews. 4.7/5 (4719 Reviews) 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.

  16. Disney Cruise Atlantis Excursion Review

    If you're thinking about going on a Disney Cruise for your family, I recommend booking with my travel partner, Get Away Today. They can help you find the best ship and itinerary for your cruise vacation. I have used them many times and they have the BEST customer service. Give them a call at 877-510-2929 and mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent ...

  17. 40 Disney Cruise Tips and Secrets You Should Know

    Hard liquor is a no-go, but each cruiser 21 years of age and up can bring two bottles of wine (or six-packs of beer) on board with them. If you're thinking of bringing that bottle of wine with ...

  18. Shore Excursions for Disney Wish sailings

    Select your itinerary below to see shore excursions for that cruise sailing, or call: 1-866-578-7508 or 1-954-449-6309 between 9-5 Eastern time for expert advice to help select the best excursions for you. for expert advice to help select the best excursions for you.

  19. Things To Do Before A Disney Cruise

    Things to Do Before A Disney Cruise Get Your Dining Time Booked. The Disney Cruise Line offers two meal times - the main seating (between 5:45 pm and 6:15 pm) and the second seating (between 8 ...

  20. Planning your next Disney vacation with Castles and Cruises Travel

    In addition to Disney World, Sandi has also been to Disneyland, on several Disney Cruises, and even an Adventures By Disney Rhine River Cruise. Sandi has been on several VIP tours and has even ...

  21. BREVARD HISTORY: Premier Cruise Line Pioneered Disney-Themed Voyages

    Premier Cruise Line's "Big Red Boat." From 1985 to 1992, Disney partnered with Premier and its bright red-hulled cruise ship that operated out of Port Canaveral to provide Disney costumed ...

  22. Adventures by Disney Family Vacations

    Adventures by Disney Escapes Add more magic to your Disney cruise with Adventures by Disney —and experience the cultures and traditions of the places you visit in a whole new way. Spend a few extra days exploring a new city before or after your cruise with a pre- or post-cruise Adventures by Disney Escape. Adventures by Disney Escapes

  23. Help with Alaska Cruise excursions

    My family of 4, with DS16 and DS11, are going on an Alaskan cruise aboard the Wonder in June. Any suggestions on excursions from those who have done them before? I wish we could just stay at Juneau for more than a day, as that one seems to have some of the best ones. Has anyone done any of the dog sledding excursions, and are they worth it? We did a Disney Caribbean cruise in 2019 and were ...

  24. 5 Cruises To Take For Spring Break

    Disney Cruise Line: Consider Disney Magic or Fantasy for your upcoming vacation. Who doesn't love Disney-themed cruises, especially parents and children? Think of this cruise to get a proper ...

  25. 10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

    Courtesy of Explora Cruises "A new entrant in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys offers all the style and comfort of a modern European luxury resort property on its 922-guest yacht ...

  26. Cruises, Family Cruises & Disney Vacations

    Plan & Save Can't Miss Experiences Discover what sets Disney Cruise Line apart. Explore award-winning family cruises featuring world-class entertainment, modern amenities and legendary service to worldwide ports of call in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, Canada and more.

  27. Hi, is Disney Cruise Line still doing Panama ...

    I am watching Disney Cruise Line's official Facebook and Instagram accounts for upcoming announcements for the next round of itineraries, looking at summer 2025 and beyond. With the inaugural sailings of the Disney Treasure and Disney's new island Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, there is so much excitement on the horizon. And then there ...

  28. Cruise Itineraries & Destinations

    Shop for amazing bargains, tour ancient ruins and enjoy an array of watersports during interludes at beautiful ports of call in Mexico, Jamaica and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise in the Bahamas. Eastern Caribbean