The pandemic had a terrible effect on the cruise industry. For the better part of the last two years, the industry has struggled to stay afloat. But at this point, it’s looking like it’s possible once again to hop aboard a cruise liner and have a safe and enjoyable time as long as your fully-vaccinated and abide by CDC guidelines.
This summer, you and your family might be considering treating yourselves to a voyage on a Disney cruise ship. If so, you’re probably curious about which one is the best.
In this video, we’ll be ranking the best Disney Cruise ships from best to worst. Currently, there are four Disney cruise ships at sea. Another four are being built and will hit the open seas in the next couple of years. One of these is set to embark on it’s maiden voyage this summer. We’ll address that towards the end of this video, so make sure you stick around to see what new features Disney’s latest cruise ship has to offer.
While companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are renowned for offering their guests incredible experiences, there’s something so special and magical about how the Mouse House runs their cruise line. If you enjoy visiting Disney parks and resorts, then you’ll have a blast on one of their ships. Keep watching to see which one we think takes the number 1 spot and why.
Disney Dream
Let’s go ahead and establish something. This is one video that was difficult to make because while we set out to rank the Disney Cruise ships from ‘worst to best’, there really isn’t a bad one in the Disney fleet. Each one of Disney’s four seafaring vessels is top-notch! That being said, Disney Dream takes our number four spot (although if we’re being honest, it’s pretty much tied with the next three ships we’ll be discussing)
Disney Dream was last renovated in 2015 after being introduced in 2011. This 4,000-passenger vessel is one of Disney’s biggest boats.
A few of this ship’s biggest highlights include its 765-foot “AquaDuck” water coaster, it’s theatrical stage and performances featuring fan-favorite Disney characters, and it’s virtual sports simulator.
Disney Dream empathizes family-friendly entertainment. There are five specialty kids clubs while adults can enjoy a little grownup time over at the adults-only Quiet Cave pool and the Senses spa.
Come nightfall, a section of the ship that they call The District comes alive with bustling bars and lounges. As far as dining goes, the ship offers nine themed restaurants, including two adults-only ones.
More than two-thirds of the ships cabins offer views of the ocean. Most cabins also include amenities like sofa beds which is perfect if you’re traveling with the whole family. If you’re looking for a little extra space, you can opt for Concierge suites which range from 600 to 1800 square feet.
A trip aboard Disney Dream is a bit more expensive than your average cruise ship, but the price is well worth it due to the personalized attention and service that you’ll receive from the courteous staff.
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Disney Fantasy
Setting sail out of Port Canaveral in Florida en route to the Bahamas, Disney Dream’s sister ship, Disney Fantasy, launched in 2012. Guest can either take a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise.
The ship is rather large at a length of 1,148 feet and weighing in at nearly 130,000 tonnes. Like Disney Dream, it also has a max occupancy of 4,000 with a crew of more than 1,400.
In 2017, the ship was given a major overhaul introducing new features like a Star Wars-themed command post, Marvel Super Heroes Academy, and Tiffany and Company retail store.
Cabins are designed with family in mind. Staterooms are able to accommodate up to four guests, and like Disney Dream, 85 percent of cabins have views of the ocean or feature a veranda.
All cabins are equipped with flat-screen televisions, iPhone docking stations, and mini-fridges.
Family-friendly entertainment is plentiful. The Goofy Sports Deck activity area is sure to be a hit with your little ones, while the sports simulator and nightly stage performances and 3D films will please everyone in your party.
There are several youth clubs on offer for younger passengers and parents are given an adults-only Quiet Cave Pool to enjoy. There are also six adult bars and lounges that mom and dad are sure to appreciate.
As far as dining goes, there are 10-themed restaurants, including two exclusively for adult guests. On particularly hot days, voyagers can cool off at the Sweet on You ice cream parlor.
Disney Magic
Our second favorite Disney cruise ship si Disney Magic. This somewhat older vessel accommodates up to 2,400 guests. What we love about it most is the fact that it isn’t nearly as crowded as the previously mentioned ships. Not only are smaller ships less congested, but they are also easier to navigate.
One of our favorite entertainment attractions on Disney Magic is the Broadway-inspired stage show called Tangled the Musical. The show is absolutely phenomenal – especially if you’re already a Tangled fan.
After the show, the fun continues over at the Snuggling Duckling Bar, where guests can take part in games, listen to live music, have a delicious dinner, and enjoy a meet and greet with some of their favorite characters.
Like Dinsey Dream, Disney Magic has an AquaDuck water coaster. Thrillseekers stand with their arms and legs crossed on top of a platform that opens up and zooms them around the ship through a series of clear waterslides. The Aquaduck is very popular, so we recommend hitting it up early in the day to beat the lines.
For younger children, the ship has a splash pad. There are also three pools for guests of all ages. Unique to the vessel is the teens-only Chill Spa.
Like all of Disney’s cruise ships, Disney Fantasy has plenty of dining options suited for everyone in your crew. There are eight eateries, including two adults-only ones, as well as a buffet.
70 percent of cabins offer oceanic views or verandas. Suites include added amenities such as concierge service and extensive media libraries. Cabins also have flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, and separate showers and bathtubs.
Disney Magic sals out of Miami, Florida, New York City, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sailings take guests to locations such as Bermuda, The Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, and even Europe.
Disney Wonder
Disney Wonder might be the oldest Disney cruise ship, but it’s also our favorite. Like Disney Magic, it’s not quite as large as it’s siblings, but that’s once again a huge plus in our book. The ship also seems to have more areas geared towards adult guests than the other cruise ships we’ve covered.
This 2,713 passenger ship debuted in 1999 but was recently updated in 2019, adding several entertainment options, including the French Quaker Lounge. So if you’re a fan of live music and New Orleans-inspired aesthetics, you’ll love this new addition.
There are numerous onboard activities to keep guests constantly entertained. Disney Wonder has ten family-focused areas, six youth clubs, and an impressive seven adults-only spaces.
Much like the other ships, while the young ones are having a blast, adults can unwind over at the adults-only Quiet Space Pool.
In terms of dining options, Disney Wonder has six themed options, including one adults-only restaurant perfect for date night. That might not seem quite as impressive as the other ships, but the quality of each dining space and the food offered seems to be higher, and you end up receiving better service.
Staterooms can accommodate up to four guests, while suites sleep up to seven passengers. Pricing is a bit on the steep side, but you get what you pay for. Compared to the other cruises we’ve been on, Disney Wonder has provided the best overall experience in terms of service, accommodations, and dining.
Our favorite entertainment experience offered onboard Disney Wonder has to be Frozen: A Musical Experience. The show is every bit as good as something that you would see on Broadway. What really blew us away was when it literally started snowing in the theater. Where else can you experience real snow out at sea?
Setting Sail In Summer 2022: Disney Wish
Since this ship’s construction was just completed and arrived in port in Cape Canaveral in June 2022, we have yet to experience it. It’s maiden voyage is going to begin on July 14, 2022.
This new ship introduces a brand-new design unlike anything else in Disney’s cruise ship arsenal. The ships theming is said to draw from Disney intellectual properties such as Frozen, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
Disney Wish has 1,250 staterooms, ten themed restaurants, immersive spaces featuring beloved characters, plus the AquaMouse – a full-fledged waterpark attraction that is said to be the first of it’s kind at sea. It features 250 feet of slides suspended above the upper deck.
Disney is expected to launch four more cruise ships in the next couple of years, so this list is subject to change as more vessels hit the open seas. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter which Disney Cruise ship you choose. Everything that Disney touches is known to be of the absolute highest quality. While Disney Cruises aren’t exactly cheap, they are sure to create lasting memories that you and your family will cherish for years to come.
What do you think about our ranking? Do you think we dropped the ball or do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments.
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As always, thanks for watching, and Happy Travels.