Disney Cruise Line

DCL-Disney Cruise Line (disneycruise.disney.go.com) is a passenger shipping company, subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Incorporated in 1996 as Magical Cruise Company Ltd, the company is headquartered in London City (England UK), with operational headquarters in Celebration (Florida USA).

Currently, DCL owns and operates six ships (Treasure, Wish, Fantasy, Dream, Wonder, Magic), plus the private island Castaway Cay Bahamas (exclusive port for Disney-owned vessels).

Actually, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) was created in 1995 when The Walt Disney Company commissioned the liners Magic (1998) and Wonder (1999) from Fincantieri Italy. With the newbuilds DCL ended the ship charter arrangement with Premier Cruise Line (1983-founded/2000-defunct). In the 1980s, Disney contracted Premier Cruises to provide passenger shipping services, with voyages leaving roundtrip from Florida (Port Canaveral/Orlando City). Back then, Disney's travel packages were marketed as "family cruise vacations" and featured costumed Disney Characters. The fleet project (building two new liners by Meyer Werft Papenburg Germany) was announced in 2007. Disney Dream was introduced in 2011, Disney Fantasy - in 2012, Disney Wish - in 2022.

DCL's current President is Jeff Vahle.

In July 2022, DCL increased the recommended onboard gratuities (by US$1 per day per passenger) to US$14.50 pp (most staterooms) and US$15,50 pp (concierge suites).

In July 2023, DCL increased the cost of dining at the ships' optional adults-only restaurants (Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Enchante, Remy). Specialty restaurants' charges are per person.

• (fleetwide) Palo now costs $50 for both brunch and dinner.
• (ship Wish) Palo Steakhouse costs $50.
• (ships Fantasy and Dream) Remy costs $80, dinner costs $135, dessert costs $65.
• (ship Wish) Enchante costs $80 for brunch, $65 for dessert, Passion costs $125, Collection costs $195.
• Tasting seminars' charge pp (including Mixology Class) was raised in April from $25 to $45 pp.

DisneyBand+

In 2022, on Disney Wish ship DCL introduced the "DisneyBand+" - a water-resistant wristband similar to Walt Disney World's MagicBand+. In 2023, the device was implemented fleetwide.

Before the voyage, passengers can utilize the technology for a smoother embarkation. Upon arrival at the cruise port, they can use the band for check-in (by scanning the device) which expedites the ship boarding process.

Once on the ship, the DisneyBand+ serves as a stateroom key, eliminating DCL's old key cards.

The device can be also used for paying for food and beverages (at dining venues) as well as merchandise (at the onboard shops) which eliminates the need for credit cards. On Castaway Cay, just like on the ship, the DisneyBand+ can be used for shopping or purchasing drinks.

DisneyBand+ is sold in several designs and 50+ different styles. Prices start at US$35 (solid colors), while themed bands cost US$45 (plus tax). To ensure timely delivery, DCL recommends purchasing the wristbands at least 45 days prior to the voyage's departure date.

Customers who already have MagicBand+ (from Walt Disney World) can use it as a substitute for the DisneyBand+.

New ships 2022-2031 (DISNEY TRITON-Class)

In October 2022, the German broadcaster NDR aired an interview with Christoph Morgen (GHK's MV Werften's insolvency administrator) stating that the unfinished (~75% completed) 9000-passenger liner Global Dream/Disney Adventure (originally ordered by Genting Hong Kong for Dream Cruises) could be acquired by DCL and delivered/inaugurated in 2024-Q4.

• Global Dream's construction was suspended in January 2022 when MV Werften filed for bankruptcy.
• While the possible purchase price was not mentioned, the previously stated shipbuilding cost was EUR 1,6 billion.
• DCL's purchase interest was not officially announced, but on October 4th, Reinhard Meyer (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister of Economics, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labor) mentioned "confidential negotiations" with a possible byer and that completing Global Dream will secure the employment of MV Werften Wismar's ~950 former employees.
• Industry experts commented that with Global Dream Disney might enter the Asian market.
• On November 16, 2022, DCL officially confirmed Global Dream's acquisition.
•  The ship's new name (Disney Adventure) was revealed on September 9, 2023. Disney Adventure is planned to start revenue operations for DCL in 2025, with homeporting in Singapore and voyages in Southeast Asia (year-round deployment).

In early March 2016, DCL announced plans to build three new liners (the company's ever-largest) and signed a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft Gmbh (Germany's largest shipbuilding company). The new vessels are slightly bigger than Fantasy and Dream.

Disney's three newbuilds were scheduled for deliveries in 2022 (Wish), 2024 (Treasure) and 2025 (Destiny).

DCL officially announced the plans to build 3 new vessels on July 15, 2017. When launched/operational, with them Walt Disney will nearly double its current fleet. The boats' builder is Meyer Werft (Papenburg Shipyard). The announcement was made by Bob Chapek (Walt Disney Parks and Resorts company's Chairman).

The new vessel's interior design, facilities and itineraries are still in development. What is known so far is that they will be LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas) and from one series (same-designed), with GT-tonnage 144,000 tons (larger than the originally announced 135,000 GT) and max passenger capacity 2500 (1250 staterooms). This design is slightly larger than Disney's previous largest units (Dream-Fantasy). The first liner will be named Disney Wish (2022-Q2). The names for the second and third units are yet to be announced.

On the March 9th/2018-released exterior rendering was shown Disney's traditional black-white-red hull color scheme. New is the superstructure's golden flair. Between the funnels is the top-deck waterpark with slides. Balcony cabins are located midship, which provides larger accommodations for passengers.

DCL also revealed that the new liners will be all homeported in Florida - in Miami (Destiny) and Port Canaveral (Wish, Treasure).

On August 10, 2024, during D23 2024 (Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase), Josh D’Amaro (Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences & Products) announced that DCL's fleet will be expanded to 13 vessels. The 4 new ships (ordered from Meyer Werft Papenburg) will be larger/newly designed/modified and are planned for deliveries between 2027 and 2031.

New Disney ship in Japan

On July 9, 2024, DCL-Disney signed an agreement with Oriental Land Co Ltd (OLC) for year-round Disney cruises in Japan. Oriental Land Company Ltd (aka Oriental Land/1960-founded, subsidiary of Keisei Electric Railway Company) owns and manages the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu (Chiba Prefecture, Honshu Island).

Under the agreement, OLC will build and operate a Disney-branded cruise shipping business in Japan, planned to start in 2029-Q1.

The introduction of a Japan-based Disney ship will provide Japanese Disney fans with the unique opportunity to enjoy Disney-themed voyages, featuring signature entertainment, dining, and services, the whole year round.

Constructed by Meyer Werft Papenburg, the vessel will be similar/sistership to Disney Wish, with volume ~140,000 GT-tons, LNG-powered, with ~1250 passenger staterooms.

"Adventures by Disney" cruises to Antarctica

For 2021, DCL planned to introduce its first cruises to Antarctica and for 2023 its first Galapagos voyages, all via chartered ships. Both "expedition ship travel" options are offered by DCL's tour subsidiary "Adventures by Disney", and are Disney's ever-first expedition voyages.

Disney's Antarctica program is via a ship charter deal with the French premium travel brand Ponant Cruises.

Eventually postponed to 2023 (due to the COVID crisis), DCL's Antarctic program offers sailings visiting the Antarctic Peninsula (12-day/11-night itineraries via Drake Passage) and with an overnight in Buenos Aires Argentina before the charter flight to Ushuaia Argentina (homeport).

In Ushuaia start and end the Antarctic voyages on the Ponant vessel Le Boreal (max passenger capacity 264). Before boarding, tourists spend 2 days touring the area around Ushuaia (Patagonia). A sightseeing tour visits Tierra del Fuego NP and includes a train ride on the Southern Fuegian Railway (aka "Train of the End of the World"/the world's southernmost functioning railway) in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego Province.

DCL cruises to Antarctica include several days of exploration - landings and coastal cruising by Zodiacs (large-capacity rigid inflatable speedboats) that all Ponant ships carry onboard. An optional premium kayaking tour is also available for booking, as well as the 3-night hotel/4-day Buenos Aires guided tour package "Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise" (pre-cruise stay in Argentina's capital city).

Adventures by Disney recommends on Antarctic voyages children to be at least 12 years old and restricts bookings to minimum age 10 years due to "the duration of the trip, potential for extreme weather or sea conditions and the amount of physical activity involved".

Fares for Disney's first Antarctic cruises (2023) started at USD 12800 (EUR 10740/GBP 9180) for adults and USD 11500 (EUR 9560/GBP 8247) for children, with double occupancy. Deals are inclusive of two domestic flights (Buenos Aires-Ushuaia-Buenos Aires), 5-star hotel stay (at Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta Hotel), 31 meals total (11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners). DCL's Antarctic expedition experience features professional services by a team of naturalists, Disney-trained tour guides, Special Guests, Zodiac excursions and landings, shipboard activities (for adults and kids). International flights (to/from Ezeiza International Airport) are not included in cruise fares.

Bookings opened on November 12, 2021.

"Adventures by Disney" cruises in the Galapagos Islands

Adventures by Disney's Galapagos cruise program was inaugurated in 2022, with prices from USD 6300 (EUR 5290/GBP 4518) for adults and USD 5600 (EUR 4700/GBP 4016) for children, with double occupancy.

Disney's Galapagos Islands program is based on the chartered boat Galapagos Legend (1963-built, max passengers 110). Adventures by Disney limits Galapagos bookings with a min age 12-years-old.

DCL's Galapagos deals are inclusive of a 9-day/8-night package (roundtrip cruise itinerary with two domestic flights Quito-Baltra-Quito), 23 meals (8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners), 1-night Quito hotel stay (pre-cruise). International flights (to/from Wyndham Quito Airport) are not included in cruise fares.

Disney Galapagos cruise itinerary includes Quito City (hotel/Day1), Baltra Island (ship embarkation/Day2), South Plaza Island (Day3/morning guided Wildlife Walk), North Seymour Island (Day3/guided hiking tour and snorkeling), San Cristobal Island (Day4/Pitt Point debarkation, guide Coastline Tour-hiking-sea kayaking-snorkeling, Cerro Brujo Beach), San Cristobal Island (Day5/visit to Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve's breeding center, hiking to Cerro Tijeretas Hill, visit to Organic Farm & Restaurant), Espanola Island (Day6/Gardner Bay debarkation, guided hiking-swimming-snorkeling, hiking Suarez Point), Floreana Island (Day7/morning Walk Tour, guided swimming-snorkeling, visit to Post Office Bay, playing soccer with the cruise ship's crew, guided tour to Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown nad Champion Islet), Santa Cruz Island (Day8/visits to Charles Darwin Research Station, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Centro de Educacion Basica Oswaldo Guayasamin, Quiman Valle Coffee Farm, guided boat tour to Ballena Bay and Eden Islet), Baltra Island (ship debarkation, flight to Quito).

"Adventures by Disney" cruises in the Mediterranean/Adriatic

In October 2022 were announced DCL's first Adriatic Sea voyages (two 8-day itineraries on PONANT's ship Le Bougainville) scheduled for 2024.

Disney's "Adriatic Expedition Cruise" itinerary is roundtrip from Venice City (Italy) visiting 7 Adriatic ports - in Croatia (Korcula, Primosten/Krka National Park, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj) and Montenegro (Kotor).

From Croatia (Rovinj) are organized bus tours to Slovenia for visiting Postojna Cave Park's Postojna Cave. Other excursion options include kayaking along Pakleni Islands (off Hvar Island's coast), bicycling in Hvar City's Stari Grad, and catamaran touring Montenegro's Boka Bay.

Up to 6 professional tour guides accompany Disney's cruise tourists and lead all activities (shipboard and ashore). Onboard adults-only activities feature cocktail workshops and fitness classes. 

Junior Adventurers (12 years old and under) can enjoy their own special programs that are led by the adventure guides, such as navigation lessons, a pizza party, a "Pirates of the Adriatic" swim party, and a "Dalmatian Dash" scavenger hunt.

Departures were scheduled for June 25 and July 2, 2024.

General public bookings opened on October 27, 2022. Priority bookings opened on Oct 24th.

"Adventures by Disney" river cruises

In Europe, Adventures by Disney partnered with one of the world's largest river cruise companies - AmaWaterways - offering its loyal customers river cruisetour deals on voyage-chartered boats.

A "voyage charter" is when the vessel (and its crew) are hired for a specific voyage (departure date and custom itinerary). The charterer (Disney) pays the shipowner (AmaWaterways) on a lump-sum basis (single payment) while the shipowner is responsible for paying port taxes, fuel costs and crew costs. The cruise charter specifies a laytime (period) for loading and unloading the Disney-provided (exclusive) passengers.

On the chartered from AmaWaterways riverboat, Disney provides its passengers with all-inclusive deals (accommodation, meals, entertainment, shore excursions) including an immersive and pro-active onboard and ashore program curated by Disney's family travel experts. A team of Disney Adventure Guides includes English-speaking professional storytellers who review the visited destinations (port cities, towns, land tour sites and attractions).

For season 2021, the mainly family-themed "Adventures by Disney" were part of Disney's ever-largest river cruise program - a total of 30 departures/itineraries on Danube and also in France (Seine, Rhine, Rhone). Traditionally, select voyages were exclusively reserved for families without kids, being themed on Food and Wine and Oktoberfest (with German beer tastings). New in 2021 was Disney's Rhine River program that included Papenburg where was offered an exclusive tour to the MEYER WERFT shipyard where MS Disney Wish was under construction at the time.

For April 2025, Adventures by Disney scheduled the launch of two new routes in Holland and Belgium. Both voyages are 7-day-long, roundtrips from Amsterdam and feature visits to windmills, famous museums, canal cruising, and beer and food tastings.

Disney ship cruising experience

Among the best family lines, with the most family-friendly cruise ships, and some of the most attractive cheap all-inclusive family cruise packages, The company is the world's leader in family cruising. "Disney World land and sea" packages are industry's best kids cruise deals for the Caribbean, operated with signature land resorts and large and modern liners.

Disney Cruise Line is a unique enterprise designed to provide the industry's best family ship travel vacation experiences. Disney offers regular departures from Florida USA to Eastern Caribbean (mostly to the Bahamas) from its own cruise terminal at Port Canaveral - just a few minutes away from Disney's capital city Orlando and world's best Disneyland Park. Among the special voyages are the Alaskan itineraries (leaving from Seattle and Vancouver Canada) during the Disney summer and the Panama Canal transition cruises on repositioning between Alaska and Caribbean.

All Disney ships are family-friendly. Each boat features a Walt Disney Theater (resembling Broadway house) and Buena Vista Cinema (for Disney movies). Studio Sea (TV sound stage and forum for G-rated live shows) is available on Magic and Wonder. Similar venue (named "D Lounge") is on Fantasy and Dream. "Disney Digital 3-D" (on Magic and Wonder) is a cinema experience with lasers, streamers, fog and lighting effects.

The main swimming pool areas on all Disney boats are geared toward families. There is a pool for kids (with 200-ft Mickey waterslide) and small sprinkler tub for toddlers. Adult-only pools are also fleetwide feature, though on the larger ships they encompass several decks.

The AquaDuck water park (Fantasy and Dream) is one of the first-ever watercoasters on a cruise ship. Located on top-deck, the slide has a transparent, acrylic tube propelling riders (on rafts) up and down 4 decks of the ship. At one point, the slide swings out 13 ft off the ship's side, 150 ft above sea level.

Palo restaurant is a boutique eatery on every Disney ship, offering Italian traditional cuisine. The Remy restaurant serves premium French dishes (on Fantasy and Dream) and comes with the highest at sea surcharge for dining - USD 85 pp.

The adults-only spa features rain forest steam room. The adults-only nightclubs on board are named "Route 66" (on Wonder), "Europa" (on Fantasy), "The District" (on Dream), "Beat Street" (on Magic). Another popular for adults venues are sports pub and dance club. The following link is to CruiseMapper's Disney secrets, tips, and tricks.

Disney ships' kids and teen programming

Company's kids' program is professionally organized and run by highly-trained and certified youth counselors. On each cruise liner are offered pre-scheduled daily character meetings, themed breakfasts, animation workshops, parades, firework shows. Onboard nurseries are named "It's a Small World" (on Fantasy and Dream) and "Flounder's Reef Nursery" (on Magic and Wonder). The ship nursery provides complimentary childcare for infants (ages 12 weeks-3 years) with toys and supervised fun activities. Nurseries feature indoor porthole windows (semi-transparent one-way mirrors) allowing parents to peek without being seen. For a fee is available online pre-ordering of baby supplies (via the brand partnership with "Babies Travel Lite").

Ship's "Oceaneer Club" spans nearly an entire deck. It is a supervised program for kids aged 3-7 yo (split into age groups 3-4 and 5-7). "Oceaneer Lab" (for kids split into age groups 8-9 and 10-12) offers hands-on science experiments, ship-wide scavenger hunts, themed deck parties (with Disney costumes provided), high-tech interactive programs. Children ages 11-12 can compete in marine biology game show and send to friends digital postcards.

Teens (aged 13-17) have private clubs (named "Stack" and "Aloft") fitted with plenty of chairs and couches, and offering MP3 listening stations, latest video games, popular board games, and magazines, teen bars (dispenser-served smoothies and soft drinks). On Fantasy and Dream teen are in 2 age groups - 11 to 13 (at "Edge") and 14 to 17 (at "Vibe", with an outdoor sundeck with hot tubs).

After boarding, kids are automatically enrolled in children's programs on Castaway Cay, which feature bike riding and supervised games by age group, private island experiences (Disney characters appearances are scheduled several times daily).

Most Disney cabins have bath-and-a-half - the second bathroom has a sink, toilet, vanity, the full bathroom has a sink, tub/shower, and toilet.

Shipboard facilities

Spa and Fitness Facilities

• Senses Spa & Salon (Dream and Fantasy)
• Vista Spa & Salon (Magic and Wonder)
• Fitness Center (all ships)
• Goofy's Sports Deck: (Dream and Fantasy) - an open-air centre with golf course, sports simulators, basketball-volleyball court
• Wide World of Sports (Magic and Wonder) - an open-air centre with basketball court, ping-pong tables.

Onboard Theatres (all ships)

• Buena Vista Theater - first-run movies, 3D cinema, top-notch equipment, plush seats
• Walt Disney Theater - live performances, Broadway-style themed Disney shows, movies.

Youth Clubs

• Disney's Oceaneer Club (all ships) - supervised themed activities ages 3-7
• Disney's Oceaneer Lab (all ships) - themed activities ages 8-12
• Edge (all ships) - teens-only, video games, TV, Internet
• Vibe (all ships) - teens-only, with a sundeck and a pool
• D Lounge (Dream and Fantasy) - family lounge and nightclub
• Studio Sea (Magic and Wonder) - family activities center
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Fantasy) - a kids make-up salon
• Arr-cade (Dream and Fantasy) - arcade (all ages)
• Quarter Masters (Magic and Wonder) - arcade (all ages)
• Flounder's Reef Nursery (Magic and Wonder) - themed after "The Little Mermaid" (ages 3 months to 3yo)
• It's A Small World Nursery (Dream and Fantasy) - 3 months to 3 years.

Shipboard Nightclubs and Lounges

• 687 - sports bar (Dream)
• Bon Voyage - family bar (Dream and Fantasy)
• Cadillac Lounge - piano bar (Wonder)
• Cove Cafe - adults-only (all ships)
• Currents - cocktail bar (Dream and Fantasy)
• District Lounge - nightclub (Dream)
• Diversions - sports pub, karaoke (Magic and Wonder)
• Evolution - disco club (Dream) - family during the day, adults-only at night
• O'Gills Pub - Irish themed sports bar (Fantasy)
• La Piazza - adults-only (Fantasy)
• Meridian - adults-only (Dream and Fantasy)
• Outlook Cafe - adults-only (Wonder)
• Pink - adults-only (Dream)
• Promenade Lounge (Magic and Wonder)
• Rockin' Bar D - music club (Magic), family (dailyy), adults-only (nightly)
• Sessions - piano bar (Magic)
• Signals - adults-only (Magic and Wonder)
• Skyline - adults-only (Dream and Fantasy)
• The Tube - adults-only nightclub (Fantasy)
• Vista Cafe - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• WaveBands club - family (day), a dance club at night (Wonder)
• Waves - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• Ooh La La - adults-only, Victorian furniture (Fantasy)

The FUN Pools (swimming pools)

• AquaDuck - 4 decks high water coaster (Dream and Fantasy)
• Donald's Pool - family (Dream and Fantasy)
• Goofy's Pool - family, incl 2 whirlpool spas, a toddler pool with splash zones, 7,3x4,3m LED screen on the forward funnel overlooking the pool (Magic and Wonder)
• Mickey's Pool - kids-only, 1 deck high slide (all ships)
• Nemo's Reef - kids area (Dream and Fantasy)
• Quiet Cove Pool - adults-only (all ships).

In March 2015, Disney Cruise Line introduced the "Mickey Check" meals fleetwide.

• Disney's "Mickey Check" is used throughout Disneyland Resorts and Walt Disney World at various locations. The mark is also on Disney-licensed food products. It is a part of "Disney Magic of Healthy Living" commitment (launched 2006) to make healthy eating simpler and more fun for families. These meals are offered in the onboard rotational (main dining room) restaurants.
• To receive "Mickey Check", food must be nutritious and meet the Walt Disney company's Nutrition Guidelines (created by leading child health experts) for levels of saturated fat, calories, sugar, and sodium. A "Mickey Check" kids' meal includes 3 or more nutritious food groups (vegetables, lean protein, whole grains), has zero trans fats and limited added sugar.

Since November 2019, on all Disney ships provide to their crew complimentary texting (sending and receiving unlimited text messages) on devices with iOS and Android operating systems.

Disney private island Castaway Cay (Bahamas)

Castaway Cay is a Bahamian private island leased by Disney Cruises. It serves as an exclusive port of call for Disney ships. Castaway Cay (formerly Gorda Cay) is located close to Great Abaco Island. In 1997, Walt Disney Company bought a 99-year island lease from the Bahamian Government (set to expire 2096), giving the company substantial control over the cruise ship passenger experience on the island.

In early August 2017 was announced that Disney is looking to buy a second Caribbean private island to be developed as an exclusive port of call for the company's new cruise ships. The reason for a new private island destination is that Castaway Cay has the capacity to handle ships with capacity up to 875 cabins, otherwise it becomes too crowded. Such a "private island" option emerged in 2016 with Egg Island (Bahamas). However, those plans were abolished after some environmental studies showing that the island's ecosystem would not sustain the planned development.

New Disney private island in the Bahamas (Eleuthera)

On October 19, 2018, The Bahamas officially issued a tentative preliminary approval of Disney Cruise Line's plan to build and exclusively operate a private cruise port (Lighthouse Point) on Eleuthera Island's southern tip. Project's developer will be the Walt Disney Company subsidiary Disney Parks and Resorts. The plan is for developing a land sized 746 acres (302 hectares / 3 km2) that Disney agreed to purchase. The new Disney ships-only port will have a dedicated pier (capacity 1 vessel), boat marina, shops, restaurants, passenger walkways through forests and around salt ponds.

Disney's new port project will create around 150 permanent local jobs plus various entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamian residents. However, The Bahamas Parliament must officially agree to the plan once all terms and conditions are agreed and proper environmental testing is conducted.

In early-March 9, 2019, Bahamas allowed Walt Disney to acquire (purchase) the resort property Lighthouse Pointe (at Grand Lucayan, Freeport) from Meritage Hospitality Group Inc (US company / restaurant operator). The property will serve as Disney's new cruise port (land area 190 acres / 77 hectares / 0,77 km2) that also doubles as "entertainment facility" (during no-ship days). By this project, Disney will invest between USD 250-400 million to develop the property as Castaway Cay. As part of the deal, Disney agreed to donate property's southernmost point (land value USD 6,3 million) to the Bahamas Government for a national park.

Core elements of Disney's new Bahamas port project include low-density development, sustainable design, free public access, economic opportunities for Bahamians, overall workers ratio 80-20% (Bahamian-other workers) during project's construction phase, creating 150 permanent jobs (with health benefits) for Bahamians after project's completion. Construction will start after the Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Plan are reviewed and Gov approved.

Currently, on Eleuthera island is located the Carnival Corporation-owned (via ist subsidiary Princess Cruises) private island resort Princess Cays.

New Disney cruise cancellation policy

Since September 2018, Disney has a new final payment and cruise cancellation policy.

• Final payments for passengers booked in standard staterooms on itineraries with lengths 1- to 5-nights is due 90 days prior departure. The old policy required 75 days prior to departure. By the new policy, cancellation fees start at 89 days (customers also lose their cruise deposits). At 44 days, customers lose 50% of their payment, at 29 days - 75%, at 14 or fewer days - 100%.
• For passengers booked in standard staterooms on itineraries with lengths 6-nights or more, payment is due 120 days prior departure. The old policy required 90 days for itineraries between 5 and 9 nights. By the new policy, customers cancelling 56+ days prior departure lose their cruise deposit. Customers cancelling between 55-30 days - lose 50%, those cancelling between 29-15 days - 75%; those cancelling 14-days/less - 100%.
• For customers booked in concierge cabins and suites on itineraries 1 to 5 nights, final payment due date remains 120 days prior departure. On itineraries 6+ nights, final payment is due 150 days prior departure.

The company also eliminated final payments and cancellation fees for holiday cruises - voyages that include July 4th, Christmas, New Year's Eve or Thanksgiving Day.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, DCL-Disney suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all 4 liners) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through June 30, 2021.

DCL cruise operations resumed in 2021 with the ships Disney MAGIC (July 15/UK cruises to nowhere from Southampton/Oct 28 starts Caribbean from Miami), Disney DREAM (Aug 9/Bahamas from Port Canaveral), Disney FANTASY (Sept 11/Bahamas from Port Canaveral), Disney WONDER (Nov 5/Panama Canal from San Diego to Galveston), Disney Wish (June 17, 2022/Maiden Voyage/Bahamas from Port Canaveral).

• DCL's Alaska 2021 program (Disney Wonder from Vancouver) was canceled. DCL's Europe 2021 program (Disney Magic) was canceled.
• Disney Magic's mini-season in Europe-UK (Around Britain itineraries) was for UK residents only.

All affected bookings received full monetary refunds, including on prepurchased through Walt Disney packages and services. With rebooking is offered 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) transferred to the new booking which must be made within 15 months of the canceled voyage's departure date. Without rebooking is provided full (100%) monetary refund.

By 2025, DCL-Disney Cruise Line's fleet will double its size following the introduction of two newbuilds (now on order/under construction). To be deployed mainly in the USA-Caribbean, the new boats will be homeported in Miami (Disney Destiny) and Port Canaveral (Disney Wish, Disney Treasure).

DCL operates "Disney Cruise Line Terminal" in Port Canaveral Florida - the homeport for the liners Fantasy and Dream. Disney Magic is homeported in Miami Florida, Disney Wonder is homeported in Galveston Texas and San Diego California plus Vancouver BC Canada (to Alaska).

DCL offers various destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Panama Canal, Canada, and New England, Alaska, Pacific Coast USA, as well as Transatlantic crossings on repositioning. Most itineraries are roundtrips to The Bahamas, Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. During summer, Disney Wonder operates on Alaskan cruises from Vancouver. All DCL cruise itineraries to The Bahamas visit DCL's private Caribbean island CASTAWAY CAY (located north of Nassau) as an exclusive port of call.

Since November 2023, Disney Dream is homeported (for the first time) in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA). The new homeporting follows the ship's European deployment (Mediterranean from Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome, and UK-Baltic from Southampton). The 4- and 5-night itineraries visit ports in The Bahamas (Castaway Cay, Nassau) and Western Caribbean (Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman).

In 2023 (February 18th thru April 10th) Disney Magic was homeported in NOLA/New Orleans Louisiana. The program was based on 4-5-6-day roundtrip Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel (4-day), Cozumel plus Costa Maya (5-day) and Cozumel plus Grand Cayman/George Town Harbour (6-day).

"Adventures by Disney" expedition voyages

DCL's subsidiary "Adventures by Disney" offers expedition-type cruise vacations via chartered ships.

The program started in 2022 and currently offers sailings in the Galapagos Islands (chartering Galapagos Legend), Antarctica, and Europe/Mediterranean (chartering two PONANT ships - Le Boreal and Le Bougainville).

Adventures by Disney's 2024 schedule currently lists the following itineraries/departure dates:

• "Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise" departures in 2024 - March 17-25, June 9-17, July 14-22, August 7-15, December 18-26.
• "Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise" - departures in 2023 (December 17-28) and 2024 (February 17-28)
• "Arctic Expedition Cruise" departure in 2024 (July 1-10)

All "Adventures by Disney" cruises are English-speaking and served by professional tour guides.

(NEW) "Adventures by Disney" river voyages in 2025

On January 19, 2023, Adventures by Disney opened for booking two new river routes (scheduled for launch in April 2025) visiting popular port cities in Holland and Belgium.

Both voyages are 7-day-long, roundtrips from Amsterdam and feature visits to windmills, famous museums, canal cruising, and beer and food tastings (chocolate, cheese, waffles).

The "Discover Holland and Belgium Tour" itinerary's ports are Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, Gouda, and Bruges. It includes a Rotterdam Pilgrim walking tour, a visit to Utrecht's Museum Speelklok and Castle de Haar, and an exploration of Brussels' influence on comic books. There's an adult-exclusive departure for this itinerary.

The "Tulip Tour" (inaugural departure on April 13, 2025, ship AmaLucia) visits Amsterdam, Hoorn, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, and Schoonhoven. Highlights include a visit to Keukenhof Gardens/Lisse and the Floralia Brussels (flower show at the Grand Bigard Castle).

The "Discover Holland and Belgium Tour" is scheduled for AmaStella ship (chartered in the summer) and AmaViola (chartered for the holidays), starting from June 28, 2025.

Prices for children started at US$4900, for adults at US$5500.

DCL cruise itineraries 2024-2025-2026

DCL has two year-round homeports in Florida USA (including its first full season out of Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale) and also operates voyages leaving roundtrip from California, Louisiana, and Texas.

Disney Dream commences in early 2024 with sailings to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean. Passengers can choose from 3- and 4-night getaways to the Bahamas and 5-night vacations to the western Caribbean, featuring classic Disney experiences like Broadway-style shows, character encounters, fireworks at sea, and innovative dining. All sailings from Florida include a stop at Castaway Cay, a private island oasis reserved exclusively for DCL guests. Located in the Bahamas' turquoise waters, Castaway Cay offers the ultimate escape for everyone, with relaxation, adventure, and quality time with the whole family.

Disney Wish is kicking off 2024 with 3- and 4-night journeys to Nassau (Bahamas) and Castaway Cay departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida), Disney's homeport located just 1 hour from Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Voyages aboard Disney Wish combine numerous Disney firsts and enchanting entertainment, bringing to life Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars stories.

Also from Port Canaveral, Disney Fantasy continues 7-night sailings to the beaches of the eastern/western Caribbean. Disney guests on eastern Caribbean voyages visit Tortola BVI and St. Thomas, while western Caribbean itineraries feature the ports of Grand Cayman, Falmouth (Jamaica), and Cozumel (Mexico). Every Disney Fantasy sailing also features a stop at Castaway Cay, as well as several days at sea.

Disney Magic has 2 limited-time engagements in Galveston Texas early 2024. After ringing in the New Year, the ship is expected to embark on Caribbean adventures ranging from 4 to 6 nights through the end of January. Upon returning for a month-long stint in March-April, the Magic ship will sail voyages ranging from 4 to 7 nights to the western Caribbean during the spring break period. New Orleans (Port NOLA) welcomes Disney Magic back for a 2nd consecutive year in February 2024 with 4-, 5- and 7-night cruises to the Caribbean. Families have the opportunity to arrive early/extend their vacation to enjoy jazz & jambalaya in the city that inspired "The Princess and the Frog."

After her return from an inaugural season in Australia & New Zealand, Disney Wonder is due to arrive in San Diego California in March 2024 for 3- to 7-night cruises to Mexico, including Baja peninsula. Popular for its vibrant culture, saltwater adventures, and stunning beaches, families are able to visit some of the most prized destinations in Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan along with stops on the shores of Catalina Island (Dominicana) off the California coast.

In March 2023, DCL-Disney Cruise Line announced the inaugural dates/select itineraries for its brand-new island destination in The Bahamas, headlining a season full of new and passenger-favorite itineraries around the world in the summer of 2024. Along with the first voyages to Lighthouse Point, families are able to choose cruise vacations to bucket-list destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, northern Europe, and Alaska.

In June 2024, Disney debuts its newest Bahamian destination on Eleuthera Island at Lighthouse Point. Passengers sailing aboard Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) can discover a vibrant beach retreat infused with the energy of Bahamian artistry and a commitment to conservation.

A 7-night inaugural voyage aboard Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) on June 8th allows passengers to be among the first to see the crystal-clear waters of the new destination at Lighthouse Point. The ultimate Disney island destination itinerary features 2 stops at Lighthouse Point and a day at Castaway Cay. On June 6th, a 3-night preview voyage on Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale offers a sneak peek of Lighthouse Point.

After the inaugural voyage, Lighthouse Point is to be a featured port of call on select 3-, 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas and the Caribbean on Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale. The itineraries vary stops between Lighthouse Point/Castaway Cay, with 5 special departures including both Disney island destinations.

In the summer of 2024, Disney Dream returns to premier European destinations in the Greek Isles, British Isles, the Mediterranean, and popular locales in Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords.

The sailings feature a number of new ports of call (Valencia, Haugesund, and Hamburg), along with 3 Mediterranean destinations that return for the first time since 2014: Catania, Kusadasi, and Valletta.

Mediterranean and Greek Isles voyages from Barcelona (Spain) and Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy) range from 5 to 11 nights, while northern Europe and the British Isles cruises offer itineraries anywhere from 3 nights to one 12-night journey that includes the Norwegian fjords, 3 days in Iceland and an overnight in Reykjavik (Iceland).

Cruises to Alaska from Vancouver BC Canada return on Disney Wonder from May through to September 2024, with 5-, 7- and 9-night sailings.

Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish are due to sail to islands throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean in the summer of 2024. All voyages on the Port Canaveral-based liners feature a visit to Castaway Cay.

Disney Wish features 3- and 4-night Bahamian vacations, while Disney Fantasy sails to popular ports in the eastern & western Caribbean on 7-night cruises. One 5-night Disney Fantasy cruise in July takes families to Nassau with 2 stops in Castaway Cay, while a 10-night southern Caribbean journey gives families another chance to visit Lighthouse Point with additional visits to Antigua, Castaway Cay, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Tortola.

Disney Adventure ship starts revenue operations for DCL in 2025, with homeporting in Singapore and voyages in Southeast Asia (year-round deployment).

In June 2024, DCL unveiled two exciting seasons of itineraries, covering voyages from fall 2025 to spring 2026.

The fleet, including Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Dream, is due to visit Disney Cruise Line's signature island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, ensuring voyages filled with quintessential Disney magic.

The itineraries feature tropical sailings from the Pacific Coast and Gulf of Mexico in late 2025 and early 2026. Additionally, the Disney Wonder embarks on a 3rd season of voyages across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific from October 2025 to February 2026.

As part of Disney Cruise Line's themed sailings, families can look forward to creating memories on beloved holiday cruises, including Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime sailings in September, October, November, and December 2025.

Summer 2025 itineraries (Europe & Caribbean)

In its debut summer season in Europe, Disney Fantasy sets sail from Barcelona Spain and Civitavecchia-Rome Italy, from May to late July. Itineraries (ranging from 5 to 12 nights) explore picturesque Mediterranean ports, including a special 12-night voyage to the Greek Isles.

From late July to September, Disney Fantasy is homeported in the UK (Southampton England) visiting popular destinations in Spain, Norway, and the British Isles.

Disney Wonder's Alaskan program is based on roundtrips from Vancouver BC Canada, and scheduled for May through September. Passengers can marvel at Alaska's stunning natural beauty and explore destinations such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

In summer 2025, four Disney ships operate from Florida, with three departing from Port Canaveral and one from Fort Lauderdale.

Disney Treasure ship offers 7-night Caribbean itineraries to Castaway Cay, Tortola BVI, St Thomas USVI, Falmouth Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Disney Magic ship from Port Canaveral offers 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas and DCL's private islands.

Disney Dream ship from Fort Lauderdale offers 3- to 5-night voyages to Nassau, Castaway Cay, and Cozumel.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Dream visit Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (Disney's new Bahamian private resort,) in summer 2025. Some itineraries group both exclusive ports (Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay).

Disney Wish ship from Port Canaveral has scheduled 3- and 4-night roundtrips to Nassau and Castaway Cay, while the Disney Dream will operate from Fort Lauderdale on similar routes.

(animal cruelty) The Faroe Islands cruise boycott

In 2014, Disney was the first of all three (for now) cruise ship companies (followed in 2016 by AIDA and Hapag-Lloyd) that banned Faroe Islands (a Danish territory) as destination part of their North European itineraries.

The boycott is due to the island nation's traditional mass slaughter of pilot whales each year. The protected by Denmark gruesome practice of killing whales is called "Grindadrap Grind". Locals use motorboats to drive a pod of whales into a harbor. The defenseless animals are dragged to the shallow water and brutally slaughtered by locals armed with knives (16-19 cm / 6-8 inches long) while their families cheer them on. The killing party even rip out baby whales from their mothers.

The Faroe Islands have a population of ~50,000 and kill each year 1000+ pilot whales. You can see the cruise ship schedule of Torshavn - Faroe's most visited port. All cruise lines with scheduled visits to the Faroes are accused of supporting the brutal whaling practices. Whaling is still officially approved and carried out by the "civilized" countries Japan, Norway, and Iceland, killing over 2000 whales each year and trading in whale products.

Disney's response was to the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act" by the local government, which continues to allow pilot whales to be culled or massacred. It also empowers local authorities to imprison (for up to 2 years) people found guilty of impeding these whaling activities - despite all the international condemnations.

Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace are among the largest organizations taking direct actions against the "Faroese Pilot Whaling Act". Most of the available online haunting images of slaughtered whales lying in a sea of blood are released by these organizations.