Before Cruising

• Travel Documents: U.S. citizens sailing on a closed-loop cruise departing from and returning to the same U.S. port may generally travel with an original or certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. A valid passport book is still strongly recommended in case an emergency requires you to return home by air from a foreign country.
• International Itineraries: Cruises beginning or ending in different countries, along with many international itineraries, require a valid passport book. Some destinations also require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Passport, visa, and residency document requirements vary depending on your citizenship, residency status, itinerary, and ports of call. Review the latest requirements well before your sailing date.
• Name Matching: The name on your reservation must exactly match your government-issued identification. If your name has changed because of marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, carry the appropriate supporting documentation during your trip.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for international cruises. Third-party policies often provide broader medical, cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, and emergency transportation coverage than plans purchased directly through the cruise line.
• Research Your Ship: Every Disney ship offers its own themed spaces, entertainment, restaurants, and attractions. Reviewing your ship's deck plans before sailing will help you quickly locate dining venues, theaters, youth clubs, pools, and your stateroom once onboard.
• Castaway Club: Disney's Castaway Club rewards repeat cruisers with benefits such as earlier booking windows, priority check-in, welcome gifts, and other perks based on your membership level.
• Book Early: Port Adventures, adult-exclusive dining, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments, spa treatments, and many popular onboard experiences become available before sailing and often fill quickly.
• Carry-On Essentials: Pack medications, passports, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Checked bags may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

• Your Cruise Companion: The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is the primary tool for managing your cruise before and during your vacation. Download it before sailing and sign in with your Disney account to access your voyage information.
• Before You Sail: Complete online check-in, receive your digital boarding pass, upload travel documents, reserve Port Adventures, adult-exclusive dining, spa treatments, and other onboard experiences.
• Once Onboard: The app displays your Personal Navigator schedule, restaurant assignments, deck plans, character greeting times, entertainment schedules, onboard account, and other voyage information.
• Onboard Messaging: Complimentary messaging between guests using the Navigator App makes it easy for families and groups to stay connected throughout the ship without purchasing an internet package.
• Daily Planning: Character appearances, Broadway-style shows, deck parties, youth activities, and family events change throughout the cruise. Checking the app each morning helps you plan your day.

Tipping / Gratuities

• Crew Appreciation: As of July 2026, Disney Cruise Line recommends gratuities of $16.00 per person, per night for standard staterooms and $27.25 per person, per night for Concierge guests. These gratuities recognize your dining team and stateroom host throughout the voyage.
• Prepay or Pay Onboard: Gratuities may be prepaid before sailing or automatically added to your onboard account during the cruise. Adjustments may be made through Guest Services before disembarkation.
• Additional Service Charges: An 18% service charge is automatically added to alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, spa services, salon treatments, and adult-exclusive dining.
• Exceptional Service: While never required, many guests choose to provide additional cash tips to crew members who provide exceptional service during their voyage.

Embarking

• Online Check-In: Complete online check-in through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or website before arriving at the terminal. During check-in you'll upload travel documents, receive your digital boarding pass, and select your Port Arrival Time.
• Arrival Time: Plan to arrive during your assigned Port Arrival Time for the smoothest boarding experience. Castaway Club members and Concierge guests may receive earlier boarding privileges depending on their membership level.
• Carry-On Beverages: Guests 21 years of age and older may bring either two unopened 750ml bottles of wine or champagne, or up to six 12-ounce beers, at the beginning of each voyage and at each port of call. Alcohol must be carried onboard in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage. Corkage fees apply when personal wine or champagne is consumed in onboard restaurants.
• Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes with you. Checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon.
• Embarkation Day Lunch: Buffet and quick-service restaurants are typically available immediately after boarding. This is a great opportunity to enjoy lunch while waiting for your stateroom to become available.
• Explore The Ship: Before sailaway, take time to locate your rotational dining restaurants, theaters, youth clubs, pools, adult-exclusive areas, and other venues you'll be visiting throughout the cruise.
• Character Greetings: Embarkation day often includes opportunities to meet Disney characters before the busiest days of the cruise. Check the Navigator App for schedules and locations.
• All-Aboard Time: Disney Cruise Line strictly enforces all-aboard times at every port. Plan to return at least 30 to 60 minutes before the published departure time.

Cabin

• Family-Friendly Design: Disney staterooms are thoughtfully designed for families and typically include more storage space than many comparable cruise lines, comfortable bedding, a television, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, in-room safe, and multiple charging outlets.
• Split Bathrooms: Many Disney staterooms feature Disney's signature split bathroom design, separating the toilet from the shower to help families get ready more efficiently.
• Stateroom Host: Your stateroom host services your cabin each day and can assist with additional towels, pillows, blankets, ice, and other reasonable requests throughout your voyage.
• Room Service: Complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day for most menu items, making Disney one of the few cruise lines to include around-the-clock in-room dining. Alcoholic beverages and certain specialty items carry an additional charge.
• Storage Space: Store luggage under the bed after unpacking to maximize available floor space. Disney cabins include generous closet, drawer, and shelf storage designed with families in mind.
• Magical Portholes: Many interior staterooms feature Disney's Magical Portholes, virtual windows displaying real-time ocean views with occasional appearances by Disney characters.
• Concierge Staterooms: Concierge guests enjoy upgraded accommodations, exclusive lounges, priority embarkation, dedicated concierge service, and numerous additional benefits throughout the cruise.

On Deck

• Pools & Water Play: Disney ships feature family pools, splash zones for younger children, dedicated adults-only pools, hot tubs, and water attractions that vary by ship.
• AquaDuck & AquaMouse: Depending on your ship, enjoy Disney's signature water coaster attractions that combine exciting water slides with immersive Disney storytelling.
• Sports & Recreation: Many ships feature sports courts, miniature golf, jogging tracks, outdoor games, and recreation areas for guests of all ages.
• Chair Etiquette: Disney asks guests not to reserve loungers for extended periods without using them. During busy times, unattended belongings may be removed to make seating available for other guests.
• Family Atmosphere: Disney's outdoor spaces are designed for families while still providing dedicated adults-only areas where guests can relax away from the busiest parts of the ship.
• Deck Parties: Throughout your cruise you'll find sailaway celebrations, themed deck parties, and other outdoor entertainment featuring Disney characters, music, and interactive experiences.

Dining

• Rotational Dining: One of Disney Cruise Line's signature experiences, Rotational Dining allows guests to rotate between three themed main restaurants during their voyage while keeping the same serving team each evening for personalized service.
• Unique Restaurants: Every Disney ship features its own collection of beautifully themed dining rooms, creating a different atmosphere and experience each evening.
• Adult-Exclusive Dining: Most Disney ships feature Palo, while newer ships also offer Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement. These specialty restaurants provide premium dining experiences for adults at an additional charge.
• Dietary Requests: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, allergy-friendly, and many other dietary needs can usually be accommodated. Notify Disney before sailing whenever possible and remind your dining team once onboard.
• Dining Times: Guests generally choose either an early or late dining seating before sailing. Your assigned dining time remains the same throughout your cruise while your restaurant changes each evening.
• Personalized Service: Because your serving team rotates with you each evening, they quickly become familiar with your family's preferences, dietary requests, and favorite beverages, creating one of Disney's most memorable dining traditions.

Food & Beverage

• Included Dining: Your Disney cruise fare includes Rotational Dining, buffet dining, quick-service restaurants, complimentary soft-serve ice cream, and 24-hour room service for most menu items. Dining options vary by ship.
• Complimentary Beverages: Coffee, hot tea, milk, fountain soft drinks at the beverage stations, hot chocolate, and select juices are included throughout your cruise at designated self-service locations and during meals.
• Specialty Coffee: Cove Café and other coffee venues serve premium espresso beverages, specialty coffees, teas, and pastries for an additional charge.
• Hydration: Spending time in the sun, participating in Port Adventures, and consuming alcoholic beverages can quickly lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout your cruise will help you feel your best.
• Late-Night Dining: Complimentary room service is available around the clock for most menu items, making it easy to enjoy a snack or meal at almost any time of day.

Alcohol Policy

• Bring Your Own Alcohol: Guests 21 years of age and older may bring either two unopened 750ml bottles of wine or champagne, or up to six 12-ounce beers, at the beginning of each voyage and at each port of call. Alcohol must be carried onboard in your carry-on luggage.
• Corkage Fee: A corkage fee applies when personal wine or champagne is consumed in Disney's dining rooms. There is no charge if enjoyed in your stateroom.
• No Beverage Packages: Disney Cruise Line does not offer unlimited alcoholic beverage packages. Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and premium drinks are purchased individually.
• Alcohol Purchases: Alcohol purchased in ports or onboard shops is generally held until the final evening of your cruise before being returned to you.

Private Destinations

• Disney Castaway Cay: Disney's private island in The Bahamas offers beautiful family beaches, Serenity Bay for adults, walking and biking trails, snorkeling, water sports, character appearances, and a complimentary island barbecue lunch.
• Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point: Located on the island of Eleuthera, Lookout Cay blends Disney storytelling with Bahamian culture, featuring beautiful beaches, family recreation areas, local entertainment, complimentary dining, and optional premium experiences.
• Beach Towels: Complimentary beach towels are available onboard and may be taken ashore. Remember to return them before leaving the island to avoid replacement charges.
• Port Adventures: Both destinations offer optional Port Adventures, including snorkeling, bicycle rentals, cabanas, stingray encounters, watercraft rentals, and other family-friendly activities.
• Island Dining: Complimentary barbecue lunches and beverages are available on both private destinations, allowing families to spend the entire day ashore without returning to the ship for meals.

Onboard Planning & Reservations

• Navigator App: The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App serves as your daily planner, displaying activities, entertainment, dining assignments, deck plans, onboard account information, and your Personal Navigator schedule throughout the cruise.
• Advance Reservations: Adult-exclusive dining, Port Adventures, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, spa treatments, nursery reservations, and other popular experiences often fill before sailing. Booking early provides the greatest availability.
• Broadway-Style Shows: Disney's live productions are among the most popular onboard experiences. Arrive early for the best seating, especially on sea days and shorter itineraries.
• Daily Schedule: Character appearances, family activities, trivia, movies, deck parties, youth activities, and entertainment change throughout the voyage. Review the Navigator App each evening to plan the following day.
• Onboard Messaging: Complimentary messaging through the Navigator App makes it easy for families and groups to stay in touch throughout the ship without purchasing an internet package.

Character Experiences

• Character Greetings: Meet classic Disney characters, Pixar favorites, Marvel Super Heroes, Star Wars characters, and Disney Princesses throughout your cruise. Schedules and locations are available in the Navigator App.
• Photo Opportunities: Professional photographers are available at many character greetings, allowing families to capture memorable vacation photos without rushing through the experience.
• Character Appearances: In addition to scheduled greetings, characters often appear during deck parties, sailaway celebrations, dining experiences, children's activities, and other surprise moments throughout the voyage.
• Dress Up & Autographs: Many children enjoy wearing Disney costumes and collecting autographs from their favorite characters. Bringing an autograph book from home is a fun way to create a lasting keepsake.

Youth Programs

• Disney Oceaneer Club: Designed for children ages 3 to 10, the Oceaneer Club features immersive themed spaces inspired by Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, along with supervised games, crafts, storytelling, and character experiences.
• Disney Oceaneer Lab: Available on select ships, the Oceaneer Lab combines interactive learning with Disney-themed play through creative activities, science experiments, games, and hands-on experiences.
• Edge: Created for tweens ages 11 to 14, Edge offers video games, music, themed events, sports, and supervised social activities in a space designed specifically for this age group.
• Vibe: Teens ages 14 to 17 have their own exclusive club featuring music, gaming, movies, dance parties, and organized activities while providing opportunities to socialize with other teens onboard.
• it's a small world nursery: Available for children from 6 months to 3 years of age, the nursery provides supervised childcare for an additional fee, allowing parents to enjoy adult-exclusive activities during the cruise.
• Secure Check-In: Disney uses secure check-in and check-out procedures for youth spaces, giving parents confidence while children participate in supervised activities.

Adult-Exclusive Areas

• Quiet Cove Pool: Guests ages 18 and older can relax at the Quiet Cove Pool, an adults-only retreat featuring comfortable loungers, whirlpools, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the family pool areas.
• Palo & Enchanté: Disney's adult-exclusive specialty restaurants offer premium dining experiences with exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and elegant surroundings. Availability varies by ship.
• Senses Spa & Salon: Enjoy massages, facials, salon services, thermal experiences, and a variety of spa treatments designed to help you relax and recharge during your vacation.
• Lounges & Nightlife: Disney ships feature adult-exclusive lounges, bars, live entertainment, trivia, music venues, and evening activities, providing adults with plenty of opportunities to unwind after family activities end for the day.
• Adults-Only Sun Deck: Many Disney ships include dedicated outdoor areas reserved exclusively for adults, creating a quiet place to relax while still enjoying beautiful ocean views.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• Internet Packages: Disney Cruise Line offers several internet package options ranging from basic web browsing to higher-speed plans that support streaming, video calls, and remote work. Available plans may vary by ship.
• Navigator App: The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App continues to function onboard for schedules, messaging, reservations, and many ship services without requiring the purchase of an internet package.
• Performance: Internet speeds have improved significantly across the fleet with expanded satellite connectivity, although performance varies depending on your ship's location, weather conditions, and the number of guests online.
• Private Destinations: Internet service is generally available while visiting Disney's private destinations, although speeds and coverage may vary compared with onboard service.
• Airplane Mode: Keep your mobile devices in Airplane Mode while at sea and connect only through the ship's Wi-Fi to avoid expensive international roaming charges.

Complimentary Extras

• Broadway-Style Entertainment: Disney Cruise Line is known for original Broadway-quality productions featuring Disney stories, elaborate costumes, stunning sets, and talented performers.
• First-Run Disney Movies: Watch the latest Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars films in the ship's movie theater, often while they're still showing in theaters on land.
• Character Greetings: Meet many of your favorite Disney characters throughout the cruise without paying extra for scheduled character experiences.
• Deck Parties: Sailaway celebrations, themed deck parties, and Pirate Night festivities are included on many Disney cruises and are among the line's most popular entertainment experiences.
• Soft-Serve Ice Cream: Complimentary self-serve soft-serve ice cream is available throughout much of the day, making it a favorite treat for both children and adults.
• Youth Clubs: Disney's Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, and Vibe are included for eligible age groups, with only the nursery carrying an additional fee.

Disembarking

• Express Departure: Guests carrying all of their own luggage may choose Express Departure, allowing them to leave the ship as soon as local authorities clear the vessel.
• Standard Departure: Guests placing luggage outside their stateroom the night before departure receive luggage tags with an assigned departure group. Wait in the designated public area until your group is called.
• Final Morning: Enjoy breakfast before leaving the ship, review your onboard account one final time, and make sure you've collected all personal belongings from your stateroom.
• Customs & Immigration: Many cruise terminals now use facial recognition technology to speed arrival processing for eligible travelers. Guests traveling with passports often experience the quickest processing.
• Ground Transportation: Whether using Disney transfers, ride-share services, taxis, rental cars, or personal vehicles, review your transportation plans before leaving the terminal to help ensure a smooth trip home.
• Before You Leave: Before leaving your stateroom, check the safe, closets, drawers, charging outlets, bathroom, and under the bed one final time. Taking a few extra moments can help prevent accidentally leaving behind passports, medications, electronics, or other valuables.