Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line - What’s Included (And What Isn’t) On A Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line

Amanda Rudham on 07 Nov 2025

If you are looking at Disney Cruise Line for your next holiday, one of the first questions you are likely to ask is: what do I actually get for my money? Disney cruises are not the cheapest option on the market, but they do include a great deal as standard. Understanding exactly what is and is not included helps you decide whether it is the right style of holiday for your family. As your personal Travel Counsellor, here is a clear breakdown so you know what to expect before you sail.

What Is Included on A Disney Cruise?

Your Stateroom

Your accommodation on board is fully included:

  • Thoughtfully designed family‑friendly cabins
  • Daily housekeeping and evening turndown service
  • Most cabins come with clever storage and practical touches like split bathrooms on many ships, which make getting ready much easier for families

You can choose from Inside, Oceanview, Verandah (Balcony)  and Suite / Concierge options. The grade you pick affects the price, but once on board, the core experience is the same.

Main Meals and Casual Dining

Disney is very generous when it comes to food that is included with your cruise. You can expect:

  • Rotational dining in the main restaurants: You move between different themed restaurants during your cruise, but your serving team travels with you, so they get to know your preferences.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining rooms or casual venues
  • Buffet / marketplace style restaurant for relaxed, come‑as‑you‑are meals
  • Poolside grills and quick‑service counters serving favourites like burgers, pizzas and salads
  • Room service to your Stateroom

You can order as much or as little as you like from the main menus, and dietary needs are very well catered for.

Most Soft Drinks

The drinks situation on Disney is a little different from some other cruise lines and often pleasantly surprises people. Included in the cruise fare you will  find:

  • Soft drinks from self‑service fountains in designated locations on board
  • Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water and some juices at the buffet and with main meals

Alcoholic drinks, speciality coffees and bottled drinks are extra, but there is no pressure to purchase packages if you are happy with the included options.

World‑class Entertainment

This is where Disney really shines, and it is all included:

  • Broadway‑style theatre shows featuring Disney stories and characters
  • Deck parties and sail‑away celebrations
  • Character meet‑and‑greets with Mickey, Minnie and friends, plus princesses and other favourites
  • Live music, quizzes and family game shows in the lounges
  • Movies in the onboard cinema and often Disney films under the stars on the pool deck

You can pack your days with entertainment without spending a penny extra.

Kids’ Clubs and Teen Spaces

Children’s facilities are a major highlight of a Disney cruise and are included in the fare:

  • Supervised kids’ clubs split by age, with imaginative themed spaces and activities
  • Tween and teen lounges designed just for older children and teenagers
  • Family activities like crafts, trivia and game sessions that you can do together

You can drop children off for supervised sessions while you enjoy grown‑up time, knowing they are entertained and well looked after.

Pools and Recreation

There is no additional charge to enjoy:

  • Family pools, splash areas and waterslides
  • Adult‑only pool area on most ships
  • Sports courts and fitness centre
  • Running track and some organised fitness activities

Some special attractions on specific ships may have virtual queues or time slots, but they do not usually carry an extra fee.


What Is Not Included In A Disney Cruise?

Travel To and From the Port

Your cruise fare does not include:

  • Flights or rail travel to the embarkation port
  • Private or shared transfers between airport, hotel and port
  • Pre‑ or post‑cruise hotel stays

This is where I can be especially helpful, as I can package flights, transfers and hotels around your sailing to create a smooth, stress‑free itinerary.

Alcoholic drinks and speciality coffees

You will pay extra for:

  • Alcoholic beverages such as wine, cocktails, beer and spirits
  • Speciality coffees and teas, smoothies and certain premium soft drinks
  • Drinks in bars and lounges

Prices are comparable with quality resorts, and you pay as you go. If you enjoy a drink but are mindful of budget, we can look at strategies to manage onboard spend.

Speciality and Adults‑only Dining

Most dining is included, but there are:

  • Adults‑only signature restaurants that carry a supplementary charge
  • Occasionally, premium dining experiences or tasting menus at an extra cost

These are completely optional and ideal as a special treat, date night or celebration.

Port Adventures / Shore Excursions

When the ship is in port, you can:

  • Book organised shore excursions through the cruise line at an additional cost
  • Explore independently, arranging your own sightseeing

Excursions range from simple beach transfers to more in‑depth cultural tours and adventurous activities. I can help you budget for these in advance and choose options that suit your family.

Spa Treatments and Salon Services

Pampering is not included in the fare:

  • Spa treatments such as massages, facials and body wraps
  • Salon services like blow‑dries, manicures and barber services
  • Access to any thermal suites or spa relaxation areas that require a pass

Prices are usually in line with high‑end hotel spas.

Onboard Shopping and Photos

Additional spending to be aware of includes:

  • Souvenirs and gifts from onboard shops
  • Professional photos taken by the ship’s photographers
  • Some special photo packages or character experience photos

I can guide you on how to set a realistic onboard budget so these extras remain treats rather than surprises.

Internet

Wi‑Fi is not usually included as standard:

  • Internet packages are available at an additional cost
  • Speeds and pricing vary, and I can share up‑to‑date information at the time of booking so you can decide what you need

Many families choose to embrace the chance to disconnect, but if you need to work or stay closely in touch, we will factor this into your plans.

Gratuities / Service Charges

Disney operates a structured gratuity system:

  • Recommended gratuities for key crew members are usually added to your onboard account or can be prepaid
  • Gratuities on bar drinks, spa services and speciality dining are normally added automatically

I will explain the current gratuity guidelines when I prepare your quotation so you know exactly what to expect and can choose whether to prepay.


Is a Disney Cruise Good Value?

Disney fares can look higher at first glance compared with some other cruise lines, but it is important to compare like for like. When you factor in:

All meals in main restaurants and casual venues

Superb entertainment and kids’ clubs

Character experiences and shows you would pay separately for on land

Quality of service and family‑friendly design

Many families find that a Disney cruise represents excellent value for a premium, highly memorable holiday.

How I Can Help You Decide

Every family is different, and there is no one‑size‑fits‑all approach. As your personal Travel Counsellor I can:

  • Talk through what is most important to you: characters, ports of call, school holiday dates, cabin type and budget
  • Give you a clear picture of the true cost: including gratuities, likely onboard spend and any local charges
  • Create a complete package with flights, transfers and pre‑ or post‑stay hotels
  • Take care of the details and be here to support you before, during and after you sail

If you are curious about a Disney cruise and want to know what it would cost for your family on specific dates, just get in touch and I will create a tailored proposal for you.

Ready to explore the magic of Disney at sea? Contact me today to start planning your Disney Cruise Line holiday.






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