Why should you do a Disney cruise
For the most part the entertainment on board is Disney themed - as you'd expect. Three West End style shows are performed on each cruise. Trivia quizzes tend to be Disney themed (though we have also done TV theme tune and music quizzes). Disney movies show in the onboard cinemas, including brand new releases. Adult entertainment will be more like what you get on other cruise lines, with comedians, game shows, and a wide range of musicians.
Naturally there are character meet and greets going on throughout the ships. Yes, you will have to queue but it is usually a shorter queue than you might have in the Disney Parks.
Dining on Disney is a rather unique experience where you are allocated a dining time and table, and then rotate throughout the three main dining rooms. Your serving team rotate with you, so they know who you are, what drinks you like, etc. This is a lovely touch. They may also do little magic tricks or give you puzzles to entertain your kids while you wait for your meals. Some of the dining rooms also have entertainment going on between courses.
Another thing that surprises people is that Disney Cruise Line is an excellent choice for cruisers sailing without children! When Disney say that they have adult areas they really do mean it and it is enforced more than other cruise lines in my experience. There are also sections of the ship which are out of bounds to children after 9pm, leaving the adults to enjoy the entertainment. This doesn't happen much on other cruise lines and is possible largely due to the fact that the kids clubs are open until later than other cruise lines. Disney was our first ever cruise and it was a bit of a culture shock when we then did a different cruise line and found kids running around in the bars late into the night!
Disney doesn't do drinks packages, which might be a shock to regular cruisers. Alcohol is bought on a pay-as-you-go basis, as is premium coffee and tea. But that's it. All of your soft drinks - including Coca Cola products and Minute Maid Lemonade - are free and available 24/7 on the pool deck.
Another nice thing I noticed is that if the ship docks slightly out of the centre of a town Disney will provide a free shuttle. This is something that you would pay for on other cruise lines.
So yes, it is expensive, but you do get what you pay for. Of course, it still may not be the cruise line for you, and that's okay. If you feel it is for you then get in touch and let me help you plan and book it. If you want to ask me about other cruise lines then also get in touch and I can help you find your perfect match.
