Here Are the Basics of Disney Cruise Line

Last month, a reader asked for guidance with their first Disney Cruise Line booking. While I’m hopeful this individual took advantage of the all the info provided by DVC Fan to answer their questions, I realized I was long overdue to write a cruise guide. Here are the basics of Disney Cruise Line for DVC members. 

What Is Disney Cruise Line?

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company decided to stop licensing its name to another cruise company. Thus, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) was born, although the maiden voyage wouldn’t occur until 1998. So, Disney’s official cruise business is roughly a quarter-century old. 

Initially, Disney’s “fleet” consisted of just two ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. In 2011 and 2012, DCL’s popularity led to the introduction of the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. The first two vessels could host up to 2,700 passengers, while the newer, larger ships expanded maximum occupancy to 4,000. 

That quick growth underscores the immediate popularity of Disney cruises. Tourists loved that they could take family vacations around the world while protected by the Disney brand. Not coincidentally, DCL frequently wins awards and honors as the family-friendly cruise line. 

What differentiates DCL is the sheer volume of itineraries available. For example, in the summer of 2025 alone, you can take Disney cruises to Alaska, Europe, and the Eastbound Transatlantic. Two of those options allow you to visit multiple countries during a dream vacation. 

Even better, you’re ensconced in the warmth of the Disney Bubble the whole time. DVC has purchased two private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay as a way of extending the Disney aura to its most popular cruises. 

That statement also explains the surging popularity of Disney cruises. While we all treasure theme park vacations, DVC fans know how hectic those can be. On a Disney cruise, you receive the same world-class treatment but with a more pampered, relaxed experience. You primarily eat, drink, shop, and play. 

What Should You Know about Disney Cruises?

This open-ended question comes with many answers. As a DVC member, you should understand a few basics, though. 

The first is that you can exchange your DVC Points for cruises. However, I’ll say the same thing about this transaction that I did when Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened. It’s a terrible use of your points. 

You can verify this by glancing at the DVC Points Chart. Please remember that DCL presumes double occupancy, so you must double the points for everything listed here. The thought of that probably gave you sticker shock. DVC Fan agrees with you.

Fortunately, you’ll find a better option at DVC Rental Store. You can exchange your precious DVC Points for a cruise. Plus, you’ll discover a far superior exchange rate. 

Once you have the business side of the conversation worked out, here are a few other important factors to consider. For starters, you’ll discover a plethora of booking options, with cruises lasting as little as three days or as much as…well, you’ll need more vacation time to fit in the longest cruises. Some last for 15 nights!

You’ll also need to decide where you want to go. Cruises travel to at least five different continents. With Adventures by Disney, you could actually do all seven, but that’s a side discussion. The point is that DCL will happily take you wherever you want. 

Let’s Talk Cruise Ship Experiences 

You should also evaluate the various cruise ships to identify your favorite. That’s easier said than done. Instinctively, you may choose one of the newest ships, the Disney Wish or the Disney Treasure. 

However, at least one travel expert prefers the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, the two oldest ships in the fleet. These vessels are smaller, more intimate, and feature a user-friendly design. 

Conversely, the Wish and Treasure offer state-of-the-art amenities. For example, the Wish hosts Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, an absolutely stunning bar. You’ll find glow drinks and a remarkable interstellar view while you hang out here.

The Treasure will up the ante with a new lounge based on Haunted Mansion! Also, another drinking area will offer a 20,000 Leagues under the Sea theme. 

What Is Rotational Dining?

Then, we have the rotational dining options. That’s a term that indicates you’ll eat at three different restaurants during your trip. Each night at dinner, you’ll rotate to a different meal. 

On the Wish, one of those restaurants is Worlds of Marvel, a dining experience that includes a mini-Marvel movie called Avengers: Quantum Encounter. 

Somehow, that’s not even the most popular option. Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Experience is a live show hosted by Oaken from the Frozen franchise. It’s a celebration of Queen Anna’s engagement to Kristoff. The restaurant features an in-the-round design so that you can watch the show from any table. It’s spectacular.

You’ll also have your choice of eating at one of the upscale restaurants. These dining experiences aren’t included with the cruise booking, meaning you must pay extra. Tourists consider these meals worth the price due to their glowing reviews. 

On the Disney Wish, the options include 1923, Palo Steakhouse, and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement. With 1923, you’ll celebrate the start of The Walt Disney Company via wall art and commemorative photos. Conversely, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement provides a luxurious dining take on Beauty and the Beast. Meanwhile, Palo Steakhouse is all about the fine dining experience itself. 

You’ll find variations on this premise across the DCL fleet. So, I’d strongly encourage you to do a bit of homework. You’ll want to decide which restaurants, lounges, and so forth fit your style. 

Disney Cruises Offer Even More 

You should know that every Disney cruise ship features live entertainment and so much more. We’re talking about shows based on Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, and several other of your Disney favorites. 

On the ships, you’ll also discover several pools, hot tubs, and even a luxury spa onboard. Disney will host character experiences and even nightly fireworks at sea. 

On all the cruise ships, you’ll find a waterslide that encompasses much of the vessel. The Wish takes the premise a step further by creating the AquaMouse, the first Disney attraction at sea. 

Finally, I’ll add that with Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point opening soon, DCL owns two different private islands now. So, you can decide whether you’d prefer to visit the classic location, Castaway Cay, or the new hotness, Lookout Cay. Of course, that presumes you’re traveling to this area rather than somewhere like Europe or Alaska. 

Given the above, you can tell that your options are plentiful. Disney cruises have vastly expanded their offerings recently, and the best is yet to come. I didn’t even mention the Disney Adventure, joining DCL in 2025. 

By the end of next year, DCL will operate seven cruise ships around the world. If you’re a DVC member who has never booked a cruise, you should speak with DVC Rental Store about a DVC Points exchange. You deserve to treat yourself to a relaxing, family-friendly cruise!