All Aboard: Navigating Your Large Family on a Disney Cruise Vacation

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Advisor - Marilyn Fay
Curated By

Marilyn Fay

  • Cruises

  • Family Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Entertainment

  • Coastal

An aerial view of a white colored cruise ship on the water near an island.
Curator’s statement

Sailing through the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, each day brings a new tropical paradise to explore — from the unspoiled beaches of St. Kitts to the eclectic markets of St. Lucia. Yet, the adventure doesn't end on shore.

Enchantment awaits on board the magical ship; Disney has brought the magic kingdom to sea. Mom and Dad can enjoy a well-deserved break in your exclusive adult-only sections, where down time and relaxation await. Disney's outstanding accommodation for large families is a stand out feature. With spacious cabins and interconnected cabins tailored for extended family to join the fun. Disney ensures thought and care reaches into every corner of your experience. So, jump aboard with your entire family and let the magic steer the ship!

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Where to stay onboard

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Things to do onboard

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Itinerary: 10 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Ports of Call: St. John's, Antigua, Castries, St. Lucia, Roseau, Dominica, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Disney Castaway Cay.

St. John’s, Antigua:

The island has one beach for every day of the year - all 365 of them! Some popular ones include Half Moon Bay, famed for its crescent shape and pink sand, and Dickenson Bay offering a variety of water sports. Other notable beaches include Jolly Beach, Darkwood Beach and Runaway Beach.

Castries, St. Lucia:

Nestled on a beautiful harbor, Castries is the capital city of St. Lucia. It's the perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Here, travelers can: Visit Marigot Bay, considered one of the Caribbean's most beautiful spots, with its clear waters and palm-fringed beaches.

Go on a guided tour of the iconic twin peaks "The Pitons" – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the Castries Market for local arts, crafts, spices, and fresh produce.
Discover the beautiful Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall, showcasing the island's rich biodiversity.

Roseau, Dominica:

Located in Dominica's southwest coast, Roseau blends natural allure with rich cultural heritage. The capital city showcases its vibrant multicolored architecture amidst lush hills and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Roseau's deep historical roots and Creole-style homes. From its exotic culinary offerings to numerous eco-adventures, Roseau is truly a captivating destination in the heart of the Nature Isle.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands:

Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is an island paradise characterized by its white sandy beaches, lush green mountains, and historical sites. The harbored capital, Road Town, is a hub of Caribbean music, food and culture, markets and restaurants. The island is loved for its glorious sailing opportunities, with hidden coves and spectacular coral reefs, making it a premier destination for yacht charters and water sports, while its national park, Sage Mountain, offers stunning panoramas. A blend of British charm and Caribbean natural beauty, Tortola delivers unforgettable experiences at the heart of the BVI

Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, offers something for everyone:

  • Beaches: Serenity Bay is an adults-only beach, while the Family Beach is perfect for younger guests. You can access a range of water sports and activities.

  • Kids' Clubs: Scuttle's Cove is a child-friendly exploration site full of exciting activities, supervised by Disney staff.

  • Private Cabanas: For a more luxurious experience, beach cabanas equipped with a hammock, sun loungers, and a waiter service are available for rent.

  • Runner's Paradise: You can participate in the Disney Castaway Cay 5k run.

Onboard Activities and Attractions

  • Disney's Oceaneer Club: Kids can interact with Disney characters while immersing themselves in the creative and adventurous environment of club-themed areas.

  • Broadway-Style Shows: Experience award-winning musicals and Disney live shows in the evening, such as "The Golden Mickeys," "Aladdin" and "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular."

  • Goofy's Pool and AquaLab: Enjoy family-friendly pools, splash zones, and water slides.

  • Deck Activities: Participate in the deck parties and experience surprise visits from Disney characters.

  • Fireworks at Sea: Experience the magic of Disney with a fireworks display over the sea, weather permitting.

  • Character Experiences: Meet and take photos with some of your favorite Disney Characters! They appear at designated onboard locations.

  • Themed Dinners: Enjoy an immersive dining experience in the themed restaurants each evening, with your servers moving with you each night.

  • Movie Nights: Relax under the stars and enjoy ‘Funnel Vision’ – popular Disney movies played on the deck with the big screen.

  • Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Café: Adults can relax in this adults-only sanctuary with a refreshing beverage or specialty coffee while lounging by or in the pool.

Disney Kids Club

  • It's a Small World Nursery: This nursery caters to infants and toddlers aged six months to three years. The space is brightly colored and filled with soft toys, picture books, and interactive games. Staff provide extra care, offering activities like arts and crafts, storytelling, and movie time. This nursery allows the youngest cruisers to have fun in a safe and supervised environment. Extra charge and must be reserved in advance.

  • Disney's Oceaneer Club: A wonderland for kids aged three to 12 years. It's filled with countless creative activities and games that engage their imagination. Kids can interact with animated characters, play on themed playgrounds and participate in craft-making. The highlight is the Magic PlayFloor interactive platform, where children control the action using their own movements.

  • Disney's Oceaneer Lab: For children aged three to 12 years. It hosts a slew of educational and entertaining activities, including science experiments, cooking classes, and navigation simulations. Children enjoy hands-on activities.

  • Edge: Tailored for tweens aged 11 to 14. This club offers a wide array of activities, including video games, scavenger hunts, dance parties and more. There’s also a special section where tweens can watch movies or make their own videos with green screens.

  • Vibe: For teenagers aged 14 to 17, your teenagers can have fun and engage in activities specially designed for them. Vibe includes an indoor lounge and an outdoor deck, where teens can get a tan, chill with friends, or take part in trivia or pool parties. The indoor area has a variety of things, such as music, video games, a smoothie bar, and a dance floor.

Where to Stay

One Bedroom Concierge Class Suite

Experience unparalleled comfort and service in the Concierge One-Bedroom stateroom. Deluxe accommodation perfectly suited for a family of five. This spacious option features separate living and sleeping areas including a master bedroom with queen bed, a double convertible sofa, and a pull-down bed to comfortably accommodate everyone.

Elegantly appointed, this cabin brings you unmatched amenities like premium toiletries, a mini-fridge, and entertainment. Disney's dedicated Concierge service, designed to bring a touch of personalized luxury to your family holiday. From priority boarding to personal assistance throughout your voyage, every detail is handled. The Concierge One-Bedroom stateroom offers not just accommodation, but an elevated cruising experience that your family will treasure forever.

Places to eat & drink onboard

A picture of Disney pancakes with lemon water.

Animator's Palate:

This dinner-only dining restaurant offers a mix of Pacific Island foods, American cuisine, and healthy choices. It's a favorite for its interactive screens showcasing Disney characters.

Enchanted Garden:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Enchanted Garden resembles the beautiful gardens of Versailles. In addition to its awe-inspiring atmosphere, it serves a varied menu from seafood to pasta, salads and more.

Cabanas:

This Australian themed, laid-back dining location is perfect for buffet style breakfast and lunch. For dinner, it transforms into a table service restaurant serving a variety of dishes.

Royal Court:

If you're looking for a fine dining experience, the Royal Court is a must-visit. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with meals inspired by classic, continental and American dishes.

Room Service:

For those moments when you want to dine in comfort, the Disney Fantasy Ship provides 24-hour room service.

Places to Drink

Meridian Bar:

This bar serves a variety of cocktails and beverages. Located between Palo and Remy, it's an adult-only retreat and offers breathtaking views of the sea.

O'Gills Pub:

A traditional Irish pub and sports bar, it's the perfect place to relax, watch live sports broadcasts and enjoy a pint.

Skyline:

This lounge offers a comprehensive drink menu along with a panoramic city skyline view that changes every day.

Currents Bar:

Situated at the top deck, it's the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and Disney's world-class ship.

Cove Café:

The ideal place for a morning coffee or an afternoon cocktail, this café also serves pastries, muffins, cappuccinos and coffee.

Advisor - Marilyn Fay

Travel Advisor

Marilyn Fay

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, 3 Days to Relax, Restore, Renew in Tuscany, Italy.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on Cruise Travel.