A Guide to Disney Cruise Lines

Aside from your typical shore excursions, DCL offers a ton of things to do onboard. All ships offer an extensive water play area complete with slides. They also have several kids clubs available that come in handy when parents need a little break.

The "It's a Small World" nursery is for ages 6 months through 3 years.

The Oceaneer Club & Lab is for kids ages 3 through 12. Then there's the Edge for preteen ages 11-14, The Vibe for 14-17 year olds, and even the 1820 Society for 18-20 year olds looking to hang out with their peers.

The Fantasy & Dream offer an onboard scavenger hunt called the "Midship Detective Agency" which leads your detectives all over the ship to find clues to solve their mystery. The game is unique for each player and offers several different endings.

Bibbidi-Boppidi-Boutique offers a make over for your prince/princess or pirate. You have an option to purchase a costume or bring your own, and your child will be treated with make-up, hair and even painted nails.

For adult fun on board, there are plenty of bars, lounges, and clubs, which host trivia games, karaoke, bingo and even dance parties.

For extra pampering, head to the spa & fitness center for fresh juice, a massage or another relaxing treatment.

Disney works differently than most of the other major cruise lines when it comes to dining. On each ship, there are 3 main themed dining rooms.

Each family is assigned a specific rotation, and a serving team (head server, server, and assistant) will follow you on your rotation. Each nightly menu offers severals choices of appetizer, main course and dessert.

The meals are all you can eat, and Disney is excellent with food allergies and dietary restrictions. You just need to make any requests with your dining team.

In addition to the 3 main dining rooms, DCL offers several quick service options, a buffet, and for an additional charge, you can visit their adult only, fine dining options. There are specialty coffee shops on board offering pastries, and some of the ships even have an ice cream shop on board.

The ice cream shops are an additional charge, but all ships offer free soft serve stations on the pool decks for everyone to enjoy.

A Disney cruise fan favorite is always Castaway Cay. Disney's private island is full of adventure, with activities like parasailing, snorkeling, water slides, and play grounds.

There is always something for everyone. The beaches are clean and offer tons of areas to lounge. They even offer beachside drink service, shops to buy souvenirs and a BBQ buffet. There are also several soft serve machines available for the guests.

For adults who would like some peace and serenity away from the little ones, there is an adult-only beach on the far side of the island with its own dining and bar options.