A Magical 7-Night Disney Fantasy Cruise

Day one: Welcome aboard

From the moment we arrived, the process was seamless, with a cheerful staff and meticulous organization. By packing swimsuits and sunscreen in our carry-on (pro tip!), we had immediate access to the pools and endless soft-serve ice cream, which the kids devoured with gusto. The “Sail Away” party set the tone for the trip, with music, dancing and a contagious energy. Dinner at Royal Palace that evening introduced us to our dedicated dining team, who would soon feel like part of the family.

Day two: Sea day

Our first sea day had something for everyone. While the kids splashed on the Aquaduck water coaster — a ship highlight — I marveled at the production of Disney’s Aladdin, where the Genie stole the show. Afterward, the kids explored the kids’ club while we enjoyed a gourmet tasting menu at Remy, complete with wine pairings that were as thoughtful as the dishes themselves. Even though Disney is a family-centric cruise line, they do a fabulous job of separating adult experiences from family experiences.

Day three: Cozumel

Cozumel brought turquoise waters and sunshine. At Chankanaab, we swam with dolphins, an experience that had even my hesitant youngest child smiling. The day was full of moments — petting manatees, lounging in a private cabana with tacos in hand and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Watching the kids marvel at sea creatures made it all the more special.

Day four: Grand Cayman

Having already explored Grand Cayman on previous trips, we opted for a ship day instead. With the decks nearly empty, we basked in solitude. Character meet-and-greets with no lines and the pirate-themed party — complete with a fireworks display — brought excitement to an otherwise low-key day.

Day five: Jamaica

In Jamaica, we made a spontaneous choice to visit Iberostar Rose Hall, an all-inclusive resort that offers day passes. The kids loved the water park and swim-up bar, while we soaked up the sun with plates of authentic jerk chicken. Back on the ship, dinner at Palo was a nice treat, highlighted by the famous chocolate soufflé that once again lived up to its reputation. Jamaica reminded me how fun it is to embrace spur-of-the-moment decisions.

Day six: Sea day

Our last sea day had a great offering of activities. From cheering on the Jack Jack diaper dash — the cutest race I’ve ever seen — to dancing at a silent disco, we packed the day with fun. The evening’s performance of Frozen left us spellbound, and dinner at Enchanted Garden was full of fun magic tricks from our fabulous dining team.

Day seven: Castaway Cay

This itinerary saved the best for last with a stop at Castaway Cay. We secured prime beach spots early and spent the day snorkeling, sipping coconut drinks and meeting some of our favorite characters. While the kids played at the island’s kids’ club, the adults retreated to Serenity Bay for a serene afternoon at the adults-only beach. The island’s pristine beauty felt like a fitting farewell.

Essentials to bring:

Packing for a Disney cruise requires some strategic planning. Here are a few must-haves:

• Swimsuits: Pack multiple per person, as you'll likely be in the water daily.

• Pirate Night Attire: Bring pirate costumes or themed accessories for the onboard pirate party.

• Comfortable Shoes: Ideal for excursions and navigating the ship.

• Waterproof Bag: Perfect for beach days or excursions like snorkeling.

• Refillable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated on and off the ship.

Additional costs:

While Disney cruises include lots of amenities, there are some additional costs to be aware of:

• Gratuities: Tips for dining and housekeeping staff are not included in the fare, but added to the onboard account before disembarking.

• Adult Dining: Specialty restaurants like Remy and Palo have an additional charge.

• Excursions: Activities like dolphin swims and snorkeling trips are not included.

• Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees come at an extra cost.

• Wi-Fi: Internet access packages are available but are not included in the base fare.

Book onboard activities early, as they fill up quickly. For truly first-class service, consider booking a concierge room. Also, midship staterooms usually have the smoothest sailing experience.

Don’t miss the Broadway-style shows, Pirate Night fireworks and Castaway Cay’s snorkeling trail. Adults should also try dining at Remy or Palo for a luxurious meal to decompress.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Florida page.