Sailing on the Disney Wish

Itineraries:

Disney Cruise itineraries are available all over the world—Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and even Australia. I’d recommend starting with a short Caribbean cruise that includes one of Disney’s private islands if you’ve never cruised before.

Boarding:

The embarkation process took about 30 minutes—you’ll wait until your reservation time is called (you’ll choose this time at check in, 30 days before sailing), and then proceed through security and check in, where your passport will be checked. You’ll check any large luggage and that will be delivered to your stateroom within a few hours. You are welcome to explore the ship and start eating as soon as you board. I’d recommend stopping by the kids club open house to get your child registered right after boarding.

What to pack:

Bring comfortable, casual clothes for walking around the ship, bathing suites, lots of sunscreen and dresses/polos/button up shirts for dinners. There’s usually one formal night, but it’s still somewhat casual. If your children like to dress up, many kids were wearing princess dresses or other Disney character costumes. The Wish also has a pirate night so you may want to pack a hat or eye patch for the themed party.

The ship:

The Wish ship set sail in 2022, so it’s a gorgeous ship with modern design. You’ll rotate between three themed dining rooms: 1923, Arendelle and World of Marvel. Dining times are 5:45 or 8:15—make sure to book early if you have young kids and need the early dining. There’s also a market with servers that offers quick service food options, as well as casual quick service food on the pool deck. If you’ve ever had the quick service offerings at the Disney parks, this food is much better!

The Grand Hall; The Bayou Club

Entertainment and activities:

There are endless things to do on the Disney Wish! The Oceaneer Kids Club (ages 3-10) has multiple rooms from the superhero academy to a star wars room to a cozy princess cottage. Kids will be given a magic band and will scan into the club where they will be required to wash their hands. Parents receive a notification on the app when their child requests a pick up. There are also spaces for tweens and teens and a nursery for babies that needs to be booked in advance. The ship has two movie theaters as well as a large, two story theater for Broadway style shows. The shows vary based on the ship, but the Wish features The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Both shows were incredible and a highlight of the cruise. There are also multiple pools, a large water slide (must be 42’), a gym and a splash pad for children who are not potty trained.

The Oceaneer Kids Club; The adults only deck on the Disney Wish

Ports:

Ports of call will vary based on the itinerary you choose. A highlight of Disney Cruise line is their two private islands: Lighthouse Point and Castaway Key. We visited Castaway Key where there is a sandy kids club, snorkeling lagoon (extra cost), water slides and three beautiful beaches. There are two food venues on the island (lunch is included) and multiple bars as well as an adults-only beach. I’d highly recommend choosing an itinerary with a visit to a private island to enjoy a beautiful Caribbean beach without having to purchase a shore excursion.

Dining at 1923; Deluxe Balcony Cabin

Additional costs:

Included in the fare is the kids club, all meals, non-alcoholic drinks such as milk and soft drinks, all shows and many activities on the ship. You can also choose to pre-pay gratuities for your servers and cabin attendant. A few things that cost extra: shore excursions, alcohol, WIFI, fitness class, the adults-only steakhouse and the sweets shop.

Thanksgiving through spring break are the most popular times to cruise in the Caribbean and will have the best weather. Fall cruises during hurricane season often come with a lower price tag and ships can sometimes navigate around smaller storms. Disney also offers ‘Halloween on the High Seas’ sailings that are extra spooky. Make sure you book with me for more tips and help with pre-cruise accommodations and transfers.

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