Is it Worth Splurging on a Disney Cruise for Your Next Family Vacation?

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aerial view of cruise ship

If you’re looking for a trip that will ensure everyone is entertained and taken care of, a family cruise is the way to go. Year after year, Disney Cruise Lines is consistently considered the best family cruise line. As of now, they have a total of five ships that guests can choose from: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. Between these five ships, you can find routes through Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, the Pacific Coast, and more. 



And while some cruises may cost as low as $171 for four nights, four nights on a Disney Cruise will typically cost a minimum of $1393. Despite coming with a big price tag, a Disney Cruise also comes with an abundance of unparalleled experiences and adventures. Whichever ship or destination you choose, you can count on delicious food, top-of-the-line live performances, luxury accommodations, and, of course, Disney-themed magic throughout.

Incomparable entertainment with Disney Cruise Lines

Group posing with Disney characters

From Disneyland to Pixar movies, if there is one thing the Walt Disney Company knows how to do, it is family entertainment. The Disney Cruise Line is another shining example of this. From the second they step on the ship, younger children will be in awe. Per usual, Disney ensures every detail imbues a magical atmosphere. Between the Disney-themed decor and life-size Disney characters roaming the deck, little ones are guaranteed to gush with excitement while onboard.

You can also expect exceptional live musical performances from top-tier talent at various times throughout the day and evening. You won’t have to worry about your kiddos getting bored, as many of these performances are interactive and will include appearances from their favorite Disney characters. Lots of these events also encourage kids to dress up in costume and join in on the fun. If you have a particular preference, you can even select entertainment-themed for Halloween, Christmas, Marvel, or Pixar. Another unbeatable feature of Disney Cruise Line is the imagination clubs. These are specially designed with activities appropriate to age groups between 3 and 17. You’ll find everything from nurseries with crafts for toddlers to social clubs with dance parties for teens. 

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Most importantly, you can rest assured knowing the Disney staff are experts, held to higher standards than competing cruise lines. If you are a parent looking for a little bit of a vacation of your own, Disney Cruise Lines is worth it.  

Amenities included and not included with Disney Cruise Lines

Snow White speaking to kids at dinner

Despite costing a pretty penny, Disney Cruise Lines goes above and beyond to make sure the value of your cruise exceeds expectations. This is especially true when it comes to dining. Unlike your typical cruise, you and your family will have a plethora of dining rooms to choose from. Whether you want to grab a quick Mexican dish at Donald’s Cantina or an upscale steak dinner at Palo, your cruise will fulfill your and your kids’ culinary dreams. Rather than attend the same dining hall throughout the journey, your Disney Cruise Line will provide rotational dining that takes you to a different, uniquely themed room each night. 



While on board with Disney, there is truly never a dull moment. Some meals may even include a Disney-themed show and characters that will visit you and the kids as you dine. Instead of eating just plain old dinner, you and your family will be attending Queen Anna and Kristoff’s engagement ceremony or sitting at Princess Tiana’s restaurant. 

Traveling with kids is not usually a breeze, but Disney Cruise Lines does everything it can to make it one. As a parent, trust us when we say you’ll be relieved that you paid the extra cost to go with Disney. Plus, you and your family will take home memories to cherish for a lifetime. That’s priceless.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.