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Is a Disney Cruise Worth It? Our first-time experience.

Is a Disney Cruise Worth It? Our first-time experience.

A Magical Family Getaway: Our 3-Night Bahamian Cruise with Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Wish

When it comes to creating unforgettable family vacations, Disney Cruise Line knows how to deliver magic on the high seas. Our recent 3-night Bahamian cruise was no exception. From the moment we stepped onboard the Disney Wish to our final farewell, every moment was packed with fun, relaxation, and the signature Disney magic that makes these cruises so special. I know most people think that Disney Parks & Cruises are for younger kids, but our teenager had the best time! Here’s a look at our experience:

Setting Sail on the Disney Wish

Our adventure began in Port Canaveral, Florida. We chose to drive instead of fly for this vacation and decided to use Park Port Canaveral over parking at the terminal. It’s a quick, 5 minute shuttle to the ship and was much better pricing than parking at the terminal. Check-in was easy, but boarding was delayed due to weather. Once we were able to board, we were welcomed as a family as we entered the grand atrium. You can choose how your family is announced!

We were thrilled with our stateroom, a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which was both spacious and thoughtfully designed. The split bathroom layout made getting ready a breeze, and I loved the signature Disney touches—like character-themed décor. Our room was Sleeping Beauty themed. To see a quick tour of the stateroom, click here.

Day 1: Exploring the Ship and Setting Sail

Once onboard, we took time to explore the ship. Highlights included the food, the AquaMouse water coaster, and Vibe, a dedicated space for teenagers aged 14 to 17 where they can socialize, watch movies, listen to music, and play games with other teens in their age group. Not to mention the adult only areas if you need to find some quiet areas.

That evening, we dined at Arendelle. While we ate, characters from Frozen performed and mingled with guests.. The food was delicious, and the experience was pure Disney magic. After dinner, Brody headed back to Vibe and me and Lewis checked out the offerings at Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge.

Day 2: Nassau, Bahamas

Our first port of call was Nassau, where we opted for a quick visit through the local market, and returned to the ship to make the most of the quieter pools and lower wait times for the AquaMouse.

For families seeking adventure, Disney offers excursions like snorkeling, dolphin encounters, and tours of historic sites. There’s truly something for everyone.

There are also newly released movies available to watch onboard. So we caught the afternoon showing of Kingdom of Planet of the Apes. That one may not be for everybody, but we like those movies.

Dinner that night was at 1923. The restaurant is named after the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, and is a tribute to the golden age of animation. This restaurant had my favorite food of all the rotational dining options.

Tonight was also Pirate Night. Pirate Night is a fun celebration, complete with a show and fireworks at sea. Make sure to see the characters in their pirate costumes!

Day 3: Castaway Cay—Disney’s Private Island

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a host of activities made it a day to remember. Brody spent most of the day at Teen Hideout, the special area on the island for teens. The counselors will have soccer games, beach volleyball and whatever else the teens want to play.

Lunch was a barbecue feast provided by Disney. There are quite a few excursions that you can book for this day, but since it was our first time on the island, we wanted to explore. Me and Lewis leisurely completed the 5k, climbed to the top of the observation tower and spent time at the adult beach. On our way back to the ship, Lewis played in a basketball game and we shopped for souvenirs.

Dinner for our last night was at Worlds of Marvel. This is an interactive dining experience and we had a visit from Spider-Man!

Evening Entertainment

The evenings were just as enchanting. There are Broadway-style shows and movie nights under the stars. You can also find trivia and other activities.

Why Choose a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruise Line goes above and beyond to create a seamless and magical experience. Here’s why we’d recommend this cruise:

  • Exceptional Service: The crew’s attention to detail and dedication to guest happiness is unparalleled.

  • Family-Friendly Fun: From kids’ clubs to adult-exclusive areas, there’s something for everyone.

  • Entertainment: Disney’s world-class shows, character meet-and-greets, and themed events are unmatched.

  • All-Inclusive Convenience: Meals, entertainment, and many activities are included, making it easy to budget.

Tips for Planning Your Disney Bahamian Cruise

  1. Book Early: Disney cruises are popular, and staterooms fill up quickly.

  2. Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App: It’s an essential tool for planning your day and keeping track of activities.

  3. Pack Pirate Night Costumes: The themed evening is more fun when everyone dresses up.

  4. Take Advantage of Castaway Cay: Plan your activities ahead to make the most of this stunning destination.

  5. Use a Travel Advisor: From understanding what documents you need to sail, to knowing which ship and itinerary are right for your family, a travel advisor is a must!

Final Thoughts

Our 3-night Bahamian cruise with Disney Cruise Line was everything we hoped for and more. It was the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and Disney magic. Whether you’re a Disney fan or just looking for a family-friendly cruise, this experience is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. We say it was definitely worth it!

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Ready to plan your own Disney Cruise Line adventure? Let my friends at About the Memories Travel get you there. Let the magic begin!

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