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1st time on DCL…worried about Sea Sickness!

Thread starter Polynesian27
Start date Jul 24, 2022

Polynesian27

Mouseketeer.

Jul 24, 2022

Hi All, so my wife and I and three kiddos are set to go on our very first cruise for 3 nights on the Wish. I’m really nervous about getting sea sick and thought I should turn to the experts for your best advice on how to prevent getting sick! As a first time cruiser this is my biggest fear and never being on a cruise before I have no idea of how my body will react! Can you even feel the waves? Any advice you can share on medication and stateroom locations with the least amount of movement would be so appreciated!! Thanks so much!

Jul 25, 2022

I liked 1/2 tablet Bonine at dinner time, starting the night before the cruise and using SeaBands to help. Bonine is non drowsy but I tested it at home a few weeks before the cruise with 1 tablet at night and was SO drowsy the next day. I tried it again and a 1/2 tablet was much better for me. Mid ship you’ll be less likely to feel the motion compared to the front and aft of the ship.

Question anything the facts don't support.

If you start feeling ill, go immediately to the Medical Center for motion sickness drugs. Don't let it ruin your trip No way to tell how individuals are going to react to the motion of the ship. Modern ships have stabilizers, and have little motion compared to ships without stabilizers. My first cruise was on a small, 450 passenger ship in very rough seas. There were 12 of us in my group, 2 were bothered by the motion, the remaining 10, including myself had no issues

i2ndshenanigans

Earning my ears.

My wife and kids get sea sick. Every time we went out on smaller boats they were miserable. I grew up in the north east and spent some time out at sea on fishing boats so I almost never get sea sick. Really only get sea sick when I’m already sick and go out on a fishing trip and it’s always just minor nausea. We did our first cruise at the end of June and had everything to prevent seasickness. Neither my wife nor kids had a single problem. Lots of folks I talked to said most don’t get sea sick on larger ships since they have stuff to counter the rocking. We showed up with ginger candies, the wristbands, the patch and Dramamine. Didn’t have to use any of it. From what I was reading the sea bands are very popular and the patch is too. Some folks did have issues with the patch making them or their kids sick.

dreamer17555

Dis veteran.

Whatever you take try it out on land first. The patches made myself and my daughter very sick. We have done much better with nondrowsy Dramamine and pressure point bracelets similar to see bands but a little more stylish.

JoeFromSeoul

Joe - now back in seoul.

My wife and daughter both suffer from motion sickness, but my son and I don’t. Every cruise all four of us start the day with a Bonine, beginning one day before. They are chewable and taste like raspberry. We have had smooth cruises, so I don’t know if the lack of problems was due to the smooth sailing or because of the Bonine. Either way, I’m a believer.

Question first: do you get motion sick on rides at Disney, or on long car rides? If your answer is no, then you are less likely to get seasick. Still no guarantee, but it might ease your anxiety.

Only 10% of cruisers get seasick under normal conditions. Like PP said, they are probably the same people that are susceptible to get motion sickness on land, in cars or theme park ride. There are some zones and weather conditions that will make the ship move more than usual. The captain tries to limit those situations by going around bad weather or going slower but it is not always possible. For those occasions, always bring medication that you have tried out before on land, like Bonine, and use it the second you feel you might get sick. I truly believe that having anxiety about motion sickness is a major risk factor. If you can, don’t talk about it too much in front of the kids, outside of simply mentioning to talk to you if they feel queasy. I also believe that stateroom location has little impact on you getting sick or not. If the ship hits bad weather, you will feel the extra movement all over the ship, at any time of the day. The logic is that a central and low location will result in you feeling less movement if you are in your room, but the downside of staterooms in that location is that they are oceanview and inside staterooms, without access to a balcony.

On our first cruise (Alaska) we discovered our then 16 yr old got seasick. We used the free meclizine chewables from a bin outside of health services to help her. I used Dramamine naturals--ginger pills the first couple days until I had my sea legs. My 12 yr old and DH were fine. Second cruise (Baltic Sea) my oldest started taking Bonine (meclizine) the night before we boarded. Third cruise (Western Caribbean), same thing. I also needed a Bonine in the first couple days (and ginger some other days) and by day 3, my 18 yr old also needed it-- lots of teens around us at dinner felt motion sick after leaving Cozumel. My kids wear seabands às well. Bonine works great, and is non drowsy, but we try to take it at night just in case it makes anyone a little drowsy. If anyone is motion sick on the ship, ask for green apples as they help calm the stomach. I do think you'll be fine. Bring Bonine just in case, ginger candies, seabands. No need to self medicate ahead of time if you don't know how you'll react. I think the first day/nt is the worst as your body adjusts to being at sea and the ship is going 20-21 knots to get to the first port. For a 3 nt, the next nt shouldn't be too bad--Nassau and Castaway are pretty close to each other. Check with the pediatrician as to what they recommend for the kids. Bonine is for age 12+.

The Mommy Fairy

I get horribly seasick on DCL and never have a problem on rides, planes and automobiles. So I do recommend being prepared—sometimes the ocean is just different. Bonine works really well. Take some with you and if anyone starts yo get woozy take it. Midship staterooms make a huge difference (aft is second best. Forward is the absolute worst for ship motion).

On our four night we all took Bonine the morning before we boarded, and also had the partches behind the ear. We took additional Bonnie at least the first day or two, then stopped. It wasn’t until the last dinner that we started getting a little queazy. Every time we looked down at the menu we could feel it. As soon as we looked up, the feeling went away. I went down to the infirmary while we waited for our entrees and they had tablets outside the door. I think it was the same ingredients as Bonine. Took the tablets and felt fine the remainder of the trip. I’ve already packed Bonine, Seabands and Ginger gum. I think the strategy is to start some kind of treatment before boarding, keep up with it, and treat any discomfort immediately. We had what would be considered calm seas the entire trip and didn’t feel any motion in our room, even at night. We were midship, deck 8.

ladyofthetramp

My son got sea sick when he was younger. We found the seabands worked like a charm for him.

MomOTwins said: I get horribly seasick on DCL and never have a problem on rides, planes and automobiles. So I do recommend being prepared—sometimes the ocean is just different. Bonine works really well. Take some with you and if anyone starts yo get woozy take it. Midship staterooms make a huge difference (aft is second best. Forward is the absolute worst for ship motion). Click to expand...

Cheburashka

Do not take medicine before getting onboard, because you don't know how your body will react to sailing, and you don't want to medicate if it isn't necessary (might cause side effects). A lot of people, including myself, experience motion sickness in other situations, but not on cruise ships, which are huge and have good stabilizers. Bring anti-nausea medication with you, and take it if you start to feel queasy.

racingfandj

The only thing I can add that hasn't already been stated is when you start feeling it, don't go hide in your cabin. Get outside where you can see the horizon and get some fresh air.

Karin1984 said: Question first: do you get motion sick on rides at Disney, or on long car rides? If your answer is no, then you are less likely to get seasick. Still no guarantee, but it might ease your anxiety. Click to expand...

GoingSince1990

The scopalamine patch works brilliantly for me. Only side-effect is a slightly dry mouth.

Disney-loving Mom!

GoingSince1990 said: The scopalamine patch works brilliantly for me. Only side-effect is a slightly dry mouth. Click to expand...

I don’t get sea sick on DCL in “normal” seas. I have gotten seasick during rougher weather and while sailing very fast. I take ginger pills daily and Bonine if I start feeling nauseous.

Jul 26, 2022

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How to Avoid Sea-sickness on Your Disney Cruise

Last Updated on February 6, 2020

Cruise tips: How to prevent seasickness on a cruise. Things to wear and things to eat that can help with and be remedies for motion sickness and seasick on the cruise ship or on a shore excursion boat. Also what cabins and staterooms are the best to avoid seasickness and getting sea sick. Food and snacks, ginger candy natural remedies for nausea, ear patches, wristbands. Add to checklist of cruise packing list for what to pack for a cruise.. #cruise #cruisetips

There is little better in life than sitting back and enjoying a cruise on the open sea. From the fun onboard activities to the amazing locations, there’s a lot to love about traveling on a Disney cruise.

However, the last thing you want is for your wonderful cruise interrupted by sea-sickness.

Ask Your Health Care Professional

Allergy medication and other medications sold over the counter should be supplemented with expert advise from your doctor. We sometimes take for granted that these drugs are right there and easily purchased and used based on the description on the label.

There can be serious side-effects or allergic to some medications. Expert advi ce from your doctor is an important step in staying healthy on holiday.

What is Motion Sickness?

Without getting too scientific, or graphic, motion sickness is when your body and eyes can’t agree on what is happening around you and your brain is confused. There are many theories as to why your brain reacts this way, but everyone can agree on how the brain reacts.

But why? Why does looking out into the gently rocking ocean cause your body such distress?

If we all think back to high school science class, vomiting is the body’s natural defense mechanism against poisons and other intruders. When your body and eyes can’t agree on what is happening to you, you brain believes you are hallucinating. And why would a perfectly healthy individual suddenly start hallucinating? Because they have been poisoned, so says your brain.

And there is no talking your brain down either. Once she gets an idea in her head (no pun intended), there is no going back. Remedies, time and avoidance are the only way to clear up the confusion and get back on track.

The following remedies will help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness until your body has a chance to adjust to its new surroundings and level itself off.

If you are inclined to motion sickness but want to ensure an enjoyable cruise, here are a few ways to avoid getting seasick on your cruise

Some Common Prevention

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you need to take sea-sickness medicine before you feel sick, other wise it won’t be effiective.

Motion sickness medication is not 100% effective. You can still feel the effects just maybe to a lesser extent.

Be sure to pack enough for the length of your trip but if you need more, the gift shop and the Medical stations will be able to help you out.

Avoid the Portholes

Looking out the portholes was disorienting. The theory behind this remedy is perception; watching the motion in the ocean while your body stays relatively still (because Cruises are equipped with amazing stabilizers these days), your brain is confused and the result is nausea.

Fresh air and steering clear of the disorienting portholes. By getting outside, your body can have a more encapsulating feeling of moving with the waters you are looking at. If your brain believes your body is moving along with what you are looking at, it is no longer confused. This is called The Sensory Conflict Theory.

Hydrate Often ; Stick to soothing beverages

Stay away from any drinks with carbonation. If the lack of flavor is an issue for you try Mio or another water additive.

Peppermint and ginger are both known to calm upset stomach

Avoid Over Indulging

Any child will tell you, eating too much only makes your tummy ache worst, not better. Stick to starchy foods like soda crackers, bread, and rice. They will help absorb gastric acid and settle a queasy stomach. Carry a few packets of soda crackers around to munch on during the day and keep a few next to your nightstand at night.

You will want to eat small, plain meals throughout the day. Green apples, saltines, and ginger (in the form of a pill, powder, tea) are all natural stomach soothers. It is a good idea to avoid fatty foods or those high in salt and sugar, and avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to sailing. These will give your stomach the best chances of beating body’s urge to be sick.

Focus on the Fun

Focusing your attention, ie your Brain, on the fun that you are trying to have, and not wallowing in the fun that you are missing out on, will help distract you from your nausea.

In order to maxmize on fun, one needs to avoid the Cabin. To acclimate to shipboard life and get those sea legs working, it is best to spend as much time as possible outside on deck .

Avoid Becoming Anxious

Worrying about how your family doing without you, that you are missing out on all the fun, or anything else that you can possibly worry about while on a Disney Cruise, will only make things worse.

Being anxious in and of itself can bring on nausea, so if you can’t join in on the fun, at least try to relax and make the best of the situation.

Stateroom Location

The best location for a stateroom if you suffer from motion sickness is the middle of the ship. This is where you get maximum stabilization (??) and will feel the least ocean movements. After being queasy all day, a good nights sleep should help take the edge off.

Length of Cruise

Longer cruises, and on bigger ships, are often the most stable in terms of rocking. Cruise ships, Disney included, like to spend their money where they know they will get a great return on investment. Adding their best stabilizers on their larger ships, as well ships intended to take longer cruises will have the maximum impact on their bottom line.

Although, this doesn’t mean we suggest booking a 10 day cruise right away. If you aren’t sure that you, or someone in your party, will be able to handle such a long cruise and potentially be ill for the majority of it (or all of it), we would suggest starting off slow. Research which ships have the best specs and book one of their shorter cruises. They tend to rotate a few of the shorter routes from time to time.

Avoid Multiple Days at Sea

Being able to get off the ship and relax your stomach is a great way to slowly acclimate to life on board. One day at sea may be all you can handle, and that’s ok. Because you have tomorrow at Castaway Cay to look forward to.

Excursion Planning

Plan to spend as much time as possible off of the ship. A docked ship is still in the water, and still rocks with the ocean. Get off the ship as soon as you can, and don’t get back on until you absolutely have to. This way, you can maximize your land-based relaxation and fun. Who knows, this may have been the quick break your body needed to get its act together and finally give you some relief.

Avoid Powers of Suggestion

Please ask your friends and family to stop asking you how you are doing, pointing out that you look sickly or anything remotely suggesting that you could be or are showing signs of sea-sickness.

The mind is a powerful thing, after all, and that little nudge could be the difference between a little uncomfortable to a full day in bed.

Avoid Key Triggers

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the not-so-great feeling of being off balance. , and poor ventilation as strong smells can overwhelm the senses.

Also, it is best to avoid reading. If you must, read small passages at a time and take frequent breaks to look up and find the horizon.

Your Thoughts...

Please share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on social media...We would love to hear from you.

Follow Mouse Travel Matters for Disney Parks news, the latest info and park insights, follow MTM on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .

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Can't comment on that, but I get motion sickness easily. I have found a product called Bonine to be very effective. You take one tablet every 24 hours. I use it whenever I visit Disney World, because if I don't, I can't go on any rides at all. Another plus, is that it also works for general nausea caused by stomach viruses. So if there's a 24 hour bug around, I can take one of those and be nausea free. I get them at Walgreens.

these days, i just buy dramamine in the grocery/drug store. it makes some people sleepy, but i must have developed a tolerance for it.

it definitely works, though.

you could probably check directly with your cruise line to find out about the injections.......

I don't know about injections but they offer free motion sickness medication on board and I saw a lot of people with the "patch" on behind their ear too so I think they offer that too.

Just a little info you may want. I have to use the Patches for motion sickness any time I fly. Make sure that if you use them, you wash your hands thoroughly after applying the patch before you touch anything else, and beware of side effects. I had the pupil of my eye (on the side I was wearing the patch) dilate completely and had to wear sunglasses for an entire day before it went away. I was told that this is a common side effect. Just thought I'd put that out there. Read up on ANY meds you choose to use. :-)

Several years ago I was on a ship with my hubby and I bought wrist bands at AAA that has a button that rests on a pressure point in your wrist that kept me from getting sick. Hubby laughed, he thought they looked dumb, but they did the trick for me. Before on a previous trip, I was miserable.

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Ways to Prevent Getting Seasick on Cruise Vacations

Are you looking for ways to prevent sea sickness on a cruise? If so, you’re not alone.

In fact, before sailing on my first cruise, the potential of dealing with motion sickness was one of my biggest concerns about cruising. If you ask experienced cruisers for tips on how to manage motion sickness, you will get all sorts of answers.

Many people don’t even feel the ship moving at all on their vacation. I, on the other hand, immediately feel a difference once the anchor is lifted and the ship starts to pull away from the dock on embarkation day.

In this post, we will discuss the best ways to avoid feeling seasick on a cruise ship. We will discuss planning tips to help you prevent motion sickness before you are even onboard.

We will also discuss how to manage seasickness during your cruise vacation. So, continue reading below for our best tips on how to prevent getting seasick on a cruise!

Motion Sickness on Cruise

If you are a first-time cruiser, you may have many questions about motion sickness. For example:

Do cruise ships make you seasick?
What are the symptoms of seasickness on a cruise?
Where do you feel the most motion on a ship?

Unfortunately, the truth is that cruise ships can make you feel seasick. As mentioned above, many people don’t feel the motion at all. However, those of us who do feel nauseous while cruising may explain the symptoms in different ways.

Since motions from car rides, swing sets, and amusement park attractions tend to make me feel nauseous, I anticipated the need to manage seasickness prior to my family’s first cruise.

However, the seasickness I felt from the ship’s rocking wasn’t really the same as these other motion sickness experiences. If you’re looking for scientific information on the causes of seasickness and its relation to the inner ear, you can check out this post .

So, what does seasickness feel like?

Seasickness symptoms can be different for each individual. For me, the feeling of seasickness wasn’t really the same as getting sick from the motion of a car. Instead, motion sickness on a ship felt similar to riding on those moving walkways at the airport.

cruise ship with text overlay Easy Tips for Preventing Seasickness on your Cruise

It’s almost like your head and body don’t seem to be communicating with one another about whether or not you are actually moving. In other words, seasickness can make you feel like you’re walking on unstable ground.

Seasick Yet Still Docked

You may notice the feeling of seasickness before you even leave the dock on embarkation day. I typically don’t notice the ship’s motion immediately upon boarding. However, by mid-afternoon, I can tell that the boat is swaying a bit. This typically happens around the time the crew lifts the anchor to prepare for sailing away.

How to Prevent Sea Sickness on a Cruise

It’s hard to specify what helps those feeling seasick because each experience is different. My husband and two daughters don’t feel the cruise ship moving at all when we sail. I, on the other hand, feel queasy a few hours after boarding.

Below, I’ll discuss the best ways I’ve found to avoid sea sickness on cruise vacations. Again, what works for one individual may not work for another.

Additionally, seasickness may bother one traveler for the entire trip while another cruiser may only feel symptoms for a few hours. In my experience, I typically end up getting used to the feeling of the ship moving. Therefore, seasickness doesn’t last the duration of a cruise.

The first evening is always the worst, but the next morning is a huge improvement. After that first day, I tend to almost enjoy the motion without feeling queasy.

Wear a Motion Sickness Bracelet

There are all sorts of treatments you can try for seasickness, including patches and things to place behind your ear. I tend to rely on motion sickness medication and bracelets.

Acupressure wristbands are a great option for cruisers who are worried about feeling motion sickness during their trip. You can find several acupressure bands at places like Amazon, but I typically use Sea-Bands. Once the ship begins to move and I start to feel queasy, I put a Sea-Band on each wrist. These motion sickness bracelets instantly help ease the nausea.

Sea-Bands are reusable, so you can pack them over and over again for multiple cruise vacations. I still use the same set I purchased years ago. The motion sickness bracelets also take up very little space in your suitcase, which is a plus! These are the Sea-Bands that work really well for me.

When packing for a cruise, I like to keep the Sea-bands in the bag we carry onto the ship with us rather than in the luggage we check. This way, I have access to the bracelets as soon as I need them.

Get Fresh Air

Fresh air can do wonders to help lessen the side effects of seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, it may be a good idea to book a balcony cabin so that you have easy access to the outdoors.

If you aren’t able to book a stateroom with a balcony, your cruise ship should have plenty of public spaces for you to get some fresh air. The pool deck is a great place to spend time if you’re starting to feel a little queasy.

Additionally, many ships have an outdoor jogging track that provides plenty of outdoor space as well as spectacular views.

Snack on Green Apples

Many crew members who live and work on the ships will tell you that green apples are great natural remedies for cruise ship nausea. If you start to experience motion sickness, you can try to munch on green apples to see if they alleviate any feelings of nausea.

Try Over the Counter Medications

Before your trip, you can purchase over the counter motion sickness pills to pack in your bag. I like to take one of these tablets starting the night before the cruise. This way, the medicine is already in my system when I board the ship.

You’ll find several different brands of over the counter medications available at your local pharmacy or on Amazon. Many of these even offer a version for kids.

If you are worried about experiencing motion sickness on your cruise, you could the medicines to your cruise packing list so that you have them handy on your trip.

Additionally, if you experience symptoms of motion sickness while onboard the ship, the medical center should have seasickness medications for you to try.

Drink Ginger Ale

If you’re searching for another natural remedy to motion sickness, you can try sipping on ginger ale while onboard. Ginger ale and other products with ginger, like chewing gum, are often used to prevent morning sickness in pregnant women. They are also a great way to try to combat seasickness on a cruise ship.

Best Room for Motion Sickness

If you want to avoid feeling seasick on a cruise, you can try to reserve a cabin that is less prone to motion. Below, we will discuss the best cruise rooms for seasickness to help you choose the right cabin for your trip.

It’s important to note that people feel the ship’s movement in different ways. For example, before my family started cruising, I read a lot of advice about booking a stateroom on a lower deck of the ship.

You will also often find that experienced cruisers feel less motion in the middle of the ship. Historically, staterooms located on a lower deck that’s in the middle of the ship are less prone to feeling the ship swaying back and forth.

Personally, I do not notice a difference in the ship’s motion based on the deck I am on. Furthermore, I don’t have any issues with seasickness when spending time at the back or in the middle of the ship.

The main culprit for motion sickness when I cruise tends to be the front of the ship. This is true even if I am standing on a low deck in the front of the ship.

So, when you are looking for the best cruise rooms for seasickness, my advice would be to stay away from the front of the ship. You should feel much less motion in cabins in the middle or at the back of the ship.

↓↓ Check Out My Etsy Shop ↓↓

Additionally, you may hear a lot of chatter about how modern cruise ships are built in such a way as to better handle the motion of the ocean. Or that smaller ships allow you to feel the movement of the ship more than big cruise ships do.

While these statements could technically be true, it has been my experience that large, modern ships are not immune to rough seas. My family and I sailed on the Oasis of the Seas , which is a newer, massive cruise ship, and we suffered from motion sickness on this trip more than on any other.

The good news is each ship (on all cruise lines) features a medical center where you can find motion sickness medications and upset stomach relief so that your entire trip isn’t ruined by the effects of motion sickness.

Motion Sickness after Cruise

During my first cruise vacation, I was so focused on preventing seasickness on the ship, I didn’t even consider the possibility of feeling motion sickness after the cruise.

If you’re wondering if seasickness after a cruise is a thing , it totally is! As crazy as it sounds, it sometimes takes longer to get your equilibrium back after the trip than during the cruise.

The feeling of seasickness after a cruise can last for several days or more. I typically feel a bit seasick for the first week after getting of the ship.

This isn’t usually a nauseous type of sickness. You just have a case of sea legs while getting a sense that your body is still sailing even though it clearly isn’t.

Final Thoughts on How to Prevent Getting Seasick on a Cruise

Overall, it’s important to note that the motion of the ship typically has no negative impact on any of my family’s trip plans. We are usually able to enjoy ourselves during the entire vacation even if we are feeling a bit of motion sickness.

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

If you prepare for the possibility of feeling seasick, you should be able to easily avoid and manage your symptoms. Try to pack any remedies you would like to try so that you have them handy onboard. But rest assured that even if you aren’t super prepared, the medical center on the ship should be able to help you.

Whether you’re a first time cruiser or a seasoned pro, we hope you experience the least amount of motion on your trip and that you have the best cruise vacation ever!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Seasickness on Cruises

“will i get seasick on a cruise”.

The number one concern for first cruisers is about seasickness on cruises.

In this guide, I’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to avoid getting seasick on your cruise and the best seasickness remedy available today.

you’ll learn about:

Table of contents.

Will You Get Seasick On Your Cruise?

Over the Counter Seasickness Medicine

Prescription medicine remedies for seasickness, natural remedies for seasickness.

My Personal Recommendation: the Seasickness Cocktail

10 Tips to Prevent Seasickness on Cruises

Here’s some good news….

The good news is… most cruisers will never get sick.

But maybe you’ve wondered if seasickness will impact your trip? I know I did. So, let’s start here…

Will YOU Get Seasick on Your Cruise?

T he last thing you want is for the motion of the ocean to negatively impact your vacation.

Unfortunately, predicting whether or not seasickness will impact you is not easy. There are many factors in play and it depends on your own sensitivity to the motion of the cruise ship, as well as the ocean conditions while you are at sea.

Separate individuals will have different physical reactions to the same sea conditions.

However…here is the good news.

Most people don’t get sick on a cruise

Today’s cruise ships are built to make your ride as smooth as possible..

Everyone is different and yes, some people do get sick.

HOWEVER… take some comfort in knowing that most people don’t get sick. Sure, you’ll probably feel some of the ship’s movement, but the majority of people don’t suffer or feel ill.

It’s normal to feel the rocking.

On the first day of the cruise, it is completely normal to feel a little “off” or “strange” as your body adjusts to the motion of the sea.

This doesn’t mean you’ll get sick. For most people this feeling goes away very quickly.

Should YOU worry about seasickness on cruises?

Answer these two questions:.

1) Do you get motion sickness in a car, roller coaster, or have a past history of seasickness? 2) Is there a possibility of inclement weather during your trip?

If you answered YES to either of these questions, it would be wise to take precautions to help you prevent getting sick on your cruise.

And there is more good news…

It’s easier to prevent seasickness than get rid of it

While I can’t predict perfectly if you will get seasick, I can provide you with information to help fight the dreaded “mal de mer”.

The best way to combat seasickness is to prevent it from happening in the first place .

Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid seasickness or at least minimize the strength of its symptoms.

Let’s break down the ways you can prevent getting sick. We will cover:

Over the counter medicine – primarily Bonine and Dramamine
Prescription drugs
Motion sickness wristbands
Natural seasickness remedies

I will dive into each of these so you can make a smart decision about what might work best for you.

Bonine is an over-the-counter chewable seasickness pill that treats and prevents nausea, dizziness and vomiting for up to 24 hours.

Pros of Bonine

Prevents seasickness symptoms with minimal drowsiness or other side effects, only has to be taken once a day (lasts up to 24 hours), cons of bonine, not recommended for anyone under the age of 12, contains artificial sweetener, warning to avoid alcoholic drinks because it may increase drowsiness, contains lactose (only a con if you are lactose intolerant).

Bonine only has one product on the market, this makes for an easy purchase decision. Each seasickness pill contains 25 mg of Meclizine . You can buy this generic form of Bonine ( Meclizine ) if you want to save some money.

WHEN TO TAKE BONINE Bonine should be taken prior to getting on the ship for maximum benefits.

Most cruisers say to take Bonine starting at bedtime the night before the cruise then every night thereafter while on the cruise.

Dramamine is an over-the-counter seasickness pill that treats and prevents nausea, dizziness and vomiting for up to 6-8 hours.

Dramamine offers several products which have different pros and cons and cross over into other seasickness remedy categories.

The active ingredient is 50 mg of Dimenhydrinate.

There are four basic forms of Dramamine. Each is completely different , so it’s best to understand each one.

1. Dramamine Original Formula

Dramamine’s active ingredient is 50 mg of Dimenhydrinate. You can save a few bucks and get the generic version here .

Pros of Dramamine

Offers dosing instructions for children as young as 2 years old, available in pill form (to swallow) and also in chewable tablets, does not contains artificial sweetener, cons of dramamine, can cause drowsiness, must be taken more frequently - one to two tablets every 4 to 6 hours (for adults), avoid alcoholic drinks because it may increase drowsiness, contains lactose (not good if you are lactose intolerant).

2. Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula

Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula contains the same active ingredient ( Meclizine ) as Bonine and is comparable in benefits. In fact, it’s pretty much the same thing.

3. Dramamine Non Drowsy Formula

The Dramamine Non Drowsy Formula is completely different from its regular formula. It is a ginger pill that prevents and treats the symptoms of motion sickness – nausea and vomiting – without drowsiness.

Why is it non-drowsy? It’s active ingredient is natural ginger. This is a natural seasickness remedy (more info below) with no drugs thus it doesn’t cause drowsiness at all.

4. Dramamine for Kids

Dramamine for Kids is the only medicated motion sickness relief product formulated just for children ages 2-12.

This has the same active ingredient as Dramamine Original , but each tablet is only half the dose (25 mg of Dimenhydrinate instead of 50 mg) and comes in a chewable grape flavor.

It does cause drowsiness so keep that in mind.

WHEN TO TAKE DRAMAMINE Dramamine should be taken prior to getting on the ship for maximum benefits. Most cruisers start taking it a day or two prior to embarkation.

Transderm Scop Seasickness Patch

The Transderm Scop seasickness patch is applied to the skin area behind the ear and can help prevent motion sickness for up to three days per patch.

If you are interested in this seasickness patch, please see your doctor as these are by prescription only. (Unless you live in Canada, where they are available over-the-counter.)

Pros of Transderm Scop Patch

Prescription strength, cons of transderm scop patch, could cause blurry vision, could cause dry mouth, should not be used on children, must see a doctor and get a prescription.

Don’t want to take medications for seasickness?

Ginger is a popular home seasickness remedy for motion sickness due to its nausea-preventing properties. Ginger aids digestion and saliva flow, which help to calm nausea.

Ginger can be taken in many forms to prevent motion sickness. Here are a few options…

Ginger Root Capsules
Ginger Herbal Tea
Hard Ginger Candy
Chewy Ginger Candy
Ginger Mints

Ginger Ale is usually available in the main dining rooms. You can also get it at the bars and lounges anytime for an extra charge.

*NOTE: If you have a heart condition, you are pregnant, or are on blood-thinners (or other medications), talk to your doctor before using ginger remedies.

Green Apples

Green apples help to neutralize acid in the tummy, making it useful for preventing motion sickness. Green apples are available at your ship’s buffet and can often also be ordered from room service. Don’t try to bring apples onto the ship or they will confiscate them.

Motioneaze Motion Sickness Relief

Motioneaze is a concentrated essential oil for seasickness that is applied to the skin just behind each earlobe. The active ingredients then travels to the inner ear, easing the symptoms of nausea.

Pros of Motioneaze

No side effects, safe for adults and children, all natural, cons of motioneaze, has a smell - similar to eucalyptus.

Seasickness Bracelets

Motion sickness wristbands and seasickness bracelets are worn around your wrists, with a round stud that presses against the inside of your wrist, emulating acupressure to relieve nausea. All acupressure bands are drug-free and non-medicated. They are therefore completely free of side effects and can be used in addition to other motion sickness remedies and medications for seasickness.

Sea-Band is the most popular seasickness bracelet among cruisers.

These are knitted elasticated wristbands that come in adult and child sizes. The bands need to be snug-fitting and will not work if they are loose around your wrist. (Adults with small wrists may want to consider using the children’s sized bands.)

If you use Sea-Bands , put them on before you get onboard. They are great for preventing, but not nearly as good for treating once seasickness starts.

Pros of Sea-Band Seasickness Bracelets

Washable and reusable, cons of sea-band seasickness bracelets, not the best fashion statement 🙂.

How to Wear Seasickness Bracelets

Motion sickness wristbands are often worn incorrectly. Make sure to read the instructions (see below) to make sure you are putting them on correctly so the pressure is in the exact right spot.

Sea-Bands are sold in packs of two and should always be used together, one on each wrist.

From Sea-Band website:

Place your middle three fingers on the inside of your wrist with the edge of the third finger on the wrist crease. The Nei-Kuan point is just under the edge of your index finger between the two central tendons.
Position the button facing downward over the Nei-Kuan point. Repeat the process for the other wrist.
One band must be worn on each wrist to be effective.

TIP : If you’re posing for photos, you may want to remember to remove your seasickness bracelets first.

Salty crackers are easily digestible snacks that are great for calming the stomach and can be used to prevent motion sickness. Saltine crackers are considered the best because they help absorb excess acid efficiently.

To prevent nausea and vomiting, eat dry crackers and wash them down with a clear, carbonated soda like ginger ale. By doing this every few hours on an empty stomach, you’ll lessen the likelihood that you will get sick.

You can ask for saltines at your cruise buffet.

Peppermint can be very effective in combating motion sickness. The ingredient menthol works to calm your stomach muscles and reduce nausea.

Keep a peppermint candy in your mouth and suck on it slowly.
You can also put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief and smell it whenever you need to fight off nausea and vomiting.

Phew! That’s a lot of options! Yeah, that’s probably the most comprehensive list of seasickness remedies you’ll find anywhere.

Alisha Recommends: My Personal Seasickness Cocktail

Here is my personal recipe for how to avoid seasickness on a cruise.

Get these two things:

Bonine + sea-bands.

The combination of Bonine (seasickness pill) and Sea-Bands (natural seasickness bracelet) is my go-to combination for avoiding seasickness on cruises.

Take some Bonine a few hours before boarding the ship. If you don’t take it early, it won’t be as effective when the ship gets underway.

Because a Sea-Band seasickness bracelet is not a drug, it is completely safe to wear while taking Bonine or Dramamine .

How can you prevent seasickness before it happens?

Choose a cruise with calm waters.

Want some calmer water? Try a river cruise, the Alaskan inside passage, or the Caribbean — except during hurricane season. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th but tends to be most “active” from mid-August to mid-September.

STRATEGICALLY SELECT YOUR STATEROOM

Even big cruise ships sometimes encounter rough seas. To ensure the smoothest ride, choose a stateroom on the lower decks towards the middle of the ship. The lower and closer you are to the center of the ship, the less movement you will feel.

I like this analogy from icruise.com :

“Think of the ship as a tree; when the wind blows, the leaves and branches at the top have all the movement, but the trunk of tree has little to no motion.”

If you opt for a verandah stateroom, as you can open your door and let in the fresh air. Keep in mind, however, that verandah staterooms are usually located on higher levels.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE HORIZON

If you’re starting to feel a little queasy, go to an open cruise deck and watch the horizon for awhile. Looking at a stationary object in the distance will help you recover your equilibrium and ward off the subtle feelings of vertigo that cause seasickness. Plus that fresh air can do wonders!

STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration is known to cause symptoms of seasickness or can make them worse if you’re starting to feel unwell. Drinking alcohol can accelerate dehydration, go easy on the booze. Alcohol also lowers your body’s resistance to seasickness. So, here’s a good tip: stay away from alcohol the night before you set sail!

BEWARE THE POWER OF SUGGESTION

The mind is a powerful thing. If you convince yourself you’re going to get sick, you most likely will. Stay clear of anyone else that might become ill or wants to incessantly talk about the ship’s movement. Yes, it IS possible to get sick by suggestion. So think positive!

If you are prone to motion sickness, reading a book or staring at an electronic screen is likely to make it worse.

GET GOOD AMOUNT OF REST

A good night’s sleep the evening before you travel is wonderful for your body. Being tired or worn down can make you more prone to getting seasick.

AVOID OTHERS NOT FEELING WELL

Steer clear of others who have become nauseous. Seeing and smelling others who have motion sickness is sometimes enough to cause you to become sick.

KEEP SOMETHING IN YOUR STOMACH

It might seem odd, but an empty tummy is not good for motion sickness. Regular, small snacks can reduce the your risk of nausea. Choose what you eat carefully, however. Avoid fried, greasy, or spicy foods; basically anything that isn’t hard on the stomach. That can include dairy and very sweet or rich foods.

KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

Each Disney Cruise ship has a Health Center located on Deck 1, Forward. If your seasickness is causing you to have a rough time, the Health Center provides help and complementary medicines. You can also get free motion sickness medicine at Guest Services. Disney truly wants you to have a smooth sailing with Mickey!

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I Wasn’t Ready For Motion Sickness On Our Cruise. Tips I Would Follow to Do Differently!

Disney Cruises are great experiences for families with the great on board dining, Broadway-style shows, Disney character meet and greets plus amazing pools. One thing that can get in the way of that great experience is if you experience motion sickness or vertigo on a Disney Cruise which is pretty common with many adults.

There are a variety of different medications that can be used to help motion sickness on a Disney Cruise although it varies between person to person. Something that may work for you for motion sickness in other situations may not work the same on a cruise.

On my recent Disney Cruise, I wasn't ready for the motion sickness nor did I think it would affect me! I'm not someone that is super sensitive to motion sickness although some theme park rides can cause me dizziness. I learned the hard way that I should have arrived prepared and here are all the tips of things I would do differently on a future Disney Cruise.

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Medications for Motion Sickness on a Cruise

There are a few medications available to prevent motion sickness on a Disney Cruise. Everyone is different and what works for one person won't work for another so that's really key to keep in mind. It's just trial and error when it comes to motion sickness.

While I did come prepared with Bonine, I wish I would have brought MORE options with me in case that method didn't work. It's a pretty helpless feeling to be out at sea and realizing you should have sought out a prescription motion sickness medication before your trip.

The cruise ship will have medication available, including sea bands, in the gift shops along with the Health Center. As for the prescription option listed below, no such luck on that one.

Here are some of the most common medications with their pros and cons:

Dramamine and Bonine

Dramamine is a traditional medication for motion sickness. There are two version of Dramamine: non drowsy and regular. The regular version contains dimenhydrinate but it can make people pretty drowsy so it's not often the most popular option.

The non-drowsy option has meclizine which is meant to offer similar protection from motion sickness without the drowsiness. Bonine, another popular motion sickness medicine, also has this same ingredient.

In my case, I usually take Bonine at theme parks that might have attractions that cause me dizziness so I brought it with me on our Disney Cruise. While I use this medication often at theme parks, it did nothing for me on the cruise which was disappointing since this was the only medicine I brought.

Transderm-Scop Patch

This medication is available by prescription only. This is a patch that you wear behind the ear and is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. It works by correcting the imbalance of natural substances (acetylcholine and norepinephrine) that can occur in motion sickness. It also blocks certain signals to the brain that can cause nausea and vomiting.

I saw lots of people on our Disney Cruise wearing this patch and have heard it works well for many people. This is something I will pursue for my next Disney Cruise to see if this method works for me. Since this requires a prescription, you will need to make time to see your doctor to get one before a cruise.

These are all essential packing items for your Disney Cruise!

Natural Motion Sickness Remedies

There are a lot of tried and true methods for natural motion sickness remedies that are popular among cruisers. Here are some of the best common methods.

During my cruise, the Health Center had print outs with this information to give guests so I utilized many of these (that were available to me) during the trip and this did help me regain my balance a bit.

Sea bands are acupressure wristbands that stimulate a point on the wrist that can help sea sickness.
Use essential oils like peppermint.
Face the direction the ship is moving.
Look to the horizon.
Change positions from a standing to a lying down or vice versa.
Get some fresh air.
Drink ginger ale.
Stay off screens.
Avoid alcohol.

The list here could be endless as motion sickness is something really personal to the individual experiencing it. But it's good to have methods on hand to try just in case you experience it.

Disney Cruise Line Health Center

I did utilize the Health Center during my first full day at sea once the vertigo got so bad. Turns out, this is pretty common. The Health Center door is even equipped with tip sheets you can take and plenty of stock of meclizine. They recommended I take it before bed, it was a stronger dose than my Bonine, and by the next day I was feeling so much better.

While I still felt unsteady on the ship, I did not have the same dizziness that was plaguing me the first two days. For me this medicine did the trick, whether it was the stronger dose or taking it before bed, but it helped me quite a bit. And of course, you do begin to gain your “sea legs” by the third day of your cruise so I am sure that also helped.

It's comforting to know that the Disney Cruises are equipped with a Health Center that is prepared to help you with motion sickness. They were kind and it did ease my anxiety a bit to know I had these resources close by. For guests that suffer from severe vomiting for motion sickness, they do have shots on hand to help combat this. Keep in mind that many of those extra services will be at an extra charge but if you need them, they are available.

Best Rooms on Disney Cruise For Motion Sickness

There are also some preventative measures you can take to prepare for your Disney Cruise if motion sickness is a worry.

Depending on where you are on the ship, you will feel the rocking and movement more. I noticed it the most at the very front or end of our ship, in these areas I found I couldn't stay there too long or I would begin to feel dizzy the first few days. Once I got my motion sickness under control, then I was able to navigate it just fine.

This is also true for the location of your stateroom! If you are worried about motion sickness, you want to opt for a stateroom that is located midship where the ship is the most stable. This is the best advice all around, head to the middle of the ship if you are feeling any motion sickness.

You may also consider if you want a verandah stateroom or not. Does fresh air help your motion sickness? It may help to have an outside space to get fresh air as needed or to look into the horizon. If seeing the ocean makes it worse, then perhaps an inside stateroom is for the best. We had a verandah room but for me personally, I did better when I wasn't looking at the ocean so I had those curtains closed those first two days! It is really personal preference, motion sickness impacts everyone differently.

What is the Best Cruise Length for Motion Sickness?

It may seem counter intuitive but a longer cruise might actually work better for motion sickness on a Disney Cruise! You have more port stops, chances to get off the ship and get your land legs, plus more time to get used to the ship itself.

Depending on the cruise, shorter cruises might move quicker which means you will feel the ship moving much more than cruises of longer lengths. This all varies depending on the cruise type.

The benefit of a smaller cruise is that if you are impacted by the feeling and don't enjoy it, you know that an end date is near in your future.

Dealing with Motion Sickness on Disney Cruise

Motion sickness is horrible to experience on a Disney Cruise but feel comforted that this is a common experience so there are plenty of remedies to combat it. You can still have a successful and enjoyable Disney Cruise if you prepare in advance, just in case.

I am thankful that I went to the Health Center right away so that I could enjoy the rest of my cruise without any issues. Do not hesitate to reach out to them if you need advice.

To prepare for my next Disney Cruise, I plan on asking my doctor for prescription for the motion sickness patch to have on hand just in case. But first, I plan on utilizing meclizine before bed leading up to the cruise since I know that worked for me.

Despite experiencing motion sickness my first two days at sea, I had such a great time on our Disney Cruise and I can't wait to do our next one. There are methods to deal with motion sickness on a Disney Cruise and it's worth trying to figure out so you can experience the fun.

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All Disney Cruise ships have advanced stabilization technology that helps reduce some of the movement you may expect to feel on a cruise. High winds or rocky seas can create some extra movement so this really depends on the person,

The rooms that are best on a Disney Cruise for motion sickness are any of the lower deck rooms located midship.

The cabins at the front of the ship are going to be the worst for motion sickness as you will feel the boat movement the most there.

The Health Centers on the Disney Cruise all provide meclizine for no extra charge.

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Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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FAQ: Coping with Motion Sickness on Your Ocean Cruise

First things first – while many new ocean cruisers are nervous about seasickness, experiencing motion sickness symptoms on an ocean liner is by no means a given. Today’s large ocean cruise ships are equipped with advanced motion stabilizer technology. Depending on your itinerary, you may feel virtually no movement of the ship at all. That said, there are some people who are particularly susceptible to adverse effects at sea. Here’s everything you need to know about coping with the motion of the ocean.

Please note: I am not a doctor. Consult with a medical professional if your case is severe or if you have any concerns about combining motion sickness solutions with other medical issues. And of course, be particularly aware that early pregnancy can add layers of nuance to motion sickness and requires extra care with finding a solution.

What is motion sickness?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, “Motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. You can get motion sick in a car, or on a train, airplane, boat, or amusement park ride.”

Who is most likely to experience motion sickness symptoms?

Approximately one in three people experience motion sickness at some point in their lifetime. Women and children age 2 to 12 are most at risk, but it can happen to anyone.

You’re more likely to find yourself with motion sickness at sea if you experience it in other situations such as on roller coasters or when you’re reading in a car. Other factors that may increase your chances of getting motion sickness are a family history of motion sickness, a history of inner ear disorders, frequent migraines, Parkinson’s disease, pregnancy, or if you’re taking medication such as blood pressure or hormone therapies that include dizziness as a known side effect.

If you’re concerned that you may have motion sickness at sea, speak to your doctor prior to sailing. Also, remember that children may have symptoms that need remediation. A call to your kids’ pediatrician may be in order.

Will my stateroom location impact motion sickness?

The rule of thumb is that midship staterooms experience the least rocking, followed by aft and then forward staterooms. Lower decks are more stable than high decks. If you’re prone to motion sickness, a Deck 2 midship cabin may be more comfortable than a Deck 9 forward cabin. The exception to this might be if you find that fresh air helps you, in which case a midship stateroom with a verandah on deck five or six might be your best bet.

Are there itineraries that are more likely to induce motion sickness?

Ocean liners have stabilizers and other technology that keep motion to a minimum, and the navigation staff does as much as possible to minimize the impact of weather on ship motion. Most of the time, you’ll feel no different on the ship than you would if you were strolling across your own front yard.

Motion sickness is least likely on larger ships and when you’re moving slowly in calm waters, for example in the Alaskan straits, Norwegian fjords, or along the Mediterranean coast. The Caribbean is generally placid, except during hurricane season, which typically runs from June through November. Motion sickness is more likely on smaller ships and on long expanses of open water such as transatlantic crossings.

If you tend toward motion sickness on land and are considering a first cruise, start with a shorter itinerary with minimal days at sea.

Are there things I can do to make motion sickness less likely?

There are a number of things you can do to help derail motion sickness before it starts. These include:

Eat lightly. If eating lightly isn’t an option during your entire vacation because, well, vacation, try to arrange for your high-motion activities to take place early in the day, prior to any big meals.
Stay hydrated.
Wash your hands often. An upset stomach can start with germ-based problems that become exacerbated with motion.
Make good choices in port. Similarly, make choices in port that will minimize the likelihood of tummy troubles. For example, stick with bottled water and cooked foods and avoid port adventures involving things like rides on small boats or jeep trips down bumpy roads.
Limit alcohol consumption . Again, you’ll want to cut down on other potential sources of lightheadedness.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for motion sickness?

You’re less likely to feel motion sickness effects if you focus your eyes on a fixed spot and keep your head and neck as still as possible. Many people also find the sensation of air blowing across their faces to be helpful. Beyond that, here are some motion sickness solutions that are things you can take or use to prepare:

Take antacids. Tums and Zantac are popular brands
Take ginger supplements. Many brands. Widely available at drugstores and online. Ginger ale is available on the ships.
Take Queasy Pops or Queasy Drops. Available at drugstores and online to soothe a queasy tummy.
Smell peppermint or spearmint essential oils. Many brands. Available at drugstores and online.
Use Seabands. Acupressure wristband. Available at drugstores and online.
Use Motion Sickness eyeglasses . Available from Boarding Glasses and other online sources.
Use electrical stimulation bands. Available from Reliefbands .
Take Meclizine Hydrochloride. A common brand name is Bonine. Widely available at drugstores and online.
Take Dimenhydrinate. A common brand name is Dramamine. Widely available at drugstores and online.
Use Scopolamine. A patch, worn behind the ear. Must be prescribed by a doctor. Known to have an array of often troubling side effects; speak with your prescriber about this.
Eat green apples . Ships stock these to give to guests with motion issues.

What should I do if I find myself nauseous at sea?

Rehydrate with plain water or with an electrolyte beverage such as PowerAde and try a bland, non-greasy snack such as saltines or toast.

Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine and Bonine are stocked on most ocean liners. If the ship’s shops are not open, stop by the Guest Services desk onboard. They may be able to provide you with a few doses to tide you over.

Guests who know they are prone to vomiting with motion sickness will want to keep a disposable plastic bag with them at all times.

When should I enlist onboard medical assistance?

A vanishingly small number of cruisers experience severe symptoms. Large ocean vessels sail with a clinic and onboard medical personnel. Speak with them if you have persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration.

Any other tips?

Some travelers simply can’t tolerate any movement on an ocean ship. If you fall into this category, you might want to consider a river cruise as an alternative. River cruises , such as those offered by Adventures by Disney move slowly along still river waters. Motion sickness is exceedingly rare on these sailings.

Are you prone to motion sickness at sea? What are your favorite tips? Let us know in the comments!

Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

One thought on “ FAQ: Coping with Motion Sickness on Your Ocean Cruise ”

First time cruising, and really worried about my vertigo while on ship. Suggestions???

How to Avoid Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise

By: Author Patty Granger

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2018

These are my suggestions on how to avoid motion sickness on a Disney Cruise because there is nothing worse than paying the premium for a Disney cruise and being seasick the whole time. I was petrified on my first cruise that this was going to be me. However, with much preparation, I was able to pretty much avoid motion sickness on my Disney cruise. I did have one small incident while playing a little too much mid-ship detective agency (no windows, small corridors) but I was able to quickly recover with some meds and a short nap.

The great news is that all of the Disney cruise ships feature state of the art technology that helps keep the boat stable and minimize rocking. All of the Disney ships are HUGE (even the two oldest) and most of the time you will feel just as if you were on land. The crew also does a fantastic job of navigating around bad weather as much as possible. This is especially key when you are planning on cruising during hurricane season.

Before we get into the list of products and tips that I have for you on how to avoid motion sickness on a Disney Cruise, I have one more important note. You always know your body best . If you are prone to motion sickness then you should seek out professional medical advice (aka prescription medication).

Hydrate Often

They always have free fountain water available to you so it’s a good idea to bring along a water bottle and always stay stocked up. Staying hydrated has so many health benefits including helping you avoid getting motion sick.

If you can afford the splurge get a Veranda room so you always have access to that fresh ocean air. There is nothing like fresh air to help calm you when you are starting to feel nauseous.

Avoid the Bubbles

I know if you’re not feeling well your reaction may be to go for a ginger ale but we actually recommend staying away from any drinks with carbonation. If the lack of flavor is an issue for you try Mio or another water additive.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Ginger pills, avoid over indulging.

I know this one is hard, it’s all you care to eat, unlimited ice cream and soda! An overstuffed tummy doesn’t make anyone feel good and a rocking boat can just exacerbate this. Think back to Thanksgiving and how you felt after eating that big meal. So while it may be tough at least try to stop eating when you are full. If you get hungry an hour or two later remember you can always get those warm cookies delivered to your room.

I found skipping the carbonated beverage on our last trip made a world of a difference. So you may just want to try cutting out food or drinks that you know can sometimes be a trigger on land.

Pick the Perfect Stateroom

You may have already heard this, but if you want to feel the least amount of rocking there is an ideal section of the boat. The midship staterooms are best for this and the lower deck stateroom as well. The next two best sections are the aft followed by the forward staterooms. On our last cruise, we got midship and really noticed a difference. We hit some really rough seas and our room was much less rocky than the dinner we had one night in the aft of the boat.

We hope these tips help you Avoid Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise! Remember the best thing to do is stay calm, take meds if needed and get a much needed nap. If you have other tips we would love to hear from you in the comment section below!

These are my suggestions on how to avoid motion sickness on a Disney Cruise because there is nothing worse than paying the premium for a Disney cruise and being seasick the whole time.

I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!

Dealing with Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise

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I recently went on my first Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy , and it was pure paradise! Unfortunately, I’m a sufferer of motion sickness, and despite my best efforts, I felt a bit under the weather throughout the trip. I was able to make the best of my trip, and still had a phenomenal time, but definitely learned some lessons about how to keep my stomach happy. Here, I’ll share some of my best tips for beating motion sickness on your Disney cruise!

Our dining room attendant gave me some words of wisdom when I was feeling a bit sick at sea. He told me that he, too, used to deal with seasickness, but was able to beat it by planning ahead! If you’re prone to motion sickness, you have to take the seasickness medicine before you feel sick, or else it won’t do the trick. That means applying that patch behind the ear 4 hours before you set sail, taking those pills before the sea starts rocking your stomach, and putting on your Sea Bands before you step on that ship! I wore the patch, which has worked well for me in the past, but didn’t quite get the job done this sailing. Other guests informed me that the patch doesn’t work well for them, and suggested trying out the patch on solid ground before sailing to make sure it wasn’t the patch, itself, that was making me woozy! I learned that many veteran cruisers find the motion sickness pill to be much easier on them!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP

I didn’t want to be a pain asking for help when I felt nauseous, but when I finally did, I was so pleased with all of the assistance I got! Disney Cruise Line has a medic on board who will provide complimentary seasickness medications (again, you need to take these before feeling sick). Like I mentioned before, I planned ahead and wore the motion sickness patch, so I wasn’t a candidate for a trip to the medic, but it was definitely nice to know they were there if I needed.

I wasn’t feeling up for the French onion soup I ordered at dinner, so I headed back to my stateroom one night during the meal and called room service. This complimentary service has a limited menu that can be delivered to your stateroom 24/7 during your cruise (bring some cash for tips, though!). I called down and asked for some chicken noodle soup and peppermint tea. Minutes later, my food arrived, complete with crackers!

The next afternoon, we saw our dining room servers in the buffet. Our dining room attendant, head server, and assistant server all spotted me, came over to ask how I was feeling, and offered their own tips and tricks for surviving the waves! Our assistant server offered me some great advice; don’t think so much! Try to distract yourself with activities; I have to admit, it helped!

AVOID THE PORTHOLES

This is something I learned over the course of our three-night sailing, and as strange as it may be, it definitely helped. When we were sailing, looking out the portholes was disorienting for me, making me feel worse. For some reason, watching the waves go by through a porthole made me feel dizzy, and I found it best to look straight ahead when walking past a porthole. I felt best sitting up on Deck 11 where I could get some fresh air. We also found that closing the window blinds in our stateroom was also a big help. Fresh air and steering clear of the disorienting portholes kept my stomach settled!

STICK TO SOOTHING BEVERAGES

I’m a tea-lover, and Disney Cruise Line has tons of Twinings tea flavors, which made me very happy! I found that the peppermint tea and lemon ginger teas were very soothing on my stomach! Peppermint and ginger are both known to calm upset stomachs, and I drank plenty of both throughout my trip. Tea is available 24/7 up on deck 11 by the pool and from room service, and I definitely took advantage of its availability. If you spotted me at the theatre or watching a movie, I probably had a cup of tea in my hand! I avoided coffee and other acidic beverages, even when feeling good, just to be safe. I also kept some crystalized ginger handy for the same reason. If you’re not a Twinings fan, bring your own tea bags along; you can get hot water anywhere to steep a soothing cuppa!

ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED, EVEN IF IT’S NOT BEING OFFERED

We all know that Disney can make dreams come true. When you have a stomach ache, forget the pixie dust, crackers are the true dream! We were relaxing on the lido deck and I wanted a mild snack, some crackers or a banana, but the buffet, Cabanas, was closed between meals. We found a server, and even though the buffet was closed, he gave me about 30 crackers to munch on. I felt bad for interrupting their work, but was met with nothing but smiles and genuine concern for my stomach! The crew truly wants you to have a magical trip; as insignificant as a few crackers may sound, this gesture made my day (and the crackers really settled my stomach). Again, you can always call room service, too, if you want something between meals!

FOCUS ON THE FUN!

I’d been waiting for this trip for months, and I wasn’t about to let an upset stomach ruin my trip! I filled my purse with Pepto Bismol tablets and Tums, chewed some peppermint gum, and munched on crackers throughout the trip to keep my stomach satisfied when it was feeling funky. I also listened to my body: if something sounded good, I indulged, and if something sounded too risky, I avoided it.

The best thing I did, though? Have a blast! We made it to every show, saw some movies, enjoyed late night fireworks, and relaxed on the beach. The more fun I had, the less I worried about my stomach. Of course, when I was feeling my worst, I headed to the stateroom for some soup and a movie, but once I was able to get up and move around, I kept busy!

Sure, nobody sets out to feel under the weather on their dream vacation, but I was able to enjoy my time. My memories from this trip are laughing, relaxing, joking around with Goofy, watching movies, seeing shows, and having the time of my life. I made sure to focus on the fun, and even with the belly troubles, this was one of the best vacations of my life.

What tips do you have for feeling motion sickness on a Disney Cruise Line sailing? Share your suggestions in the comments!

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The Truth About Seasickness

Our chief medical consultant gives us his best tips on preventing seasickness..

One of the most common questions first-time cruisers have is “What if I get seasick?” We understand where the concern comes from, and we have answers. We’ve enlisted Dr. Benjamin Shore, Chief Medical Consultant at Royal Caribbean, to break down the basics and whether it’s actually common for guests to experience seasickness while vacationing at sea.

“Considering the large size of today’s cruise ships , seasickness is rarely a problem,” says Dr. Benjamin Shore. He adds that with innovative design and engineering, ships can also safely navigate around inclement weather , and use stabilizers—fins built off a ship’s port and starboard sides along the water line—to reduce side-to-side motion so most guests never experience any motion sickness.

Before we get to the specifics, here are the basics: Motion sickness occurs when what you see conflicts with what your inner ear senses. In other words, if you’re sitting in a car (not moving) but your inner ear detects movement (the car just hit 70 mph on the highway), the two signals being sent to your brain don’t match. Those mixed signals confuse the brain, and the sensations and symptoms (dizziness, nausea) are the result.

In the event that seasickness does develop, Dr. Shore assures that it’s unlikely to really interrupt your adventure, since all Royal Caribbean ships have motion sickness medications, like meclizine, readily available at the dedicated Medical Center on each of our ships, free of charge.

“Additionally, for more troublesome seasickness, our Medical Centers also carry promethazine and metoclopramide,” Dr. Shore says.

Sometimes the best treatment is prevention. “It’s best that guests who know they are prone to seasickness consult their doctor prior to departure,” Dr. Shore says. If your personal physician thinks it’s appropriate, he or she can prescribe a patch that you can wear to prevent the onset of seasickness. “For prescription patches like Transderm Scop, it’s important for it to be applied prior to boarding to be effective,” he adds.

Dr. Shore notes that there are also lots of natural remedies that can help alleviate motion sickness. “Anecdotally, ginger seems to be helpful, and some people find various aromas (like anise, basil, chamomile and peppermint) or eating dry crackers, even after the onset, of seasickness can help.” If a few sips of ginger ale or chewing fresh ginger doesn’t do the trick, he also suggests going for a short walk to the center of the ship, the most balanced area on board and therefore least likely to produce seasickness symptoms.

An unexpected solution Dr. Shore suggests is “the smelling of newspaper print!” He says, “science has no idea why this works so well, but it actually seems to diminish the sensation of nausea.”

With Dr. Shore’s advice and Royal Caribbean’s staff of medical professionals, it’s only smooth sailing for our guests!

If you’re ready to explore Royal Caribbean’s many destinations (more than 260 ports around the world), click here to set sail on your next vacation.

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What Happens If I Get Sick While On My Disney Cruise?

When planning a Disney Cruise Line getaway, it helps to be prepared for every eventuality from planning out your days at sea with fun and festive Port Adventures to what happens if you get sick while on your cruise. From motion sickness to seasonal flu to other viruses that can cause havoc to your best laid cruising plans, it’s always helpful to know what options you have available when setting sail with Disney.

There is a Health Center Located on Deck 1 Forward one each of the ships in Disney’s fleet. If you are feeling unwell then don’t hesitate to pop by the medical center for assistance. The Center is open during daily clinic hours which is typically 9:30 am – 11 am and then from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm daily. The facilities provide non-emergency medical care throughout your cruise. The medic on board will provide complimentary seasickness medications (PLEASE NOTE: These must be taken before you are feeling sick) as well as minor first aid including bandages, and over-the-counter medications for minor ailments.

First Aid and over-the-counter medications can also be found on Deck 3 Midship- Many guests don’t know this but you can also pick up over-the-counter medication and basic first aid productions from the Guest Services desk on Deck 3. Sometimes its much easier to swing by while you are making the rounds that to go down to the clinic.

You can call the Health Center from your stateroom – If you need medical assistance in a hurry you can ring the Medic using 7-3000 from any ship phone or 41-3000 from your Wave Phone. For non-emergencies, call 7-1923 from any ship phone or 41-1923 from your Wave Phone.

Don’t be afraid to speak up! – If there’s one thing that Disney Cruise Line is world renowned for, it is impeccable customer service. Don’t ever be afraid to let a cast member know if you or someone in your group is feeling unwell. Whether it’s providing you with some water and crackers to calm your tummy or making sure you have proper medical attention, you’re in an environment where you’ll be well looked after and supported by the crew! Seasickness and other illnesses are a common occurrence and Disney Crusie Line will always strive to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible but you have to speak up first!

Emergency medical services are available – In the event of a medical emergency while onboard the ship, a doctor and nurse are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It should be noted that the medical personnel are employed by a company independent of Disney Cruise Line and that standard prevailing fees will be charged for services. Fees incurred at the Health Center will appear on your stateroom account to be paid with your final balance as they are considered “care outside of the United States.” The Health Center will gladly provide guests with the paperwork needed to process claims through health insurance or travel insurance suppliers. Guests should also note that in some instances, it may be necessary for a patient to disembark the ship and be transported to a nearby medical facility.

EpiPens are available for allergic reactions – If guests have your own EpiPen and you administer it while on board it is requested that you seek emergency medical attention immediately by dialling 7-3000 from a ship phone or 41-3000 from a Wave Phone. If you forget your EpiPen but suffer from life-threatening food allergies you can get them on a case-by-case basis at the ship’s Health Center.

There is a First Aid Station at Castaway Cay – While spending the day on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay you will also find a First Aid Center near guest services. It is clearly marked on the map you will be given before venturing to the island. They will provide many of the same services found at your onboard clinic.

It pays to have Disney Cruise Lines Vacation Protection Plan – I get asked a lot about whether or not getting travel insurance on a Disney Cruise is worth it and my answer is always a resounding yes! Not only does the insurance protect you should you miss your cruise due to any unforeseen circumstances, it also provides you with extra medical peace-of-mind. Under the policy currently offered by Disney, guests are covered for up to $10,000 toward medical treatment and hospitalization and up to $30,000 to cover emergency transport. The cost of taking out insurance is 8% of the per person voyage fair and can be added to the total cost of your package at the time of booking right up unti your final payment is due. To find out more about Disney Cruise Line’s Vacation Protection Plan click here.

If you suffer from motion sickness come prepared- The best way to avoid any unexpected surprises especially if you are prone to motion sickness is to talk to your doctor prior to your cruise. They may be able to recommend a prescription or over the counter medication to take with you on your sailing as a precaution. Most seasickness medication requires that you take it before symptoms of sickness occur. Therefore it is better to be proactive and take the necessary precautions.

We hope we’ve given you peace of mind when it comes to how well you’ll be looked after during your Disney Cruise and what steps to take should you end up feeling unwell. In many cases guests find that their cruise is smooth sailing with no medical attention required but should illness occur you know what to do!

Thinking about a Disney Cruise? Packages are currently available to book through until the end of 2019. Read below to find out how you can get your FREE, no obligation quote .

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Thinking about a visit to Disney? Packages are currently available to book through until the end of 2018. Click here or send an email for your FREE no obligation quote.

Why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you with everything from finding your perfect sailing and stateroom to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at sea. B est of all my services are absolutely FREE! Contact me at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or on Facebook and let’s get planning!

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What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship?

We compare and rank to find the best disney cruise ship.

When you combine cruises with Disney , something magical happens! Below we compare the five Disney Cruise Line ships to help you decide which one is best for your next getaway. So, what is the best Disney Cruise ship? Without further ado, here is our list of the top 5!

Ships in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet

The latest industry numbers indicate that Disney Cruise Lines have a 2.3 percent share of the worldwide cruise ship market. With additional ships soon to be added to the roster, we should only expect Disney will increase its market share over the coming years.

Disney Cruise Line has 5 active ships, with three additional Disney cruise ships expected to be added by 2025.

Here is the current DCL fleet:

Disney Magic
Disney Wonder
Disney Dream
Disney Fantasy
Disney Wish

A sixth ship, Disney Treasure, is expected to join the fleet in 2024. Disney has also announced the purchase of the partially-constructed Global Dream for conversion to a new Disney ship, the Disney Adventure (launching in 2025). Finally, another custom-built ship, the Disney Destiny, is expected to also launch sometime in 2025. Once all is said and done, there will be eight ships in the fleet.

Castaway Cay is a tropical paradise located in the Bahamas and is an exclusive port-of-call for Disney cruise guests. Disney owns the island, so you won’t compete with non-Disney guests for reservations. In addition, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is under construction on Eleuthera as another exclusive port-of-call.

There are lots of similarities between these Disney ships. Each one has its advantages and its magical experiences. That said, some of the entertainment, dining, amenities, activities, and destinations vary from ship to ship.

Want personalized advice on which ship is best for your vacation?

Best Disney Cruise Ships

Each of Disney’s cruise ships has its own unique history and defining characteristics. Here is our list of the best Disney cruise ships, ranked!

1. Disney Wish Cruise Ship

Disney Wish Overview

Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise ship, launched in the summer of 2022. For its inaugural season, the ship focuses on 3- and 4-night Bahamian itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral (FL), with visits to Disney’s Castaway Cay and Nassau.

This ship has a length of 1,119 ft and a gross tonnage of about 144,000. The Disney Wish has 1,254 staterooms and boasts an onboard Guest capacity of 2,508 (at double occupancy) and 4,000 (max occupancy). In addition, 1,555 Crew Members keep the ship running. Disney Wish currently has no sister ships – it is the first in a series of three so-called “Triton Class” Disney ships (the two sister ships are expected to be introduced in 2024 and 2025).

While we admit that the newest isn’t always the best, that’s certainly not the case here. Instead, the Disney Wish has quite simply changed the game when it comes to cruising.

Disney Wish Dining

Disney Wish offers three rotational dining restaurants, two of which offer a sort of “dinner and a show” experience.

At Arendelle – a Frozen Dining Adventure , you’re an honored guest of Queen Anna and Kristoff as they celebrate their engagement with Norwegian-inspired cuisine and live musical performances from Elsa and Olaf.

On another night, you’ll experience Worlds of Marvel , which offers a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with a little adventure in the form of Ant-Man and the Wasp demonstrating Super Hero technologies.

Finally, 1923 offers a dining experience steeped in the golden age of Hollywood. Named after the year the Disney brothers founded their first studio, you’ll enjoy the flavors of California while surrounded by relics of the early days of animation.

For those seeking an elegant (upcharged) experience, try Palo Steakhouse for dinner — or drop into Hyperspace Lounge for an intergalactic drink. And with casual dining options such as Marceline Market and even places to grab a Taco or some BBQ, you’ll never go hungry onboard the Disney Wish!

Disney Wish Entertainment

Disney Wish onboard activities include Disney’s first-ever “attraction at sea” called the “ AquaMouse ,” a sort of waterslide meets raft ride meets roller coaster. Live shows include Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Disney’s Aladdin . And, of course, there’s a vast array of movie, nightclubs, pools, pubs, a Walt Disney theatre, and more!

Disney Wish Activities for Kids

Disney Wish offers plenty to keep the kids entertained. Train at Marvel Super Hero Academy , visit Star Wars Cargo Bay or build your own coaster at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab . Edge and Vibe cater to tweens and teens, while it’s a small world nursery!, Toy Story Splash Zone and Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck is waiting for the tiniest travelers.

Set Sail on the Disney Wish with The Vacationeer !

2. Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship

Disney Fantasy Overview

Disney Fantasy – the sister ship of Disney Dream – was launched in 2012 as Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship. Guests can choose between a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise. This ship has a length of 1,114.8 ft and a gross tonnage is 129,750. Like Disney Dream, the Fantasy has an onboard guest capacity of 2.500 (double occupancy) and 4,000 (max occupancy) with a crew of over 1,400.

Routes: Port Canaveral, Florida; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St Thomas; US Virgin Islands; Castaway Cay, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica.

We love Disney Fantasy , and so do other Guests!

Disney Fantasy Dining

Disney Fantasy offers Rotational dining between the always entertaining dinner show named Animation Magic at its Animator’s Palate restaurant. The ship’s other dining locations include the magical Enchanted Garden and the fairytale dining room of Royal Court . In contrast, the casual dining options include Cabanas , Flo’s Café , and snacks at Eye Scream and Frozone Treats . The Northern Italian cuisine of Palo and French-inspired Remy provide a few upscale and intimate options for adults.

Disney Fantasy Entertainment

Disney Fantasy onboard activities include a “water roller coaster” called the “AquaDuck,” the nightclub district called Europa, several pools, pubs, theatres, and more!

Disney Fantasy Activities for Kids

Like the other Disney cruise ships, Disney’s Fantasy has plenty of individual and instructor-led activities geared to kids of all ages.

3. The Disney Magic

Disney Magic Overview

Disney Magic was the first Disney cruise ship that had its maiden voyage on July 30, 1998, and has been in service ever since. It boasts a length of 984 ft, a gross tonnage of 83,338, and has 11 public decks, 875 staterooms , a crew of 945, and enough capacity for 2,700 guests.

The interior of Disney Magic is decorated in an Art Deco style, while the ship’s exterior color scheme is black, red, and white with 20 yellow lifeboats (matching the colors of Mickey Mouse). Disney Magic’s horn blasts a tune from Disney’s famous “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The ship’s Godmother is Patricia Disney, the wife of Roy E. Disney.

Routes : 4 Night Caribbean Cruises; 5, 6, 7, and 8 Night Western Caribbean Cruises; 2, 3, 4, and 8 Night Bahamian Cruises; 4, 5, 7, 9, and 12-night Mediterranean Cruises; and Special Cruises

Simply put, Disney Magic is… magical!

Disney Magic Dining

Disney Magic offers two dining times – early and late. The Disney Cruise Line uses something they call “Rotational Dining” to ensure that guests have a chance to experience each of the ship’s themed restaurants. Regarding dining options, Disney Magic has several restaurants, and all three participate in the Rotational Dining schedule. Disney Magic’s dining locations include Lumiere’s (themed after Beauty and the Beast), Rapunzel’s Royal Table (inspired by Disney animated movie Tangled), and Animator’s Palate. In addition, Disney Magic’s Palo restaurant is located on the aft deck. It serves Northern Italian fare at dinnertime (18+, seats 130 guests).

Disney Magic Entertainment

The fun never stops on Disney Magic . There are live Broadway-style shows with your favorite Disney characters, fireworks, character meets, and movie theaters with first-run and Disney movies. The Walt Disney Theater and the Buena Vista Theater, karaoke, games, several pools, and a variety of Disney-themed deck parties, including Pirates Night and Sail-Away Celebration. The ship also boasts a massive LED screen called “Funnel Vision” and numerous lounges and bars (including O’Gills Pub ). Keys piano bar, the Promenade Lounge, D-Lounge, and the adults-only Fathoms.

Disney Magic Activities for Kids

Disney Magic hosts a variety of kids’ clubs to keep the youngsters entertained, including:

-It’s a Small World Nursery is a play area for infants .

– Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab are geared towards kids ages 3 to 12 years old. Activities include themed activities, computer games, experiments, costume dress, and more.

-The Edge is an interactive area where younger guests play (ages 11-14).

-The Vibe club is strictly for teens and offers video games, Internet, TV, music, Internet access, and social activities.

Need Help Deciding Which Ship to Pick?

4. Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Disney Dream Overview

Disney Dream is the 3rd Disney Cruise Line ship operated by The Walt Disney Company and has been active since 2011. The ship currently sails three-day, four-day, and sometimes five-day cruises to the Bahamas . It has a capacity of 2,500 (double occupancy) or 4,000 passengers maximum and has a crew of 1,458. Disney Dream is 1,114 ft in length and has a gross tonnage of 83,000.

Routes : With the arrival of the Disney Wish, the Disney Dream is no longer primarily based at Port Canaveral, Florida. It now offers 3, 4, and 5-night Bahamas cruises from Port Miami , along with multiple European itineraries of 4-11 nights departing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Copenhagen, and Southampton.

Overall, the Disney Dream is fantastic. It’s not our absolute favorite, but there’s really not much to complain about.

Disney Dream Dining

Disney Dream has Rotational dining where you will get to experience 3 different restaurants each night of your cruise. The ship is home to a “state-of-the-art” dinner show at Animator’s Palate , a classic Disney fairytale feast at Royal Palace , and Enchanted Garden set in a serene conservatory setting. For a more casual dining experience, head to Cabanas for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or check out the pizza, chicken, burgers, and salads at Flo’s Café . For a delicious icy treat, head to Frozone Treats , or Eye Scream (an ice cream shop). The Italian-inspired Palo and the French-inspired Remy are both high-end, adult-only dining options. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

Disney Dream Entertainment

Disney Dream onboard activities include digital sports simulators, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a full-sized basketball court, a volleyball court, a pitch, and a walking track.

Disney Wonder is also home to a “water roller coaster” called the AquaDuck, Mickey’s Slide, and has three pools, including the quiet cove pool. The ship also boasts two theaters: the Walt Disney Theater (live Broadway-style performances) and the Buena Vista Theater (first-run Disney movies).

Disney Dream Activities for Kids

Like the other Disney cruise ships, Disney’s It’s a Small World Nursery, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, Goofy’s Sports Deck, and Vibe are geared to kids of all ages.

5. Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Disney Wonder Overview

Disney Wonder is the second ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and made its maiden voyage in August 1999. She is constructed in a nearly identical fashion to Disney Magic. However, the ship’s interior is decorated in the Art Nouveau style rather than Art Deco. Disney Wonder has 11 public decks, 875 staterooms, a crew of roughly 950, and can accommodate 2,400 passengers. This Disney cruise ship has a length of 974 ft and a gross tonnage of 83,000.

Routes : The routes include Alaska , Hawaii , Australia/New Zealand, and the USA’s West Coast

Still an excellent cruise ship (despite our ranking).

Disney Wonder Dining

Disney Cruise Line uses a dining rotation where guests rotate to a different restaurant each night. Guests are seated at the same table number – with the same table guests and wait staff – for every night they are on board. This creates less confusion and a friendly commodore among the guests.

Disney Wonder has three main restaurants: Triton’s , Tiana’s Place, and Animator’s Palate . Triton’s features French cuisine in an Art Deco dining room, Tiana’s Place serves southern cooking with live jazz music, and Animator’s Palate is a dining show offering contemporary cuisine and Disney characters. The other main dining rooms and food options include Cabanas , a buffet-style restaurant for breakfast and lunch and a casual eatery for dinner, a sandwich and salad shop called Daisy’s de-Lites , Pinocchio’s Pizza , and the adult-oriented Palo, where Italian-inspired food and décor are complimented with live music.

Disney Wonder Entertainment

Some of the entertainment and lifestyle highlights of Disney Wonder include Crown & Fin Pub, an adults-only British-style pub, Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, and the relaxing and rejuvenating Senses Spa and Salon. Check here for a list of all onboard activities.

Disney Wonder Activities for Kids

Like Disney Magic, Disney Wonder offers the Oceaneers Club and the Oceaneers Lab for children ages 3-10. The Club provides several TVs, costumes to play dress-up, a slide, and some counselor-led activities. The Lab is geared towards the older age ranges and offers video games, TVs, computers, cooking classes, and more.

How to Book your Disney Cruise and Receive Onboard Credit

Ready to book your Disney Cruise? Do you have any questions? The Vacationeer can help!

The Vacationeer offers something called “onboard credit” as a free bonus/incentive for booking through their agency. Onboard credit is essentially free money – linked to your stateroom account – that can be used to pay for nearly anything on your Disney ship or in Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. This includes drinks, meals, merchandise, activities, spa treatments, gratuity, and more.

Ask your travel agent about onboard credit before booking a Disney Cruise line vacation. If they don’t offer it, then hang up and find one that does! We can tell you that The Vacationeer offers the most competitive onboard credit in the business and doesn’t charge you a single penny to use their services!

See the Vacationeer’s Onboard Credit promotion and our Disney Cruise Onboard Credit page, then get a free quote today!

The Vacationeer can also help you plan and book your Disney cruise on their newest Disney cruise ships – the Disney Wish .

Best Disney Cruise Ship for Adults

While there are no Disney cruises exclusively for adults, there are plenty of dining options, bars, excursions, and perks geared towards adults on each cruise.

The Disney Dream is our pick for the best Disney cruise ship for adults . It offers the cosmopolitan Skyline lounge, an upscale travel-themed lounge called The Meridian, the Italian restaurant Palo, the French fine-dining of Remy, a Quiet Cove for adults, the relaxation and rejuvenation of Senses Spa , and port excursions that cater specifically to adults.

Where is the Best Location on a Disney Cruise Ship?

The best location on a Disney cruise ship for the best views (widest vistas) is the very front or the very back of the ship.

The best location on a Disney cruise ship if you are prone to getting seasick is the center part of the ship because you’ll feel the least movement there. Specifically, try to reserve Deck 6 Midship on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Deck 6 or 7 Midship on the Disney Wish, and Decks 7 and 8 Midship on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

What is the Best Deck on a Disney Cruise Ship?

The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) have better views, but the ship will sway the most the higher you go. So it’s really just personal preference.

What is the Best Side of a Disney Cruise Ship?

If you sail out of Port Canaveral and stop at Castaway Cay, the starboard side is the best side of a Disney cruise ship because it faces the beach of Port Canaveral, where you can wave to everyone on the beach as the ship sets sail. The starboard side is also usually the side that faces Castaway Cay when the ship is docked there (though this will always depend on conditions at the time of docking). The starboard side is the right-hand side of the vessel, while the port side is on the left.

Enjoy your Disney Cruise!

We hope our Best Disney Cruise Ships RANKED article gives you some suggestions.

For more Disney information, please see our How Much Do Disney Cruises Cost , Last-Minute Disney Cruise , What’s Included and What Isn’t , Best Cruise Lines for Kids , Disney Cruise Customer Service , Why Use a Disney Travel Agent , Disney Payment Plans , Disney Transportation Map , and Disney World Tips articles.

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a fantastic vacation out at sea!

Get Free Help Planning Your Cruise

If you need help planning and booking your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation, contact our friends at The Vacationeer .

Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge !

dcl-where-does-the-disney-cruise-go-789×413-1-min

Wave Goodbye to Seasickness: How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship

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Seasickness can be a real concern for travelers embarking on a cruise.

Most people who sail on a cruise never experience it.

But for those that do you will know that anything that you can do to prevent it is worth a shot.

Stopping sea sickness before it starts is so much better than treating it once it has hit. And one of the things that can make a huge difference is your location on the ship.

The modern cruise ships of today are much more stable than they were even a decade ago. Technology has moved on a lot to help prevent seasickness. But savvy cruisers know that there is one thing that you really need to look at.

Which cruise ship cabin you choose.

Cabin Location on the Ship

The location of your cabin on the ship is crucial in minimizing the risk of seasickness. Cabins at the ship’s center of gravity tend to feel less movement.

So, mid-ship cabins on lower decks are typically the best choices to avoid seasickness.

Less perceptible movement
Centralized location reduces sway
Closer to the waterline
Experience less motion compared to higher decks

Cabin Choices

Selecting the right cabin on a cruise ship can significantly reduce the risk of seasickness. The two primary factors that affect motion sensitivity are the location of the cabin in the ship’s vertical and horizontal axes.

Lower Deck Cabins

Cabins located on lower decks are closer to the waterline, where passengers feel less movement. This makes lower deck cabins preferable for those prone to seasickness.

Less perceived movement
Often more affordable
Less natural light
Further from ship amenities

Midship Cabins

Midship cabins , situated in the center of the ship, experience the least amount of motion. The ship’s natural pivot point during motion is centrally located, so rooms here will rock less.

Minimal motion
Convenient location
May be more expensive
Could have limited availability

Balcony vs. Inside Cabins

Balcony cabins allow fresh air and a view of the horizon, which can ease seasickness. On the other hand, inside cabins are more enclosed but may be positioned in favorable midship or lower deck locations.

Pros: Access to fresh air, view of the horizon
Cons: Potentially more motion, higher cost
Pros: Lower cost, often in stable midship/lower deck locations
Cons: No outside view, lack of natural light

Time of Year and Itineraries

Choosing the right time of year and carefully planning itineraries are critical steps in minimizing the risk of seasickness during a cruise.

Seasonal Seasickness Considerations

Cruise passengers should be aware that ocean conditions vary with seasons .

For example, the Caribbean tends to be calmer during the summer and fall, although this is also hurricane season.

By contrast, the North Atlantic crossings can be rougher, especially in winter. To avoid rough seas, you should consider cruising in regions and seasons known for stability. The Mediterranean is often calmest from May to September.

Calmest: Summer and Fall (June to November)
Note: Hurricane season overlaps with calmer seas
Roughest: Winter (December to February)
Calmest: Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)

Route Planning to Minimize Seasickness

The ship’s itinerary can significantly affect a person’s exposure to rough waters, which in turn can lead to seasickness.

Choosing itineraries with shorter distances between ports allows for less time spent in potentially rough open seas.

Additionally, sailing through sheltered waters , such as fjords and archipelagos, typically results in a smoother experience.

Example: Western Mediterranean cruises with daily port calls
Example: Inside Passage on Alaskan cruises

Additional Tips

In addressing seasickness, travelers need to consider not only their cabin location but also their pre-travel preparations and onboard strategies.

Pre-Travel Preparations

Consult a Physician : Before embarking, travelers should speak with a healthcare provider to discuss motion sickness.

Pack Seasickness Aids : These are worn on the wrist to apply pressure to a point that can help reduce nausea. A lot of cruisers find these wrist bands helpful.

Onboard Strategies for Seasickness Prevention

Dietary Considerations : While on the ship, you should eat small, bland, or dry meals often and stay hydrated.

Avoiding excessive alcohol , caffeine, and large or spicy meals can also help.

Stay Active : Engage in gentle activities such as walking on deck because fresh air and the horizon can aid in orientation and balance.

Resting in a deck chair rather than lying down in the cabin can be beneficial.

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

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8 Things You Should Know Before You Go on the Disney Wish

I’ve sailed on almost every Disney Cruise ship — including the newest, the Disney Wish .

The Disney Wish is the most heavily themed and largest ship in the Disney fleet — at least until its sister ship, the Disney Treasure , sets sail at the end of 2024. It’s definitely got its differences from other Disney ships so here’s what you should know BEFORE you go on the Disney Wish .

To see what my experience aboard the Disney Wish was like and see the ship, check out this video!

So, what things do you have to know before you board?

1. It’s the biggest…but not by much.

The Disney Wish is 144,000 gross tons and can carry 2,508 passengers. That’s HUGE. BUT, the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream are 125,000 gross tons and can carry 2,500 passengers. Yep, the Wish can hold 8 more people. That’s it.

Having sailed on the Wish and the Fantasy (and its sister ship, the Dream), I can say that the Wish really doesn’t feel that much bigger. So, if you’ve sailed the other ships, don’t expect tons more to explore. It’s still huge with a lot to do, but not really in comparison.

My favorite thing about the size difference on the Wish is that it’s the first Disney ship with bumpouts. So, you might have a room in the bumpout section with a slightly more exciting veranda; but otherwise it won’t feel too different from the other ships.

Click here to learn more about the Disney Fantasy (my favorite ship)!

2. the layout and hours can make it very crowded. .

Unlike other Disney cruise ships, the more exciting themed bars are spread out around the ship instead of in one central area. Keg & Compass , Nightingale’s , Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge , The Bayou , and The Rose are sprinkled around the ship — many of them very close to the Grand Atrium on the main interior floor.

These spots feel SMALL and have limited seating. With 2,508 people on the ship, it can be hard to find a seat or even standing room! Plus, some of the spots close earlier than others which has those hoping to continue the evening fun congregating in one or two VERY slammed locations.

I found myself tucked in a corner in an INSANELY crowded The Rose on the final night of my limited-capacity cruise and have heard some complaints about the way crowds flow on the Wish from those sailing since. Basically, if you’re on a busier cruise, expect to find yourself in some high crowd areas.

Click here to see INSIDE the Star Wars bar!

3. either get ready to wait or get ready to take a lot of stairs. .

Elevators on cruise ships are always a little bit slower than you might like them to be — the Wish is particularly rough. It’s a LOT of people trying to ride not that many elevators and the elevators are slow. Plus, with everyone synced up on two dinner schedules , there can be very high-traffic times.

Around dinner as well as any special celebrations or shows, expect to wait a WHILE for the elevator — and for it to get chaotic. Otherwise, you could find yourself climbing ten flights of stairs (faster yes, but boy, it’s no fun).

Funny anecdote: Though the Wish has since fixed this issue, there was an added elevator gripe on the Christening Cruise (a media-only voyage before the Maiden Voyage). The buttons on the elevators are touch-free on the Wish, but they were so sensitive that if someone stood in front of the buttons, it would automatically press EVERY button.

This resulted in a lot of people shouting “AWAY FROM THE BUTTONS” as people loaded into the elevator and a collective groan if someone did lean too close. This won’t happen anymore, but it was pretty darn funny on my cruise.

Click here to see more about dining on the Disney Wish!

4. get ready to have big feelings about dinner. .

The Wish has three rotational dining restaurants — Worlds of Marvel , 1923 , and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure . You’re likely to find yourself either loving or hating these spots.

Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle both have active entertainment during your meal which some folks might find a little tiresome if they are not dinner-and-a-show people. If you ARE dinner-and-a-show people, you might be pretty bored when you rotate into 1923.

Arendelle is my favorite rotational restaurant I’ve been to on any Disney ship. I thought the Norwegian-inspired menu was awesome and the performances were so much fun for this Frozen-lover. For me, Worlds of Marvel was a bit underwhelming. Plan for big feelings and if there is a restaurant that doesn’t interest you, consider booking an adults-only spot for that evening — more on that in a sec.

Click here for our review of Arendelle!

5. don’t discount the upcharge dining .

Ok, it’s been a sec. The upcharge dining can feel like an unnecessary splurge but some of my favorite experiences on Disney cruises have been in the adults-only upcharge restaurants.

In fact, one of my favorite cruise memories of all time was dining at Enchanté , the Wish’s fine dining spot, with AJ from Disney Food Blog. Brunch is $80 per person there with dinner options costing $135 or $205 per person. It’s EXPENSIVE, but it was a WONDERFUL experience between the service and the spectacular food. If you are a fan of fine dining, I recommend budgeting for an evening at Enchanté.

And if you don’t want to go QUITE so hard on the upcharge or you aren’t a fan of more fancy fine dining, Palo Steakhouse is delightful as well. Brunch or dinner at Palo Steakhouse is $50 per person. The Agnalotti from the dinner menu is something that Fry Bucket ordered on our cruise and we STILL talk about it years later.

Want to see my full review of Enchanté? Click here!

6. the aquamouse might not be what you expect. .

I don’t know if this is a hot take but I was a bit underwhelmed by the AquaMouse . The Dream and Fantasy have the amazing AquaDuck slide which feels long, relaxing, and thrilling.

The AquaMouse is Disney’s first “attraction at sea” so I was quite excited for the show scenes on the ride that have Mickey and Minnie on an adventure. The reality, though? You’re really just glancing at a few TV screens as you go up a lift hill that takes up most of the ride and then you go down a slide that is shorter and not as exciting as if the whole thing was a slide. The AquaDuck is definitely the winner for me.

Another thing to note about the AquaMouse is that it often does not accept solo passengers (for safety reasons!), so if your solo kid really loves it, be ready to ride a slide over and over again.

Click here to see more about the AquaMouse!

7. you will be jealous of your child. .

Speaking of the kiddos, you WILL be jealous of your kid on the Wish. The Kids Clubs are AMAZING. The “it’s a small world” nursery is adorable and teens and tweens will love Edge, Vibe, and The Hideaway; but the real star is Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

On the Wish, the Oceaneer Club has Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, Fairytale Hall, and more. In these spaces, kids can have unbelievable experiences with new tech and hang with rare Disney characters. You’re GOING to be jealous!

But don’t worry, grown ups CAN experience the Kids Clubs during their open houses! These happen periodically throughout the sailing and you can find out when on the Disney Cruise Line app Navigator!

Click here to learn more about the Kids Clubs!

8. the sailing might not feel long enough..

The Disney Wish only sales for sailing 4-nights and shorter. Now, for first-time cruisers, this can be a great length to introduce you to cruise life. But if you LOVE a cruise, 4-nights feels like barely enough time to get settled.

I am a 7-night cruiser all the way so I would maybe opt to sail on a different ship than the Wish to have a longer trip.

See things to do on the Disney Wish here!

Bonus be careful how you manage seasickness..

This one is not JUST for the Wish but I had an interesting seasickness experience ON the Wish so I wanted to bring it up. I am prone to motion sickness and with so much to cover on the Wish, I wanted to make sure I was preventing any nasty waves.

So, I opted for a prescription motion sickness patch. I’ve heard that this works wonders and it did for me when it comes to seasickness but the side effects were WILD. I had an insanely dry mouth and sore throat, I was so drowsy I would fall asleep sitting up straight if I sat down for more than a few minutes, and I don’t remember much of my cruise (luckily I can watch the video above!).

My caution here is that it’s dicey to manage motion sickness. You may want to opt for dramamine or something a little less intense and bring a prescription option just in case. Talk to your doctor! Finding what’s right for you is certainly important.

So, happy sailing on the Wish! And keep an eye on AllEars.Net for more cruise tips!

Click here to see which Disney vacation you should be taking!

Join the allears.net newsletter to get the free list of 50 tips for going on a disney cruise click here to get started.

Would you sail the Disney Wish? Tell us in the comments!

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5 Affordable Cruise Vacations to Book — Plus How to Find the Best Deals

Here's what you need to know to save money on your next cruise.

Best Affordable Cruise Lines

How to find the best cruise deals, tips for saving money while on board.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. This form of travel is incredibly convenient (read: no need to pack and unpack), and everything you need can be found right on board — ultimately taking the stress out of trip planning. Plus, with hundreds of ships at sea across dozens of lines, there’s a cruise out here for every type of traveler. Fortunately, cruising doesn’t have to cost a small fortune, and many budget-conscious travelers may opt to set sail for their next trip. Below, we’ve rounded up the best cruise lines offering affordable fares coupled with value-packed inclusions to stretch your dollar further. We’ve also tapped some expert cruise specialists to share their top tips and tricks to help you save money both on and off the ship.

Here's everything you need to know to book an affordable cruise vacation.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

This adults-only cruise line from Richard Branson — which also happens to be a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award winner — offers excellent value. In fact, according to T+L A-list cruise advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder and president Rob Clabbers, Virgin Voyages fares “include more than on most mainstream large-ship cruise lines.” For example, he says, “Virgin fares include internet access, gratuities, all meals — there are no cover charges for its restaurants that on most other lines would be considered specialty restaurants.” Beverages like soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included, as are snacks, mezze at the aft terrace, and group workout classes. Best of all, there are no pricey beverage packages. “Instead,” says Clabbers, cruisers — or, as Virgin calls them, sailors — can buy their own reasonably priced drinks (think: beers from $6, $10 cocktails, and wines by the glass under $11) a la carte. Additionally, with some promotions , the cruise line throws in a “ bar tab ” credit that can be used towards drinks.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Another World’s Best Award winner — and WBA Hall of Fame Honoree, no less — this fan-favorite ocean line is renowned for refined ships, serene ambiance, and exceptional service. Moreover, per Clabbers, passengers can choose from “optional packages to help customize a passenger’s trip that provide savings over buying things separately.” For an extra $60 per day, consider Princess Plus, which offers perks like Wi-Fi for one device per guest, gratuities, fitness classes (two per sailing), and beverages like bottled water, specialty coffee, soft drinks, and juice. Alternatively, for $80 per day, passengers can spring on the Princess Premier package, which features the same beverages plus specialty dining (two per sailing), unlimited fitness classes, premium desserts, reserved theater seating, and Wi-Fi (four devices per guest).

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is a favorite among families of all ages for its over-the-top entertainment and activities (think: go-karting, Broadway-caliber productions, and so on). “While Norwegian Cruise Line may price slightly higher than some of its competitors, you need to consider the Free at Sea package,” says travel advisor Jennifer Travis of Marvelous Mouse Travels . She goes on to describe the promotion as a “game-changer when it comes to cruising” since it includes perks like a “free open bar (up to $1,400 in savings), free specialty dining (up to $180 in savings), free Wi-Fi (up to $200 in savings), and a $50 discount on excursions.” Other Free at Sea perks include 70 percent off second guests, free third and fourth guests (on select dates), and free airfare (per the cruise line’s website: “ Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock in roundtrip flights for two ”). Also, you can’t go wrong with the Free at Sea Plus package, which includes a wider selection of beverages, more specialty dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and additional shore excursion credits. Before booking, be sure to check the line’s full selection of deals , which run the gamut from half-off deposits to $150 cruise credits and more.

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Zip lines, water slides, surfing simulators, ice skating, rock climbing walls: Find all this and more aboard (most) Royal Caribbean ships — and, best of all, they’re complimentary! Ideal for fun- and adventure-loving travelers of all ages — read: kids and kids-at-heart alike — it’s pretty much impossible to be bored while cruising on this World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line . Additionally, according to Travis, Royal Caribbean “offers some of the best short itineraries,” some of which clock in at under $200 per person for two-night sailings. Longer itineraries, including a seven-night Bahamas sailing aboard one of the line’s newest ships, Odyssey of the Seas , clock in at under $600 per person. The line also offers an abundance of deals , including up to $600 off sailings, 60 percent off second guests, and more.

Carnival Cruise Line

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

“ Carnival Cruise Line is known for its competitive pricing without cutting back on the onboard activities or various dining options, thus making them an attractive option to budget-conscious cruisers,” explains Travis. For example, many itineraries, including a four-night Bahamas cruise from Miami , clock in at just over $150 per person. Additionally, says the travel advisor, “Carnival sails to a wide variety of destinations from so many local ports that you almost do not need to fly to your cruise ship anymore, which is another huge savings given the cost (and stress) flights can add to any vacation.” Keep an eye out for frequent flash sales for even more savings.

Booking early is an easy way to save on your next cruise vacation . “Typically,” says Travis, “the best pricing on a cruise is when the schedule is first released.” And, while you could wait for a last-minute deal, “you may not get the room category that you want.” Similarly, Clabbers says that flexibility is key when it comes to finding — and scoring — the best cruise deals . For example, he previously told T+L that if you are “very flexible and are looking for a standard room on a large ship on an itinerary that repeats week after week, you are more likely to find a promotional fare.”

Conversely, giving up some of that flexibility sometimes pays off. According to Clabbers, select cruise lines will offer lower fares to those who opt for a nonrefundable deposit instead of a refundable one. Finally, you may also consider cruising in shoulder season or even low season. Sure, the weather won’t be perfect, but the fewer crowds and cheaper fares more than make up for that, especially if you’re on a budget.

While your tab can quickly rack up once on board, there are several savvy ways to save money. For one, consider bringing your own booze. According to Travis, “Many cruise lines allow their guests to bring a specific amount of alcohol or nonalcoholic beverages onboard the ships, which can help save you money while you are on the ship.” Additionally, Michele Benard , another travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels, advises packing your own necessities from home — like Advil, Tums, motion sickness medicine, and after-sun lotion — as opposed to buying them on board at a much higher price. You’ll also want to skip the souvenirs at the onboard gift shop, which tend to be more expensive than those you’d find in port.

Benard also recommends taking advantage of “all the free activities on the cruise ships,” which can include everything from water slides to trivia game shows. Pro tip: “Stay onboard during a port day, and the lines won’t be as long.” On a similar note, spa treatments tend to be less expensive on port days, so those craving some R&R — that is, sans breaking the bank — may consider booking a service during this time.

Finally, says Clabbers, save money on your next cruise by enlisting the help of an onboard cruise consultant to select your next sailing. “You will typically receive an onboard credit or savings on your next cruise, and your own travel advisor will be alerted so they can help you plan your vacation.”

The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

After decades of success making families smile and laugh at its theme parks, Disney dipped its toes into the world of cruising in 1998. Disney didn’t just copy another cruise line’s model for success or slap its name on the side of an existing ship. It created its own brand of cruising.

Disney went so far into charting its own path as to get special approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for its ships’ lifeboats to be yellow instead of regulation orange, to tie into the colors of Mickey himself — black, red, white and yellow.

Now, Disney Cruise Line has five ships sailing in those signature colors, along with three more on order. In a normal year, those five ships take tens of thousands of families on sailings to the Caribbean , Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas, through the Panama Canal and even to Australia and New Zealand.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Having sailed four of Disney Cruise Line’s five ships, I can say the experience is indeed special — especially if you have kids. But Disney’s not a one-trick cruise line that’s only good for one age group. It offers kids clubs and activities to suit babies through teens and has several adults-only areas of the ship . Its newest ship, Disney Wish , provides more cool spaces for adults than any previous vessel.

Disney’s attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. But unlike at the Disney theme parks, which can be a bit complicated to navigate, long lines and complex strategies are rarely a part of the Disney cruise experience.

Get the free planning help of a Disney vacation planner via TPG’s partner, Mouse Counselors .

What TPG loves about Disney Cruise Line

Broadway-caliber shows and first-run movies.
Disney-level service and attention to detail.
High-quality Disney character interactions and kids clubs.
Innovative, included rotational dining.

What we could do without

Disney cruises are expensive.
The onboard Wi-Fi is not the fastest, especially on ships that haven’t been upgraded. And it’s not cheap.

Disney Cruise Line fleet

While Disney may be a household name, Disney Cruise Line is actually a small line. It currently sails just five ships, compared to 27 at its family-friendly competitor Royal Caribbean .

Of the five, two are smaller ships, and three are larger.

The largest ships in Disney’s fleet are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 feet long and 14 decks high, and Disney Wish , at 1,119 feet and 15 decks high.

These three ships each have a passenger capacity of 4,000 people spread out across approximately 1,250 cabins. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or private verandah, with only 10%-12% being windowless inside cabins. (On its oldest four ships, these interior rooms have a “magical porthole” that displays a live feed from outside to replicate a window.)

Disney Treasure , expected to join the fleet in 2024, will be in the same larger Triton class of ships as Disney Wish.

Disney Wish is currently a workhorse of short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral , Florida, to the Bahamas, home to Disney’s private island , Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy often sails weeklong cruises out of Florida. With the addition of Disney Wish to the fleet, Disney Dream now spends its summer across the Atlantic, offering European cruises from May to September, then spending much of the rest of the year based out of Fort Lauderdale.

The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line’s first ship, Disney Magic .

These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

Disney Wonder is often on the move and currently splits its time among Alaska , the South Pacific, Hawaii, California, Mexico and beyond. Disney Magic spends part of its year based out of Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans and much of the rest based out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Related: Best destinations you can sail to on a Disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line destinations and itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that range from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have recently become available as the line is adding new ships for the first time in a decade.

Disney Cruise Line destinations include:

New Zealand
Pacific Coast
South Pacific

Disney Wish has, by far, the highest number of annual sailings, with 105 three- and four-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. These sailings all go to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; some also stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some Disney cruises do what’s called a “double dip” and make two stops at the private island, where you can step ashore without leaving the Disney bubble.

Pro tip: If you go to Castaway Cay, rent a bike for a little exercise and a self-guided tour of the island. Or, you can run the at-your-pace 5K that morning around the island.

Coming in summer 2024 , Disney will have a second exclusive beach destination in the Bahamas — Lighthouse Point.

This won’t be an entire private island like Castaway Cay, but it will be an exclusive beachfront space designed for Disney Cruise Line with many similar offerings to Castaway. Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy will call on this new destination for the first time in 2024.

Related: Best tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

Who sails Disney Cruise Line?

Let’s start with the obvious: Families love Disney Cruise Line.

The ultimate sweet spot for taking a Disney cruise starts when a child is at least 3 years old and potty trained (the criteria that get them into the included kids clubs) and lasts until they outgrow their love of Disney characters. Remember, Disney now includes the “Star Wars” and Marvel brands and offers themed cruises featuring those characters, too.

A Disney cruise costs more than a similar cruise on a line like Royal Caribbean , so it’s easiest to justify the expense when your kids love Disney the most.

So, yes, the stereotype that Disney Cruise Line is full of families is 100% correct.

You’ll see many families with kids in those preschool, elementary and middle school years. But you’ll also see families with little babies (the minimum age is 6 months on most sailings, 1 year on Panama Canal and transatlantic sailings), tweens, teens, college-age kids and even grandparents who have made a Disney cruise an enjoyable multigenerational travel tradition.

Related: Comparing Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises for families

You’ll also see cruisers who love Disney regardless of age and are proud to wear their Mickey ears while hearing the first seven notes of the “When You Wish Upon a Star” melody blown from the ship’s massive horn.

Just like you don’t need kids to have a great time at Disney World or Disneyland, you can happily cruise as adults without offspring on Disney Cruise Line. All the ships have active adults-only sun decks, pool and lounges. Disney Wish especially invested in its adult offerings with an infinity pool, along with more bars spread around the ship instead of being clustered into one main area.

Disney Cruise Line cabins and suites

At a basic level, Disney Cruise Line offers five main types of cabins across the fleet. In its simplified version, the types of cabins on a Disney cruise include:

Windowless inside cabins
Ocean-view cabins
Verandah cabins (with private balconies)
Verandah cabins with concierge service
Suites with concierge service

These cabins start at 169 square feet for a standard inside cabin and go up to a two-story, 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish .

Unless you are OK with the smallest space on the ship or have a budget for the largest, the sweet spot for price and comfort on Disney Cruise Line vessels is probably the cabins that are around 204 square feet and usually come with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed and a split bath.

This split bathroom situation places a sink and the shower/tub combo in one bathroom and the toilet and another sink in the other. Each has its own separate door, so someone could use the toilet/sink room while another takes a shower, all in private and at the same time.

You’ll find this cabin layout within the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah categories.

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah add about 40 more square feet to the equation. If you want the largest within those room categories, search for rooms that can hold five people on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Pro tip: You can ask your cabin host for cartoon bedding for the kid’s bed if you think your child will be excited to come back from dinner to one of their Disney favorites.

You can connect many of the cabins on the ship , which is often a much more economical solution for a family looking for more sleeping space (and bathrooms) than upgrading to a multibedroom suite. Roughly speaking, a family of four will pay about 50% more for two cabins than they will for everyone to stay in one cabin of the same size.

Related: 7 nights. 4 people. 1 cruise ship cabin. Can we survive?

If you are going all-out on a particular trip, or are simply working with a larger budget, Disney concierge suites are special.

The smallest available room with this service is the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which isn’t all that different from the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, other than the included concierge service. From there, you can go up to the one- or two-bedroom suites.

Be prepared for sticker shock, though, as these suites will almost certainly be near or over five figures on many sailings.

While pricey, Disney concierge service eliminates almost all of the potential pain points of a Disney cruise (not that there are many pain points to begin with).

Disney concierge service gets you access to the Disney Concierge Lounge, which has food offerings multiple times per day and a fully stocked fridge with sodas, juices and bottles of water.

In the evenings, you’ll find included beer, wine and spirits in the lounge — which you can also take with you as you head out to dinner or to enjoy the view from the deck.

The Concierge Lounge also has its own private deck, and Disney characters have been known to make a private appearance there during the cruise. (Don’t worry, you’ll get a heads-up.)

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge service worth it?

You also have your own check-in area at the port and are among the first to board the ship, which can mean extra time to enjoy having the waterslides to yourself. At the end of the cruise, you can have a private elevator that takes you down to be some of the first off the ship — which should protect you from a long line to say goodbye.

There are other perks of the concierge level, too, such as early front-row seating at shows, included popcorn and the ability to submit your request for meal reservations at Palo or Remy, cabanas on Castaway Cay, spa treatments, character meet-and-greets or whatever else you wish before other guests. These can be made for you starting 120 days before your sailing, which is before all other guests except those with the highest elite status tier in the Castaway Club .

Passengers on their first Disney cruise don’t get to make those reservations until 75 days out if they aren’t in the concierge level. The reality is the hottest items are often booked up by then, especially on shorter cruises when there’s less time to do everything.

Those in the concierge level in one-bedroom suites and higher can also order room service from the restaurants to their cabin, which means you can have a hot breakfast on your verandah if you wish instead of the regular continental options available to most guests.

If you are on the fence about concierge service, it’s arguably most valuable when you are on a shorter cruise, have some specific popular must-have items on your reservation wish list or want someone else to take care of everything. You can also inquire about discounted upgrades at the port, assuming rooms are left unsold on your voyage.

Pro tip: Regardless of your cabin, bring magnetic Mickey or nautical-themed decor for the entrance, as most of the cabin doors are magnetic. Decorating is a fun tradition on a Disney cruise.

Related: Review of sailing in a suite with Disney concierge service

Disney Cruise Line restaurants and dining options

You will not go hungry on a Disney cruise. From room service to evening dinners, meals are (mostly) all included.

Rotational dining

On each Disney ship, three main dining rooms serve as dinner restaurants that participate in rotational dining. Each ship has its own lineup of themed rotational restaurants, but the concept remains the same on each.

Each night, your tablemates and servers will move from one restaurant to the next as a team. This way, the servers get to know that you always want to start with a glass of red wine, or your kids’ food needs to come ASAP so you can take them to the kids club as soon as they finish, or (in my case) your daughter wants a side of barbecue sauce with … everything.

You must choose between an early and a late dinner time, with your showtime opposite your dining time. Some restaurants, such as Animator’s Palate, are found on multiple ships, while others are unique to one ship, such as Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder and all of the rotational restaurants found on Disney Wish .

Included restaurants on Disney Magic

Animator’s Palate
Rapunzel’s Royal Table

Included restaurants on Disney Wonder

Tiana’s Place

Included restaurants on Disney Dream

Enchanted Garden
Royal Palace

Included restaurants on Disney Fantasy

Royal Court

Included restaurants on Disney Wish

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
Worlds of Marvel

At these restaurants, you can order whatever you want on the menu at no extra charge, with a few exceptions (for example, alcohol and specialty drinks cost extra).

While many guests dress up a bit for dinner (compared to their afternoon pool deck attire), most stay relatively casual for the rotational dining restaurants. Disney does not impose a specific dress-up requirement.

Disney cruise ships offer many other dining options beyond the three included themed restaurants — most included, some not.

Room service

Room service is mostly free (other than sodas or alcohol), though the menu is limited if you aren’t staying in a concierge-level cabin. Still, it’s free room service, so I’m not one to complain.

Pro tip: Fill the breakfast card out the night before and hang it on your stateroom to get breakfast exactly when you want it the next morning.

And you haven’t lived until your kids learn how to call and order free Mickey ice cream bars to the cabin … every night (just be sure and add a tip).

Buffet and grab-and-go

Your Disney cruise will also include a buffet known as Cabanas on the original four ships and Marceline Market on Disney Wish. The buffet is usually open for breakfast and lunch, though not in the evening hours.

In addition to the buffet, a few grab-and-go quick-service restaurants on the pool deck serve salads, chili, pizza, barbecue and more, depending on which ship you’re sailing.

Don’t miss these options, as some are quite good. They are typically open from late morning until later into the evening.

Room service, the buffet and the on-deck food counter dining options don’t cost extra and are available to you in addition to or instead of your rotational dining.

You’ll also find included ice cream on one of the upper decks. A pro-level hack is to get Mickey churro waffles from the buffet in the morning (only available some mornings) and add vanilla ice cream for a vacation-worthy breakfast.

Extra-cost, adults-only restaurants

At the top of the “costs extra” list are the restaurants Palo (found on all five ships, though it’s Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish), Remy (on Dream and Fantasy) and Enchante (only on Disney Wish).

Remy is a fancy adults-only French restaurant that costs $125 per person for dinner (more if you order drinks). This is the type of place where men need jackets and women are expected to wear dresses, pantsuits or a skirt and blouse. Enchante on Disney Wish is similar — you’re dressing up for these meals.

Palo is also fancy, though a notch less fancy than Remy. You’ll see jackets and dresses in Palo, but you can also get by with nice jeans if you want. This adults-only restaurant serves Northern Italian fare and starts at about $45 per person for a multicourse brunch or dinner, though you can also order a la carte for dinner, which could cost more or less, depending on your order.

I can say with 100% certainty that if you enjoy a nice meal, this is worth the extra $45 once during your cruise . From the breadbasket to the dessert, it’s all amazing. You’ll gain 5 pounds, but you won’t regret a bite.

These reservations are hard to get, especially for brunch, so you’ll want to make them the second you are eligible and keep checking back for cancellations if you miss out the first time.

Coffee shops and snack shops

On a Disney cruise, the snacks and pastries you’ll see in the coffee shop or kiosk are all included, but the specialty coffee will cost extra. Drink prices are roughly similar to Starbucks, if not a notch lower. Be sure and ask for the Cafe Fanatic card if you’re a regular, as your sixth drink will be free.

In addition to the included soft-serve ice cream and Mickey bars available via room service, your ship may have some shops with extra-fee ice cream. This can confuse kids, so I want to warn you beforehand. On Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish, you’ll find an ice cream shop stuffed with candies, gelato and ice cream — all for an extra charge.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also have a juice bar that costs extra.

The exact bars will vary by vessel, but you can expect spots like a wine and Champagne bar, a pub, a laid-back lounge and a bar with live entertainment.

These bars are a lot of fun and are not to be missed if you like live music or a nice drink at the end of the day. Keep an eye out in your app for when and where the happy hours are on board if you want to save a few dollars on your drinks. Some bars also offer a sommelier bin where you get a nice glass of wine at a discounted price — as long as you put the bartender in charge of choosing your drink.

Some of the drink-tasting classes that you book in advance can be a good value if you’re a fan of the drink on offer and are interested in learning a little bit while you sip. You’ll want to book these before sailing, as many do sell out.

Food on Castaway Cay

If your cruise takes you to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, you’re in luck, as there’s plenty of included food to eat there, too.

Just like on board, some of the food on Castaway is included, while alcohol and specialty drinks are not. The Cookie’s and Cookie’s Too lunch shacks on the island are both included, so load up on hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, fries and all the fixings. Vegetarian options are available.

While the food options here are somewhat basic, they still make for a fun and free meal.

Entertainment and activities on a Disney cruise

A valid reason to want to sail with Disney is the onboard fun that awaits — especially for those who love Disney characters and stories.

Theaters and shows

Each Disney cruise ship features two theaters. In the massive Walt Disney Theatre, you’ll enjoy Broadway-caliber evening shows such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Tangled,” “Disney Dreams,” “The Golden Mickeys” and more. If you want a good seat, arrive about 30 minutes early since seating is first come, first served.

The Buena Vista Theatre screens first-run Disney films. These will be the same films still showing in theaters on land. If you happen to be at sea when a new Disney movie premieres on land, you’ll also get that same first look at sea.

Pirate Night is a staple on many Disney cruises in the Caribbean. On that themed night, expect everyone to be dressed in their pirate-y best for the evening, so pack accordingly. Your dinner will also have a pirate theme, followed by a fun show up on deck, complete with fireworks.

Pro tip: If you plan to stay up late for Pirate Night, try to work in a nap that afternoon so you don’t miss out on the nighttime fun.

Game shows, karaoke, bingo and more

The extensive lineup of interactive game shows, trivia, karaoke, dance parties, bingo and more listed in the Disney cruise app are worth checking out. Some of these are adults-only, while others are fun for the whole family. Most are included in the price of the cruise, though bingo does cost extra — and you could win real money.

Other interior attractions and activities

Meeting Disney characters is a fun part of a Disney cruise.

You can make reservations to meet the popular princesses, but most characters are easy to walk up to and meet via a short line. Or, even better, you often see them roaming about the ship at unexpected times.

You can work off some of those treats and drinks at the onboard fitness center on each ship.

The Senses Spa & Salon is a full-service spa with everything from massages to pedicures and hair care. Promotions are available if you book more than one treatment. If you have a Disney Visa card , you can also save 20% on select onboard services.

Pro tip: The showers in this part of the ship are full-size, in case you are getting a bit claustrophobic in the shower in your cabin.

If you like getting away to relax, look at purchasing access to the Rainforest Room for heated stone loungers, aromatherapy showers and even hot tubs on the larger ships. You can buy a one-day or full-cruise pass to this area of the spa, but get a tour first as the layout and inclusions in this space vary dramatically from ship to ship.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Little cruisers can be transformed into a princess or pirate at sea at the onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which does themed kid makeovers and sells costumes as part of the package. You’ll need an appointment; expect to pay $100 to $200 for most packages.

This is a fun thing to do before meeting a princess, before a more formal night or anytime you want to see a huge smile on your kid’s face. If you have a princess dress or outfit from home you want to use or reuse, you can purchase a cheaper package at Bibbidi Bobbidi.

Decktop attractions

Waterslides.

All of Disney Cruise Line’s ships have some kind of waterslide on board.

The AquaDuck waterslide on Dream and Fantasy takes riders in single or double tubes 765 feet from Deck 12 up and down, through the forward funnel and on a four-deck drop. It’s pretty epic. AquaMouse on Disney Wish is also an inner tube-based ride and is not to be missed.

These lines can get long, so I recommend riding first thing when you board if the port is warm enough. Nighttime rides usually have short waits, too.

Disney Magic has the most thrilling waterslide in the fleet, called AquaDunk, and Disney Wonder has its own waterslide in the AquaLab splash area.

Each Disney ship has multiple pools, though if you’ve never been on a cruise, you may be initially shocked at how small they are — and how busy they can get.

As with the waterslides, we recommend enjoying these first thing when you board if you want to try them without crowds. Otherwise, you won’t find so many people in the pools on port days, early in the morning and right before dinner. There are thousands of people on the ship and only a few small pools, so plan accordingly.

Each ship has a pool and hot tub area for adults 18 and up. It can also get busy, but typically less busy than the family area. Select ships also offer an in-pool bar area for adults.

The adult sun deck is a nice place to grab a chair and relax, even if you have no intention of getting in the water.

Splash pads

Your little one has to be potty trained to use the onboard pools. The option for those still in swim diapers is some splash areas, such as Nemo’s Reef and Dory’s Reef.

Sports deck

If you want to be more active, head to your ship’s sports deck to play basketball, foosball, miniature golf and more. You may even have some sports simulator options beyond your traditional in-person fun.

Children’s programs

As a parent, my favorite part of a Disney cruise might be the included kids programs that children actually want to attend. If the kids are happy for a few hours, the parents can actually relax, too.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for children ages 3–12

All five Disney ships have amazing spaces for kids in the 3-to-12-year-old range in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.

Here you’ll find video games, an indoor slide, fun programs and games with the staff, arts and crafts, surprise character visits and more. Your kids need to be potty trained to stay in this club, so use that as motivation for a kid approaching 3 years old before your next cruise.

Your kids don’t need an appointment to pop in here; they can come anytime from open to close — and the club stays open pretty late.

Parents can stay with kids and play during open hours on the first day and select times on other dates, but most of the time, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are kids-only. Your kids will check in and out by scanning a special MagicBand that also tracks where they are within the kids clubs.

Disney Wish has the added perk in the kids club of a slide that takes the kids straight from the main atrium and into the fun.

Know that once your child turns 8, you have the option of giving them self-checkout privileges. While kids up to 12 are welcome in the main Oceaneer Club, they may start moving up to the tween club by the time they are 10 years old.

Edge tween club for children ages 11–14

When your kid outgrows the fun in the main kids club, don’t worry. Edge is waiting just upstairs.

Technically, Edge is for kids ages 11-14, but you can get your 10-year-old in with permission — and once they figure that out, it’s probably all over for the “little kid club.”

Edge is a much smaller space, but tweens have tons of fun playing video games, having dance parties, doing crafts, playing trivia games and more with their newfound cruise friends.

This club does not utilize parent sign-in and -out, so you need to trust your kid if they are coming to Edge. If your 10-to-12-year-old child visits Edge, they can also play at the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club, so they have options.

Vibe teen club for children ages 14–17

Get ready to be jealous of this one. On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the teen club has its own set of small pools at the front of the ship.

Inside all versions of the teen club, Vibe, you’ll find a tech-friendly world with loungers, dance parties, smoothies and other teen-approved fun. Some of the coolest inside space on Disney cruise ships is dedicated to teens ages 14-17, but you can request for your child to attend this club starting at 13 years old.

‘It’s a small world’ nursery for children 6 months to 3 years old

While the three previously mentioned kids clubs are free and do not require reservations, the nursery operates differently. You will need to make reservations, and the fee is $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and $4 per half-hour for each additional child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

The specific documents you will need will vary by cruise destination. Having a passport is always a good idea, but it’s not technically required on all Disney cruises. For example, round-trip cruises originating in Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, New Orleans, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, often do not require a passport.

Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you’ll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child’s passport

Disney Cruise Line adds a service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day to final bills. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can lower this amount. Of course, you can visit guest services and adjust it upward, too.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a four-night cruise would pay $232 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who quickly learned your kids’ preferences for dinner and your cabin hosts who made your room look like magic while you were out enjoying yourself.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it’s customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the “bill.”

While some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you’ll likely want to add an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts at the end of your cruise a recommended amount of $8 per night per guest.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Disney Cruise Line’s Wi-Fi, Connect@Sea, is in the process of being upgraded, so speed, bandwidth and cost vary by ship.

If you are on a ship that charges by day instead of by the amount of data used, expect the prices to vary from $12-$36 per day, depending on the speed you select. There are often discounts for buying Wi-Fi access for the length of the cruise.

If you are on a ship that still charges by the amount of data used, we recommend not doing that and connecting either when you are in port or via a plan from your cellphone provider.

Related: What’s the best international phone plan right now?

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin.

Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated deck areas. It’s forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

For an additional fee, Disney ships offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning services that will pick up and deliver clean clothes to your cabin.

Ships also provide 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment. You pay for the facilities by using your Key to the World card. These services can get busy during sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with multiple 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada. Cabins on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are equipped with a combination of 110- and 220-volt (European) outlets.

Small electrical appliances such as electric shavers, curling irons and flat irons with standard North American plugs will function on board; 110-volt items should not exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt items should not exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is provided in every cabin for your convenience, but you may bring your own as long as it meets the guidelines above.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships, regardless of location, is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card (or your DisneyBand+ on Disney Wish ) serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

In port, you may wish to carry cash or a credit card to buy snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour guide.

Drinking age

For most Disney sailings, the drinking age on board is 21.

However, on round-trip cruises departing European countries with a lower drinking age, passengers 18-20 years of age can drink alcohol on board with signed parental consent. For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent.

During the day, people dress casually. If it’s a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you’re bound for the top deck, that means looking like you’re going to the beach. T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are fine.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is “cruise casual,” meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don’t have to put on a party dress. That said, many guests do dress up a bit in the evening, but it’s not required unless you are dining in Palo, Remy or Enchante.

Cruises that are seven nights or longer schedule one “formal night” — though even then, it’s only encouraged, not required. On that night, you will see suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses and similar from some guests.

Pro tip: Be sure and pack that pirate gear for Pirate Night.

Related: What to pack for your 1st cruise

Disney Cruise Line loyalty program

Disney Cruise Line has a simple loyalty program, the Castaway Club , with four “elite status” levels that you earn based on how many cruises you’ve taken with Disney. A three-night and 10-night cruise both count as one sailing for these purposes.

Silver: One completed cruise
Gold: Five completed cruises
Platinum: 10 completed cruises
Pearl: 25 completed cruises

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

This isn’t the kind of loyalty program where you earn free cruises the way you earn free flights with airline miles. Instead, as you go up in status, you earn perks and earlier access to booking cruises and activities — which is key for getting those hard-to-snag adult dining or Castaway Cay cabana reservations

Silver members

Book new cruise itineraries one day before the general public and book onboard activities 90 days before sailing.
Get a “welcome back aboard” gift (such as a bag), have access to a Castaway Club members-only line when boarding and access to a Castaway Club direct phone number.
Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 33 days before the general public.

Gold members

All of those perks, but you can book new sailings two days before the general public and can book onboard activities 105 days before sailing.
On eight-night and longer voyages, Gold Castaway Club members are also invited to a private reception with special entertainment. There are also select merchandise discounts available to Gold members and higher.
Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 35 days before the general public.

Platinum members

All of those perks, but you can book new sailings three days before the general public and can book onboard activities 120 days before sailing.
Priority check-in at the cruise terminal.
Complimentary evening dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse for themselves and everyone in the cabin age 18 and older.
Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 38 days before the general public.

Pearl members

All of those perks, but you can book new sailings four days before the general public and can book onboard activities 123 days before sailing.
Exclusive cruise terminal check-in (where available)
Unlimited Digital Photo Package.
Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 40 days before the general public.

How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Magic ain’t cheap, and Disney cruises are expensive. They aren’t the priciest voyages out there, but they will cost more than cruises with family-friendly competitors such as Royal Caribbean by a noticeable margin.

For a family of four, the cheapest Disney cruise currently available (not counting the two-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand) is about $2,500. An ocean view will add about $90 and a verandah will add about $500.

On these shortest cruises, concierge-level cabins and access start at a little over $5,000 for a family of four.

Those sorts of prices will only be available during the offseason, such as in mid-to-late January and early February or for repositioning cruises as the ship moves from, say, Puerto Rico to Florida. That same cruise during spring break can cost double or more, so the more date flexibility you have, the better.

A seven-night cruise in the Caribbean will likely start around $5,000 for a family of four. Expect Alaska and Europe cruises to start at $5,000 to $6,000 for inside cabins for a week, and prices go up for longer sailings and upgraded cabins.

You can save money on your next Disney cruise by putting a $250 deposit down while you are at sea on a previous Disney cruise. It’s a popular way to get 10% off your next cruise.

Another way to save on a Disney cruise is to look at a one-way repositioning sailing , as those often price lower than other similar cruises. For example, the cruise line may need to end a cruise in a particular port to reposition the ship to do some sailings from there. You’ll have to get yourself back home from that port, but you may save on the cruise in the process.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on a cruise

How to book

You can book your Disney cruise directly with Disney Cruise Line either over the phone or online, but I’d argue you shouldn’t.

Cruises are easy to enjoy but can be complicated to plan if you are new to this type of travel. This is an industry where a travel agent is still a good call. You want someone who can help you pick the right cabin type and location for your group and keep track of when you can snag those onboard activities you really want.

When the wave of pandemic-related cruise cancellations hit in 2020, I was so grateful to have a travel agent — instead of me — spending time dealing with the cruise line.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Another reason to consider going through a travel agent is to get onboard credit. Some travel agents will offer onboard credit based on the amount you spend on your Disney cruise. This is credit you can use toward drinks, spa treatments, excursions or anything else you can charge to your room.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY CRUISE, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Generally speaking, the sooner you book a Disney cruise after it goes on sale, the better, as prices usually only go in one direction — up.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases and maybe even offers some built-in travel protections .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar on travel and dining and an annual up-to-$300 travel credit.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 points per dollar on travel.
The Disney Premier Visa Card is also a good option, specifically with Disney Cruise Line, as it gives you access to a 0% introductory annual percentage rate for six months following the purchase date on eligible Disney vacation packages, such as a Disney cruise (then a variable APR of 18.99% to 27.99% applies). The card also gets you 10% in savings on some onboard activities and packages while at Castaway Cay.

Related: How to save money on booking a Disney cruise

Bottom line

Whether you are on a three-night trip to Castaway Cay or a bigger crossing to the South Pacific, a Disney cruise is a special vacation that actually feels like a vacation.

The classic styling of the original four ships, the modern storybook styling of Disney Wish, the vast number of inclusions, the rotational dining, waterslides, private island, fun kids clubs, Disney characters, high-caliber entertainment and Disney service shine through.

You’ll certainly pay more for the privilege of sailing with Mickey and Minnie than with some other family-friendly lines. But for those with kids in that Disney age range, or for adults who know and trust the Disney brand, it’s hard to go wrong in choosing Disney Cruise Line for your next vacation.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

Best Disney ships for everyone
Everything we know about Disney Treasure, joining DCL in 2024
Everything you need to know about Disney Wish
Best credit cards for booking a cruise

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free.

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

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For the Disney Wish 4 night Cruise June 10-14th, are there themed nights if so what are they? Are the shows and dining options automatically rotated each evening meaning we get a chance to see/dine at each? Thank You! ”

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Meet the Panelist: Tracie, Florida

Ahoy! Just like Moana, I feel the irresistible call of the sea. I think the best vacation is aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship – thankfully, my family agrees. Whether savoring gelato in Italy, snorkeling in Mexico, or basking in the sea breeze on deck, each destination fills us with memories to last a lifetime. I look forward to helping your family plan a Disney Cruise Line adventure brimming with cherished moments!

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COMMENTS

1st time on DCL…worried about Sea Sickness!
May 17, 2010. Jul 25, 2022. #9. On our first cruise (Alaska) we discovered our then 16 yr old got seasick. We used the free meclizine chewables from a bin outside of health services to help her. I used Dramamine naturals--ginger pills the first couple days until I had my sea legs. My 12 yr old and DH were fine.
How to Avoid Sea-sickness on Your Disney Cruise
If you are inclined to motion sickness but want to ensure an enjoyable cruise, here are a few ways to avoid getting seasick on your cruise . Some Common Prevention . If you're prone to motion sickness, you need to take sea-sickness medicine before you feel sick, other wise it won't be effiective. Motion sickness medication is not 100% ...
How To Avoid Getting Sick on a Disney Cruise
The Motion Sickness Patch is a very small circle design. You simply place it behind your ear just before you get on the cruise. Motion sickness patches can be a great alternative to medication as they are nondrowsy. Wash Your Hands. We really can't say enough how important it is to wash your hands.
Best Stateroom Location & Decks to Avoid Seasickness
Choosing the Best Stateroom Location. Middle of the Ship: If you're prone to seasickness, a cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) is an excellent choice. The center of the ship is the most stable, experiencing less motion than the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship. The lower and more centrally located your cabin, the less roll and ...
seasickness on disney cruise ship
8. Re: seasickness on disney cruise ship. 17 years ago. Several years ago I was on a ship with my hubby and I bought wrist bands at AAA that has a button that rests on a pressure point in your wrist that kept me from getting sick. Hubby laughed, he thought they looked dumb, but they did the trick for me.
How to Avoid Seasickness
Once seasickness starts it is more of a challenge to stop it. Here are some ways that you can minimise your chances of experiencing seasickness. Choose Your Ship Wisely. Some ships are more stable than others. As a general rule, the more modern and the larger the cruise ship is, the less movement you will feel on board.
Ways to Prevent Getting Seasick on Cruise Vacations
If you're searching for another natural remedy to motion sickness, you can try sipping on ginger ale while onboard. Ginger ale and other products with ginger, like chewing gum, are often used to prevent morning sickness in pregnant women. They are also a great way to try to combat seasickness on a cruise ship.
AVOIDING SEASICKNESS for KIDS and ADULTS on a DISNEY CRUISE
Worried about becoming seasick on your cruise? This video will tell you how to avoid seasickness for kids and adults on a Disney cruise.. whether you are on ...
How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise
Some swear that eating green apples helps with nausea, and some ships offer plates of green apples and crackers on their room service menus. There's no proven effectiveness to these natural ...
[UPDATED] Seasickness on Cruises
Each Disney Cruise ship has a Health Center located on Deck 1, Forward. If your seasickness is causing you to have a rough time, the Health Center provides help and complementary medicines. You can also get free motion sickness medicine at Guest Services. Disney truly wants you to have a smooth sailing with Mickey!
I Wasn't Ready For Motion Sickness On Our Cruise. Tips I Would Follow
Disney Cruises are great experiences for families with the great on board dining, Broadway-style shows, Disney character meet and greets plus amazing pools. One thing that can get in the way of that great experience is if you experience motion sickness or vertigo on a Disney Cruise which is pretty common with many adults.
FAQ: Coping with Motion Sickness on Your Ocean Cruise
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, "Motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. You can get motion sick in a car, or on a train, airplane, boat, or amusement park ride.".
How to Avoid Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise
These are my suggestions on how to avoid motion sickness on a Disney Cruise because there is nothing worse than paying the premium for a Disney cruise and being seasick the whole time. I was ... The great news is that all of the Disney cruise ships feature state of the art technology that helps keep the boat stable and minimize rocking. All of ...
Dealing with Motion Sickness on a Disney Cruise
Sharing is caring! I recently went on my first Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy, and it was pure paradise! Unfortunately, I'm a sufferer of motion sickness, and despite my best efforts, I felt a bit under the weather throughout the trip. I was able to make the best of my trip, and still had a phenomenal time, but definitely learned ...
The Truth About Seasickness
"Considering the large size of today's cruise ships, seasickness is rarely a problem," says Dr. Benjamin Shore. He adds that with innovative design and engineering, ships can also safely navigate around inclement weather, and use stabilizers—fins built off a ship's port and starboard sides along the water line—to reduce side-to-side ...
What Happens If I Get Sick While On My Disney Cruise?
September 12, 2018. When planning a Disney Cruise Line getaway, it helps to be prepared for every eventuality from planning out your days at sea with fun and festive Port Adventures to what happens if you get sick while on your cruise. From motion sickness to seasonal flu to other viruses that can cause havoc to your best laid cruising plans ...
Cruising on the Disney Dream with a Severe Motion Sickness Sufferer
Natural prevention/remedies: - Sea-Band wristbands: Placed over the "Nei-Kuan" point on both wrists and are meant to prevent/relieve nausea caused by motion sickness or morning sickness. They are reusable, and are said to be safe for adults and kids. - Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea, and even Dramamine markets a ...
Will You Get Seasick On A Cruise? How To Know
1. Consider Your History of Motion Sickness. If you've ever experienced motion sickness before, either on a roller coaster or a boat ride, it's likely you could experience it again in the open ocean. If you've experienced motion sickness in the past, you're much more likely to feel seasick on a cruise. 2.
How to Choose a Disney Cruise Itinerary and Room
But it's also the most expensive area to stay on a Disney Cruise. The aft is also a good choice for those prone to motion sickness but try to stay away from the very back of the ship. Also choose something on the lower deck. It really depends on the ship and the itinerary but generally anywhere deck 5 and lower should be pretty safe.
We RANKED and found the Best Disney Cruise Ship
Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise ship, launched in the summer of 2022. For its inaugural season, the ship focuses on 3- and 4-night Bahamian itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral (FL), with visits to Disney's Castaway Cay and Nassau. This ship has a length of 1,119 ft and a gross tonnage of about 144,000.
Will I Get Seasick on a Cruise?
Cruise ships have motion sickness medications, like meclizine, readily available at the ship's Medical Center. "Additionally, for more troublesome seasickness, Royal Caribbean's Medical Centers also carry promethazine and metoclopramide," Dr. Shore says. ... Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has ...
Wave Goodbye to Seasickness: How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship
Which cruise ship cabin you choose. Cabin Location on the Ship. The location of your cabin on the ship is crucial in minimizing the risk of seasickness. Cabins at the ship's center of gravity tend to feel less movement. So, mid-ship cabins on lower decks are typically the best choices to avoid seasickness. Mid-Ship Cabins: Less perceptible ...
I tried the most common seasickness hacks on my cruise. Here's what
When motion sickness takes over, I start struggling with nausea, dizziness, and sometimes a headache. I'll never forget the moment I discovered I struggled from seasickness on a cruise ship. It was night one of my first cruise on Wonder of the Seas, and I was introducing myself to other cruisers at a Hyperlink event.
8 Things You Should Know Before You Go on the Disney Wish
I've sailed on almost every Disney Cruise ship — including the newest, the Disney Wish.. Quincy with Captains Minnie and Mickey. The Disney Wish is the most heavily themed and largest ship in the Disney fleet — at least until its sister ship, the Disney Treasure, sets sail at the end of 2024.It's definitely got its differences from other Disney ships so here's what you should know ...
How can I find out what ships I've sailed on?
We took our first cruise when our kids were toddlers and now they are teens. So many of the stories they tell about their memories are from time on board a Disney ship. I hope looking at the list of cruises you have taken and the ships that have carried you to endless horizons and beautiful destinations warms your heart!
The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship
Family-friend Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small cruise brand, with just five ships (one of its biggest rivals in the family cruise market, Royal Caribbean, has 26 vessels). But that doesn't ...
Which Of The Five Disney Cruises Is The Best? Here's The Definitive Ranking
The first iteration of Disney's Cruise Line set sail in 1998 under the name Disney Magic. One year later, the Disney Wonder took to the sea. Today, at the time of writing, the current Disney fleet ...
5 Affordable Cruise Vacations and How to Find the Best Deals
Longer itineraries, including a seven-night Bahamas sailing aboard one of the line's newest ships, Odyssey of the Seas, clock in at under $600 per person. The line also offers an abundance of ...
The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries
The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are. Disney Wonder. and the line's first ship, Disney Magic. . These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the ...
For the Disney Wish 4 night Cruise June 10-14...
The ship's dining rooms also join in the fun, offering a special pirate-themed menu to complete the experience. It's an "arrr-mazing" good time! There are two dinner times on a Disney Cruise: main seating and second seating. If you're assigned main dining, you'll enjoy dinner first, followed by the later performance in the Walt Disney ...