Disney Cruise Line: Worth it or just a label? An average person’s opinion

Navigating the cruise world

I was in Florida when the Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Wish arrived in port. It was exciting and I cursed that I was not in a financial position to book a maiden voyage. Then again, probably best to avoid any maiden cruises (*whispers* 1912). We ended up going on a Royal Caribbean Cruise later that year. On embarkation day we stood on deck. Looking out over Port Canaveral, I couldn’t help but stare at the Disney Cruise ships and wonder if I was missing something.

It feels like the moment I made a life-adjustment to start doing all things Disney, a huge swath of people turned on all things Disney. I don’t like feeling at odds with things in that way. In the past few months there have been multiple comments and articles that criticize, among other things, Disney’s associations with the rich.

We know the classic story of how Walt Disney wanted to make Disneyland affordable for families. We have heard he was “alarmed” when the parking fee increased by 25 cents. Yet, at the same time, we have all acknowledged that a day at Disney can be an expensive endeavor. Expensive maybe, but completely unattainable? Is that where things are headed?

A Disney Vacation, on land or otherwise, is still something that can be affordable. It can take some special planning, but it is affordable. The question is whether or not the company WANTS to price people out. I think, to a certain extent, it does. To the extent that any company looking to make profits would desire to do so. Furthermore, I find their offerings attractive and worth striving for. Yea. I am a sucker. So be it. Life is short.

So. Is it worth it to go on a Disney Cruise, verses say Carnival or Royal Caribbean? I have been on Royal Caribbean and almost about to pack my bag for a round of Carnival, but I know my decision already. I simply have to ask myself what it is that I WANT out of cruising.

Gone are the days when you have to board a ship to get somewhere. Nobody is idly passing the time on their passage to the New World. We go on cruises for the nicely packaged vacation:

Hotel — That is your cabin on board. Check.

Transportation — The ship. Check.

Entertainment — Everything to do on board and at ports of call. Check.

Food — Check. Check. Extra Check.

If this is the convenient world I want out of a cruise, I have to ask myself if I think Disney can provide it better than anyone else. My answer is: YES. Are you serious? Disney has been in the resorts, rides, entertainment, and food business for decades! They just have to figure out how to sail a ship I guess. They probably have that figured out…

Did you know when you eat at any Disney restaurant and do not like the food, you can exchange it for something else at no cost? That isn’t even a cruise benefit. It is just Disney. They bring their “A” game to the dinner table and stand by it. Since eating my way through a cruise is personal goal number one…I’m already sold. But. To add icing to the cake, I have zero doubt on their ability to keep me and my family entertained for the duration.

I know Disney is not for everyone, but I would be very surprised if they didn’t live up to their high standards on the cruise line. I will let you know when I have booked.

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