Cruises are one of my favorite types of vacations. I have cruised all over the world prior to the pandemic. I recently set sail on the Disney Dream and I have to say that it lived up to its name! Even my daughter - who had never experienced a cruise before – had an amazing time on our Disney Cruise Line cruise. During our 3 days we visited Nassau and Disney Castaway Cay.

Before My Disney Cruise Line Cruise

The process before my cruise was the biggest change from my previous cruises. Before sailing, the Disney Cruise Line makes you complete your online check-in and health screening. But this process made boarding the ship super simple.

During online check-in, I was prompted to upload images of my identification documents as well as fill out some other basic information. I received my boarding group number once this process was completed. (Yay!)

The Disney Cruise Line also requires Guests to complete health information forms on the Safe Passage website. This was also an easy process. After uploading images of my vaccine cards and answering some health-related questions, I was all set!

It's Embarkation Day!

Embarkation Day is so exciting! This is the day that you arrive at the port and the first day of your cruise. No matter how Guests arrive – by car or Disney Transportation – the process was the same. First, I was required to drop off my checked luggage. I was then required to receive a COVID-19 test which was administered by the health officials from Safe Passage. It only took about 15 – 20 minutes to receive my test results!

Once I had my negative COVID test results, I was allowed to take myself and my carry-on items to the cruise terminal. Once my boarding group number was displayed on the terminal screen, I was able to head to the ship. Of course, I had to grab a super cute picture of my family before coming on board. Photographers are even waiting to get the perfect shot for you!

As I entered the ship for the first time, a Cast Member asked my last name and announced my family as we walked aboard. It truly is a great way to start your vacation when Cast Members and even Captain Mickey himself are all waving, cheering, and clapping for your family!

(NOTE: The Disney Cruise Line recently updated their testing requirements.)

My Stateroom on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream

One of the best things about the Disney Cruise Line is that they designed their staterooms with families in mind. And the Deluxe Family Oceanview Cabin with Verandah I called home for my cruise was no exception! This cabin could sleep up to 5 and also offered some extra space and an ocean view balcony. The extra bathroom space was really nice and one of my favorite things! The Disney Cruise Line includes separate areas. One area has a sink and toilet while the second area has a sink and shower. This set up makes it really easy when multiple people are getting ready in the morning.

There is even a ton of room when sleeping! My stateroom had a queen-sized bed, a pull-down bunk bed, a fold down sofa bed, and a pull-down murphy style bed. There was no shortage of storage space. I had my pick of counter space, dressing table/ desk, mini fridge, shelving, and multiple closets.

The Food When Sailing On The Disney Cruise Line

One of the best things about cruises is the food – and the Disney Cruise Line doesn’t disappoint in this area either. I had my pick of traditional dining rooms, buffets, room service, and walk-up dining. It is virtually impossible to go hungry!

The Disney Dream has three dining rooms – Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator’s Palate. Each night I was assigned to a different dining room at a specific table and time. Each dining room has their own theme and menu and is so much fun.

Room service is also available 24 hours each day and is included in the price of your cruise. The room service menu features snacks, lunch & dinner entrees, desserts, and beverages. I just loved ordering a continental breakfast to my stateroom each morning!

The Disney Dream also has Cabanas which is a buffet available for breakfast and lunch. For those who need more options, there are also several other casual eateries offering pizza, hot dogs, ice cream and more included with the price of your cruise!

The Kid's Club

As you might have guessed, Disney Cruise ships have AMAZING entertainment and areas for kids. From the moment she entered the Kids’ Club (called the Oceaneer Club and Lab) onboard the Disney Dream, my child didn’t want to leave! From Toy Story to Star Wars, the rooms are all themed in different Disney movies. They also have games, activities, and character visits throughout the day just for kids.

When DCL first resumed sailing you needed to register kids for the club and their time there was limited. However, now you can drop your child off any time they are open and they are welcome to stay as long as they want. Each child gets a band (similar to a Magic Band) during Open House and that is what is used to scan your child in and out of the club. Kids 3-12 are welcomed to the club, and they require those who are too young to be vaccinated to wear a mask while in the club. This is also a great way for parents to experience one of the adults only restaurants or pool that are on board!

Port of Call: Nassau, Bahamas

My cruise had 2 ports of call: Nassau and Disney Castaway Cay. I have visited Nassau in the past and decided to explore this location on my own for this particular trip. I booked a day pass for the brand new Margaritaville Resort which is located in downtown Nassau. The resort was a short walk from the boat. When I arrived at the resort’s waterpark, it was nearly empty and stayed that way most of the day. The beach and Margaritaville Resort were amazing!

Port of Call: Disney Cruise Line's Disney Castaway Cay

Disney Castaway Cay is the Disney Cruise Line’s very own private island in the Bahamas. There are so many amazing activities and beautiful beaches here – and best of all, it is included on almost all Disney Cruise Line cruises! The sky’s the limit with things to do here - snorkel, swim with stingrays, have an adventure on a glass bottom boat, kayak, rent bikes, or even run a 5K. You can even lay in a hammock and listen to the turquoise waters lapping at the shore if you want something a bit more relaxing!

Your lunch and basic non-alcoholic drinks are included with your cruise fare on Disney Castaway Cay. Besides the two BBQ buffets, there are also bars and other places to get drinks and snacks on the island. These do incur an extra fee though. (You can charge to your stateroom using your Key to the World key.) Activities are purchased as shore excursions here but you are welcome to bring your own snorkel equipment and use their required life jackets.

It wouldn’t be “Disney” without the photos, right? Well, Disney Castaway Cay doesn’t disappoint in the photo department! There are Disney Cruise Line Photographers stationed all over the island ready to snap your family’s unforgettable photos in the water, with characters, or with the ship. These were some of my favorite photos!

Entertainment and Activities on the Disney Dream

There was not enough time to see and experience in 3 short days everything that the Disney Dream has to offer. There are so many activities – everything from character meet and greets, crats, bingo, to amazing shows, first run movies, themed nights and more.

The activities and entertainment found on the Disney Dream are geared for all ages – young and old. I personally thought that the Broadway style shows were amazing. I was left breathless after each one! It was also very fun to interact with characters not only on Disney Castaway Cay but on the Disney Dream as well. Younger guests will have a ball being transformed into the princess of their dreams at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (which is open on the Disney Cruise Line ships!). Guests 21 years and older have activities such as bourbon, champagne, and other tastings that can be booked.

Debarkation Day of my Disney Cruise Line Cruise

This is my least favorite part of the cruise because it means that I have to return to the real world! On my last night, I was asked to place my checked luggage outside my cabin door by 10 PM. I know that this can feel a bit odd, but your luggage will be fine. My luggage was waiting onshore for me the following more!

I was also assigned a time for breakfast in the restaurant where I had dinner the night prior. Dining in the restaurant this last morning was the most relaxing way to end my cruise – and I was able to say good bye to the wait staff.

Once the ship is given all clear, I was welcome to debark. After picking up my luggage and being cleared through customs, I began my journey home with all my cherished cruise memories!

There truly is nothing quite like a Disney Cruise Line cruise. Does a Disney Cruise Line Cruise sound like something that you would like experience? Reach out to your Royal Treatment Travel Advisor to learn more and find the perfect itinerary match for you! If you do not already have a Royal Treatment Travel Advisor, request a quote below.

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