Before you leave Home
Q: We've Never Been On a Cruise. What Do We Need To Know?
A: First, relax - that's the point of your vacation. With Disney Cruise Line®, you'll find your ticketing, air transportation and transfers (if you choose our air program), your stateroom accommodations, meals and entertainment on board have all been arranged. All you need to do is pack - and you don't need to bring much, because the atmosphere is casual and informal. And if necessary, you can purchase almost anything you need right on board.
Q: Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
A: We strongly recommend the purchase of the Disney Cruise Line® Vacation Protection Plan that provides baggage, trip cancellation/interruption and medical expense coverage for your vacation. Remember, most major medical policies do not provide coverage outside the U.S.
Q: What Documentation Do I need To Bring?
A: All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid passport, or certified birth certificate with a picture identification, or a certified naturalization certificate with a picture identification. Acceptable forms of picture identification are state or provincial driver's license with a picture, or federal, state, province or local government photo I.D. card. Children 17 and under who are U.S. or Canadian citizens are only required to have proof of citizenship, excluding picture identification.
All guests who are non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States will be required to travel with their Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and valid passports. All other guests must have valid passports and necessary visas at time of embarkation. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the guest. Please consult with your travel agent, government agencies, embassies or consulates to determine documentary requirements.
Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of cruise fare will be issued.
For all non-U.S. citizens including Canadian citizens, travel documents will be collected at check-in by a Disney Cruise Line® representative and a passport/Alien Resident Card receipt will be issued for presentation to Immigration Inspectors upon return to Port Canaveral.
Q: Should I bring cash? Credit cards? Foreign currency?
A: Transactions aboard the ship are in U.S. dollars. In The Bahamas and the Caribbean, U.S. dollars and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. But you won't need much cash (except for shoreside purchases), because Disney Cruise Line® has a convenient "cash-free" system on board the ship. When you arrive at the Walt Disney World® Resort or at the Disney Cruise Line® Terminal at Port Canaveral, your signature will be requested for check-in. At this time you may also present a credit card (American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover Card®, Diner's Club®, Japanese Credit Bureau or The Disney Credit Card) which will give you charging privileges at both the Walt Disney World® Resort and aboard the ship. Any purchases on the ship, including beverage services, spa, salon services, photography, medical and laundry services, purchases from our retail shops, gratuities and any item of service of a personal nature must be charged to your room. All charges must be settled before your Resort departure and debarkation from the ship by cash, travellers checks, Disney Dollars or by the credit cards mentioned above. (Any other expenses are payable on demand.)
Note: Credit card payments are subject to credit clearance.
Q: What should I pack?
A: In short, the less the better. The Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Cruise Line® offer a casual, informal resort atmosphere. During the summer months, lightweight shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans and tops are all appropriate daytime attire in The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Central Florida. In the winter, a light jacket, sweater and socks may be needed for cooler days and nights. Bring comfortable shoes - like boatshoes, sandals, or sneakers. And don't forget swimwear, sunglasses, a sunhat or visor and sunscreen - especially for the kids.
Shipboard evening attire for the Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay dining rooms is casual. Button-down, open-collar shirts or polo shirts and slacks are recommended for men. Pants and a blouse or a casual dress are appropriate for ladies. For Lumiére's and Triton's restaurants and our adult-only alternative dinner restaurant, Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets, or a button-down shirt and tie, and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening.
Aboard the 7-Night Caribbean Cruise there is one evening dinner which requires more formal or "black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance for this special dinner. For those guests sailing on our 7-night cruise, we will celebrate the spirit of the Caribbean with a special deck party. You are invited to join in the fun by wearing festive island wear including colorful shirts, dresses, shorts or pants.
Also remember to bring prescription medicines in original containers, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and your camera. Of course, if you do forget something, you can buy it on board.
Note Strollers are available for rental on board.
On Land
Q. How About golf?
A: During your Walt Disney World® Resort stay, you can tee off at any of five championship golf courses. If you would like information on greens fees, tee times or tournament information, please call the Master Starter at (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) or fax (407) 824-3704.
Q: We'd love to have a Disney wedding - how do we arrange it?
A: Congratulations - you couldn't pick a more perfect way to celebrate your marriage! All you have to do is call (407) 828-3400 for information on Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings at the Walt Disney World® Resort. They'll help you make your wedding dreams come true.
Q: Can I park at Port Canaveral?
A: The parking facility is operated by the Canaveral Port Authority. Cash, MasterCard® and Visa® are acceptable forms of payment. Outdoor parking at the pier is $30 for the 3-night cruise, $40 for the 4-night cruise, and $70 for the 7-night cruise. Rates are subject to change.
At Sea
Q: Can I call home from the ship?
A: You can direct dial anywhere in the world right from your stateroom. Ship-to-shore rates apply and will be posted in your stateroom.
Q: What's an Assembly Drill - and do I have to go?
A: Everyone on board the ship must participate in a compulsory safety drill before departure to comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations. All passengers are required to attend.
Q: There's so much to do on the ship! How will I know what's going on when?
A: On your cruise, you can Discover Uncharted Magic(trademark /) of your own. A complete listing of all activities, adventures and entertainment will be available upon arrival in your stateroom. Guest Services and the programming counselors will be happy to assist you to develop a customized itinerary for your one-of-a-kind voyage.
Q: Is there children's programming on board?
A: Of course! Supervised children's programs and activities are available on the ship from 9:00 a.m. to midnight for children ages 3-12. Children must be age 3 and potty trained in order to participate. Children must be able to interact comfortably within our counselor-to-child ratio groups of 1:15 (ages 3-4) and 1:25 (ages 5-12) and within our established age groupings of 3-4, 5-7, 8-9, 10-12. We are unable to provide one-on-one care. A child who shows symptoms of physical illness such as fever, vomiting or diarrhea or who becomes disruptive within the group may be excluded from participation. For more detailed information visit disneycruise.com. Parents sign their children in and out of the programs. Events have been designed for teens as well, ages 13-17. Teens do not need to be signed in and out by parents. There is no additional charge for these planned events.
Q: Can I work away from home? (Business Services)
A: We know how important it is for business people, even when they are on vacation, to keep in touch with responsibilities at the office. You'll find a full range of business services at the Walt Disney World Resort and on board the ship available for an additional charge, including facsimile transmission, copies, and AV equipment when booked prior to embarkation. On the ship, ship-to-shore calling rates apply.
Q: What if someone gets sick?
A: For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on call 24 hours a day to provide basic medical services on every cruise. The physician and nurse are employed by a company independent from Disney Cruise Line®. But please keep in mind that a child who shows symptons of physical illness such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rashes or discharge from the nose or eyes may be excluded from participation in programming as well as from babysitting services in Flounder's Reef Nursery. Standard prevailing fees will be charged for all physician and nurse services. If you require any prescription drug, be sure to bring an adequate supply in its original container. You should keep it in your carry-on luggage so it is easily at hand.
Q: Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Bahamas?
A: You'll find lots of exciting duty-free shopping right on board in our shops as well as on shore in Nassau! Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line® returning from The Bahamas to the U.S. can bring back up to U.S. $600 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price) per Guest, provided at least $200 of the allotment is purchased in The Bahamas. Each Guest 21 years of age and older is limited to (2) liters of alcohol, of which one (1) liter (33.8 ounces) must be produced in The Bahamas. 200 cigarettes and up to 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.
Q: Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Eastern Caribbean?
A: There sure are. Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line® returning from the Caribbean to the U.S. can bring back up to $1,200 per traveler. However, no more than $400 in purchases can be made on board the ship, on Castaway Cay or on St. Maarten, allowing $800 worth of purchases from St. Thomas. Or, the entire $1,200 allowance may be used on purchases from St. Thomas alone. Each Guest 21 years of age or older is limited to: (5) liters of alcohol (Only one liter can be acquired in St. Maarten or on the ship, with an additional four liters being exempt if purchased on St. Thomas providing at least one liter is produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands): (5) cartons of cigarettes (Only one carton can be acquired in St. Maarten or on ths ship, with an additional four cartons being exempted if purchased on St. Thomas): 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.
Q: Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Western Caribbean?
A: The exemption per person for returning residents is $400 per person. This amount may be grouped from the ship, Grand Cayman, or Cozumel. An additional $200 is allowed from Castaway Cay, or a total of $600 may be purchased in Castaway Cay. Each person 21 years of age or older may acquire (1) liter of alcohol; 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars) AND 200 cigarettes duty free. These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.
Q: Could the Ports of Call ever change unexpectedly?
A: Very rarely. We only divert from our scheduled Ports in cases of extreme weather (such as hurricanes) or during other circumstances that may challenge safety. When time permits, we always try to alert Guests to possible Port changes prior to sailing.
Q: Can I bring coolers and food onboard?
A: Coolers are not permitted except for those needed for medications, baby food, or items related to dietary constraints. Items must be pre-packaged, un-opened, and do NOT require any food prep from the kitchen. Coolers filled with personal items (e.g. soda, chips, candy, etc.) may NOT be brought onboard. Homemade items or pre-cooked items purchased on the way to the ship will not be allowed to be brought aboard. Also, open bags or containers of snacks items should not be brought aboard ship. All items will need to be stored in the stateroom. The ship's storage and/or refrigeration is not available to use.
Q: Why are you no longer allowing children in diapers into your pools and spas?
A: The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained be permitted to enter swimming pools and spas on board cruise ships. For the safety of our guests, we are taking every precaution to inform them of these USPHS requirements.
Dining on Board
Q: What is Rotation Dining?
A: Cruises are famous for great food, but only Disney Cruise Line® features three spectacular main restaurants where dining is a total artistic experience: Animator's Palate, Parrot Cay, Lumiére's (Disney Magic®), and Triton's (Disney Wonder®).
Note: Each evening of the cruise, guests will rotate to one of the three restaurants and dine with the same table guests and servers.
Q: What Time Is Dinner?
A: Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You should inform your Travel Agent of your seating time preference when you book your vacation. No requests are guaranteed. Generally, adults without children will dine with other adults while families dine with other families. Children's menus are available in the restaurants. In addition, a dinner buffet will be offered for children who participate in the supervised programs during the dinner hour. Times subject to change.
Q: What Should I Wear To Dinner?
A: The attire in Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay is casual - open-collar shirts and slacks for men and pants and a blouse or a casual dress for ladies. In Lumiére's, Triton's and Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening. We request that swimsuits not be worn in the dining rooms. During the Seven-Night Caribbean Cruise, one special evening dinner requires more formal or "black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance.
Q: Is There a Romantic Restaurant just for adults?
A: The ship features an adult-only alternative restaurant called Palo. Dining hours for Palo are 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Reservations are required, and taken (once on board) on a first-come first-served basis. Palo dining is limited to guests 18 and older. There is a service charge of $5 per guest for gratuities.
Q: What About Breakfast and Lunch?
A: Breakfast and lunch are served in Parrot Cay, Lumiére's and Triton's. And, there's an indoor/outdoor buffet or casual poolside dining during breakfast and lunch.
Q: Is room service available?
A: Would you care for breakfast in bed or a sandwich at midnight? While on board, you can order room service 24 hours a day. From 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., complimentary continental breakfast will be delivered to your stateroom upon request, with the exclusion of disembarkation morning. For guests occupying the Walter E. Disney Suite, Roy O. Disney Suite, and the 2-bedroom or 1-bedroom suites, a full breakfast is served upon request from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. with the exclusion of disembarkation morning.
Q: I'm on a special diet. Can I get it on board?
A: Low sodium meals, kosher meals and certain other special diet-restricted meals will be available. Dietary requests should be made at time of booking. At the Walt Disney World® Resort, certain dietary needs may be accommodated at most full-service restaurants if requested 24 hours in advance.
Q: What is the policy on alcoholic beverages?
A: The drinking age aboard the ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. required. Disney Cruise Line® reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.
Services and Amenities
Q: Do I need an electrical converter?
A: All stateroom outlets are 110V/60 Hz. Standard U.S. electrical appliances will work on board. There's a hair dryer in every stateroom bathroom.
Q: What if I run out of film?
A: You won't because you can buy film at our merchandise shop, Mickey's Mates, which also offers a limited selection of cameras and accessories. Of course, with so many exciting photo opportunities happening on board, you might wonder if you can cover it all. But don't feel pressured to keep your camera handy. Our photographers will wander the ship, putting your fun and excitement on film. You'll find their photos displayed for purchase at the photo shop.
Q: What can we buy?
A: Lots! You'll have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Disney Cruise Line® logo merchandise available on board and nowhere else. From beautiful clothes to towels to fine watches - this is your chance to keep the memories alive long after your cruise. You'll also find unique and exclusive Disney collectibles, and if someone forgets their toothpaste or bathing suits - we've got that, too! All this, and much more, is available at the duty-free and retail shops of Disney Cruise Line®.
Q: Did you say there's a spa on the ship? Ahhh! Lead me to it!
A: Disney Cruise Line® offers one of the most elaborate spa and fitness centers at sea, with programs ranging from a simple facial to a full range of treatments to relax and refresh your body and soul. Spa, hair salon, massage and beauty shop charges are additional and may be charged to your room.
Q: Is there laundry service?
A: Laundry services are available at your Walt Disney World® Resort and we suggest you take advantage of them if you have a lot of laundry to do during your stay. On board, laundry and dry-cleaning services (with stateroom pickup) are available for a charge. There is also a self-service Guest Laundry Room with coin-operated washers, dryers, detergent and ironing equipment. For safety reasons, irons or steamers may be used in the laundry room only.
Q: Can I bring visitors on board the ship?
A: Sorry, but for security and safety reasons, we cannot allow any visitors aboard.
Q: What are tipping guidelines on a cruise?
A: Of course, you should never feel that a reward is automatically expected from you. But it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of service, which you will most likely be treated to in abundance aboard the ship. As a guideline, may we suggest the following: What are tipping guidelines on a cruise? Daily tipping guidelines include: $3.00 to $3.50 per person per day for your cabin steward, and head waiter. The busboy is $1.50 to $2.00 per person per day. Bartenders and wine stewards are tipped 15%, but some lines add the gratuity to the bill.
Note: For your convenience, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. All gratuities can be charged to your room charge.
Note: At the Walt Disney World® Resort, 15% is the customary gratuity at restaurants and bars.
Q: Can we celebrate a special occasion?
A: Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or other special occasion, please have your travel agent advise us of such occasions at least three weeks prior to departure. We will be happy to celebrate the occasion in the dining rooms. We offer a great variety of fun-filled baskets, merchandise and other goodies that will get your cruise off to a perfect start. We'll be happy to send you a brochure listing all these items with your tickets. Then just follow the instructions and a basket full of fun will be waiting for you in your stateroom!
Q: Will we get to see Disney characters on board?
A: We thought you'd never ask! On board, the beloved Disney characters appear like magic in an array of different settings including lively stage shows, plenty of meet and greet and photo opportunities, and other special programs, especially in kids' areas at Disney's Oceaneer Club and on Castaway Cay. These are magical moments to remember forever - only on Disney Cruise Line®!!
Q: Babysitting?
A: Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks-3 years old in Flounder's Reef Nursery, located on Deck 5, Midship. Guests must sign up their children between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on embarkation day. There is a fee of $6 per child per hour, and $5 per additional child per hour, 2-hour minimum required. The facility is open for select hours every day. Rates and times subject to change. Space is limited. Services are subject to availability. Please note that strollers are available for rental on board the ships and on Castaway Cay.
