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Shutters Photo Packages

Prices varies depending on the number of nights of your cruise and are subject to change. Prices below are for pre-purchase order through MyCruisePhotos.com

OVERVIEW OF SHUTTERS

Read the following to get a solid grasp on how Shutters works plus photos of Shutters signage and options: Shutters Hints and Tips

3 Nights Cruise Photo Book – 149.95 10 Digital Photos – 149.95 All Your Photo Prints – 194.95 All Your Digital Photos – 194.95 All Your Digital Photos + Prints – 269.95

4 Nights Cruise Photo Book – 149.95 10 Digital Photos – 149.95 All Your Photo Prints – 194.95 All Your Digital Photos – 194.95 All Your Digital Photos + Prints – 269.95

5 Nights Cruise Photo Book – 149.95 10 Digital Photos – 149.95 All Your Digital Photos – 211.95 All Your Digital Photos + Prints – 311.95

7 Nights Cruise Photo Book – 149.95 10 Digital Photos – 149.95 20 Digital Photos – 249.95 All Your Digital Photos – 295.95 All Your Digital Photos + Prints – 392.95

B2B Cruisers:

https://support.ourcruisephotos.com/support/solutions/articles/34761-back-to-back-cruisers

FAMILIES TRAVELLING TOGETHER IN MULTIPLE STATEROOM POLICY

The following are benefits of your photo package (digital or print):

When purchasing any size digital photo package, you will take home all the photos seen on your kiosk account and can choose which photos to keep from home.
Photos of your children aged 21 and under, who may be traveling in a separate stateroom are included.
Artistic borders and templates as seen on all printed photos are included.
Digital photos are in a size and resolution that allow for printing up to 8×10.
“Unlimited” photos means all the photos in your photo kiosk account and/or all the photo prints that YOU collect while adhering to these terms.

The following is not included with your photo package (digital or print):

Photos of others in your party not staying in your stateroom.
Group photos, weddings, Quinces and other special occasion photography services.
Generic stock photos of the ship, characters, ports of call, etc.
Any special printing or retouching requests.

For larger families traveling together across multiple staterooms, we offer a discount on unlimited Digital Photo discs: Purchase the unlimited package for one stateroom, and the second unlimited disc is 50% off the onboard price.

For pre-cruise purchases on OurCruisePhotos.com you may purchase the first disc online and additional discs can be purchased on board for 50% off the onboard price*.

The passenger manifest will be reviewed for all purchases, the Booking ID must match the purchasing cabins

*This offer is only available on ships that offer the unlimited digital photo packages.

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Disney Cruise Photo Package – What You Need to Know

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If you’re about to, or thinking about going on a Disney cruise, you may be wondering which is the right photo option for you!

Disney cruises offer several different photo package options, and to help you out, I have put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know, including;

An overview of Disney cruise photographers
How to find your Disney cruise photos
Whether the Disney cruise photos are any good
How to buy Disney cruise photos
How much the packages cost
The Disney cruise photo book
How to get the most out of your Disney cruise photo package.

Let’s get into it!

Disney Cruise Photo Package Overview

Here is our complete guide to all the options of the Disney Cruise Photo Package to help you decide if it is worth it.

Learn some things along the way which will help you make the most out of your Disney Cruise Photo Package.

Disney Cruise Photographers

Even in the Disney cruise port terminal, you will have your first chance to have a picture for your Disney cruise photo package.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be there for you while you are waiting to board.

When you board a Disney cruise the first thing you do is hand your Key To The World Card to be swiped to show you have entered the ship.

I have to confess I am not the most enthusiastic person about stopping for that embarkation photo.

However, it is often the very best one we have taken for the cruise. I know that feeling of just wanting to get on board the ship as soon as possible, but take a couple of minutes to stop for a photo and you will be glad that you did.

Photographers are everywhere on the ship.

Every character greeting you go to you will find a photographer. You can always use your own camera. However, there will also be a professional on hand.

They also set up lots of photo backgrounds around the ship.

You can even have your photo taken with the captain on certain sailings!

You can see which backgrounds they are setting up so you can choose which one you like.

The lines for photography on a formal night on a Disney cruise are always the longest.

If you want a formal night photo be aware that you may be standing in line for quite a while.

101 Disney Cruise Tips You Need To Know

How Do You Find Your Disney Cruise Photos?

Disney Cruise Line makes it very easy for you to see your photos.

On every ship (exepct Disney Wish) on Deck 4, there is a Shutters photo area.

There you will find digital kiosks where you can view your photos.

All you need to do is swipe your Key To The World and all the photos which are in their system will be displayed.

How do they know who you are?

They have a digital facial recognition system which in theory puts all of your photos in your account so that you can view them on the kiosk.

I say in theory because it doesn’t always work.

If you think that photos are missing the Shutters staff can help you find them. Just inquire at the desk.

Another way to make sure that your photos definitely make it into your account is to hand the photographer your Key To The World Card.

This then links the photos with your account.

All of your Disney cruise photos used to be printed out.

This is not the case anymore.

They have gone fully digital and your photos are all available to view on the Shutters kiosk.

This is located on Deck 4 of all of the Disney ships (except Disney Wish).

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Are The Disney Cruise Photos Any Good?

Photos are of course an amazing way to capture the memories of your Disney Cruise. My house is filled with photos from past cruises.

The photographers are generally good. Not outstanding.

However, given that they are working quickly and often with very large parties, they do a good job. They have the advantage over you in that they have worked out the lighting and the best angles.

You really should have as many photos taken as you can just so you can see which ones you like.

Having said that I am not a big fan of the backgrounds that Shutters use sometimes.

The borders around the photos are often just not to my taste.

Unfortunately, you do not have the option to choose to remove or change the borders. I am not sure why in the age of digital ease but you get what you are given with the borders.

I am sure that one day soon that will change but at the moment there is no option to choose a different one.

It’s great also that you actually get a complete family or group photo.

I know that there are such things as selfie sticks but nothing beats a great photo of the whole family having fun on a Disney cruise.

If Minnie Mouse is with you then that’s even better!

How Do You Buy Disney Cruise Photos?

There are a number of ways that you can buy Disney cruise photos.

If you know you are going to want a Disney cruise photo package then the best way is to purchase it online before you sail on your cruise.

You can do this up to 48 hours before you sail. See below for prices and the Shutters website.

You can also buy a package or individual photo at any time that the Shutters desk is open. Just like anything on a Disney cruise, the amount will be charged automatically to your onboard stateroom account.

What you absolutely must do is purchase the photos that you want whilst you are still onboard your Disney cruise.

Once you have left the ship it is too late.

There is no going back to reorder!

My advice is to choose whatever photos you want prior to the last evening on the ship.

If you try and buy on the last evening of your cruise you are going to be with crowds of people and wait in a long line.

Just really try and avoid it.

That is not how you want to spend the last evening on your cruise.

Disney Cruise Line Photo Package For More Than One Stateroom

This is where people get very confused.

However, it’s simple if you break it down!

Often families or groups stay in more than one stateroom on a Disney cruise

They want to know how to make the Disney cruise line photo package work most economically for them.

The general rule is that it is one package per stateroom. Say you have one stateroom with your kids and the grandparents have a separate stateroom.

This is a pretty common setup on a Disney cruise.

However, you can’t combine a Disney Cruise Photo Package with two staterooms (with certain exceptions I will explain below).

Say for your embarkation photo you have a group photo with all the family. Parents, kids, and grandparents. Just the parents get the package.

The picture will show up in the parent’s and the grandparent’s accounts on the Shutters kiosk.

Facial recognition or the swiping of the Key To The World will make sure they know who you are.

However, if the parents have bought a package they can get it for their account. The grandparents can’t.

If the grandparents decide to get a photo of just the two of them it will not be on the account if just the parents bought it for their stateroom.

Remember. It’s about the stateroom – if you don’t have someone in the photo who has a package it will not be included in the package.

However, if the grandparents decide to get a photo with the kids, that photo will be included on the parent’s stateroom account.

It’s all about who is in the photo.

The package is exclusive to the stateroom but just so long as someone from that stateroom is in the picture and you have bought a package, it will be available as part of what you bought.

There is an exception.

A lot of families travel with parents in one stateroom and kids in another. Just so long as there is one person over 18 in each stateroom this is allowed.

The exception for kids being in another stateroom is for any “children” aged under 21. This is a great exception if you are traveling with older offspring as well!

If you have 2 or more staterooms and your children aged 17 or under are in a stateroom they will be included in the package. That’s easy.

How does this work?

Let’s say Dad is in one room with the 5-year-old and Mom is in the other stateroom with the 12-year-old. If Mom or Dad had a Disney cruise photo package linked to their stateroom, pictures from both staterooms would be included.

To make sure this works you do have to visit Shutters on the first day of your Disney cruise. They can explain what the position is.

There is another way to get a discount if your family is traveling in 2 staterooms. The first stateroom can buy the Disney cruise photo package online.

Then once you get on board the second stateroom family can buy the package at a 50% discount.

However, this isn’t quite as good as it sounds.

This is 50% of the onboard price. Therefore you do not get 50% off the online discounted rate. You get 50% off the higher price onboard. It is still a discount. Just perhaps not as great as it seems at first.

How Much Do Disney Cruise Photo Packages Cost?

When it comes to the price of the Disney cruise photo packages, there are several different options.

The first option is to buy individual prints. This is where Disney will print your selected photos for you, which you can take as a keepsake from your magical cruise.

Alternatively, rather than receiving hard copies of the photos, you can opt for the digital option. This means you choose which photos you would like to buy, but they are sent to you digitally for you to print how you wish.

Typically, both the digital and photo prints are billed similarly. The prices for the different options are as follows;

Furthermore, if you do not wish to select just a few photos from your cruise, you can opt for a length of sailing Disney Cruise Photo Package!

This package gives you access to every single photo you take while on board on a USB, which can be exceptional value for money if you end up taking many photos.

If you pay for your package before your sailing, you can expect the following prices:

However, if you pay onboard, the prices will be slightly higher:

Disney Cruise Photo Book

Another great option is the Disney Cruise Photo Book.

The price if you buy it online at Our Cruise Photos is $139.95.

If you purchase it onboard it is $149.95

There is also a Shipping Charge of $10 for the Continental United States, Alaska & Hawaii.

All other countries are $15.

You can add up to 34 photos to your Disney Cruise Photo Book.

This is a really good way to make sure that you get a good selection of your Disney cruise photos to keep.

It’s a lot of fun putting together your Disney Cruise Photo Book. You can do this at the Shutters kiosk.

It’s easy to change photos in and out of your Disney Cruise Photo Album and arrange them on the page as you want to. Don’t leave this until the last moment.

The Shutters area on the Disney ships is very crowded on the last evening. Don’t leave it that late.

I suggest that you keep looking at your photos every day so you know what is there and start arranging them in the Disney Cruise Photo Book. You do not want to be leaving all of this to the last evening of the cruise.

Shutters will be crammed full of people on the final evening and you may feel pressured to get it done. It’s a lot easier to do it a bit at a time. You can always rearrange things if you get photos that you prefer.

I actually think that the Photo Book is a reasonable option as you do get to have a lot of printed memories for a reasonable price. However, if you prefer to put your pictures on display this is obviously not the best option as they are all in a book.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Disney Cruise Photo Package

A Disney Cruise Photo Package is pricey. There is no denying that. Some people think it is an amazing value. Others think it is a huge expense. Only you can decide which view is your view.

However, if you do decide to get the Disney Cruise Photo Package there are ways to make it more valuable.

By getting more photos taken.

It is one thing to pay $349.95 for 10 photos on a USB but quite another if you get 100 photos!

How can you maximize the number of photos in your Disney Cruise Package? There are so many photo ops you really can go all out and maximize it.

We have heard of guests having 800 photos on a 14-night cruise.

Not sure if you would actually get a chance to sleep if you were having your photo taken that many times. However, it definitely is possible.

The secret is planning.

You know that every day on the cruise there will be photographers out setting up backgrounds.

Go and take a walk before the first seating of dinner and see what your options are.

Arrive early so you minimize the time spent in line.

Sometimes the photographers will be in your rotational dining room .

They always suggest what pictures they take.

For instance, they may say a photo of you as a couple, as a family, and then separate photos of the children.

Ask for what you want. If you want extra ones tell the photographer.

It is not going to take much extra time, but it will mean that you get more photos in your account.

Disney photographers are even found on Disney Castaway Cay .

You may be floating along in your inner tube in the ocean and see a photographer approach. Go and seek them out.

If you want a family photo then set one up.

Photo of you and your significant other? Ask for one.

The photographers want to sell as many photographs as possible so they are happy to oblige.

In my experience, a lot of people ignore them on Castaway Cay. So go for it. You may get a great Castaway Cay picture for your Disney Cruise Photo Package.

Character greetings are often the best chance you have to get a really great photo for your Disney Cruise Package.

Every day the character greetings are posted on the Navigators App.

If you want to be even more organized and plan further in advance use the Disney Cruise Navigator App so that you can see where the characters will be more than one day in advance.

Mickey and Minnie appear most often in lots of different costumes. I love the Golden Mickeys costumes for Mickey and Minnie.

However, if you want to have your photograph taken with one of the more minor characters, say Peter Pan or Captain Hook this takes a little more planning as they don’t appear as often.

If you have your heart set on a photo with Captain Jack Sparrow he appears on Castaway Cay as well as on Pirate Night.

You do need to plan ahead to seek out the Disney characters which appear less often.

It is so much easier to get a picture with a Disney character on a cruise than at Disney parks.

You can wait for less time.

In air-conditioned comfort.

Make the most of it and get as many photos as you can.

Then the value of the Disney Cruise Photo Package really kicks in.

Will you be buying a Disney cruise photo package? Let me know in the comments below.

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.

Monday 22nd of April 2024

I just inquired about the photo book. I was told that they no longer offer it pre cruise price of $139. We love the photo book. We have purchased the photo books on our last 4 cruises.

Wednesday 14th of February 2024

You forgot to mention the "Magic Photos" I did several on my Disney Cruise & loved them. You night feel a bit silly holding your hands out but you never know what or who will be in them later. And the multi pic is cool too

Monday 1st of January 2024

Thank you for all the information! Do you know if you have a Disney Annual Pass with the photo package, does it apply to photos taken on the Disney ships? Or will I have to buy a totally a separate photo package for on board?

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Glad that you enjoyed the information! The parks and cruises are separate so even as an Annual Pass Holder you will have to purchase a separate package for the cruise. You may like to join my Disney Cruise Facebook Group for lots more information about all aspects of your cruise https://www.facebook.com/groups/309675872918213

Friday 27th of October 2023

I am confused - do you have to buy the package before the cruise, or can you pose for photos, see if you like any of them, and then buy a 10-photo package?

You can buy the package up to 3 days before the cruise to get a discount. If you buy it on the cruise the price is higher. However way you buy it if you see the photos and you don't want a package any more, and you haven't downloaded any photos , you can go to Shutters on the ship and ask to cancel the package.

Tonya Moctezuma

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

Single mom, so I’m never in any pictures. So I will be buying the unlimited package, so I can have lots of photos of me and my kids.

Disney Cruise Mom Blog

I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

All About the Photo Packages on Disney Cruise Line

April 28, 2016 by Disney Cruise Mom 70 Comments

If you’ve never been on a Disney cruise before and you don’t know how the onboard photo system works, hopefully this post will provide you with the basic information needed to easily and successfully navigate the system and end up with photos you are happy with.

ETA 2/26/17: The Fantasy, Magic and Wonder have removed the photo prints and binders and are now 100% digital. Prints can be purchased onboard but are not printed until your order has been placed. You cannot choose the print size, it is predetermined. Character meet photos are only available in 6×8, all others are only available in 8×10. The Dream still has the binders for each stateroom with all photos printed and placed inside for you to choose from.

Who They Are & What They Do

The photography on Disney Cruise Line is managed by a separate company called Shutters. They have photo opportunities set up all over the ship as well as at the terminal in Port Canaveral and at Castaway Cay. They take your photo which is then linked to your photo account through either facial recognition, by asking your room number, or by swiping your room key. At any time during your cruise, you can stop by Shutters (mid-ship, adjacent to the atrium) and view your photos. You can view them on a computer screen by swiping your room key at one of the kiosks during Shutters’ operating hours. Note that the facial recognition software is not fool proof, so try and remember each time you have your photo taken and then make sure the photo shows up in your account. If you notice you are missing any photos, ask a Shutters employee to help you find it in the system and add it to your account. It is usually a pretty simple process. You might also see photos of other people in your account, which you can mark as not belonging to you and they will then no longer show up.

About the Photos

I think the photo quality is great, but I am not a fan of the borders that they automatically add. Currently, there is not an option to have the borders removed and this is one of the most common complaints I hear about Shutters. Some borders are more obtrusive than others. Here are some of our Shutters pictures that will give you an idea of what the borders are like:

As for quality, I think the Shutters photos are better than my point and shoot (you can read all about my favorite waterproof camera here ). I don’t own a DSLR camera, but I would imagine they would give you quality comparable to the Shutters photos. Here is the same photo from above taken with my point and shoot:

There is no denying that both their equipment and skills are better than mine!

How to Purchase Photos

There are different packages available for purchase that offer both printed and digital photos. You can make your purchase at any time during the cruise and even change it at a later time if you wish. You can purchase them either at the Shutters counter or at one of the Shutters kiosks on the ship (note: the kiosks are only operational during Shutters’ operating hours – it didn’t use to be this way). The amount is charged to your stateroom account. I will warn you that Shutters is a mad house on the final evening and final morning, so I try my hardest to complete everything that I can as early as possible during the cruise in order to minimize my time there on the final evening and morning. Also, you must purchase your photos while on the ship . Once you leave the ship, Shutters claims that you will no longer have access to your unpurchased photos or the ability to buy them. I have heard a few stories of people being able to track down their photos after the cruise with varying levels of success, but I think it is unlikely and you should not count on it. Also note that the Shutters photographers stop offering photo opportunities on the last full day of your cruise so that they can begin making the flash drives for people who want to buy digital photos.

Families in More than One Stateroom

The Shutters digital photo packages are sold per stateroom . This means that if an extended family of 20 is sailing together in 6 different staterooms, they cannot buy 1 unlimited photo CD for the photos from all 6 rooms. However, DCL/Shutters does make an exception for nuclear families (mom, dad and kids only – no aunts, uncles or grandparents who are in different rooms) who are sailing in 2 separate rooms. If this is your situation, you need to visit the Shutters counter as early as possible during your cruise and make sure that they are aware that you qualify for the exception of 2 rooms being included on one package and that you wish to use it. For the situation in which extended families are traveling in multiple rooms, here is how it works. If one person from a stateroom is in a photo, then that photo will appear in that stateroom’s unlimited photo package . So, if Mom, Dad, and kids are in 1 room and grandparents are in another, then any photo in which either Mom, Dad or a single child appears will be in Mom/Dad/kid room’s account. If Mom, Dad, kids and grandparents are all in a photo together, that photo will show up in both room’s accounts because at least 1 person from each room is in it. But, a photo of just the grandparents will not show up in Mom, Dad and kids account and likewise a photo of just the kids will not show up in the grandparents account. Be aware that while viewing your photos on a kiosk, this rule might not be apparent. On our first cruise, we sailed with my in-laws and photos of just the 2 of them were showing up in my account at the kiosk. I didn’t know any better and assumed that those photos would be included on the unlimited CD that I purchased. When I got home, they were not there. Phone calls and emails were unsuccessful in tracking them down.

ETA: After I typed out the confusing and convoluted explanation above, I visited the mycruisephotos.com website (more on that below) and found the following guidelines which explain it in a much simpler way, along with other helpful information:

The following are benefits of your photo package (digital or print):

· When purchasing any size digital photo package, you will take home all the photos seen on your kiosk account and can choose which photos to keep from home.

· Photos of your children aged 21 and under, who may be traveling in a separate stateroom are included.

· Artistic borders and templates as seen on all printed photos are included.

· Digital photos are in a size and resolution that allow for printing up to 8X10.

· “Unlimited” photos means all the photos in your photo kiosk account and/or all the photos prints that YOU collect while adhering to these terms.

The following is not included with your photo package (digital or print):

· Photos of others in your party not staying in your stateroom.

· Group photos, weddings, Quinces and other special occasion photography services.

· Generic stock photos of the ship, characters, ports of call, etc.

· Any special printing or retouching requests.

For larger families traveling together across multiple staterooms, we offer a discount on the Get the Picture! Unlimited discs: Purchase Get the Picture! Unlimited for one stateroom, and the second Get the Picture! Unlimited disc is 50% off the onboard price.

For pre-cruise purchases on MyCruisePhotos.com, you may purchase the first disc online and additional discs can be purchased onboard for 50% off the onboard price.

Now onto the most important topic. These photos are not cheap. There is an option to pre-order some items prior to your cruise by visiting mycruisephotos.com . I have never done this but I have heard that the packages are 15% cheaper than what you will find onboard but I cannot personally verify this. Hopefully one of my readers can speak to that in the comments below. Even if you don’t want to preorder, visiting the site will give you access to some ideas of the prices for sailings within the next 2 months or so.

I went back through our old cruise information and surfed the internet to compile what I think is the most recent price lists. If you have sailed recently and noticed prices different than those below, please email me or comment below and let me know. Note that these prices are subject to change at anytime and may be different for your actually sailing , but hopefully it will give you a general idea of the type of pricing you can expect.

INDIVIDUAL PRINTS

8 X 10 $20.95

6 X 8 $14.95

PACKAGES (PRINTS OR DIGITAL)*

ANY 6 PHOTOS $99.95

ANY 10 PHOTOS $149.95

ANY 15 PHOTOS $199.95

ANY 20 PHOTOS $249.95

*If purchasing a digital package, you do not have to decide which photos you want while on the ship. Your flash drive will have decent size proofs of ALL of your photos and when you get home, you can choose which 6/10/15/20 you want and you will then be allowed to unlock the full resolution images.

LENGTH OF CRUISE DIGITAL PACKAGE (i.e. all photos taken on your cruise)

2 NIGHT SAILING $199.95 + $50.00 to add prints

4 NIGHT SAILING $229.95 + $75.00 to add prints

5 NIGHT SAILING $249.95 + $50.00 to add prints

7 NIGHT SAILING $349.95 + $100.00 to add prints

12 NIGHT SAILING $399.95 + $100 to add prints

14 NIGHT SAILING $399.95 + $100 to add prints

I know that there is also an option to order a custom photo book while onboard but I have never explored this idea and therefore don’t have any knowledge about pricing how it works. I do know that you have to design your book at a kiosk while on the ship, and then they mail you the book after you get home.

I know that is a lot of information and I have probably left something out. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected], or ask in the comments below, and I will do my best to answer them.

As always, don’t forget to like me on Facebook ( click here ) and follow me on Pinterest ( click here ) for all of the latest Disney Cruise Mom Blog updates!

September 15, 2016 at 10:29 pm

I personally love the Disney borders! We bought the package that allows you to take all of your prints before our sail date and received a $50 discount. So we paid $299 for 196 8×10 great quality photos. We did Disney Wonder Alaska and we loved it so much we booked Western Caribbean while we were on the ship and received 10% discount and $200 ship credit. Disney did not dissapoint!!

November 19, 2016 at 8:56 am

How much for a Castaway Cay wedding?

November 19, 2016 at 9:30 am

I don’t know how much a wedding would cost. I don’t think they publicize those prices. You would have to call DCL and ask.

March 5, 2019 at 5:52 pm

Our wedding cost $3k. It was on a private deck on the back of th ship. Castaway Cay was already booked for a wedding well in advance. And does cost considerably more. This price was for our wedding in 2012.

December 1, 2016 at 10:40 am

I am thinking of purchasing the photobook and am curious if anyone has any experience with it. It looks like a good deal, 34 pictures that I choose, bound in a souvenir book for $139. Any pros? Cons? Thanks!

December 1, 2016 at 1:08 pm

I have no experience with the photo book. Hopefully someone else who has can chime in!

December 1, 2016 at 1:20 pm

I hope so. My concern with the value is that since it’s only a 3-day cruise, are there “enough” photo opps to make it worthwhile. Although, at $20+ per picture, I think it will be regardless.

LOVE YOUR BLOG!

December 1, 2016 at 2:43 pm

Thanks! So glad you’re enjoying the blog! You are right, with a 3 day cruise you will have to be very diligent about taking advantage of photo ops, especially if you will be leaving the ship both days. There will definitely be enough opportunities, you just need to make sure and seek them out and make the time to do them. Enjoy your cruise!

December 1, 2016 at 3:11 pm

One last question, sorry to bug you; are there photographers on Castaway Cay?

December 1, 2016 at 6:17 pm

No worries! I’m always happy to answer questions. There are photographers on Castaway Cay. There is a photo op right as you get off the ship with the ship in the background, and there are also roaming characters with photographers as well as roaming photographers on the beach. Last time I was there, one approached us on the family beach and took our picture with the ship in the background.

December 7, 2016 at 5:03 pm

Are you taking your 3 day cruise in December? My daughter and I are going the end of January and I have been trying to decide about the pre-package digital photo for $194.95. Wasn’t sure if it would be worth it. Please share your experience, especially if you are going in December 🙂

January 14, 2017 at 2:57 pm

Quick note to add regarding the phonebooks. I purchased one for our 4 night 5 day bahamas cruise in 2014. I was here researching whether to pre purchase or wait until the ship for the cruise we are taking March 2017. I love, love, love our photobook. It was very easy to put together on the ship. I agree the last night is a little crazy. I tried to keep adding throughout the ship whenever I had a minute. I am debating not buying the disc or many prints because I really liked the phonebook. Hope that helps!

December 1, 2016 at 7:12 pm

Woohoo! Then it’s totally worth it! ;0)

January 18, 2017 at 6:03 pm

Thanks for the info, wish I had read this post before we did our first cruise! We just booked our second one:

http://sleepdeprivedinseattle.com/2017/01/18/how-i-saved-3590-on-a-disney-cruise/

April 23, 2019 at 6:28 pm

Can photo books be ordered for a multiple stateroom party? Our 13 member family is going and I’d love to include pics of every one.

April 24, 2019 at 10:02 am

Hi Jodi! That is a great question that I don’t know the answer to. I’m not sure if the kiosks where you design the photo books will let you access more than one account at the same time. The Shutters people there will be able to help you out and figure out if there is a way. If not, you could buy the digital photos that you want and then use a site like Shutterfly to make a book after you get home.

February 28, 2017 at 1:32 pm

Will the photographers take casual photos as well for instance at the pirate party , Oceaneers club , or playing on the beach at Castaway key or just portrait and character settings? How would you get them to take your photos? Thank you.

February 28, 2017 at 2:01 pm

Hi Ali! Onboard the ship, it is mostly portrait and character settings. The only time I have seem roaming photographers is in the main dining rooms at dinner. It’s not every night, but at least once during your cruise, they will walk around the dining rooms and take photos of the people at your table (usually everyone on one side of the table, then the other). It is kind of awkward but I have gotten some of the best pictures of my kids that way, so I always try to do it. On Castaway Cay, I have seem roaming photographers many times. I have never sought them out, but once they did walk up to me and my kids and ask if we wanted some pictures, so we did. Your best bet is to just keep an eye out for them, mostly on the family beach. When we encountered one it was earlier in the day, FWIW. I have never seen roaming photographers at the pirate party or Oceaneers club. Hope this helps!

March 4, 2017 at 10:45 am

I collect the flash drives from Carib cruises. Carnival has the adorable little ship. Disney gave us the “box” for our flash drive with a tacky cheap, ugly flash drive that obviously didn’t fit the collector box . When we inquired about it, they told us the collectible flash drives were defective. This added to the other disappointments of our Disney cruise. I still want my ugly flash drive replaced. How would I go about this? Any help would be appreciated!

March 4, 2017 at 1:43 pm

I have never bought the flash drive since they switched from CD’s, so I didn’t know about the collector one. Have you tried calling DCL customer service?

March 19, 2017 at 12:44 am

On our last cruise (a 7-night), we opted for the photobook, which we created on the cruise at the shutters kiosk and then received in the mail a few weeks later. I have to say that it is the best value of any of the options. It was less than half the price of the length-of-cruise CD (i think it was about $140) and we were able to get over 30 photos into the book.

I would definitely recommend the photobook option and possibly splurge on a print of that one family portrait shot if it was suitable for framing.

March 19, 2017 at 6:10 am

Thanks for the tips James! I didn’t realize the photo book was such a good value. I will seriously consider it for our upcoming 14 night Panama Canal cruise because I’m sure the unlimited CD price will be astronomical. Plus, we will have plenty of time to create it. I love your blog BTW!

June 6, 2017 at 10:03 am

She said in the post that the 14 night cruise unlimited photo CD was $399. I’m thinking that is a good price, especially compared to $349 for 7 nights! I am also going on the Panama Canal cruise at the end of October and was searching for the price of the unlimited CD.

June 6, 2017 at 10:12 am

Monica, FYI I have the sheet that shows all of the Shutters prices from our Westbound Panama Canal and will be posting it on the last day of my trip report.

June 6, 2017 at 1:17 pm

Thanks, I see you are only up to day 11 right now. I do have a question though. Instead of booking an hour photography session, do you think I can bring my son’s cap and gown onboard and get graduation pics on formal night? I’m not wanting an entire hour and would like them to be included on the unlimited CD.

June 6, 2017 at 1:43 pm

I don’t see why that would be a problem. There is always at least one night where a plain white background is set up in the atrium so that might be a good option for graduations photos. I think as long as you don’t hold up the line with tons of poses and just use the same amount of time that most people use, then no one will have a problem with it.

March 22, 2017 at 8:04 pm

Just off the Disney Fantasy last Saturday, March 18. There were still photo prints and binders so at least this ship has not gone fully digital. I do recommend the advance purchase of the photo package as it gives a discount as compared to the full price of purchase on the ship!

March 23, 2017 at 7:16 am

Thanks for the updated information and recommendation!

May 11, 2017 at 12:39 pm

This will be my 4th Disney Cruise and I did not know about pre ordering the pics! Thanks so much for the $50 savings and for telling us about linking the rooms for our kids pics also!! We love all things Disney also! We are taking the Alaska Cruise in July and my young adult children requested that we go back to Disney Cruise Line!

May 11, 2017 at 1:15 pm

You’re so welcome! We just booked Alaska for 2018! Enjoy your cruise!

May 18, 2017 at 10:16 pm

Just curious – we are not quite sure which photo option we are going with yet (we go on our first Disney cruise in June!) but in general, have you ever encountered any hesitation with staff members not wanting to take pictures on your behalf with your own camera (especially at the ticketed events or on Castaway Cay?) I hope that made sense 🙂

Thanks for this information BTW, very informative and appreciated!

May 18, 2017 at 10:29 pm

Hi Nicole! At character meets, the Shutters photographer will not take any with your camera, but the staff member who accompanies the character (called the “handler”) will gladly take photos with your camera. They always act like they expect it and I have never seen any hesitation. Anytime there is not a character or a handler, like in the atrium in the evenings when they have backdrops set up, then you are welcome to take pictures with your camera but someone in your party would have to do it, or you could ask a fellow cruiser to do it as there is not a staff member there, only the shutters photographer. Hope this helps!

May 19, 2017 at 8:26 pm

Thanks so much for the quick response… I can’t wait for the cruise!!!!

May 21, 2017 at 3:40 pm

I traveled the fantastic Disney cruise line on April 1 -7,2017 I paid for a photo book for $149.99 I was told the book would arrive at my home in 3-4 weeks. It is may 21 and I have NOT received my book The mgr of Shutter helped me composite it and when I left the Kiosk I felt confident but I am so disappointed right now

May 21, 2017 at 4:23 pm

I’m sorry that you are having problems. Have you contacted Disney Cruise Line and asked them to look into it for you?

May 25, 2017 at 12:56 pm

I’m considering options for a 14-night Panama Canal cruise and am wondering about how many photos on average you would have on a cruise this length. I’m trying to decide if the length of cruise photo CD would be worth the EXTREMELY high price.

May 25, 2017 at 1:23 pm

I just got off a 14 night cruise and the all inclusive digital option was $399.95. It’s hard to say how many photos you will have because it varies greatly depending on how many characters you meet and how many portrait opportunities you take advantage of. If you are trying to get a lot, you could easily have several hundred. We didn’t particularly try to get a lot and ended up with about 60. I only bought 2 individual prints on our cruise, one of our whole family on formal night and the whole family on pirate night. I took my own photos at all of our character meets. I could have asked a fellow cruiser take formal & pirate night shots of us and not even had to buy those. If this had been our first cruise, I probably would have sprung for the all inclusive option but since we have done so many and met so many characters, there are just other things I would rather spend that money on now.

June 29, 2017 at 12:06 am

We have two rooms on our upcoming cruise. Our two daughters who are in there 20’s will be in one room and my husband and I in the other. Can I purchase one photo package and use it for all of us? Thanks

June 29, 2017 at 10:01 am

Hmmm, that is a tough one. If a nuclear family is in 2 rooms, with mom listed on one reservation and dad listed on the other, then they should allow you to purchase 1 package that includes the photos for both rooms. But, because your daughters are adults and on a separate reservation without mom or dad, I do not know if they would let you. You should call DCL and ask (or have your travel agent do it if you are using one). If it is not too late, you may consider swapping one daughter and one parent on the reservations so that there is a parent in each room. It won’t matter where you sleep, and once onboard you can get your cards changed at guest services so that everyone’s card opens the room they will be staying in, but it may help you plead your case for one photo package. I hope this helps!

July 2, 2017 at 9:54 pm

Lisa, I just read that kids over 21 in a separate room will not be included on the unlimited photo package. I think the only way to get around this is to swap the names on the reservations like I mentioned in my previous reply, and even then it’s not a guarantee. You will have to ask DCL to get an answer for certain.

July 2, 2017 at 10:25 pm

Thanks for the info

July 31, 2017 at 12:14 am

We’re going on a Disney cruise in September and this is great info! I knew I wanted a photo package but wanted to know ahead of time what my options were so I had some time to think about it! Thanks so much for sharing!

July 31, 2017 at 7:36 am

You’re welcome Lisa! I hope you have a wonderful cruise!!!

August 7, 2017 at 12:11 pm

The photo books for a 7 night cruise were $150 (I believe when I ordered it in 2013). Yes you build it on the kiosk, however we got it at the end of our cruise when everyone else picked up their pictures. We usually get the all pictures cd, but couldn’t afford the extra on a 7 nighter.

August 7, 2017 at 12:35 pm

Thanks for the info Christina! That is so helpful!

November 11, 2017 at 12:54 am

We are travelling in a big family- 4 staterooms . Do they track the photos by bands – like at Disney World? If so is it possible to use one band for all staterooms? Also, since there are 5 in my family, our eldest daughter (10 years) will be sharing a room with her grandparents. Is it possible for our rooms to be connected for the photos since she is staying in a different room?

November 11, 2017 at 10:00 am

Hi Janella! They used to track photos by asking to swipe your room key, but on my last cruise they just asked our room number and wrote it down. Sometimes they use facial recognition as well. Either way, they allow nuclear families in different staterooms to be in the same photo package, but not extended families. Just talk to someone at Shutters at the beginning of the cruise to verify that your daughter will be in your photo package. Any photo with at least one of your nuclear family members will be in your package, even if others (grandparents, etc) are in it as well. So, a photo of just the grandparents will not be in your package, but a photo of the grandparents with your daughter would be. I hope this makes sense. If you buy the unlimited photo package and still want photos of extended family members, you could always purchase those separately.

January 10, 2018 at 2:34 pm

We are getting ready to go on a Star Wars Day at Sea cruise. My son is signed up for the Jedi training. Do you know if they take pictures of that like they do at Hollywood studios? Trying to decide if I should get the all cruise package or not. Thanks!

January 10, 2018 at 4:42 pm

Hi Laura! I don’t know if they do or not, but I’ve been told that if you purchase the all-inclusive package prior to the cruise and then decide onboard that you don’t want it, you can return it for full credit. I would call and double check before you purchase it though, just to be sure.

January 17, 2018 at 3:26 pm

We are also going to the Star Wars cruise on Feb 17th. May I ask you how did you signed up for the Jedi training prior to the cruise? I’d love to sign up my daughter as well. Thank you in advance.

January 24, 2018 at 4:33 pm

I signed up for Jedi training with our other excursions. We just got back from our cruise on Saturday and it was fabulous! They do not have photographers during the Jedi training but do allow you to take photos. I did purchase the all-inclusive photo package and I’m so glad I did. There were so many times we saw characters without expecting to and we got some great photos! I believe I ended up with almost 170

January 30, 2018 at 4:13 pm

I was curious if you know- we bought the drive with all our photos however I am having a hard time with where to print them. I adjusted pictures on Shutterfly thinking the borders would print on a 4×6 or 5×7. However all the pictures were cut off when I received them. Same at Walgreens. Are the pictures only printable in 8×10 size??

January 31, 2018 at 9:09 am

Hi Carrie! I’ve never tried to print my photos so I’m afraid I won’t be much help. If it were me, the next thing I would try would be resizing the 8×10 photo in a photo editing software before uploading it to Shutterfly or Walgreens (instead of letting their website do the resizing). I use one called GIMP that is free to download and pretty simple to use. If you need help, email me one of your photos and I’ll resize it for you and then you can test it.

March 26, 2018 at 10:21 pm

We’re going on a Wonder Cruise to Alaska. I had wanted to take the opportunity of having the family together to take a formal picture. I thought Shutters was the service where you’d schedule that portrait sitting. But, I don’t see anyone mentioning that. How do I call Shutters directly to see if I can make such an appointment?

March 27, 2018 at 10:40 am

Hi Nancy! There are 2 ways to take family pictures through Shutters. During the evenings, they will have different backdrops set up in the atrium lobby area, usually 3-5 choices. You can stand in line (if there is one), and then when it’s your turn, you can tell the photographer that you want some family pictures and he will do several different poses, people combos, etc. – pretty much whatever you tell him to do. You would purchase these photos through Shutters, either individually or in a package, and either digitally or printed. The other option is to book a portrait sitting in the Shutters studio, which would be a private photo shoot with a solid black backdrop. I have never seen a way to reserve it online, I am pretty sure it has to be done on the ship. But, I don’t think very many people do it so you should have plenty of options available. If you really want to book it before, you should call DCL and see if they can do it (or have your travel agent do it if you are using one). The prices are not easy to find online, but on our last cruise on the Wonder in April/May 2017, someone in our FB group had it done and reported these prices, all for digital files on a USB drive: 5 photos for $550, 12 photos for $900, 100 photos for $2500. She said that only black & white was available and that color was not an option. I hope this helps!

April 29, 2018 at 1:28 pm

Hello. My daughter and I are going on the Disney Dream in May of this year. I was thinking of purchasing the digital package but I’m confused about a few things. Do I need to bring my own USB? For the price I would think not. Also, am I supposed to bring m laptop to download these pictures before I leave the ship? It sounds like you download the pictures on your computer prior to departing the ship. Lastly, do they send you a link a few days later along with the rights to print the pictures?

June 17, 2018 at 5:35 pm

Just a family of 3 (mum, dad and 7yo DS) Wouls like to take up the photo package, but concerned about which option is best. I think 10 digital prints is poss. enough? The next option is 20, I m just torn about which you think is enough? I’m thinking 10 pretty amazing shots, is more than enough on a 7 day cruise. Your advice is appreciated

June 18, 2018 at 8:56 am

Hi Nic! Do you plan to take a lot of photos with characters? If so, I would guess that you will want the 20 package. If not, the 10 will probably do. Although I have never done it, I have heard that you can prepurchase photo packages before your cruise, and then get a refund on board if you change your mind during the cruise. So, you could prepurchase the 20 package and then change it to 10 towards the end of the cruise if you realize there aren’t 20 photos you want. If you don’t plan to purchase the photo package until after you board the ship, this would also work as they allow you to change/adjust your photo package up until the last day of the cruise.

June 26, 2018 at 12:10 am

We are sailing in December. My husband and I are in one room and our son (3) is in the adjoining room with my parents. Would we qualify to link the rooms for 1 package? If so, then pics of just me and my husband would be included, pics of just my parents would be included, right?

June 26, 2018 at 8:19 am

Any picture with either you, your husband, or son in it would be included in your unlimited photo package. Photos of just your parents alone would not. So, your parents with your son would be included, or your mom with you would be included. But, not your parents alone. Even if photos of just the parents show up on the kiosk and appear like they will be included, they will not. This happened to me on our first cruise when our in-laws sailed with us. I didn’t know better and just assumed they were included and didn’t find out until we got home.

August 11, 2018 at 2:15 pm

Any suggestions for buying a photo post cruise? I read where there’s a form and they can see if they find it if cruise was very recent but the post was from a couple years ago…any insight? Meant to get back up to Shutters before debarkation and didn’t last week.

August 11, 2018 at 4:53 pm

Hi Amy! If you go here https://image.freshdesk.com/support/home , then scroll down to the “Purchasing photos after your cruise” section, you’ll find out how. Chances are slim, but you can try. I hope this helps!

September 22, 2018 at 1:49 pm

I ordered a mouse pad while on a Disney cruise with my famile to be on the pad. I just received the mouse pad and part of the photo that was to be used is missing. So now what do I do?

October 16, 2018 at 8:43 am

Hi, we cruised on Disney Wonder mid September, ordered the 34 picture photo book. Received it in mail pretty quickly but our book was printed with wrong background. It’s the Alaska background which was NOT the cruise we took! Ive been trying and trying since then to find out who to contact…NO luck. It isnt Shutters. Would love to get it corrected to show family and friends. Please help.

October 16, 2018 at 7:15 pm

Hi Patty! If you go here: https://image.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/224949-products-delivered-post-cruise you should be able to contact someone who can help you. I hope this helps!

April 19, 2019 at 10:01 am

I’m so glad I read this. Was in limbo about pre ordering but I think I will since it’s our first family vaca!

February 15, 2020 at 2:47 pm

Do the photographer take pictures when your on excursions such as swimming with the dolphins

February 15, 2020 at 4:45 pm

Hi Mary! The Disney photographers do not, but most (if not all) of the dolphin facilities have their own photographers and you can purchase pictures from them. I suggest looking at the facility’s website before you cruise so that you can know what to expect.

March 4, 2020 at 11:32 am

we just finished our Disney Dream it was A ONCE IN LIFE TIME taking all 6 grands and their parents I am very disappointed in the shutters photo I purchased the package before the cruise and paid for it. We linked the rooms together but I have a very disappointed 5 yr old since her cousin got all of her princess pictures but BECAUSE she was in the other stateroom we did not get her pictures and no one said that we could have purchased those for another 50 dollars. ??????? She has none of her with frozen or the princesses by herself This cruise cost us close to 15,000 dollars and we aren’t given the pictures. I will never again recommend this to our friends or family that have young children .Only half of my family is represented on this cruise. I guess I should have bought an expensive camera and had my family take those memories for us. We were considered second class citizens on this cruise since this was our first time with Disney Cruise Line when my travel agent called and asked about our trip I explained how it was difficult to get tickets for the frozen and princess events.

August 26, 2021 at 10:40 am

We will take a cruise in Oct 2021 and I can confirm that you get a better price if you book your pics packages before boarding:

– Unlimited digital package is 295,95USD (pre-cruise price) vs 349,95USD (onboard price) – Package of 10 is 149,95USD – no difference pre-cruise and onboard. – Package of 20 is 249,95USD – no difference pre-cruise and onboard – Photobook Keepsake is 139,95USD (pre-cruise price) vs 149,95 (onboard price).

Shutters Portrait Studio is an option you don´t talk about, I haven´t tried but it is a 30 min private session, you get up to 100 digital photos, and the price is not shared before hands, so I guess it is always the same price and you book an activity without really knowing the price.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

Disney Cruise Photo Package

This comprehensive guide on the Disney Cruise Photo Package should give you a good idea of whether the Disney Cruise pictures offered onboard by the Disney professional photographers, specifically through Disney Cruise Shutters , the photography shop on the ship, are the best option for you.

What This Guide Covers

What is the photo package like on disney cruise line.

How does the Photo Package work?

What are Magic Shots?

How much does the photo package cost, should i pre-purchase will it save me money.

Where will I find Photographers taking Photos?
How do I view the Photos that the Disney Cruise Line Photographers take?

Will the Disney Cruise Line Photographers take Pictures with my Camera?

Do I have to buy the Photo Package to get Pictures with the Characters?

I have more than one Stateroom, how should I do the Photo Package?

Can I get a Private Photo Session with a Disney Cruise Photographer? How much does it Cost?
How do I pick up my Prints and/or USB?

Can I order Pictures after leaving the Ship?

Would I recommend purchasing a Disney Cruise Photo Package?

Just like in the Disney parks, Disney Cruise Line has photography packages that you can purchase to remember your once-in-a-lifetime vacation so those magical moments will never be forgotten.

Disney’s onboard photography is run and managed by a third party company called The Image Group .

Here’s the low-down on what kind of packages they offer…

Option 1: Digital

These images are digital and will be uploaded to a USB and given to you on disembarkation day (the day you leave). You can purchase packages of 10, 20 or ALL of them if you’d like.

If you purchase a digital package onboard, you have the choice to either:

Receive a USB drive with all your photos on it , or
Download your digital photos directly to your personal device while onboard or when you get home. They call this the onboard download package. Just go to Shutters, the onboard photography shop, purchase an “onboard download package” and they will provide with instructions and your personal code to access your photos. DCL permits you to use their wi-fi for free to download these while onboard. (Note, this option is not available for pre-purchase. See pre-purchase options below .)

Buying in digital form sure makes it easy to post on social media if that’s your thang. “Hey, look Ma! We’re on a Disney Cruise!”

Option 2: Prints

These are printed photos that you pick up at the end of your cruise and take home with you. Great for those who like to scrapbook, or display in a photo book or even to frame and put on your wall.

Option 3: Photobook

This is a hardcover, bound photobook that you get to create onboard with up to 34 of your favorite DCL photos. What a great keepsake!

This is perfect if you like to scrapbook but know you will never have time to do it. Why not let someone else do the work for you?

Your photobook will be delivered directly to your home 4-6 weeks after your cruise. It’s $10 to ship to the United States and $15 to all other countries which will be added to your onboard account before you disembark.

Option 4: Individual Photos

Onboard you can order individual prints. $20.95 for an 8 x 10 or $14.95 for a 6 x 8

How does the Photo Package work?

Whenever you see a photographer, get your photo taken! The photographer will ask for your Key to the World card, and if you don’t have it, your stateroom number.

Then later head to Shutters on Deck 4 to view your photos. Just swipe your Key To The World card at one of the kiosks and your photos will be displayed. Images are not posted instantaneous so don’t expect to see your photos immediately after they’ve been taken. I usually like to check out my photos from that day after dinner or the nightly show. Go ahead, pick out your favorites!

If you didn’t pre-purchase a photo package before you left home, you can still do so on the ship. Just purchase any photos (or package) you would like at the Shutters desk.

Pick up your prints or USB at Shutters before you leave the ship. This can be done the night before disembarkation or on disembarkation day. Check Shutters hours on the Navigation app so you know when they are open.

Magic Shots is a photographic opportunity where Disney Cruise Line photographers record your family’s holiday memories in sailor garb alongside some of your favorite Disney characters.

Tinker Bell, Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie, Sailor Pluto, Chip & Dale, Sailor Goofy, Cruise Director Daisy, Sailor Donald, and Magic Shots of Sebastian, Hei Hei, and Flounder are among the featured characters, and you can even make your Castaway Cay pictures more magical with Magic Shots of Sebastian, Hei Hei, and Flounder.

Image: Disney

Guests on board and ashore may even add a sprinkle of pixie dust to their trip pictures in the form of Mickey clouds.

For the Bahamas and Caribbean cruises, Disney Cruise Line photographers will be taking Magic Shots throughout the ship and on Castaway Cay . While there are no set times or locations for Magic Shots, just ask one of their friendly photographers about incorporating the feature into each photo shoot during your voyage.

These may be purchased online or printed at Shutters on board each ship, as with other cruise photographs. The unlimited digital photo plan, which can be ordered in advance for a 15% discount, includes Magic Shots as well.

Visit Our Cruise Photos for pricing and detailed information about Disney Cruise Line’s photography packages. Simply enter your ship name and sail date to find out more about packages available on your sailing . This is also where you go to pre-purchase your DCL photography packages if and when you are ready to do so.

Here are some sample pre-purchase prices for different length sailings. Onboard pricing will vary slightly.

3 Night Cruise

10 digital photos on a USB drive $149.95
All digital photos on a USB drive: $194.95 (15% more onboard)
10 prints: $149.95
All prints: $194.95
All digital + all print images: $269.95
Photobook with 34 photos: $139.95 pre-purchase | $149.95 onboard

4 Night Cruise

5 Night Cruise

All digital photos on a USB drive: $211.95 (15% more onboard)

7 Night Cruise

20 digital photos on a USB drive $249.95
All digital photos on a USB drive: $295.95 (15% more onboard)
10 prints: $249.95

14 Night Cruise

All digital photos on a USB drive: $339.95 (15% more onboard)

That depends.

The only packages that will save you money if you purchase before you sail are the ALL digital on a USB package and the photobook. All the other packages are the same price onboard.

Pre-purchasing at least 48 hours prior to your sail date will save 15% on the ALL digital package and $10 on the photobook. Just so you know, they do have additional options on the ship like the option to buy an individual 8 x 10 print for $20.95.

I personally would only pre-purchase a package if it were going to save me money or unless I just didn’t want to deal with doing it on the ship.

If you are on the fence about whether or not to buy, why not pre-purchase the ALL digital package, take lots of photos while on the ship and if for some reason you don’t like them or think that it’s not worth it, ask for a refund.

Refunds of Pre-Purchased Photo Packages

Refunds are available on pre-purchased packages; just make sure to request your refund before the deadline. The refund deadline varies by cruise so make sure to ask a photo team member onboard.

Downgrade Pre-Purchased Photo Packages

Also, if you purchase a larger package and change your mind and want something smaller, you can downgrade your package and get a refund for the difference before the refund deadline.

Upgrade Pre-Purchased Photo Packages

The same goes for upgrading a package. If you find you are taking more photos than anticipated and love them all, you can easily upgrade your package onboard by speaking with a member of the photo team.

Where will I find Photographers taking Photos?

Disney Cruise photographers can be found all around the ship, and even before you set sail. Once at the cruise terminal, you will see characters and professional photographers even before you step onto the ship.

Disney Cruise Photo Package - Photographers will take your family picture before you board

You will also see them:

at onboard deck parties
roaming from table to table in the main dining rooms at dinner
in the atrium before and after dinner taking photos with backdrops
right outside the ship at each port stop
at Castaway Cay roaming the island
and of course at the Character Meet and Greets

How do I view my Photos that the Disney Cruise Line Photographers take?

To view your photos, head to Shutters on Deck 4. Swipe your Key To The World card at one of the kiosks and your photos will be displayed.

Disney Cruise Photo Package - Check out your photos during your sailing

Photos are not posted instantaneously and may take several hours to show up in your account. It’s a fun activity to check out our photos from that day after dinner or the nightly show. Go ahead, pick out your favorites!

If you want to make sure that doesn’t happen, you can always hand the photographer your Key To The World card or give them your stateroom number each time you get your photo taken and that will make sure your photo is posted to your account.

Wait, there’s more! (Uh, this is starting to sound like an infomercial)

If you purchase a digital package onboard, you have the option to choose the onboard download package instead of USB. This lets you access your photos via your phone, tablet or computer for free. Just ask a Shutters staff member for your access code and follow the instructions. The downside? You can only download one at a time which can take a while.

Disney Cruise Photo Package - how to download your photos

They sure will! All you have to do is ASK.

Just ask the DCL photographers to snap a shot with your personal camera and they will gladly do so after they have taken a few with their fancy camera first.

The only exception to this is on Formal Night. On Formal Night they will not take a photo of you with your camera. Instead, make friends with the people in front or behind you and ask if they could do the honors and you could do the same for them.

Do I have to buy the Photo Package to get pictures with the Characters?

Absolutely not. Even without purchasing a photo package you can most definitely take photos with Mickey, Minnie, Donald or any other characters.

You can take some with your own camera as I mentioned above by just asking a photographer to snap a shot with your personal camera or heck you can take them yourself too. Just know, the Disney Cruis e photographer will capture some shots with their camera too because well, that’s their job. Don’t worry, you are not obligated to purchase any photos they take of you.

Remember, it costs you nothing for them to take your photo.

The rules are exactly the same for Star Wars Cruise and Marvel Cruise .

Disney Cruise Photo Package - Photographers will take your picture with Disney characters

They will be happy to take as many photos as you would like with their camera even if you have not purchased a photo package. They are banking on you seeing their professional photos, falling in love and wanting to purchase them. That’s how they make their money.

And it works pretty well! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a Disney cruise and told myself I wasn’t going to buy any cruise photos and then ended up buying some after I saw how awesome Minnie and I looked together 🙂

If your group has more than one stateroom, please read this carefully.

Shutters will only link multiple staterooms under one account if the guests of the second stateroom are the children (under 21 years old) of the purchasing stateroom.

This works out perfectly for my family since we usually get two rooms for our family of 5. If this is the case for you too, visit the Photo Gallery when you arrive onboard and speak to a photographer and they can link your kids stateroom to your photo package without having to pay for a second package.

Now just because Aunt Pam and cousin Steve are not in your stateroom doesn’t mean they won’t be included in any of the photos. Members of your group can still be included as long as a member of the purchasing stateroom is in the photo!

Note: the exception to this is a special event like a wedding or a Quinceanera or a large party of 20 or more – that’s not included.

If you want to receive every photo of every person in your party you will need to purchase one package per stateroom.

If your group is in more than one stateroom but only one stateroom purchases a photo package, any photos that include anyone in that stateroom will be included in your photo package.

Take careful note of which cabin you attach the photo package.

Disney Cruise Photo Package - Breakdown of multiple cabin packages

Cabin 1 purchases a photo package but not Cabin 2

A photo of Mom and Dad with their kiddos Sam and Kate
A photo of Sam and Kate with Mickey Mouse
A photo of Mom and Dad
A photo of Sam and Kate with Grandma and Grandpa
A photo of Mom and Dad with Grandma and Grandpa

Not Included:

A photo of just Grandma and/or Grandpa

*In other words, someone from Cabin 1 must be in the photo for Grandma and Grandpa to be included

Cabin 2 purchases a photo package but not Cabin 1

A photo of Grandma and Grandpa
A photo of Grandma and Grandpa with Sam and Kate
A photo of Grandma and Grandpa with Mom and Dad

Not Included:

*In other words, Grandma or Grandpa must be in the photo to be included.

THE BOTTOM LINE?

The bottom line is you want at least one person from the paid package stateroom to be in the photo for it to be included in your package. To be safe, you probably want the photo package to be attached to the stateroom with the kids (that is, if you brought them;).

Can I get Private Photo Session with a Disney Cruise Photographer? How much does it Cost?

If you are interested in a private photo session while on your Disney Cruise, Shutters offers that in their onboard portrait studio.

Prices start at $550 per session. Private photo sessions are separate from the regular photo packages discussed above.

You should know…

Private sessions are 30 minutes
A maximum of 12 guests at one time
Recommend groups of 6 or more to book 2 sessions
Portraits are shot in a black and white format
Only available on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy and not on the Disney Dream
They have three options: Digital (up to 100 images on USB), prints (on canvas, acrylic and aluminum) and premium albums
You can reserve an appointment during your online check in process under “My Cruise Activities”
Digital collections are delivered to your stateroom while the prints and albums will be shipped to your home within 4-6 weeks

How do I pick up my Prints and/or USB?

If you purchased a package, you will need to pick up your prints or USB on disembarkation day. Check the Navigator app for debarkation day hours and arrive early!

EVEN BETTER TIP

Disney Cruise Photo Package - Download your photos while onboard

If you are buying prints a la carte, you can do so at Shutters on any day of your cruise when they are open except on the last day.

You will have to decide on your photography purchases before leaving because there is no option to purchase pictures once you leave the ship… or so they say. You can contact their customer support and see if they can find your photos. They don’t guarantee it but it’s worth a shot. The sooner you contact them the better. I’ve heard that after 30 days the photos are deleted.

Would I recommend purchasing a Disney Cruise Photo Package?

My personal opinion is mixed .

I know plenty of people that love the onboard photography and some who do not. I am somewhere in the middle. I do purchase packages on occasion but honestly not that often.

I would probably suggest to do it if it’s your first Disney Cruise . If it’s your second, third or fourth, I’d probably skip it. Of course, everyone has their own opinion so if you wanna do it – do it!

Here are some of the pros and cons as I see it.

*I don’t have to carry my DSLR around with me

*The quality of the photos is better than what I can get from my phone

*I don’t have to fuss with taking the photograph

*The whole family can get in the picture

*Great keepsake

*The price. It’s kinda pricey.

*They put borders or templates on the photos that cannot be removed (see images above for examples)

*No magic shots like in the Disney Parks (photos taken by cast members where beloved Disney characters magically make an appearance)

If you have any more questions, call The Image Group at 850.250.3423. They are open Monday – Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm EST.

Pin for Later

The onboard photographers are able to do Magic Shots. They are listed as Magic Shots along with the area the photographer will be set up in the daily program. We scored many Magic Shots on our November Panama Canal cruise.

Hi Mary – thanks for letting us know! How did their pics turn out?

Photographers seemed AWOL on my recent 6 night Disney Wonder cruise over New Years . I had prepaid a digital pack, and only had about 12 photos taken. The photographers missed my family at dining and deck parties, and only took two or three photos each time we lined up to meet character (they were also not present at any Marvel character we met). When I asked about dining photos at Pirate night the photographer was very dismissive. Luckily I could cancel the package. But it was a little distressing during my vacation – IMO the cast take better and more photos when you provide them your phone.

Photo Packages on Disney Cruise Line – Frequently Asked Questions

You’re going on a Disney Cruise. Yayyy!

Most folks are going to want to document some of that fun with photos. You can, of course, use your own phone or camera to take pictures, but like the Disney theme parks, there are professional photo packages available. Here’s what you need to know.

Do I have to have my photo taken while on a Disney Cruise?

Currently, no onboard DCL photo is mandatory. If you hate being photographed, or are 100% certain that you will never buy a photo, then feel free to wave off the photographers and go about your business.

That being said, there may be some situations where it’s simply easier to smile and say cheese rather than go into a lengthy explanation about why you think your hair looks frightening when exposed to salt water. If you don’t opt to buy the pictures, they’ll simply be deleted at the end of your sailing and no one will see them

Why would I want someone else to take my photos?

A few reasons why you might want someone else to take some of your vacation photos include:

You want everyone in your party to be included in the photos.
You know that you’re not a good photographer.
You want to have your photos printed with special Disney borders.

How much do DCL photo packages cost?

Just like in the Disney theme parks, you’re welcome to pose for photos for free. But if you want to download any pictures or keep any of the images taken by the onboard professional photographers, you’ll have to pay.

There are a variety of price points, but the most common is the all-inclusive photo package. These packages include the digital files of all the photos you have taken onboard. Depending on the length of your sailing, the size of your party, and how aggressive you are about putting yourself in front of the photographers, this could be anywhere from a dozen to several hundred pictures.

Prices vary based on the itinerary and number of nights of the cruise. In recent months, I’ve encountered prices of $349.95 for a six-night sailing and $229.95 for a three-night sailing.

Note: package prices are per stateroom, or possibly per two staterooms if you’re traveling with minor children (more on this below).

That seems like a lot, are there ways to make the photo package less expensive?

The prices above are the rates for photo packages purchased onboard the ships.

There is a small price break (often 10-15%) for buying your photo package online in advance of your trip. You can do this in the Cruise Activities activities section of the DCL website after you’ve paid in full for your sailing and your activity booking window has opened. (Activity booking windows are based on your Castaway Club status .) Advance photo booking must be completed at least three days prior to sailing in order to get the price break.

Pearl Castaway Club members (guests who have completed 25 or more sailings) are given a free photo package as part of their benefits, but other than that there are no discounts other than the early purchase rate.

You can, however, make the package more valuable by taking advantage of the photographers as much as possible. My family tends to buy the photo package on every second or third sailing. On sailings where we know we’re buying the package, we make a game of seeing how many photos we can have the onboard photographers take of us.

Will taking lots of photos take too much of my time?

Depending on the itinerary and your interests, it might.

Let’s say you’re on a three night sailing with no sea days and you have lots of things to do in port. In this case, you’ll have limited hours on the ship itself. Do you want these hours to be consumed primarily with finding enough photo opportunities to make your package “worth it”?

At the other end of the spectrum, you might be on a 12-night repositioning cruise with half a dozen sea days and not much of import on your agenda. In that case, you might end up acquiring dozens or even hundreds of photos with barely a blip in your day. Most cruisers are somewhere in the middle.

Is this a once-in-lifetime family reunion during the holidays? Probably buy the package.

Are you couple of frequent DCL cruisers on a quick 3-night jaunt. Maybe don’t buy the package.

The choice is up to you.

I’m traveling with a larger party, can everyone be included in my photo package?

Not exactly.

In most cases, photo packages are allotted one per stateroom. However, cruise staterooms are tiny. It’s common for even small parties to book multiple staterooms to give everyone more personal space. And of course larger parties may be booked across a similarly large number of cabins.

Let’s start with the easiest example, two parents and two or more minor children staying in two staterooms. If you have two staterooms as part of the same booking, and guests under age 21 are in the second stateroom, the photos for both staterooms will show up in one package. This should happen automatically, but in my experience it often takes a trip to the onboard Shutters photo desk to make it happen.

In another example, I recently traveled on the Disney Wish with friends. They were in one stateroom and I (an adult) was in my own stateroom, but our reservations were linked and we ate dinner together and participated in some Port Adventures together. My friends opted to purchase the photo package and I did not. During our sailing, I posed in many photos with them. The pictures of us together (with me in them) were included in their photo package. Photos of just me were not included in their package. Once my friend downloaded her photos, she was welcome to share them with me, but none of these would be my own individual shots because I did not opt to buy them.

The upshot is – a purchased package is exclusive to the stateroom, but other people can be in the image. As long as at least one person from the stateroom with a purchased package is in the photo, then that photo will be included in their purchase.

My own children are now all over age 21. If my husband and I were traveling on DCL with them and we were in one stateroom and they were in another and I bought the photo package, their pictures would not be included in my package unless my husband or I were in the photo. If I wanted to get their pictures as well, I could do this at 50% discount (off the onboard purchase price) by stopping at the Shutters photo desk during my sailing.

Are there options if I just want a few photos?

DCL offers different sizes of photo packages. Depending on the sailing, you may be able to buy a package of just 10, 15, or 20 pictures, rather than an unlimited package.

You can also buy individual pictures, though the fewer shots you buy, the higher the per-photo cost will be. If you’re waffling between a total photo package and a smaller package, take a minute to look at the pricing for your sailing and figure out the break point number of photos you’d have to take to make the full package “pay out”.

Typically single photo downloads cost about $21, packages of 10 cost about $150, and packages of 20 cost about $250.

How does Disney get the onboard photos into your account?

Two ways. For many photos, you’ll tap your DCL Key to the World Card (room key) or DisneyBand+ on a reader held by the photographer. In other cases, DCL will automatically link pictures to your account via facial recognition. There can be glitches with this leading to either missing or extraneous photos. If you have an issue that needs to be resolved, stop by the Shutters photo desk during your sailing.

Can I get prints of my photos onboard?

Pre-pandemic, onboard photos were routinely printed for all guests.

Currently you can buy prints of your photos, in a limited number of sizes and quantities. You’ll likely save money by buying the digital files and printing them at home yourself or having them printed via any of the dozens of places that do photo printing: CVS, Walgreens, Costco, Shutterfly, Snapfish, etc.

How are the photos formatted?

Standard aspect ratios of photos in the US are 4″x6″, 5″x7″, or 8″x10″. If you you print photos via any of the services above, those will likely be your options. DCL takes many of its photos in a 6″x8″ ratio, this means that there may be some unintentionally wonky cropping when you have your pictures printed.

Additionally, Disney slaps some sort of border or identifying information on every photo it takes. In some cases this will be a teeny trademark symbol, but most of the time the border is a larger, showing the name of the ship, the location your sailing to, a holiday or special event that’s being celebrated onboard, or the name of a ship’s restaurant.

Can I get my photos without the DCL borders?

Nope. Disney reeeeeeealy wants their logo on your pictures. That said, once you have the digital download in your possession, you’re welcome to crop out their border/logo. Depending on the picture, this may be easier said than done.

Am I better off ordering a photo book?

DCL does offer a photo book product, typically priced at $149.95 regardless of the length of your cruise. Photo books can include up to 34 pictures. This seems like it would be a good deal, you get to have 30+ images for the typical price of a ten image photo download package. However, I have heard near universal complaints about the photo books – everything from missing pictures to extremely poor image and paper quality. You may just be better off buying the downloads and making your own photo book via one of the photo printing services mentioned above.

If you choose the photo book option, the book will be delivered to your home several weeks after your sailing, adding a level of challenge to any remediation you might need.

Are there other photo products available for purchase?

Yes, DCL offers mugs, mousepads, plaques, and other items imprinted with your photos. You can order these on the ships or via the DCL photo website. In either case your items will be delivered to your home several weeks after you disembark.

If you’ve purchased a digital download of your photos, you’re also welcome to order similar products from any of the many independent photo printing services, typically at a lower cost.

Where are the onboard photos taken?

You’ll begin encountering photographers even before you board. Expect to find photographers in the embarkation port terminal. They’ll be stationed in front of DCL logoed backdrops.

On many cruise nights, you’ll find stations for general family photography. These are either staged photos opportunities in a dramatic setting (the lobby atrium stairs) or staged photo opportunities with a Sears-Portrait-Studio-style fabric backdrop. Backdrops range from inoffensive and nondescript solid colors, to in-your-face (literally) photos of the ships.

Photographers will visit also every restaurant on the ship on select nights. This usually includes formal night and pirate night (if there is one), plus additional nights on longer sailings or specially themed sailings. They’ll stop by each table and will take as many shots as you want. Feel free to ask for group and individual pictures.

Photos are taken during meals? Won’t we get lots of gross half eaten food in the shots?

The photographers are quite good at capturing faces without getting a lot of visual noise in the shot. They’ll often tell you to move some glasses to reduce clutter in the frame. If you see a photographer coming, you can help by moving some of your meal detritus out of the way.

Are there character photo opportunities on the ships?

Of course there are! (It’s Disney, what did you expect.) Character meet & greet photo opportunities are listed on daily Navigator app and on video screens around the ship’s lobby.

With some exceptions, the character photo process is essentially the same on the ships as it is in the Disney theme parks. Guests form a queue to meet the character. When it’s your turn, you approach the character, pose, and the photographer takes your picture. The photographer will scan your Key To The World card (your stateroom key) or DisneyBand+ to link your photo to your stateroom account.

If you’re interested in the complete scoop on onboard characters, check out our full FAQ post on this topic.

Are there any places off the ship where I’ll find ship photographers?

Weather permitting, there will be at least a few photographers available when the DCL ships dock at Castaway Cay (and presumably at Lighthouse Point when it opens). On rare occasion, you may find a DCL photographer stationed outside the ship in another port. For example, during a Mediterranean voyage, I encountered DCL photographers on the disembarkation pier when leaving the ship at Villefranche and Civitavecchia.

Are photos taken on my excursions included in my photo package?

Many guests choose to take Port Adventures (excursions) while they’re docked in port. Some of these excursions may include a photography element. For example, if you’re swimming with dolphins, the tour provider will almost certainly have a photography component of the event. Be aware that these photos will NOT be included in your DCL onboard photo package. Unless your Adventure description specifically states that photos are included in the excursion price, the photos will be an extra charge (sometimes a substantial extra charge) over the price you’ve already paid for the excursion.

How can I look at the photos taken on board?

Every DCL ship has an area of electronic kiosks where you can view your pictures. In addition to the kiosks, there is a Shutters photo desk on every ship. You can tap your Key to the World Card or DisneyBand+ on the kiosk reader and you’ll be able to view the shots taken during your sailing.

During Shutters open hours (which will be posted on the Navigator app and on the Shutters desk), you can ask questions or buy products in person.

How can I access my photos once I buy a package?

DCL now uses an electronic download system.

If you’ve purchased pictures, go to https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/photos and you’ll be able to access your photos and download them to your phone, tablet, or computer. Log into this site with your Disney web credentials. Click the Link option at the top right of the screen. Enter your Castaway Club ID and click the Link Photos button. Everyone is automatically assigned a unique Castaway Club ID number during their first DCL cruise.

If you don’t have a Disney web account prior to cruising, you’ll need to create an account and link your Castaway Club ID to see your photos. To find your Castaway Club ID, log into http://disneycruise.disney.go.com . Under the Already Booked tab, click My Profile in the My Account section. Then click Membership & Passes.

Photos expire and are no longer available for download or purchase 45 days after they are taken. Note: This is not 45 days after you disembark. Photos taken on the first day of your sailing will expire before photos taken on the last day of your sailing.

I want to have a private photo session. Is this available?

In addition to the standard photo packages, DCL also has an onboard portrait studio. Private portrait sessions photos are not included in the regular packages. Prices are steep – starting at about $600 for a just a handful of images (though there is no fee to sit for the photo session). You can book portrait sessions in the Onboard Activities section of the DCL app after you’ve paid in full for your sailing and your booking window opens. There may also be opportunities to book this experience while you’re on the ship.

Additional information on the DCL website includes:

Private sessions last approximately 30 minutes.
We recommend that groups larger than 6 Guests book 2 consecutive sessions.
Portraits are professionally shot in an artistic black-and-white format (color is not available).
There is no sitting fee and no obligation to purchase the images created.
While many Guests prefer to schedule their shoots for formal evenings, more casual attire is perfect

I’m sailing DCL with a special event like a wedding. What do I do about photos?

There may be special rates available or required for events. Speak to your DCL event planner for details.

Do DCL photo packages ever “sell out”?

No. The photo package is available to everyone on board. The advantage of booking online in advance is simply the modest price break.

What happens if I bought the photo package in advance, but I don’t like the photos that were taken onboard?

As long as you have not yet downloaded any photos, you can go to the Shutters photo desk on your ship and you can have your purchase cancelled and refunded. Cancellations must happen on the ship.

Use the onboard photo kiosks to see whether you like the photos that have been taken.

Will the ship photographers take pictures with my camera?

The photographers themselves usually won’t do this. However, during some character greeting photo ops, there will be an assistant available who will be happy to use your camera to take a few shots. In my experience, they often don’t take much care to compose the shot well. They’ll get the job done, but it may not be pretty.

Other DCL guests are often happy to help with photography. If you want a photo of your entire group and there is no ship photographer available or you’ve chosen not to buy ship photos, then it couldn’t hurt to ask a passing guest if they’ll use your phone/camera to take a shot or two. It’s then polite to offer to reciprocate.

This topic gives me an opportunity to annoy you all with one of my favorite DCL stories. The photo below was taken on New Years Eve 2019 onboard the Disney Fantasy. The ship’s photographers (on the lower left) were still setting up and we wanted a photo with the tree in the background. I flagged down a teenage girl walking out of the Royal Court restaurant (teen girls always take the best photos) and asked her if she had a moment to take a photo of our family. As it turned out the girl was a daughter of Bobby Lopez and Kirsten Anderson-Lopez, the composing team behind Frozen and countless other musical theater masterpieces. She was happy to help, but Bobby arrived a moment later and ended up taking my phone and snapping a dozen shots for us. You never know who you’ll meet on a Disney cruise.

How good are the onboard photos? What’s the quality like?

Quality is in the eye of the beholder. I’ve found that most of the DCL onboard photos are adequate to good, but rarely excellent.

As a compare/contrast, see the two photos below. The one with the Disney Dream logo was taken by a DCL photographer and included with the photo package we purchased. I took the non-logoed photo with my iPhone 13 about two seconds later. Neither of them are particularly good or bad.

I’m trying to book a photo package online in advance of my sailing, but it’s not available for the first day of my cruise. Does this mean those pictures won’t be part of my package?

This sometimes happens. Don’t worry about it. Just book the photo package online once, on whatever day you happen to see it. The package will include photos taken of everyone in your stateroom for the entire duration of your sailing.

Are there limits to what I can do with the photos I have taken onboard?

There is some legalese that you agree to when you buy a photo package. You should read it yourself, but the upshot is that you’re fine to use your downloaded photos for nearly any personal purpose: post them on your social media, print a photo to hang over your mantle, use the photo on your holiday card, etc.

You are not allowed to use the DCL photographer photos for commercial purposes. If you’re thinking about selling something with a DCL photographer image on it, make sure you’re complying with the legal agreement and consult counsel if necessary.

I’m doing a land/sea vacation, Walt Disney World and a Disney cruise, can I get one photo package that covers both parts of my vacation?

Unfortunately not. If you want photo plans for both halves of your travels, you’ll need to buy them separately.

I’m back at home an have had a change of heart. Can I buy a DCL photo package after I’ve disembarked?

Unfortunately not. Once you’re off the ship, your opportunity to buy photos from your sailing is over.

If you’re looking for additional advice and planning assistance with any Disney Cruise Line sailing, be sure to check out the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line .

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 “ Photo Packages on Disney Cruise Line – Frequently Asked Questions ”

Photographers seemed a bit AWOL on my recent 6 night Disney Wonder cruise over New Years . I had prepaid a digital pack, and only had about 12 photos taken. The photographers missed my small family at dining and deck parties, and only took two or three photos each time we lined up to meet character (they were also not present at any Marvel character we met). When I asked about dining photos at Pirate night the photographer begrudgingly snapped one. Luckily I remembered I could cancel the package onboard. But it was a little distressing during my vacation that I had almost no photos taken.

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Tag Archives: Shutters

Disney Cruise Line Launches Magic Shots Photo Experience

Disney Cruise Line is adding Magic Shots, a photo experience where onboard photographers capture your family’s vacation memories in unique compositions to allow for the addition of your favorite Disney Continue Reading →

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Listed below are the prices from Nov. 2009. Consult your navigator for the latest pricing.

The ship's photographers will be available at pre-appointed times in the atriums to take formal photos with a variety of backdrops. They also take pictures with the characters on board and on Castaway Cay. Just in case you miss taking your own photo of an interesting sight, they also sell a variety of stock photos. The Christman cards are available all year long, so even if you sail in January, you can still get your cards for next year. Click a link below to visit various pages with examples of Shutters photography:

Embarkation photos
Backdrop photos
Character photos (to find out where the characters will be, call 7-PALS from your stateroom phone or look for the sign in the atrium and outside Shutters)
Stock Photos
Castaway Cay photos
Misc. Shutters Photos
Holiday Cards

Disney Magic
Disney Wonder
Disney Fantasy
Castaway Cay
St. Maarten
Salt Lake City
Puerto Rico
Playa del Carmen
Car Rentals
Restaurants
Treats and Snacks
Theme Parks
Local Attractions

Where Are We Going?

The Worst Value a Disney Cruise Has to Offer: Shutters Photography Service | My Cruise Photos

Shutters, Disney Cruise Photography, Bad Value Disney Cruise, Photos Disney Cruise, Disney Cruise, diapersonaplane, diapers on a plane, creating family memories, family travel, travel with kids

Nothing on the Disney Cruise ship is as ludicrous as the thing they call Shutters. Shutters is the Disney cruise’s version of a photography gallery for all the guest photos taken on the ship. Yes, like at Walt Disney World you’ll find photographers poised and ready to take your pictures all around the ship, with all the characters, and doing all the fun things you love. But unlike at Walt Disney World, there is no set price of $169 for every photo of your entire trip. These are all individually priced, and the sticker shock might send you overboard.

► Ranking : #stinkydiaper

Shutters Disney Cruise Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Deck 4

Disney is notorious for overcharging you for everything from entrance tickets to drinks, so this should come as no surprise. But the thing is, Shutters is outsourced. They aren’t Disney, and that irritates me to no end. You will find Disney castmembers that stand alongside them, and they will gladly take your family photos for you with your own camera, but you’ll also have to have a picture with the Shutters crew which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It works much the same way in the parks, but it still bothers me because it isn’t Disney.

Shutters photographers aren’t just poised around the ship taking your family photos with characters. In addition, they will place backgrounds strategically around the ship for pirate night, the captain’s meet and greet, formal night and more, for you to take more formal studio like pictures to capture all your memories aboard the cruise. However unlike with characters, in those instances, you cannot take your own photos. They can also be found at the port stops – especially on Castaway Cay.

The most absurd part? They have an actual studio on the ship that you can book for family portrait sessions. And, it’s only $500 for 30 minutes!

At any time on the ship you can view your photos in the gallery on Deck 4. Each time you have your photo taken the Shutters photographer will scan your Key to the World card, other times the photographers will find you at dinner, or on the pool deck. Photos are based off of facial recognition in connection to your Key to the World card and you can find them all at the digital kiosks. From here, you can connect staterooms, and delete photos that are seriously offensive based off of poor facial recognition.

Inside the Shutters gallery is where you can view all your photos and create the package you want to buy. If you simply want to view your photos, there is no obligation to buy. Photos are sold individually, or as a photo book that include up to 10 pages. Prices range from $15 per photo, to $200 for a bulk package of 20 photos. There are also opportunities to win a rare photo or two if you play Bingo, or attend a DVC presentation. Should you decide this is something you want you must make the purchase before disembarking on the cruise. Shockingly, the studio is packed the last night of the cruise.

If are keen on getting a Shutters package, you can receive a small discount by pre-purchasing your photos in advance on the Shutters website. Purchases must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the first night date of sailing at My Cruise Photos .

► For Kids : We all love photos, but you’ve save a lot of money and take a lot more photos over several years if you just buy a nice camera yourself.

We always buy the Disney World photo package, but we walk away with hundreds of photos! We just can’t stomach the cost of this extravagance. What are your thoughts on it?

► Nap-Time Version : Run-down of the process of buying absurdly priced photos on a Disney cruise ship.

What else is there to do on a Disney Cruise that won’t cost you a fortune? Swimming is free, so are the Kids Clubs , and eating (thank goodness)!

Shutters Portrait Studio

Thread starter huey578
Start date Jun 23, 2021

Test Track Dummy

Jun 23, 2021

I plan on purchasing the Photo: Unlimited Package deal. If I book I book the Shutters Portrait Studio Complimentary private session will the photos be included in the unlimited package or are those photos extra $$ ?? TIA

Cruising Engineer

Dis veteran.

I thought I read that contractor went out of business on DCL .

Mouseketeer

If I recall correctly In the past the photos from the photo sessions that are complimentary were extra. I did one of those shoots and they were their own price structure.

huey578 said: I plan on purchasing the Photo: Unlimited Package deal. If I book I book the Shutters Portrait Studio Complimentary private session will the photos be included in the unlimited package or are those photos extra $$ ?? TIA Click to expand...

Jun 24, 2021

My understanding as well is the company that previously did the photos went out of business. So until a new business is named we won't really know specifics. I'd imagine it'll be something along the same lines as the previous.

Earning My Ears

Jul 12, 2021

The rumor I heard was that DCL will be bringing the photography services “in house” from now on

dad2wayne said: The rumor I heard was that DCL will be bringing the photography services “in house” from now on Click to expand...

Disneyland_emily

JWelch62 said: This was basically the information I got from Concierge. Not a definite "yes", but they were working on that. Still no way to pre-purchase the package on the DCL website, though. Click to expand...

Attachments

Disneyland_emily said: You can preorder it though onboard activities once you book activities- not sure about prepayment or how they’ll redeem it Click to expand...

Interesting! I’ve never preordered it as we typically only buy one or two pictures

JoeFromSeoul

Joe - now back in seoul.

Jul 14, 2021

JWelch62 said: When you try that link it simply takes you back to your cruise details page. You can't actually buy it. I've tried many times. Click to expand...

JoeFromSeoul said: I had trouble buying the photo package until someone in another forum helped. I used the app, went to the add activities to find the photo package link. Then I selected just my name from the room and booked it. On the app it shows as an all day event for just one day. However, I trust it will be for the duration as described. On previous cruises it billed to the contractor and I paid by credit card. This time it looks like any other event or excursion and is billed to the onboard account. Click to expand...

I hope you don't mind if I jump into this thread with another picture question. I can't remember how the unlimited deal worked when you sailed with family in more than one cabin... Will pictures with people from other cabins be included as long as someone from your cabin that has the unlimited package is in the photo? Or does it only apply to pictures with only those people from the unlimited cabin? I hope I'm asking this clearly enough, and thank you for any information!

Whisker said: Will pictures with people from other cabins be included as long as someone from your cabin that has the unlimited package is in the photo? Or does it only apply to pictures with only those people from the unlimited cabin? I hope I'm asking this clearly enough, and thank you for any information! Click to expand...

Jul 15, 2021

Calantha said: If you order a package for your room - any pictures with anyone from your room in it will be included (as long as they got that person's KTTW card) no matter who else is in it. (e.g., your room as Pax 1 and Pax 2 in it. Pax 2 takes a picture with Pax 3, 4, and 5. That picture will be included in your package). Click to expand...

Jul 16, 2021

Does anyone happen to know the cost to purchase all pictures? I see the post above showing the price to purchase 10-15 pictures, but I was wondering if you can still purchase all.

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Disney Fantasy Shutters Pictures

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This page shows actual pictures for Disney Fantasy Shutters. Most of our pictures are contributed by actual cruisers. You will find that all the Disney Fantasy Shutters pictures on this page also posted directly onto our deck plans near the actual location the photo was taken. You can browse the pictures here or you can click on them as you are viewing the Disney Fantasy deck plans. For deck plan viewing click on the ship button above or scroll down to view the pictures on this page.

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Public area.

Shutters The ship's photographic shop, offering professional portraits, where guests can find pictures of themselves taken by the ships onboard photographers.

Number of pictures: 14

Shutters pictures

Shutters Location

Disney Fantasy Shutters is located on Deck 4 (deck). We have provided the deck plan image for your reference.

Links to Public Areas on Disney Fantasy
Click Here to go back to SHIP PICS page
Animators Palate -Deck 3 (16 pictures in photo gallery.)
AquaDuck -Deck 12 (12 pictures in photo gallery.)
AquaLab -Deck 12 (20 pictures in photo gallery.)
Atrium -Deck 3 (42 pictures in photo gallery.)
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique -Deck 5 (6 pictures in photo gallery.)
Bon Voyage Bar -Deck 3 (6 pictures in photo gallery.)
Buena Vista Theater -Deck 4 (29 pictures in photo gallery.)
Cabanas -Deck 11 (37 pictures in photo gallery.)
Concierge Lounge -Deck 12 (15 pictures in photo gallery.)
Concierge Sun Deck -Deck 13 (28 pictures in photo gallery.)
Cove Cafe -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
Currents Bar -Deck 13 (5 pictures in photo gallery.)
D Lounge -Deck 4 (13 pictures in photo gallery.)
Deck 12 Sun Deck -Deck 12 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
Diamonds and Wishes -Deck 3 (2 pictures in photo gallery.)
Donalds Pool -Deck 11 (31 pictures in photo gallery.)
Edge Tween Club -Deck 13 (14 pictures in photo gallery.)
Enchanted Garden -Deck 2 (26 pictures in photo gallery.)
Eye Scream -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
Fitness Center -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
Flos Cafe -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
Funnel Pool -Deck 12 (10 pictures in photo gallery.)
Goofys Sports Deck -Deck 13 (20 pictures in photo gallery.)
Its a Small World Nursery -Deck 5 (22 pictures in photo gallery.)
La Piazza -Deck 4 (13 pictures in photo gallery.)
Meridian Bar -Deck 12 (14 pictures in photo gallery.)
Mickeys Mainsail -Deck 3 (11 pictures in photo gallery.)
Mickeys Pool Slide -Deck 11 (20 pictures in photo gallery.)
Mini Golf -Deck 13 (15 pictures in photo gallery.)
Nemos Reef -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
O Gills Pub -Deck 4 (12 pictures in photo gallery.)
Oceaneer Club -Deck 5 (55 pictures in photo gallery.)
Oceaneer Lab -Deck 5 (37 pictures in photo gallery.)
Ooh La La -Deck 4 (12 pictures in photo gallery.)
Outlook -Deck 14 (11 pictures in photo gallery.)
Palo -Deck 12 (19 pictures in photo gallery.)
Preludes -Deck 3 (4 pictures in photo gallery.)
Preludes -Deck 4 (4 pictures in photo gallery.)
Quiet Cove Pool -Deck 11 (17 pictures in photo gallery.)
Remy -Deck 12 (19 pictures in photo gallery.)
Royal Court -Deck 3 (26 pictures in photo gallery.)
Satellite Sun Deck -Deck 13 (27 pictures in photo gallery.)
Sea Treasure -Deck 3 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
Senses Rainforest -Deck 11 (10 pictures in photo gallery.)
Senses Spa & Salon -Deck 11 (30 pictures in photo gallery.)
Shopping Arcade -Deck 3 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
Shutters -Deck 4 (14 pictures in photo gallery.)
Skyline Lounge -Deck 4 (9 pictures in photo gallery.)
Sweet on You -Deck 11 (10 pictures in photo gallery.)
The Tube -Deck 4 (12 pictures in photo gallery.)
Vibe Teen Club -Deck 5 (16 pictures in photo gallery.)
Virtual Sports Simulators -Deck 13 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
Vista Cafe -Deck 4 (9 pictures in photo gallery.)
Vista Gallery -Deck 4 (7 pictures in photo gallery.)
Walking Track -Deck 13 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
Walking/Jogging Track -Deck 4 (19 pictures in photo gallery.)
Walt Disney Theater -Deck 3 (40 pictures in photo gallery.)
Walt Disney Theater -Deck 4 (40 pictures in photo gallery.)
Waves Bar -Deck 12 (0 pictures in photo gallery.)
Whozits & Whatzits -Deck 11 (2 pictures in photo gallery.)

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Photos – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I download all of my purchased cruise photos at once?

The onboard Disney Cruise Line Photos website does not offer a “Download All” experience, but you can download single photos any time throughout your cruise. You can also access your vacation photos after your cruise by signing in to Disney Cruise Line Photos , selecting at least one photo, and then selecting “Download All” to retrieve all your purchased photos at once.

Keep in mind, each photo is available to download up to 45 days from the day of capture. After that time, the image will no longer be available for download. Also, additional photo purchases are not available after the cruise. All purchases must be finalized before debarkation.

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IMAGES

Shutters Onboard Photography
Shutters Onboard Photography
All About the Photo Packages on Disney Cruise Line • Disney Cruise Mom Blog
Disney Cruise Line Shutters Photography
Shutters Onboard Photography
Full details on Disney Cruise Line Photography

COMMENTS

Shutters Onboard Photography
Discover Shutters—a shop where you can buy photo equipment, view and purchase your cruise pictures and have family portraits taken—aboard Disney Cruise ships. Visit Disney.com. ... For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 ...
Disney Cruise Line Photography
Disney Cruise Line Photography helps you capture vacation memories in beautiful photos, which you can view online for free, and then choose to purchase and share.
Shutters Photo Packages
OVERVIEW OF SHUTTERS. Read the following to get a solid grasp on how Shutters works plus photos of Shutters signage and options: Shutters Hints and Tips. PRICING. 3 Nights Cruise Photo Book - 149.95 10 Digital Photos - 149.95 All Your Photo Prints - 194.95 All Your Digital Photos - 194.95 All Your Digital Photos + Prints - 269.95. 4 ...
Disney Cruise Photo Package
The first stateroom can buy the Disney cruise photo package online. Then once you get on board the second stateroom family can buy the package at a 50% discount. However, this isn't quite as good as it sounds. This is 50% of the onboard price. Therefore you do not get 50% off the online discounted rate.
All About the Photo Packages on Disney Cruise Line
The photography on Disney Cruise Line is managed by a separate company called Shutters. They have photo opportunities set up all over the ship as well as at the terminal in Port Canaveral and at Castaway Cay. They take your photo which is then linked to your photo account through either facial recognition, by asking your room number, or by ...
Disney Cruise Line Launches Magic Shots Photo Experience
As with all cruise photos, these can be purchased digitally or printed at Shutters on board each ship. Magic Shots are also included in Disney Cruise LIne's unlimited digital photo package, which can be booked in advance for a 15% discount. Visit the photo section of disneycruise.com for more details.
Disney Cruise Line Shutters Photography
Photos can be turned into Disney Cruise Line themed photo cards to send to your family and friends, or even use as greeting cards. Any photos they take of you will be put on display at Shutters, the photography shop onboard. Photos taken that day are usually put on display after 5pm, and photos taken after 5pm are normally available to see the ...
UPDATED: Should You Buy the Disney Cruise Photo Package?
All the other packages are the same price onboard. Pre-purchasing at least 48 hours prior to your sail date will save 15% on the ALL digital package and $10 on the photobook. Just so you know, they do have additional options on the ship like the option to buy an individual 8 x 10 print for $20.95.
Photo Packages on Disney Cruise Line
DCL offers different sizes of photo packages. Depending on the sailing, you may be able to buy a package of just 10, 15, or 20 pictures, rather than an unlimited package. You can also buy individual pictures, though the fewer shots you buy, the higher the per-photo cost will be.
Shutters • The Disney Cruise Line Blog
Disney Cruise Line Launches Magic Shots Photo Experience. Posted on September 9, 2021 by Scott Sanders — 10 Comments ↓. Disney Cruise Line is adding Magic Shots, a photo experience where onboard photographers capture your family's vacation memories in unique compositions to allow for the addition of your favorite Disney Continue Reading →.
Disney Cruise Line Shutters Photography
Previous Page Main Menu. Shutters is the onboard photography shop, featuring photos taken by the shipboard photographers, film developing, If you would like to get prints made of a photo you buy on board, you will need a release. click here for the release. Listed below are the prices from Nov. 2009. Consult your navigator for the latest ...
Disney Magic Ship Pictures 2024
Disney Magic Photos: Browse over 274 expert photos and member pictures of the Disney Magic cruise ship?. ... Shutters Photo Gallery. 1 photo. The Ship - Member. 25 photos. Other. Miscellaneous ...
The Worst Value a Disney Cruise Has to Offer: Shutters Photography
Shutters Photo Area on the Disney Cruise Ship. If are keen on getting a Shutters package, you can receive a small discount by pre-purchasing your photos in advance on the Shutters website. Purchases must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the first night date of sailing at My Cruise Photos.
Shutters Portrait Studio
Disney Cruise Line Forum . Shutters Portrait Studio. Thread starter huey578; Start date Jun 23, 2021; huey578 Test Track Dummy. Joined Feb 8, 2004 ... The Shutters private sessions photos are extra. I think the smallest package starts at around 600 $ for five pictures. OpieDoodle DIS Veteran. Joined Aug 22, 2018.
Disney Fantasy Shutters Pictures
Donalds Pool -Deck 11 (31 pictures in photo gallery.) Edge Tween Club -Deck 13 (14 pictures in photo gallery.) Enchanted Garden -Deck 2 (26 pictures in photo gallery.) Eye Scream -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.) Fitness Center -Deck 11 (8 pictures in photo gallery.)
How to Download Your Vacation Photos
For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.