BeyondCruise

Disney Cruise Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

Disney Cruise Line - Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line has an active fleet of four cruise ships with a further three ships on order ( Disney Wish and two currently unnamed ships).

In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and how they compare to each other.

Introduction to Disney Cruise Line

Before Disney Cruise Line became its own entity, Disney actually tried to work with both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. However, nothing really came of this and so in 1994 Disney had their first cruise ship plans drawn up.

Disney announced their first cruises would start in 1998 and commissioned familiar cruise shipbuilder, Fincantieri in Italy to build their first two cruise ships ( Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ).

In July 1998, Disney Magic performed the first maiden voyage for the cruise line – sailing from their homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida.

By 2005, Disney was using Los Angeles as their summer homeport for their ships and the gaining popularity of them was outstripping their capacity.

In 2007, they announced the building of two new cruise ships – Disney Dream , which launched in January 2011 and Disney Fantasy which started operations in 2012.

More recently, in 2016 Disney announced a new class of cruise ship – the Triton-class, which would be used for two new upcoming cruise ships. A third ship was added to the order book in 2017 and the first ship of the class, Disney Wis h is expected to join the Disney fleet in July 2022.

Disney Cruise Ships Frequently Asked Questions

What is disney’s largest cruise ship.

The  Disney Fantasy  and  Disney Dream  are the largest cruise ships in the Disney fleet currently.

What is Disney’s smallest cruise ship?

Disney Magic  is the smallest cruise ship in the Disney fleet, carrying 2,700 passengers.

Which is the oldest Disney cruise ship?

Disney Magic  is the oldest ship in the Disney fleet. It started service in 1998.

Which is the newest Disney cruise ship?

The newest Disney ship is  Disney Wish  which is due to enter service in July 2022.

What is the cheapest month to take a Disney cruise?

Generally, Jan-Mar or Nov-Dec are the off-peak season cruises with Disney and therefore cheaper to cruise!

Do you pay for dining on a Disney cruise?

No. Disney cruises are all-inclusive with no surcharges for dining. However, popcorn is extra!

Can you smoke on a Disney cruise?

You have never been allowed to smoke in the Disney staterooms. But they do have designated areas onboard each of their ships.

What Disney cruise ship is the best?

The best Disney cruise is usually the one your kids will beg you to go on! In all seriousness,  Disney Fantasy  has the highest review scores – probably because it is one of the newest with the latest facilities and technologies onboard too!

Are Disney cruise pools heated?

Yes! For your comfort, they are kept at a heat of around 75f.

Why is Disney Cruise Line so expensive?

Disney itself is quite expensive (parks and hotels) – but this is because you are paying for very high-quality experiences with exceptional guest satisfaction.

Their cruises are also more expensive because of the inclusive dining.

Disney Cruise Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Disney Cruise Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all disney cruise ships new builds.

Yes, all Disney cruise ships are brand new builds and purpose-built for Disney Cruise Line.

As Disney has exceptionally high standards you can guess that they would not be happy with taking on an older ship and converting it to their standard.

Therefore, they build each ship to their exact specification. However, they do use the same cruise shipbuilder as other lines such as Carnival and MSC Cruises use, which is Fincantieri in Italy.

Disney Cruise Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

Final thoughts.

For many, taking a Disney Cruise is an absolute bucket-list item – whether you are a seasoned cruiser or not. Who wouldn’t want to experience the magic of Disney, but at sea?

From their colorful ships to the very high customer service standards that Disney offers, a Disney cruise is perfect for kids (and adults too).

The cruise line has been slower than others to add extra ships, but with three new ships on order, they will be nearly doubling their fleet by late 2025!

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Disney Cruise Line ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

Gene Sloan

What's the newest Disney Cruise Line ship? It's something you'll want to know if you're in the market for a Disney cruise.

The newest Disney Cruise Line ship is typically also the Disney Cruise Line ship with the most bells and whistles and the most up-to-date cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions. It's what you want if you want the very latest and greatest in a vessel for your Disney cruise vacation.

Right now, the newest Disney cruise ship is the 1-year-old Disney Wish . It just debuted in July 2022. However, Disney Wish won't be the newest Disney Cruise Line ship for long. It'll soon be supplanted as the newest Disney cruise vessel by the currently-under-construction Disney Treasure — a sister ship being built to the same basic design. Disney Treasure is scheduled to begin sailing in 2024.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Two other relatively new Disney cruise ships are Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. Both began sailing about a decade ago.

In all, Disney operates just five cruise vessels — far fewer than such cruise brands as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line . Founded in 1998, the line has gone long periods without adding a single new vessel, with occasional bursts of expansion, including one taking place right now.

The line has never retired a vessel since its debut in 1998. The oldest Disney cruise ship, Disney Magic, is 25 years old.

In general, Disney's newest ships are bigger and more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave the most possible activities in a Disney cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to the line's three most recently built vessels.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Disney's two oldest cruise ships — those built in the 1990s — are about 40% smaller than the line's newest vessels and have fewer venues on board. Still, even these smaller ships offer a lot of attractions as compared to many vessels at competing lines.

Here, every Disney ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. Disney Wish

disney cruise ships age

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 144,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,508

2. Disney Fantasy

disney cruise ships age

Maiden voyage: 2012 Size: 125,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,500

3. Disney Dream

disney cruise ships age

Maiden voyage: 2011 Size: 125,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 2,500

4. Disney Wonder

disney cruise ships age

Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 85,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 1,750

5. Disney Magic

disney cruise ships age

Maiden voyage: 1998 Size: 83,000 gross tons Passenger capacity : 1,750

What is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship?

The newest Disney Cruise Line ship is Disney Wish. As noted above, it debuted in July 2022. Measuring 144,000 gross tons, it's also the biggest Disney cruise ship and has more amenities than the line's older vessels.

TPG has had staffers on Disney Wish three times over the past year to experience and review the vessel. For more on the ship and its new features, see the following guides and reviews:

  • Exclusive first look: Peek inside the new Disney Wish
  • 7 things about Disney Wish that surprised us
  • 9 things to know about Disney Wish
  • Yes, there's a $5,000 drink on Disney Wish — but it's more than a drink
  • Why Disney Wish isn't just for kids
  • Why Disney Wish may win over non-cruisers
  • Is a concierge suite on Disney Wish worth it? We tried one to find out
  • Review: The new Enchante restaurant on Disney Wish
  • Review: The new Worlds of Marvel restaurant on Disney Wish

What is the oldest Disney Cruise Line ship?

The oldest Disney Cruise Line ship is Disney Magic. Unveiled way back in 1998, it was the very first Disney cruise ship ever built, and its arrival in 1998 marked the beginning of the line.

Disney Magic isn't just the oldest Disney cruise ship but also the smallest Disney cruise ship. Measuring just 83,000 gross tons, it's about 40% smaller than the new Disney Wish. As a result, it has fewer venues than Disney Wish but also a more intimate feel.

Because it offers fewer and smaller attractions than the new Disney Wish and other newer Disney ships, Disney Cruise Line typically uses Disney Magic and its slightly younger sister ship Disney Wonder for its more destination-intensive itineraries — trips where you're going to spend much of your time off the ship and onboard amenities are less important.

Disney Magic, for instance, is the ship that Disney sends to Europe every summer for itineraries that are all about exploring cities such as Barcelona and Rome (reached via the port of Civitavecchia, Italy).

What new Disney Cruise Line ships are coming?

Disney Cruise Line currently has two new cruise ships on order. The first to arrive will be Disney Treasure in 2024. As noted above, it's a sister ship to Disney Wish, and it'll have many of the same features as that vessel.

Another vessel in the same series, known as the Triton class of ships, is on order for delivery in 2025.

The Triton-class vessels are being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, which also built Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

In addition, Disney Cruise Line recently bought a massive, partly finished cruise ship that was originally ordered for Asia-based Dream Cruises. The unfinished ship became available for purchase after Dream Cruises went out of business.

Disney plans to finish construction on the vessel and operate it out of Singapore starting in 2025. The ship will sail Southeast Asia voyages aimed at the Asia cruise market.

What is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship available for booking?

Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship you can book right now. The line's next new ship, Disney Treasure, is not yet available to book.

What is the newest class of Disney Cruise Line ships?

The Triton class is the newest class of Disney Cruise Line ships. It'll be made up of at least three vessels, the first of which (Disney Wish) has already debuted.

The Triton class is the shiny new thing at Disney Cruise Line. The first of the vessels, Disney Wish, debuted with a whole new array of Disney "wow" on board, from the "Star Wars"-themed Hyperspace Lounge that offers a "window" view of passing starships to Marvel- and "Frozen"-themed restaurants.

First look: Disney Wish's new 'Frozen' dinner show

In addition, cabins on Disney Wish include seven ocean-view rooms located over the bridge, a first for Disney Cruise Line. The rooms have extended living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow and out across the ocean. If that isn't enough, there also are four Royal Suites with a "Sleeping Beauty" theme, two of which feature a two-story floor plan.

What's the difference between newer and older Disney cruise ships?

The three newest Disney Cruise Line ships are notably bigger than the two oldest Disney Cruise Line ships. As a result, they have room for more onboard venues and attractions than the older vessels.

On all three of the newer vessels (Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream), you'll find large water coasters careening around the top deck — a level of attraction you won't find on the older Disney ships.

The newer Disney cruise ships also are home to kiddie waterslides, decktop kiddie play areas and several pools apiece. The ships' insides are loaded with huge children's play areas, family entertainment and even adults-only venues.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Disney's two oldest ships are about 40% smaller than its newest ships and have fewer such features. They have a notably more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships. They also hold fewer people. While Disney's newest ships are designed to hold around 4,000 passengers with every berth full, the line's two oldest vessels (known as the Magic class) are only designed to carry about 2,500 passengers with every berth filled.

That makes the two oldest Disney ships a good choice for someone who wants to try a Disney cruise but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Disney fleet thus appeal to a subset of Disney fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also sometimes less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Disney loyalty perks

In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Disney are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Disney Wish.

Note that all Disney ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Disney cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
  • Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
  • The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
  • Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Cruising For All

Disney Cruise Ships By Age, Size And Weight 2024

This post looks at Disney Cruise Ships By Age, Size and Weight, Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is a cruise line that operates a fleet of cruise ships. It was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Celebration, Florida. Disney Cruise Line offers a unique vacation experience that combines the magic of Disney with the adventure of a cruise.

Disney’s cruise ships are known for their family-friendly atmosphere and high-quality entertainment. The cruise line offers a variety of itineraries that typically include stops at popular destinations in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy a wide range of Disney-themed activities and entertainment, including character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, and water slides. You only need to look at reviews to know Disney has a huge loyal following who are happy to pay the extra price for the Disney Experience.

Many loyal fans insist that once you cruise Disney, you never look back. Also, check here to find out what the biggest cruise ships in the world are.

Disney Cruise Ships By Age And Size

AD We have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

Disney Cruise Ships By Age And Size 2024

How many disney cruise ships are there.

Disney cruise line currently have 5 ships including the new Disney Wish which launched in 2022 .

Do DCL Have Any More New Ships Planned?

Yes, two more new Disney Cruise Ships are in the pipeline, Disney Treasure due in December 2024. They will be powered by liquefied natural gas and, at approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms. There is currently no more information on this, but it’s an exciting prospect.

Disney Cruise Ships By Age and Size

Disney Cruise Ships By Age, Newest To Oldest

This table shows all the Disney Ships by age and Dinsey Cruise Ships by size. It’s great to see all the Disney Cruise Ships newest to oldest to get an idea of the timeline of the company we all know and love.

Which Is The Biggest Disney Cruise Ship?

Disney Wish will be the biggest ship in the Disney Cruise Fleet, however Fantasy and Dream are not far behind.

Which Is Disney's Newest Ship

How Many Cabins Does Each Disney Cruise Ship Have?

Cruise ships cabins are a huge subject for cruisers, for some it’s such a big decision. Which deck, where on the ship and which cabin grade? The rule of thumb is “if you suffer from seasickness choose a cabin on the middle of the ship lower down. The cabin grade is personal choice.

However, Disney has implemented the virtual portholes in cabins on the Fantasy and Dream to give inside cabins an extra appeal. Especially when you can expect visits via the porthole from some of your favourite Disney characters.

Disney Wish inside cabins will contain a celestial scene featuring original artwork, where an enchanting message from the Fairy Godmother reveals itself when the upper-berth bed is pulled down (applicable only for staterooms that sleep 4).

Inside porthole virtual cabin on Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wish Cabins

Wish has a total of 1,254 cabins, includes 53 concierge staterooms and 23 concierge suites, (This is considerable more suite space than any other Disney ship) 1,133 outside cabins, 948 balcony staterooms, 185 oceanview staterooms, 121 inside staterooms.

Disney Fantasy Cabins

Fantasy has 1,250 cabins, of these 150 are inside staterooms, 1,100 outside staterooms , 199 ocean view, and 901 balcony, this includes 21 suites.

Disney Dream Cabins

Just like the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Dream has 1,250 cabins, of these 150 are inside staterooms, 1,100 outside staterooms , 199 ocean view, and 901 balcony, this includes 21 suites.

Disney Dream Balcony Cabins

Disney Wonder Cabins

Disney Wonder has a total of 875 cabins, 262 Inside cabins, 613 outside cabins, 229 with ocean views and 384 balcony cabins (includes 22 suites)

Disney Magic Cabins

Balcony of a Disney Dream Roy O. Disney Royal Suite

Who Are The Godmothers For Each Disney Cruise Ship?

Fairy Godmothers are ingrained into Disney culture so it seems fitting to share the godmothers of each ship, there is something special about being a godmother to a Disney ship.

  • Wish, Kathryn Beaumont
  • Fantasy, Mariah Carey
  • Dream, Jennifer Hudson
  • Wonder, Tinker Bell
  • Magic, Patty Disney

And that’s it our little roundup of the Disney Cruise Fleet and I will leave you will one final wonderful Disney Cruise fact that I stumbled across the other day.

Disney ships are the only cruise ships to have five captains – the ship’s captain, Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie, Captain Hook and Captain Jack Sparrow. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Ships Fast Facts

Disney treasure.

  • Launches, December 2024
  • Class, Triton
  • Length, 1,119 feet
  • Width, 128 feet
  • Gross Tons 144,000
  • Has a capacity of 4,000
  • And a crew of 1,555
  • Passenger decks, 14
  • Cruising Speed of knots 19.5 (maximum 23 knots)
  • Free rotational dining venues, 3
  • Free casual dinning and snack options, 2
  • Speciality dining options, 2
  • 53 concierge staterooms
  • 23 concierge suites
  • 877 verandah staterooms
  • 170 oceanview staterooms
  • 123 inside staterooms

Disney Wish

  • Launched, 2022
  • 185 oceanview staterooms
  • 948 verandah staterooms
  • 121 inside staterooms

Disney Ships Fact, Disney Wish

Disney Fantasy

  • Launched 2012
  • Class, Dream
  • Length, 1,115 feet
  • Width 121 feet
  • Gross Tons 130,000
  • And a crew of 1,456
  • Cruising Speed of knots 22 (maximum 23.5 knots)
  • Free casual dinning and snack options, 5
  • Speciality dining options, 7

Disney Cruise Ship facts, Disney Fantasy

Disney Dream

  • Launched 2011
  •  Gross Tons 130,000
  • And a crew of  1,458
  • Passenger decks,14
  • Cruising Speed of knots 22 knots (maximum 23.5 knots)
  • Free casual dinning and snack options, 4
  • Speciality dining options, 6
  • 150 Inside Staterooms
  • 1,100 Outside Staterooms
  • 199 ocean view
  • 901 verandah (includes 21 suites)

Disney Dream Cruise Ship Facts

Disney Wonder

  • Launched 1999
  • Class, Magic
  • Length, 984 feet
  • Width 106 feet
  • 84,000 Gross Tons
  • Has a capacity of 2,713
  • And a crew of 875
  • Passenger decks, 11
  • Cruising Speed of knots 21.5 (maximum 24 knots)
  • Speciality dining options, 3

Disney Wonder Ship Facts and Info

Disney Magic

  • Launched 1998

Disney Magic Facts and Figures

If You Enjoyed Disney Cruise Ships By Age And Size? Check Out More Disney Cruise Posts

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  • Cruise Door Decorations For Disney Cruising
  • Review, Disney Cruise Line With Teenagers
  • Disney Cruise Dining Guide

Also please do  pop over to Instagram,and give us a follow  for cruise tips and advice, and if you book a cruise or are travelling tag us! We love seeing everyone else’s travels and chatting cruising. We could do that all day!

Disney. Cruise Ships By Age and Size

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

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cruiseonearth

Disney Cruise Line Ships: Unveiling Impressive Size, Age and Classes

Disney Cruise Line Ship:  Families that travel often choose Disney Travel Line. On the high seas, Disney cruise ships provide the whole family with an authentic Disney experience.

The cruise line provides itineraries in Alaska, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. I heartily suggest Disney cruise itineraries that include visits to Castaway Cay, their island.

We’ll examine Disney’s fleet of ships below, arranged from smallest to largest and from oldest to newest.

Top Family Cruises: The Ultimate Vacation for All Ages

Disney Cruise Ships Size

The Disney cruise ships are very feature-rich. Apart from the opportunity to interact with Disney characters like Elsa and Mickey Mouse, their ships also provide amazing food options, attractive designs, large cabins, adult-only areas, and fireworks at sea.

The enormous ships that sail for Carnival or Royal Caribbean are not Disney’s cruise ships.

However, don’t let it deter you.

Disney cruise

Disney cruises are renowned for their fantastic entertainment and family-friendly offerings. Disney’s most recent ships, the Triton-class, are comparable to several of the mid-sized cruise ships.

The Disney cruise ships are listed below in order of size:

Disney Cruise Liner Age

In the cruise business, Disney boasts one of the oldest fleets. Disney Magic, DCL’s inaugural ship, debuted in 1998, while Disney Wonder debuted a year later, in 1999.

Disney appears to have chosen a more conventional path, even though the majority of cruise lines aim to innovate with the annual release of new cruise ships. Their ships have a heavy emphasis on traditional family entertainment combined with the recognizable Disney charm you would expect from the “House of Mouse.”

But when Disney Wish is added in 2022, that will change. Wish was the line’s first new cruise ship in a decade. Cinderella’s Castle at Sea, Worlds of Marvel’s cinematic dining experience, Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, a redesigned kids club, and ingenious new uses of technology to deliver magic to “passengers” were just a few of the thrilling new attractions that the new ship offered.

How to Save Money on Disney Cruise Costs in 2024

Two more Triton-class ships, three more Disney cruise ships, and a Global-class cruise ship acquired from the now-defunct Genting Cruise Lines are all on order.

The Disney cruise ships are listed below, in order from newest to oldest:

Disney Cruise Ship Classes

Disney Cruise Cost in 2024, Disney Cruise Cost, how much Disney cruise cost

There are currently three ship classes available from Disney Cruise Line:

Disney Cruise Ships on Order

Disney Cruise Line is presently ordering two Triton-class ships and three Global-class ships. It is anticipated that the two new warships will arrive in August 2025 and July 2024. The Global-class cruise ship Disney Adventure is scheduled to debut in late 2025.

Which Disney ship is the largest?

With 144,000 GT, the Disney Wish is the biggest Disney cruise ship.

With more passenger rooms than earlier Disney ships, the ship has an open and pleasant architecture. Disney Wish has the same 4,000-passenger capacity as the previous Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, although being 12% larger.

Which Disney ship is the smallest?

Disney Magic is the smallest and oldest Disney cruise ship, weighing in at 83,000 GT.

Just 2,713 people can fit on the 964-foot Magic. With only 11 decks as opposed to Disney Wish’s 15 decks, the cruise ship is also the shortest. Despite her diminutive size, the ship is well-liked by visitors, who frequently leave glowing evaluations for her.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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disney cruise ships age

Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship To Oldest

Mickey-and-Minnie-posing-with-the-new-disney-ship-the-disney-wish

If you’re in the market and want to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you may be wondering what D isney’s newest Cruise ship is available for booking. This guide will not only cover the newest Disney ships but all of the Disney cruise ships by age! To some people, age is just a number. But if you’re looking to book a discount Disney Cruise Line vacation that includes state-of-the-art technology, a sleek modern stateroom, and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, the newest Disney ships are going to be the best fit for you. But I will say now, even the oldest Disney cruise ship still has amazing amenities and will be unlike any vacation you’ve had on land or sea.

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip on a Disney cruise, be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the best deals on Disney cruises!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar!

Disney World Crowd Calendar

What is Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship?

disney-wish-title-magic-sparkle

On July 14th, 2022 Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, set out on her maiden voyage. After 10 long years, the  Disney Cruise Line’s new ship usurped the Disney Fantasy as the newest Disney Cruise ship. The new Disney Wish cruise ship is a brand new state-of-the-art cruise liner that is currently sailing passengers to Nassau, Bahamas & Disney Castaway Cay. If you’re unfamiliar with Castaway Cay , this is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas exclusively occupied by passengers of the Disney Cruise Line. But the title for the  new Disney Cruise Line ship  won’t be held for long! There are 3 additional ships on order and will set sail periodically over the next 2-3 years. So let’s find out who is next in line to claim the top spot on our list of Disney cruise ships newest to oldest.

New Disney Cruise Line Ships on Order

  • Disney Treasure – Triton Class #2
  • Unnamed – Triton Class #3
  • Unnamed Dream Cruise Line Ship – External Purchase

If you look at the history of the Disney Cruise Line, you’ll notice one trait very different from other cruise lines. And no I’m not talking about the Mickey Mouse color scheme! The cruise line will go almost a full decade before adding new Disney ships to their fleet. Each release is classified by a different class of ships. DCL currently has 3 classes of ships in operation. The Magic Class consists of Disney Magic and Disney Disney Wonder. The Dream Class includes the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. And finally, the newest Disney ships class, the Triton Class. This class contains the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and another yet-to-be-named ship.

Related Post: When is the Cheapest Time to Go on a Disney Cruise?

Disney Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

cheapest-time-to-book-a-disney-cruise

Since setting sail in 1998, Disney has been slowly adding D isney Cruise Line new ships to their fleet. As we mentioned above, in true Disney fashion, the company’s cruise line has reinvented the cruise line game by doing something most cruise lines aren’t able to do. And that’s gone nearly 10 years without adding a new ship to its lineup. Before the most recent rollout in 2022, D isney’s newest cruise ships were the Dream and Fantasy which debuted in 2011 & 2012! DCL has found the art of releasing its ships by making each ship bigger and better than the next!

Disney Cruise Line Ships by Age

  • Disney Wish

Disney Fantasy

Disney dream, disney wonder.

  • Disney Magic

Below, we will cover D isney cruise ships from newest to oldest and some interesting stats that help you understand just how grand of a scale each ship is. 

Related Post: Cost of a Disney Cruise Per Person

Disney Wish – Newest Disney Ship

disney-cruise-line-new-ship-disney-wish

Maiden Voyage : July 14th, 2022

Size : 144,000 gross tons

Passenger Capacity : 5,000

Number of Staterooms : 1,252

Important to Know : The Disney Wish is the largest ship in the entire DCL fleet . Being the current title holder of D isney’s new cruise ships , the Wish is currently sailing from the Disney Cruise Line’s home port, Port Canaveral, Florida. Its current ports of call include Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney Castaway Cay. This is also the first Disney cruise ship  to have an attraction on board! With the introduction of the Aqua-mouse water ride, Disney was able to bring a mix of rides at the Disney Parks to the high seas! Now it is not as grand as something at Walt Disney World, but it’s a start!  

Related Post: Halloween on High Seas Disney Cruise

Disney-cruise-line-disney-fantasy

Maiden Voyage : March 31st, 2012

Size : 129,690 gross tons

Passenger Capacity : 4,000

Number of Staterooms : 1,250

Important to Know : Something to note about the Disney fleet is that all of its classes are identical ships. This of course is in terms of the actual structure and layout of the ship. This is the case with Disney Fantasy as it’s the sister ship to the Disney Dream. Each ship will be distinguished by its theme and characters throughout the ship. The Fantasy for example has Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse on the bow and Mademoiselle Minnie in the Atrium. This is the  first Disney cruise ship to prominently feature Minnie Mouse onboard the ship’s design! The Fantasy is also the only ship designed in an Art Nouveau style with a notable peacock flourish both on the ceiling and on the floor.

Related Post: Every Disney Cruise Ship Ranked

disney-dream-cruise-ship

Maiden Voyage : January 26th, 2011

Important to Know : While I have sailed on the Wish, I am impartial to the Disney Dream since it was the first cruise I had ever sailed on. And there’s nothing bad that I can say about this ship! While the rooms are not as up-to-date, everything about the Disney Dream is spectacular. One of the highlights of this ship is its original Broadway-style show adaption of the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast. And you don’t have to take my word for it! This production has won numerous awards and was the only and first Disney Cruise Line ship to win the Best Theatrical Performance Award!

Related Post: Discounted Disney Cruise Line Vacations

disney-wonder-cruise-line-new-cruise-ships

Maiden Voyage : August 15th, 1999

Size : 84,130 gross tons

Passenger Capacity : 2,700

Number of Staterooms : 875

Important to Know : Every Disney ship has an atrium lobby statue celebrating a classic Disney character. In the Disney Wonder, Ariel sits below the grand staircase as the feature in the atrium of the ship. Disney is used to making the list of “firsts” when it comes to the entertainment industry. This is no different for the Disney Cruise Line. Every cruise ship, Disney or not has something called the Godmother of the ship . This is usually a celebrity or someone of significance to the cruise line. While some of the new Disney Cruise Line  ships have celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson as godmothers, the Disney Wonder is the first cruise line ever to have an animated character as the Godmother of a ship! Tinkerbell is the Godmother of the Disney Wonder.

Related Post: What is the Worst Disney Cruise Ship?

Disney Magic – First Disney Cruise Ship

disney-cruise-line-disney-magic

Maiden Voyage : July 30th, 1998

Size : 83,969 gross tons

Important to Know : Although the Disney Magic is the  oldest Disney cruise ship , it is still setting sail with fully booked cruises with undeniable fun for everyone on board! While it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles and the new Disney Cruise Line ships , it has some features that make this ship extremely desirable. Its main draw is its placement. This ship embarks from places such as San Diego, California, Galveston, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale & Miami, Florida, and Puerto Rico! This ship also passes through the famous Panama Canal which is the most unique experience anyone on a cruise ship can have. The Magic is also home to the only live production of Disney’s Tangled the Musical!

Related Post: When can I save the Most Money on a Disney Cruise?

What is the New Disney Ship Going to be Called?

new-disney-cruise-ship-the-disney-treasure-minnie-mouse-aft-design

The second ship on order from the Triton Class of ships is going to be named the Disney Treasure! Of the D isney Cruise Lines, new ships in this class will be the sister ship to the Disney Wish which was the first ship in the Triton Class. In September 2022, Disney Cruise Line announced the next ship in their fleet, the Disney Treasure, at the D23 Expo. The ship will be inspired by the theme of adventure, with the Grand Hall inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace which draws on inspiration from real-world Asia and Africa, as well as paying homage to Agrabah. There is little known about this ship but we know it’s not the last!

Disney Cruise Line’s New Ship: The Disney Treasure

Maiden Voyage : 2024

Number of Staterooms : 1,254

Important to Know : While little is known about  D isney’s newest cruise ship , we know a few things that have been announced so far. It will be the  new Disney Wish cruise ship’s sister ship. This means that apart from its character design and theme, it will be an identical ship. Something else groundbreaking for Disney Cruise Line with the Triton Class of ships is that there will be more than two ships in this class! Historically, there have only ever been two ships released per class with the Disney Fleet. On July 15, 2017, at the D23 Expo, it was announced there will be a third ship released for sailings in 2025!

Related Post: What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship?

Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship To Oldest FAQ

f-a-q

Q: What was the First Disney Cruise Ship?

A: The first Disney Cruise ship was the Disney Magic in 1998. While it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles and the  new Disney Cruise Line ships , it has some features that make this ship extremely desirable. Its main draw is its placement. This ship embarks from places such as San Diego, California, Galveston, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale & Miami, Florida, and Puerto Rico!

Q:  How old are Disney Cruise Ships?

A: The age of the Disney Cruise ships varies by ship. The oldest set sail in 1998 and the newest in 2022! There will be a ship that launches in 2023, the Disney Treasure. And two ships launching in 2025, the unnamed third ship in the Triton Class and a new Global Class ship. This is a ship that was purchased in 2022 from the former cruise line company Dream Cruise Line.

Q: What are the names of the 3 new Disney Cruise ships?

A: While we don’t have all three of the names, we do have two of them! The Disney Wish set sail in 2022, the Disney Treasure will set sail in 2023, and the unnamed ship will set sail in 2025! We are expecting a name release on the final ship in the Triton Class in the early part of 2024.

Q: Does Disney have any new cruise ships?

A: Yes! There is a brand new ship from Disney Cruise Line slated to come out every year until 2025. The most recent is the Disney Wish which had its maiden voyage in 2022. There will also be the Disney Treasure that sets sail in 2024, and two unnamed ships setting sail in 2025!

Q: Are they building another Disney Cruise ship?

A: Yes! It seems to be that they are constantly building ships right now for the Disney Cruise Line. But take in the cruise news while you can! Disney is famous in the cruise line industry for releasing a couple of ships in succession. But then refraining from releasing any new ships for nearly a decade. So once 2025 comes to pass, we will most likely not see any more new Disney Cruise Line ships until 2035!

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our   Disney  World Crowd Calendar  is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down   the best time to visit Disney World   based on specific times of the year and special events.

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Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a   Disney World Travel Agent   for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a  Free Quote   for all  Disney World Vacation Packages .  The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your   Walt Disney World Tickets ,  and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as   Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets   and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets .

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at   Theme Park Today , as well!

Who We Recommend

disney cruise ships age

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Kurt is a former Disneyland Cast Member and seasoned explorer and is your trusted guide to the world of theme park travel. With countless visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Tokyo Disneyland, and even aboard the Disney Cruise Line, Kurt's expertise and passion make him the perfect companion for your enchanting adventures. As the Multi-Media Manager, Content Creator and Writer for The Park Prodigy, Kurt hopes his experience and knowledge of the theme park industry can not only save people money, but give them the stress free vacation of their dreams. If he isn’t found trying the newest treats in Disneyland, Kurt enjoys relaxing at home with his dog Sam and playing video games with friends in his free time.

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Disney Cruise Line began in 1998 with one ship, the Disney Magic. When all ships are completed in 2025, the cruise line will have a fleet of eight ships. Stepping aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship is such a unique experience and offers an authentic Disney experience at sea. These ships provide amenities, shows, and an ambiance that no other brand offers, so it is great to see the brand expanding its fleet in recent years.

Disney Cruise Ships: Biggest to Smallest

Disney Cruise Ships By Size

Below is a list of all  Disney ships  by size, ordered from largest to smallest.

List of Disney Cruise Ships By Size

Our list of Disney cruise ships by size shows gross tonnage (which is a measure of internal volume, not weight), the total guest capacity of each vessel and Length in Feet , and these other Disney cruise ship dimensions:

List of Disney Cruise Ships By Age With Photos

Disney Cruise Line has taken the once-landlocked Disney vacation to sea and elevated the family cruise vacation to a new level. It has made cruise travel fun and enjoyable for families and Disney lovers. Did you know? On a special night aboard most Disney cruises, the “Pirates IN the Caribbean” deck party features a spectacular pyrotechnics performance – fireworks at sea like only Disney can do! Their ships also use the iconic first seven notes of the “When You Wish Upon a Star” song melody as their horn signals.

We hope you enjoy our comprehensive list of Disney cruise ships. Here is a list of Disney cruise ships by size listed with photos and details from largest to smallest:

Disney Adventure

Disney Adventure

Disney Adventure is 208,000 GRTs and carries 6,000 passengers (based on two per cabin ). She is the first ship in the  Global Class *. The ship is still under construction and set to begin service in 2025. We are still waiting for more details of this new ship , which will be far the largest Disney Cruise Line ship to date. Little is known about this new class and vessel, which will be based in Singapore .

Disney Destiny

Disney Destiny

Disney Destiny is 130,000 GRTs and carries 4,000 passengers (based on two per cabin). She is the third ship in the  Triton Class . The ship is still under construction and set to begin service in 2025. The ship’s bow will feature the Disney Character, Captain Minnie (in hero costume).

Disney Treasure

Disney Treasure

Disney Treasure is 130,000 GRTs and carries 4,000 passengers (based on two per cabin). She is the second ship in the  Triton Class . The ship is still under construction and set to begin service in 2024. The bow will feature the Disney Characters, Voyager Minnie, and Peter Pan & Hook on the aft.

Disney Wish

Disney Wish

Disney Wish is 130,000 GRTs and carries 4,000 passengers (based on two per cabin). She is the first ship in the  Triton Class . The ship began service in June 2022 , and its Godparents are All Make-A-Wish children. The ship’s bow features the Disney Character Captain Minnie, and Rapunzel and Pascal are on the aft.

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Disney Dream is 130,000 GRTs and carries 4,000 passengers (based on two per cabin). She is the second ship in the  Dream Class . The ship began service in March 2012, and its Godmother is Mariah Carey. The bow of the ship features the Disney Character, Sorcerer Mickey, and on the aft has Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse.

Disney Dream

Disney Dream

Disney Dream is 130,000 GRTs and carries 4,000 passengers (based on two per cabin). She is the first ship in the  Dream Class . The ship began service in January 2011, and its Godmother is Jennifer Hudson. The ship’s bow features the Disney Character Captain Mickey, and on the aft is Sorcerer Mickey.

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder is 84,000 GRTs and carries 2,714 passengers (based on two per cabin). She is the second ship in the  Magic Class . The ship began service in August 1999, and its Godmother is Tinker Bell. The ship’s bow features the Disney Character Steamboat Willie, and Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie on the aft.

Disney Magic

Disney Magic

Disney Magic is 84,000 GRTs and carries 2,714 passengers (based on two per cabin). She is the first ship in the  Magic Class . The ship began service in July 1998, and its Godmother is Patricia Disney. The ship’s bow features the Disney character, Sorcerer Mickey, and Goofy is on the aft.

The Different Classes Of Disney Ships (Biggest To Smallest)

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line currently has nine different classes of cruise ships. Each class has a unique architectural design, layout, and features. Most ships in a particular class have an almost identical layout with minor changes.

The table below shows the Carnival ship classes from largest to smallest, based on ship volume.

Disney Cruise Ships – FAQ

Disney Dream Atrium Lobby

What new Disney Cruise Line ships are coming?

Securing Best Military Rates on Disney Cruises

The new Disney Cruise Line ships scheduled to debut in the future are the Disney Treasure (2024), Disney Destiny (2025), and Disney Adventure (2025).

What is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship available for booking?

Disney Cruise Ships By Size (2024) Biggest to Smallest | 25

The newest Disney cruise ship currently available to book is the Disney Treasure.

What is the newest class of Disney Cruise Line ships?

Disney Cruise Ships By Size (2024) Biggest to Smallest | 25

The latest known class of Disney cruise ship is the Triton Class.

Do Disney Cruise Line ships have any sister ships?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line has sister ships, such as Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, that are part of the same class of ships.

Which Disney cruise ship was the first to sail in the fleet?

The first Disney cruise ship to sail was Disney Magic, setting the foundation for the line’s future success.

What attractions can be found on Disney cruise ships?

Disney cruise ships offer a variety of attractions and amenities, ensuring a magical experience at sea for guests of all ages.

Are any new ships planned to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2024?

Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruise Line plans to introduce the Disney Treasure in 2024 to expand their offerings.

What is the smallest Disney cruise ship available?

Disney Magic

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are the two smallest Disney Cruise Line fleet ships.

Which is the biggest Disney cruise ship?

Disney Adventure

The biggest Disney cruise ship in the fleet is the Disney Adventure, which is currently being built and will begin sailing in 2025 from Singapore.

What are the different sizes of Disney cruise ships?

Disney Cruise Ships By Size (2024) Biggest to Smallest | 25

Disney Cruise Line offers ships of various sizes in several unique classes, including the Magic Class, Dream Class, and Dream Class. Each class has a unique size, passenger capacity, and unique amenities.

Disney Cruise Ships By Size (2024) Biggest to Smallest | 25

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Disney Cruise Ships

The Best Disney Cruise Ships in 2018

The Best Disney Cruise Ships

Disney Cruise Ships    |    New Disney Cruise Ships    |    Disney Cruise Overview     Disney Wish    |    Disney Fantasy    |    Disney Wonder    |    Disney Magic    |    Disney Dream |    Disney Treasure

The Best Disney Cruise Ships 2018

Introducing my detailed guide to each Disney Cruise Line ship!

In one place, I have brought together everything there is to know about each Disney Cruise ship.

In this complete Disney Cruise Ship guide, you’ll learn about different stateroom categories, dining options, all the entertainment and fun, and so much more.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet consists of five ships: Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream,   Disney Fantasy, and the newest addition, the Disney Wish .

Additionally, a sixth ship, Disney Treasure , has been announced and is expected to be seaworthy some time in 2024.

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, as are the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  Both pairs of sister ships are similar in size as well as some features but they are definitely not twins.

Even though the sister’s have similarities, each of Disney’s five ships features different designs, deck plans , restaurants, entertainment, and activities onboard to make every voyage unique.

Disney Cruise Line is now well-established as a leader in the highly competitive cruise industry, having set itself apart by providing the most unique sailing experience on the seas.

Now...let's meet the ships!

The Disney Cruise Line Fleet of Ships

Use the following Disney Cruise ships comparison chart to help learn which is the best Disney Cruise ship for your vacation.

How to Use this Disney Cruise Ships Comparison Chart

You can use this handy information sheet to compare Disney ships by size, capacity, tonnage, staff, and age.

While this is all useful information to have, I highly recommend you click through the button on each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet to get a fully-detailed guide that goes way beyond the sizes of the ships.

Compare Disney Cruise Ships

Disney magic.

Disney Magic Cruise Ship

Image: Flickr

  • Passenger Capacity: 2700
  • Staterooms : 877
  • Entered Service : July 1998
  • Sister Ship : Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Img: Flickr

  • Passenger Capacity : 2700
  • Staterooms : 875
  • Entered Service : August 1999
  • Sister Ship : Disney Magic

Disney Dream

Disney Dream Cruise Ship

  • Passenger Capacity : 4,000
  • Crew : 1,400
  • Staterooms : 1,250
  • Entered Service : January 2011
  • Sister Ship : Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship

  • Entered Service : March 2012
  • Sister Ship : Disney Dream

Disney Wish

Disney Wish Cruise Ship

  • Staterooms : 1,254
  • Entered Service : July 2022

Disney Treasure

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

  • Estimated Passenger Capacity : ~4,000
  • Estimated Crew : ~1,400
  • Estimated Staterooms : ~1,250
  • Expected Maiden Voyage : 2024

Three New Disney Cruise Ships

Disney cruise line has announced three new ships.

I nspiring speculation and excitement amongst crazed DCL fans like us, Disney Cruise Line has announced they are building three new cruise ships .

New Disney Cruise Ships are coming! This is what they will look like

Image: Disney Parks

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Disney Cruise Ships: All You Need to Know!

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disney cruise ships age

What’s the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

posted by James Brockbank on December 7, 2022 // last updated on December 7, 2022

Nothing beats the magic of a Disney Cruise.

If you have kids, you’re likely excited to take them on a Disney Cruise so they can experience the magic for themselves. However, you’re probably also wondering what’s the best age for this?

All kids and families differ, so there isn’t one perfect age. Still, certain ages will get to have special experiences and may also appreciate some onboard entertainment more than others. Read on to find out more.

Factors To Consider When Determining the Best Age for a Disney Cruise

Activities by age, experiences by ship, special events, destinations, so what’s the best age for a disney cruise, final thoughts.

When choosing the best age for a Disney cruise, you need to start by considering your child. What do they enjoy? What is their maturity level? What needs do they have?

You’ll then consider your cruise options. Consider the destination and duration of your voyage. You should also think about what types of entertainment and activities will be available on board. Will your child be old enough to attend a children’s club? Do you want some free time while on board?

disney cruise ships age

Below are some activities and clubs available to kids on a Disney cruise. The ages overlap so that kids can attend the right club for them. There is no childcare available for babies under six months.

Six Months to Three Years Old

Starting at six months (12 months for Transatlantic, Hawaii , and Panama Canal destinations), kids can attend the “it’s a small world” nursery. There’s plenty for little ones to do. There’s a free play area with toys and climbing objects, and Disney films playing in the background.

The cast members engage kids in crafts projects, but there is no set schedule. There’s also a quiet area for naps that parents pay for by the half-hour.

Three to 12 Years Old

Kids in this age range can attend the Oceaneer Explorer Club or Lab. Kids can move between these two spaces. The Club is less structured, with several play areas, including climbing structures, film, arts and crafts, toys, games, and more. In the Lab, kids get a chance to learn through hands-on experiments.

Depending on the ship you choose, kids can participate in structured activities like Jedi training, Marvel Super Hero Academy, and Disney Junior. They also get the chance to meet Disney characters.

disney cruise ships age

11 to 14 Years Old

Edge is the perfect club for kids who are too old for the younger kid stuff but too young to join the older kids. The area has video games, computers, and Disney movies. 

There are also a lot of fun guided activities. Kids can learn improv skills, participate in arts and crafts lessons, and go on a ship-wide scavenger hunt based on heroes and villains. There is also trivia, other fun challenges, and a DJ dance party.

14 to 17 Years Old

Vibe is Disney’s club for teens. It’s a lounge with opportunities for teens to mix and mingle with others. While Vibe differs slightly from ship to ship, most feature a nightclub with dancing and karaoke, video games, movies, and a coffee bar.

On some ships, teens get a chance to learn the art of filmmaking and participate in a ship-wide game. For cruises to the Bahamas, there’s a unique group excursion just for teens.   

Once they turn 18, kids can experience adult activities on the ship. They can eat at adult-only restaurants and go to lounges. For kids who want to mingle with others their age, these activities may not be as fun.

Only Disney Wish provides an experience for guests between 18-20. It’s called The Hideaway and features dancing, karaoke, and areas to hang out. If your kids are in this range, the Wish is the best ship for them.

disney cruise ships age

Each ship offers many of the same features, like swimming pools, water slides, nightly entertainment, fireworks, and kid-friendly dining. The ships also offer some experiences unique to each ship.

All ships feature water play areas for little ones. The shows and dining areas are great for kids of all ages, but kids between seven and 12 will likely get the most out of these experiences.

As Disney’s newest ship, the Wish has some incredible new features. There are two themed dining events based on Frozen and the Avengers. The vessel also boasts Aqua Mouse, a part water slide – part immersive experience.

Guests can also participate in a digital interactive storytelling experience and view Broadway-style productions of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin .

Guests on board the Magic can experience shows like Tangled: The Musical , Disney Dreams , and Twice Charmed (a Cinderella-themed show).

Kids will also enjoy eating at Rapunzel’s Royal Table character dining featuring music.

The AquaDunk is a three-story water slide that older kids and teens will enjoy. 

The Wonder features three shows: Frozen: A Musical Spectacular , Disney Dreams , and The Golden Mickeys .

Kids will enjoy the animation-inspired dinner show at the Animator’s Palate or the jazz show at Tiana’s Place (based on The Princess and the Frog ).

On board the Dream are musicals like Disney’s Believe , The Golden Mickeys , and Beauty and the Beast .

Kids can dine at the Animator’s Palate and the Royal Palace, inspired by Disney’s princess fairy tales.

Goofy’s Sports Deck features virtual sports simulators that teens will enjoy. The AquaDuck water slide is fun for bigger kids and teens. Little kids will enjoy Nemo’s Reef, an interactive water play area.

The Fantasy offers many of the same dining and entertainment options as the Dream, including the Sports Deck, the AquaDuck, and Nemo’s Reef.

Both ships also feature the Midship Detective Agency, an interactive hunt that takes kids all over the ship looking for clues.

disney cruise ships age

Certain Disney cruises feature special events. Some seven-night Caribbean excursions include Pixar Day at Sea, which features favorite Pixar characters in entertainment, dining, and special meet-and-greets.

Marvel Day at Sea is a similar event on certain cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. It features some of your kids’ favorite Marvel heroes and villains.

If you sail around Halloween or Christmas, you can also expect special events and parties.

The best age for a Disney cruise will also depend on your destination. Disney cruises go all over the world, including:

  • The Caribbean
  • The South Pacific
  • Australia / New Zealand

Some destinations only require a three- or four-day itinerary. These would work well for younger kids. Trips to the Bahamas include a day on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, with adventures for kids of all ages, particularly older kids and teens.

Older kids may enjoy longer trips with interesting ports of call. For example, teens may enjoy visiting Alaska or some European spots.

disney cruise ships age

Let’s break things down by age:

Kids Under Three

Kids under three will have fun seeing some of their favorite characters come to life and splashing around in the water features designed for smaller kids. 

The childcare center has much to offer, but they likely won’t want to spend the day there. There aren’t as many activities in some of the clubs designed for older kids. Some kids under three may not want to sit during dining events and evening entertainment. 

Kids Four to 12

Kids between four and 12 are the ideal age for a Disney cruise. The Oceaneer Club and Lab are the best the ship has to offer when it comes to fun for kids. There’s so much to do there that they may not want to leave.

They’re also the perfect age for shows, dining, and other special events. They’re still young enough to be in awe of the magic only Disney can offer.

Kids between 12 and 14 are a toss-up. The fun they have on a Disney cruise will come down to their interests. If your tween is still into Disney and isn’t quite ready to grow up, they’ll enjoy Edge. There’s plenty to do there, and they’ll get to spend time with other tweens.

Many kids this age still enjoy the evening entertainment and dining as well. Those who love Disney movies will have a great time.

However, some kids this age have more teen-oriented interests. They may enjoy a cruise with activities designed for older kids.

Kids 14 and Up

If your older teens are major Disney fans, set sail! Like the Disney theme parks, a Disney cruise is designed for people who love Disney. They’ll love it, even if they are “too old.”

However, if your kids feel they’re “too cool” for a Disney cruise, you may want to consider another cruise line. There are several that have more activities for the teenage set.

disney cruise ships age

While kids between five and 12 are likely to get the most out of a Disney cruise, kids of all ages can have a great time. If your kids are big Disney fans or will enjoy some of the special events, then their trip should be a blast.

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disney cruise ships age

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

disney cruise ships age

Comparing the Disney Cruise Ships

Posted on Published: 10/19/2023

Disney cruises are popular for many reasons – for their family-friendly amenities, attention to detail, and commitment to providing family magic.

If you are a regular reader here, you know that I’m an avid cruiser on the Disney Cruise Line. After three sailings on the Disney Fantasy , one on the Disney Wonder , seven on the Disney Dream , and one on the Disney Magic , I’ve had the chance to experience Disney’s newest ship – the Disney Wish , twice. If you are considering a trip on the Disney Cruise Line, you may be wondering what is the best Disney Cruise Line ship for your family vacation.

It’s difficult to answer that without looking at the various itineraries as well as comparing the sizes, restaurants, amenities, and more on the Disney Cruise ships. Here are our comparisons.

Disclosure: I’ve been on one complimentary media preview cruise as well as two cruises as part of Disney Social Media Moms. The rest of my cruises were at my own cost. All opinions are my own.

Check prices of Disney Cruise Line Sailings here .

Disney Dream cruise ship docked at Castaway Cay with pier and small boats

Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Ships

Before deciding which ship to sail on, you’ll definitely want to look at the various itineraries offered. After all, a Mediterranean cruise is much, much different than an Alaskan cruise. Itinerary and ports of call really should be your first consideration when deciding which ship on the Disney Cruise Line fleet you’ll want to sail on.

The Disney Fantasy always leaves from the Port Canaveral cruise port and sails on seven-day itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Ports include Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, and of course, Castaway Cay .

The Fantasy’s sister ship, the Disney Dream, used to leave from Port Canaveral but now departs from Miami for part of the year. The Dream also has sailings from Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, New York, and Europe.

The other two ships, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic have typically traveled around a bit more. Itineraries (especially in the winter) change year by year, but the Wonder typically goes to Alaska, while the Magic has itineraries departing from San Diego, Miami, Galveston, New Orleans, and San Juan.

Miami cruise port to Castaway Cay and Key West . That itinerary was so much fun, and the four-day trip was the perfect amount of time for our girls’ trip.

Once you look at the itineraries, you’ll definitely have a good idea of which Disney Cruise Line ship you’ll want to be on, especially if you plan to travel on an itinerary that only one ship offers.

Colorful slide on the Disney Wish

Size of the Disney Cruise Ships

There are currently three different classes of Disney Cruise Ships. The original ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are called the Magic class and are smaller. These ships accommodate a maximum of 2,700 passengers.

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are the Dream class ships, which accommodate a maximum of 4,000 passengers. The new Triton Class ships (the Disney Wish) also accommodate 4,000 but are a bit bigger in Gross Tonnage.

The smaller ships definitely do feel more intimate but don’t have as many amenities.

Restaurants on the Disney Cruise Ships

While all of the dining rooms on the Disney Cruise Line are fun and offer lots of delicious food options, they do vary by ship. Animator’s Palate, as well as the premium, adult-only Palo, are offered on all original four ships.

Each of the original four ships has a French-themed restaurant, although the names and themes are different. There are also three incredibly fun-themed restaurants – Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder , Arendelle on the Disney Wish, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table on the Disney Magic. In addition to dinner, you’ll also be entertained while eating at these three restaurants. 

Each of the ships offers free ice cream, as well as a premium coffee bar. They all have various snack options available throughout the day, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads. The Disney Dream also offers a premium ice cream/dessert spot, called Vanellope’s. Everything in Vanellope’s is offered at an additional fee.

In addition to Palo, there are other adult-only restaurants on some of the ships. The Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream offer Remy, while the Disney Wish has Enchante.

For breakfast and lunch, each of the four original ships has the Cabanas buffet, with both indoor and outdoor seating. On the Wish, there’s Marceline Market, which is similar to a buffet but with servers plating the food.

Pink on the Disney Dream

Bars and Lounges on the Disney Cruise Ships

While most people travel with kids on the Disney Cruise Line, there are still bars and lounges that adults can enjoy. Since many kids will likely spend much of their time in the phenomenal kids’ clubs on board, adults will have lots of opportunities to visit the adult-only areas.

The Disney Fantasy offers a whole area of the ship called Europa, filled with European-themed bars and lounges. Ooh La La, a champagne bar, is my personal favorite.

The Disney Dream ship features the District, which is similar to Europa. It’s located in the same area of the ship, and has similar bars. Instead of Ooh La La, their champagne bar is called Pink. My favorite bar of all the ships is the Meridian Lounge, which is located between Palo and Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

The Disney Wonder and Disney Magic also have bars and lounges. The Wonder has the After Hours adult area with several lounges. In most cases, the bars and lounges are open to kids during the day, but are adult only in the evenings.

On the Wish, two of my favorite bars are the Bayou, and Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge. These two themed, unique lounges are great for a drink before or after dinner.

Programming at these bars, including games and entertainment, is sometimes offered – check your Disney Cruise Line app for details.

A Disney Cruise Line Stateroom

Staterooms on the Disney Cruise Ships

While there are some differences between the staterooms on the ships, for the most part, they are very much alike. They offer similar features, and while they are small, they are also comfortable.

My family of four regularly stays in a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah, and we find it to be enough room. We don’t spend too much time in the room because there’s so much to do on the ship.

The Disney Wish, Disney’s newest ship, offers even more concierge rooms than any of the other Disney cruise ships.

Amenities on the Disney Cruise Ships

All of the ships offer a number of amenities that families will love. These ships were clearly built with families in mind.

Each ship offers a pool deck with splash areas and the Funnel Vision signature television screen showing Disney movies throughout the day. On the Disney Fantasy and Dream, you’ll also be able to go on the Aquaduck water coaster. It’s so much fun, and you’ll want to go more than once.

While the Disney Magic and Wonder don’t have the AquaDuck, the Disney Magic does have the AquaDunk, a high-speed water slide tube. The Disney Wish has a new coaster, called the AquaMouse.

There are also sports decks with various amenities, depending on the ship. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have sports simulators, but you’ll need to make reservations for that in advance.

The ships also all have kids’ clubs, Senses spas , hot tubs, shops, and much more. I also recommend walking around the ship when you first arrive so you can learn about everything that is available to you.

Three level atrium on the Disney Wish with chandelier and pumpkin tree

Activities on the Disney Cruise Ships

Each of the ships offers lots of activities, including first-run Disney movies in the movie theater (the Wish has two theaters) and Broadway-style stage live shows in the Walt Disney Theater. The shows do vary by ship, but I’ve seen all of them and everyone is fantastic.

My favorite show is currently Frozen, which plays on the Wonder.  A close runner-up to that is a new Beauty and the Beast show that runs on the Disney Dream. Other newer shows are Aladdin on the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wish, the Little Mermaid on the Disney Wish, and Tangled on the Disney Magic. 

Other activities include family and adult game shows, beverage-tasting seminars, Bingo, and animation classes. There are also Disney character greetings on every ship. Check the Navigatornapp to see the full schedule of events.

Ships typically have a pirate night during one night of the cruise. It’s so much fun – definitely go to the fireworks if there’s a pirate night during your cruise. 

On the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream, kids will love the Midship Detective Agency. This free game lets you become a detective while finding clues throughout the midship section of the boat. When my kids were younger, we’d accompany them on their quest. Once they were a bit older, they loved the freedom of doing it on their own.  

The Disney Wish has a new augmented reality experience, called Disney Uncharted Adventure. It works with the app, and ends with a live event.

So, what is the best Disney Cruise Line ship?

My personal favorite is the Disney Fantasy, the second-newest ship in the fleet (for now). However, that was the first Disney ship that I traveled on, so I’m not sure if that’s why it’s my favorite.

Others really love the Magic. As a smaller ship, it’s definitely more quaint and it’s easier to walk around. I do love the shows on the Magic, as well as the restaurants.

It’s really hard to say which is the best Disney cruise ship because they are all great!

What is your favorite Disney Cruise ship?

See our Disney Cruise Line comparison story here .

Frequently Asked Questions

All of the ships have teen clubs and other great amenities. My teens loved the Disney Wish, which also has the Hero Zone which is where you can play basketball, ping pong, and other sports indoors. But when choosing a ship for teens, I’d focus on the itinerary first.

As someone who sometimes cruises without my kids, I appreciate the adult-only sections. My favorite adult-only area is Satellite Falls, an outdoor sun deck area that is on the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream. I also really love the Rainforest Room in the Senses Spa on the Disney Wish. While all of the ships have Rainforest Rooms (for an additional fee), the one on the Wish is the largest and has a great outdoor area.

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

Disney Wish docked, a yellow twisty water slide on a ship deck, and Disney Dream docked with small boats in front.

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Revised Age Ranges Rolling out for Disney Cruise Line’s Youth Activity Spaces

In an email to guests booked on upcoming cruises, Disney Cruise Line is sharing an update on revised age ranges for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab.

DCL Youth Activity Space Age Range Update 20231215 1

Based on guest feedback, and to enhance the youth activities experience for the youngest and tween guests , Disney Cruise Line is updating the age ranges effective on sailings that depart on or after December 21, 2023, revised age ranges for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab is as follows:

The age range in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab will change from 3 to 12 years of age to 3 to 10 years of age . Kids of all ages can continue to experience these spaces during Open House hours.

During all other times, kids 3 to 10 years of age will have Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab reserved just for them, with specially guided activities for children ages 3-4 years old.

As for EDGE and Vibe , Disney Cruise Line’s email states the following:

Children 11 and 12 years of age may visit Edge. Edge will continue to be available to tweens 11 to 14 years of age.

Vibe will continue to provide Guests ages 14 to 17 with their own special place where they can connect with other teens.

During youth activities Open House times, Guests of all ages are permitted in youth activity spaces, including Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Edge and Vibe.

Guests with children 11 and 12 years old no longer need to complete youth activities registration as part of Online Check-in for these children. If you have a child within this age range and have already completed online registration for Disney’s Oceaneer Club or Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, know that your child will attend Edge. Guests with children 3 to 10 years of age may continue to utilize the online youth activities registration process as part of Online Check-in.

While NOT included in the email, I have independently confirmed the change is also effective for Scuttle’s Cove at Castaway Cay which will also change from 3 to 12 years of age to 3 to 10 years of age .

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15 Replies to “Revised Age Ranges Rolling out for Disney Cruise Line’s Youth Activity Spaces”

' src=

Must have younger kids.

' src=

Why did this make this change?

' src=

According to the email, “Based on guest feedback, and to enhance the youth activities experience for the youngest and tween guests”

' src=

Please consider there are inequities and inaccessibilities with this change for children with disabilities.

Best way to share this is to use the following contact form on DCL’s website.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/help/email/

' src=

such as what?

' src=

It’s too bad this isn’t an optional change where parents can choose where they want their 11 or 12 year old to go. Some 11 year olds still need the structure of the “younger” clubs.

' src=

Completely agree. I don’t like the idea that the kids in vibe need to use the bathroom outside of the club and can check in and out by themselves. I don’t feel comfortable going on Disney cruise anymore. After reed this, my last cruise is going to be July 2024 because is already booked. The last one ☝️

' src=

Likely staffing issues. Disney can do better

' src=

Likely the lawsuit .

' src=

This case was between a 3 year old and a 7 year old which the courts found the reported assault didn’t occur per video evidence. That has nothing to do with 11 and 12 year olds being part of the kid’s club.

' src=

Our last cruise was the only time I have EVER been disappointed in DCL. My twins were 12 and they had been looking forward to visiting Ocean-ears Lab one more time after every cruise we had booked from 2020-2022 was cancelled.

They went from being 9 to 12 years old in the time we were unable to sail, but still had a very fond place in their hearts and minds for the adventures they had and friends they made in both Club & Lab. Unfortunately the cast members there were so unwelcoming to my kiddos and repeated made them feel uncomfortable when all they wanted to do was color, see some characters and go down the slide in Andy’s room. This lead to them not wanting to go into the club that they had looked forward to for three years.

Edge was of no interest to them as the Edge on DCL Wonder is a subpar club that literally looks like an afterthought put together in the closet that once was the arcade.

There are far to many other things in this world that force your kids to grow up to quickly. Why does this once magical place need to be another? I get it, kids 11 & 12 may feel “to cool” to go to club or lab but why should kids that just want to be kids a moment longer be denied the opportunity. They will be grown before we know it, why does it have to be today?

' src=

Even my 13 year old son would rather be in Oceanears club/lab. He said they have way cooler things to do, then Edge does. I also feel we should also have a choice as parents if they can check themselves out even in the Edge age group. Not all kids between 11-14 are ready to just wander the ship on their own, especially when the don’t have siblings in the same age group so can’t use the buddy system. This is partly why we do not use the clubs on Disney.

' src=

What does “specially guided activities” for 3 and 4 year olds mean? Will my 4 year old be separated from their siblings?

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What Is the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

By Sara McOmber Leave a Comment

Are you going on a Disney cruise soon? You might want to consider leaving the little ones at home! No, we’re not heartless monsters — there are just some ages that are generally better than others when it comes to cruising with Mickey and his pals (although note that every Disney cruise ship has spaces just for babies, kids, tweens, and teens on board).

disney cruise ships age

Set Sail with Disney Pals!

So who would really enjoy a Disney cruise , and when should you decide to wait a couple more years or leave the kiddos with grandma and grandpa? We’ve got all the information you’ll need to make the best decision .

Of course, the best choice for your group will depend on the personalities and preferences of your kiddos. But you should also consider what activities are available to them on board the cruise ships and where kids of certain ages are NOT allowed to go. Based on our experiences from years of cruising with Disney, we’ve compiled the pros and cons of taking kids of all ages on Disney cruise ships .

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6 Months to 3 Years Old

When you see videos of babies meeting Mickey and Minnie for the first time and being completely delighted with the experience, it’s hard to resist immediately booking a Disney trip for your own littles . And there are some pros to bringing your babies on a Disney cruise! For example, you can meet lots of characters with much shorter waits than you’ll see in the Disney parks .

disney cruise ships age

Captain Mickey

In Magic Kingdom, the Mickey Mouse meet-and-greet often has a wait time of 45 minutes or more, but the line to meet Mickey on a cruise ship is almost always MUCH shorter. And there are usually plenty of other meet-and-greets close by, including Minnie, Disney princesses, and other characters.

disney cruise ships age

Belle aboard the Disney Wish!

You might be nervous about the idea of having your baby with you 24/7 on a cruise ship, but don’t forget that they can go to the “it’s a small world” nursery for a few hours to give you a bit of “me” time.

disney cruise ships age

Nursery on the Disney Wish

Although many excursions and port adventures have a minimum age requirement of at least 3 years old, there are still a few experiences that are open to kids of all ages , such as museum tours and some speedboat trips. And a trip to the beach to enjoy the sand and water is often more than enough to entertain the littles!

disney cruise ships age

Castaway Cay

If you’re dying to take the babies on a Disney vacation to get that coveted picture with Mickey, a cruise might be the easier option compared to a Disney park . Whereas Disney parks often require hours of walking out in the heat, a cruise offers more flexibility and potentially a much more relaxing experience. You can enjoy the activities on board, always knowing your stateroom is just an elevator ride away (and not miles away like in Disney World) just in case you should need to run back for a nap or to collect a forgotten item.

disney cruise ships age

Disney Dream stateroom

It’s easy for little kids to get overstimulated and exhausted in Disney World with so much going on around them, but a cruise can have a much slower pace to accommodate their preferred schedules.

As fun as it is to see your littles meet Mickey, there are a few warnings we have to give before you start to pack their suitcases. First, most port adventures have a minimum age requirement of at least 3 years old. If you were planning to go snorkeling, rent bikes, or swim with the dolphins, your baby won’t be allowed to come along.

disney cruise ships age

You also can’t bring the littles into adults-only areas , such as certain fancy restaurants on board or the adults-only swimming pool and deck.

disney cruise ships age

Adult only pool

The “it’s a small world” nursery offers babysitting for these little ones, but you’ll have to pay by the hour and reservations at the nursery do run out quickly . Space in the nursery is very limited, so you’ll want to book your child’s stay as soon as possible. Here’s a schedule of when you can book reservations, which depends on your Castaway Club status:

  • Up to 120 days ahead for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests
  • Up to 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests
  • Up to 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests
  • Up to 75 days ahead for all other Guests

Disney notes that “reservations can also be made on a first-come, first-served basis during the open house on Embarkation Day or anytime throughout your cruise.” The nursery costs $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and an additional $4 per half-hour for any additional children in your family.

disney cruise ships age

It’s a Small World Nursery

Also, remember that swim diapers are not permitted in any Disney cruise ship pools . There are splash areas on each ship where kids in swim diapers can play instead. Some pools and water attractions have height and age requirements. Here’s a full list of those restrictions:

  • AquaDuck (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) – height 42 inches or taller
  • AquaDunk (Disney Magic) – height 48 inches or taller
  • AquaLab (Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic) – ages 3 and older
  • Donald’s Pool / Goofy’s Pool (all ships) – adults and children ages 3 and older
  • Mickey’s Pool (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder) – ages 3 and older
  • Whirlpool Spa tubs (all ships) – adult supervision required for Guests under age 16
  • Mickey’s Slide – ages 4 to 14; height at least 38 and no more than 64 inches tall
  • Nephews’ Splash Zone / Dory’s Reef / Nemo’s Reef (all ships) – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)
  • Quiet Cove Pool – ages 18 and older only
  • Twist ‘n’ Spout Slide (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) – height at least 38 inches or taller

disney cruise ships age

Toy Story Splash Zone

In addition, having a little one with a strict nap schedule might make it harder for the adults and older kids to do all the activities they want to do on board. And don’t forget that most of the rooms on board Disney’s cruise ships (and all cruise ships, for that matter) are smaller than your average hotel room, which means tight spaces with little ones.

3 to 10 Years Old

Lots of the same pros of bringing a baby on board a Disney cruise ship also apply to 3- to 10-year-olds. You can meet characters with shorter wait times , the trip will likely be more relaxing than a Disney parks vacation , and it’s not hard to entertain them with just a visit to the beach.

disney cruise ships age

In addition, some of these kids might be old enough and tall enough to ride on the water slides, and, as long as they’re potty-trained, they can swim in the pools on board .

disney cruise ships age

Pool and a movie!

There are a lot of activities for the kids to participate in at the Oceaneer Club . There’s an Oceaneer Club on every ship, and each has different themed lands, such as a Star Wars area, a Marvel superhero area, a pirates area, and a princess area. (The themes may be different on the different Disney cruise ships.)

disney cruise ships age

Oceaneer Club

The Oceaneer Club is free , and parents are allowed to drop off the kids and go do their own thing while the little ones hang out there.

disney cruise ships age

Star Wars Cargo Bay in the Oceaneer Club

In addition, kids this age may be old enough to skip nap time, which means they’ll have more time to enjoy the ship and their schedules won’t interrupt the rest of the family’s plans.

Just like the babies, the little ones aren’t allowed in adult-only areas on board the ship . If you wanted to enjoy those spots, you’d need to do so while your child was being taken care of by another member of your group or while they were playing at the Oceaneer Club.

disney cruise ships age

Adult-only beach

Also, there are some port adventures that kids this age are not able to go on , such as some Segway tours and certain animal encounters (like swimming with the stingrays, which is only for ages 10 and up).

11 to 14 Years Old

Kids ages 11 to 14 years old are able to enjoy the ship’s character meet-and-greets, pools, and (as long as they meet the height requirements) water slides and attractions.

disney cruise ships age

The AquaMouse

They can also visit Edge , which is a tween hangout space on board each Disney cruise ship. This space has a dance floor, a lounge area, and “the latest high-tech music, video, and gaming systems.” There’s also karaoke, scavenger hunts, themed nights, and other events. Kids this age would likely think it was cool to be able to have some independence on vacation (parents don’t need to check them in or out of the club) and hang out with other kids their own age without their parents around.

disney cruise ships age

At this age, they’re able to participate in most port adventures and excursions . Plus, kids ages 13 and up can enjoy the Chill Spa , which is a spa just for teens on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Magic.

disney cruise ships age

At 11 to 14 years old, some kids are still into the “Disney Magic,” and others may be less interested in Mickey, superheroes, and princesses. A cruise offers options for both Disney-related activities and normal vacation activities, so the kiddos might be more interested in it than in a Disney Parks visit.

At ages 11 to 14 years old, the kids can’t go into adult-only areas, and they also can’t visit the Oceaneer Club. However, they do have the Edge Club, which provides lots of fun activities.

disney cruise ships age

Disney Cruise Edge

We know how much tweens and teens value their phones, so the limited phone service on board may cause a problem if your kiddos need their social media fix. In a pinch, you can always pay for the onboard internet service, but that can add quite a bit to the bill for your vacation.

14 to 17 Years Old

We think that kids ages 14 to 17 would really enjoy a Disney cruise. The main reason is that they can head over to Vibe — the club for teens ages 14 to 17 with music, movies, video games and more — to hang out with other kids their age and get away from the parents. They can enjoy their independence and the parents can rest easy knowing that a Disney cruise ship is a relatively safe environment for the kids to be on their own.

disney cruise ships age

When you might not let the kids go out on their own in an unfamiliar city or even in the Disney theme parks, it seems much safer for them to be away with friends on a Disney cruise ship.

disney cruise ships age

How cool is this deck?

In addition, kids ages 14 to 17 years old can do almost every excursion at the ports. They can also go to the Chill Spa on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Magic for a relaxing spa day.

The cons for taking kids ages 14 to 17 years old on a Disney cruise ship are similar to those for kids ages 11 to 14. They’re still not able to go into the adult-only pool areas or restaurants, although they have their own spaces to enjoy and the parents can enjoy the adult-only spots while the kids chill at Vibe.

disney cruise ships age

Adult-only area

Also, any teens who can’t live without their phone might have trouble with the limited service onboard a Disney cruise ship . Onboard internet service is available at an extra cost, so you may need to factor that into the budget.

In addition, some teens might think they’re way too cool for Disney, so they might not be super excited about the “magical” elements on board. That really depends on the individual kid, though!

18+ Years Old

So what about bringing your adult kids on a Disney cruise? Finally those kids are old enough to enjoy the adult-only areas on board with you , such as the Palo and Remy restaurants and the adult spa.

disney cruise ships age

Palo Steakhouse

Although a Disney cruise might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it can certainly make those older kids feel like a little kid again. And being able to get your photo with Mickey and indulge in free ice cream cones all day but still relax at the adult-only pool and book a massage at the Senses Spa sounds like the best of both worlds

Your adult kids might want their own space more so than the younger ones, which is tough in those small staterooms. And if they’re not big fans of Disney, it’s possible that they’ll think they’re too old for a Disney cruise (hopefully, they’ll learn better soon).

Final thoughts

There’s something for everyone on a Disney cruise, but it might not be a super chill trip if you bring young kids on board with you. There are some places where they can go to give you “me” time, but cruising with older kids only might be the way to go if you want a truly relaxing experience. However, a Disney cruise might be easier for the littles than a visit to the Disney theme parks, as it’s less exhausting for them but still has Disney magic!

disney cruise ships age

The Disney Wish

The sweet spot for taking kids on a Disney cruise might be ages 14 to 17. They get all the independence of going out on their own with friends while still being in a safe environment. They can enjoy almost all of the port excursions and activities on board, excluding the adult-only areas.

disney cruise ships age

Disney Magic

However, the best option will ultimately depend on your group and your specific kids, so talk with them to see how they’d feel about sailing with Mickey. You can explain what they will and won’t be able to do and let them be part of the decisioin (provided they’re old enough, of course. Probably the 6-month-olds won’t contribute much to the planning process).

Want to learn more about Disney cruises? Check out these posts!

  • Complete Guide to the Disney Cruise Line
  • An Overview of EVERY Disney Cruise Line Restaurant
  • Full Guide to the NEWEST Disney Cruise Line Ship — the Disney Wish
  • 10 Forgotten Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack)
  • Everything You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise
  • Everything that’s Included with Your Disney Cruise

Keep following DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney Cruise Line news.

What’s the BEST age to take your kids to Disney World? Find out here.

What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line

Learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

What age do you think is best for a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments!

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disney cruise ships age

Traveling with Infants & Young Children – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age requirement for infants sailing with a parent or guardian on a Disney cruise?

The minimum age requirement for infants to sail varies depending on the type of cruise and when the reservation was booked.

  • For most itineraries, the minimum age to sail is 6 months at time of embarkation.
  • For the South Pacific, Transatlantic, Hawaii and Panama Canal repositioning cruises, the minimum age to sail is one year old at the time of embarkation.

Did you find this answer helpful?

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IMAGES

  1. Disney Cruise Ships By Age, Size, Weight (2023)

    disney cruise ships age

  2. Disney Cruise Ships by Size [2022] with Comparison Chart

    disney cruise ships age

  3. Disney Cruise Ships By Age, Size, Weight (2023)

    disney cruise ships age

  4. Disney Cruise Ships Comparison (By Size & Age) (2024)

    disney cruise ships age

  5. Disney Cruise Ships Comparison (By Size & Age) (2024)

    disney cruise ships age

  6. Disney Cruise Cruise Ships By Size And Age (Updated 2023)

    disney cruise ships age

COMMENTS

  1. Disney Cruise Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

    Disney Cruise Ships by Age (from newest to oldest) Ship Name Built; Disney Wish: Due 2022: Disney Fantasy: 2012: Disney Dream: 2011: Disney Wonder: 1999: Disney Magic: 1998: Are all Disney Cruise ships new builds? Yes, all Disney cruise ships are brand new builds and purpose-built for Disney Cruise Line.

  2. Disney Cruise Line ships from newest to oldest

    The oldest Disney cruise ship, Disney Magic, is 25 years old. In general, Disney's newest ships are bigger and more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave the most possible activities in a Disney cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to the line's three most recently built vessels. Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships ...

  3. Meet Our Cruise Ship Fleet

    Learn about the 6 ships that make up the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including size, onboard dining and entertainment, their ports-of-call and more. ... Discover the Disney Treasure—the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. ... Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Show More Links. Footer Links.

  4. Disney Cruise Ships Comparison (By Size & Age) (2024)

    There are currently five Disney Cruise Line ships in the fleet, with another due to launch in 2024 and two more in 2025. The Disney ship's names are: Disney Magic. Disney Wonder. Disney Dream. Disney Fantasy. Disney Wish. The next ship will be Disney Treasure, followed by the Disney Adventure and then Disney Destiny.

  5. Disney Cruise Line Ships By Size And Age

    Disney Cruise Ships by Age Pin. Disney has one of the oldest fleets in the cruise industry. DCL's first vessel, Disney Magic, launched in 1998, shortly followed by Disney Wonder in 1999. Though most cruise lines strive to innovate with new cruise ships released yearly, Disney seems to have taken a more traditional route.

  6. Disney Cruise Ships: Newest to Oldest

    Here are all the current and future Disney cruise ships, from newest to oldest: Ship. Launch. Gross Tonnage. TBA (Global-class) 2025. 208,000. TBA (Triton-class) 2025.

  7. List of Disney Cruise Line ships

    Fleet Current Disney Wonder in Port Canaveral Disney Dream at Castaway Cay. All of Disney Cruise Line's ships are officially registered in Nassau, Bahamas. Disney Magic began operation July 30, 1998. Disney Wonder began operation on August 1999 and were both built at Fincantieri shipyard, Italy. These approximately 84000-ton (the measurement of the two differ slightly) ships are 964 ft (294 m ...

  8. Disney Cruise Ships By Age, Size And Weight 2024

    This post looks at Disney Cruise Ships By Age, Size and Weight, Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is a cruise line that operates a fleet of cruise ships. It was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Celebration, Florida. Disney Cruise Line offers a unique vacation experience that combines the magic of Disney ...

  9. Disney Cruise Ships Ranked by Age

    The Disney Dream is a big one, for sure! Being one of the largest ships in the fleet of Disney Cruise ships, it has 1250 rooms and can hold up to 4000 guests. With so much space, this ship offers plenty of excellent amenities. It's the sister ship to Disney Fantasy, and although they are similar in size and design, each has its special features.

  10. Disney Cruise Line Ships: Size, Age and Classes

    Disney Cruise Liner Age. In the cruise business, Disney boasts one of the oldest fleets. Disney Magic, DCL's inaugural ship, debuted in 1998, while Disney Wonder debuted a year later, in 1999. ... The Disney cruise ships are listed below, in order from newest to oldest: Ship Class Built Builder; Disney Wish: Triton: 2022: Meyer Werft ...

  11. Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Ships By Size

    The magic of Disney takes to sea aboard Disney Cruise Line's fleet of well-maintained cruise ships. For the past 25 years, Disney has sailed the seas with just four ships. However, between 2022 and 2025, the cruise line will double its fleet, adding three more ships in an all-new class and purchasing a fourth — set to be DCL's biggest ...

  12. Disney Newest Cruise Ship

    A: The age of the Disney Cruise ships varies by ship. The oldest set sail in 1998 and the newest in 2022! There will be a ship that launches in 2023, the Disney Treasure. And two ships launching in 2025, the unnamed third ship in the Triton Class and a new Global Class ship.

  13. Disney Cruise Line

    Disney Cruise Line is a cruise line operation that is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.The company was incorporated in 1996 as Magical Cruise Company Limited, through its first vessel Disney Magic, and is domiciled in London, England, with their operational headquarters located in Celebration, Florida.. Disney Cruise Line currently operates five ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder ...

  14. Disney Cruise Ships By Size (2024) Biggest to Smallest

    Disney Cruise Line began in 1998 with one ship, the Disney Magic. When all ships are completed in 2025, the cruise line will have a fleet of eight ships. Stepping aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship is such a unique experience and offers an authentic Disney experience at sea.

  15. [UPDATED] Compare the Disney Cruise Ships!

    The Disney Cruise Line fleet consists of five ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and the newest addition, the Disney Wish. Additionally, a sixth ship, Disney Treasure, has been announced and is expected to be seaworthy some time in 2024. The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, as are the Disney Dream ...

  16. Age-Specific Experiences

    Absolutely! Each Disney Cruise ship offers lots of experiences the whole family can enjoy together, as well as many activities geared specifically to different age groups. Parents of children under 3 years old can sign their little ones up for group babysitting and playtime at It's a Small World Nursery on all ships. (An additional fee applies.)

  17. What's the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

    Kids Four to 12. Kids between four and 12 are the ideal age for a Disney cruise. The Oceaneer Club and Lab are the best the ship has to offer when it comes to fun for kids. There's so much to do there that they may not want to leave.

  18. Comparing the Disney Cruise Ships

    There are currently three different classes of Disney Cruise Ships. The original ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are called the Magic class and are smaller. These ships accommodate a maximum of 2,700 passengers. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are the Dream class ships, which accommodate a maximum of 4,000 passengers.

  19. Disney Destiny

    This ship is a tribute to the dynamic duality at the core of beloved stories from Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Your legend begins on the Disney Destiny! 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 ...

  20. Revised Age Ranges Rolling out for Disney Cruise Line's Youth Activity

    During all other times, kids 3 to 10 years of age will have Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab reserved just for them, with specially guided activities for children ages 3-4 years old. As for EDGE and Vibe, Disney Cruise Line's email states the following: Edge. Children 11 and 12 years of age may visit Edge.

  21. What Is the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

    The Disney Wish. The sweet spot for taking kids on a Disney cruise might be ages 14 to 17. They get all the independence of going out on their own with friends while still being in a safe environment. They can enjoy almost all of the port excursions and activities on board, excluding the adult-only areas.

  22. What is the Minimum Age to Cruise

    For most itineraries, the minimum age to sail is 6 months at time of embarkation. For the South Pacific, Transatlantic, Hawaii and Panama Canal repositioning cruises, the minimum age to sail is one year old at the time of embarkation. Did you find this answer helpful? (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time ...