Port Adventures and Disney Private Islands

CANNOT cancel port adventure once on the ship
3 days before sailing if DCL excursion it becomes locked and you can not cancel it and get a refund or change it
If one was full when booking, stop IMMEDIATELY at guest services on embarkation day and see if any open spots or join wait list
Please have CASH for tips and extra gratuities as you see fit
When booking take a picture of the price when booked so that if any questions or changes they should honor the booking price and not current price
If tender port try to book the earliest port adventure time because get first access to tender boats to get off the ship
Moleskin and Band-Aids make sure to pack if doing long walking excursions
Do not always wait for a reservation size for your full-size party
- Book what is offered and always check back to add more
- If no luck then can drop it 3 days before sailing starts
Excursion tip is If it leaves super early you can go down and see if people did not show up and see if you can get a spot
You can leave the kids in the kid’s club and go ashore, they will ask for cell phone numbers
Photo Challenge (typically on longer sailings)
- Check in daily at port adventures and get the checklist
- Everyone that completes it gets their name in a raffle to win some prizes
They typically do not hold back reservations like the tastings but there is a waitlist you can join also or they open up another tasting
- Make sure to stop at Port Adventures once on the ship
DCL website gives you the ability to search by ports
- https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ports/overview/departure-ports/

Transportation from port and back
Entrance into the park
Meals
Drinks
Lockers
Snorkeling gear
Dessert/Ice cream
Gratuities
If you've booked Port Adventures through Disney Cruise Line involving water or water-side activities, the crew will have towels available to pick up at whichever meeting spot onboard when you check in! The only thing I'd be sure to pack in this case is plenty of sunscreen and a bag large enough to hold all the towels you'll be taking.
Now if you're hoping to snag a towel at a port where you haven't booked a Port Adventure, in that case, you'd be out of luck, and would likely need to plan on packing a few towels you've brought from home. Hopefully, you'll have planned an exciting Port Adventure, though, and won't have to worry!
You will find that you do not need to bring towels from home, as there are many available poolside, and even at the ready as you step onto Castaway Cay. I know that some of the Port Adventures do provide towels for guests. I recommend that you stop by and speak with the Crew Members at the Port Adventures Desk (or the Guest Services Desk, if you are sailing on the Disney Wish) to inquire about your specific Port Adventure and if towels will be provided. If they are not provided, you are welcome to take clean towels from the pool area with you as you disembark. Please return the used towels to the receptacles near the pools onboard after you return to the ship.
When sailing to a beach destination, I always pack a lightweight tote to carry towels, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses with me off the ship. Depending on your plans off of the ship, you may also appreciate a waterproof case for your cell phone. You'll find some beach essentials for purchase onboard if you find that you've forgotten anything.
If you need to change your onboard activity plans, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the experience start time. Once an activity is canceled, there is no specific time frame at which the activity reenters the system for booking. Computer systems are a little like Donald Duck, great pals but also a little unpredictable!
Now, if you canceled an activity by accident and would like to rebook it, I have a couple of ideas:
On the Disney Cruise Line website, periodically check for the activity under the “Already Booked” tab, select “Book / Manage Cruise Activities” and perhaps you will find the activity available for booking.
If not, once onboard you can use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to peruse and book activities or stop by the Guest Services Desk. Often times fellow cruisers have a last-minute change in plans, and you will find just the activity you were looking for!
On my last cruise, we had hoped to book one of the beverage tastings onboard the ship but it was not available. A Crew Member encouraged us to try a different tasting during our day at Castaway Cay at Heads Up Bar instead, and I'm glad we did! We had such a great time soaking up the sunshine and a few rum cocktails.
When opting for a last-minute getaway, you do miss the opportunity to book right at the beginning of your booking window, which for first-time cruisers is 75 days before embarkation. Though it can seem like everything is reserved, I have a few "planDrew-approved" tips to help you get the most out of openings that may arise, especially during what I like to call, "Fellow Castaway Decision Weeks."
Depending on how last-minute you're talking, I always like to check for openings every day during the three weeks leading up to the cruise through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app! That's the time I've noticed more activities becoming available due to fellow castaways making their final decisions as their plans become more concrete. Whether someone decides they don't want to parasail because of a new fear of heights, or backs out of a wine tasting because they decide they would rather spend that time in the pool, I've usually been able to snag a reservation for something during this time.
Since all Port Adventures and Onboard Fun bookings must be finalized three days before your sail date to avoid cancellation penalties, the week of your sailing up to those three days is sometimes the best opportunity to jump on a recently-cancelled booking by a fellow castaway!
If there is an activity you really want to book - like maybe a beverage tasting or adult-exclusive dining - there are usually a few seats bookable on embarkation day, so I like to swing by the lounges, Palo, Remy, or the Port Adventures desk to ask about which activities still have openings, you may be pleasantly surprised at what may have opened-up last-minute. Of course, there are no guarantees, but with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust your wish may just come true.
Finally, don't forget there's a wide range of scheduled activities that are included as part of your vacation! From cooking demonstrations, napkin and towel animal folding, and learn-to-draw sessions, to trivia, variety acts, poolside fun, and family game shows, there is a wide variety of activities that don't require a reservation or additional cost! These offerings vary from sailing to sailing and are subject to change, but once you embark, your Disney Cruise Line Navigator App will open up a whole new world of activities you can fill your days with!
When you’re looking for Port Adventures, I always check the duration because they are usually spot on. Since the transportation to and from the excursion is taken care of for you, you can’t leave early, especially on group excursions. You might want to check Private Adventures. These are excursions in a private vehicle or vessel for a set amount of time – you set the schedule and can tour at your own pace.
You’re smart to browse the Disney Cruise Line website to see potential Port Adventures in each port of call before it’s time to book. If you navigate to Port Adventures and filter by destination, you can see the full list of what may be available to reserve through Disney Cruise Line. Then, when it’s time to reserve activities for your cruise, you will see the exact offerings by date and time for your exact cruise. You can see these by logging into the Disney Cruise Line website and navigating to your reservation, or within the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.

Disney has partnerships with carefully vetted experienced local guides who offer these specific tours and times exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests. There are many factors that could affect what you’re seeing, based on specific availability that week or seasonality of their business that we don’t have insights into. Guests research these adventures many months, often years in advance, so the general offerings listed on the site may differ from what is available to reserve at your exact sailing.

If many Guests on your sailing have already reserved a particular Port Adventure and it is no longer available, it will still be listed but showing “Sold Out.” If you try to reserve a certain Port Adventure and not everyone in your party is available to select, there is likely an age restriction on the activity preventing someone from being added to the Port Adventure reservation.

My family likes to consider our entire cruise experience when selecting our own Port Adventures, Stacey. We like a variety of activities and may not select a catamaran in more than one port of call, or two snorkeling days in a row, for example. When we recently sailed to Alaska, we wanted to do something on the water, in the forest, and into the mountains for a complete experience over the course of the week.

I hope you can find something that suits your family’s interest, ages, and abilities. I encourage you to sign up for something but then keep checking the website as your sail date approaches for any other openings. You aren’t charged for the adventure until once onboard, so be sure to review the details and cancel within three days of sailing if needed. Please know that reservations for popular experiences can fill up quickly. The Port Adventures Desk onboard is always available to provide additional guidance or help find some last-minute availability for your family.

Pros and Cons to Using Disney Cruise Line Excursions

Pros

Everything is done for you (easiest route)
If the excursion runs late or transportation issues DCL will hold the boat for you
Because the excursion company typically wants to keep their DCL contract the staff is very knowledgeable, can speak multiple languages, and will go above and beyond like DCL
- Everyone's experience might be a little different just FYI
Transportation to and from the excursion is included
- Bring cash for tips
Towels are provided

Cons

Expensive compared to booking the same excursion not with Disney
Must cancel 3 days before the ship sails
Will get charged if you go or not (can not modify)
If you wanted to return to the boat earlier than the transportation on the excursions many times they will not allow that
Limited selection and once sold out you would have to choose something else
If have very young children limited options
Some can be very long over 6 hours and that is the whole port day
- If you have early dinner sometimes feel rushed to get ready or run the risk of being late or missing it

Examples of Non-DCL excursions

Shore excursions. com
You are able to search by cruise ship dates and ports
You will have to figure out transportation also

How to book non cruise line excursions
- Trip advisor and via-tour?
- Look on YouTube for videos
- Find your Facebook cruise group
- Can combine excursions and remember safety in numbers
- Look at ports of calls section on cruise critic and cruise line
  - Look for the reviews sections also
- Join cruise critic roll call
- Review cancelation policy
  - Always make sure you get a refund if not able to get to port
  - Get in writing the meeting place, departure time and emergency contact of excursion
- Know the ship time and shore time aka time zones
- Try to get back to ship1 – 2 hours before the ship leaves
- Get to excursion location early
- Cash, towel, change of clothes, photo identification

Fantasy May 2024 Port adventures deck

Nassau, Bahamas

The Port Adventure that you're interested in must be the one listed as: Private Cabana at Atlantis (N65). I've actually taken advantage of these Cabanas in the past, especially since they only required one person to reserve it for up to six of us in our party to enjoy! Depending on where your Cabana is located, it can be a very safe place to keep your belongings with the pools and attractions very close by. However, in order to be able to take advantage of the Cabana, each of the six guests must also have purchased access to one of the following:
Atlantis Aquaventure
Atlantis Dolphin Cay Shallow Water Interaction and Aquaventure
Atlantis Dolphin Cay Deep Water Swim and Aquaventure
Sea Lion Interaction and Atlantis Aquaventure
Observer at Atlantis Dolphin Cay and Aquaventure
Atlantis Aquaventure and Kayak with Dolphins
Atlantis Aquaventure and Paddleboard with Dolphins
Atlantis Aquaventure and Snorkel with Dolphins
All this to say that sadly, Atlantis Aquaventure access does not automatically come with booking the Private Cabana. I find however, that the Port Adventures team on board does a good job of reminding guests about this before they venture out! I will say from personal experience that not all Cabanas are created equal, and depending on the landscaping there may be some that feel a bit more private. They are also subject to change and availability at any time, and you might find less available options and a significantly more crowded experience at peak times of the year.
$99 adult $54 child
$158 adult $143 child
It sounds like you're heading to sunny Nassau for your Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter (N21), and getting there is almost a whole adventure in itself! On my last visit, once we disembarked from the ship the duration of the entire experience counted the travel time along the pier which may be around 15 minutes or longer depending on the speed of the folks in your dispatched group and the berth where the ship is docked in the Port itself. From there, you can anticipate another ride on a ferry boat that took us just under half an hour each way; we found that estimating an hour on either end of the experience just for travel was a good way to conceptualize the amount of time that we had actually spent on the island.
In my opinion, the lengthy ride out was worth it as Blue Lagoon Island definitely lived up to its name. The views were simply breathtaking with the contrast of the sand against the azure waters of the ocean pools and when we went, it was nice to experience slightly smaller crowds there compared to other attractions in Nassau. While offerings are subject to availability and change without notice, in my experience we had just about 2 - 3 hours to enjoy the activities and leisurely surroundings of the island. I definitely recommend snagging a hammock if there are any available - I rank it among my Top Ten Best nap locations I've experienced while sailing the Caribbean!
You'll be happy to hear that with all of the Port Adventures I've taken over the years, we've only been late on the return to the ship twice. In both cases, since we were booked directly with Disney Cruise Line they knew exactly which guests were missing and stalled the departure until everyone was safely back on board. (The same unfortunately, cannot be said for guests who try to "risk it" by booking their excursions independently, and I've also seen my share of folks wistfully waving from the pier as we pull away!)
One more thing that you might want to be aware of is that the Dolphin Encounter staff will be in charge of taking any photos or video footage which will be available for an additional fee following your session, as you won't be allowed to take any yourself. On our visit the packages that they offered were at about the same cost of what we spent on a ticket for the Port Adventure itself - just a heads up!
$253 all ages
$143 adult $132 child
$79 adult $64 child
This was a fun Port Adventure where we took a swift, covered ferry from the pier past gorgeous celebrity homes and unbelievably turquoise waters over to the protected cove of Blue Lagoon. Once there, we had enough time to explore and enjoy everything the site offers. My family enjoyed the warm water for light snorkeling and water play first. There is an included delicious lunch buffet with chicken, burgers, Bahamian sides, dessert, and cold drinks. My husband and son paid on-site to enjoy the inflatable obstacle course in the shallow water, and I relaxed under the palms with a tropical drink for a while. We all enjoyed the games and antics of the entertaining DJ who played family-friendly pop tunes all afternoon. We did not explore the section of the island with dolphins and other sea life. I found the timing of this Port Adventure to be just right for everything they offered and all we wanted to do while there.
I noticed each group getting off the ferries arriving had a different colored wristband. We were told what time our ferry would depart to return to the ship, and they frequently made announcements throughout the afternoon for those times. As Blue Lagoon serves other cruise lines and local tourists, I believe these ferries go to different docks to return guests to their original pick-up location at set times. That said, the team at Blue Lagoon was very friendly and helpful. I advise you to speak with them on-site if you need to return to the ship sooner than planned and if another ferry could accommodate your family to their destination. You should commit to this Port Adventure with the assumption that you stay for the planned duration, and to get the most out of the price paid.
The downside is that I've definitely experienced long wait times associated with the process of dispatching tour groups from ship to shore that have been upwards of an hour in some cases. (This is largely due to the popularity of the Port at certain times of the year, and how many other cruise ship travelers you may be competing with as you disembark.) I always recommend searching online for Port schedules to know how many ships are scheduled to be in at similar times along with their passenger capacity; this is often a great way to estimate not only how busy attractions may be, but also the traffic and availability of shuttles.
Unfortunately, guests are required to stay with their assigned Port Adventure groups after they check in and are given identifying stickers. This is how the guides keep track of the group numbers, and in the past we've had to wait around on excursions due to other guests missing from the overall headcount. While it may be tempting to hop into a waiting taxi and arrive sooner, tour groups may have a separate entrance area where their admission media (wristbands) will be distributed with a set meeting time and location to return to the ship. The only exceptions I've personally experienced are on Port Adventures that are specifically named "On Your Own", but it's worth inquiring with the team on board as policies are often subject to change without prior notice.
Remember: the piers where the ships dock in Nassau may require a fair distance to traverse, so be sure to pack an extra bit of patience as you might only be as quick as the slowest person wearing the same sticker in your group. If you're feeling very adventurous and want to try to evade the tour groups by going independently, some guests choose to book their day passes on their own but are ultimately responsible to keep track of their time! The closer it gets to "All Aboard" time, the greater the traffic you may experience on the way back.

My Family Excursions Completed:

N25 – Atlantis Aquaventure

$239 adult $124 child
Meet on ship 9:45 am and bus leaves to return 3 or 4 pm
Short bus ride
No earlier bus than 3 or 4 pm if you want to leave earlier
Once off bus use Atlantis Wi-Fi to sign waiver then get bracelet
Need cell phone
Very long walk from coral towers to aquaventure
Aquarium is very small and inside
Lack of directions from Atlantis staff
Minimal locations for food which added 10% vat charge and 15% gratuity charge
I would try to pack food/snacks
Long lines could be very long if multiple cruise ships and timeshare very busy
Did not try any rides only pool area
Towels are included but hard to find
Lockers are not free and hard to find
Very minimal shade
Cashless location
Overall not sure I would book again especially for cost
Can not get to water parks unless have ticket
Has a cabana there also for additional charge
Please know that if you choose to explore Atlantis on your own, you are responsible for returning to the ship by the all-aboard critical time of 4:45 P.M. I’d allow at least an hour’s travel time from the resort. It’s nearby but you must wait for a taxi, which sometimes requires multiple passenger groups to make the drive back over the bridge so your total transportation time is unknown. When you plan a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure, they will ensure you return to the ship on time and you don’t have to worry about the detailed planning or risks.

Nassau Port Photos

Has a straw market which is on the pier (local vendors)
Jewelry and local shopping stores
Atlantis has casino, water park, and shops
Locals can be a little pushy trying to sell you items
Lots of people treat it as a ship day and stay on the ship, spend time in the pool or exploring the ship
Can host many cruise ships therefore island might be very crowded
Get taxi price before getting in very important
Do not try to return to the port at the last minute
Can be a little cold Feb thru May
Long walk from boat to port therefore they will have transportation options for an additional charge
Comfort Suite Paradise Island (Tip and Trick to save money for Atlantis)
- Take a cab from port to hotel
- Hotel gives you a wrist band for Atlantis
- Can use hotel pool also
- Room costs around $200
- Saves money if large party

Cozumel, Mexico

$114 adult $99 child
All ages $51
$79 adult $69 child
$99 adult $79 child
My family likes Disney Port Adventures because they are always so well organized. It’s also nice to leave the planning to someone else! My family participated in the Dolphin Encounter at Dolphinaris a few years ago. Interacting with our dolphin was the highlight of our trip. You’ll meet onboard, and a Disney Cast Member will escort you off the ship, where you will meet your guide for a short drive to Dolphinaris. The teacher in me appreciated that we learned a little bit about the dolphins housed there and their unique behaviors. Dolphins are a lot like people, each with their own personality.
There are a few different versions of this excursion offered. The Dolphin Encounter takes place on a waist-deep platform. You’ll get to “fin shake,” hug, and kiss your dolphin. Don’t worry; they teach you how to properly hold the dolphin's beak. After your interaction, it’s time for lunch and a swim in the cove. Snorkeling equipment is included. At the end of the excursion, you’ll be transported back to the dock to either walk around or board the ship.
There are a few things at Dolphinaris that cost extra, like towels, lockers, and photos. You are free to take towels from the ship for your excursion. However, you will likely have to rent a locker to keep your phones and personal items safe. You cannot swim with any jewelry or electronics. I left my wedding rings on the ship, so I didn’t worry about losing them. There is nothing cuter than your loved ones kissing a smiling dolphin. There are photographs on hand ready to capture your memories. Just be prepared that the photos are surprisingly expensive. If you find a few you like, I have seen people successfully negotiate a lower price.
$133 adult $111 child
$160 adult $130 child

See Below for excursions we participated in and pictures of the port

Cozumel Port Photos

Cozumel Adventure Photos

Falmouth, Jamaica

My Family Excursions Completed March 2022:

PA-FA75 Exclusive and Fun Beach Break

Around $80 per person
Lunch was included
Got there late because bus tire flat so had to walk down the beach
Has a pool
Ocean floating obstacle course was extremely hard
4 hours and 15 minutes

Jamaica Photos

Basseterre, St. Kitts

St. Kitts Photos

Antigua

Antigua Photos

St. Thomas, St. John

Typically, when Disney Cruise Line docks at St. Thomas it is at the universally known Havensight dock, properly named The West India Company Dock located on the south side of St. Thomas, not very far from Charlotte Amalie. The dock area has been developed offering a large shopping mall and many eateries. Walking to the downtown and nearby beach is not far and is easily done. The beach boasts fine, powdery sand, and it is bordered by a wide wooden boardwalk with many eateries and shops. On the other side of the beach, the downtown area offers all types of shopping, including luxury brands and souvenir shops. Check out the Disney Cruise Line port adventures in St. Thomas which offer many exciting excursions to optimize your visit.

If I want to explore St Thomas on my own, what are some methods of transportation?
- By far the easiest and most consistent mode of transportation available from the Port (which is typically the pier referred to as Havensight Terminal, or the West Indian Company Dock) are the variety of taxis available which may range from air-conditioned vans to open-air safari jeeps. They tend to be very aware of each ship's time in port and are abundant at the most popular sites, but it can be tricky to snag one if you decide to venture off the beaten path. On the bright side, taxi fares are priced per person, depending on each destination and were most recently updated in 2022. Before agreeing to take any taxi, it's definitely a good idea to make sure that it is a licensed taxi vehicle and for them to show you the posted, standardized rates.
- For a bit more freedom on the road, some folks opt to rent anything ranging from sports cars to jeeps, scooters to sedans; this could be a great way to explore some tucked-away beachfronts and see some great vistas as you drive up the winding roads around the island! I would just caution from personal experience that some of those sharp turns can be treacherous, especially as you get to higher elevations and steeper climbs, so it's likely best suited for confident drivers.
- For the most resilient and prepared adventurers, there's even an open-air bus option used by locals that is very inexpensive and referred to as the "Dollar Bus". You'll need to know where you're going and the confidence to hail one down as they come along; luckily these routes take American dollars and you may or may not have drivers who are willing to be helpful to those who seem completely lost. While risky, this could be a very budget-friendly way of getting around!
- Be aware that if you do head out independently, the responsibility is completely up to you to make sure that you're back on board by the posted time; this is especially important if you're on an itinerary that has experienced time zone changes so I recommend verifying the ship's time and aiming to arrive an hour earlier as the traffic heading back to the pier tends to be quite heavy the closer you are to All Aboard time! (There is nothing more nerve-wracking on a Port Day than inching ever so slowly in traffic and being unsure of making it in time while the ship is in sight!)
  If you're planning on island-hopping, I would also recommend checking out aSt. John On Your Own Port Adventurewhich gives you the option for some time to roam on your own. While there is a reliable public ferry service that takes roughly the same amount of time at a fraction of the cost, I would recommend it only to those with a strong sense of direction, research and ample time in port!

St. Thomas Photos

Alaska

We are booked on the Disney Wonder for an Alaskan cruise in May 2022. Are the pools available while the Wonder is cruising Alaska and are any of the pools (specifically for kids) heated.

There’s just something about being able to swim while on a cruise, am I right? Good news! Even on the Alaskan cruises, swimming is definitely an option. Here’s why: the pools are heated when the outside temperature drops below 75. Brilliant idea! On our Alaska sailing, the temperature actually reached 82 degrees in the beginning of June, so a dip in Goofy’s Pool was very welcome! And for the adults, the Quiet Cove Pool offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of family-friendly areas and would be heated as well.
On the Disney Wonder, the AquaLab containing the Twist ‘n’ Spout waterslide will also be open for those wanting to make a splash while surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers. But be forewarned: that water will not be heated. I’ve found that kids don’t seem to mind the chilly water quite as much as us grown-ups. They will stay in even when their lips are turning blue!

We have not been on the Wonder before, what are the best locations for staterooms to best enjoy the views, especially when docked in the ports?

I’ve found that there’s truly not a bad view on either side of the ship when it comes to the Alaska sailings. Let me just say that you do NOT have to have a stateroom with a verandah to enjoy the magnificent views surrounding the ship. Most Guests assemble on the upper decks to take in the sights. However, there is something to be said for having a private viewing space just outside your stateroom.
On our cruise, Captain Mickey navigated Endicott Arm to take us to Dawes Glacier, and initially, the port side of the ship was the most advantageous side as far as seeing wildlife and the glacier. But in true Disney style, they made sure that the starboard side got a turn as they pivoted the ship around. So we first chose to go to Decks 9 and 10 to get a different perspective from our stateroom and then found that our starboard verandah’s vantage point was absolutely perfect later on.
Our 7-night Alaskan cruise visited the ports of Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Of the three ports, the one with the best view of the port in my opinion was Ketchikan, and the port side of the side faced the town when we docked. But you will probably be spending more time touring the towns than looking at them from the ship!
Here’s a planDisney tip: attend one of the Alaska Naturalist Presentations. Knowledgeable local naturalists will give an educational seminar on the scenery and wildlife likely to be viewed that day. Then, when arriving in Endicott Arm, the naturalist points it all out in real time over the intercom system. During our cruise, we saw porpoises, dolphins, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and whales, and that was all from the ship and didn’t even require an excursion! For better viewing, my advice is to add binoculars to your packing list. Fingers crossed that you will get to experience a glacier falling into the water (called "calving"). It's truly jaw-dropping to witness!

planDisney Trip Report: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise on Disney Cruise Line

Trip: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise on the Disney Wonder

“As lifetime Disney fans but first time Disney cruisers, we were giddy with excitement to board the Disney Wonder last July for our 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver! The vast coastline and stunning beauty of the Alaskan landscape filled us with curiosity and anticipation as we sailed away for our one-week adventure. There’s something very fascinating, mystical, and peaceful about cruising through waterways surrounded by glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rainforests and waterfalls. Reflecting back, the itinerary was perfect, with a day at sea, visits to Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, followed by another day at sea. We tried to keep a good balance of some planned activities, along with time to explore on our own. We experienced a versatile range of transportation, exploring by foot, boat, bus, Unimog (truck), seaplane, aerial tramway, and dog sled – impressive, right? I can’t wait to do this cruise again, and highly recommend it for all ages and interests – there is something of intrigue for everyone in the “Last Frontier.”

Here are our most memorable moments from our Alaskan adventure, in no particular order….

The journey through Tracy Arm to Dawes Glacier was awe inspiring. The ship was traveling very slowly for several hours upon approach, to avoid disturbing thousands of icebergs sprinkled through the fjord. We were extremely lucky to get a sunny day and the captain was able to bring the ship closer to the glacier than expected. Dawes Glacier, in all its splendor, is over 600 feet tall and a mile wide, with more than 250 feet of the glacier hiding below the water’s surface. We observed the glacier calving over a dozen times in a few hours, where giant chunks of ice broke off and landed in the sea below. We have never seen anything like it.
Skagway is majestic in its beauty but quaint and unassuming in its temperament. The locals are extremely kind. It’s not every day you visit a city with a population of less than 1,000 people! Crystal blue waters surrounded by sheets of trees along the mountains – nature at its finest.
Sled dogs are our new favorite athletes! In Skagway, we booked a Port Adventure to visit a musher camp and take a sled ride with adorable, athletic Alaskan Huskies. We learned that Huskies that compete in the famous Iditarod race in Alaska can run up to 100 miles a day for almost two weeks straight! We had two of these famous athletes guiding our sled, and we couldn’t get enough of Floki and Althea. They were adorable. Afterwards, we got snuggle time with the dogs AND got to cuddle with five-week-old Husky pups, one of which was named Thor. These were the sweetest new friends we made on our trip!
In Juneau, our family participated in different activities. My husband booked a Port Adventure on a seaplane for breathtaking, aerial views of the glaciers – this has been a longstanding dream for him, and he said it was one hundred percent worth the experience. Meanwhile, the girls and I rode the Goldbelt Tram 1,800 vertical feet up the mountain in 10 minutes. It was a short one mile walk from the ship to the tram. We did a short hike at the top of the mountain and took in mother nature enveloping us – the views were surreal. I’m glad we wore comfortable, all-weather walking shoes!
Chopping wood is a proper sport! We were very entertained by the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and had booked a special showing exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests. We even saw hidden Mickeys on the show set. It was like an athletic competition and family-fun comedy show all rolled into one.
While we visited ports hundreds of miles apart from one another, we found ourselves tucked into a part of the lush and mystical Tongass Rainforest in every port. We learned it is the largest U.S. National Forest at 16.7 million acres, and one of the largest rainforests in the world.
The late sunsets throughout the cruise were breathtaking. We could hardly believe that 10:30 p.m. felt much like 7:00 p.m. back home! The sun was peeking through our stateroom window by 5:00 a.m. at the latest. We really enjoyed the long days and mild temperatures in July. Though we had packed every layer possible, we found the weather extremely comfortable and not “freezing cold” as one imagines Alaska to be.

Our time aboard the Disney Wonder was magical in every way. From dancing in a conga line to “Dig A Little Deeper” at Tiana’s Place, to Disney Tunes Trivia challenges at the D Lounge every night, to trying our luck with Bingo Betty, to seeing our own sketches come to life at Animator’s Palate, to the highly entertaining and engaging Broadway-style shows each night, to the love and care shown to us by each and every Crew Member, it was truly a trip to remember. We cannot wait to book our next Disney cruise. The biggest debate at home these days is which ship and itinerary to select. See ya’ real soon, Disney Cruise Line!”

Repost from Disney Parks Blog

Port Adventures Click Here

Catalina Island

Catalina Island requires larger ships to tender and transport guests to the island via smaller boats. You'll be transported to Avalon, near the center of town and from there you can choose to explore on your own or as part of a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure. If you've signed up for a Port Adventure you'll receive specific instructions and timing details for disembarkation. If you choose to explore at your leisure, you'll be able to head off the ship anytime during the designated Ashore hours. Tender ships run continuously throughout the day so you aren't required to leave the ship as soon as it anchors or even stay ashore the entire day. Avalon's main sights are accessible by walking but bus, shuttle, bicycle, and taxi options are also available to other destinations on the island. Just be sure to leave enough time to travel back to Avalon if you're exploring other areas, and allow time to tender back to the ship before it departs for the day.

Ensenada

Ensenada does not require tendering so you'll be able to step on and off the ship at Ensenada Cruise Port Village throughout the day. The downtown area is about a 10-minute walk from the dock and offers plenty of shopping and restaurant options within a 6-block radius. Again, you can choose to explore anytime during the designated hours and even return early for a dip in Goofy's Pool if you want to cool off.

Lighthouse Point (future DCL island)

Concept art for Disney’s second island destination in the Bahamas, located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point.

Disney is working closely with Bahamian artists and advisors to create a destination that represents the natural beauty and rich culture of the Bahamas, brought to life through Disney storytelling and the unparalleled service of local cast and crew. It will be a vibrant beach retreat infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry.

Information provided at D23 expo Sept. 2022

Plans to open SUMMER 2024 as per 3/9/2023 based on October 2022